Fashion

Does anyone else get stuck in a manicure rut?  Without fail, I’m short/ squared-off/ red.  When I want something low-maintenance, I’ll ask for a high-shine buff in lieu of polish, but that’s the extent of my experimentation.  And while I’m happy with the short/ squared-off part, I’d love to try a different nail color this Spring.  Don’t get me wrong- I’ll always love my red (particularly OPI The Thrill of Brazil and Sally Hansen Diamonds & Rubies), but I’m getting too predictable.  Time to shake it up!

Of course, I’ve made this resolution before.  Last Fall I was drooling over dramatic shades of black, indigo, and dark purple.  Here in LA, that’s what all the coolest fashionistas were sporting (including What Not To Wear’s Stacy London when I met her in January), so obviously I wanted to try it.  Unfortunately, I never found the shade that felt right for me, and now that it’s March, I’m moving on to the current trend.

Everyone is showing bold, fun colors for Spring- unexpected hues that are feminine without being prissy. That sounds attainable, so I ought to be able to rock that look.  I just need the right color!  I’m loving the minty greens that are so hot right now and adore the China Glaze Grape Pop that Sarah-Jean tried.  But for my first foray into Other-Than-Red territory, a baby step might make more sense…

How about OPI Do You Lilac It? Has anyone tried it?  If so, I’d love feedback.  Or have you discovered a different shade that you can’t wait to wear all Spring?  Suggestions, please!  I’m bored with always wearing red…

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

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When it comes to makeup, “shimmer” is a scary word.  Okay, there was a time in my life when I would have raved about shimmer eye shadow and called it indispensable.  But I would have said the same thing about Blow Pops.  Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m cultivating a more sophisticated style, and shimmer just doesn’t seem to fit in.

So you can imagine the concern I felt at The LA Makeup Show last weekend when I realized that everyone is showing shimmer.  Maybe it’s just because we’re heading into Spring, but there’s no denying that it’s a huge, huge look right now.  So I set about to discover whether it’s possible to wear this trend in an understated, refined way.  Here’s what I found:

• The biggest problem with shimmer is that it can look heavy and has a tendency to settle and clump.  Use a primer (like Smashbox Anti-Shine) to keep the shadow from traveling around your eyelid and creating an overwhelming, ready-for-Mardi Gras effect.
• Apply a little at a time and blend carefully to avoid a glittery finish.
• When in doubt, choose shades that are close to your own skin tone- there’s a lot of pretty pink, brown, gold, and beige available.
• Give your everyday look some added oomph by wearing a touch of shimmer with your matte shadows.

Despite my shimmer aversion, one product really wowed me.  Inglot AMC Pure Pigments are loose eye shadows with impressively gorgeous blending power.  The soft, natural finish completely won me over, and with a huge range of color options, I was able to find several shades I loved.  But here’s the bad news: Building on their huge success in Europe, Inglot is just beginning to put down roots on this side of the Atlantic.  Currently, their only US outpost is in Times Square, so many of us will have to wait to really get into this awesome product.  If you’re in Manhattan, though, do yourself a favor and swing by Inglot!

For a more accessible shimmer option, I recommend checking out Mineral Essence.  ME manufactures with a unique, triple-milled process that gives their shadows a soft, pretty finish.  And they have some famous fans!  Michelle Obama even wore ME Merlot at the Inaugural Ball.  So I suppose that if shimmer works at formal affairs of state, I can find a little room for it in my makeup routine as well.

What about you?  Do you love a dash of shimmer or are you shimmer-phobic like me?

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

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At the LA Makeup Show last weekend, one thing was clear: mineral makeup is more than a fad.  It’s already taken over a significant share of the market, and all signs indicate that it will keep growing.  So what’s the big deal?  Well, traditionally makeup contains some type of petroleum dye, which is what gives it color.  As unappealing as that sounds, we’ve all worn it- me, you, your mom, your grandmother- everyone who’s worn makeup has worn some pretty unnatural substances.

