Contest! Diamonds, diamonds!

!CONTESTS!
Because who doesn't love freebies?!?A beautiful twist on the eternity ring. Three Helen Ficalora diamond rings worth $3,500 each will be given away. I'm definitely trying my luck! No purchase necessary. Gollum not included.

Click here to enter sweepstakes

Fashion History 101: Coco Chanel

FASHION and HISTORY


Chanel - one of the most elegant brand and logo in fashion. Even the name rolls with elegant ease off the tongue. Before the name was known the world over as a fashion giant, Chanel was a woman. A woman who once said "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance." With a motto like this, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel gave birth to the concept of the little black dress.


Coco Chanel was born in August 19, 1883. Like most women who have started to age, she would give people a birth year 10 years later. Her beginnings were very humble - Chanel greeted the world in a poorhouse.

Her first designs were those of hats, more hobby than a full time profession. Apparently her genius was there from the very beginning for this hobby caught the attention of a Parisian elite. The discovery opened French doors for Coco Chanel. A string of romances with wealthy men didn't hurt her career either.

Coco's style was simple elegance all throughout her career. She wrote off the corset and replaced it with simple suits and dresses, women's trousers and the like.

Women all over the world agree with her motto of simple elegance. Agree so much that the madame is the only person from the fashion industry included in Time's 100 most influential person of the 20th century.

Her designs never have and never will go out of style the same way a single white rose is beautiful in the eye of all beholders.


“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- Coco Chanel

Ladies, it's link time!

FABULOUS LINKS


Fashion icon Chloe Sevigny rocks Elle - Where the Lights End

Wanna smell Paris Hilton's mom? - Delicious Scent

Skinny mermaid Keira Knightley - Celebrity Body Gossip

Buy unique fashion pieces wholesale - Diva Boutiques

Wardrobe update suggestions

FASHION

Harper's Bazaar staff has put on their styling thinking cap to come up with a list of wardrobe suggestions to help you update your look. I put together a list of my favorites:

Is this pair pretty or is it very pretty? Tod's flats - $425.00



Now here's an example of a wardrobe piece that a woman can put on when she's feeling her most frumpy and, voila, an instant finished and elegant look with minimal effort. A classic Ralph Lauren coat you'll love year after year.


Stand out from the rest of the ladies at the office. Be known as the put together woman with the striking colored footwear. It's too easy and safe to blend in. Look down from your work once in a while and let colored shoes brighten your mood.
Dolce & Gabbana - $475.00
Sigerson Morrison - $395.00
Michael Michael Kors - $98.00

Another designer baby!

GOSSIP


Angie's on the cover of the latest OK! issue. The magazine reports the sexiest woman alive is expecting baby number 2 with the sexiest man alive. The Pitt-Jolie clan is collecting babies like Imelda Marcos did shoes, aren't they?

Site on hold...back tomorrow Wednesday Jan 30!

DRAMA

My friend David. Yeah, you'd be smiling too if you lived through this wreck!
Nary a scratch at that.

Fashion and Drama will be back in action tomorrow Wednesday January 30.

A car accident involved 2 close friends. They came out of it unharmed, thank God! Now with a car deemed a total wreck, they had to be chauffeured around by yours truly.

See you tomorrow, loyal readers! This whole car accident drama got me thinking on the temporal state of our lives and I've decided to work better on the things I love to do, writing being top of that list!

Fashion and Drama will be back and better than ever!

Thank you for your continued patronage (and good taste!).

xxx ooo,
D

A vending machine like no other

NEWS


It looks like your average vending machine (save for the lack of products displayed) but there is no vending machine in the whole universe that dispenses what this does.

Can you take a guess?

A-) Used panties (Japan already does that. Uh-huh. Pretty gross, eh?)

B-) Used condoms. New condoms. At random.

C-) More or less money for your money. It's a gamble!

D-) Signed Paris Hilton CDs (Yes she can write her own name. Leave her alone!)

E-) Medical Marijuana

F-) Fake IDs

Watch this video to find out!

Paris Fashion Wreck

FASHION and GOSSIP


Dita Von Teese, Claudio Schiffer and Mrs Bechham at Paris Fashion Week.

