GLAM OR SHAM?: Christina Aguilera In Zuhair Murad At The 2011 Golden Globes

Hey Glamazons! So, before I pass judgement on Christina Aguilera (I did wonder what in the heck she was doing at the Golden Globes especially considering the fact that she's now dating a production assistant or something of the like) I must say that I love this gown! Designed by Zuhair Murad, it contains 3 of my favorite things in a dress: fitted, sheer black and bejeweled. However, I do have to give her a side eye because wasn't she like a practically non-existent size zero like a couple of months ago?! You know, some say she's pregnant again, but we aren't ones to gossip, so you didn't hear that from us hahaha.

And oh yes, she was there due to that hot mess of a film she made last year called Burlesque.

What do you think of her look here? Do you give it a GLAM or a SHAM?!

xo

Ferocia

Gwen Stefani Is New Face Of L'Oreal Paris!!

Um, how glamazing is is that one of my favorite singers and style idols Gwen Stefani is the new face of one of my fave beauty brands, L'Oreal?! I'm just like beyond and over Cloud 9 upon reading this news!

Her first campaign will be for Infalliable Le Rouge, a new collection of conditioning long wear lip color followed by Superior Preference hair color. Of course, it's only fitting that L'Oreal focus their branding upon two of Stefani's well-known assets: those red lips and platinum blond hair. LOVE. Stefani is just another platinum gilded rung on the ladder otherwise known as L'Oreal spokespersons. (Beyonce, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Lopez are just a few that make up the rest). What do you think of the news, Glamazons?!

xo

Ferocia

AD GLAM: Lara Stone for Calvin Klein Commercial [Video]

When I grow up, I want to be sexy like Lara Stone. She's so confident, sensual and uniquely beautiful it's no wonder Calvin Klein tapped her to be the exclusive face of their ads for the second season. They just have a knack for spotting what faces will be iconic (hello, Kate Moss, Zoe Saldana.)

In the commercial, Lara is sultry and glamorous, shown flying and driving to meet a tall, dark and handsome Calvin Klein man (Tyson Ballou), maybe for a secret rendezvous, and then, when they finally meet, the chemistry is explosive. Hot!

I especially love the part where he taps her lips. So funny that the same full lips I've had my whole life are considered seductive today. Now, everyone wants the Lara Stone pout, haha.

Check out the commercial, directed by Fabien Baron, and the equally steamy ads, shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott below.

Calvin Klein Collection Spring/Summer 2011 tvc from Patty Huntington on Vimeo.


It's set to air this Sunday during the Golden Globes. Don't you just love it all?


Kisses,

Coutura

AD GLAM: Natalie Portman Poses Topless For Miss Dior Cherie

Never, ever in the history of topless ads have I ever seen a celebrity looking so tasteful!

Side note: You did notice that somewhat sleazy topless ad our fave Rihanna did for her newest signature fragrance, Reb'l Fleur, right? If only she'd taken notes from Natalie Portman! This woman does nice nudity like no other.

The ad, which was snapped last year in July, is for the newest Miss Dior Cherie perfume and features Portman rocking a cutesy black bow. LOVE!

Although she was recently the size of a rail in this ad and as well as for her glamazing role in Black Swan, she's now nice and plump due to her newly announced pregnancy!

Regardless of whatever role she takes, I'm totes beyond envious of her looks. I mean, just look how gorge she is pregnant! That glow! Her hair! Ugh. Here she is at the premiere of her latest flick with Ashton Kutcher called No Strings Attached wearing a Vena Cava gown, Dior bag and Aldo shoes.

OK, I'll stop now before you guys start to think I have a thing for her or something hahaha.

What do you think of her new Miss Dior Cherie ad? Do you think it's tasteful or sleazy?

xo

Ferocia

TRY THIS: Clinique's Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

You know, Glamazons, it may sound kind of strange that I would make a recommendation based off of what another blogger said. Side note: Because you know, in my mind whatever Coutura and I say in regards to fashion, beauty and entertainment is like The Gospel and not much else really matters. I know, I know sounds really cocky, but I'm sure that there are plenty of other bloggers and editors out there that feel the same about themselves hahaha.