But a lot of people want a more natural alternative, which is where mineral makeup comes in.  It replaces petroleum dye with natural pigments, aka minerals.  As an added bonus, the minerals are naturally reflective and give skin a radiant boost.  Some people claim they also act as a natural sunscreen, but the jury’s still out on that one.

Of course, mineral makeup has its problems, too.  The standard complaint is that it’s heavy and cakey and has a tendency to settle into fine lines.  People with darker complexions also complain about ashy undertones.  Recent innovations in manufacturing have gone a long way towards correcting these issues, which is why we’ve seen such a huge explosion of new brands.  However, it’s important to be aware that there are no regulated guidelines for mineral makeup. Although a lot of the new mineral makeup brands are manufactured without chemicals, any product that contains a certain amount of minerals can be marketed as “mineral makeup,” even if it also contains chemical fillers and preservatives. So if you’re attracted to mineral makeup because of its organic aura, read the label and make sure you know what you’re getting.

A couple of products that caught my eye:

Favorite Powder Foundation = Youngblood Natural Mineral Foundation

If your complexion tends to be oily, or if you generally prefer powder formulations, this is a good option thanks to its smooth application and excellent coverage.  I watched a makeup artist apply this on a woman with an oily complexion, and it made an immediate difference. ($38)

Favorite Concealer = Mineral Essence Cover ME Duo

An innovative double-sided pencil- one end with darker concealer for covering flaws, one end lighter for tackling under eye circles.  It provides amazing coverage and is easy to use (either with your fingers or with a concealer brush).  My only criticism is that it’s a tad bit dry- especially for those who have dry skin or just favor a lighter, dewier look.  I think that could be easily resolved, though, by mixing in a little primer or even a light moisturizer. ($25)

Favorite Tinted Moisturizer = Youngblood Mineral Radiance Tints

This was my favorite foundation product from the entire show.  It has a very dewy finish, so if you tend to be oily, you probably won’t like it.  Since my complexion is a little dry, I loved it.  I definitely noticed a radiant sheen that is a welcome boost for tired skin.  The price is about 60% higher than the tinted moisturizer I currently use, but the finish is so pretty that I’m strongly considering making the switch.  ($39.50)

If mineral makeup intrigues you and you want to try it without making a huge commitment, I recommend checking out the Mineral Essence line- particularly the eye shadows.  They’re accessibly priced with lovely color options (similar to Stila with lots of pretty pastels).  Because Mineral Essence uses a unique, triple-milled process, the shadows apply very evenly.  That eliminates the weird caking factor of mineral makeup and should make it easy to mix in with whatever you’re currently using.

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

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I attended the LA Makeup Show last weekend, which was a great experience.  Imagine Sephora with no rules, and you’ll have a good picture of the size of the event and the number of cool items available.  Naturally, I have a lot to share about specific trends, but at the moment I want to focus on one line that particularly caught my eye.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics stands out for its 100% cruelty-free, 100% vegan pledge.  That really is a big deal.  Even now that many major companies have steered away from animal testing, animal byproducts like beeswax and carmine are still commonly found in makeup.  There are a few other products manufactured to vegan standards, but since OCC has made this commitment so central to their brand, it’s a great choice if animal welfare is a top priority for you.  Likewise, their products make thoughtful, original gifts for veggie-conscious friends.

Originally, OCC was designed primarily with professional makeup artists in mind, so their skin foundations rely on airbrush application.  Obviously, that’s not happening for most of us, so I zeroed in on their bold, pretty color.  Check out my two favorite products:

Lip Tar

I’ve never seen a product quite like this.  It has very dense pigment but without the uncomfortable, dry caking that typically goes hand in hand with bold lips.  The application almost feels like lip balm, and it has a subtly glistening finish.

I found it had great staying power with no “creeping.”  There’s a nice range of colors available and because the consistency allows for seamless blending, you can combine colors to customize your shade.

