February, 2012

The hottest celebrities hit the Oscars red carpet in impeccable style Sunday night, drawing a memorable close to tinsel town’s award season!  On Hollywood’s biggest night, the best dressed stars channeled the simplicity and glamour of the 1920’s film era, paying homage to the silent but golden winner of the evening, “The Artist.”

17-time Academy Award nominee Meryl Streep was an image of Oscar gold in her custom, eco-friendly Lanvin long sleeve gown.  The deep neckline and asymmetrical draping added to the drama of the Best Actress winner’s look, while her Salvatore Ferragamo peep toe pumps and Lanvin clutch were the ideal touches to complete her ensemble.

Best Supporting Actress winner Octavia Spencer was the belle of the ball in a creamy metallic Tadashi Shoji gown with dazzling embellishments.  “The Help” actress wore Tadashi to many red carpet events this award season, but this short sleeve gown took top honors.  We positively love how the perfectly placed crystals cinched in her waist to show off her beautiful, curvaceous figure!

Best Actress nominee Michelle Williams ended her awards season run on a high note in a gorgeous silk and organza Louis Vuitton strapless gown.  Her fiery orange dress featured a feminine peplum waist, one of the hottest fashion trends for spring.   The “My Week with Marilyn” star finished off her exquisite look with a 30-carat brilliant cut necklace and vintage brooch by Fred Leighton.

Presenter Milla Jovovich looked elegant in a silvery white, sequined Elie Saab Couture one shoulder gown.  The “Resident Evil” star topped off her look with Jacob & Co. jewels and an Edie Parker clutch.  Although it was her first walk down the Oscars red carpet, Milla looked like a pro as her delicate gown sparkled and showcased her slim frame.

Presenter Jennifer Lopez definitely turned heads on stage in her sexy and shimmery Zuhair Murad long sleeve gown.  The plunging neckline and seductive cutouts complimented JLo’s flawless figure, reminding us why only she can pull off such a daring dress.  Wardrobe malfunction aside, nobody can doubt that Jennifer looked stunning in this body hugging gown!

That’s a wrap!  With Sunday’s 84th Academy Awards in the books, another awards season is history.  The big winners to take home the golden guy this year were Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” and the black-and-white silent feel good film “The Artist.”

Billy Crystal flawlessly opened the show, and “Hugo” dominated the first hour winning many of the technical awards.  Octavia Spencer won a best supporting actress award for her role in “The Help,” and Christopher Plummer became the oldest winner in history for his supporting role in “Beginners.”

Bret McKenzie, familiar to audiences as one half of the musical comedy duo “Flight of the Conchords” and star of the HBO show of the same name, won a statue for writing the Best Original Song from this year’s Muppets movie.  Bret forgot to thank Jason Segel during his speech for fighting to have the movie made!

Esperanza Spalding, last year’s Grammy winner for Best New Artist, did a beautiful rendition of “What A Wonderful World” for the In Memorium tribute, which featured recently departed Whitney Houston.    Angelina Jolie made quite a splash while presenting, posing with her leg sticking out of her sky-high slit and hand on hip.

When it came time for the big awards nearing the end of the ceremony, “The Artist” picked up steam nabbing Best Director.  Though Viola Davis seemed favored to win Best Actress, Meryl Streep took it for her role in “The Iron Lady.”

“The Artist” continued to roar on with it’s star Jean Dujardin winning Best Actor over George Clooney, and Best Picture.

What did you think of this year’s Oscars?  Leave us a comment below!

The warmer months of spring are just around the corner!  To get us inspired for the pleasant weather ahead, it’s time to reveal some of the most desired shoes for spring 2012.  The biggest footwear trends will make all fashionistas smile, with bold colors, boho materials and versatile styling.  There’s a must have shoe for every woman, from confident trendsetters to refined sophisticates.  Ladies, it’s time to put your best foot forward by stepping out in the following spring shoe trends!

Color-Block

If you’re a trendsetter, color-block shoes will be your favorite trend for spring!  This standout look combines colors in fun, geometric designs.  Whether you prefer sandals or stilettos, there is a color-block shoe for you!

Make a statement in these sexy cobalt and fuchsia platform pumps (Payless, $29.99), which would look great with an LBD.

For a flirty feel, pair these coral and lime wedges (Payless, $54.99) with a girly, floral dress.

Add a pop of color to your favorite jeans and tee by sporting these teal textured loafers (Payless, $44.99) with black and coral trim.

