February 8, 2009
February 7, 2009
[Images via Style.com]
It’s ironic, given the current state of the world economy, that at least 90% of John Galliano’s looks for the Christian Dior Spring 2009 couture show seem inspired (and not at all subtly) by two of the most prosperous societies in European history: the Dutch Republic circa 1600 and 18th century, pre-Revolutionary Versailles. What’s amazing is that with each piece, Galliano both captures the luxurious spirit of the age that inspired it, and renders it decidedly modern through expert play with texture, weight, and proportion. The result is an enchanting revision of the past with modern implications for today’s fashion, as well as one of the best breaks from reality I’ve experienced in some time.
The logic of the collection is clear, organized into four groups, with each possessing defining characteristics. The first group contains outfits composed, for the most part, of large, bell-shaped skirts that hit just bellow the knee, fitted jackets with wide bottoms, tiny wastes, and large, puffy sleeves in sumptuous yellow, blue-green, blue-grey, and red jewel-tones seen in the paintings of Vermeer. The second group is a puritanical palate of black and white, with black jackets and white lace sleeves and collars that pop dramatically, while white dresses are adorned with elegant black bows, buttons, or repeating floral patterns. Four super-glam, off-white dresses with delicate floral motifs in lace or gold stitching constitute the third group, and are a slight departure from the theme, better invoking their 1930s-like feel. Galliano ends the collection with what I like to call the “cup-cake princess group,” consisting of dresses whose humungous floor-length skirts instantly recall the Versailles of the notorious Marie Antoinette.
But what is the kernel of fashion wisdom for spring you can draw from all my ambitious descriptions of the Christian Dior 2009 couture show? I’d say it’s that Galliano proves time and again that whether you’re donning a twenty thousand dollar couture dress, or something a little more modestly priced, contrast—good contrast—is key.
-Lily Allen
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February 6, 2009
I never thought I would be one of those people that would be converted to face wipes from makeup remover. My Cetaphil and Lancome Bi Facil do me just fine, thank you very much. Perhaps it’s my sensitive skin, or “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality, however even when I had been prompted in the past to switch over by a gift of facial wipes from my mother I just coudln’t do it. Fast forward to February, 2009. As a beauty feature for the site, I decided to put a variety of face/makeup remover wipes to the test, and note the ones that were the absolute best. They winners arose: Simple, Comodynes, and Boots, and I am now a convert.
Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes, $6.49 (25 wipes)
For me, the Simple wipes were the safest and most versatile of the wipes, since they have already been around for a while in the U.K., is sensitive-skin friendly, and cleanses and tones in one step. Pure ingredients and no dyes or perfumes make this wipe also a big plus; I kinda feel like it reverses the impact of wearing makeup on my face all day.
COMODYNES MAKE-UP REMOVER Towlettes Face & Eyes (Sensitive & Dry Skin), $8 (20 towelettes)
I’ve tried other Comodynes products before, and have been generally pleased with the results. These wipes are similar to the Simple Wipes, but include oats to sooth sensitive and dry skin. Count me in, especially in this frigid weather!
Boots No. 7 Quick Thinking 4 In 1 Wipes, $6.99 (30 wipes, search “Boots Wipes”)
Yet another U.K. brand (I am starting to believe the U.K. are the masters of the facial wipe), the Boots wipes boast vitamin pro B5 extracts of witch hazel and fenne. The eacg wipe is also a generous size, with 30 wipes per container, making this one a good bang for the buck.
–Julia DiNardo
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February 6, 2009
Great links to get your weekend started!
55 Secret Streetgets a sneak peak at shoe designer Jerome Rousseau’s Fall 2009 collection.
Stiletto Jungle thinks the cutout bootie pump is It for spring.
All About the Pretty has stayed up late with the new beauty book Confessions of a Beauty Addict.
Allie is Wired has the latest on the Miley Cyrus racist photo scandal.
Bag Snob– Bandana bags are a Banda NO!
Beauty Snob gets sugared with Shobha Sugaring Bikini Wax Kit.
Coquette can’t wait to shop at the farmer’s market with one of Anya Hindmarch’s new canvas shopping totes.
Fashion Pulse Daily finds three fabulous blouses, and all of them surprisingly are from J.C. Penney!
KRISTOPHER is wanting, wearing, hating bespoke shirt dresses.
Second City Style asks, are you really planning to jump onto the jumpsuit bandwagon this spring?
Shopping and Info interviews Baywatch actress turned designer Melissa Biggs about her design career!
StyleBakery.com has the scoop on the hot new fashion trend started by Michelle Obama: lemongrass hues.
Stylehive says try nude colored heels for a naturally stylish look.
YSL is giving away tote bags! The Beauty Stop has the why and where.
The Shoe Goddess goes punk with these Rick Owens fold-over boots.
TheMakeupGirl is absolutely in LOVE with 3Lab’s “M” Cream.