It’s well-priced at $12.50 and a fabulous find for makeup junkies.

Nail Lacquer

These are definitely lacquers rather than polishes, so keep in mind that the coverage is slightly sheer.  They have a very smooth application and dry fast.

OCC offers a pretty diversity of color options, and at $8, this item is a particularly excellent gift for any vegan or PETA-friendly friends.  It will definitely make its way into my gift rotation this year!

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

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I’ve seen a lot of stars stepping out in sheer ensembles lately, so this is obviously a trend.  Generally speaking, I consider “sheer” just a nice way of saying “see-through,” which is a big NO in my book.  However, here’s one star who got the look right- Kate Winslet at this weekend’s BAFTAs (the UK version of the Oscars).

A couple of reasons I like this:

• The sheer panels are lace, which cuts down on the see-through factor.
• There’s a minimal amount of sheer.
• It’s not a gratuitous flash of skin because it actually serves a design function by creating that uber-flattering V-shape at her waist.
• The rest of her ensemble is very simple.

Overall, it’s gorgeous, which is just what we’d expect from Ms. Winslet.  So in real life, is it possible to wear this trend with that level of style and poise and none of the tackiness that normally accompanies sheer clothing?

The easiest way to incorporate it is to wear a sheer top with a camisole underneath.  Depending on the top, you can have fun with this look by changing up your camisoles.  For example, with the BCBG top below, you can keep it simple by pairing it with a neutral camisole.  Then, for sassier occasions, you can add visual interest with a black lace cami.

BCBGeneration sheer turtleneck ($58 marked to $29) with Old Navy V-neck camisole in Lead Pipe (top, $10.50 marked to $5), Maidenform camisole ($18 at Macys.com)

If you’re wearing something light or patterned like the flounce tbd lace blouse below, pair it with a cami that’s close to your own skin tone for the most sophisticated look.

flounce tbd lace blouse ($48 at Nordstrom.com) with Jockey camisole ($32 at Macys.com)

If you’re in the market for something more daring, consider adding sheer to an unexpected area: your back.  This look allows you to show some skin without feeling inappropriately revealing.  It also lends a hint of smoldering sex appeal to a sometimes-forgotten area of your body.

L to R: flounce tbd lace trim tank ($48 at Nordstrom.com), Express lace-back dolman blouse ($49.50)

A key reason both of these blouses work?  Neither one is tight. You know the drill- if you’re adding one sexy element to your outfit, keep everything else subdued.  As a clever, older lady I know says, “No need to give away the store.”

So what do you think about this trend, ladies?  How do you feel about sporting something sheer?

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com and a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

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I still have a bit more to share about meeting What Not to Wear’s Stacy and Clinton at the Discovery Communications 25^th anniversary gala, which tells you just how gracious, charming, and generous they were.

Our conversation focused on how today’s busy woman can maintain a stylish look and how important it is to do so.  Fans of WNTW know that Stacy and Clinton view style as a means for women to take control of their lives, and we can all benefit from this empowering message.  After all, we can’t always control how long we wait at the pediatrician’s office, how much unexpected car repairs cost, or how many hours a frustrating work project takes, but we can certainly make sure we look good while we’re dealing with it!

Stacy was adamant that investing in yourself is really about time, not money.  Since time is in short supply for most of us, a few simple guidelines can help you make the most of the moments you spend thinking about style.  We’ve been talking about Clinton’s 4 Items That Don’t Belong In Your Closet, and here are the final two:

Item #3 That Doesn’t Belong In Your Closet = MOM Jeans

So it’s a common enough phrase, but what exactly makes something a MOM jean?  It’s kind of like the old joke about pornography- you know it when you see it.  Remember Jessica Simpson’s high-waisted disaster from last summer?

from ExtraTV.com

She’s taken such a beating for this look, so I’m not going to criticize her (much) here.  But seriously, if those jeans can make someone so pretty look like that, I don’t want any part of them.

