Andre 3000, Adrien Brody and Gael Garcia Bernal for

Gillette’s Fusion ProGlideStyler – 19.99 – Drugstore.com

See for yourself:

Since each man in my life has facial hair that must be impeccably groomed, I am on auto-pilot to grab a few of these Gillette Fusion ProGlide Stylers.  Wow.  Let’s go watch that again, shall we?  I’ll meet you back here.

Oh, and just whom do we have here? Silly me. Oh, David Beckham.

Does this mean I have to run to H&M for undies for the men in my life, too?  Maybe. **WINK**

David Beckham for H&M – $14.95 Boxer Briefs

Did you have a favorite commercial during the big game?

Have you seen Beyonce’s  new cover art for her new single from her album ’4′? Seems she’s getting quite a bit of criticism for the “lightening of her skin”, along with rocking some cool blonde hair. (Uhhh…the late, great, Etta James was blonde way before Bey put on her wigs/weaves. What’s the big deal?)  Mrs. Carter has been questioned before with her Loreal ad for lightening by the company for the advertisements.  MSN.com is quoted as saying “At the time, L’Oreal denied digitally making Beyonce’s skin fairer, and Beyonce herself never addressed the issue.”

This is an extremely touchy subject.  As a photographer, I can also see that very harsh lighting was used for Beyonce’s latest album promotion, which will lighten anyone’s skin.  I’m actually more concerned about the Photoshopping of  Beyonce’s body parts, namely her thighs and bum.  I love that she’s got incredible curves, but she looks, well, itsy bitsy here in the photo.

I don’t have daughters, but I can certainly see where this image may make girls of color feel insecure to a point. Heck, I feel insecure and I’m a “woman of freckles”. I do not Photoshop them out, though. (Thank you, Julianne Moore for being a good example for freckle-faces.)

Beyonce’s Latest Promo for ’4′

Sadly, it’s a never-ending story for women in general.  We are not like the Photoshopped-within-an-inch-of-their-lives models, recording artists or actresses in magazines.  I realize I’m stating the obvious here.  It’s simply the latest in promoting poor self-esteem to the masses of women…and we don’t need more of that Beauty Myth forced down our throats–but I don’t see an end to this practice.

Beyonce  is gorgeous without make-up, and really doesn’t require this kind of “work”…but that’s “entertainment” and the beauty industry for you.

Thoughts?

Mila Kunis for Christian Dior

via WWD:

“I’m honestly just learning about fashion,” Kunis told WWD exclusively in a telephone interview, confessing she’s more of a “jeans and T-shirt” type. But on the eve of awards season, the Ukraine-born actress is relishing the chance to don Dior’s glamorous gowns.

Goodness, Mila has pretty feet.



“In my daily life, I don’t wear the most feminine pieces. But I love to feel feminine when I’m on the red carpet,” Kunis said, adding that Dior’s dresses exalt the figure. “I find that Dior is an incredibly grounded house. I always thought what Dior does is so sophisticated, feminine and beautiful.”

Photos for Dior by: Mikael Jansen

I’m looking forward to seeing Mila walk the many red carpets in near future in the most exquisite couture Dior gowns.  I’m sure you recall how graceful and elegant Mila appeared at the premiere of Black Swan in this Dior gown…

Mila Kunis attending the ‘Black Swan’ Premiere in a Christian Dior gown

For the less formal New Year’s Eve party, I would have chosen this blood-red Marchesa cocktail dress:

Marchesa – RTW -2011

However, if there were an ultra-formal party in the city, THIS is the gown I’d choose — in my own special DreamWorld!

Marchesa Black Strapless Gown

Quick side-bar.  My husband and I will be renewing our wedding vows in 1.5 years.  I wore a red slinky gown for  our wedding.  I think I want a black poufy gown. I highly doubt it will be a Marchesa, but I can dream.  Don’t judge me–I’m not being the Hot Topic goth-girl old biddy I used to be.  I happen to think it’s unusual and so very chic to wear a black fluffy wedding gown.  Anyway…

We here at The Beauty Stop love you and wish you all the best in the coming year!

Kate and Pippa Middleton looking fab on that special day.

Naturally, Kate’s sister, Pippa came in second place in the Fashion Icon of 2011 list.  I think we know why.  COUGHPippa’sBumCOUGH.  Having said that, Pippa also has a great tan, nice cleavage and a sexy way about her.  But honestly…it was her white Alexander McQueen bridesmaid gown that got the world talking.

Oh, Pippa!

Oh, then there is that swimsuit shot on the yacht!

WOW, Pippa.