So, I said all of that to say that after hearing my good friend Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie raving about the new Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm on her site I knew that I just had to try it for myself. (Especially when she said that there were shades in the collection for everyone!) I read the post while hanging out in Texas over the Christmas holiday, so imagine my glee when I arrived back home to see that I had my very own little box of these balms to check out for myself! I squealed! (No, really I did.)

Every shade in the collection (there are 8 total) looked amaze on me! (Just as Amber predicted there was no need for me to dump them into the "ashy drawer" haha) These cute little Chubby Sticks are like mini pencils that glide just the right amount of color onto your lips. Each contains a blend of Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil as well as antioxidants and oils which delivers a surge of super smooth moisture. It's like a sheer lip balm and perfect for every day use! The shades range from nude to deep purple and have fun names like Chunky Cherry and Woppin' Watermelon. My fave? Graped-up!

But don't take my word for it! Go out and nab a couple of your own! Each Chubby Stick retails for $15.00 and is available for purchase now at Clinique counters nationwide and Clinique.com.

xo

Ferocia

Fashion Faceoff: Rihanna vs. Diane Kruger in We Are Handsome Amazon Panther Print Bathing Suit

Am I the only one that's jealous that celebs are hitting the beach during the winter months? While I'm awaiting yet another snowpocalypse in New York City?

Luckily, I've planned a vacation this February (after Fashion Week) to New Orleans! Woohoo! And when I go, I would loove to wear this fierce one-piece from We Are Handsome ($375) to the pool with layered gold chains and obnoxiously big black shades.

The big face panther-print on this sleek black suit is so sexy and glamorous it's become an instant hint among celebs. Rihanna wore it in Barbados over Christmas break with a sweater, shades and a leopard print bow.  

 Diane Kruger accessorized with shades, a straw fedora, a gold chain, a pink scarf and boo Joshua Jackson.

The bold suit obvs leans toward fashion over function, so it's no surprise that both stars paired it with tons of accessories. But who styled it best? Tell me who gets your vote in the comments!

And shop the look here:

More Balenciaga...

Kisses,

Coutura

Coutura's Five Personal Highlights of 2010

As I'm creating my vision board for 2011, I started to think about all the great moments I've experienced in the past year. (Btw, you already heard about one of my BIG New Year's Resolutions to go natural...excited!)

Confession: I'm always moving so fast that sometimes I forget to slow down, breathe and marvel in all the amazing blessings that have come my way in the last twelve months.

So...with that said, here are five highlights and the lessons they taught me in 2010. Take a look and tell me yours in the comment section.


1 - Becoming a director of a website

When I started this blog, it was soo a way to express myself and my obsessive love for all things Fashion. Little did I know, it would pave a career path. Since leaving The Magazine, I have been blessed with so many opportunities in the digital space, primarily due to this blog, which makes me overwhelmingly proud we took the risk to get it started.


2 - MET Gala

After attending the MET Gala this year, one of the writers I look up to (who has an amaze blog, Black Bridal Bliss) said it was on her bucket list. It was that comment that made me slow down from all the impending deadlines and assignments to say, wow something amazing just happened.

I partied with people that I have always admired from Karl Lagerfeld to Oprah Winfrey to Sarah Jessica Parker to Anna Wintour. The night was so magical I still can't even believe it happened. The lesson here: live in the moment!

3 - The Glamazons Blog

Omg, I love this blog! This year, we saw record numbers in traffic (woot!) and next year is opening up so many opportunities including a site makeover we're so excited about it!

From waxing poetic on our career dramas, to dishing about parties we attend (Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Why Did I Get Married Too? Premiere above) to interviewing our favorite stars (Kandi, Chrisette Michele, Ameriie, Fergie, Letoya Luckett, June Ambrose, Sessilee Lopez!) to going on trips (ESSENCE Music Festival, Ford in Atlanta) Glamazons is truly a labor of love.

This year also saw us recognized by other media outlets and fashion brands like Rachel Roy, iVillage and WEEN. I'm excited to see where 2011 will take us!

