I’m sorry to say that I’ll be taking a hiatus from SNB for a little while, but I encourage you to come visit the new site – Cubicle Chic.

Happy Friday, and thanks for your loyalty!

V's plus-size/skinny juxtaposition

In the past few months, the use of plus size models in fashion media has soared! V Magazine came out with its first “size issue” starring several plus-size models, Tyra Banks is hosting a “fiercely real” version of America’s Next Top Model only with plus-size ladies, and London-based designer Mark Fast used not-so-twiggy girls in his September 2009 runway show. While all this seems progressive, I have a feeling that the Plus Size Movement is perpetuated by a handful of ambitious people in the fashion industry, destined to dissipate in the next season or two. Hopefully I’m wrong. As it turns out, Tyra’s plus-size model search won’t appear on TV, nor was V’s January issue solely composed of plus-sizers. There was actually an article that juxtaposed skinny and plus-size models, as if V was trying to say “Hey, this can work even if you’re not a 00.” Duh, V. It seems like YOU’RE the one who’s in denial here.

There always seems to be a near-nude (or totally nude) photo in a plus-size shoot. Credit: V Magazine.

Another thing I don’t understand about plus-size spreads is why they have a huge tendency to feature near-naked women. That’s not normal in mainstream ads or fashion spreads. Part of me thinks that it’s just a ploy to get attention, kind of like the way Italian Vogue featured an all-black issue last summer. As much as these are celebrations of culture and lifestyle that aren’t quite mainstream (and fantastic issues of both magazines, may I add), why do they need special issues devoted to them? If we really wanted to change fashion forever, these images would become a part of fashion magazines monthly. Who knows – maybe plus-sizers and black models were just making a big entrance to the fashion world and are here to stay. Stay tuned.

Natalia Silk Chemise, courtesy of idlewildlondon.com

Doesn’t mean you can’t look glam and be comfy. Eh-hem.

Lingerie, one of my new favorite shopping-splurges, is something I think is kept too hush-hush in the fashion industry for no good reason. In day-to-day life, it’s a topic reserved for besties and boyfriends,  by why does it remain such an under-covered topic in fashion journalism? (It’s made me think about starting a new lingerie blog… thoughts?) Family-friendliness is one issue, but can really only be constrained to bloggers. If you’ve seen the more-than-half-naked women clad in a few pieces of fabric that could be construed as a bikini in any magazine (women’s lifestyle, fashion, sports illustrated, health…!), you know what I’m talking about. Additionally, dominatrix-punk trend hasn’t gone away, especially for fall 2009. So, with all of these sexually provocative images already existing in the media, why not lingerie?

Another reason – Victoria’s Secret. It’s a shame, but they seem to have a monopoly on the industry, especially when it comes to affordable merch.  Their fashion show garners millions of viewers (we’re talkin’ superbowl figures here!) and their catalogs are favorites of men and women alike. Yet, their actual lingerie section is only 5 pages in a catalog that’s 50 pages or more.

Lingerie doesn’t have to be racy. In fact, some of the chemises I’ve seen at Journelle, a quaint lingerie boutique above Union Square in New York, can be worn as summer dresses. I find that it’s this type of store – independently owned and run – that has the best selection (kudos to the buyer for having great taste!) So cheers to comfort, love and staying in on Saturday night.

This begins our chapter of cosmetic-inspired posts! We all know Blake is one of New York City’s darlings — and many of us LOVE her look! As an LA-native, she always looks her best after a day or two in the sun. Not sunkissed? Don’t sweat it! Here, find out what products and processes will duplicate her glam style.

Blake Lively is oh-so-glam!

You’ll need:

-two eyeshadow colors: one shimmery white (or close to white) and a shimmery purplely pink

-black pencil eyeliner

-q-tips

-black mascara

-eyelash curler

-coral blush

-bronzer (suited to your skin tone)

-brushes: kabuki brush, large foundation brush, small eyeshadow  brush, medium eyeshadow brush

-coral colored lipgloss

-powder based foundation

1. Using the medium sized eyeshadow brush, dust the lids from lashline to browbone with shimmery white (or off-white) shadow. I recommend trying Smashbox’s “Sand” or MAC’s “Mylar.”

2. Clean the medium brush by swiping it over a paper towel a few times (we’re changing colors). Using the medium brush, create a contour with your shimmery purple eyeshadow by working a small amount of shadow into the crease of your eye. Start light and build up for a more dramatic effect. For a smokier “bad girl” look, try MAC’s “Trax;” for a look just like Blake’s, try Stila’s “Shell.”

3. We’re ready to line! Using black liner, trace from the outside of your lash line inward. The line should be thicker toward the outer eye and thinner on the inner eye. I like Clarins’ eyeliner in “01 Black.” For a sultry look, smudge outward from the outer lashes — this will keep the inside line clean.

4. For stand-out lashes like Blake’s, the secret is curling before coating. I love the tried-and-true Shu Uemura eyelash curler (available at sephora.com.) Don’t clamp too close to the lashline unless you want “bent” lashes! Once you’re curled, coat top lashes with Dior Show mascara in “Rich Black,” also available at sephora.com. Scrape the excess mascara from the tip of the wand and run it over the bottom lashes.