This is a few days old but I had to post it. These ladies have money and fashion stylists they can pull out of a Bottega Veneta bag if they were ever so inclined. Yet looking at this photo why don't I feel I want to look like them? Shades indoors when the other girls have shades indoors make them look like moronic clones of each other. And aren't they supposed to be seeing the clothes? Tres ridicule!

An artist working amidst poverty and Brazil's shit

ART


The graffiti works of Brazilian artist Zezao, or Titifreak to his fans, is known around the world. He has also worked for Nike and can be seen wearing Nike trainers stamped with his name.

Zezao's latest endeavor is not one easily seen by the world however. BBC reports the artist has started work in San Paolo's sewers. A dangerous task that required several vaccination shots.

His reason to work on this disgusting canvas? "I did this work because I wanted to show the architecture and the conditions of tunnels of Sao Paulo, which is this - degradation, rubbish - everything that the rain brings."

As for the medium that got him famous, beautiful graffiti works are sometimes painted on upon orders of the city. It's not just the ugly writings on the wall that has met some disapproval from the public.

Sao Paolo's Museum of Contemporary Arts, however, displays works of graffiti artists.

I love how the museum's director, Lisbeth Gonvalves, shed some light about this matter,
"If you in fact meet a great artist doing a work of art in your home you would take great care of it. But because it is an anonymous piece of work, people feel a bit hostile about it being on a wall in a public place, but this part of urban life."

Click here to read full story

Contest! NY Fashion week passes and goodies

!CONTESTS!
Because who doesn't love freebies?!?


Top Button is giving away two NY Fashion Week backstage passes plus two $400 beauty gift bags from Beauty.com

Click here to enter sweepstakes

Charlize Theron going to Harvard!?!

GOSSIP


Charlize Theron is going to Harvard. No, not to study. She's a perfect human being not a deity (although close enough). OK! Magazine reports the actress along with Christopher Walken will be honored at the most amazing institution in the universe with a silly sounding award, the Hasty Pudding.

The award started in 1967 by a theatrical group of the same name. Actors who made "lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment" are given the HP honor.

Extra:
Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the "Hastiest Pudding" of them all? Why, Paris Hilton is the pudding queen! The socialite is set to receive the Hastiest Pudding of the Lampoon Award.

No, not for the sex tape. I think she lost that one.

Ladies, it's link time!

FABULOUS LINKS

Britney Spears re-launches uber successful Curious scent - Delicious Scent

Jessica Alba has baby + milk nightmares - Celebrity Body Gossip

Amazing earrings to impress the bosses (or potential bosses) - Popsugar

Hillary Duff is glowing pretty - Egotastic

Lauren Conrad is looking cute and chic with a cute and chic Chanel purse - Just Jared

Supermodel countdown: Sexy, Sexier, Sexiest

FASHION and SUPERMODELS

Not all supermodels are rail thin waifs who just need to be fed a box of Krispy Kreme donuts lest they die of hunger. Some of the most successful beauties are very much healthy and full-bodied. Models.com put together a countdown of the top 5 sexiest of the sexy bunch:

#5 Karolina Kurkova - Czech-born Victoria's Secret angel

"The proportions of her body and her face, as well as her energy level, make her a model who could fit almost into any moment." - Mario Testino

"She has an angelic look with a dark side, she's sweet and fun but looks like she could be an evil bewitching child." - Marc Jacobs



#4 Tyra Banks - Supermodel turned TV host and producer of world-famous franchise America's Next Top Model

"Black women have always been these vixens, these animalistic erotic women. Why can't we just be the sexy American girl next door?" - Tyra

"I wanted to be more of a business woman. I wanted to take this name I had made for myself and take to the next level."- Tyra



#3 Adriana Lima - Brazilian native discovered at a mall when she was 13, won Brazil's Ford Supermodel of the World Search and proceeded to grab countless campaigns from blue chip companies

"When I help someone, I lose 0.01% of my ego." - Adriana on her charity work

"Sex is for after marriage. They (men) have to respect that this is my choice. If there's no respect, that means they don't want me." - Adriana to GQ magazine



#2 Giselle Bundchen - She got "super" back with "model", highest-earning model in history and a household name

“I live in the West Village. I go every day to work on my bike. It's faster than a car - and cheaper.” - Gisele

“I'm a very private person. I like staying home and doing my stuff. I hate people invading on my privacy. I hate talking about my private life. You almost feel like they're invading your space, you know? I really hate that. I think that's very disrespectful and I think they should have a law against that.” - Gisele



#1 Heidi Klum - Jewelry line, 2 shows with millions of of viewers, a loving husband, beautiful kids...what else does this mogul need? Sexy, successful, Heidi Klum probably would say in her German accent, "Nothing!"