 

4 - Penn Station Outreach

The beginning of this recap should, in no way, make you think life in New York City is easy. For every moment of excitement where Ferocia and I are literally living our dreams, there's some struggle to bring us back to reality: almost being evicted, lead/bed bugs/mice taking over our apartment (true story!), getting laid off, writing for sites and not getting paid, those moments where you strongly consider going to Jersey/Texas to a warm home with food and a regular day job.

But none of those rough times compare to that experienced by homeless people here in the city, especially in the Winter. The Penn Station Outreach helped drive that point home for me. Just a few trips offering warm food and beverages, and coats/gloves to people in Penn Station, and to see how touched they were by kindness from a random stranger, made me grateful for the apartment and life I do have. I definitely want to do more, and give more, in 2011.

5 -  The Word 'No'

Another reality check that quells all talk of life in NYC being easy? The word 'No.'

It was at the Black Girls Rock! Awards when Raven-Symone matter-of-factly said, "If someone tells me No, I just say: you're not the person I should be talking to." A light bulb went off on my head then. To accomplish something great, you often have to stand on a ledge and do things people have never done, or never thought possible.  

Ferocia and I have already been blessed with opportunities that most people don't expect this early in the game. And every time we've had doubts or second thoughts about pursuing a goal, the thought comes in our heads: "Well, the worst they could say is 'No' ... and even then, we can find another way."

And the funny thing is, most times, they DO say Yes. One of the most important qualities to have when trying to succeed is resilience. That was one of the lessons I learned in 2010 and now, in 2011, 'No' is no longer a dream crusher, or a roadblock, for me.


What are your highlights, and lessons from 2010? And what's on your vision board? Tell me in the comments.


Kisses,


Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Lauren Conrad's New Brunette Locks

I have to say that I've been so caught up in the hoopla of organizing my life (yes it's one of my New Year's resolutions..to be better organized) that I almost didn't notice that Lauren Conrad dyed her hair brown! Yes, no longer is she that sane blondie from The Hills. (Because we all recognize that Heidi Montag is totally the crazy blondie from The Hills.) Does this mean that she's finally displaced herself from the rest of the cast? I totally realize that The Hills isn't even relevant anymore (it's all about Snooki, J-Wow and Sammie from The Jersey Shore..duh..) but it seems that it's like the end of a tweenage era now that she's no longer blonde. Like Lauren's finally growing up to become a celebrity in her own right.

Or maybe I'm just reading too much into this and what really happened is that she just got bored and one day decided to dye her hair. Nothing less and nothing more. Sigh. Whatever the case, she seems to be doing better than her other former cast members. Side note: have you read those stories about Speidi in the tabloids about how they now live in the guest house at Spencer's parents' house?! Hot mess.

On a purely beauty note, I vote this new hair color on Lauren GLAM. It makes her look older and more mature, but in a totally good way. What do you think, Glamazons?

xo

Ferocia

TRY THIS: Shopbop.com's Sephora Collection Color Play 5-in-1 Palette

Hey Glamazons! You know, I have tons of makeup; and I'm not just telling you this to brag (ok, maybe I am just a little bit) but more so to emphasize the point that I'm definitely a palette type of gal. I don't know if it's because I'm always on the go or the fact that I just like compact things. Who doesn't want to have their eyeshadow, blush and lip gloss all in one place?!

The good folks over at Shopbop.com (a Glamazons Blog website fave!) must have been thinking the exact same thing when they decided to hook up with Sephora to create this limited edition makeup palette. The palette, which retails for $30 (a $125 value!), includes 5 interchangeable color palettes based off of the 5 looks from Shopbop.com's "Faces of Fashion" editorial look book. They include (from l to r):

-Boho Bombshell (dark blues, warm taupes, warm golds)

-Classics Never Die (brown smoky eyes)

-Angelic Boudoir (nudes, sands, with a touch of bright blue and fuschia)

-Black is the New Black (black smoky eyes)

-A Nod to Mod (bright blues, greens, pinks, purples)

Each color palette can be popped out and into the empty case on the left so that you can pop it into your clutch or purse. Love!

In addition, you can enter to win this really cool sweepstakes called the Faces of Fashion Sweepstakes. The prize? A year's supply of makeup from Sephora and a $2,500 shopping spree from Shopbop. You'd be crazy not to enter! Click here to get the rest of the deets.

