Halloween's Best Dressed!

Halloween is just days away and what better way to get in the spirit than looking at some previous Halloween hits from the past! Everyday celebrities are critiqued on what they wear and some even awarded “Best Dressed” or “Look of the Day” … why should Halloween be any different? Let’s take a little trip down Halloween lane … as I analyze some of my personal favorites. Oh and predictions for this year, expect to see a lot of Jersey Shore grease balls, outrageous GaGa’ness, Betty White wannabes and Gleeks (Glee fanatics) … let’s begin, shall we?

#1) Heidi Klum – Looking fab in red … Heidi makes a very sexy Betty Boop. Love it!

#2) Regis and Kelly – These two are quite the pair on ANY Halloween episode they do. I must say, Kid Rock and Pam have never looked so good.

#3) Gwen Stefani – Looking Egggg’cellent …

 

#4) Jessica Lowndes – Is that Mini Mouse!?

#5) Beyonce – Makes a great Spiderman … or Spiderwoman I should say.

Beauty tips that will make you go ... "huh."

I love discovering new beauty tips & tricks … and these 4 are definitely worth sharing. In no particular order … here we go.

. For all those perfume lovers, this is something you should know. (And maybe you already do and I’m just slow … ?) Fragrance rises, so when spritzing on your favorite scent, be sure to hit up the ankle and behind the knee area. This will help keep you smelling fresh a lot longer throughout the day.

. Model Heidi Klum suggests swapping your usual black or brown eyeliner for a deep purple one. Purple is a subtle way to enhance ANY eye color and make your eyes really pop. Try using an eyeliner brush and dab across the upper lash line … the best part, no one will even notice it’s purple unless they are super close.

. Do you have long or short unruly eyelashes? Try heating up an eyelash curler by holding it in front of a hair dryer for a few seconds. (Please check temperature before you move onto this next step). Then use the heated curler on your eyelashes as normal. This will achieve a better curl.

. For a night out on the town a prominent eye is always key, so next time try applying your eye shadow with a damp small brush. The eye shadow color may look dark going on, but it will eventually dry to its true color and will hold/last longer.

Huh ….

Fall fashion must have ... a good scarf!

Fall is a great time to play around with accessories, especially the ones that serve a purpose while keeping you fashionable at the same time. The all mighty scarf is one of my favorite “must have” items for fall. And personally, the chunkier the better! This season you can expect to see big, long, full and overall cozy looking scarves. Neutral tones are also really big and fashion lovers will be sporting colors such as dark charcoal grays, camel, army greens and ivory. However, do anticipate seeing some really fun, loud colors too such as dark plums, navy, mustard and ruby red. Also popular this year (and always) is the Infinity Scarf or “circle scarf” and the VERY chunky Neck Scarf.  I love the look of both of these scarves and the Infinity Scarf in particular, can be worn so many different ways … a very versatile item to keep in your closet. So whether you are protecting yourself from the cold or wind, you might as well do it in style with a fantastic scarf! Big or small they are a good way to pull any outfit together and will complete your overall look.

Audrina Patridge's serious sense of style!

 

So this season I am totally hooked on Dancing with the Stars. I have always loved this show for many reasons, but since my girl Audrina Patridge from The Hills (still missing it by the way … ya ya ya) is giving it a go on the D-floor I can’t get enough. I loved watching her on The Hills for her sense of style … she always seem to have a bit of edge to her without ever looking like she had “tried too hard”. And even now, she still looks fabulous while practicing it up and giving it her all on performance night. The girl definitely knows how to dress let be honest. Whether she is playing it casual and cool or fashioning a super glam, red carpet gown she is always camera ready. Let’s take a peek at some of my favorite Audrina fashion moments!

Over the top for Oversized Sweaters!

Fall is in full swing and it is officially time to embrace all of those cozy pieces in your closet! One of my absolute favorite items is a good oversized sweater. Not only are these sweaters comfortable and will keep you toasty warm, they are also chic and super stylish. Because it is very easy to appear frumpy and not made up in such a garment, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

- Oversized sweaters look best when paired with tighter bottoms. (So leggings, skinny jeans, tighter dress pants, dress shorts)
- Avoid baggy or loose fitting pants/bottoms … you will look sloppy.
- Depending on how long the sweater is, you can even consider it as a dress and wear it over tights.
- Add accessories to keep it trendy and stylish. (A belt over top of the sweater will create a waistline)
- Like many other pieces, the oversized sweater looks fab with a great pair of heels or boots.
- Try putting a blazer over top to give it a sophisticated look.

Take a peek at some great examples of how to look fabulous and cozy all at the same time while sporting a great oversized sweater!

Aldo's hot finds!

Aldo Shoes have some fantastic fall footwear right now, and I had to take advantage of that last night! I have always wanted a pair of over the knee, flat boots that could be worn with pretty much anything. Jackpot! I purcahsed these gorgeous leather Rechtzigel boots in grey for $160.00 ... not bad. They have a small low heel, rubber sole and will be perfect for walking and being worn all day. Comfort for me is definitely key. I recommend everyone to check out Aldo’s latest shoes/boots collection … some great fall finds for sure. Happy shopping!

Boyfriend blazers are here to stay!

The boyfriend blazer is super hot and a total fall wardrobe necessity (but you already knew that). Making a huge debut last season … the blazer has proven itself once again and is here to stay! Why do we love it so darn much? The boyfriend blazer can immediately polish up any outfit and add a tomboyish, casual cool flair to all feminine/pretty looks. Look for a blazer that has a fun lining allowing you to roll up the cuffs for an even more chic look. You can wear your blazer with almost anything too. Dresses … short or long, boyfriend jeans (looks super cute with the pant legs rolled up just a touch and heels), skinny jeans/pants, leggings … and even shorts. The best part about this essential piece is that almost any body type can pull it off and look fab! Lets take a peek at some banging blazers in action ...

