Music Made for the Runway

Admittedly, the first time I took interest in the musical duo La Roux was not because of their music. I just loved the cover of their CD, "La Roux," and couldn't stop admiring the copper mohawk of singer Elly Jackson. With a cover that cool, I figured the music had to be pretty cool, too.

It turns out that I was right.

"La Roux" is one of the best complete CDs I've listened to in a long time. Not since Duffy's "Rockferry" have I liked every single song on a CD. Singer Elly Jackson and songwriter Ben Langmaid scored with a debut album that has been creeping up the charts already in the UK. The music style of La Roux definitely suits my taste in music, so it's not surprising that I would love every track. The songs are a mix of pop, electro, techno, and dance beats- perfect for tearing up the dance floor, grooving in your car, or, if you're Magdalena Frackowiak or Arlenis Sosa, walking the runway.

If this CD would have been out back when Tom Ford was designing for Gucci and YSL Rive Gauche, this is definitely the kind of music that he would have played during his shows. "Colourless Colour" especially strikes me as a Ford song, with song lyrics even referencing fashion ("Once in fashion and soon to be seen....once in fashion and soon to be rediscovered"). That song was, seriously, made for the catwalk. The beats are just too perfect. Since Ford has left fashion to *gasp* direct movies, perhaps Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, or Karl Lagerfeld might be interested in playing "La Roux" during their fashion shows.

Though I enjoyed every song, my favorite tracks are "Colourless Colour," "Bulletproof," "In for the Kill," "Cover My Eyes," and "I'm not your Toy." "Cover My Eyes" is particularly haunting and somber at the same time. Thankfully, the entire CD is something that can be played from start to finish without a weak spot. I haven't purchased a CD since last year, but I recently added "La Roux" to my amazon wish list.

Fashionable, edgy, relaxing, energizing. The CD fits all of those descriptions...and more.

NEW!!! Zac Posen for Target

Glamazons,

God must have heard my cries!! Zac Posen is the latest designer to create an affordable line for Target, in stores from April 25th through May 30th via WWD.com. Ahhh-mazing!

He joins a lengthy list of up-and-coming designers who have created for Target's Go International Series, which has also featured Erin Fetherston, Richard Chai, Thakoon and Rodarte.

Target hasn't yet released what the inspiration is for the line or the pricing, but anyone who knows anything about Fashion can assume it will be chic, ladylike and charming---and the fit and craftmanship will be nothing short of excellent.

Zac Posen, who is famous for his extravagant, red-carpet worthy gowns that can cost up to $12,000, is a favorite among celebrities like Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez.

The Glamazons covered his recent launch of "Z Spoke," a line of dresses, separates and sportswear, sold exclusively at Saks, at a price point of $78-$675 (and we can bet his Target collection will be even more affordable!!).

I am thrilled he is doing a collection for Target as I am a long-time fan of his work. I went to his Fall 2009 presentation and nearly died from the awesome beauty of it all. True art!

Here's Jourdan Dunn modeling one of the gorgeous dresses from Fall 2009.

Note my birthday falls during the time Zac Posen for Target is in stores, I'll take gift cards (I'm serious).

Are you as excited about this collection as I am?

Kisses,

Coutura

Leotards, Leggings, Catsuits - Sexy or Slutty?

Hey Glamazons!

When I first came up with the idea to write on this topic, the celebrity in question was Kanye West's blond bombshell girlfriend, Amber Rose, who wears spandex jumpsuits and leggings like it's her uniform. Since then, Beyonce's risque new video "Video Phone Remix," and Rihanna's topless shots for her new album have made Amber's catsuit look more like a business suit.

Though artists like Jennifer Lopez and Janet Jackson have always pushed the envelope with provocative fashions, it seems now more than ever, today's pop stars are embracing the raunchier side of sexy.

Rihanna seems to have an aversion to tops in the promotional pictures for her latest record, fittingly titled "Rated R."

And from her breast jiggling to her bent-over booty roll, Beyonce's moves make the Video Phone vid a racy display of unabashed, in-your-face sexiness.

Critics and fans alike worry about what message this sends to impressionable, younger viewers (including the Duchess of Cornwall who recently criticized the "Video Phone," video.) Though Rihanna and Beyonce are mature, adult women who can dress however they please, a large percentage of their fanbase is not. And both stars have publicly acknowledged that these young fans consider them role models. If there is a new onslaught of topless Rihanna-inspired Myspace pics or bent-over Beyonce-esque moves at teenage birthday parties, can we really be surprised?

