Watercolour Dresses

like it was painted with autumn watercolours...

via Lace & Tea

Two Guesses on How Much This Suit Will Set You Back...

First KMart decided to bring it, now Walmart? I think I'm starting to look forward to the fall after all...
From double-breasted at Bottega Veneta to brocade at Balmain, pantsuits were a big story for Fall. To get the look, you could drop a couple thousand or more on a designer version, or you could head to Walmart, where Norma Kamali's sharply tailored Prince of Wales check blazer and trousers will set you back $35. No, that's not a typo.
Norma Kamali for Walmart single-breasted blazer, $20, and classic trousers, $15. Select Walmart stores, (800) WAL-MART

PREVIEW: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

I swear, Andy Cohen needs to be stopped! Just when I think I've regrouped from the New Jersey Housewives (my LEAST FAVORITE group by a LONG SHOT, especially "Don Caroline" and Teresa) he brings us this. smh. Will I be watching? The chances are pretty high.

Sandra Bullock's TODAY Show Interview with Matt Lauer

French Secrets: Beauty and Style

What makes the French woman tick? It's their attitude to nutrition, beauty and accessories. French women are naturally sophisticated. They are inherently chic and their sense of fashion revolves around personal style. They do not slavishly follow trends if they are inappropriate to their figures or lifestyle.
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Understatement is key, never too much of anything. This also applies to food. The French indulge in a little of everything, satisfying the taste buds and keeping cravings at bay. The key to French women's beauty is the check on their weight. If a French woman happens to see an additional kilogram or two on her bathroom scale, she will do whatever is necessary to force the needle back where it belongs. They tend to keep their weight steady, no ups and downs and eat all kinds of food in small portions.
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When a French person diets, it is rigorous; green tea and a bowl of berries for breakfast (to up the protective antioxidant levels), lean white protein for lunch and dinner accompanied by leafy green vegetables. Do this every other day, until the desired weight loss has been achieved. Alcohol is avoided, and water with bubbles is reserved for special occasions, as it can be loaded with sodium (which causes fluid retention and high blood pressure) and depletes magnesium (which regulates blood pressure, promotes muscle tone, is needed for protein synthesis and counteracts negative effects of stress hormones in the body). Seasonal dieting is de rigueur, and body prep starts before Easter, so the French are in the best shape possible for the summer season. This totally makes sense.
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When it comes to beauty, the French take care of their skin – it is the starting point for everything. They chose products that suit them and have both morning and evening routines. Performance and efficiency is paramount – extra radiant skin with the smartest products ever. They say that the French women spend on skincare is total of the women in Germany, Britain and Spain put together. French women start using anti-wrinkle and anti-ageing products at the age of 15-19, and continue to do so.

As for makeup, the starting point is clear radiant skin (achieved naturally or through imperceptible enhancements such as natural concealer), luxuriant glossy lashes and plumped lips – nothing too extravagant, but always shades that are above all flattering to the wearer. A red lipstick is a must-have in every French Women's wardrobe!

For the French, makeup imparts a certain sophistication, provocative yet contained. In the evening, they totally understand the inimitable power of seduction of red lips.

The key to French beauty is to remain true to yourself. The antithesis of the American Barbie doll, but rather a combination of European sophistication and natural allure.

Beauty shines through attitudes, gestures and expressions, it comes out of fashion and a love of luxury.

French style is a long process of learning – the French woman knows how to dress, how to be noticed when she enters a room and leaves just the merest trace of fragrance in her wake. From their teenage years, French women start to develop a certain chic and personal style. It is all about the nuance. Simply emphasizing the best features, and letting imperfections fade into the background. Each woman adapts her look according to her needs, tastes, desires and moods. Fragrance is the final touch, used to enhance and beautify personalities, rather than trying to become someone else.
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What really sets French women a part from the rest is their sense of style, and not necessarily sense of wearing the hottest trends. Style and fashion are two different things. Style is more of how mix clothes to present your personality and not to mention your best features.

So there you have it, no fragrance on this earth will morph you into Audrey Tatou or Vanessa Paradis, however, you can certainly adopt some style references for the upcoming season from Catherine Deneuve and the French makeup.
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Audrey Tautou and Marion Cotillard

Article Source: Nicky Blog post The French to the Rescue

Related Links and Posts:
Secrets of Style: French Chic
Best Beauty Products
Celebrity Watch - The Chic Looks
Celebrity Watch - February 2010
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petal bowls and cherry tomatoes

My friend Susie, the talent behind Wellfleet’s farm gallery, sent me this image forwarded to her by a customer. gleena has been selling at farm all summer, and how perfect is the pairing of sweet cherry tomatoes and the petal bowls? I love seeing how my pieces are used.

