Most Influential People in Fashion

New York Metro has an interesting piece about the most influential people in fashion. It's got all the usual suspects (Anna Wintour, Ralph Lauren) as well as a few more surprising ones (Mary Catalina, Marc Ecko). Check it out here.

"Anna Wintour, Editor-in-chief, Vogue

Vogue, c’est moi. No fashion figure has ever played her power as strongly and cannily as the feared, respected, sharply intelligent Wintour. She can make a fledgling’s career in a single phone call (designers from John Galliano to Zac Posen owe her a debt of gratitude), anoint the next society muse (Lauren duPont, Jessica Joffe), and raise millions for her favorite causes ($26 million for the Met’s Costume Institute in the past eleven years, $14 million for various AIDS charities)..."

Summer Beauty

It's almost summer, so that means it's time to change your makeup to reflect the season. Put away the heavy mosturizers, dark lipsticks, and smoky shadows and break out the SPF 30 (the Kiffen advocates a sunkissed glow, but not at the expense of your health. Besides, you want to look impossibly young forever, don't you?)

First of all, you will need a lightweight tinted mosturizer with SPF and probably a bronzer to warm up your skin. Heavy foundation just looks uncomfortable once the weather heats up (and for those of us in Chicago, that won't be until mid-July, but it's good to be prepared!) I use Smashbox Backdrop Cooling Tint - it evens out your skin tone and it has a "soothing, cooling sensation on contact" because it contains natural aloe and cucumber extracts. If you think need more coverage, try using your regular concealer underneath.

Next, pick out a nice shimmery powder bronzer. I like DuWop's new duo, BronzeRush June, because it packs a one-two punch of golden bronze and cheerful pink. Use the bronzer on your cheeks, forehead, and the bridge of your nose (where the sun hits your face if you actually sunbathed), and sweep the blush on the apples of your cheeks for an authentic rosy glow. Nars also makes some excellent bronzer/blush duos.

A basic lip balm (Smith's Rosebud Salve is my favorite) is good for daytime, but sometimes you want something more special. For a sheer but brilliant pop of color, I adore Nars lip lacquers. Personal favorites include Capucine (golden coral), Sweet Charity (bubble gum pink), and Hot Wired (a shocking fuschia that Schiaperelli would have loved).

Now for the eyes. Just because it's summer doesn't mean you can neglect your brows, so make sure they are groomed and your lashes curled! Waterproof mascara is a Kiffen-must have for all seasons, but particularly in the summer. I am completely loyal to Maybelline Sky-High Curves in Very Black when it comes to mascara - it's simply the best.

You can get away with only a dusting of sheer shimmer on the lids in the summer (try Mac pigments in Pink Bronze or Vanilla), but it's more fun to play with bright but wearable colors. It's the season for lilac, mint, and turquoise! Wear these fun shades as liner to make your eyes pop. Mac fluid liners last forever and come in a variety of gorgeous shades, like Blue Peep (bold sky blue) and Non-Conformist (ultra-flattering periwinkle). Yes, my eyeshadow collection looks remarkably similar to a Crayola box - the big one with 96 shades. What can I say, wearing browns gets boring!

Changing your fragrance to something lighter is also a good idea. The heat intensifies the scent, so spicy orientals or heavy florals are just too much for the warmer months. Jo Malone makes tons of great options that can be layered to your heart's content, such as sweetly uplifting Nectarine Blossom & Honey or the summer classic Lime, Mandarin, & Basil (very refreshing).

Last but not least, don't forget your feet! Leave the neutrals for your fingertips and go for an eye-catching hue on your toes. Candy-apple red, watermelon, and coral are all good choices. For a Kiffen-approved pedicure, try Essie polish in colors like Capri (red-orange), Calypso (strawberry pink), or Peach Daquiri (bright peach). These brights go perfectly with all the natural cork wedges and espadrilles you'll be wearing this summer.

Summer makeup should be simple and fun. Keep everything sunkissed and bright, and you've got the the right idea. And please, remember to beautify your feet before you slip into those fabulous new sandals. It's the finishing touch on your summer look.

Congratulations to Verbal Croquis!

One of my fellow fashion bloggers (and a very talented designer) has won the Gen Art Perrier Bubbling Under Competition.

Yay for Zoe!

Check out her work and her blog at Verbal Croquis.

The Lady is a Vamp

"Glamour is what I sell, my stock in trade."
- Marlene Dietrich She's a legend, the ultimate vamp, who's inspired many, many designers with her unique, highly stylized look. From Dior's D'Trick watches and handbags to this fall's sharply tailored suits and luxurious furs, her look lives on. She was also pretty clever and ahead of her time:

"In America sex is an obsession. In other parts of the world it is a fact."