Wood Soles

If you’re a bohemian girl at heart, you’ll love the 70’s inspired wooden platforms, wedges, and sandals for spring!  These funky shoes are the perfect combination of fashion and function.  Not only will they go with everything, but the neutral colors will lengthen your legs making you feel tall and beautiful!

For a relaxed look, pair these woven brown sandals (Endless, $99) with shorts and a tank.

For a disco-chic feel, try these multi-colored snakeskin peep toe pumps (DSW, $89.95) with a pair of silk wide leg pants (another huge fashion trend for spring!)

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And for the ideal go to shoe for every occasion, wear these taupe leather wedges (Endless, $87.99) with everything from denim to a printed maxi!

Ankle Straps

If you’re a classic fashionista, you’ll positively swoon for ankle strap heels!  A ladylike rendition of the stiletto, these shoes are elegant and sophisticated.  For the most feminine look, opt for a thin ankle strap.

These nude and black patent beauties (DSW, $59.95) would be a stunning choice for the office or a springtime wedding.

For a bolder look, try these geometric textured platform sandals with a wider ankle strap (DSW, $69.95).  The color combo is classic while the tribal texture gives the shoe a distinctive edge.

For a trendy but sporty look, these heels have a thick elastic ankle strap (Nine West, $89), making them a stylish and comfortable choice for busy gals on the go!

Holy Hotness!

As I’m sure you know, the lovely Adele Swept the Grammy’s this past Sunday taking home a whopping SIX Grammy Awards! – But she blew away the competition in the beauty department as well, winning her yet another award…from us!  We’re giving Adele the “Positively Perfect” award for this sexy look! Head-to-toe, Adele was absolutely, Positively Perfect!

The red carpet at the Grammy’s was filled with the usual outrageous hair, makeup and even costumes we’ve come to expect from the Music Industry, but even through all the glitz, glam and face nets (Lady Gaga) the brightest star of the night was clearly Adele!

Taking us back to the Glamorous Old Hollywood days, Adele rocked the red carpet with gorgeous red lips, full brows, big falsies and a new platinum ‘do that’s to die for!

Not only does Adele show us that old glamour is definitely hot again, she’s also proof that sexy curves will never go out of style!!

Later in the evening, Adele changed outfits and traded the red for a more neutral lip. Still Perfect!

MUST-HAVES FOR ROCKING ADELE’S GLAMOROUS LOOK:

1. Deep side part and hot rollers:

2. LOTS of black liquid liner

3. False Lashes! ** most important

4. Red lips! (Try MAC Russian Red – it looks good on everybody!)

Well, Adele’s voice made her a true standout at the Grammy’s, but her sexy look and sumptuous curves make her a true beauty icon. Congrats, Adele on sweeping the Grammy’s and for winning the “Positively Perfect” award for outstanding beauty!

Peace, Love, and Sexiness!

Angie O, for Positively Celebrity

The Grammys broadcast went on as scheduled Sunday, even though Whitney Houston’s sudden death weighed heavily on everyone’s hearts and minds.  Celebs were asked about her on the red carpet, and most everyone had the same answers to their interview questions.  To music’s biggest stars, Whitney was the greatest voice, the soundtrack to their lives and their biggest inspiration.  But on with the show…

The show is now characterized as a concert, with few award presentations in between.  Some performances can be memorable or introduce you to a new artist that becomes your favorite, or they can be forgettable.  Unfortunately most performances from this year’s Grammys seemed to be the latter.   In what seems like an attempt to get as many performers as possible on stage, most of the performances were multiple artists performing ‘together’, though not in a great mash-up kind of way.  Rihanna and Coldplay shared the stage, Maroon 5, Foster the People and The Beach Boys did a medley of Beach Boys tunes and Chris Brown, David Guetta, Foo Fighters and Danger Mouse did a dreadful ode to dance music.

Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj all got their own solo acts…but with lackluster results.  Adele sang an amazing “Rolling In The Deep,” which became her comeback moment after vocal chord surgery in 2011.

Adele was the story of the night, sweeping the awards by winning all six she was nominated for.  It was her night.

Jennifer Hudson sang “I Will Always Love You” to honor Whitney Houston; but my boyfriend put it best when he said, “Wow, she wasn’t even that good at that song.  That’s how great Whitney was.” Agreed.

Sadly this year’s Grammys had the untimely and surprising death of Whitney Houston just twenty four hours before hanging over it, and all the celebrating and singing and dancing and craziness that usually surrounds the awards show seemed sorely out of place.

