Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Nanette Lepore Shares Her Journey

Nanette Lepore Shares Her Journey:


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Nanette Lepore Shares Her Journey


images courtesy of Teen Vogue Fashion U and DKC News PR


Walking into the Teen Vogue's Fashion U designers' lounge, I was met with the warm and energetic countenance that is Nanette Lepore. Clearly a creative in every sense of the word, you could feel the burst of ideas and fantastical visuals that would come from a mind such as hers. As we sat down to begin our interview, we chatted first about her recent trip to Dubai. She teamed up with Fashion Forward and was so amazed at the vibrancy of the fashion industry there. Clearly, being inspired by the non-traditional dress of the women in Dubai. As she explained what she saw it took me back to that scene in Sex in The City 2 where the women in a back room took off their traditional dress and underneath were amazing luxury pieces in every color and texture. Nanette's experience in Dubai clearly impacted her and dare I say may impact collections to come?

Hear what else Nanette had to say about her process of creating and her love for mentorship!

Rai Mensah: What motivates you on a day to day to create?
Nanette Lepore: There is always something that I want to cover that I just haven't yet. I spend a lot of time figuring out what I need. So, as a woman a lot of it comes from what I need and how I want to express myself. I like to dress in a fantasy mode, some days are really lacey and vintage other days I feel very modern and sharp. Also in watching my daughter, who is now 15, I get inspired. She's had a strong fashion sense since she was 10. I spent a lot of years just biting my tongue [about what she chose to wear], but I've never tried to influence her.

Rai Mensah: Do you listen to fashion critics?
Nanette Lepore: When you go through the process of a fashion show and you work really hard, putting yourself at the brink of exhaustion, it is really hurtful when critics say something mean or judgmental. [The interesting thing is that] over the years some of the shows where I've had the worst criticisms have actually not mattered because, if the consumer loves you they love you. So no matter what [critics] say there is still a following if you are true to yourself. I can't dwell on [the criticism]. I give myself like a day and half to feel sorry for myself and then I keep working.

Rai Mensah: Why did you decide to get involved with Teen Vogue's Fashion University?
Nanette Lepore: I love to mentor. I like to talk about my story because it is such a real story, I started off and really worked from nothing. A lot of what I did is accessible to people and I feel like its inspirational, like the idea that we started as a small shop in the East Village between a gas station and a soup kitchen where my rent was $500.

Rai Mensah: What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned thus far?
Nanette Lepore: I've learned so many different lessons. One is that whatever can go wrong will, Murphy's Law is real. When we've had these large production disasters I always had a sixth sense about it but ignored it. So [a lesson I've learned is to] listen to your intuition because when something feels like its going wrong it usually is. Also, always put your best product out there. The main thing for me is not the fashion shows, it's once you get into the stores making sure your best product there is absolutely as perfect as you can make it. Thats when you know whether you're a star or not, when your clothing leaves the rack into the dressing room and goes up to the cashier. Thats the most important part of being a designer, it's that follow through.

I am always inspired by those who are open to sharing their stories, their successes, their failures and the tools they've learned to keep going in this industry. Nanette, did an amazing job doing just that!

15 Classic TV & Movie Characters That Make Stylish Halloween Costumes (PHOTOS)

15 Classic TV & Movie Characters That Make Stylish Halloween Costumes (PHOTOS):

What better excuse there is to dress up as your favorite TV or movie character than Halloween? Sure, there will inevitably be those super creative party-goers posted up at the bar wearing clever costumes like these, but there's nothing wrong with recreating (for the millionth time) Marilyn Monroe's all-white ensemble from "The Seven Year Itch."

The late blonde actress' iconic style moment on the big screen is just one of many looks we'll never grow tired of seeing. So if you're feeling nostalgic like we are, below are 15 classic TV and movie characters that make stylish Halloween costumes.

William Shatner as Captain Kirk in "Star Trek"

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For the hunk who prefers not to freeze his butt off, the commander's mock turtleneck shirt is the way to go.

Rita Hayworth as "Gilda"

gilda

Finally, a reason to recycle your prom dress or bridesmaid gown. Just slip on a pair of long gloves, style your hair into sophisticated '40s waves and you're ready, darling.

Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine in "Casablanca"

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Who says that standing out on Halloween means donning the scariest get-up? Fellas, you can be just as conspicuous in a fedora and trench coat.

Diana Ross as Tracy Chambers in "Mahogany"

diana ross mahogany

A floppy hat, baby doll eyelashes and hoop earrings make this ensemble fitting for a modern-day diva.

Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

audrey hepburn

Shine bright like a diamond (or a socialite) in an LBD, jeweled hair pin and statement necklace. A French twist updo, bold brows and nude lips add the finishing touch.

James Dean as Jim Stark in "Rebel Without a Cause"

james dean rebel without a cause

Dean's signature Members Only jacket, white T-shirt, rugged jeans and worn boots are perfect for the guy who isn't big on Halloween costumes.

Lucille Ball as Lucy in "I Love Lucy"

lucille ball i love lucy

The funny woman's curly updo, bright red lips and fit-and-flare dress complete any '50s fashion lover's Halloween costume dream.

Tom Selleck as Magnum in "Magnum, P.I."

magnum pi

Sporting a Hawaiian shirt, bell-bottoms and a dark mustache will either attract the ladies or send them running in the opposite direction. Either way, you'll nail the private investigator's laid-back look.

Cassandra Peterson as "Elvira"

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The horror host's raven locks, smokey eye makeup and dark lips are the definition of gore meets glam.

Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as Sandy Olsson and Danny Zuko in "Grease"

olivia newtwon john john travolta

Shut down the couples costume contest by channeling these lovebirds in big hairdos and all-black outfits.

Valerie Harper as Rhoda Morgenstern in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"

valerie harper

Even if you didn't grow up in the '70s, you've probably got some brightly-colored, floral and loose-fitting fabrics hanging in your closet.

Marilyn Monroe as The Girl in "The Seven Year Itch"

marilyn monroe the seven year itch

You may run into more than one Marilyn Monroe on fright night, but don't let that discourage you from bringing out your inner screen siren.

Will Smith as Will in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"

will smith the fresh prince

Your mom may not fancy you pairing your tuxedo jacket with a snapback hat, gold chain necklaces, a tribal print tank and sneakers, but we bet that won't stop you from being the life of the party.

Betty Boop

betty boop

The cartoon's curly coif, mini red dress and gold earrings scream cute yet cheeky.

And if you're feeling more original...


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Princess Madeleine's Elle Cover Is Absolutely Gorgeous (PHOTO)

Princess Madeleine's Elle Cover Is Absolutely Gorgeous (PHOTO):

Get yourself to a newsstand stat: Princess Madeleine's on the cover of Elle Sweden and she looks gorgeous.

The Swedish royal graces the magazine's November 2013 issue, donning a green coat and an ABBA-worthy feathered blowout. Frankly, we can't believe she had a moment to shoot the cover at all. Between her June wedding to financier Christopher O'Neill, her job in New York and her pregnancy, the 31-year-old has had a lot on her plate these days.

In the issue, Madeleine reportedly talks to Elle about her pregnancy, saying it happened "a little fast and very suddenly." And if the rumor mill is to be believed, she and O'Neill are expecting a baby girl (Prince George's future girlfriend, perhaps?). As of now, though, the sex of the future royal tot remains unconfirmed.

What we can confirm? Madeleine can work a fashion magazine cover like nobody's business. See the rest of the stunning shoot here.

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Princess Madeleine's Elle Cover Is Absolutely Gorgeous (PHOTO)

What a chic princess:



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Pamela Anderson Cuts Her Long Hair Into Platinum Pixie 'Do

Pamela Anderson Cuts Her Long Hair Into Platinum Pixie 'Do:

 For the first time in 20 years, Pamela Anderson has short hair, and it looks amazing on her.

Anderson has had the same long, platinum locks since 1992. So, it was a shock to see the 46-year-old bombshell step out in Los Angeles Wednesday (Oct. 30) with not just a haircut, but a super short pixie cut, notes Us Weekly.

The former "Baywatch" star was photographed with her ex-husband and rumored boyfriend, Rick Saloman, walking through a parking lot. Anderson looked demure in her new 'do, striped dress, white sweater, sunglasses and ballet flats.

She is the latest celeb to shed her tresses; earlier this week, Jennifer Hudson also debuted a super-short hairdo at BET's Black Girls Rock event. In August, Beyonce swapped her long locks for a pixie cut, but wound up adding extensions back on.

Anderson may have traded in her red swimsuit, but this chic look is nothing short of jaw-dropping!

pamela anderson

pam anderson

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Body by Victoria Press Day in NYC YOUTUBE VIDEO



Supermodels without makeup (backstage & interview)



Priyanka Chopra, The New Guess Girl, 'Honored' To Be Brand's First Indian Model

Priyanka Chopra, The New Guess Girl, 'Honored' To Be Brand's First Indian Model:

Say hello to the new Guess girl: Priyanka Chopra.

