Walking in Heels

 Hey everyone I don`t know if you guys have seen this video of the model falling on the runway. This is video is sad, but funny at the same time. I thought it would be nice to post this video with NOiR`s fashion show try-outs coming up on this thursday and saturday. This video will make you laugh and help relieve some of the stress you guys maybe going through with finals coming up. Hope you enjoy it.

"Use what you've GOT to get what you WANT"... part II

This week is all about your FACE! It's the first thing people notice, but sometimes the last thing we take care of. As a result, most turn to using lots of makeup to cover up the beauty that is already there.

The key to skin care is cleansing and moisturizing. Overall, clean skin helps to prevent blemishes while moisturizing helps to keep your complexion glowing. This is especially important during the winter months when our skin is prone to dryness. An oil-free, non-comodogenic (wont clog your pours) moisturizer keeps the skin on your face hydrated from the wind without giving it a heavy greasy feeling.

Another aspect of our face that is very important is our eyebrows. One small hair can make all the difference. Clean eyebrows gives your face a cleaner look that sometimes makeup can't even achieve.

Lastly, a good bronzer is a girls new best friend. It's used to HIGHLIGHT not COVER UP. Apply under your eyes to cover up the effects of late night studying, or along cheek bones to accent them. The forehead and chin aren't very good places to apply bronzer because those places are already prone to collect oil and therefore may end up being too shiny.

Fall's must-have -- The Color Purple

This Fall's hottest fashion color is purple and it seems to be everywhere -- from the stores to the runway. It's flattering in it's many different shades and on many different skin tones. Deeper purples mesh well with traditional fall colors such as black and gray but it can also easily be worn boldly with other fall trends such as metallic or paten leather. It's a great color to accessorize with -- shoes, handbags, scarves, jewelry and even makeup. This is the season to try out the many vibrant shades of purple, if you want to stray away from fall's conventional use of the color then try something more bold like magenta or plum. Purple is also the color of Royalty so why not give it a try?

- Purple is the new Black.

Cinematic Couture

While great movies have been generated in all genres and touched all ranges of our emotions- one thing remains constant: great fashion. I have selected the following eleven (because I couldn't just pick 10) movies not only for their spectacular storylines, but also because we can not help but covet their costumes. Most of these movies were so memorable that Hollywood chose to remind us of their magnificence with modern adaptations and re-makes. But, as with most things, the original is always the best.

The List

1. Sabrina (1954)
After a fabulous trip to Italy in Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn returns to us as the transformed Sabrina Fairchild. As America's love affair with Audrey continues to develop, she has an offscreen romance with on screen co- star William Holden. Although, their affair is brief, this is also the point where Hepburn begins her long time friendship with the superb Hubert de Givency.
Why we love it: Despite the star studded cast, this classic remains not only one of Hepburn's best films but one of America's. The costumes compliment rather than distract from Hepburn's transformation from shy and sister-like to sultry and sophisticated. As the famed song proclaims-"La vie en rose", life is surely pink and blissful with these fabulous fashions.
Character spotlight: Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild


2. GiGi (1958)
While many of you may not have seen this, it is a quintessential classic in that in can be enjoyed in 1958 or 2008. In terms of fashion, any movie that
Random trivia: The day after the movie won its nine Oscars, M-G-M telephone operators were instructed to answer all phone calls with, "Hello, M-Gigi-M."
Character spotlight: Leslie Carson as Gigi



3. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
What more can one say about this absolutely adorable romantic comedy, that feels more like a love affair with blue boxes and pearls than any many. Perched as one of Audrey's most famous films, we can't help but love the quirky Holly and admire her gentlemanly suitor that still sticks around past her feminine flakes. Plus any movie with a dress and a starlet that is still inspiring designers from Givency to the Gap is absolutely worth mentioning.
Why we love it: Our favorite black dress
Character spotlight: Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly




4. From Russia with Love, 007 (1963)

"Bond. James Bond."
Selecting just one Bond film to highlight was definitely a challenging task. Each of the Bonds have effectively and eloquently transitioned from their predecessor. But Sean Connery's second stint as 007 has got to be 001 in terms of ranking. Bond's role as a seductive spy is solidified as he braves the cold Russian climate and is almost burned by the oh so hot Tatiana. We love this not only because it embodies the ultimate gentleman without even touching the line of bore, but because it brands the Bond women as unapologetically sexy.
Character spotlight: Sean Connery as 007


5. Shaft (1971) and Foxy Brown (1974)
These two movies are featured together because they are the perfect fusion of male and female fashion of the 1970s. Shaft is the smooth, take nothing from no one detective and Foxy is just that; the fresh, independent brick house that made us keep save some respect for the 70s.
Can you dig it?
Special Extra: Shaft is one movie where the remake almost touches the original thanks to the extraordinary fortitude of Samuel Jackson.
Character spotlight: Richard Roundtree as Shaft and Pam Grier as Foxy Brown.