What did you think of the Grammys this year?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

I grew up during a time when Whitney Houston was hailed as an American Princess. She was everything mothers wanted their daughters to be —  vibrant, Christian, classy, beautiful and extraordinarily gifted.

My sister and I would sit in the back seat of our parent’s Buick Century singing along to Whitney hits whenever they came on the radio. And when listening to the budding superstar only on the radio didn’t suffice, my parents bought us every Whitney Houston cassette tape each time a new one was released.

I grew up in a household where my sister Charity swore she was Whitney Houston. Charity was (and still is) as thin as Whitney, roughly the same complexion, and shockingly, could belt out notes in a Whitney-esque way. She’d play our cassette tapes on our boom box, singing melodies from “Didn’t We Almost Have it All” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” that floated through our home every weekend.

The iconic album cover photo of a mid-20s Whitney  -  hair pulled back neatly, barely-there make-up, dainty string of pearls – hanged from our bedroom mirrors.

I grew up during a time when grade school teachers used lines from “The Greatest Love of All” as inspirational quotes…when The Bodyguard proved love knows no bounds and no color. A time when a perfect Star Spangled Banner performance left every American eye teary and made every heart swell with pride.

From the first “shoop” in Waiting to Exhale to the final episode of Being Bobby Brown, we’ve admired Whitney, and we’ve wished for her well-being. Awestruck by her charisma, megawatt smile, and effortless range, generations of music lovers kept her atop the charts.

Fans have emulated her fashion trends, sang her ballads at talent shows and pageants, rooted for her when she was down, and applauded her when she rose back to the top.

Now that I’m all grown up, I fully appreciate the impact Whitney had on music and on pop culture. I am nostalgic for a time when singers could really sing and being the “next big thing” meant you were genuinely a diamond in the rough.  I miss times when classic songs like “I Will Always Love You” bridged generation gaps with harmonies and lyrics alone.

I grew up during a time when childhood heroes were as faultless at 48 as they were at 28 and being a hero meant that even life’s lowest lows were no match for true vigor. But spending a moment at Whitney Houston’s make-shift memorial outside the Beverly Hilton reminded me that childhood idols are just like the rest of us — merely mortal.

And while the Whitney we knew and loved has finally gotten her wings, her voice and legend will always live in our hearts and in the hearts of generations to come.

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Like any hopeless romantic, I believe every day should feel like Valentine’s Day with your significant other.  Yet, it doesn’t hurt to have a “holiday” to officially shower your babe with thoughtful gifts to steal his heart all over again.  From the metro chic pretty boy to the cute nerd you love to adore, here are some sweet gift ideas for that special guy in your life.

1. M&M’s for the NFL. What spells love more than chocolate on Valentine’s Day? Even if football season is over, your sports fanatic babe can still root for his favorite team with M&M’s candies that will satisfy his sweet tooth and cure any leftover Super Bowl blues.  Kick off to a great night and remind him he’s already won with you by his side when you present him with customized M&M’S featuring his favorite team colors and logo.  You can purchase a 7 ounce bag for $10.99 or order it with the dispenser for $59.99.  Visit http://www.mymms.com/NFL/?id=118&src= for more details on how to place an order.
2. Foodie/Wine Connoisseur. If your babe has an insatiable appetite and is always on the hunt for the next great steak or the best wine in town, then these gifts would satisfy the “grape nut” or steak lover in your life.  Why reserve one special meal for just Valentine’s Day? Now your hubby can be reminded monthly why you’re the best girl ever with a 3 month Wine of the Month club membership for $101.85 or a Sirloin of the Month club membership for $269.85.  The site even offers Scotch, Beer and Pizza of the Month clubs! For more details, be sure to visit www.gifts.com.  Also, the site is a great resource if you want to add a homemade touch to any gift your heart desires.
3. Babe on a Budget. In these uncertain economic times, it’s understandable when your sweetie tells you money is tight and lovingly forbids you to shower him with expensive gifts.  However, you won’t feel bad with when you pamper him with deals in your part of town with coupon sites like Groupon, Livingsocial and Dealfind.  The websites offers coupons for activities such as spas and massages, meals at restaurants for half the price and even escapes for you and your honey with weekend getaway deals. In the mood for a gourmet pizza making class and craft beer tasting for $45 or an overnight stay for two at Cranwell Resort complete with dinner and chocolates for only $169? With these special offers, your hubby won’t feel guilty knowing that you both scored a great deal in the love department and in the wallet as well.
4. Sexy Gadget Geek. Now if diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then gadgets are a big boy’s favorite toy.  This winter, keep him warm and productive with Algoves Capacitive Touch Screen gloves on sale for $14.99 or make him the envy of all his video gamer friends with his very own iCADE IPad Arcade for $99.99 on thinkgeek.com. Get his creative juices flowing with a DIY Juice to Alcohol Kit for $9.99 or a DIY Guitar Pick Punch for $24.99.  The site offers unique gift ideas for any techie in your life.  Or if last minute shopping has you stressed out, head over to Brookstone for some sweet deals and geek gear like their Boombox for iPAD Tablet on sale for $129.99 from $149.99 on http://www.brookstone.com.
5. Metro Model. Is your man always competing with you for mirror time? Now you can reward him for always putting his best face forward with unique grooming sets that won’t give him cold feet like the Anthony Logistics Here Comes the Groomed Kit for $55.00 on groominglounge.com.  If your babe is a bit rough around the edges and needs help in the primping department, introduce him with an Anthony Logistics “A Clean Start” kit for $40 (a $56 value) on sephora.com.

