FALL 2009 Fashion Week - Backstage at Rodarte
SHOW: RODARTEMAKEUP: JAMES KALIARDOS FOR M.A.CHAIR: ODILE FOR AVEDANAILS: DEBORAH LIPPMANN BEAUTY SNAPSHOT: Architectural face paint

THE SCOOP: The first thing I noticed when I arrived at the Gagosian Gallery (the venue for Rodarte's fall '09 show) was the runway set-up. The chairs were covered in tinfoil and the runway zigzagged back and forth. It looked a bit space age -- a vibe that carried over to the hair and makeup. 

James Kaliardos explained the makeup as "deconstructing and reconstructing the face," and architectural. There was a definite graphic feeling to it, with lines and contouring under the eyes, along the cheekbones and in the creases of the lids. The use of white and various flesh tones rounded out the sculpted look, and the lips stayed neutral (bordering on grim) in grayish nude. 

Odile explained the hair, quite simply, as small, chic and modern. That description translated to a very sleek, tightly wound and banded side chignon with a side part. 

The nails were super modern too, painted with a shade of glittery gunmetal that Deborah Lippmann co-created with the Mulleavy sisters for the show.

GET THE LOOK - MAKEUP: The M.A.C team used several M.A.C Pro products to create the sculpted look: Paint Stick in Pure White under the eyes, Shaping Powder in Warm Light and Accentuate on cheeks and eyes, Pigment in Frozen White on the inner corners of the eyes, and for lips, a combination of M.A.C Lip Pencil in Stone and Lipstick in Fresh Brew.

GET THE LOOK - HAIR: Odile used Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine to impart shine and smooth flyaways on the severe style.

GET THE LOOK - NAILS: Deborah Lippmann's special show shade, Marquee Moon, will hit stores this fall!




Evangeline Lilly Poses in Lingerie for Kids Charity Auction - eBay Finds
Have you ever ever wanted to see Evangeline Lilly in her underwear while also helping support a children's charity, thus offsetting any voyeuristic guilt? Well, pretty soon (the dates have not yet been announced) you will be able to finally live out that fantasy on eBay of all places. The LOST star has teamed up with eBay Giving Works and a charity named Task Brazil in order to auction off pieces R Favela. The proceeds from the auction will go to support Brazilian kids living in the slums.

Our friends at Ecorazzi stumbled upon this video, which we assume will be featured on the auction page, along with images of the former Cool Water spokesmodel wearing the Brazilian lingerie. 

As far as any news about when the bidding will start, we can only guess. She did mention the charity auction in passing on her latest appearance on Good Morning America on January 27th -- so we think it'll be soon. We have yet to find the auction, so if you do run across it, please send the link our way. [via Ecorazzi]


How do you follow-up a bold campaign starring signer Beth Ditto?

“It is women like these that are going to knock down the final barriers, showing that they are some of the best at what they do by modeling for some of the key opinion formers and brands within the fashion world.”



Did we tell you it was the Year of the Curvy Girl or what?

The latest 2010 campaign for Evans — which caters to sizes 14 to 32 — takes its inspiration from Peter Lindbergh’s 1990 cover for Vogue, featuring a supermodel jackpot of Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz, the retailer told StyleList.

And check out V Magazine’s plus-size burlesque shoot, courtesy of Karl Lagerfeld.

Hear hear. We love the simple, sophisticated aesthetic, with the girls looking gorgeous in jeans, white tees and on-trend fitted tuxedo, military and leather jackets.

If you are Love Magazine, you slap a nude photo of Lara Stone on the cover. But if you’re British plus-size fashion brand Evans, you round up a who’s who of the most notable plus-size models in the industry for a classy, Vogue-inspired campaign.

Evans' New Ad Campaign Stars Plus-Size Models in Vogue-Inspired Shoot

Evans' new ad is Inspired by the original supermodels of the '90s. Photo courtesy of Evans

"These supermodels of the 'plus' industry are making you forget their size," Gary Dakin, vice-president of Ford Models, said in a press release.


Twenty years on, Evans’ updated version stars a cluster of curvy beauties — Britney Vecchio, Hayley Morley (of Mark Fast catwalk fame), Crystal Renn (the face of the brand), Amber Tolliver and Peeky — in a clean, simple shot that the brand calls “aspirational yet accessible.”