"Darling, the legs aren't so beautiful. I just know what to do with them."

"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."

Her wardrobe was also very modern - most of it wouldn't look out of place on this fall's runways (or on the streets!) So try channeling the ultimate vamp this fall, at least once in a while. Don't be afraid to be glamorous and a little over-the-top!

My Mother was Right

In honor of Mother's Day, here are some things my mother was right about:

1. Wear some color by your face! Everyone looks better with some flattering color brightening up their face. A turtleneck, a scarf, a necklace...something!

2. When in doubt, wear black. It's always appropriate and chic. However, remember rule #1 and liven all that black up somehow.

3. Earrings must be worn whenever you leave your house.

4. Buy outfits, not pieces. You will always have something to wear.

5. You need blush, especially in the winter. Rosy cheeks are much prettier than that washed-out winter paleness.

6. If you leave the house looking sloppy, you will run into someone you know. Usually a really cute guy or an ex-boyfriend.

7. You can never have too much fun costume jewelry.

8. If you are in a bad mood, wear something sparkly.

9. If you are having a fat day, wear high heels, a fabulous bag, and stunning jewels (are you getting the theme here yet?).

10. Confidence is the key to wearing any outfit.

So if you forgot about Mother's Day, or if you just feel like earning some extra brownie points, call your mother and tell her she was right. About something. Trust me, she will love to hear it. Even though she knew it all along.

7th in Chicago!

Calling all Chicago fashionistas!

This is the best sample sale around, and for once, it's in Chicago. It's 7th on Sale, a shopping benefit presented by the fabulous Second City Style, a must-read for stylish Chicagoans.

Buy tickets ahead of time here. It's not just a shopping event - here's the rundown from their website:

"Second City Style has the perfect solution for all your shopping dilemmas: "7th in Chicago." We are bringing a bite of the Big Apple to the Windy City! On May 13, 2006, Second City Style will present the hottest New York fashion talent without the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple... We invite you to shop top New York labels while you pamper yourself with Beauty on Call services including manicures, pedicures, and massages. Proceeds will benefit Prescription Well-Being. Sweets and wine (courtesy of Premier Sponsor Little Black Dress) will be offered to all. Premier Sponsor Pure Med Spa will be offering on-site Botox and Restylane treatments for 1/3 off! Hair consultations and discounted hair salon services will be offered by premier sponsor Vidal Sassoon. And, the first 200 women in attendance will receive a not-to-be-missed luxury goody bag."

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2006
Time: 10am - 7pm
Place: Wyndham Chicago at 633 N. St. Clair (1/2 block east of Michigan Avenue on Erie)
Cost: $20.00 per person in advance.

Don't miss it!

Carnivale of Couture: Clothes on Film!

This week's Carnivale is being hosted by the stylish Clothesaholic, and she's wondering what movies have had a hand in our wardrobe fantasies.

"My theme is -- Clothes on Film! What movie, TV show or video featured clothes that made an impression on you? What movie, TV or video wardrobe did you try to emulate? How many times did you dress up as Emma Peel (or for the mens, John Steed) at Halloween, and if not, why not? 'Fess up, I know you have at least one vest a la Annie Hall, or torn sweat-shirt a la Flashdance, stuffed back there in your Closet of Shame."

It's no secret that Evita (yes, the Madonna and Antonio Banderas film) is one of my favorite movies of all time (shut up, I like cheesy musicals), and Madonna's fabulous 30s and 40s outfits are a perfect example of timeless vintage style. Look at this amazing white suit and hat! The wardrobe in the movie was just impeccable, from Eva's luxe furs and glittering jewels to the sweet polka-dot dress she wears as a girl of 15. Besides, how could I not love a movie with the phrase: "They need to adore me, so Christian Dior me, from my head to my toes" (from the song "Rainbow High). If you are into vintage at all and haven't seen this movie yet, what are you waiting for?

Yes, I covet her on-screen wardrobe, but Eva Peron the woman is quite intriguing; next time you are looking for reading material, pick up a biography of Argentina's grande dame. Whether you respect her for helping the common people, or you think she was just a tramp in the right place at the right time, at the very least she lived an incredibly interesting life.

Coutorture!

The new one-stop-shop for everything fashion, Coutorture, got a mention on Gawker! Check out their new PR video here:http://www.coutorture.net/media .

They've got some other great videos and makeup how-tos as well, and some great fashion blogging partners.

So check it out already!