The same can be said about today's fashions. As trend-setting stars flaunt sexier images, catsuits, spandex leggings and leotards with thigh-high boots are becoming staples in popular stores. Have celebrities like Amber Rose, Beyonce and Rihanna made us immune to sex or are we just all so free and comfortable in our skin that we want to celebrate it in our clothing choices?

Personally, I'm on the fence about this issue. I love being a woman. I think curves are absolutely beautiful, and accentuating them is every woman's privilege and right. I love working hard at the gym and showing off my toned abs at the beach or in my Halloween costume---and want to be able to do so without feeling judged. That's why I've always commended women that don't allow societal pressures to control their sexuality.

At the same time, how sexy is too sexy? As much as I embrace sexiness, I have found the sight of some women in catsuits at the club, or in a leotard and thigh-high heels, off-putting to say the least. There has to be a line somewhere but where do you draw it?

What's your opinion? Do you think Rihanna and Beyonce's recent works are too sexy? Do you think it impacts fans or do they view it as entertainment without being influenced?

Do you agree there is a line between revealing and racy? How would you define your own style of dress in those terms?

Do you wear any of the styles above (catsuits, leggings, leotards, etc.)? Do you think they are "too sexy"? If so, how do you tone it down?

Do you think women should have to tone it down or should have the freedom to dress however they want without judgment?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Michelle Obama Gets Glam in Naeem Khan

Hey Glamazons,

There are few sights more dazzling than Michelle Obama in a custom-made Naeem Khan gown.

The First Lady donned a glimmery metallic strapless dress by the Indian-American designer on Wednesday to welcome Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur to the White House, and to host the Obama's first State Dinner.

Accessorizing with a sophisticated updo, chandelier earrings, stacked diamond bangles and a champagne shawl, Mrs. Obama looked as regal and polished as ever.

Though Naeem Khan is famous for his extravagant designs, the First Lady's dress was especially exquisite. According to Mrs. Obama's comments on the gown: "The strapless gown features hand cut sterling silver sequins sewn on nude silk chiffon, which create an abstract floral pattern. The dress is entirely handmade, requiring three weeks of work by 40 people, completed in Naeem Kahn's family workshop in India."

Mrs. Obama's choice of an Indian-American designer is not pure coincidence, but rather a subtle example of her cultural sensitivity and thoughtfulness. In fact, she wore the skirt of another Indian-American designer (and Glamazon favorite) Rachel Roy in an earlier speech about the State Dinner. The significance of the First Lady's decision to wear lesser-known designers, and to celebrate their Indian-American heritage, was not lost on Naeem Khan:

"I feel so happy to be a part of this historical event between the two countries where my heart lies. I am relieved to have a job well done and am so honored to have been chosen. This is a Thanksgiving in its truest form for me and one that I will never forget---an American dream coming true," Khan told People.com.

What do you think of Michelle Obama's gown, Glamazons?

Kisses,

Coutura

Tress Trauma!

Hair S.O.S! I don't know about you guys, but I feel like I've been stuck in a rut lately..with my hair that is.
I have the hottest blondest of blonde tresses (ok, not Amber Rose white blonde, but still pretty blonde) thanks to the colorist/love of my life Adrian Wallace of the Rita Hazan Salon in NY. (Located at 720 5th Avenue, right across the street from the Trump Towers...tres chic!) However, it's hard sometimes to keep the color looking fresh and it can easily look dull if I don't pay special attention to it.
On the other hand, my haircut is seriously lacking in the style factor. I chopped it into a trendy bob a couple of months ago, but then decided that I wanted to grow it back out. Now it's in that weird inbetween state where I have to wear my bangs swept to the side and the back is growing way faster than the front!
Has anyone else ever experienced this issue? I'm sure you all have at least one point in the history of your hair woes. So, I just wanted to know: what are some of the best ways to keep your hair color looking vibrant? What are the best types of haircuts to get so that you don't run into the weird hair rut? And how can I make my blow out last? (because I'm obsessed with blow outs but in this economy who can afford to get one weekly anymore?!)
Read on to get some great tips!

