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Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Kate Winslet Hairstyle

Kate Winslet has long been known for her classic hairstyles. Most often she wears hairstyles that accentuate her long hair. Here we see her making a bold move, and sporting a shorter style. This medium length hairstyle is perfect for Kate. It uses loose spiral curls and color to attract attention. Winslet's highlights are definite show stoppers.

“The inspiration was Grace Kelly,” says Renato Campora, who styled Winslet’s hair for Frédéric Fekkai. “I wanted to aspire to her look—the Oscars were the perfect occasion.” To begin, Campora applied Fekkai More All Day Density Styling Whip on wet hair, and blow-dried with a round brush to create volume. Next, he used a 1-inch curling iron; after letting curls set for 20 minutes, he massaged Fekkai Coiff Magnifique Ultra Light Finishing Crème into strands and brushed through “to create body wave and shape.” In creating the perfectly-crafted roll at the nape of Winslet’s neck, Campora teased the bottom section of Winslet’s hair and tucked under. Combing sleek strands over this base, he then pinned and finished with Frédéric Fekkai Sheer Hold Hairspray. “I wanted to do something where people say, ‘wow!’ but also keep with simplicity,” says Campora of the final, sculpted hairstyle, adding, “It’s different than a bun or chignon—it’s more modern.”

Do Men Really Hate Makeup?

I recently saw an article on Jezebel.com titled "Men Hate Makeup" And Other Annoying Myths.

The article cited
this story in the UK Daily Mail. I find this topic so interesting, because personally, I couldn't imagine always being bare-faced. Not only does makeup enhance my apperance and features, it also makes me feel good.

But when it really comes down to it, I will admit that if I had flawless skin with absolutely no visible pores, blemishes, redness, patchiness, etc...then I wouldn't need to wear (face) makeup at least.
I guess many women agree with me, because the Daily Mail article cited skin problems as the main reason women wear makeup saying "many women also admitted they weren't happy with their skin condition." Here's an excerpt:


So it would appear that women are wearing makeup to hide bad skin, not simply to impress the opposite sex. If women felt more confident that their skin was in good condition they wouldn't need to wear so much make-up to cover up.

I can totally understand and relate to this. If women had near-flawless skin, foundation wouldn't be necessary at all. Unfortunately, for many of us, even those who take very good care of their skin, "near perfect" skin will never be possible- but if you've achieved it without genetic blessings, please enlighten us all in the comments below how you did it!

Kate Bosworth with a very natural makeup look

Model Brooklyn Decker with natural-looking makeup

VS Model Marisa Miller with a little bit of a heavier/evening look

Actress Leighton Meester with smokey eyes and an otherwise nude face

Katie Price (AKA "Jordan") with her trademark dark tan and heavy makeup

Now- to get to the part about men. I totally agree with the author on Jezebel when she says
(excerpt:)

I'll just say it once: men don't "hate" makeup. Men don't know what makeup looks like. Maybe they don't like Tammy Faye Baker maquillage, but guess what: neither do we. It's like my saying, "I hate hair products on men" because of DJ Pauly D's dubious coiffure. The notion of cosmetics becomes problematic when people feel unworthy without them, when a woman feels a need to hide or disguise or change. But by the same token, it's a very unfair standard to demand that women be "naturally" beautiful - as beautiful as a youthful princess gifted in the cradle - without their aid.


I think men don't understand makeup unless it's very very wrong. Makeup faux-pas that made the top 10 most hated by men list include:

1. Lipstick on teeth
2. Too much blusher
3. Thick foundation
4. Panda eyes
5. Clumpy mascara
6. Bright lipstick
7. Foundation tide mark around the jaw-line
8. Bright blue eyeshadow
9. Penciled-in eyebrows
10. Amy Winehouse-style eyeliner flicks

Monday, January 4, 2010

Kate Moss Hairstyle

Kate Moss carries grace and elegance in any types of hairstyles whether it is a simple yet stunning straight long hairstyle or a new version of old-school hairstyles of the 50s. Kate Moss exudes subtle femininity in a classic long wavy hairstyle with gorgeous highlights and in her latest 2009 soft look featuring slightly layered hairstyle.

Blunt-cut fringes ever since it has hit the runways on the faces of gorgeous babes of the likes of Kate Moss and Heidi Klum, it has remained as the most favorite trend during the last year and it is undoubtedly set to lead the charts in the year 2009 as well.

Jersey Shore's "Snooki" says Eyeliner, Bronzer, are Most Prized Possessions

Last night, they Jersey Shore's "Snooki" was on Jay Leno, and when he asked her what her most prized possession was she said "bronzer and eyeliner."

You can watch the video here (warning: it's bad, as in "I sincerely hope this is all a hoax and she's acting" kind of bad.)

Though "Jersey Shore" is the trashiest train-wreck on television and her interview on Leno was embarrassingly awful, I must say when she said "bronzer and eyeliner" I was nodding in agreement.