If you’re still pondering over gift ideas, start the night by getting dolled up to feel your best and reignite the sparks with Mr. Prince Charming all over again.  Remember no matter what you surprise him with – you’ll be his favorite present to unwrap on Valentine’s Day!

One of a singer’s most challenging tasks is finding creative ways to entertain their fans through songs, performances, and videos. Madonna, after more than 30 years in the spotlight, continually reinvents herself; keeping adorers excited about her every move.

Regarding Madge’s Super Bowl halftime show, let’s just say that Cee-Lo, LMFAO, and Nicki Minaj provided the necessary touch of new millennium to an otherwise “Totally 90’s” performance.

But considering that Ms.”Papa Don’t Preach” is 53 and still has a bangin’ bod, Madonna still gets much respect. Her latest video for song “Give Me All Your Luvin’” is fun, flirty, and positively fabulous.

Everything is right about Mary J. Blige’s song and video for “Mr. Wrong.” Drake’s cameo rap, Mary’s flawless hair and make-up, and the song itself = Positively Sexy.

With 9 Grammy Awards to her name, it’s safe to say that the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul knows how to make a hit. But putting rap’s “it” man on the track and spicing up the video with some seductive choreography is making “Mr. Wrong” a fan favorite for MJB lovers.

While Kelly Clarkson is belting out a perfect “Star Spangled Banner” and Jennifer Hudson is becoming the world’s #1 authority on weight loss, another former American Idol contestant is positioning himself to reclaim the spotlight. Elliot Yamin.

Elliot captured America’s hearts on AI’s season 5 with songs like Gavin Degraw’s “I Don’t Want to Be” and Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” And though he finished behind Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks, his self-titled album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200.

With newly released album, Gather ‘Round, Yamin is ready for takeover number 2. Check out his video for lead single “3 Words.”

If you’re a frugal fashionista, you’ll be happy to know that Jason Wu’s capsule collection for Target launched on February 5! Most known for designing the beautiful white gown that Michelle Obama wore to the Presidential Inauguration Ball in 2009, Wu’s line for Target brings high fashion to the masses, with clothing and accessories ranging from $19.99 to $59.99.

But since the limited edition collection hit stores last Sunday, shoppers have been finding that many of the most coveted styles and in demand sizes have sold out fast!  If you want to score a piece of fashion history, head to your local Target or Target.com ASAP!  Jason Wu for Target will only be available through March 6^th, if it even lasts that long!

The Target website features all the best looks from the Jason Wu collection, and even some exclusive online styles that have hit the site in the last few days.  The collection is ultra feminine with clean lines and exquisite details, reminiscent of an American girl in Paris!  The pieces are easy to wear and figure flattering.

One of the most popular looks of the line is this gold textured blouse and black pleated skirt ($29.99), as featured in the Jason Wu for Target television commercial.  This look is sexy and sophisticated, perfect for an evening out on the town!

Wu’s use of nautical colors is both playful and romantic, as seen with the following two looks.

This navy floral skirt ($29.99), red silk blouse ($26.99), and cardigan would be pretty for the office or even a spring wedding.

This Americana striped tee ($19.99) and cuffed shorts are a fun, relaxed look for a weekend lunch with friends.

One of Target.com’s exclusives is this flirty spotted sleeveless dress with black belt ($39.99).  Pair this versatile shift with wedges for day or with black pumps and a blazer for night!

Many fashion insiders are predicting that Jason Wu’s signature black cat, Milu, will become an industry icon!  The mischievous cat is featured on this tote, tee, and silk scarf, which are only available in stores.  Tres chic!