2010 Emmys Red Carpet [LINKS]

Heidi Klum wore a mini Marchesa and Claire Danes wore Armani Privé

Check out a few pics from the 2010 Emmy Red Carpet Arrivals HERE. And get a full list of 2010 Emmy winners HERE.

PIG MODELS FOR JEWELRY

jeThe fashion world is stretching its boundaries for bringing in creativity and differentiation and this time its the Russians who have really stretched the boundaries. Russia's Vogue September 2010 Issue features a PIG modelling a line of precious jewelry (can you believe it, a PIG not a pretty girl!!!!!).

A glamorous piggy is all made up with mascara on its lashes and nail polish on hoofs wearing expensive jewelry. The Vogue sure must have got attention with this stint, but readers might not relish the idea of expensive jewelry modelled by a Pig. It sure is humourous but coming from a fashion magazine it seems more like a silly idea. You like?
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Related Posts:
Earrings - your fashion statement
Earrings - your fashion statement .. cont
Wedding Jewelry
Celebs donning Stella McCartney's Chain Tote
Celebrity Watch - Stylish and Edgy
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Did Black Models Get Much Shine in the September Issues?

September is January or the beginning of the year in the fashion world. Which is why fashion magazine's September issues are so freakin' oversized epic. Model Chanel Iman (below) has 8 pages all to herself in the September issue of ALLURE which is currently sitting on my desk and she looks amazing. And with the exception of ELLE Magazine (we got 10 pages over there! Woo-hoo!) other magazines didn't use as many of us black girls :( Click over to Jezebel for a partial breakdown.

Artist Spotlight: New Music Artist Carmine Davis

Recently had the chance to interview new artist Carmine Davis about his music career. He talked about how he got started, who he'd like to work with as an artist (Antoine Dodson made that list, LOVE that, lol) who his audience is, and what he's most proud of so far. Check it out below:

For the record, what name do you go by as an artist?
Carmine Davis. But you can call me Cee. :)

How long have you been pursuing music?
Professionally for only one year. I just graduated from high school a year ago. I've been affiliated with the industry, learning and growing as a business man and an artist but I had a Hannah Montana thing going on. I was a student by day, a growing musician by night. Haha.

Have you always wanted to do music? When did you have your "light bulb" moment?
I've always wanted to do music. Others might do it as a hobby or as a way to make millions, but it's who I am. I want to be an iconic entertainer, and also touch peoples lives with my music. I want to give people something to talk and think about.

Do you have a background in music?
Well, I've been writing lyrics since I was eight. I've been singing since I could talk, and I've been dancing since I could walk.

Who or what inspires you? Name some of your musical influences.
As far as inspirations go: my life inspires me. Every challenge I win or lose makes me stronger and inspires me to be resiliet in my quest. My bestfriends and family inspire me to not only be the best musician I can be, but the best person I can be also.

As far as musical inspirations, I have way too many to count. Prince, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Luther Vandross, Aaliyah, Steven Tyler, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Rick James, Beyonce, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Tupac... just a variety. The list goes on.

Do you write your own songs? I understand there's loads of cash in that enterprise.
I do usually. I wrote every word and co-produced my debut single "Autograph". Though I usually write all of my material, I find it better to work as a team. I collaborate with writers, producers and other people. At the end of the day, for me, it's not about the money first. It's really about making an innovative and interesting record that I believe people will enjoy.

What are you the most proud of up to this point? Your proudest, most genuine achievement.
Wow! There's a lot, actually. Just how well my music and my movement has been received. Just looking at how far I've come in just a year. One thing is that I never assimilated. I do my own thing, make the music that I want to, and handle my business the way that I think it should be handled. I love getting advice from others, but at the end of the day this is my company, my art and my brand and nobody can handle it better than myself. I trust my instincts over anyone Else's.

I'm also proud that I have an amazing team around me. Some hustlers who understand my vision. All of the achievements I have accomplished, none of it would matter if my team wasn't right.

Have you worked with any notables in the music industry?
I feel like everyone I work with is equally notable. I try to surround myself with independent artist because I feel like sometimes they have a certain spirit about them, than say a major player -- or someone who thinks they are a major player. They are also a lot of the time more humble and hungry. Two indie artist can create a better record than one major superstar if they work hard enough.

If you could name anyone, anyone at all to do a collaboration with, what would that dream collaboration look like/consist of?
I would like to do a group collaboration: Jay-Z would spit 16 bars, Nickleback's Chad Kroeger would assist me on the hook and Alabama's own Antoine Dodson would auto-tune a few bars to bring it home. Billboard Hot 100, baby! Hahaha.

Who is your audience?
Technically my market is 17-25 year old men and women over seas and in the states who are interested in thumping beats, catchy, witty and sometimes naughty lyrics and soulful vocals with a rock edge. I just made that up. How cool am I? Hahahaha.

What, to you, would mean "success" that you've "made it"?
When I'm able to take care of all of the loved ones who have taken care of me and supported me through the years. I hold my friends and family close to my heart, and they're everything to me. I work 14 hours and put up with this crazy business partly for them. I want them to never have to want for another thing.

Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I see myself defiantly on top of the charts, growing my brand and spreading my love and music across the world.

Is your music currently available for purchase, and if so, where?
You can purchase "Autograph" EVERYWHERE by visiting my website: http://carminedavisworld.com. I'll be releasing Autograph: The Remixes EP soon which features the remasterd version of "Autograph", the "Milky Mix" remix and a lot of other different styles of remixed to keep your body moving. I'm working on a surprise for all of my fans that are also Prince fans like myself, so you gotta sign-up for my mailing-list for more information: (http://bit.ly/c5rILU). I'll also be releasing my debut album "Bizarre" January 11, 2011 (1.11.11). Stay tuned and follow me everywhere for more info:

"Autograph"
CARMINE DAVIS - Autograph MIXED (Edited) by carminedavis

http://carminedavisworld.com
http://twitter.com/carminedavis (I'll follow you back)
http://facebook.com/carminedavis
http://myspace.com/carminedavis
http://youtube.com/carminedavis (Subscribe to my channel, and I'll subscribe to yours)

samantha robinson handmade porcelain

All photographs are from Samantha Robinson's website

I first saw Samantha Robinson's work in the Anthropology catalog, and loved it immediately. The patterns on her functional porcelain pieces are wonderful, a lovely combination of ethnic and vintage-inspired images.

Designed by Laura Baxter, Samantha's website is lovely as well, completely matching her work.

I have been admiring Australian ceramics for quite some time, and after finding Samantha's work, feel like I need to go visit the country. So many incredible ceramists, some of which can be seen on Melbourne's Potier website, recommended to me by one of the buyers I met at the NY Gift Fair.

{Vintage Friday}: Turkish Delight

soft colours, elegant dresses & the beautiful scenery... leaving you feeling relaxed ready to chill out during the weekend ;)

{source}

Isabel Toledo's Shoe Line for Payless

How adorable is that shoe?! So cute. Check out a few more pics from designer Isabel Toledo's (and Michelle Obama favorite) shoe line for Payless Shoes HERE.

H&M Asks: Are Band Tees the Next Big Trend? [VIDEO]

I currently own two Run DMC tees. One black short sleeve with the classic Run DMC logo and one white racerback band tee with their picture on it. I feel all badass whenever I wear them. So I vote yes.

My Summer White Mini Dress...

I recently completed this simple summer white mini dress re-drafted from a blouse pattern. The inspiration for this dress can be seen in the pic below. My design changes were the length, the hem band, the ruched bodice and the halter-like back. I lined it fully with a nude knit lining, because the white was a bit see-through. Not trying to display the goods. I'm happy with it! And to my excitement and delight, I was recently notified that my dress had been published to New York Magazine's website! Beyond awesome :)

Is Brandy Going to Compete on Dancing with the Stars?

Rumor has it that Brandy Norwood (and a random list of others that includes "The Situation" and others) could be on Season 11 of "Dancing with the Stars" Could there be any truth to this? I guess we'll have to wait and see. [source]

Sandra Bullock to Give Her 1st TV Interview Since Her Divorce.

via US Weekly:
Sandra Bullock will give her first TV interview since splitting with Jesse James on Tuesday August 31. She'll sit down with Today's Matt Lauer in New Orleans.

gray meet orange

I love rain, and gray is one of my favorite colors, but four days of it is starting to hurt a little. So I am posting some color, to disperse the somberness of the day. All flowers and photography are from Rose Now Floral Design (who I found via Uncle Beefy, who also brightens my day with his writing).

RHONJ Season 2 Extended Reunion Show Clips [VIDEOS]

These extended, behind the scenes clips from the upcoming reunion show of The Real Housewives of New Jersey is a good example of Teresa Guidice acting like a crazed loon. When you allow yourself to get that red-hot angry at someone, you've already lost, because that person holds all kinds of power over you if they can so easily push your buttons like that. smh. For a group of grown women, this display represents epic levels of buffoonery. Epic. Levels. And I can't wait to watch it ;)

Part 1:



Part 2:

Lauryn Hill's Awesome Comeback at Rock the Bells [VIDEO]

Now whoever taped the video below must have been right in front of the speakers because the sound quality isn't all that great, but you can still tell that Lauryn rocked it hard recently at Rock the Bells in California. This was her first U.S. appearance after a summer of European warm-up appearances. According to lots of Youtube evidence, Lauryn looked and sounded great, and was very well received. Her fans are so ready for her, myself included. She has a couple more dates scheduled for New York and D.C.

