July 14th, 2010

The weather is getting hotter but so can your look!  As seen on the runways and red carpets, these summer beauty trends will help shake things up a bit.  Glamour Magazine compared these looks on models and celebrities, but they’re easy enough to try at home for an effortless, bold summer style.

1.    The Side Braid. Think of it as a modern twist on the ‘Dorothy’. This style works best on long hair, and looks even better if it’s a little messy. No need for perfection, just pull hair loosely to one side and make a low braid by your neck. You can add a bow or headband to embellish this look.

2.    Bright Eyes. Bold and bright colors are making a comeback. But this is not an 80’s flashback. This trend works best using bright or jewel-toned eyeliners or eye shadows to line the eye. So, think- sapphire or turquoise colored liquid liner, not purple shadow up to the brow.

3.    The Milkmaid Braid. This look resembles a braided crown and may require an extra set of hands, unless you are a skilled braider. It also only works with hair long enough to wrap around your head. Start by parting your hair across your head behind both ears and braiding a large section of hair on one side, pull it across to the other side and pin it. You can tuck the rest of your hair back into a messy bun or leave it down and add beachy waves.

4.  Beachy Waves. Loose mermaid-like waves, look naturally beautiful and effortless. There are a few ways to achieve this look. The easier methods would be sleeping in a braid or twisted bun the night before, or if you have time you can wrap sections of your hair around a large-barreled curling iron.

5.    Pink Lips. A bright pop of pink on your pout is this summer’s version of the red lip. Katy Perry and Lauren Conrad pull this look off brilliantly.

6.    Faux Bob. Ever wanted to cut your hair, but think you might regret it? Well, with this hairstyle trend you can try out a short-do without chopping everything off. By pinning or tucking hair into a low messy bun, you can pull out shorter, loose pieces to frame your face. Curl if you desire. This works best with layered haircuts.

7.    Green Eye Shadow. A muted green shade like Humid by MAC, looks great blended with a soft black pencil liner, to make for an updated version of the smoky eye.

8.    Dark Inner Eyeshadow. An intense, dramatic look for fierce smokey eyes. Sweep dark shadow on the inner corners of eyes and up to inside bottom of brow for a daring look like Lady Gaga.

9.    High Bun. The messy bun is back. But this time, it has moved. The new beauty trend of the high bun is a non-polished looking bun that sits on top of the head.

10.    Lower Lashes. Channel Twiggy for this retro-inspired look. The bold bottom lashes can be drawn on with eyeliner or false lashes can be applied. Either way, it’s the wide-eyed doll face look we’re aiming for.

And of course you can’t forget, ‘you’re never fully dressed without a smile!’ It’s the ultimate summer accessory.

Summer gives us a lot to be jealous about. It’s swimsuit season, vacation season, and also wedding season.

Of course, Hollywood gives us another reason to be envious with celebrity weddings. Whether we’re fantasizing about the lavish dresses and rings, or longingly watching our favorite celebrity ‘boyfriends’ get married off to other lucky ladies, we seem to have a certain fascination with red carpet weddings.

Our favorite ‘Office’ couple, Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim (John Krasinski), both recently got hitched…. just not to each other (as much as we would have loved to see a real-life romance).

According to US Weekly, John Krasinski and The Devil Wears Prada’s Emily Blunt tied the knot Saturday in Como, Italy. After two years of dating, the couple had a private outdoor ceremony at the Villa D’este. As if that weren’t luxurious enough, the bride wore a custom cream chiffon sweetheart draped Marchesa gown, adorned by her $100,000 Edwardian diamond engagement ring.

Jenna Fischer and screenwriter Lee Kirk opted for a more casual wedding. According to People Magazine, the couple swapped vows in front of family and friends on Saturday July 3 in Malibu. Although this is Fischer’s second marriage, she told reporters that what made this wedding special was having good, “family, friends and food.”

Hollywood sweetheart Carrie Underwood stayed true to her roots and had a grand country wedding. According to E-Online, the American Idol/ Grammy winner married NHL player Michael Fisher Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia. The bride walked down the aisle in a Monique Lhuillier chantilly lace gown as over 250 guests in attendance watched, including Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Other celeb newlyweds:

Carrie Prejean and Kyle Boller Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green Alanis Morissette and Mario Treadway

Congrats to all the lucky couples!

From trendy tween star to fashion designer, Selena Gomez has taken her edgy yet girly personal style and expressed it through her new clothing line “Dream Out Loud” for all her young fans to wear. Just days before her 18th birthday Selena’s clothing line will be introduced to Kmart on Thursday.

“Dream Out Loud” has a bohemian feel from florals, plaids and stripes to tee’s, skirts and sweaters; Selena will be sure to have the best-dressed fans.  She even sprinkled some accessories, sportswear and shoes into her collection.  Selena’s got you covered from head-to-toe in her newest endeavor “Dream Out Loud” clothing line…literally!