6. Harlem Nights (1989)
This genre- crossing comedy/ drama/ mobster movie has all the ingredients of a great story. Funny character names like Sugar Ray, all star comedic cast, 1930s fashion set in speakeasy joints in Harlem, New York. Add in some plot twists, extravagant zoot suits and cars
Character spotlight: Eddie Murphy as Quick


7. Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty woman, walking down the street. Pretty woman the kind I'd like to meet. Not only is this one of my favorite movies of all time, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere redefine the romantic comedy with this atypical Cinderella love story. Of course every girl wants to grow up and be whisked away by her prince charming, but not every girls meets him on a Hollywood street corner. Audiences love our vixen in her thigh high patent leather boots, like they love her in her floor length rouge ball gown. And of course, we can not forget when she gets the ultimate revenge by denying a boutique sales woman a promising commission after previously being jilted by her and her colleagues.
Why we love it: Modern fairtytale, complete with a private jet in exchange for a pumpkin carriage and "the necklace" instead of "the glass slipper".
Random trivia: When Edward snaps the necklace case down on Vivian's fingers, was improvised by Gere, and Roberts' reaction (laughter) was totally natural. The filmmakers liked it so much, they decided to leave it in.
Character spotlight: Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, Edward's Lotus Esprit as himself.


8. Clueless (1995)
The fact that this movies is not as sophisticated as Sabrina or as mature as GiGi, this still remains in every fashionista's high school hall of fame! Yes Cher was quite insufferable at times, but parallel parking can be an absolute headache and wearing white after labor in the 90s was about as bad as it got. For my male readers, this is the movie when, at the time 30 something Stacy Dash plays a teenaged diva. Full of "LoL" moments and advice (mine being always take pictures because you can't trust the mirror), we are clueless why you wouldn't love this film that propels fashion to the top of every girl's agenda. As if!
Character spotlight: Alicia Silverstone as Cher, Stacy Dash as Dionne


9. Mean Girls (2004)
Mean Girls is 'so fetch' as it literally traces the high school lives of four very mean girls. Not only could everyone completely relate to this hilariously delightful teen comedy, but it really taught us a lesson in girl power without the faked sincerity. Anyone who saw this movie not only picked a favorite "mean girl" but picked a favorite teen obsession. Style isn't just in the clothing, its in the attitudes that you bring with it.
Character spotlight: The plastics; Gretchen was my favorite!


10. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Hell in high heels, comes to us when this best seller targets the box office. It explains not only the dizzying excitement of couture and Fashion Week in Paris, but also the practical applications of trends that make their way in Ready-to-wear and sales racks across the country
Finally, because "that's all" in the Miranda Prisely voice has become a staple among friendship circles.
Why we love it: Two words- the closet.
Character spotlight: Meryl Streep as Miranda Prisely, Ann Hathaway as Andrea #2 (when she has the cute clothes)



11. Sex and the City (2008)

"It's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes -- that's why you need really special shoes"

Our new classic. This movie is so fabulous that it transcends all cliches and absolutely rises to the occasion to meet all expectations. One of the best things about this movie, is that it shows how ALL women, no matter what you personality there is something that suits you and makes you look absolutely wonderful. Whether you are looking for labels or love, you will absolutely adore this fun, friend- focused flick!
Why we love it: No further explanation needed.
Character spotlight: The CLOTHES!!

"A good movie is like a good bag- timeless, versatile and enjoyed over and over"
- Me

Love.Living.Life
Lex.

Trendy Fall Pumps

Every fashionista wants to look good when they go out! This season suede pumps are back in style. Whether it`s an open toe or closed toe pump. I didn`t like suede before, but now that i`ve seen these cute pumps I have been persuaded. I`ve seen so many cute suede pumps it`s crazy! 