Smith's Rosebud Salve ... love!

All of us women love a product that can be used for more than just one thing. A multi-tasking product if you will. And Smith’s Rosebud Salve is exactly that. This must-have gem has been around for over a 100 years and is famous among Hollywood stars and makeup artists for many reasons! Rosebud Salve is a diverse, all purpose skin preparation that can be used for pretty much anything imaginable. It can be used to soothe chapped lips, it can be mixed with a lipstick for extra sheen, it will help relieve dry skin and/or burns, excellent eye shadow base, moisturizes dry cuticles, dry elbows and knees, great for diaper rash, blemishes … it can tame unruly eyebrow hairs and even calm frizzy hair. If that’s not multi-tasking I don’t know what is! Another great thing about Smith’s Rosebud Salve is, that a little dab will go a long way. I have had my 0.8 oz tin for over a year and still have plenty to go. Impressive! You can find Smith’s Rosebud Salve along with other products from their line at any Sephora for under $10.00 or if you live in the Vancouver area … one of my fav spots to shop, Beauty Mark in Yaletown (where by the way they also carry the NEW 15ml Rosebud tube) also for under $10.00. Check them out at www.beautymark.ca

Big, bad, beautiful brows!

Eyebrows are a very important and distinctive feature on one’s face that should not be forgotten. A perfectly shaped brow that is well groomed and polished, can accomplish so much. They can make the eyes appear more open & awake … they frame the eyes & face … and they can actually make one look older or younger than they really are. This season big is better!! The fuller the brow … the younger the look and the thinner the brow … well the older you will look. (put the tweezers down ladies). Consider this helpful hint… take a pencil or a slim makeup brush and hold it vertically from the side of your nose, to the inner corner of your eye. This is where your eyebrow should start. With the pencil/brush still at the side of your nose, shift it over so it is now in a straight line with your pupil. This is approximately where your arch should take place. And to know where your brow should end … keep the pencil at the side of your nose, but have it meet the outer corner of your eye. With these simple measurements, anyone can be off to a good start! Let’s take a look at some of the best brows in the biz shall we!!?

Mixing prints & patterns ... without a stylist

Mixing prints and patterns can seem a little scary and overwhelming at first, but with these few hints and tips to keep in mind … you shall succeed. After all, if the runway models can make it work … so can you!

-First you want to find pieces that have a common colour scheme or feel. (colour family)

-Second, keep in mind the type of prints and pattern you want to mix. Try and avoid mixing 2 or more BOLD patterns. You don’t want them to compete against each other … you want them to complement.

-Third … some patterns are considered neutrals. Leopard print and tweed are classics and fall in the neutral zone.

-Forth … mixing not only prints and patterns, but textures too. (Silk, cotton, wool, tweed, lace etc etc.)

And last but not least … distance can be good. Use accessories to break patterns up (ie. A solid belt on the waist, breaking up top and bottom)

Jewelry 101

Jewelry is an easy, inexpensive way to jazz up any “tired” wardrobe. The hard part sometimes is knowing what you should wear with what … and how much is too much. I always recommend choosing a couple … (bracelets & earrings or necklace & bracelets or big earrings & chunky ring … etc etc … ) bold, statement pieces that have the same sort of feel or vibe. For example … I’m probably not going to mix a Tiffany’s diamond necklace with a stack of boho, beaded friendship bracelets. Got it?


The term “less is more” doesn’t always apply when is comes to accessorizing either. An armful of chunky bracelets and big earrings can look super fab and chic, but know when to stop. You don't want to look too cluttered and appear as some sort of walking jewelry box. Also try mixing old with new … and silver with gold … you will be surprised at how stunning the results can be! See for yourself …

Best and Worst Dressed at the 2010 VMA's

MTV's 2010 Video Music Awards took place last night ... And I’d be lying if I said I watched only for the music. To be honest … I really only tuned in to see all the fashion and glamour. There were a few hits this year, but in my eyes more misses. Ouch … no good. First let’s take a peek at the ladies who got it right …

The HOT List:

Twillight star Ashley Greene looked gorgeous and timeless in a black and white, strapless mini from Giambattista Valli. With a touch of lace detailing, jeweled cuff and Jimmy Choo black pumps … her completed look was perfect!

Actress Emma Stone wore a sexy and edgy Pucci leather dress last night and looked amazing! She kept it simple and straightforward and let the dress do the talking. Her overall look was completed with Giuseppe Zanotti shoes and barely there jewelry from Kara Ackerman Designs and Dana Rebecca Designs. Stunning!

Looking absolutely fab in purple was Rosario Dawson. Her strapless dress had just the right amount of shine and I really liked how she wasn’t afraid to play with colour. She finished her look with a pair of beautiful dark teal pumps, diamond drop earrings/bracelet … and even pulled off the perfect red pout. Love it.

Now onto the …

NOT so hot List:

I love her and she is crazy talented and confident … but Lady Gaga’s “Meat Dress” was a definite miss. She is known for changing her outfits throughout the show numerous times … and although she never disappointed, this was my least favorite … sorry Gaga … you’re still amazing!

Jersey Shore star (if you would call her that) Snooki struck out big time. This one-piece, hip hugging … awful to look at dress shouldn’t even be used as a table cloth! Her over done orange tan and pale pink lipstick was not helping her out either. Yikes!

The always out there Katy Perry looked like she belonged on the ice rink doing figure 8’s. I love her soft pink makeup (points for her there) but the “costume” along with blue and pink streaks in her hair was not working. Maybe next time … ?