Everyone Should Use Moisturizer - StyleLIES
We are all lead to believe that moisturizer, among other things, is crucial for healthy skin. But is this the truth or are top companies just leading us on so we buy their products in bulk?

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), we've all been duped. They say that, "this is another multi-million dollar myth that cosmetic companies want you to believe." They say that you only really need a moisturizer if you have redness, irritation or itchiness. If you aren't experiencing any of these signs, your skin is doing just fine on it's own. 

This sounded a little suspicious to us, so we consulted New York City Dermatologist Amy Wechsler - who's board-certified in dermatology and psychiatry. She strongly disagreed. "First of all Osteopaths are not medical doctors," she told us. And she's right - Osteopathy is a form of complementary medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach and manual and physical interventions in the treatment and prevention of disease. They don't go to traditional medical school, and are not board certified. 

"Most Americans do need moisturizers," she said. "They help the skin maintain its barrier function, which is paramount to its health." Dr. Wechsler said only a small percentage of people don't need moisturizer - those with really oily facial skin. 

So keep slathering. "You need a moisturizer if your skin feels flaky, ashy or tight after washing, says Dr. Wechsler. And most Americans over wash their skin, which depletes natural moisturizing oils," making moisturizer application even more paramount. 
So there you have it. Lesson learned: Don't believe everything you read, and keep using that moisturizer!




Drinking water helps complexions - Style Lies
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, drinking lots of water does little more to the complexion than bloat it, which in turn, helps temporarily reduce the look of wrinkles.

Drinking water is always a wise idea because it lubricates the body from the inside out, works as an appetite suppressant, and helps clean out body parts like the kidney. But in reality, it really doesn't clear up the complexion. A mixture of things like a healthy diet and exercise combined with water can help the body and skin look and feel great but water alone can't do the deed.




Drew Barrymore in Lanvin - I Want That!
So, about Drew Barrymore's new look ... We had a hard time with her blonde "Josie Grossie" Golden Globes 'do. But after some thought, we remembered that Drew is a complete '80s child at heart. And with the recent resurgence of the '80s in fashion, we realized she's just reliving those glory days with the hair, poufy prom dresses and whatnot. We think it's sort of endearing and no matter what, she's always the cutest!

We recently saw on one gossip site or another that Drew dyed her hair because "no one was looking" at the time. Does that mean she dyed it herself? Yikes! No matter how much we love her, we're just not into the bouffant hair style but here at the premiere of "He's Just Not That Into You," we like. Keep it sleek girl!

• Lanvin dress, Priced upon request

• Roger Vivier clutch, Priced upon request

• Lorraine Schwartz jewels, Priced upon request


oolo Drowned Rat Hair Help_2888

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Drowned Rat Hair Help
Yesterday we got this question from a reader:

I need help for very thin, very straight, and extra baby fine hair. Or shall I say, has all the negatives in type of hair except frizz. I am looking for help and not able to find any. Even past hairdressers are at a loss. I know I am not the only one out here that has gone through life looking like a drowned rat.

Of course you're not!

Here are a few things you can do to give body to baby-fine, limp hair. The first three won't work overnight, but you'll notice a change within three months. The last two will give you bigger hair now.
Help for Fine Hair

(click thumbnails to view gallery)



I’ve was never really into tools. That is, until I took some classes with sewing rock star Kenneth D. King at NYC’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

He was always coming up with something that would make the job easier, and it was all thanks to his tools.

“Touch my tools and die,” he told us.

Of course, since then, I’ve been into tools.