Q: How do you keep hair color from fading inbetween hair coloring appointments?
A: "I always tell my clients to invest in a color protecting shampoo, such as Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner. Both contain an advanced fade resist complex to help lock in color. Another option is to visit the salon between color visits for a Redken Chemistry service and request the Color Extend Shot." - Tracey Cunningham, Redken Creative Consultant for Color
*BTW I've tried the Color Extend Shot and it really works! The beauty of the Redken Chemistry Service is that it's suited to fit your hair needs and you can mix and match the shots (ie extend your color and add moisture) so if your hair just happens to be in need of more than one shot, your stylist can make a special one just for you.

AND, another great tip for those of you that choose to color your hair at home, try Clairol Professional Jazzing! It's sheer temporary haircolor that can even be used right after a perm application and is even great for those that rock natural tresses. The formula is ammonia and peroxide free and comes in 18 shades. Applied with heat (ie you blow out or flat iron your hair after washing), it can last 1-2 shampoos; without heat 4-8 shampoos. The best part is that if you click here and become a fan of the Clairol Pro Facebook page, you can enter to win their Fierce Friday sweepstakes! Winner gets a a two night trip to NY for a hair makeover with celebrity hair stylist Tippi Shorter! (Sidenote: Um, if I were allowed to enter, I totally would!)

Q: What about haircuts...what are the best ones to get so that I don't have to go to the salon so much for touch ups or experience this weird growing out phase?
A: “The best haircuts to avoid are high maintenance haircuts that don’t require a certain length to work. For example a layered shaggy haircut – a look that after two months growth it will have a similar shape. Long layered haircuts with bangs that sit around the cheekbone so that as they grow out they still resemble the look that’s a longer version is always good. Or one length haircuts that sit just below the shoulders. A bad choice that requires a lot of maintenance would be a jawline bob, if you don’t want to have to go to the salon often, steer clear of them.” –Rodney Cutler, owner Cutler/Redken Salons

Q: Ok, so what about blow outs? How can I stretch those for as long as possible?
A: “A long lasting blowdry starts with the correct haircare: make sure you use a shampoo that will extract the oil from the scalp while leaving the hair soft and, of course, pick the right shampoo for your hair type. Application of products includes both preparation and finishing, whether you’re creating volume and smoothness.
Apply a preparation product that is applied at the roots and evenly distributed through the hair (try Redken Blown Away 09 Protective Blow Dry Gel) The right product will give you the look and long lasting effects. If you want a smooth finished look, make sure you apply a smoothing product to repell the humidity. Also, make sure that you have a nozzle on the blow dryer and that you’re drying the hair from the roots to the ends to seal the cuticle. Make sure to let the hair cool down on the brush for a setting effect. To finish, use your finishing products six inches from your head. For example, spray the hairspray 6-12 inches from your so head as to not weigh the hair down.” -Rodney Cutler

xo
Ferocia

From the Closet: Workboots & Man-Uggs

Hey Glamazons!

Fashion, meet function. More than ever, this season's casual footwear works no matter what the weather brings. The new styles are tough, fashion-forward, durable and even sexy depending on how you wear it. My favorite styles for women AND men? Workboots for either gender, Man Uggs strictly for the guys.

MAN UGGS

Let's be clear: this is NOT the look at all.




The new UGG style, Butte, is cool, sleek, rainproof and Glamazon-approved. My favorite boot of the season for Men, hands down.

$220, uggaustralia.com.





WORKBOOTS

This style of boot is perfect for men and women; and should look rugged and relaxed (don't tie your shoelaces all the way up). While ladies shouldn't pair them with a frilly, ruffled skirt, don't be afraid to mix them with a sweater dress or leggings. The juxtaposition of girly and gritty is so alluring.







Kisses,

Coutura

Video Glam: Make Me Janet Jackson

Hey Glamazons,

I am obsessed with Janet's new single and vid, Make Me, off her Number Ones album. The black and white video is the perfect blend of retro and modern with it's signature Janet-esque dance sequences and funky interpretation of beauty and fashion trends.

Janet's Todd Lynn metallic shoulder pads, her dancer's worker boots, her amazing, silver dangling earrings, her pompadour hairstyle and dark lips = the stuff of fashion/beauty legend. And I can't wait to learn every dance move.

Check out the amazing dance sequences and looks below and tell me what you think.