The waist is the major problem, but those oversized envelope pockets (which might as well be pleats, aesthetically speaking) don’t help.  And the way the legs are tapered wouldn’t do anyone’s thighs any favors.

Instead, Clinton recommends jeans with the following characteristics:

• Mid-rise, which hits at a universally flattering point
• Dark wash- not only flattering but also polished and chic
• A bit of stretch (to keep things clean and tailored)
• Either a straight leg or bootcut, classic silhouettes that look both modern and timeless

Of course, there are thousands of jeans in the world, and if you want to find the right ones, you’ve got to try, try, try.  On WNTW, participants sometimes try on 25 pairs before finding the right ones, but it is so worth it.  We all know how fabulous our favorite jeans feel, and the confidence and comfort we have while wearing them.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Bootcut Jeans ($59.50 at Nordstrom.com)

So follow Stacy and Clinton’s instructions, and give yourself the gift of time.  They specifically recommended three hours a month- just three hours away from kids, jobs, and other responsibilities.  Three hours are attainable, and they’re all you need to find that perfect pair of jeans.  Because I know we all love shopping online (believe me, I LOVE shopping online), but for this mission there’s no substitute for the dressing room.

In order to maximize your shopping trip, though, you can definitely go online for information about specific brands, cuts, etc.  FH’s own Jaime exhaustively covers this topic on her blog Denim Debutante, so read up and shop prepared!

And…

Item #4 That Doesn’t Belong in Your Closet = Sneakers

Okay, obviously we all need sneakers for certain occasions.  But Clinton says think twice before wearing them outside the gym.  His easy substitutions?

• A great flat for anytime
• A sandal for summer
• A boot for winter

That’s it!  Three shoes and you’re ready to take on the world!  And if you’re ever wavering (as I was this weekend), thinking, “Well, I’m just dashing to the store so my running shoes are fine,” remember that Clinton calls that look “Richard Simmons”.

Now, I have such a soft spot for Richard Simmons, who truly has been a fitness pioneer, but no.  None of us need to copy his style.

Just a sampling of the more polished options Clinton suggests, in neutral colors and classic styles that can be worn for many years (and all on sale!):

L to R: Joan and David Ashling ballet flats ($179.95 to $98.97 at Endless.com), B2 by Bernardo Rita sandals ($65 to $19.99), Aerosoles Archive boots ($99.95 to $44.99 at OnlineShoes.com)

L to R: Seychelles Square Dance flats ($80 to $39.99 at Piperlime.com), Donald Pliner Kim slide sandals ($275 to $100), Wanted Turbo boots ($79.99 to $39.90 at Endless.com)

Many, many thanks to Stacy and Clinton for such wonderful tips!  And if (like me!) you can’t get enough, remember to watch the new season of What Not To Wear, Friday nights on TLC!

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.

RS image from xomba.com.

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Even on my worst, whiniest days, I have to admit that I’m really a lucky woman.  I just can’t complain that much, considering that my husband has a generous heart and likes giving presents.  As Valentine’s Day approaches, he always starts hinting that he’d like to know what I want.  But since I have a deep-seated aversion to clutter and excess, I have a very hard time telling him.  That’s just the way it is.  He’s the romantic one, while I’m as sensible as a bran muffin.

But not this year.  This year, I know exactly what I want.

If you’ve never used Clarins’ “Relax” Bath and Shower Concentrate, here’s all you need to know:  Best.  Bath Oil.  Ever.

With its lovely blend of herbal extracts, including camomile, St. John’s wort, and valerian, it’s truly the most relaxing bath product I’ve ever used.  In fact, I feel so tranquil when I’m soaking in it that I have to severely limit my wine consumption, for fear that I might drown in the tub and turn into some awful, cautionary tale.  (Not the worst way to go, but I don’t want my nieces and nephews to remember me as their “kooky aunt who tragically mixed bubble bath and Sauvignon Blanc.”)