Okay, back to The Duchess.  I love the fact that she wears her clothing, specifically dresses, more than ONCE.  (Props to FLOTUS, Michelle Obama, for doing the same, FYI.)

The Duchess wearing the same Diane von Furstenberg dress at two separate events!

In this bleak world economy, it makes the rest of us feel good about wearing a favorite dress more than once.  It only makes sense, really.  If we have a dress we love, why not wear it more than one time?  This is the real world…and I love that the Middleton ladies are setting a practical and lovely example.

Many (British) critics have looked down their snooty noses at Kate‘s fashion sense and saying publicly that her style is “boring”.  I say their opinions are rubbish. (I’m talking to YOU, Kelly Osbourne.)  Seriously?

Dr. Perricone MD

At one time or another I’ve purchased Dr. Perricone’s acne products for my sons when they were teenagers — and it’s still a viable product at any age. (That’s my own experience talking!)

Intensive Pore Minimizer – $50 – Dr. Perricone MD

Intensive Pore Minimizer

Tightens enlarged pores instantly

With Alpha Lipoic Acid and Salicylic Acid

118mL / 4 fl oz

This treatment is designed to effectively reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. It helps control and absorb excess oil, maintains skin elasticity and resilience and gently exfoliates to remove wax or dirt build-up that can clog and further stretch pores. An advanced formula with universal appeal, it’s appropriate for most skin types: oily, extremely dry, or showing visible signs of aging. The result is skin that appears firmer, less oily, less shiny and remains fresh and smooth throughout the day.

I really can’t say enough when dealing with acne becomes a self-esteem issue.  Dr. Perricone MD is much safer than inflicting your teenager to harsh (and quite possibly dangerous) antibiotics for acne.  I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend the extra money to clear up my teens’ skin in a natural and healthy manner–as well as my own–instead of  ingesting prescription medications with scary side-effects.

I really suggest taking advantage of this rare online coupon!

With the Holidays in full-swing, now’s the time for aprons.  It’s funny how wearing an apron can rather inspire me to bake a little more creatively.  I have a sweet little black and white toile apron by Jessie Steele with pockets and ruffles that my mom gave me.  I just love it.

Cute Jessie Steele Aprons from Anthropologie – $32 – $38

Seriously.  Don’t get flour and butter all over your clothes!  Let’s bring back wearing aprons…pearls and heels are optional.

I’ve discovered L’eggs Profiles.  My favorite for fall and winter are the Waist Smoother Capri.  (Oh, and a heads up, I found these HALF-PRICE at Safeway last week!) These are perfect for skinny jeans, cigarette pants…you get the idea.

L’eggs Waist Smoother Capri  – $8 – Walmart

Now we  also have the original Spanx version of the capri smoother.  Personally, I find them more pinchy and uncomfortable, but for those of you who enjoy that type of  sensation for and extra $20 bucks, be my guest.

Super-High Footless Shaper – Spanx – $28

Both of these tighty-leggy-belly smoothers come in nude and black.  I’m leaving the choice up to you on this one.  However!

Spanx Control-Top Fishnets – $28

Having said all that, the best–repeat–BEST fishnets are by Spanx. They are practically made of iron in terms of being snag-free, run/tear-free, sexy and are completely washable over and over. I use a lingerie bag in the washer (because I’m fancy), but honestly, I’ve had a pair of these fishnets last almost an entire year.  They are available in black and nude and I own both hues.  LOVE THEM.

It’s not that I’m undecided…it’s the fact that I’ve tried both, and have chosen what I love by Spanx and L’eggs separately.

Thoughts?  Have you compared both brands?

Brian Atwood’s “Sanchez” Feathered Gladiator Heels – BrianAtwood.com – $1100

I’m actually panting and sweating a little bit, merely searching for Brian Atwood shoes…sorry, but I gotta be real with you.  The thing with these incredibly sultry yet elegant gladiator heels is that I would wear them as THE Statement Piece.  A simple Little Black Dress, very minimal jewelry…and THESE SHOES.  BOOM.

The same goes for these darling and ultra-feminine polka-dotted heels that are tied up in a great big bow–these shoes are darn-near making me cry.  (I know! I’m a complete and utter freak sometimes–or just enthusiastic, perhaps.) The simplest of dresses, maybe a vintage number with a full-circle skirt would be perfect.

Brian Atwood’s 2009 “Eva“ – ( So difficult to find: eBay may be your best bet with this one.)

And just in case you have a late summer wedding, please enjoy the splendor of these hydrangea-blue satin and crystal heels.  I highly recommend wearing a shoe of color underneath a white wedding gown…it’s chic and so unexpected.