Those are definitely in my top 3 products (with the third being MAC Studio Fix powder.) I seriously can't even imagine leaving my house without a little eyeliner and bronzer. As pathetic as some people may think that is, I really just don't feel secure and put together without it. I follow the same makeup routine each morning (I alternate blush and eyeliner colors) and my routine makes me feel confident and ready to take on the day, so I don't see the harm in it.

Some of you may have heard me mention this before, but I think I look so young and unfinished without eyeliner. I am literally addicted to it. I don't remember the last time I didn't wear it in some capacity.

Over the years I've switched from pencils to gel liners. I currently use MAC's fluidline gel liners in "dipdown" (a dark warm brown) and "blacktrack" (black.) They are both incredible and have amazing staying power.

This weekend, I was at Neiman Marcus and became seduced by Bobbi Brown's shimmering gel liners. I bought one called "black mauve," and I love it. The shimmer/metallic-ness is hard to detect, and it goes on as a very dark brown with a purple/greyish tinge to it. I love it. It's a nice change from my day to day dark brown ("dipdown.") I only use "blacktrack" for the evening, as black can look a little harsh during the day if you line the top and bottom like I do.

I should mention that I use a flat brush to apply MAC's "brun" eyeshadow on my bottom lash line. I used to use the gel liner, but it started to feel too severe for the day. I am trying to get over my eyeliner addiction, so softening up the lines made me a little more comfortable with less.

Now, onto bronzer. Oh the sweet warmth it brings to my skin. I use NARS Laguna which I have raved about so many times you guys are probably over it. In the past, I used Benefit's Hoola bronzer and I loved that one as well (if you are looking for a matte bronzer, this is the one for you.)

I think bronzer does what other products can't. Sure foundation evens out your skin, blush adds color to your cheeks and eyeshadow defines your eyes...but bronzer gives skin a marvelous warmth and energy. I also don't remember the last day I didn't wear bronzer. It is such an essential for me.

So if agreeing with Snooki is wrong, I don't wanna be right ladies. Bronzer and eyeliner are certainly not my most prized possessions in life, but they are my most prized makeup possessions. What are yours? Please share in the comments below.

Home & Design: Dear Marshalls, I Heart You <3

My bestie Candice and I went to our local Marshall's Home Store on Saturday "just to look." We both ended up leaving with so much stuff, we had to call a friend to bring a truck to haul it all home (oops.)

There were so many great items, I just couldn't resist. The damage:

One of my purchases ending up being uber-disappointing. You know when you find something and you think it is just
the most perfect thing for your home, and then when you actually try it in that room, it's awful? Well, that's what happened to me.

There was this amazing comfotor and duvet cover set there that I immediately fell in love with. It was a bold, black and white large floral print and I thought it would be oh-so perfect for our bedroom. FAIL:

I mean, it's not horendous or anything (and in person, I promise it was much more shocking) but it just didn't work. It was too much, too bold, too busy. Our room lost its softness and calming feeling.
I returned the set the next day, but kept the lime green and white sheets of the same pattern. Those I actually like. Here's a close-up:

Now, I'm thinking I'll probably just get an off-white quilted blanket to use as a coverlet kind of thing on our bed. We only have a duvet right now, so it can look messy and unfinished without that final touch. I like the idea of a quilt because it's thin. The comfoter was too thick on top of everything else that was wrong with it.

Now, onto my most exciting purchases. These lovely boxes. They are purely for display at this point. I don't mind if they stay empty forever. I just like to look at their pretty-ness.

I have a similar jewelry box from West Elm. These were $14.99 and $19.99 for the larger white one. I love their modern elegance and smooth finish. Perfect for storage or just for show.

Then, there's this beauty:
This beautiful box has little legs it stands on. I just captured my attention right away. Right now, it just sits in the corner looking pretty, but it can also be used for storage (magazines, a blanket.) My husband always makes fun of me for "buying so many boxes" but there is something so lovely about pretty boxes everywhere (or as I like to call them "useful storage units.")

In more useful storage unit news, I also picked up this mirrored one in a previous shopping trip at Marshall's for $10- this one is on our bedroom:
In addition to my love for boxes, I also love pretty picture frames. I got a few at Z Gallerie this weekend. All were on sale, except for this first one, which reminds me of an awesome animal print:


I also picked up this 3-compartment serving tray on sale for $19.99 at Crate & Barrel. It was on our registry but we never got it, so I thought I might as well get it while it was on sale:

I tried one of the pillows from our bedding set on my couch and ended up liking it. I think I will keep it there for now. I'm laying back on it as I type this, and I likey.

I also got this awesome monogrammed rug from Marshall's for our downstairs entryway:

In keeping with the monogram theme, I got this candle, on sale from Pottery Barn for $11.50:

I love black and white. It's such a clean and modern look.

And for those wondering, yes, our tree is still up, in all of its Christmas-garden glory:

Do you ladies have any home improvement plans for 2010? Let me know in the comments below. Our home goals for the new year are to hardwood our entryway and to get a new couch and bed. We kind of just bought a cheap bed when we first moved in, but I'd love something more grand and lighter. I already have one I love in mind, but I'll do a seperate inspiriations post.