Elin Nordegren Breaks Her Silence to People Magazine...

Her divorce is final and she's ready to talk. Elin Nordegren breaks her nine-month silence in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine. "I have been through the stages of disbelief and shock, to anger and ultimately grief over the loss of the family I so badly wanted for my children," she says in the magazine's latest issue, out just days after her split from Tiger Woods was made official. Continue reading this article HERE.

the {alljoboninternet} sale!

all SALE items under £25, with many under £20!!!

{alljoboninternet}.co.uk

The 2010 Miss Universe Pageant in Under 3 Minutes [VIDEO]

A quick look at the glitz, glamor, and cutthroat competition at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

Christie Brinkley & Donna Karan Both in Donna Karan.

Former model Christie Brinkley and designer Donna Karan showed up to the recent Heat Hamptons Benefit with the same Donna Karan dress on. Great for Donna Karan! Not as great for Christie Brinkley, but they both look like they didn't mind. Plus the dress is styled differently on both ladies, so... there's that.

I remember going to my Junior prom and seeing this chick with the exact same dress as mine. My dress had black trim and her dress trim was green. But still. It was the SAME DRESS. So I kinda know how that feels, from Christie's perspective. I just imagine it has to be light years different to be the actual designer wearing your own dress to an event and then to see someone else with the same dress on but it's YOUR DESIGN. That right there's priceless. Oh, and I'm totally gonna be just like Donna Karan and ditch wearing a bra all together when I get her age. Gotta respect that kind of freedom.

Stockholm Street Style

some great outfits as seen in Stockholm

via {stockholm street style}

Autumn Winter Colour Trend

Revive your wardrobe with Autumn 2010's hottest hues:
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1. Camel
Camel is the key colour for autumn winter 2010 and 2011 and is the perfect shade for almost all skin types. Wear a smart camel coloured jacket (black is replace by camel this season and from Gucci to Mango to Karen Millen, everyone has this shade of coat this season), or carry a smart camel coloured tote or maybe pair a smart dress withcaml coloured boots. This is a must have colour for the season. Team tailored dresses with a touch of camel colour through a statement bag or shoes.
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2. Rust
Add an element of bright to your this season's winter wardrobe with rust. Not too bright, but subtle and rusty. Rust shaded accessories would be a great way to lighten up this season's hot tailored dresses.

3. Khakhi
Wearing khakhi coloured pants is the coolest way to wear this colour trend. Pick a pair of khakhi pants like Victoria Beckham, which are as comfy and easy to wear as denim, working equally well day or night. You can pick a straight or a skinny fit or one like Posh, which is tapered and hits above the ankle for a flattering, slim fit. Dress them up with a black tuxedo blazer and platform pumps, and you've got yourself a stealth evening look
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4. Wine
Wear your wine in solid or with prints. Floral wine coloured dresses in chiffon or georgette would be girly and sexy. Pair it with a camel coloured across body bag for adding the toughness to the look or team it with your boyfriend jacket.

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Style tip for this winter:
This winter will see the return of ruffles, beading and lots of sparkle with studding thrown in for good measure. Team a ravishing ruffled satin evening dress with a richly gothic beaded clutch and sky-scraper heels for a modern take on traditional party wear. The easiest way to create the ladylike dressing trend is to treat yourself to chic, feminine accessories. Dress up your outfits with heels, gloves and clutches or invest in our statement nude grown-up handbag.
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Related Posts:
BEAUTY REGIME FOR WINTER
Celebs donning Stella McCartney's Chain Tote
Celebrity Watch - Stylish and Edgy
Chanel Paris Fashion Week - Fall/Winter 2011
2010 Party Trend
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feels a lot like autumn

It's been raining for the past two days in Providence, it feels, and smells, a lot like autumn. I love it, after the heat of the summer we've had.  And I love Golly Bard's drawings, which are perfect for welcoming my favorite season.

Find more of Golly Bard's work on Etsy.

Tiger and Elin Finalize Their Divorce.

via People:
After months of speculation, the marriage between Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren Woods is officially over: The couple were present at Bay County Circuit Court in Panama City, Fla., Monday for the execution of their divorce agreement.

"We are sad that our marriage is over and we wish each other the very best for the future," they said in a statement released by Nordegren's Virginia-based law firm of McGuireWoods. "While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us."