And there are a lot of amazing high-tech sewing supplies out there. Here are some recently discovered favorites:

CraftVideo: Sewing App – There’s an iPhoe application for everything these days, including sewing. Download this one to take your stitching up a notch with the help of numerous tutorials — from how to thread a sewing machine to making your blah jeans skinny. Bendable LED Light – Sewing machines come with a light, but it’s not the best for seeing important details, like where the needle is going into the fabric. Check out this brightener which attaches to the side of your machine.
Washaway Stabilizer – It’s old news with experienced sewers, but I’m always wowed by this one. If you’re into embroidery or applique, this stuff is the bomb. Use it as a backing for your design to stiffen the fabric and then, presto, it washes away.
Brother Quattro 6000D – There is no better sewing mousetrap. This machine sets embroiderers’ hearts aflutter with its large HD LCD screen and almost 50 square inches of workspace. Don’t even ask the price — the Porsche of sewing machines has a price tag to match. Read a review here.
Smart Fabrics – While you can’t buy it yet, it’s always good to plan ahead for future projects. On the horizon is this battery-powered glowing fabric. Just imagine a night on the town in material that emits its own light. Other smart fabrics, like temperature-controlled textiles are on the way, too.
These are just a few of the gadgets that will amp up your sewing. Start surfing and you’ll be amazed what you find.

Next week’s DIY Design : Go with the grain — all you need to know to make your garments hang straight.

Amber Eden is the former editor-in-chief of Threads magazine and founding editor of SewStylish magazine and CraftStylish.com. She has studied draping and haute couture techniques at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and according to her, will probably be a student there for life.


DIY Design: High-Tech Sewing Supplies

Sewing's come a long way! Isaac Merritt Singer produced his first sewing machine in 1850. Photo: SSPL, Getty Images



Mgxt DIY Design- Make Your Own Handbag_150

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No matter what your size, a handbag will always fit and therefore be the perfect accessory. Best of all, they are relatively easy to make. Get your designer juices following with these DIY recommendations:

Free patterns: Sewing sites are flush with free handbag patterns. Check out some of the best of the lot here: Henrietta’s Hanbags, Amy Butler, Martha Stewart, AllCraft, and ThriftyFun.
Let’s get lazy: Now this is right up my sewing alley – a great purse pattern from LazyGirlDesigns.com that’s easy to assemble. Love leather: Leather is easier to work with than you think. Learn the tricks of the trade in this fabulous video.
. Hardware Resources: Finding pro-quality hardware for your handbag, from buckles to grommets, is always a challenge. Here is a list of some great resources. Ladies, start your sewing machines: If you get stitching now, you’ll be able to make the April 15 deadline for Handmade Handbag category in the 2010 Independent Handbag Designers Awards and potentially win a sewing machine and a thread collection. Even better, your pattern will be a featured download! Click here for more info and see last year’s winners. Get inspired: For inspiration and tips on handmade handbags, check out Handbag Designer 101.
For more DIY Design columns, click here. Next week: high fashion comes in small package with handmade doll clothes.


DIY Design: Make Your Own Handbag

Photo: Getty Images for Burberry



If there’s one great thing for wannabe designers, it has to be the plenitude of vintage clothing available online for the redoing and updating. Vintage can be a great starting point for sewing creativity. I once relied on flea markets in the funky part of town to find my reworked garments, but now it’s all available with the click of a the mouse. Here the best online thrift shops:

Etsy: This site could be considered the biggest and best flea market ever. Just head over and search for “women’s vintage clothing” to get a plethora of promising results.

eBay: While not as impressive as Etsy, eBay is not too shabby when it comes to retro chic, especially if you want to score vintage designer pieces.

Rusty Zipper
: The Rusty Zipper has lots of old school options for men, women and children, including sewing patterns. Calling itself the web’s first online vintage store, the Rusty Zipper has grown from a spare closet to a 5500-square-foot warehouse in rural Oregon.

Catwalk Creative: For a more carefully curated collection, one of my most favorite haunts for finding vintage from the 1950s through 1980s is U.K.-based Catwalk Creative. The owner has her finger on the pulse of what’s hot vintage-wise and knows exactly where to get her hands on it.

Nelda’s Vintage
: What she lacks in quantity, Nelda more than makes up for with quality. I met Nelda through a vintage-clothing social-networking site (yes, there is such a thing), and she puts great care into choosing every piece she offers for sale.

Once you land a vintage favorite, you can put your own creative spin on it. Learn more here.

For more DIY Design columns, click here. Next week, learn how to copy your favorite garments.




DIY Design: Online Flea Markets for Vintage Finds

Frances Bean Cobain goes vintage shopping in N.Y.C. Photo: WagnerAZ-Sandro/X17online.com