In fitting fashionista form, my fave palette is 'Black is the New Black' (I could wear this every day!) but the others are fun to play with as well.

Once you nab yours, be sure to heed this 5 fab makeup tips from Sephora PRO Artist Julie Taing:

1. To create a quick, colorful smokey eye, apply the black matte shadow with a small shadow brush. Complete the fun, edgy look by putting any color of your choice on top.

2. Mix shimmer and matte shadows together to create dimension. Use the shimmer shadows towards the center of the eye and blend with matte shadows in the crease. Line the bottom lash line with a matte shadow for a more intense look.

3. Don't be scared to play with color! One easy trick to apply a natural color (shades of brown or black) all over the top lid with a medium shadow brush, stopping at the crease. Then, line your bottom lash line with a fun, bold color that accents your eye color. Gold shades look great with blue eyes, purple with green eyes and green tones accent brown eyes perfectly.

4. For a fun spring look, try a bold lip. Apply a sparkling eye shadow with your favorite vivid lip color such as raspberry and complement with a soft, natural cheek color.

5. This spring, it's all about a fresh, natural look. Try keeping your eye shadows basic with eye enhancing colors such as soft blues, brown and greens with a soft natural pink lip color. You can also try mixing the palette's peach tones blushes together for a soft, sun-kissed look.

xo

Ferocia

AD GLAM: Rihanna's Ad for Reb'l Fleur, The Fragrance

The ad for Rihanna's new fragrance, Reb'l Fleur, is oozing with femininity and sex appeal but, as we reported last month, the scent leaves a lot to be desired.

In the ad, Rihanna is featured laying on pink furniture with a flower in hand and a head full of red curls. Naked save for a pink skirt and a pair of Christian Louboutin heels, Rih looks gorgeous in the soft, pale sunlight streaming in from the window.

The one aspect I didn't like? Rih's shown kicking up those gorgeous legs in a silly attempt to display the upside-down heel of her Loubis, you know, so you get that the bottle is an upside-down heel. LOL.

Ferocia thought the fragrance smelled cheap (click here for the notes) and some critics argue the ad looks cheap as well. What do you think about it? Glam or Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Fashion Faceoff: Natalie Portman vs. Taylor Swift in J. Mendel

Am I the only one that still hasn't seen Black Swan?

The movie couldn't have had better timing, and I'm not talking about Oscar season. Black Swan hit theaters at a time where ballerina-inspired fashion, with its whimsical tulle skirts, soft hues and delicate fabrics, is seeing a resurgence.

Taylor Swift embraced the look at this week's People's Choice Awards in a peach dress from J. Mendel which she paired with a soft updo, strappy Prada pumps and bold red lips to add a jolt of sex appeal.

Fittingly, Black Swan star, Natalie Portman, wore the same dress on Vogue's January 2011 cover. Elegant jewelry and soft pink lips completed the look.

Who wore it best? And more importantly, when do I get to wear it?

Kisses,

Coutura

GET THE LOOK: Katy Perry's Cutie-Pie Curls At The 2011 People's Choice Awards

One of my favorite beauty and fashion looks from last night's People's Choice Awards goes to none other than the glamazing Katy Perry. Decked out in a fun 1980ish looking strapless tutu-like Betsey Johnson dress, Perry's hair was styled by one of my all-time fave hair stylists, Danilo. Much like her style at the American Music Awards, Danilo left her hair down this time around as well and gave her these "sophisticated, cutie-pie curls." Here's how you can get the look:

-Start with washed, towel-dried hair.

-Lightly mist your hair with the Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Heat Protection & Shine Spray.

-Spray roots with Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Root Lifter Spray Gel to prep for voluminous style.

-Blow out your hair and then rub a small dollop of the Pantene Pro-V Restore Beautiful Lengths Smoothing Balm before applying heat from the curling iron.

-Using a medium-sized curling iron, set each section of the hair and spray with Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Professional Level Style Shaping Hairspray. Let it cool for about 5 minutes and gently brush.

These products will help you to achieve this look:

More Pantene...

What do you think of it, Glamazons?

xo

Ferocia