"Modeling is a great job to be in. You travel the world. You stay in one of the most fantastic places in the world." - Heidi

"My career never suffered from my not being skinny. I never did catwalk work because I was always too big. I couldn't get the clothes over my hips." - Heidi

Contest! Win a trip to New York and $500 of Max Factor makeup

!CONTESTS!
Because who doesn't love freebies?!?



Prize? Max Factor makeup set worth $500 PLUS a trip for 2 to attend Cosmopolitan's 2008 Fun Fearless Male Award event in NYC (airfare for 2 and 2 nights accommodations)!

Click here to enter sweesstakes

Jennifer Aniston's evolution

FASHION and GOSSIP


Jennifer Aniston's style evolution has been mapped out by Ok!.

See the most popular Friend in outfits so horrendous you wouldn't notice "The Rachel" hair. But in this Greek lovely's case, she redeemed herself many miles of red carpet over with her long flowing locks that were styled sleek straight to mermaid-like waves.


I love Angie but there's no reason why I shouldn't love you too, Team Jen!

Tabloid junk in one pile

GOSSIP Combo

No, no? Yes, yes? Amy Winehouse is a woman after all. She can't decide between saying no, no, no and uh huh, yeah, hmmm to rehab! One minute her rep says yes, the next TMZ is reporting otherwise. You're young, wealthy, and talented...remain alive to enjoy all that, Amy!


So much drama involved in Heath Ledger's tragic death. Are people afraid to call 911???

Access Hollywood is reporting the masseuse who found the actor's body faced down in his bedroom called Mary-Kate Olson instead of the paramedics. The twin, in California at that time, reportedly said she was sending bodyguards over. I didn't know Mary-Kate's security guards protect and heal the sick as well! I guess what a billion can hire eh?

After shaking Ledger a few times, the masseuse called Mary-Kate again and said she was calling 911. The paramedics arrived the same time as Mary-Kate's security team.

Rumors are also going around that Mary-Kate and Heath Ledge were casually dating. And of course there's the Gemma Ward news. Whatever. These are all trivial anyway. I hope Amy Winehouse learns from this sad event.



The Pitt-Jolie clan, reports Star, just might be biologically growing. Another perfect designer baby on its way? Not just one but two! Yes, she's having twins.

I thought Shiloh was perfect enough. Now double the beautiful perfection! Zahara captures my heart however. She never fails to give the photographers a look, a really happy one or a dirty look. Way to go, little Z! You better get used to those paparazzi all your life though. Having those two famous parents might be a lot of wealthy fun but something has got to give along the way. Get ready to give up your privacy.

Allure's best of beauty list!

Shop Organic! at PinkMyStyle.com
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BEAUTY


Now is the time of the year Allure magazine reveals the best in beauty must-read list.

My favorite category, Hall of Fame, includes:

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes

Clinique.com

Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 15
EsteeLauder.com

Cover Girl Invisible Concealer
Drugstore.com

Have the money to spare? Check out the Top Splurges list. If you can't reward yourself with a new expensive handbag, you can reward yourself with a luxurious beauty product come payday! La Mer The Body Crème - $195.00

Cremedelamer.com
La Mer boasts this is so hydrating, daily use could be unnecessary.

Serge Lutens Beauté Lipstick - $75.00
Barneys.com
Refillable lipstickShiseido Bio-Performance Intensive Skin Corrective Program - $300.00
Nordstrom.com
Shiseido claims this line contains an ingredient called Bio-Recharger MC that is supposed to restores the skin's ion balance.

Fahion History 101: Marchesa Luisa Casati

FASHION and HISTORY


Eccentric, controversial, fashionable, some might even call her insane. Rightfully so if one wanted to be known as a living work of art. Marchesa Luisa Casati was one of Europe's most controversial women from the last century.

In 1881 she was born to a life of luxury in Milan to wealthy cotton manufacturer Alberto Amman and his wife Luisa Adele Rosa Maria Amma. Marchesa was orphaned as a teenager, her parents dying just two years apart, and this left her and a sole sister to be reportedly the wealthiest women in Italy.

Marchesa was muse to many writers. She delighted and also shocked society with her peculiar ways: she had evening walks naked under her fur coats with pet cheetahs on diamond-studded leases, wore live snakes as jewelry (she checked in the Ritz in Paris with her pet boa which managed to escape), and nude servants attended to her.

Seeking immortality through art she commissioned many artists to create her image through paintings, sketches and sculptors. Marchesa Casati is a true fashion icon, one that will move through centuries and not just seasons. She is next only to the likes of the Virgin Mary and Cleopatra in the rampancy of artistic depictions.

Sadly she died poor, mainly from all the debts she acquired in her lavish lifestyle. She had after all traveled throughout Europe amassing castles, hosted the most lavish parties and collected a menagerie of pets (her greyhounds also wore diamonds). Although penniless in London where she had relocated, Marchesa Casati was seen rummaging through dumpsters in search of feathers to adorn her head. Poverty was not allowed to kill her style.

+++ ++++

Imagine the paparazzi/tabloid frenzy she would caused had she lived in our time! The Spears, Hiltons and Lohans of this world would fade as magazine side columns next to this cover-worthy femme fatal. The 'It' girls of today should learn a thing or two from Marchesa Luisa Casaiti. Bring on artistic eccentricities if one must be controversial. That way you go down on the pages of historical books and not just next week's bathroom read.

RIP Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger was found dead in his NYC apartment today. TMZ reports the 28 year old actor was sick with pneumonia when he died.

Rest in peace.

Sweden: Best place to be born in the world

NEWS


Sweden has the lowest child mortality rate in the world, BBC reports. If you plan to give birth in Stockholm expect a celebrity-like entourage: two specialist obstetricians, a paediatrician on call and an anesthetist. And of course the equipment in the delivery room is world class.

Even compared to another EU country, the UK, Sweden still shines. Only 1 in 17,400 mothers die in childbirth in Sweden over 1 in 8,200 in England.

Swedish culture prioritize parenting and children not just in the medical care provided. Parents in Sweden get 480 days off after childbirth with the average pay during the leave at 80% of their standard wage. Some companies even offer 90%. And all the time off offered is good until the child is 8 years old!

Brad Pitt modeling jeans in Japan!

FASHION and GOSSIP



Mr. Pitt is a model for Edwin jeans in Japan. What do you think of these photos? I'll always be a Brad Pitt fan. Even my mom is a Brad Pitt fan. I don't like the top photo but the bottom one is yum yum yum!

Edwin is a Japanese company that started in 1969. This isn't Brad Pitt's first job with the company.

Scarlett Johansson goes to Kuwait

GOSSIP


Now here's an example of the anti-Hilton,Lohan, Spears of Hollywood. Scarlett Johansson visited troops in Kuwait to boost morale for those tenaciously serving the United States.

“It’s nice to give them a smile in the middle of the day,” she said about her military fans. “If they are missing home, feeling down or worried, hopefully being here will get their minds off of things.”

The Marine Corps News reports her very friendly and approachable demeanor made fans out of the soldiers.

“I didn’t know what to expect or what she was going to be like,” said Sgt. Brian Dryer, a pay agent with the 11th MEU command element. “She seemed truly interested and wanted to spend time getting to know you.”

Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba and a rude photographer

GOSSIP

These celebrities must run into sleazy photographers and fans all the time. This week is Jessica Alba's turn. That photographer behind her sure could use some lessons in being a professional!

On the other hand, Lindsay Lohan doesn't need a perverted photographer to show her assets to the world!

Spring 2008 fashion essentials

FASHION

Spring is coming and so must new classic pieces for every girl's wardrobe! Style.com has put together a list of gorgeous must haves:

Banana Republic Trench Dress - $130.00


Bing Bang Sophia Hobo - $645.00
Bing Bang

Michael by Michael Kors Lolita Open Toe Pump - $125.00
www.PinkMyStyle.com


Berardi Cotton Tie-Dyed Top - $300.00


BCBG Max Azria Silk Trench - $402.00
www.BCBG.com