Kisses,

Coutura

Orlando: Fashion's Greatest Literary Hero

I have been on a huge Virginia Woolf kick for the last couple months. The craze was ignited by one of the many discussions on books my friend Emily and I used to have at our respective offices. She couldn't believe that I hadn't read any of Woolf's major novels, so I decided to remedy that, not knowing that Woolf would turn out to be one of my favorite writers. I began with "To the Lighthouse" and hated it. I persevered, though, and continued on to "The Waves," "A Room of One's Own," "Mrs. Dalloway," "Between the Acts," and most recently "Orlando," which just might be one of my favorites.

"Orlando," though it was probably not Woolf's intention, was truly a book for fashion lovers of all sorts. Even Karl Lagerfeld cited Orlando as his favorite hero of literature (in the VF Proust Questionnaire, naturally). If you have already read the book, then I am sure you completely understand why a venerated fashion designer might remark that. If not, I'll do my best to elucidate some of the more fashion-y passages in Woolf's most fanciful novel, "Orlando."

Along with being an ode to fashion, "Orlando" transcends time and gender, for young Orlando began his life as a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I and ended it as a young woman in 1920s England. The young woman he became had a striking resemblance to Oscar Wilde, strangely enough. Take a glimpse at the photos in the Harcourt edition and you may leave with the same response. Anyhow, back to the clothes. Orlando was quite the snazzy dresser as both a male and female. This notion of morphing genders was defined as gynomorphosis, for the individual retained masculine traits but transformed them into the feminine counterpart. So, Orlando fluctuated from petticoats and gossamer to stirrups and overcoats, or vice verse.

Clothes were always central to Orlando's being and even accounted for the changes in his/her mindset, attitude, and behavior:

"The change of clothes had, some philosophers will say, much to do with it. Vain trifles as they may seem, clothes have, they say, more important offices than merely to keep us warm. They change our view of the world and the world's view of us."

Isn't that the truth? Clothes are hardly frivolous and irrelevant, and I was thrilled that Woolf reminded us of that.

Clothes transform us:

"There is much to support the view that it is clothes that wear us and not we them; we may make them take the mould of arm or breast, but they mould our hearts, our brain, our tongues to their liking."

Who has not felt differently inside when dressed one way as opposed to another? I know that I feel most confident when I am dressed up- in skirts, dresses, suits, or other stylishly sophisticated, yet conservative, creations. I can be in a foul mood when I am under dressed- denim and no blazer, flats when I should be in heels, etc. Clothes do more than cover our bodies: they provide confidence. Clothes can change your outlook, redefine you, and improve your morale. Clothing can also define the genders, as in the case of Orlando, or leave it for interpretation, like androgyny. Clothing is so much more than merely something worn out of utility and necessity.

"Orlando" was dedicated to Woolf's lover, Vita Sackville-West, and so it was thought that this book was something of a love letter to her. Perhaps it was also meant to encourage others to look beyond gender stereotypes and characteristics, to see each person as an individual, and to let that be the basis for judgement.

"Orlando" pushed these boundaries, even if the plot was pure time-traveling fantasy.

Virginia Woolf also reminded her readers of the never-ending significance and power of clothing.

Surely that was why Karl Lagerfeld considered Orlando to be the greatest hero of fiction.

** Quotations are from the Harcourt edition of "Orlando" by Virginia Woolf

GET THE LOOK!: Alicia Keys' Braided 'Do at the 2009 AMA's

As you know from our AMA '09 post below, we loved singer Alicia Keys' look. And, of course, we just knew that it had to be the work of Pantene celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter.
Read on to get the scoop on how she created the look!




Fresh off of a recent hair lightening, Tippi started by washing Alicia's tresses wtih Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Shampoo & Conditioner to keep her hair color looking healthy and vibrant for the cameras.

Tippi knew Alicia would not only be walking the red carpet, but also performing twice onstage,
so she created a fun updo that would transform effortlessly throughout the night. Since Alicia is known mostly for her braids, Tippi decided to keep the braid, but give it a lighter, more romantic feel.

Tippi sprayed Alicia's freshly washed hair with Pantene Pro-V Detangling Light Conditioning Spray to condition and protect the hair before heat styling. She then blew out the hair using a Mason Pearson brush. Tippi sectioned the hair into three sections from front to back, gathered the two outermost sections and secured a ponytail using Ojon Animated Styling Cream.
With the center section, Tippi started an off-center braid from the nape all the way to the front.
She then tucked the end of the braid underneath the main braid and secured with bobby pins.
Tippi finished the look with Ojon Tunu Elastik Hairspray and Bed Head Headrush Shine Adrenaline Superfine Mist Spray.



xo
Ferocia

Diddy to Make his HSN Debut

Hey Glamazons!