5. Glowing skin is the most important component of this look. Before applying foundation, use your shimmery white shadow on the cheekbones, the middle of your bottom lip and brow bone. This will make these areas POP! Next, conceal your “problem areas” (under the eyes, around the nose, etc.). Using your large foundation brush, buff your foundation in a circular motion until it’s entirely blended in. I LOVE BareMinerals, available at sephora.com. Lighter coverage is better for this “natural glamour” look.

6. Using your kabuki brush, dust a tiny bit (you can always layer more later) of bronzer on places where light would naturally hit: the top of your forehead (ever so lightly–especially if you’re pale!), bridge of the nose, eyelids, cheekbones and chin. Use a heavier hand on your cheekbones, but don’t let the bronzer be your blush! NARS’ Orgasm/Laguna blush/bronzer duo is perfect for this look and Laguna works with most skin types.

7. After dusting off your kabuki brush, use it to apply a soft, slightly shimmery coral blush to the apples of your cheeks. Again, NARS’ Orgasm blush complements almost all skin tones.

8. To finish off the look, take your small eyeshadow brush and apply the shimmery white shadow in the corners of your eyes and on the outer brow bone. Gloss your lips with a shade like Stila’s tangerine.

Voila! You’re ready for your close up!

BEFORE: one part Egyptian and two parts (free-swingin') bohemian

AFTER: a full dose of prim and proper

Check out the original article at HuffPo.

Lumiere Nutri-Sculpt

After assaulting my hair with endless root color, highlights, UV damage and daily blowouts, you’d think it would be a hot, frizzy mess. Not so, dear reader! Behold the power of Kerastase, Loreal’s luxury hair care line. I was first introduced to the range when I started going to my all-time favorite Echo Salon in Guilford, Connecticut. The stylists there are cut-and-color geniuses (although their talent extendts to updos, makeup, eyebrow tinting, perms and other hair treatments!) Jill Greenwald introduced me to this product, the Lumiere Nutri-Sculpt. After a shampoo and condition, (I opt for an additional leave-in conditioner for extra blow-dryer protection) rub a dime sized amount on the product in your palms until is “breaks.” You’ll feel it – it transforms from a thick, waxy liquid to a slippery oil. Then apply to your towel-dried hair starting at the ends. After a blow-dry, it gives your hair a powerful and non-greasy gloss that lasts until your next blow-dry.

This beauty from the Prada catwalk was one of several structured bags at the show. The subtle cranberry-red color is perfect for fall and winter, and makes a power-woman statement.

Prada

Hermes‘ version of The Structured Bag is decidedly no-frills-whatsoever, but that doesn’t take away from it’s timeless beauty.

Hermes

Are you happy to see the oversized-tote go?

PAS D'OR Necklace

FLUTTER Earrings

Aren’t they A-Mae-zing? (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) These two pieces are my favorites from the newly-launched jewelry line, Grayson Mae, by Sasha Kellner: writer, artist and jewelry designer extraordinaire. She achieves the perfect blend of organic and feminine in her jewelry, with a subtle raw edge that kicks the chic factor up a notch. How does she balance au-natural and delicate? All stones are natural and (individually!) chosen by Sasha, and each piece is hand-made in Brooklyn, so no two are identical.  Grayson Mae ranges in style from artsy-cool (see SEAWEED Earrings) to rocker-chic (see PYRITE Necklace and Earrings) and can be worn for any occasion – from work to weddings.

Another a-mae-zing thing about Grayson Mae? Sasha will custom-design jewelry for YOU, whatever the occasion! On a local scale, she’s known for outfitting (full) bridal parties.

For men, it’s unbelievably easy. He needs to stroll into Bloomingdale’s or Brooks Brothers… and then he can a) trust a salesmen with his needs or b) peruse the racks (systematically organized by brand, fit and style) on his own until he finds the perfect one. Why is this no-bullshit method of shopping utterly lacking in the women’s department?

For ladies with the same conundrum, I give you chic, relatively cheap office attire and great resources for the future.

J. Crew has gotten surprisingly chic, in a simple, clean-cut way – perfect for basics. I’m particularly fond of the Super 120s Pinstripe jacket and skirt because they can double as chic casual separates.

J.Crew Super 120s Pinstripe Blazer, $240

“The New Ann,” as the new Ann Taylor ad-campaign deems her, is hot (in a cute-but-sophisticated way.) The aesthetic is the epitome of workplace-chic with feminine blouses, curve-hugging pencil skirts and an amazing range of colored cardigans. The only element you won’t find here: good looking (reasonably priced) accessories.

Ann Taylor silk chiffon blouse, $90

Nine West, my go-to pump palace, has great sales right now! Depending on what your office permits, you can choose from sandals, pumps (hidden platforms, high heels or kitten heels all look chic with just about anything). Guess how much these expensive-looking psuedo crocos go for?

Nine West "Oaks," $40

And of course, jewelry. If you’re starting from scratch, H&M and Forever 21 are great places to go. They have a huge variety, and you won’t pay more than $15 per piece (because you can really rack up the bill if you’re buying the real stuff!) I personally love their bangles and oversized necklaces.

H&M jewelry, $5 - $15 per piece

A great resource for corporate style: Corporette, a blog dedicated to giving professional women choices when it comes to looking sharp in the office. Find them on SNB’s Recommended Persuing list! Happy shopping!