The Bollywood star and former Miss World has been tapped by the brand to front its Holiday 2013 campaign, making Chopra the first Indian Guess girl. "I'm like their first brown model," Chopra told Women's Wear Daily. "For a global fashion brand, for them to move their campaign into a global space, for me it's an honor."

The stunning black-and-white photos, shot by Bryan Adams, feature Chopra sporting Guess' signature teased hair, cat eyeliner and sexy clothes in a Mediterranean villa. Translation: The campaign is an instant classic, bringing to mind the ads of Claudia Schiffer and Anna Nicole Smith, Chopra's predecessors.

Chopra said she was hand-selected by Paul Marciano, Guess' president, after he met her and immediately dubbed her the new Sophia Loren. Since Marciano's last model of choice, Kate Upton, has become the poster child for glamorous bombshell beauty, we have no doubt that Chopra will be the name on everybody's lips come December when her Guess campaign breaks in fashion magazines.

"I'm not too American and I'm not too Indian, but I'm a global citizen," she says, "and that's what most people are today. And I don't want to have to change who I am to try and fit in or cater to a certain audience. "

Amen, sister. See Chopra's stunning ads for Guess below.

PHOTOS:

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chopra

chopra

chopra

See the model's personal style:



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Candice Swanepoel's Elle UK Cover Proves She's A Name To Know (PHOTO)

Candice Swanepoel's Elle UK Cover Proves She's A Name To Know (PHOTO):

Get ready to practice your pronunciation, because the name on everybody's lips is about to be Victoria's Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel. The model has officially transcended the lingerie world, splashing into the mainstream with a cover for Elle UK.

Swanepoel goes high fashion for the December issue of the mag, modeling a metallic pink leather jacket by Saint Laurent, smokey eye makeup and bleached-out hair. The styling is certainly different than we've become accustomed to seeing the South African beauty sport -- namely, she's wearing actual clothes. (Plus, we suspect some over-zealous Photoshopping is to blame for why we didn't quite recognize her at first.)

This has been a monumental year for Swanepoel, as she's landed the coveted role of modeling the Fantasy Bra at the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, not to mention she ranked 9th on Forbes' "World's Highest Paid Models" list. Throw in a major fashion glossy cover, and we'd say she's being positioned as the next Miranda Kerr, a former Angel who has become a global celebrity by expanding her repertoire past undies, bikinis and that iconic Fantasy Bra.

After all, Kerr has bowed out of the annual Victoria's Secret extravaganza this year, leaving Swanepoel to steal the show. Perhaps this Elle UK cover means Kerr is passing the torch -- er, bejeweled brassiere -- to Swanepoel once and for all.

PHOTO:

candice swanepoel elle cover UK
Candice Swanepoel's Elle UK Cover Proves She's A Name To Know (PHOTO)

See the other women who came before Candice:



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Beyonce Photobombs Concert-Goer In The Best Possible Way

Beyonce Photobombs Concert-Goer In The Best Possible Way:

What can be better than seeing Beyonce live in concert in all her glittery glory? Capturing it in a candid, photobombed selfie, of course.

That said photo is making the rounds today, in which one lucky concert-goer clicked at just the right moment. We've traced it back to a 15-year-old dancer from Australia, who, according to answers she gave excited fans on her Tumblr blog, saw Bey last weekend at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park.

In explaining the perfect moment, the lucky girl wrote: "i dont even know it was such a blur i just remember her bending down to me and my friend and i just turned for the photo and wowoowow it was the best moment ever like she posed its crazy i wasnt even expecting her to look at my phone or notice me in the crowd."

Indeed.

beyonce gif



Sofia Vergara Wears Leather Pants For 'Modern Family' Event

Sofia Vergara Wears Leather Pants For 'Modern Family' Event:

Sofia Vergara turned heads Monday night in a pair of skintight leather pants when she stepped out for a "Modern Family" event.

Vergara looked gorgeous in the leather trousers, a black long-sleeved jacket and a pair of studded Valentino shoes. The 41-year-old was all smiles as she walked the red carpet wearing her hair in loose waves and a poppy red lip.

Oct. 28 marked the "Modern Family" Fan Appreciation Day at the Westwood Village Theatre. The event, held in Westwood, Calif., was hosted by USA Network; the night marked the kick-off of their collaboration with Feeding America to provide food for needy families this holiday season, notes Variety.

Also in attendance were Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland and Ariel Winter, who looked far beyond her 15 years in a black and white ensemble.

sofia vergara

sofia vergara

sofia vergara

Tara Lynn's Elle Spain Cover Is Awesomely Edgy (PHOTO, VIDEO)

Tara Lynn's Elle Spain Cover Is Awesomely Edgy (PHOTO, VIDEO):

Welcome back to Elle, Tara Lynn!

