Beyond Beauty Basics

Would You Wear Penis Print Pants?

StevenE — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:47:08 +0000

Of course, the mixed print pants have just become a trend now. Everyone is beginning to jump on the bandwagon, but would you consider wearing penis print pants? How about if I told you they cost $150? That sounds a little expensive to have a bunch of penises all over your leg, huh? Anyone? Anyone? Okay, so that was a bad joke.

Anyways, these pants actually exist and this should make for some very interesting talk at the next water cooler meeting with your fellow employees. If you want to find a pair of these pants, they go by the name of “Is that a cock or your legs?” If the original pair of penis print pants is just too bland for you, they also come in tie dye options as far as the background is concerned.

I want to know right now if anyone else out there wonders why these pants even exist. I mean, would you even be allowed to wear something like this out in public? Would you be allowed to wear it to work? What did the brainstorming session consist of that brought these pants to life? Either way, I don’t see these becoming a very popular pair of pants, but they do actually exist.

Trade in Those Flip Flops This Summer

StevenE — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:24:22 +0000

I think every lady out there needs to make a promise to herself right now: do not wear flip flops this summer unless you absolutely cannot get around it. In other words, you should only wear them while you are in a public shower or you are going to the beach. When going to the office or enjoying a night out on the town with your friends, you should leave the flip flops at home. Don’t take this the wrong way, because we definitely enjoy some open footwear on those torturous hot and humid days, but flip flops have the ability to almost instantly downgrade someone’s look. Not only that, but flip flops are extremely dangerous. I can’t tell you how many butts I have seen smack the ground because of flip flops.

Instead of sporting some flip flops this summer, why not wear T-strap sandals, instead? You will still have that open feeling that you love about flip flops, but you will have more support. Flip flops are unappealing, in my opinion, because it makes your foot look as if it has been cut in half. However, a T-strap sandal actually gives your foot a longer look and so do those nude-colored sandals.

If you want to be a little bit more covered, try wearing some gladiator type sandals. Those are perfect for just about any type of occasion you could imagine. Get rid of those boring flip flops and try something new.

Hairstyle Guru Vidal Sassoon Dies at 84

michaela — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:14:37 +0000

: Vidal Sassoon Dies at 84

Vidal Sassoon, founder of the hairstyling empire died Wednesday after battling leukemia at his home in Bel Air, California, according to his representatives.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his Wednesday death appeared natural, but no specific cause of death has been disclosed.

The famed British hairstylist rose to prominence in 1960s London where he made the “wedge” the must-have haircut.

The Vidal Sassoon brand is estimated to be worth about $150 million, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Fashion Smackdown Between Michelle Obama & Ann Romney Wardrobes

michaela — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:12:08 +0000

While the political rivals had a field day this week with Ann Romney’s nearly $1,000 blouse, it appears Ann Romney is not the only presidential candidate’s wife with expensive taste. Despite her penchant for more affordable clothing, First Lady Michelle Obama has quite a pricey wardrobe herself.

Ann Romney with presidential candidate husband Mitt Romney

From Balenciaga and Helmut Lang to Michael Kors and Marchesa, the first lady has been known to wear some big name, and expensive designer fashions. Last week alone, Mrs. Obama was scene in two different L’Wren Scott cardigans, with price tags between $2,000 and $3,000.

Last Thursday, Mrs. Obama wore the designer’s peach embroidered cardigan to a White House event, Take Your Child To Work Day. The very next day she wore similar piece, this one white with red to greet troops at Fort Stewart, in Georgia, with the president.

It should be noted, however, that Mrs. Obama is also well-known for boosting sales at the more affordable J. Crew and has been seen shopping at the discount store Target.

Tampa Bay Fashion Week Announces Deadline For Fashion Designers

michaela — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:18:18 +0000

Tampa Bay Fashion Week

Tampa Bay Fashion Week is now accepting applicants for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, featuring 2013 Spring/Summer Collections.

The deadline for all applications is June 1, 2012.

If you are interested in showing your collection at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2012, please e-mail designer@fashionweektampabay.com for application, registration and fees. Please be sure to provide your full name and website information so they may view your collection. Thank you!

Fashion Designers may request their application online now by visiting, www.FashionWeekTampaBay.com and clicking on the Designer tab.

Palatium – Special Mother’s Day Discount for Beyond Beauty Basics Readers

Beyond Beauty Basics — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:50:09 +0000

ThePalatium Product Line

The founders of Palatium say their new bath line is fit for royalty. And we do suspect that these elegantly fragrant oils and replenishing foams for bath might indeed be the perfect gift for those interested in making Mom feel like an empress for a day. After all, the name does derive from the Palatine Hill—the seat of many famous and infamous ruling women.

Palatium aims to recapture certain luxury aspects of the ancient Romans and Etruscans, for whom bathing was paramount. And what mother does not agree that this should be a part of her own regular ritual? Olive oil played a key role in Roman bathing. So it is no surprise that this line is made with a high-grade organic choice from Tuscany, which region is renowned for the quality of the olive oil it produces. The quality of this particular ingredient in the line can be felt to the touch with long-lasting results for the skin post-bath.

