Fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana were found guilty of tax evasion. A Milan court ruled on the case this morning.

The designing duo have been hiding hundreds of millions of euros from the tax authorities according to reports. The case dates back to 2004. They sold their brand to Gado, a Luxembourg-based holding company, to allegedly avoid declaring taxes on royalties of about 1 billion euros ( equals about $1.3 billion). Prosecutor Gaetano Ruta explains, “”Gado was 80 percent controlled by D&G srl which was owned 50 percent each by Dolce and Gabbana.”

Both deny any wrongdoing and were not present in court.

A judge has ruled that both Dolce and Gabbana must spend one year and eight months in prison. However, it is unlikely that they will actually spend any time in jail. The appeals process will begin almost immediately and could take years. Like most cases involving the wealthy, this will probably end in out-of-court settlements.

Reps have not made any statements yet. Story still developing…

Yet another “miracle cream” has hit the beauty market. Just when you got caught up with the BB craze, along came the CC cream. Now, we have yet another concoction that sounds more like a bra size.

The big question is – “What is the difference between BB, CC and DD?”

In the hierarchy of this crazy, all these fall into a category of tinted moisturizers. They were the beginning of this trend, so keep that in mind.

BB Creams – These wonders started out in Germany, became popular in Asia and then moved on to America. The “BB” stands for “beauty balm” and they are best described as a “tinted moisturizer on steroids.” They usually contain an SPF (thumbs up!) and some sort anti-aging additive. However, they aren’t the greatest for skin that is breakout prone. They make a great primer, but often need an extra layer of foundation for coverage.

Click HERE for more info including a rank of the best options out there…

CC Creams – The next step up from a BB cream is the CC cream. This offering is focused on “color correction” and can replace your foundation. They typically contain some component that is good for wrinkles, acne, dark sports or dull skin. It is lighter than a BB cream and provides better coverage.

Click HERE for more info on the CC cream…

DD Cream – The new kid in town is the DD cream which is billed as a “Dynamic Do-All.” This wonder is still in its infancy, but it is said to be a head-to-toe cream that will work wonders. Julep is currently the only maker of the creation available in America. The brand states that their cream “tackles the signs of aging while diminishing fine lines, balancing uneven skin tone and protecting delicate areas of the face.”

While perusing the site, customers who have bought the DD cream and gave a review hated the cream. It is currently selling at a 1 star rating. Ouch. Several of the commenters compared it to something “you’d find at the Dollar Tree.” The biggest and most reoccurring complaint was the meager portion. I would agree, .11 ounces is $32 for the average customer while “mavens” get it for $25.60. The size astounds me. You probably have more product in a bottle of foundation you have thrown away and deemed “empty.” So, for now, buyer beware.

Taste. It has become a dying virtue. Unfortunately, sensationalism and shock value are what companies are turning to for focus. The sad part is, it’s working. I am guilty, but I wanted to touch on the topic and, maybe, encourage a dialogue.

Vice launched a short lived ad campaign entitled, “Last Words.” Seven models were shot in various poses that depicted the suicide of females authors. One model is dressed as Sylvia Plath and shown kneeling in front of a gas oven. Another model shown as Sanmao, who hung herself with stockings, holds a noose around her neck. A Virginia Woolf model wades into water to drown herself. A third, who resembles Iris Chang, is depicted with a gun in her mouth.

Distasteful? Yes. The brand has since pulled the images and issued this statement:

“Last Words” is a fashion spread featuring models reenacting the suicides of female authors who tragically ended their own lives. It is part of our 2013 Fiction Issue, one that is entirely dedicated to female writers, photographers, illustrators, painters, and other contributors.



The fashion spreads in VICE Magazine are always unconventional and approached with an art editorial point-of-view rather than a typical fashion photo-editorial one. Our main goal is to create artful images, with the fashion message following, rather than leading.



“Last Words” was created in this tradition and focused on the demise of a set of writers whose lives we very much wish weren’t cut tragically short, especially at their own hands. We will no longer display “Last Words” on our website and apologize to anyone who was hurt or offended.



—VICE

This brings me to my questions…is there really such a thing as bad press? Is there a limit when it comes to “art” and interpretation of beauty/fashion? The brand obviously got the attention they wanted. Was it worth it? Does something like this effect your choices when shopping?

Nail appliques are hot right now. The more intricately detailed the better. They, like most fun things in life, can come with a price tag or they don’t make your preferred design. You can easily make your own and I bet you already have everything you need to make them.

Baking/kitchen parchment paper will work the best. You can usually find it near the foil in your local grocery store. If you aren’t into the parchment, grab a plastic sandwich bag and cut the sides so it opens completely. Smooth it out flat and paint any design you want with your favorite nail polishes. Let the design dry thoroughly. I mean thoroughly.

Once it is dry, use some tweezers to gently peel off the design from the bag. Paint your fingers whatever base color you’d like and apply your designs directly onto your still wet nails. Finish with a clear top coat and you’re done! You can also use bare nails or an already painted and dried nails. Simply sweet a clear coat on and apply your nail art to the wet polish.

I did a few hearts, a couple of flowers and some marbled designs. For a more intricate design, paint 2 layers of clear coat on your paper/bag. Let each layer dry for at least 20 minutes. After the clear polish has dried, use a thin permanent marker, acrylic paint or your favorite polish applied with a thin brush to paint on whatever you like! Let this all dry and throw on another layer of clear coat. Again, let it all dry thoroughly and peel the design off and place on your nail. Seal it with a final layer of clear coat. (TIP: If you use a Sharpie or other marker, spritz on some hairspray after you have made your design and before you apply your clear coat.)

For an easy marbled effect, fill a shot glass with water. Use 2 or more polishes and alternate colors by dropping a dot into the water filled glass. Soon, you will create a bulls-eye effect. Drag a toothpick through sections of the floating polish. Cover the skin around your finger with tape and dip into the center of the design. Pull away excess floating polish away from your nail with a Q-tip before you remove your nail. Lift your finger from the water and let it dry for a minute or two. Pull away the tape and clean up any spots that may have gotten onto your cuticles.

Extra Tips

*If you aren’t art savvy, give yourself something to trace. Use the plastic bag method and put a pattern or image under the bag when you are ready to draw.

*Make your nail art a bit on the bigger side. You can always trim it and if you get a little snag or rip you can fix it easier.

*Use a scrapping motion with tweezers to start the removal of your homemade decal. If you have a ton of trouble, try using the clear coat method first and use a cuticle pusher to lift your edges first.

Step 1: Starting with dry hair, comb or brush the hair to smooth and detangle it. Let hair fall where it naturally parts.

Step 2: Using a fine-tooth comb, section top front portion of hair horizontally, from the top of one ear to the top of the other ear. Pull the lower section of hair back into a ponytail and secure with a ponytail holder.

Step 3: Comb the front section straight back neatly and use hairpins to pin the hair into the ponytail base. Step 4: Split the ponytail in half horizontally. Comb the top section up and roll it up into a loop. Using 2 or 3, pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 5: Comb the lower section of hair down. Rolling it under, make a loop. Use hairpins to pin the ends to the base of the ponytail.

Step 6: Using several hairpin, stretch out the loops of hair all around the ponytail base, so the loops each form a semicircle—one on the top and one on the bottom. If you wish, add small sparkly or pearl beads to hairpins and crown the top of the chignon.

Selena Gomez has been getting a lot of heat for rocking bidis, the Olsen twins love headbands and 3 weddings I have been to this spring have all integrated flowers into their hairstyles to create a crown.

The trend continues with Fergie. The wife of Josh Duhamel went full metal Indian boho for church on Father’s Day. The pregnant singer wore an interesting headdress that brought the attention up from her bump.

The style appeared to be comfortable with a dash of chaotic, but controlled mess. This look dances outside of the realms of my taste, but I can see why others might find it beautiful. Of course, I give a free pass to all pregnant women as I once wore two different shoes during my last trimester.

What do you think Beauty Stoppers? Love it or Lose it?

Want more looks? Check out Miley Cyrus‘ crazy sweat pant/oversized jean combo by clicking HERE…

Here is a step by step “How To” that will guide you in recreating Snow Magazine’s two toned winged eyes. Grab your stash of Pur Minerals or visit their site to stock up!

Step 1: Apply 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Powder to a clean face.

Step 2: Apply Disappearing Act 4-in-1 Concealer to the eye lids going from lash line to brow bone. *Pür Minerals Makeup Artist Tip: this primes the eye helping eye shadow stay in place and creates a natural look.*

Step 3: Apply a thin layer of Hello Bright Eyes Pencil to the corners of the eye. *Pür Minerals Makeup Artist Tip: This will help the eyes appear open, bigger and brighter giving the models a wide awake look.*

Step 4: Apply a thick layer of Pur Intensity Gel Eye Liner to create a dramatic cat eye.

Step 5: Apply your favorite color shadow to the top of the eye lid. Apply another thin layer on the bottom of the eye.
Try Pür’s Perfect Fit Eye Shadow Treo in Free Spirit.

Step 6: Applya light coat of Big Blink Mascara to the top lashes only. Concentrate on the outer corners to create a “fanned out” look.

Step 7: Apply a bit of Mineral Glow Pressed Mineral Powder to create a bronzed glow that adds a little warmth and color.

Step 8: The designer wanted a natural lip, so Pout Plumping Lip Gloss in Crystal Pink was applied to the lips.

I received a few emails that asked about men’s grooming. Looking good isn’t just a “girl thing” anymore. Keep your guy gorgeous with a few rules that fit everyone.

Rule #1: SUNSCREEN. I know I preach this to the point of aggravation, but healthy skin is so sexy.

Rule #2: Use a hot towel to open the pores before shaving and a cold towel after. This will help prevent redness and nicks.

Rule #3: Even though he may not have hair, it is still essential to wash that area of his head with the proper cleanser. Use a moisturizing wash and don’t be afraid to apply some SPF to bald spots. Check out GO 24*7 for the proper products for men. They have everything from shampoo to grooming cream.

Rule #4: Exfoliate once a week to prevent ingrown facial hair. Getting rid of dead skin isn’t just for girls!

Rule #5: Encourage your guy to go hat-free. Men tend to show their support for their team by sporting hats paying homage, but they also tend to be a breeding ground for bacteria. Think about all that sweat that accumulates in the band of their favorite hat. It then sits on the skin for hours creating a incubator for acne. Wash the hat, if he doesn’t mind, and have him scrub post game.

Rule #6: Dudes wearing lip balm isn’t too girly. Nothing will ruin a kiss faster than chapped lips. Don’t be afraid to slough off dead skin and rehydrate with something as simple as Carmex or ChapStick. GO 24*7 also has a manly balm just for his pucker.

Rule #7: Keep everything trimmed. Nose hairs, eyebrows, hair, beards and chest hair. Do not pluck your man’s brows or shape them, but don’t be afraid to trim a forest. Have him keep neck and ear hairs shaved off for a well kept and polished finished that isn’t too over the top.

Rule #8: Nails should be short and clean. Nothing sends a woman on a detour like men with long nails!