The plus-size model graces the November cover of the glossy's Spanish edition, reminding us it's been too long since we've seen her there.

Tara is no stranger to magazine covers... across international waters, that is. While the H&M "Big Is Beautiful" swimsuit model has graced Elle France and Vogue Italia covers in the past, we have yet to see the Seattle-born beauty land a front page on a major American fashion magazine.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video of the shoot above and check out the final product below. Note that Elle Spain dubs her a "Mujer Real" -- a real woman, indeed. Here's hoping we see more covers in Tara's future!

tara lynn

We wish more of these ladies were mainstream cover girls:



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Lady Gaga Covers Glamour's Women Of The Year Issue, Says She's 'Not Conventionally Beautiful'

Lady Gaga Covers Glamour's Women Of The Year Issue, Says She's 'Not Conventionally Beautiful':

Lady Gaga is one of the most beloved superstars on the planet, which might explain why she was chosen to cover Glamour's Women of the Year issue.

Gaga, who is also honored as one of Glamour's 2013 Women of the Year, stuns as the December cover girl, striking a pose in a metallic Gucci wrap dress. But believe it or not, Mother Monster doesn't consider herself "conventionally beautiful" -- she's grown to love who she is on the inside rather than the outside.

“If there was some sort of mathematical equation for beauty, I don’t know if I would be the algorithm," Lady Gaga tells Andy Cohen, who interviewed her for the Glamour story. "I’ve always been OK with that. I’m not a supermodel. That’s not what I do. What I do is music. I want my fans to feel the way I do, to know what they have to offer is just as important, more important, than what’s happening on the outside.”

"I’m confident in who I am," she adds. "I’ve come to a place in my life where I’ve accepted things that are me, as opposed to feeling pressure to explain myself to people around me. That’s just the way I’ve always tried to be. It didn’t change when I became a star.”

Speaking of becoming a star, Lady Gaga didn't just leave behind her normal day-to-day life, she let go of her real name: Stefani Germanotta. The "Applause" singer admits she only allows family and close friends to call her Stefani.

“I’m both all the time. Gaga and Stefani are my nicknames. I guess when people meet me for the first time and call me Stefani, it bothers me. Because it’s something that’s reserved for only the people who are closest to me," she explains. "It’s not because I don’t like my given name; it’s that I became somebody else. I became somebody else for a reason, you know. This is part of what my message is -- you can become whoever you want to be, to escape your past.”

See Gaga's gorgeous Glamour photo shoot below and pick up the new issue on newsstands Nov. 5:

lady gaga

lady gaga

11 Ways To Prevent Chapped Lips Besides Using ChapStick

11 Ways To Prevent Chapped Lips Besides Using ChapStick:

You may not be able to remember the exact moment when you got hooked on ChapStick, but if you're anything like the HuffPost Style editors, life hasn't been the same since.

The tiny tubes have taken over any space that's left in our handbags and on our nightstands. However, we still find ourselves tossing them right into our shopping cart on late-night drugstore runs.

In an effort to control the clutter and switch things up, here are 11 lip balms that prevent chapped lips just as well, if not better than, ChapStick.

11 Ways To Soothe Chapped Lips Besides Carmex



1. Maybelline Baby Lips. The bright and funky-colored packaging makes it hard to misplace this shea butter and aloe-infused lip balm. While there are an assortment of flavors, we're partial to the fresh lemon scent of Quenched. ($3, Target.com)

2. MAC Cosmetics Lip Conditioner. We've spied this tucked inside many makeup artists' kits. The unisex style tube has a slanted applicator that makes getting into the corners of your mouth super easy. Plus, it can be worn on top of your lipstick for an extra glossy and hydrating finish. ($15, MACCosmetics.com)

3. Supergoop! Acai Fusion Lip Balm SPF30+. This summertime staple will actually give you year-round protection from harsh winter elements and wrinkle-causing UV rays. Its paraben and fragrance-free formula is an added bonus. ($9, Nordstrom.com)

4. EOS Lip Balm. A Parsons student we recently met reminded us of this amazing lip product. While the sphere-shaped lip balm isn't exactly jean pocket-friendly, it won't fail you when you need to re-up on hydration thanks to vitamin E and jojoba oil. ($3, Walgreens.com)

5. Smith's Rosebud Salve. You've probably seen this navy tin near the checkout counter at Sephora or Urban Outfitters. And it's certainly earned the prime real estate for its multiple uses, including healing dry lips, hands and elbows and soothing burns and rashes. ($6, Sephora.com)