The high-grade oil enhances the quality of the scents in the mixture beautifully. Palatium’s three inaugural fragrances are inspired by scents native to the Mediterranean and Classical Italy. They were carefully crafted by master New York-based artisanal perfumer Rayda Vega, and include:

Arancia Dolce—Inspired by the sweet citrus of the orange groves lining seaside retreats from Cinque Terre to Amalfi. Top Note: Effervescent orange, grapefruit and lime zest. Mid Note: Lily of the valley, jasmine and orange blossom. Bottom Note: Cedarwood and gentle musk.

Fico Speziato—Based on the scent of fresh fig balanced by gentle spices from Jerusalem and Alexandria along the Eastern edges of the Mediterranean. Top Note: Fresh dew drops of rain and green notes from orange flower leaves. Mid Note: Magnolia, rose petals and jasmine. Bottom Note: Exotic woods and musk.

Mare Myrteus—Blends the elemental zest of a refreshing trade wind with spirited notes of Tyrrhenian myrtle berries. Top Note: Refreshing bergamot, sparkling lemon and cool, ocean air breezes. Mid Note: Floral jasmine and muguet blended with tangy ginger. Bottom Note: Blonde woods, amber and musk.

Palatium bath oil also includes other nourishing oils—such as organic soybean, jojoba and primrose—along with soothing vitamin E and organic green and white tea extracts. The replenishing foam was designed with a healthful combination of ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin C ester and flower extracts like soothing chamomile.

Palatium offers the gift of a luxurious experience for any mom who wishes to be treated to a royal experience. And through May 13, 2012, we are offering BeyondBeautyBasics readers a special discount of 40% off at www.thepalatium.com with the code “MDAYBBB,” courtesy of the brand. Enjoy!

Tampa Bay Fashion Week Seeks Fashion Designers for its Spring/Summer 2013 Show

Beyond Beauty Basics — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:46:29 +0000

Fashion designers looking to showcase their 2013 collection should do so before June 1, 2012 to be part of the high-fashion and artistic energy. Tampa Bay Fashion Week epitomizes the fashion scene inFlorida’s Bay Area with an annual event that celebratesTampaBay’s unique style. This event brings talented fashion and accessories designers to The Bay Area to showcase their work for local, regional and national retail buyers, boutique owners and consumers.

Mix, mingle and make industry connections with fashion designers, boutique owners, store managers, models, stylists, hair & make-up artists, talent/modeling agents, fashion media and bloggers, photographers, fashion show producers and more!

Request your application online now by visiting FashionWeekTampaBay.com and clicking on the Designer tab.

Marc Jacobs collaborating with Sephora for new Make-Up Line

Beyond Beauty Basics — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:27:34 +0000

News that Marc Jacobs had his first meeting with make-up giant Sephora to create his debut make-up line has the internet buzzing! This seems to be the direction for the revered designer who has already dabbled in 10 different colorful perfumes including Daisy, Lola, and his forthcoming scent Dot set for a Summer launch.

“Anything to me that is part of the joy, the ritual, of getting dressed — things that women enjoy like bags, shoes, fragrance, clothes, makeup — that’s what fashion’s about for me,” said Jacobs, during an exclusive interview for his newest scent, Dot, which will be launched by Coty Prestige in July. “I love the opportunity, wherever there is one, to adorn, to decorate, to scent, to dress. That’s what fashion’s all about. It’s not necessary, it’s something you want — it’s a fancy and a whim.”

You may recall when another famous designer, Tom Ford first dabbled into make-up and the collection as grown to be a favorite among young fashionistas.

Marc Jacobs collaborating with Sephora

Hairstyle Trends for Spring and Summer

Beyond Beauty Basics — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:19:51 +0000

Watching the hairstyles that models sport on the runway can be intimidating during some seasons, but for spring and summer 2012, high fashion hairdos have become a bit more accessible for the majority of women. Wearable hairstyle trends get a big welcome from celebrities, too, because they know they won’t have to go through major fuss and trouble to get their hair looking hot on the red carpet.

Currently popular and always easy, the ponytail has been spotted everywhere from Fashion Week to the Academy Awards. The basic, simple style can stay chic and low-key, or get glammed up with accessories and unique hair shaping. Tightly slicked back hair with a ponytail that sits high on the head makes for a trendy look with the added bonus of a facelift effect. The ponytail becomes fancier and more glamorous when the hair is divided and clipped into different sections on the back of the head and then gathered together into one ponytail right above the neck. While stylists and designers mainly choose sleek, neat ponytails, the more casual messy look has not gone completely out of style.

Hair ornaments and adornments have also stepped to the fashion forefront for 2012. Accessories run the gamut from rhinestone-encrusted clips to ’80s-inspired scrunchies. Choose the look you want and accessorize your hairstyle at will.

