Victoria's Secret Looking for New Runway Angel and Marisa Thanks our Veterans

Everyone knows I am kind of obsessed with Victoria's Secret- from their bras, bathing suits and PINK workout clothes to their gorgeous supermodels...*sigh*

Never am I more excited about the VS brand then when this time of year rolls around. That's right ladies, the VS fashion show is just a few weeks away- it airs December 1st at 10/9 central on CBS.

I must admit, last year's fashion show was a huge disappointment. The music was awful (Usher, and some Latin band), and the show just wasn't as fun and upbeat as usual (the models and lingerie were gorgeous though). I am really hoping they step it up this year, which I think is possible since the Black Eyed Peas are performing, and they tend to bring it.

In addition to the improved musical guest selection, VS has decided to spice up their runway show this year by hosting a model search for the next VS angel. They held castings in about 4 major cities, and also accepted video entries. I've been following the auditions on the Victoria's Secret YouTube Channel. I thought a lot of the girls that auditioned were great. I'm not so sure about the "Top 10" (I saw some girls in the auditions that I felt were better VS material) but hey, I'm not a judge for the contest.

What intrigued me is that Alicia Hall is one of the finalists. You may remember her as the winner of NBC's 2005 reality TV show Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model Search.

Alicia Hall

I'm having a hard time understanding why out of all of the gorgeous girls that entered, they would choose someone who has already appeared on, and won, a major reality show, and has posed in Sports Illustrated Magazine (the swimsuit issue, of course.)

I think she is a gorgeous girl, but I thought this competition was about finding NEW faces and new talent, not recycling from 2005 reality shows.

I do look forward to seeing who wins, and plan to follow the contest. You can vote for your favorite finalist here and watch their photo shoot videos here (the other girl's videos are in the right side bar.)

What do you think of this contest to find the next VS angel? They did something similar either last year or the year before where the VS PINK team scoured college campuses to find a girl to walk in the VS fashion show. The picked a leggy blonde with medium length hair and a great smile. I always like it when they include a "regular person" in the fashion show.

Oh what I would do to just attend the actual show! I buy so much stuff from them, I feel like a complimentary ticket should magically find its way to my mailbox (Victoria's Secret- if you're listening, please email me for my address!)

Speaking of VS models, one of my faves, Marisa Miller recently appeared in a campagin thanking our veterans, sponsored by Harley Davidson. Check out the video here. I love the pin-up girl hair, outfits and makeup. It is a very different look for her, but she pulls it off flawlessly!

...and just because shes gorgeous, here are some pics of her:

The gorgeous Marisa- how does she get her hair away from her face like that? I can never seem to make mine get that look!

Marisa in a previous Harley ad.

Who are your favorite VS Angel Model Search contestants? Do you like the fact that they are including an aspiring model in the mix, or would you prefer they stick with their regulars? Leave me a comment below!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Blake Lively's Lively Locks: The New York Times Comments on the Serena Vanderwoodsen Hair Obsession

Today I read an article in The New York Times titled "A ‘Gossip Girl’ Look, Pronto!" about the growing popularity of Blake Lively's luscious, long, bohemian waves.



Ever since the show premiered, I have coveted Blake's character Serena Vanderwoodsen's long, seemingly care-free, loose, unfussy waves. She has this thick, healthy looking hair that seems impossible to achieve without the aid of multiple tracks of hair extensions- but it is widely rumored that Blake's locks are all-natural (aside from her color- she gets it touched up every 6 months, says the article).

So, is Blake's hair the new "Rachel" as the article suggests? What do you think? Apparently women in NYC have been flocking to salons in droves requesting Blake's hair cut and style -but the catch is, not every woman can achive the look without extensions.

From the article:

“Trouble is, some girls are born with amazing hair,” said Mr. Wilson of Bumble and bumble, adding that hair like Ms. Lively’s “sets an unrealistic expectation.”

The article continues:

“It’s aspirational hair,” said John Barrett, whose salon sits atop Bergdorf Goodman in Midtown Manhattan. Clients, Mr. Barrett said, “don’t just want the hair, they want the life.”

In the last six months, Ms. Lively’s cut — an exercise in studied dishevelment — has been his most requested. “I didn’t really realize the extent of it,” Ms. Lively said of her hair’s popularity, though she had an inkling: fashion forerunners like Vogue staffers routinely approach her at events and fixate on her hair, she said.

Can I just comment how much I love the hair expression "studied dishevelment?" It perfectly describes her hair. Oftentimes, looks that are supposed to look "undone" and a bit messy, can actually take some time and effort to achieve...though there have been a few instances where I was lucky enough to have slept on my second day hair in just the right way that it had the messy look, without the work.

Do you love Blake's hair? Have you ever tried to style your hair like hers or requested her hair style at your last hair appointment?