Like I said, though, I am very sensible, so Relax Bath’s somewhat splurge-y $28 price tag keeps me from indulging in this treat as much as I’d like.  But for Valentine’s Day?  Feel free to treat me, Mister!

In fact, Relax Bath makes a wonderful gift for all kinds of people and occasions, since it hits the perfect balance of being special, yet not too specific or personal.  I think anyone who likes taking baths would LOVE it!

Relax Bath is available via Clarins’ website, as well as at Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, and Amazon.  Happy Soaking!

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.  

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So I was telling you about meeting What Not To Wear’s Stacy and Clinton at the Discovery Communications’ 25^th anniversary gala.  Despite being overwhelmed with eager admirers and reporters, they took time to speak directly to FH readers.

We had a fabulous conversation about the stresses women face and how someone can empower herself by taking control of her style.  Stacy expressed it like this: You should think of yourself as a snowflake.  No one else has your eyes, your hair, your features, and your personality. Of course, at the end of a long day (or the start of a long one), a lot of us don’t feel like delicate snowflakes.  But you know, when I think of the way I can stare at my nieces and nephews, they all seem like snowflakes to me- totally unique, precious, and irreplaceable.  I can only imagine how overwhelming that feeling must be when you’re watching your own children!  And at some point in our lives, someone’s felt that way about each of us, probably more times than we could guess.  So I think hanging onto a little of that feeling can help us treat ourselves like the unique, special snowflakes Stacy described, and that’s crucial to making your style a priority.

If you watch WNTW, you know that this idea is integral to the whole approach.  Unlike a lot of the “makeover” show imitators that just slap a new outfit on a woman and send her back out into the world, Stacy and Clinton help each participant craft a message with her clothing.  In fact, many of the women who appear on WNTW go on to make big life changes- everything from ending a destructive relationship to going after a dream job.  It all starts with a great, new look!

Naturally, if you want to create that great look, you’ve got to have the right building blocks, and you have to make room for those building blocks by clearing out the pieces that aren’t doing your wardrobe any favors.  In the last post, we started talking about Clinton’s 4 Items That Don’t Belong in Your Closet.  Here’s #2:

Item #2 That Doesn’t Belong in Your Closet = Tee-Shirts

Wow.  This is a tough one.  Tees are staples for the gym, and can’t they transition to other areas of your life?  Personally, I use them as layering pieces, and since you can often buy them for $5 a piece at Old Navy, why not?  Still, there’s no denying Clinton’s point when he says that a blouse is more polished.  Now, I know the word “blouse” has a “Great Grandmama’s bridge party” connotation, but Clinton just described it as something with structure, maybe darts.  At its most basic, a blouse is an item that is likely to keep its shape after multiple wears.  (Sorry Old Navy tees, but you know that doesn’t apply to you.)

You might prefer bright colors or neutrals or patterns, but in general it’s a good idea to own some variety.  Different necklines are great, too, but even casual viewers of WNTW know how much Stacy and Clinton LOVE V-necks, which elongate and flatter many figures.  I put together a selection of blouses I like, and there’s a bonus- everything below costs less than a pedicure (and I’m not just talking about the “treat yourself” kind from a spa, but even the cheap kind you get at the spur-of-the-moment)!

L to R: JM Collection printed top ($46.00 to $27.60), Style & Co. printed top ($14.98), Style & Co. printed top ($14.98)

L to R: AGB scoopneck top ($44.00 to $24.20), Talbots Starburst blouse ($79.00 to $29.99), Worthington blouse ($30.00 to $17.99)

L to R: Worthington wrap top ($36.00 to $21.99), Merona smocked hem top ($17.99), Newport News sash-tie blouse ($39.00 to $19.00)

L to R: east 5th ruched blouse ($30.00 to $14.99), Victoria’s Secret V-neck top ($28.00), Mossimo Cascade top ($19.99)

Next, Clinton’s last two Items that Don’t Belong in Your Closet…

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.