A variation on the gathered ponytail style that’s been spotted for S/S ’12 is the big, bold braid down the back of the head. Fergie loves the look, and, as usual, has been at the forefront of fashion by sporting braided styles for several years. Braids have as much or more versatility as ponytails, and can sit high on the head or start lower down. French braids in a variety of looks remain popular. For a unique, Bohemian look, ribbons can be woven into the braids and hang down below the ends of the hair. Like ponytails, braided hairstyles lend themselves to an abundance of accessories.

The side part is another simple way to display hairstyle savvy in S/S ’12. This rings especially true for women who don’t usually wear their hair parted on the side. For a new and different look, a part that’s far to the side rather than close to the middle lends drama and a hint of mystery. Adding a side part to a ponytail style gives it an extra touch of sophistication.

When women let down their hair for S/S ’12, straight and stringy is out, and glamorous and wavy is in. The elegant blowout has been seen strutting down the catwalk and the red carpet. Celebs like Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Lopez fluff out their long locks for maximum hair appeal.

Whatever style you go with, remember that glamor and drama rule this spring and summer.

2012 CFDA announces fashion awards nominees and honorees

Beyond Beauty Basics — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:41:19 +0000

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced the nominees, honorees and host for the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards at the studio of designer President Diane von Furstenberg on March 14, 2012

The 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards will be hosted by head writer and anchor of Saturday Night Live, Seth Meyers and will be part of a yearlong celebration of the CFDA’s 50^th Anniversary. The Awards will take place on Monday, June 4^th 2012 at the Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on Broadway New York.

Von Furstenberg started the proceedings by thanking Nadja and Swarovski for their continued support of American fashion. Von Furstenberg and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb then made the announcements of nominees and honorees.

“This year, as we celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the CFDA, we can see what a critical role the CFDA Fashion Awards continue to play in our efforts to promote American Fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO. “This year’s nominees truly represent the important influence of American design. We look forward to once again honoring the best and brightest talent working today. Winning a CFDA Fashion Award is the highest and one of the most coveted honors one can receive in our industry. All of this is made possible by the long-time support of Swarovski.”

The Fashion Icon Award will be given to Johnny Depp, the first male recipient to receive the award, for his personal and eclectic sense of style.

The Founders Award, given in honor of CFDA founder Eleanor Lambert who is widely credited with putting American fashion on the map, will go to Andrew Rosen.

The International Award will go to Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons for making an outstanding creative contribution to the world of fashion.

The nominees are as follows:

Womenswear Designer of the Year Award are Hollywood’s bubbly star twins Ashley Olsen & Mary-Kate Olsen for The Row, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, and Marc Jacobs.

Menswear Designer of the Year nominees are: Billy Reid, Patrik Ervell, and Simon Spurr.

Accessory Designer of the Year Award the nominees are: Alexander Wang, Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, and Reed Krakoff.

Swarovski Award for Womenswear Chris Peters & Shane Gabier for Creatures of the Wind, Joseph Altuzarra, and Max Osterweis & Erin Beatty for Suno .

Swarovski Award for Menswear are Antonio Azzuolo, Phillip Lim, and Todd Snyder.

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design, the nominees are Irene Neuwirth, Pamela Love, and Tabitha Simmons.

The Swarovski Award recipients in each category will receive generous financial support from Swarovski as well as exposure to the company’s vast and innovative Swarovski crystal resources.

The honorary awards go to a diverse group of people. The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the fiercely independent, four-time CFDA Fashion Award winner, will be presented to Tommy Hilfiger.

The Media Award, given in honor of Eugenia Sheppard, the influential journalist who revolutionized fashion reporting with her reports in the New York City Herald Tribune, will be given to Scott Schuman & Garance Doré.

The yearlong celebration of the CFDA’s 50^th Anniversary kicked off in February with the exhibition opening at the Museum at F.I.T. titled IMPACT: Fifty Years of the CFDA and the companion book IMPACT: 50 Years of the Council of Fashion Designers of America which explores the impact ofAmerica’s most influential designers over the last five decades.

“This year, Swarovski is proud to celebrate the 11th anniversary of our partnership with the CFDA Fashion Awards,” said Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Executive Board, Swarovski Crystal Business. “Each of this year’s nominees is truly an industry leader and part of the new generation of American talent. In particular, we are immensely delighted with the nominees for the Swarovski Awards who are exceptionally talented and extraordinarily creative.”

Nominations for each award category are submitted by the CFDA Fashion Awards Selection Committee, made up of the 400+ members of the CFDA, along with top fashion retailers, journalists, and stylists. The nominees, as well as recipients of the honorary awards, were confirmed yesterday at a meeting of the CFDA Board of Directors.

The final votes will be tabulated by Ernst & Young LLP, the official accounting firm of the 2012 CFDA Fashion Awards.

CFDA Fashion Awards 2012