6. Clark's Botanicals Ultra Rich Lip Balm. A little goes a long way with this lip balm, so there's no need to keep reapplying throughout the day. Inside this hunter green tube are hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, avocado oil and shea butter, as well as sweet vanilla and jasmine extracts. ($19, BigelowChemists.com)

7. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment. The Honey version of this luxe lip balm is intoxicating, but what's even better is how soft and full our lips are after just one swipe. Kudos to the pucker-plumping black currant oil! ($23, Fresh.com)

8. Yes to Carrots Color Lip Balm. Gummi Peach Ring candy lovers will go gaga over this subtly tinted lip balm in Peachy Keen. But beyond the sugary smell lie ultra-moisturizing sunflower seed oil and cocoa seed butter. ($6, Drugstore.com)

9. Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. Another guy-friendly option that's great at providing instant relief from dryness, especially when you're 10 seconds away from going in for that goodnight kiss. ($7, Kiehls.com)

10. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. Supple and smooth lips come easy with this cult classic, which contains beeswax, vitamin E and peppermint oil. ($3, Drugstore.com)

11. Korres Lip Butter. This guava-flavored lip balm melts into dry skin immediately to restore the condition of your lips with a blend of vitamin C, B-complex vitamins and essential oils. ($12, Sephora.com)

While you're at it, lock in moisture from head to toe with these body butters:


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Nicole Kidman Does Her Best Brigitte Bardot Impression For Jimmy Choo (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

Nicole Kidman Does Her Best Brigitte Bardot Impression For Jimmy Choo (PHOTOS, VIDEO): Nicole Kidman's Jimmy Choo resort campaign is here -- and she's strutting the strappy shoes as Brigitte Bardot.

A beehived Kidman frolics in the Hamptons surf in the promotional video below, holding her heels out of the water and above the waves. "To draw from someone like Bardot is fabulous," Nicole tells us. "She was a very strong cinematic presence, but she was also a world presence in terms of setting a style."

Bardot is certainly a bombshell of Jimmy Choo's caliber, but we're not sure we buy Kidman's portrayal in the ads. Compare the ladies below:

nicbrig






nic

Shop Jimmy Choo's resort collection here. Should Nicole just stick to playing Grace Kelly, or continue to (literally) stretch her legs?

Here's how Nicole normally looks:



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Sandra Bullock Is The Most Underrated Style Star In Hollywood

Sandra Bullock Is The Most Underrated Style Star In Hollywood:

In Hollywood, there are a select group of women who are known for their killer fashion sense. Celebrities like Diane Kruger, Rihanna and Ashley Olsen are continually praised for their sartorial sensibilities and are also the ones who are consistently selected as spokesmodels for fashion brands and the covers of major magazines. But oftentimes in Tinseltown, a few big players are overlooked, even though they are bringing their style A-game. And a prime example of this is Sandra Bullock.

Everyone knows the charming, hilarious and endearing actress, however, many don't know that she is one of the most stylish women on the red carpet right now. Ever since Bullock snagged the female lead role in the sci-fi film "Gravity," it seems as though her style has totally transformed.

Now Bullock is more fashion conscious than ever, successfully translating runway trends to the red carpet. (We all remember how she nailed the underwear as outwear look in that black Dsquared² dress.) She is also taking more risks, wearing designers like Giambattista Valli and Prabal Gurung, a major departure from more classic designers such as Vera Wang and Michael Kors, which Bullock used to favor.

So, if you hadn't already starting paying attention to this star, it's about time you start, as she just might top Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed List in 2014.

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sandra

sandra bullock

sandy

sandra

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sandra bullock

sandra bullock

sandy

sandra bullock

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sandra

See how much Sandra Bullock's style has evolved:



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Cressida Bonas' Wedge Sneakers Look Just Like Pippa Middleton's (PHOTOS)

Cressida Bonas' Wedge Sneakers Look Just Like Pippa Middleton's (PHOTOS):

When it comes to trying out the hottest fashion trends, Prince Harry's girlfriend Cressida Bonas never lets us down.

The socialite who many style critics regard as "the Anti-Kate Middleton" stepped out for coffee in London on Tuesday while wearing Isabel Marant-esque wedge sneakers. While Duchess Kate might not wear such trendy shoes, her sister sure would -- Pippa Middleton was spotted in similar-looking shoes last year.

We'll forgive Cressy for being ten months behind Pippa on the trend and take her copycat kicks as a subtle indicator that she too is eager to, ahem, take steps toward marrying into the Windsor clan in any way possible. Check out the style twins' family resemblance below!

Cressida in October 2013:

cressida

cressida

cressida

Pippa in December 2012:

pippa middleton sneakers

pippa middleton sneakers

Cressy's got style in spades:



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