Also, let me know if you like these posts about home decor. I think it's a nice mix with all of the fashion and beauty stuff, and I enjoy writing about it.

xoxo,

Veronika.


Happy New Year & Resolutions Just for Fun

I have a lot to cover here due to my lack of weekend blogging, so I'll just get started before I go off on a tangent. But first, let me go off on just one tangent:

I tried to go to the gym after work today since I'm just 2 weeks out from our vacation, but there was no parking (in a 3-level large parking garage.) Yes ladies, that's right, it's the invasion of the new year's resolution gym-goer. If this continues, I'm going to have to seriously consider working out at home more often...because sitting in my car with my foot on the break with 10 cars trying to find a space in front of me is not what I consider to be a workout. I'm seeing my trainer again tomorrow, and I'm sure he will kick my butt enough to make up for today.

This New Year's, my bestie and I decided that the bar or club scene wasn't for us, so we co-hosted a party in her fabulous town home (right down the street from ours!)

Here are a few pics from our soiree:

My lovely husband and I. That's a cup of pink champagne mixed with diet gingerale that I'm holding. The only drink I had that night (I had to work the next morning.)

The gorgeous Candice and I. Our party had a "Pink Champagne and Cupcakes" theme. We loved it. Everything was pink including the cups, plates, etc.

My awesome hairdresser and I. We had a talk about my hair trauma that night, and I admitted that my blog post about it was
a little dramatic. It wasn't that bad. I was just having a bad hair day the day I wrote it. My hair doesn't suck as much as I thought it did, but it still needs a major trim and some different layers.

Hello Pink Cupcakes:
You can't have a party without hats!

and...we got a little silly at the end of the night (see, I don't even need to drink to act a fool!)

I love the little sweater I wore. I actually got it at Forever 21 more than 2 years ago, and I just can't resist throwing it on every New Year's (seriously, I am going to post a pic from 2008 to prove it.)

Here it is this year (up-close:)

and in 2008:
See? It's the sweater that keeps on giving! I actually liked it better with last year's dress. I hated the dress I wore this year...I just thought it photographed kind of poorly, and I also felt it must have shrank because it definitely wasn't that short on me the last time I wore it:

Ok...maybe it was that short.

I'm going to start a new post for my next entry since I posted so many pictures here. I hope all of my beautiful readers had an amazing New Year!

Now, the dreaded question...what are your resolutions this year? Let's make it even more fun.

Please post in the comments below:
3 beauty resolutions
2 major life resolutions, and
1 just for fun resolution

Here are mine:
Beauty- exfoliate more, try to use moisturizer more often, try bolder looks once in awhile
Life- be a more patient person, worry less, celebrate more
Just for Fun- do things I say I want to do but never actually do (like go horseback riding or on a wine tour)

xoxo & cheers to the best year ever!

Veronika.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Celebrity Hairstyles For Women

Celebrity hairstyles for women are some of the fastest changing styles and hair in the world. It seems that almost every day popular hairstyles change. The only thing that changes faster than celebrity hairstyles is their clothing. Many women like to base their personal hairstyle on that of their favorite star. This helps keep regular women looking fresh and up-to-date.

Long hairstyles

One look that is popular for celebrity women is very long hair. These celebrity hairstyles are often achieved with hair extensions. The hair is basically sewn into existing hair to create a longer, healthier look to the hair. There are a few celebrities that have long hair without extensions but this is rarer. Usually the hair is placed into loose waves or in a loose ponytail. There are many different kinds of long styles from which to choose. There are at least three different magazines dedicated to the styling and production of long celebrity hairstyles.

Short hairstyles

Short hairstyles are also popular among celebrity women. Usually mothers and older ladies are the ones who chop off their hair. This is likely due to the time it takes to maintain a log style. It is easier to just have short hair in a busy life. Older ladies wear shorter hair as well because it looks better. Long hair tends to look stringy on older ladies. Bangs and curls are popular with short hair. Straight styles are popular as well. There are so many different celebrity short hairstyles that there is an option for every kind of hair.

Hair color

As long as hair dye has been around, celebrity women have dyed their hair. Blonde is always a popular color, as is red. Now the emphasis is on natural-looking hair. Celebrity women do not want their hair to look unnatural or like clown hair. Ladies will often dye their hair for different movie roles. However, other famous women choose to keep their hair more natural. Some women dye their hair to match their favorite celebrity, which can be fun and different.

Extreme hairstyles

One trend that seems to be popular right now among celebrity women is the trend of extreme hairstyles. Celebrity hairstyles have always been a little more extreme than every day hair, but these styles are even more exaggerated. One of the trends is famous women shaving their heads either part way or all the way. This statement hairstyle shows off facial structure. Another extreme style is the celebrities that dye their hair to a platinum blonde. This is often attempted by celebrities who have very dark hair to begin with. The deep red dye color is also popular with celebrity women. Some celebrity women have also started to go back to the styles of the 1980's with mullet-inspired hair.