Enter to win the limited edition Kiss, Kiss Pendant at the Zina Beverly Hills blog!

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Well, I can go ahead and slack off for the rest of 2010 because I have already had a fabulous experience.  I recently attended the Discovery Communications’ 25^th anniversary gala, where I saw many familiar faces from the Discovery networks.  Everyone from the Pitmasters to the stars of Little People, Big World were wandering about- snacking on cool creations from the Future Food chefs and admiring giraffes from Animal Planet.  I don’t have to tell you who the biggest attractions were.  Despite being inundated with reporters, though, What Not to Wear’s Stacy and Clinton took time to speak directly to FH readers.  I am pleased to tell you that they are both just as charming, funny, and gracious as you could hope, and we talked about a subject that is near-and-dear to my heart.

See, I have this theory that one time back in the 70s there was this woman who ran her own corporation and had an amazing marriage.  She had at least five kids, who all grew up to be thoughtful, kind, successful adults, and she always had time for all of them.  In her spare time, she founded a nonprofit and learned how to cook perfectly spiced Italian food.  Oh, and she was also gorgeous and witty and had an incredible sense of style.  And this woman completely screwed it up for the rest of us by creating the myth of “having it all.”  Now we all think we’re supposed to “have it all,” but I’ve never met anyone who does!  No, I’m pretty sure that woman is an urban legend. In reality, we all make choices, which means we make sacrifices.  And for too many women, the go-to sacrifice is “me.”

If you watch WNTW, you’ve probably heard Stacy talk about style being a means for women to take control over their lives.  It’s this philosophy that totally separates WNTW from the numerous “makeover” show imitators.  I talked to Stacy and Clinton about how hard it is for women who feel pulled in so many directions to put themselves on the to-do list.  Stacy was adamant that investing in yourself is really about time, not money. Clinton agreed, suggesting that women find a few hours a month and do something for themselves.  He particularly stressed going shopping- even if you don’t buy anything.  Just taking time to try on clothes you like reinforces the idea that you are a priority, and with all the responsibilities women juggle these days, it’s way too easy to lose sight of that.

Those who closely follow Clinton may have heard him talk about the 4 Items That Don’t Belong in Your Closet.  He and I discussed them in depth, so I thought it would be fun to review them here.

Item #1 That Doesn’t Belong in Your Closet = Hoodie

Yes, I know.  A lot of people really love hoodies.  But think hard.  Can you ever remember seeing someone in a hoodie and remarking, “Wow, that’s a great look!”  Me neither.  Clinton recommends a nice jacket instead, something with structure and shape. Now, I know that anyone who already feels stressed and strapped doesn’t want to run out and buy new clothes, but just check out what you can get for the cost of two bottles of (not even spectacular) wine.

Jackets for

L to R: Gap cropped jacket in Navy ($69.50 to $34.99), Chadwicks tux blazer ($49.99 to $29.99), Old Navy distressed denim jacket ($34.50)

L to R: Charter Club printed corduroy jacket ($69.00 to $39.99), Lands End stretch twill jacket ($69.50 to $39.99)

And here’s what you can get for less than dinner and a movie.

Jackets for

L to R: Ann Taylor Loft casual anorak ($69.50), Ann Taylor Loft white denim jacket ($69.50), NY & Co. linen blend jacket ($59.95)

If you’re willing and able to spend more, there are tons of good options.  For anyone in that position, I recommend something like this:

Marc New York brown leather jacket ($274.49 at Bluefly.com)

Obviously, that’s a bigger commitment, but investing in a few timeless pieces is a great way to make yourself a priority.  And according to Stacy and Clinton, it’s a must for 30-something women who are transitioning their style!

Next up, Item #2 That Doesn’t Belong in Your Closet…

Lucie Amberg is the Director of ZinaBeverlyHills.com.

Enter to win the limited edition Kiss, Kiss Pendant at the Zina Beverly Hills blog!

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