I always ask my hair dresses to blow-out my hair and make it really volumized and bouncy with a little wave to it. It always makes me feel fab to walk out of the salon with hair that is always smoother and more precisely styled that I can do myself!

In fashion news, today I saw a new website called Rent the Runway. The concept is simple: choose a designer dress from their site, they will ship it to you in two sizes (just in case!), you wear the gorgeous frock to an event, ship it back to them in the provided already-addressed envelope, and they take care of the dry-cleaning. I didn't see the rest of the site because I haven't signed up- but would this appeal to you?

For me, it would have to be about the cost of renting versus buying. I can't imagine paying event $100 to rent a dress, unless it was a major floor-lenght gown to wear to a very major black-tie event. I can see how this service might be great for people who have a lot of events to attend and are publis figures who want to appear to always have the latest styles...but for the average girl like me, I'm happy scoring a deal on a great dress that can stay in my closet for a long time.

Would you use this service? It's kind of like Bag, Borrow or Steal, but for clothing, of course.

Let me know in the comments below, and as always, thank you SO much for reading and sharing all of your thoughts with me!

xoxo,

Veronika.

Elizabeth Hurley Hairstyle

Elizabeth Hurley is a woman for whom the term "Very grr, baby" was coined. Oh behave. Her sexy long hairstyle and subtle caramel highlights are surprisingly attainable. Here's how to make Elizabeth Hurley's hairstyle your own:

If you have straight hair, blowdry it haphazardly, using your hands to bring out any natural wave. Once dry, roll 2-inch sections of hair into velcro rollers. Keep them in place for about an hour, as you do housework or put your makeup on. Bobby pins will hold velcro curlers in place, or a satin bonnet will really get them to stay put if you plan to move around a lot as you wait for your hair to set. Spritz with light hold hair spray.

To get a sun-kissed chocolate hair color like Liz Hurley, opt for caramel colored highlights around your face, being careful to keep them natural-looking and not too light (brown hair has a tendency to look brassy when you add the wrong shade of blonde). As you age, highlights are a great way to cover up stray white hairs that grow in. It's a little trick brunettes turn to when they start appraoching the age of thirty (when those first greys start to sprout)

Forever 21 Launches New Cosmetics Line- Will You Try it?

Affordable-chic clothing and accessories retailer Forever 21 recently launched a cosmetics line called "Love & Beauty" by Forever 21.

The line features eye pencils, eye shadows, lips glosses, nail polish and more...


Beauty confession: I am a total beauty snob. I like the higher end lines and products. That said, I love a drugstore mascara as much as the next girl, but 90% of my cosmetics are from MAC or Sephora (I can't say the same for hair products though- I'll try anything!)

Drugstore products have come a long way. Many products that can be found at your local CVS or Walgreens are now on par with some of the offerings of higher-end brands. Formulas are long-lasting, highly-pigmented and come in a variety of shades and colors. Plus, you can't beat the price ($6 for three eye shadows that can create an entire eye look, is a lot more budget-friendly than one $14 eye shadow from MAC.)

I guess I just think that Forever 21 should probably stick to what they know best- trendy, low-priced clothing and accessories. When it comes to makeup and skin care products, I tend to think that price is a reflection of the quality of the formula. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I have to be careful.

Forever 21's cosmetics line may appeal to some of their younger customers, like pre-teens, but I can't imagine someone my age, or older being interested in their line. Now, I'm not one to judge a product before trying it- but I won't be trying their products at all. I'd rather save my $6 for a L'oreal or Cover Girl mascara than chance it on a Forever 21 eye liner.

There are plenty of lower-cost lines like NYX, N.Y.C. and Milani that make great products, but I find that only some of the products are great, and others are more "you get what you pay for" kind of products.

Will you try any of the makeup from Forever 21's new line? Stephie from "Superficial Obession" wrote a blog recently all about her drugstore faves...go check hers out, and then tell me about your can't-live-without-em' drugstore faves. Please share them in the comments below.

Also, for anyone interested, here is my Outfit of the Day:

Dress: Express, $59.50- I love this dress because it is one piece and very comfortable. I wore a black cardigan over it as well, but took it off for the photo to show the tank-style top of the dress.

xoxo,

Veronika.

It's All About the Eyes

Have you ever been asked what one makeup item you would take with you if you were stranded on a deserted island...and then you are forced to weigh the pros and cons of each product?

For me, the answer is easy: eyeliner. Without hesitation, I would pick MAC's gel liner (and I would hope I could throw in the angled brush, for application purposes, of course).

In high school, I went through a phase where I used Bonne Bell's copper-toned eyeliner as a lip liner (yes, really). I had quite pale skin and these dark lips (I was not trying to look goth at all, it just so happened I was pale with a darker lip shade-not black, but darker than anything I would wear now). I still cringe when I think about my first experiences with makeup...it's not that I looked horrendous or anything, it is just so different from how I wear my makeup now.

