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Actress/publicist’s worst nightmare Megan Fox got engaged to 90′s has-been Brian Austin Green awhile ago, and was apparently so excited by his proposal that she threw her arms up in surprise, knocking the dinky 2 karat diamond into the infinite miles of sand of Santa Monica. The only solution? To buy herself a much bigger ring:
She should “lose” her broke hubby’s jewelry more often.
Call it “fall of man” fashions, but the serpent has been making for some seriously lethal new looks for the upcoming season. Back in the times of Adam and Eve, everything was much simpler: all you had to do was pick out your favorite fig leaf and you’d have your outfit for the day. In post-Lapsarian 2009, we are shamelessly flashing this symbolically sinister snake around as a new way to flaunt our status and wealth.
With our current economic crisis showing no letting up in the near future, the government has taken to the taxpayer wallet to float unnecessary spending and pork-stuffed legislation. We can feel the boa constricting across our paychecks with every tax hike Congress inexplicably passes.
The snake has many different representations, but almost all interpretations are united by a dark, conniving understanding of the animal. From pop culture (House of Slytherin, anyone?) to classical lore (Medusa’s awesomely cold-blooded weave), these flexible vertebrates are the next big thing.
On the plus side, there are a few positive attributes to the serpent that should not be discounted. For example, a snake swallowing its tail is a symbol of eternity, which offers us so optimism in these financially dark times when we can only pray for an upswing in the economic cycle. Without the snake eating its tail icon, we may never have experienced aromatic scents like perfume and important beauty products like hair dye (to bring this point home for men: no basketballs or condoms). Here Kekulé, a German chemist, discovered the benzene ring. If you aren’t fresh out of OChem, just know it’s an uber-important compound. Kekulé said that he discovered the ring shape of the benzene molecule dreaming of a snake biting its own tail. From this scientific discovery we have made endless fashion items, like sticky bras (always an awkward surprise for your date) and the dreaded leggings.
So if you’re tired of the same boring bangles and leather belts, try on an anaconda for size. Whether naughty of nice, these endlessly fascinating creatures make for great conversation starters at your next cocktail party.
In 2002, according to Garnier Nutrisse, more blonde and peroxide based shades of hair dye were sold than darker colors like black, brown, or even ginger. In the last two years, however, that trend has been reversed. Experts cite the faltering economy as a factor: maintaining a blonde mop is quite expensive, as most post-adolescent women have naturally brown hair.
Brunettes seem to be dominating all over Hollywood, as well. Move over, 90s all-American blonde child stars like Kate Bosworth, Kirsten Dunst, and Tara Reid. Enter raven-haired beauties like Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, and Olivia Wilde.
Urban Dictionary defines “brunette” in this manner:
1. brunette
1. a person with dark colored hair that is generally really cool and smart and knows a hell of alot more then blondes
all the hot girls that u see are generally brunettes and if they aren’t then they died their hair and were originally brunettes.
I can’t tell if this was written by a brunette or not, as “alot” hasn’t been one word since we left first grade and “died” is a macabre misspelling of hair color alteration. Perhaps written by a blonde who went brunette?
In a perhaps not so surprising report from “The Telegraph” earlier this year, it was reported that brunettes make over twice as much money as their blonde counterparts who perform the same tasks. They are also more respected and apparently have stronger long-term relationships.
It’s a bit dramatic to call this a fall from innocence, but people with darker hair are perceived to be more mature because light hair is associated with younger women. In the face of the recession, perhaps it’s a better idea to keep a natural, darker shade: less upkeep and a bigger salary to boot.
On the other hand, recently blonded Kim Kardashian, who traded in her signature curtain of lush black hair for a generic honey-hued shade, is up 157% in popularity this week on IMDb.com. Go figure.
We all know some things are better left to the imagination, but for many celebrities, those “things” are being concealed by increasingly scant clothing. Interestingly, a resurgence in transparent “illusion” clothing, which saw an earlier heyday at the beginning of the millennium with “floating” necklaces constructed of fishing wire and gowns like Halle Berry’s iconic 2002 Oscar Boudreaux colored Elie Saab, has resulted in increased demand for more and more daring get ups.
While transparent clothing is definitely avant garde, this look can go quickly from trendy to tawdry. For example, check out Leighton Meester’s interpretation of illusion clothing. While the Gossip Girl actress has an undeniably awesome body, who on earth told her that a dress featuring a glorified thong and sheer butt panels was in any way appropriate to wear to the MTV Movie Awards, an event that targets pre teens and, therefore, pretty much everyone that is too young to wear anything so sultry? While Meester garnered plenty of media attention, it’s definitely concerning that this meretricious outfit better suited for the bedroom is being labeled as “fashion forward.” This also seems the case with WAG Cheryl Cole, who decided to celebrate her birthday in a very odd, completely NSFW fringed miniskirted sleeveless number that would have been more appropriate for a figure skating event that might be called “Tarts on Ice” or some Vegas show.
There are some ways to work in this transparent look and not appear tasteless, however. Transformers vixen Megan Fox showed up to the David Letterman show in a classic knee length black dress that featured just a touch of illusion netting at the neckline, keeping her look age appropriate for this 23-year-old. Demure heels and a retro glam hairstyle also tone down this very sexy look.
While illusion clothing is very popular for formal events, some celebrities have taken this look in another direction, like Fergie’s edgy rocker ensemble, which uses gauzy, nude colored panes and incorporates them into an otherwise almost prim blouse. Paired with a tasteful miniskirt and some medieval bracelets with serious hardware, the overall effect is fashionable, but doesn’t veer into tacky.
So while diaphanous clothing is a hot trend right now, it’s a very, very thin line between au courant and offensive. This is definitely a look to try out, but just remember to keep sheer pieces as an embellishment, not as the basis of your outfit. You’re going for an illusion, not an exhibiton.
As written for AskMissA.com.
There’s such a stigma to wearing lace. We tend to think of old ladies, and maybe even mothballs and other unpleasant items like stuffy lace doilies or outdated, tea-stained tablecloths. However, lace is making a comeback, and it’s high time we try on this prim-and-proper-gone-sassy look for size.
If you’re jonesing for a sweet 1950’s throwback, try a lovely white lace dress. Just be sure to keep it modern—this is an homage, not a costume—and add in some up-to-date accessories. Cameron Diaz totally nailed this look in her beautifully crafted white dress and candy apple red belt that she wore to her Hollywood Star unveiling. Her ensemble is definitely a tribute to June Cleaver, but stays millennial with the pop of color and modern, body skimming cut.
Evening is a great time to rock the lace look, too. Check out Kate Bosworth’s red-carpet look, which features a gorgeous lace overlay, three-quarter length sleeves, and enough charm to make Katherine Hepburn jealous. Paired with minimalist makeup and a retro hairstyle, this look is not only glamorous, but also definitely affordable for the average fashionista. You can find lace clothing in plenty of bargain department stores right now, and as a bonus, you can even transition these pieces across the seasons with bright springy sandals and a headband for warmer months or a fur coat with a just-fussy-enough strand of pearls during the colder seasons.
If you do have a little more disposable income, check out the designers’ take on this resurrected fabric: Verrier teamed this super sumptuous material with an equally luxurious one, white hot satin, manifested in a pair of shorts that are perfect lounging after hours on the yacht.
So next time you’re looking for an alternative to the standard little black dress, try something racy and lacy. You can dress up this look with jewelry like lavalieres, brooches, or pearl earrings, but be sure to stay away from anything too modish, like Lucite or wood. It’s definitely a gamine look, but everyone from the Georgetown princess to the U Street hipster can pull off a lace dress.
As written for AskMissA.com.
Cameron Diaz With summer in full swing, we’re all looking for ways to wear lighter, airier clothing to stay cooler. Problem is, it’s tough to balance the need for less clothing and the aim for appropriate, fashionable styles. The perfect way to meet both these criteria? Take some advice from the Greeks, of course. Not only were they fantastic mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers, but also way ahead of their time fashion-wise. There’s nothing sexier than a little skin, and togas are the perfect combination of tastefulness and summertime style.
The Greeks are well known for their innovations, and the draping, sumptuous toga style is no exception. Designers have modernized this look by using luxurious fabrics like charmeuse and pima cotton, and in using these materials, fashionistas can keep cool in even the most intense summer sun. Take a look at Cameron Diaz’s Greek inspired J. Mendel dress made of white satin. The A-list actress paired the one-shouldered style with sky-high heels, and looked breezy and fresh, even in the scorching Hollywood heat.
Megan Fox looking Togariffic Swathing yourself in lighter clothing can allow you to be a little more covered up while still keeping comfortable. For example, the gorgeous Megan Fox wore a full-length toga dress, which, despite its long length, still looks perfect for summertime. She pairs the toga number with a slender black belt to keep the fit from being too loose and shapeless. The revealing low cut back and sides are also a sexy way to add more exposure to an otherwise concealing dress, making the Transformers star a millennial Helen of Troy.
While togas are one way to work this Grecian look, there are plenty of other ways to work Greek accents into an ensemble. Gladiator shoes, which are a great sandal staple, get a lift from stiletto heels, as seen in Gwenyth Paltrow’s Balenciaga. Mrs. Chris Martin also used these shoes to accompany her toga styled dress, making her look a proverbial Grecian Ode.
Try this Toga Piece Even if you’re not on the red carpet, the Grecian look can still be worked into your wardrobe. Blouses that feature one-shoulder sleeves and ample fabric can be work appropriate when worn under a suit jacket or a cardigan. When out on the beach, instead of fussing with hair strengtheners and blow driers, take some inspiration from Grecian goddesses and let your hair go wavy. Try a few braids to channel your inner fashion muse.
If you’re shy about showing off your curves, the Grecian trend is definitely for you. With plenty of layers and folds to cover up your least favorite areas, togas are a great option for tummy conscious trendwatchers. Furthermore, gladiator flats are comfy and stylish, and add instant style awareness to any outfit. So even though you’ll be sizzling in your sexy style, you can still keep cool in the summertime with toga, but, sorry—beautiful Grecian house staff fanning you with lotus leaves and feeding you grapes not included with this hot new style.
As written for MYiLIVE.com.