Selena was not only thinking about her fans when designing her clothing line, but also kept the environment in mind. She opted for organic cotton and recycled/eco-friendly material for all of her designs.

This is a fresh, trendy and chic ready-to-wear line for all young girls out there that want to have Selena’s style at a reasonable price.

Make sure you are the first in line to get your Selena inspired outfit this Thursday at Kmart!

Whoa! Twilight star Ashley Green looked super sultry (and classy) at the recent ‘Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ premiere in Madrid, Spain.

At the young age of 23, Ashley is a true lady!

I LOVE this new take on the side braid. It’s messy, yet polished..stunning! Ashley rocks the “silver smoky eye” and she nails the look by opting for a more neutral lip. PERFECT!

To those of you who are always on the go with no time to spare (let alone make a few wardrobe changes halfway through your day), here are the answers on how the celebs survive their busy schedules and still manage to look good.

From Nicole Richie to Kate Moss, every celebrity fills their closet with one essential for the summer: denim cutoffs.  This Hollywood basic will take you from morning, noon and night.

You may have thought denim cutoffs were only for the beach or running errands on the weekends, but this summer you can sport your daisy dukes out on the town too!  We have spotted everyone from Jessica Simpson to Kim Kardashian wearing their cutoffs out to dinner, at the club and even on stage.

How can you dress up your perfectly worn and frayed cutoffs? Easily!  When taking your daisy dukes from morning to night just exchange your sandals for a pair of strappy wedges or killer heels and throw on a fitted blazer over your tee. Now you’re ready to paint the town red!

Next up on the list of summer essentials?  Rompers.

Rompers were invented for those who are always on the go. These trendy one-sies have become the “go to” item of the summer for celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens and Blake Lively. No matter if they are out shopping or hitting the red carpet, all of Tinseltown has found their security blanket in the romper.

The romper may be one of the simplest when transforming from day to night.  Just add a pair of pumps and accessorize, accessorize and accessorize. How positively easy is that!

Last (but not least) on our list of must-have summer essentials?  This one has stuck around for countless summers and Hollywood’s bohemian princess Nicole Richie has made it a must-have in every girl’s closet.  It’s the Maxi Dress!

The best part about the maxi is that this dress is flattering on ALL figures.

Just remember the key to making your maxi right for any occasion:  it’s all about the bag.  Go with a clutch if you want to dress it up, and if you’re going for a chic and casual look try a hobo bag or satchel.

So all you fashionistas out there with little time to make wardrobe changes, it’s your turn to execute the celebrity secret to taking their look from morning, noon and night.

If you loved Christian Bale in The Dark Knight, you’re not only in line with the everyone else that saw it, but you’re also in luck. The talented actor is one of the first people to officially sign on to the next Batman movie.

Yet to be titled, the newest installment will also include Gary Oldman and Morgan Freeman. Michael Caine will be returning for his perfectly type-cast role of Alfred.  Filming is set to begin in April 2011, with Christopher Nolan at the helm.

For Alex Wong, the answer to “So you think you can dance?” was yes, yes he can. Despite his unbelievable fancy foot work, Alex was sent home this week from Fox’s hit talent competition due to a lacerated Achilles tendon.

Alex suffered the injury earlier in the week during rehearsals for a Bollywood routine. While he will be undergoing surgery in the next couple of days, doctors told producers that Alex could take as long as three months to recover. With such a long recovery time, the judges were forced to let him go.

But don’t fret too much, Alex fans! Judge Nigel Lythgoe said Alex can come back next season. If he wants, he can go straight to Vegas and audition for a spot on the show there.

It sounds like that’s just what Alex wants, too. He told Fox, “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot of what I want to do, but it isn’t finished. I had a few great weeks but it’s not enough.”

Agreed, Alex. It’s not enough. So let’s not worry about him getting back on the show. With some of the most memorable dances this season (hip hop with Twitch, anyone?), he’s gonna be back on that stage next summer!

If you’re looking for guaranteed laughs this summer, look no further.  With an all-star comedy cast: Adam Sandler, David Spade, Chris Rock, Kevin James and Rob Schneider, “Grown Ups” will have you laughing out loud from the opening scene.

The movie follows the characters on a nostalgic trip back to their hometown where they reunite as adults to pay respects to their childhood basketball coach. Each character is well-rounded and very different from the next.  David Spade’s character, Marcus Higgins, is so spot-on, that it’ll make you wonder how much the other actors secretly have in common with their characters.

Known mostly for their roles in major films, each of the 5 main characters started his career as a stand up comedian. Real-life friends, they have a natural comfortability that comes through in the film.  A reliable part of any Happy Madison production, Steve Buscemi plays yet another quirky and insanely funny character. Adam Sandler’s fierce loyalty and kindness has paid off big time once again. The only downside of the movie is that it comes to an end.