They say that eyes are the "windows to your soul," so maybe eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara are the eye's window treatments.

Actress Diane Kruger's eye makeup looks are always stunning. Everytime she is photographed, it's the first thing I notice about her. She also has youthful, thick brows that are just slightly shaped and arched. I love thicker brows on women. I really think it creates a youthful appearance to the face. Over-plucked brows are never in style.

Among my favorite of Diane's sultry eye looks is this one:

I love how far down the eyeshadow is on her bottom lash line. I definitely plan to try this bolder look the next time I have an event to go to. It is very sexy and smokey. I love how she kept the rest of her look neutral- glowy skin, with a soft pink blush and neutral pink lips.

Here are some more inspiration shots of her eye makeup:

I love that even when she wears a lot of eye makeup, she manages to keep the look bold, yet soft. She carries a smokey eye so well, that you forget how much effort is put in to achieve the look.


Who is your eye makeup inspiration? Which one make up product would you choose to have if you were stranded on an island?

Also...today is our 6th month wedding anniversary. I can't believe how quickly time flies!

Awhile ago, one of my readers mentioned she recently had a bad breakup and asked if I might give some advice on finding love and relationships. I'm not an expert on marriage or relationships, but the best advice I can give is to always say how you feel, what you want and what you expect. I know people will say it time and time again- that communication is key- but it is not just about communicating, it's about how you communicate and what you say when you do.

Some people hold back how they really feel because they feel embarassed (or for other reasons) but revealing your real truths- what you like and don't like, what you believe in, what's important to you- that's what makes the difference. I think that being able to tell the person you love what you really think and feel is so validating and can bring so many positive things to a relationship.

Thank you so much for reading!

xoxo,

Veronika.

A Weekend Haul & Second Chances

I went to Sephora this weekend to get the cute little clutch they were advertising (spend $50, get a clutch full of samples.)

While there, I finally picked up Benefit's Coralista blush that I've been wanting to own for awhile. I love it! It's a gorgeous peachy-pink. It will be the perfect blush for our tropical vacation in January. It goes on fairly sheer and has a healthy-glow sheen to it, without being too shimmery.

I also picked up a new product from a line I hadn't heard of, but it was so gorgeous and shimmery, I just had to have it. It's called Mary-Lou Manizer by a brand called "The Balm." It is a gold luminizing powder that goes on smooth and is very pigmented. I use it on my nose as a highlight (down the center), on my eyelids, and as a cheek-bone highlight. I have to say I think this is one of the best luminizing products I've stumbled upon. It was 22$ for a nice-sized compact, and it has amazing reviews on Sephora.com too, if you'd like to read more about the product.

In the meantime, here are the photos:



...and here is the cute clutch that came free with my purchase at Sephora:


I also picked up this Fekkai glaze for my hair...I will review it once I've tried it. They had the travel size on promotion at Sephora for $5, so I thought, why not?

Speaking of vacation time, I also bought this adorable bikini at Victoria's Secret. I had admired it online for quite some time, and the top was back-ordered until late December, so I never placed my order. Imagine my surprise when I saw the very same frilly bikini in the store. I just had to have it (and I was able to use a coupon too!) I also appreciated the fact that I could try it on!


I didn't buy this palette over the weekend, but I mentioned it a few weeks ago and realized I never took and photos for you all! It is by Too Faced, and it called "French & Fabulous." I love all of the colors! I definitely think it is a worthwhile palette to have in your collection. It also includes two bronzers (which I haven't tried yet) which I think is a great addition, especially as a touch-up kit or for travelling.


On friday morning, I blew-out my hair, and I remembered a YouTube video I saw recently where Blair used the CHI 44 Iron Guard before she used heat on her hair. I remembred I had this product from long ago, and banished it to the back of my cabinet because I hated it at the time. It made my hair feel stiff and starched and gross. I decided that Blair had such great hair, and that if it worked for her, I ought to give it another shot...and I'm so glad I did.

I used it on DRY hair (this is key) before flat ironing, and it made my hair feel smoother and softer. I spray 2-3 sprays on each section and use the flat iron immediately after spraying. I don't know what I did wrong the first time I used it, but the lesson to be learned here, is that sometimes, a banished product is worth a second chance!

Which products are you glad you gave a second chance to? What did you buy this weekend? Please leave a comment below!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.

And the winner is...

Thank you SO much to everyone who entered my 100 subscriber contest!

I used random.org to generate the winning number. I counted down the comments to the 66th comment (please note I did not include my own comments as entries, and skipped past those).

The winner of my first contest is: Amie! Congratulations! You are the winner of the OPI Espagna collection nail polish mini-set, and a bottle of Essie's "Mint Candy Apple" nail polish.

Amie, please email me at veronabrit at gmail dot com with your full name and mailing address, and I will ship the prize out to you as soon as I have your information!

I will try to host another contest soon!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,

Veronika.