“Aurora” in Paloma Blue by Brian Atwood – $3400

Honestly.  Sometimes this is the kind of art I want to peruse all day long…

“Anything Bordeaux“

Christian Louboutin Shoes, Jason Wu bag, Gurhan ruby earrings

All Available at NeimanMarcus.com

Whether it’s a fabulous Narciso Rodgriguez dress with an asymmetrical neckline or a swoon-worthy Christian Louboutin pump, it’s all about the deepest, darkest of reds.

Narciso Rodriguez Jersey Dress – Available at Neiman Marcus – $995

• Burgundy jersey.
• Asymmetric cowl neckline.
• Sleeveless; diagonal back has wide strap on right side.
• Slim fit hugs figure.
• Hem hits below knee.
• Viscose/spandex.
• Made in Italy.

Do not…repeat DO NOT forget you can simply add a touch of deep, dark red with Tom Ford’s Black Orchid lip and nail color.  We aren’t required to dress head-to-toe in burgundy.

Tom Ford – Black Orchid Lip & Nail Set $140

By simply adding a draping of a cashmere wrap to a black dress already in your closet, you are able to update the wardrobe you already own.

Cheers, Sweetie Darlings….

The Chanel 2007 Collection

via Vogue.co.uk

“She’s a style icon,” Lagerfeld said as she he unveiled Chanel’s Winehouse-inspired Paris-Londres Maison d’Art show in London in 2007. “She’s not only a muse; she’s a genius. She’s one of the greatest voices today.”

“We met Amy in Paris, fresh from having won five Grammys,” a spokesperson for Fendi told WWD of the time Winehouse sang at the opening of the brand’s Avenue Montaigne store in 2008. “That night, everyone discovered that in addition to a genius voice Amy also had an exceptional and very British sense of humour. Having restyled the Fendi dress she was wearing that night, she said with a wink: ‘Forgive my ignorance; I don’t know anything about fashion…’ We are very sad for the loss of such a unique talent that in many ways transcended music, fashion, and culture.”

Of course, there are other more affordable means of obtaining Amy’s look than Karl’s runway looks.  Turns out Amy found the same sexy vintage-inspired wiggle-dresses that I have: Pin-Up Girl Clothing.

Dixiefried Sweet Dress in Pink Gingham – Pin-up Girl  – $130

I was in HEAVEN when I found Pin-Up Girl Clothing, which more than fit the bill — it kept me coming back for more.  I have at least five of their dresses and I love each and every one.  I even tried the sorta-big hair.

DivaJulia in the Jessica Dress – Pin-up Girl – $98

I understand that this is not the place to give a personal eulogy for Amy Winehouse; to me though, she was more than the negative stories in the media.  She was a lyrical genius and vocalist–and indeed, a true Fashion Icon.

Rest in Peace, Amy.

Precision Foam Colour by John Frieda – $11.99 – Drugstore.com

I’m very much in favor of coloring one’s hair at home.  I don’t need any special custom color, and I really have priorities when it comes to beauty products and splurging.  Being a brunette, I do realize I’m fortunate and have fairly good results when I color my own hair.  Having said that, I have indeed used other at-home colorants that dried my hair out to the point of being horse-feed hay.  Not this time!

John Frieda’s Precison Foam Colour lived up to everything I had hoped for:  the ease of a foam, a large choice of colors, and gorgeous results.

Shades and Quick & Easy Application

“Our patent-pending foam is what make Precision Foam Colour so incredibly effective and easy to use, without the need for complicated application tools or help from friends. This unique foam spreads quickly & easily, flawlessly covering the hard-to-reach hair on the back of your head, roots & hairline. Precision Foam Colour allows you to achieve the same salon-precise coverage that you would receive from a professional colorist.

Ultimate Conditioning
Our nourishing, after-color conditioner seals in color for long-lasting tonal richness, while keeping hair soft & silky.

Whether you’re coloring all-over or touching up your roots, with Precision Foam Color you cover hard-to-reach areas flawlessly and achieve salon-quality colour at-home.”

You may remember I had been using Perfect 10 by Clairol.  It was fine for awhile, but since John Frieda is known for de-frizzing, I really wanted to try it, and I’m so glad I did.

This is my hair this evening, right after coloring with John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

My hair feels and looks healthy, thick and so shiny.  (By the way, I haven’t had a haircut since December 2010.)  I’m more than pleased, and I do recommend giving John Frieda’s hair colour a go.  Be sure to read the directions carefully…I think you’ll be happy with your results!

Disclosure: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of John Frieda.  Product was purchased by The Beauty Stop; no compensation was received in exchange for this review.