These are Vivvaa by Steve Madden which come in a variety of colors. Such as bright yellow, hot pink, and a variety of prints. I actually have them in a Jewel purple color. But I think this is great buy for the fall and winter.

These are the open-toe pumps by Steve Madden they are called Darria. I think these are great for a night on the town. These are great shoes they`re perfect for dinner, the club, or for drinks with the girls!! They`re great for skinny jeans or even a sexy dress! 

I hope these few tips will help you when you`re trying to find the perfect shoes to accommodate that perfect outfit.

Trendy Tuesdays: Glammed Up Fashion

Hey everyone! So this holiday season it's all about glam. At first I didn't really like this trend but now I love it. I think rhinestones, sequins and jewels can add so much to a look...if done right. Before you go pulling out your mom's 1980s sequin cocktail dresses, remember that with this trend less is more. 

Rhinestones: 

Rhinestones added to the collar or in other subtle ways can easily change a plain black dress into something hot.

Sequins: 

Sheer sequined pieces are a great trend, as well as sequined dresses with a more modern style (such as a scoop neck back). 

Jeweled:

Look for jewels around the neck or waist to add some glam

P.S. These dresses are great for holiday parties as well!

WEAR it or ROCK it?

Too many times we’re concerned about what we’re wearing; maybe it’s not the most expensive designer or recognizable name. But, on second thought, is it really what we’re wearing that matters most, or how we’re wearing it? When we think about fashion, usually stick-figure, couture models (with no sort of curves or noticeable flaws) come to mind. However, this year, fashion organizations like the University of Michigan’s NOiR are changing that image. They’ve partnered with the DOVE Real Beauty Campaign to illustrate that ‘rocking it,’ or knowing that ‘you rock’ and are more worthy than any type of material brand, is more important than ‘wearing it.’ Recently the campaign reported that “75% of girls with low self-esteem engage in negative activities, such as disordered eating, cutting, smoking or drinking when feeling badly about themselves.” But, it’s time that we reclaim our self-esteem.

Don’t let those cheap t-shirts and bummy-jeans make you feel like a bum too. Real women (and men) come from all backgrounds, shapes, and sizes. Moreover, a study done by the Chicago Tribune found that the majority of those surveyed thought the most attractive trait in the opposite sex is confidence.

So today, stand up straight, put those shoulders back, and whether you’re wearing a Target t-shirt or a Versace Vest, size 0 Marc Jacobs or size 12 Forever 21 Jeans, rock it through the Diag like it’s the best clothing combination anyone has seen. Don’t let the clothes wear you, but let your inside shine out and rock the clothes.

For more information visit http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/ and stay tuned for NOiR’s, Ann Arbor-wide, Real Beauty Workshops starting January 2009.

"Use what u GOT to get what you WANT" ...Part I

My next couple posts are about using what God (or whoever u feel created you) has given us to reach our "flyy" capacity. These are things that you can not find in any Macy's or Forever 21 store. They are your hair, skin, and nails. Yes, there is weave to cover our hair, makeup to cover our skin, and press-ons to cover our nails, but why go through all that when we are already made to perfection. We just need to start taking care of what these gifts.

Let me start by discussing our nail situation. The best thing for our nails is an old fashioned manicure. They are given to nurture and care for our nails to promote healty and growth, as opposed to the usual "full set special" that gives short term beauty and long term damage.

If you're concerned with the length of your nails, invest in a good nail hardener to fight against chips and breaks. I use Nail Life Nail Revitalizer From Sally's. It works wonders. It's even good for repairing the damage done by fake nails.

Plus, this season is all about deep, rich, tints for nail polish. I'm talking about deep burgandy, navy blue, smoke grey, etc. These colors look HORRIBLE on long nails. It's acceptable for halloween, but on any other day, it is not flattering to look like Mrs. Adams.

In addition to hardening and nourishing the actual nail, don't forget to take care of your cuticles. What's great about manicures is that they get rid of all the dead skin that builds up around your nail bed leaving your fingers looking flawless, but be sure to moisturize between maicures as well to prevent dry skin.

Lastly, a simple nail file can keep your manicure looking as neat as a fresh "full set special". Whether you prefer a square shaped nail, or an almond shape is up to you, as long as you file every now and then to keep your nails looking neat, and to prevent your nails from breaking.

Overall, natural nails are best for the long run. We were given nails for a reason. Why not take care of them??