Next Monday, the one-and-only Diddy is moving his platform from hit records to home shoppers. The newly 40-year old mogul, who has become a staple on VH1 and MTV, will make his debut on HSN on November 30th at 11am. He will be the first 'big name' ever to sell a fragrance on the increasingly popular shopping channel.

A bit risky, but if anyone can sell an audience a product they can't test for themselves, it's Diddy (we credit his Harlem roots!). He will promote his fragrances, Unforgivable and I Am King (which both smell great in my opinion) in an interview which, HSN CEO, Mindy Grossman, jokingly calls "Behind the Fragrance."

Glamazons, are you shocked by the collaboration?

I'm not. With the staggering sales celebrities like Serena Williams and Iman have enjoyed recently on HSN, it was only a matter of time before Diddy utilized the channel's promotional power.

Do you think he'll be successful at selling fragrances on TV?

I think viewers will love his signature charm and charisma and will put their dollars toward it. Diddy's always been better at selling products than artists, as evidenced by his recent troubles with Day 26, the latest act to split from Bad Boy.

Will you be tuning in on November 30th?

Kisses,

Coutura

Bazaar's Best Dressed 2009

Though December is not an exciting time in fashion, the December issues of my most beloved magazines are among my favorites for the entire year. That is chiefly due to the fabulous best dressed lists which are compiled for December. Topping the list of, well, lists is definitely Harper's Bazaar. Each year their best dressed list is organized, original, and insightful, succinctly capturing the year's most prominent trends and inspiring looks.

Here are my highlights from Bazaar's wonderful best dressed list for 2009:

1) Michelle Obama in everything from Thakoon to J.Crew to Jason Wu. Our First Lady stole the show across the board this year.

2) Emma Watson in shiny gold Burberry Prorsum. Burberry's new campaign face sparkled from head to toe in 2009 with winning look after winning look.

3) Model/actress Amber Valletta in Proenza Schouler. I'm not sure where she wore this metallic number, but it caught my eye instantly.

4) Jennifer Connelly in Balmain and the most knocked-off shoes of the year. This also happened to be my favorite look for 2009. No wonder Connelly is the new face for Balmain's ads.

5) Blake Lively in bubblegum pink Michael Kors. Simple, yet sophisticated and sweet. Just like Lively herself.

6) Ashley Olsen in a white, long-sleeved, floor-length dress from her own line, the Row. I love just about everything Ashley Olsen wears and this was definitely one of my favorites.

7) Poppy Delevingne in a dress from Ralph Lauren Collection, leather jacket, and flat gladiator sandals. This outfit first appeared in one of Vogue's weekly best dressed lists, and it remained one of my favorite looks from 2009.

8) Leighton Meester in short, geometric Louis Vuitton and bright red platform heels. Love, love, love this dress!

9) Gwyneth Paltrow in Burberry Prorsum. I wasn't sure about this ruched skirt-graphic t-shirt look at first, but it eventually won me over. Not the most exciting look I've seen from Paltrow, but definitely interesting.

10) Agyness Deyn in Giles. The British style-maker turned heads all year in her unique and, at times, avant garde looks. This white blazer and short black dress was one of her many winning looks.

** To see the complete list of stand-out looks for 2009 from Harper's Bazaar, be sure to check out the December issue, or the feature online!

Glam or a Sham: AMA's

Hey Glamazons!

By now, we've all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday's American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what's more appalling to me is performing a "Louboutin" song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets "Cornball" and Q-Tip tweets about "cocky rappers."



But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.

While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn't quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).

Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

We loved Whitney Houston's ruched white gown but a Spanx would've smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.

Not at all crazy about Rihanna's Marchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.

We think Rihanna's body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.



Lady Gaga's antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd...not in a good way.

Alicia Key's Armani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.



Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez's Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.


I live for Fergie's studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.

Does it get any chicer than Shakira's yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.

I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis' soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.

We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.

We loved Keri Hilson's sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.


Though some critics feel Toni Braxton's dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown---and body---look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could've put that boy in a suit.

I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.

What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura