GLAM OR SHAM?: Rihanna at the Grammys

Now THIS is how you wear a white dress.

Rihanna rescued the white dress trend with an ethereal crepe gown by Elie Saab.

The songstress glows in a high-neck dress that boasts chiffon, stone and feather detailing in the front. The high-neck elongates her statuesque figure and the draping adds a sexy, feminine touch. Finally, the back is open ensuring a lingering second look.

The stunning dress looks elegant and magical on Rihanna, who wears light silver shadow and a pair of Neil Lane earrings and a bracelet to complement the look.

I won't say she looks angelic (if you've heard my favorite song of the moment, Rude Boy, you know she's a bad girl on the inside) but she is a radiant, stunning beauty. And might I add, what a way to come back on top from the ordeal she faced at last year's Grammy's. What do you think, Glamazons? Does she pull this off? Is it the right look for the Grammy's?

Give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

UPDATE: Glams, we have the secrets to Rihanna's posh, polished hair courtesy of her amazing hairstylist, Ursula Stephens. Here are the steps (and inexpensive products) Ursula used to create Rihanna's winning look:

• Start by relaxing the hair with Motions Silkening Shine Relaxer. 
• Mold and wrap the hair with Motions Foam Wrap lotion and sit under a hooded dryer. 
• Trim and shape the hair, buzzing the sides and back with a clipper. 
• To get amazing shine and lock each strand in place, add some Motions oil moisturizer along with Suddzz hair spray. 
• Flat iron small sections of the hair in an upward and inward motion.
• Finally, rub Lanza serum and Motions pomade through the hair and finger comb it for a finished look.

What do you think about the hair? Do you like Rihanna's curly look better? What's your verdict? Glam or a Sham?

GLAM OR SHAM?: J.Lo at The Grammys

We think J. Lo looks amazing; but sadly only from the neck up. This Versace dress does nothing to flatter her gorge figure and we just can't figure out why it's shorter on the sides. We're all for a netted dress and halter top neckline, but this one is just too much of a hot mess for us to swallow.

What do we think Glamazons? Glam or a sham?

GLAM OR SHAM?: Lady Gaga at the Grammys

Lady Gaga's dress from Armani Prive looks like it hurts. Between the plastic web design and spiky star, somebody could get lost, strangled and cut by this gown. 


In true Lady Gaga fashion, she paired it with crystal embroidered tights and shoes, blonde and daffodil yellowish hair and bubblegum pink lips. 


What do we think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?


UPDATE: I spoke too soon. Just when I thought Lady Gaga gave us all the jaw-dropping Gaga-ness she could muster, the camera panned the audience and I saw this.


Another Armani Prive creation specifically made for the star, that truly belonged in an alien movie. A silver headpiece and jacket that looked like what the Statue of Liberty would wear to a drag ball competition. Gaga paired them with her favorite crystal embroidered tights and heelless shoes. Her makeup in all its pale and bold pink glory is oddly fitting. 

Lady Gaga and Fashion God, Giorgio Armani, had this to say about the memorable collaboration:



Giorgio Armani says, "We hear Lady Gaga’s music everywhere we go. It is like a soundtrack of our times. In addition to her formidable songwriting skills, she is a modern fashion phenomenon. I am delighted to be creating these outfits on such an important night for her, the Grammys, and I wish her the best of luck."
 
Sharing Mr. Armani’s enthusiasm, Lady Gaga adds, "I am honored to be wearing Armani this evening. The series of pieces Mr. Armani created for me are truly iconic; they represent not only beautiful fashion, but my spirit and essence as an artist. Mr. Armani is a fashion legend, and tonight would not have been the same without his touch, and his wonderful team."  


Lady Gaga is a superhero in my comic book and her performance, which opened the show, proves it. Alongside the legendary Sir Elton John, Lady Gaga sang "Speechless" and John's "Your Song." It was a stirring, epic performance that set the bar high for the rest of the show (did anyone else live up to it? I wasn't blown away by any other artist).


At 62 and decked out in a Giorgio Armani black tuxedo and a pair of Giorgio Armani custom-made, Swarovski-encrusted sunglasses, Sir Elton John was right at home in Gaga's glittery, filthy spectacle. Their chemistry made for a magical show. Check the video below:





So we know we can always expect a futuristic, over-the-top costume from Lady Gaga, but do these Armani looks measure up? What's the verdict, Glam or a Sham?

GLAM OR SHAM?: Pre-Grammy Looks from Rihanna, Jay-Z, Katy Perry and more

The Grammy Awards are upon us which means for the last few weeks, stylists, make-up artists, eyelash artists, PR girls and designers have been scrambling to outfit stars in the latest and greatest fashions.

Judging from the latest pics from Pre-Grammy events, some celebs will push the envelope in avant garde looks (a la Rihanna) stay safe and trend-friendly in sequins or silk (like Mary J. Blige and Katy Perry) or show up in a tacky cringe-worthy ensemble that anyone can pick up at your neighborhood Rainbow store (sigh...Ashanti).

Check out the looks from Clive Davis' and Neyo's parties below and give your verdict: Who was Grammy Glam and who was a Sham?

Rihanna's multicolor pastel look was delightfully avant garde but the shape and hue was a lot to take in at once. I will say her light green make-up and polished hair was uberfabulous.

Ciara, is this a joke? The cheap-looking shaggy fur top paired with shorts and knee boots (darling, pick a season) was proportionally and aesthetically all wrong. The loud fashion faux paux is sure to turn heads---just not for the right reasons.

Fergie...the part lingerie/part electrical tape dress would make sense on a Vegas party girl, not a pop star. It is cheap and tacky and looks like it smells like plastic. Sham.

Though Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift's dresses were sequined and safe (aka you could see a thousand of them at any New Year's shindig or gala), atleast they looked glamorous and presentable. I live for the multicolor sequins on Katy's dress.

It seems leather was a staple on the red carpet (see Ashanti's disaster below) but Jennifer Hudson's trendy purple color, shoulder detail and blunt bangs make the look undeniably chic.

The fellas stole the night. In all black everything, Jay-Z redefined cool in a New York City rockstar vibe with a motorcycle leather jacket, a chain necklace and black separates. Jamie Foxx brought his signature suave style in a one-button blazer with a shirt and tie.

Neyo's signature fedora, shirt and vest captured his "perfect gentleman" motif to a tee, but I hate the sneakers. English gentleman meets street culture? I'm not buying it. And raise your hand if you're tired of seeing a fedora on this man at every event...I understand hats are your thing but they make different styles.

Precious star, Gabourey Sidibe wore a black banded sheath dress and...flats? I LOVE Gabourey and what she represents as a full-figured woman in Hollywood who readily embraces her out-of-the-norm body size. But this dress is just not flattering. It makes her look ill-proportioned and does nothing for her shape. 

Ashanti is on my list. The gray leather zippered mini is cute, yes. But why did you borrow your sister's dangly earrings from prom and clip on a blonde, curly weave from the beauty supply store? (Did anybody tell her that her hair doesn't match in the front?!) No matter how chic she starts off, she always gets it wrong. Sham.

What do you think, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

GLAM OR SHAM?: Beyonce 'Heats' Up the TV Screen for Fragrance Commercial

We read what Ferocia thought about Beyonce's first fragrance, 'Heat' licensed by Coty. But with this commercial, does it even matter what it smells like? After the men finishing drooling and the ladies finish practicing the moves in the mirror in their favorite silk red dress, they will undoubtedly run to Macy's to purchase the fragrance.


What's more? To kick off the launch of 'Heat,' Beyonce will illuminate Union Square on February 2nd with a fiery red light and smoky fog, giving the city an aura that matches her sensual appeal. The lighting will serve as a backdrop to her super exclusive launch party for all her friends in media and entertainment.


On February 3rd, it's all about the fans. Beyonce will make a personal appearance at Macy's Herald Square, where the first customers to purchase the Beyonce Heat 3-piece fragrance set will get the chance to meet and pose with the pop icon. I can see the line of uncontrollable stans forming in my head, clamoring to touch the hem of her House of Dereon garment. 


Both events will be chaotic enough to usher in the launch of the 'Heat' fragrance in true Sasha Fierce fashion. 


What do we think of the commercial, Glamazons? It's superhot, that kind of play after 11pm with a parental advisory disclaimer hot. Is it too seductive for her super-clean image (cue her 20/20 interview airing in full today before the Grammy's)? [My boo said he forgot what she was selling: fragrance or...something else.] Or is it irresistibly sexy in a way only Beyonce can get away with?


What's the verdict? Glam or a sham?

WIN IT!: Tyra Show Plus-Size Model Competition

Before curves became en vogue, Tyra Banks was an advocate for plus-size models in the fashion industry. Besides recruiting fly, full-figured models for America's Next Top Model like the beautiful Toccara and Whitney Cunningham (who I met at the party celebrating ANTM's Oxygen move...what a sweetheart!), Banks has faced vicious criticism for her own weight gain as well.


It's not easy for a plus-size model in Fashion and I've always appreciated Tyra's willingness to speak out about it. Finally, she's putting her money where her mouth is.


Banks is launching a plus-size competition on the Tyra show called "The Fiercely Real Model Search." Plus-size models between the ages of 13-19 can enter to win a one-year Wilhemina modeling contract, a cover and fashion spread in Tyra's online magazine and a spread in a major fashion magazine. Click here for details.


Here's what the model-turned-mogul had to say about the competition:

"I've always felt it was my mission to expand the narrow perceptions of beauty; through 'America's Next Top Model,' 'True Beauty' and 'The Tyra Show' I challenge industry and universal standards by featuring and celebrating non-traditional beauty, and stressing that true beauty is both inside and out," Banks said. "Adolescence is such an impressionable time in a young woman's life, and I hope this contest helps teen girls discover their own beauty from the inside out."

Truly commendable. All beautiful plus-size girls get ready to half-turn, pose and strut for the modeling chance of a lifetime! Tyra will announce the winner on her talk show on March 3rd. 


Good luck from The Glamazons!


Kisses,


Coutura

Ode to Michelle Obama's Shiny Hair

Hey Glamazons! I was watching the State of The Union address last night and, although I am absolutely smitten by President Obama, I just couldn't take my eyes off of Michelle Obama's perfectly coiffed bob; and that atothemazing shine! I kept wondering...is it some type of oil sheen? Some type of leave in hair serum? I know her hairstylist (the amazing Johnny Wright) but, alas, he's not allowed to comment or speculate on what he does to her hair. (Something about a breach of national security...crazy, right?!) He does have a contract with the haircare brand SoftSheen Carson, so maybe it's something from their line?

Whatever it may be, I just wanted to confess my undying love for both Michelle Obama, her shiny hair and that classy dress she's wearing by Isaac Mizrahi. What did you guys think of her look?

xo

Ferocia

FIRST LOOK! Rachel Roy and Estelle's Jewelry Line

Hey Glamazons,

Estelle's first foray into Fashion, alongside celebrated designer, Rachel Roy, has come with much fanfare. Since we announced the collaboration in August, breathless anticipation for the debut of their jewelry line has only mounted---and with good reason.

Rachel Roy is a bright star in the Fashion industry with an eponymous line loved by Michelle Obama and a wildly popular diffusion line for Macy's.

Estelle is a stylish songstress whose fun, futuristic fashion choices won her a collaboration with shoe/handbag designer, Johnathan Kelsey and a spot designing a H&M t-shirt for AIDS prevention.

With Estelle's fearless fashion sense and Roy's exquisite eye for detail, we all expect great things to come from their collaboration. Their debut piece (below) doesn't disappoint. Showing traces of both Estelle and Roy's style, it's bold, beautiful and delightfully feminine.

Ever the social media maven, Rachel Roy has a special treat for her Facebook fans. They'll get the chance to shop the collection before it hits the general public through a pop-up Facebook store. The petal ring (above) will be sold exclusively through the Facebook store, which will run for three days starting February 9th.

The full collection will include a wide range of conversation pieces from stunning necklaces to gorgeous rings, ranging from $34-50.

Tell me what you think of the ring, Glamazons. Are you excited about this collaboration? Will you shop the collection on Facebook?

Kisses,

Coutura

Barbie Wins Best-Dressed in CFDA Designer Duds

Truth: Though I died for Chloe Sevigny's ravishing ruffled Valentino dress at the Golden Globes and was reborn in Diane Kruger's marigold Jason Wu gown at the SAG Awards, my Best Dressed award goes to...Barbie.

Not only has she been around longer than any Hollywood celeb (51 and still looks fab), but she's a fashion favorite, having been styled my very favorite shoe designer in the world, Christian Louboutin.

Now, 12 of the CFDA's best designers are following suit, lending their superb talent to create fashion-forward Barbie dolls: Betsey Johnson, Rachel Roy, Isaac Mizrahi, Alexis Bittar, Justin Giunta, Tory Burch, Lorraine Schwartz, Philip Crangi, Devi Kroell, Kate Spade's Deborah Lyood, Monica Botkier and Albertus Swanepoel.

As part of the CFDA's partnership with Mattel, each designer was asked to add their signature touch to a Barbie doll in a Little Black Dress. (See my favorite above by the legendary Tory Burch).

With layered statement necklaces and sheer, dramatic skirts, the designers did that and much more. Check out some of the designs below. Barbie has never looked more fabulous.

Betsey Johnson - glamour meets goth in a sheer lace skirt and Minnie Mouse bunny ears!

Rachel Roy - polished and ever so chic, Barbie's ensemble inspired a top from Rachel Roy's Fall 2010 collection. Roy also noted the look mirrors the pieces First Lady, Michelle Obama, wears from the Rachel Roy line via Stylelist. Tres chic!

Justin Giunta - It's no secret that my favorite jewelry designer is Justin Giuta of Subversive Jewelry who is now design director of jewelry for Tory Burch. He makes wearing jewels a stunning, ornate experience as evidenced by Barbie's statement necklace here.

Isaac Mizrahi - Isaac Mizrahi is always classically chic with a studded minidress in black, a perennial fashion favorite. A light pompadour and slingback pumps are elegant, understated touches.

Monica Botkier - The Botkier woman is a diva in an embellished v-neck dress with a pink tie belt, a lavishly-wrapped scarf and that famous IT bag. Just fabulous!

Lorraine Schwartz - Beyonce's go-to brand for the red carpet, Lorraine Schwartz serves up bling unlike any other jewelry designer. Her Barbie lets the Accessories take center stage with sparkly earrings, bracelets and details (that 'B' for Barbie charm would make Kimora proud) that scream Hollywood glamour.

Deborah Lloyd of Kate Spade - Designed by Deborah Lloyd of Kate Spade, Barbie's pearls, pumps and pink polka dot tote radiate Upper East Side sophistication.

Alexis Bittar - Alexis Bittar's entire lucite collection is strikingly beautiful. It dazzles as an accent to Barbie's glittering one-shoulder embellished dress and poufy red hair.

Devi Kroell - Leave it to Devi Kroell to dress Barbie in three statement-making, awe-inducing pieces: a studded fuschia bag with chain handle, a gorgeous, embellished cuff and those amazing metallic show-stopping shoes. Gorg!

These one-of-a-kind Barbies will be auctioned off on Ebay from January 28th at 10pm until February 7th, with a starting bid of $100. Proceeds will benefit the CFDA's scholarship programs and educational initiatives.

Glams, pick your favorite!

Kisses,

Coutura

via GlamChic.

Images Courtesy of Mattel.

In Search Of Tan

Hey Glamazons! Confession: I'm dying to get out of here. By here, I mean this crazy concrete jungle known as NY. I'd love to just be lying on a beach with a good book and a Corona. (Yeah, I'm country gal and prefer a beer over a fruity drink any day! lol) My skin is dying to soak up some sun. Ok, maybe I over exaggerate just a bit, but I could definitely use a tan. (Disclaimer: I'm a firm believer in wearing an SPF of 30 or higher at the beach. I also don't go to tanning beds since they're so dangerous for your skin.)

While I don't exactly want to look like Snooki from MTV's the Jersey Shore (who does go to tanning beds and professes that they should be in every home...ew), I would like to have a bit more color. So, here's a couple of my fave products that I use as a shortcut to achieving a great (faux) tan:

I start in the shower with an amazing exfoliator. My fave of the moment? Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream. The little granules smooth and polish your skin to perfection and the scent is nice and refreshing. It's also gentle enough for daily use.

Then, I move on to applying a self tanner. Right now I'm fluctuating between two (I don't know if that's legal or not lol): Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer in Medium-Tan and Clarins Delicious Self Tanner . Both work quickly and provide a natural looking glow (ie I never look orangey).

For my face, I'm in L-O-V-E with MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Comfort. It's the perfect mixology of goldish, bronzish shades and I use as a blush, eyeshadow and bronzer.

All of the above combined make for this look below! (That's a nice and golden me in Mexico lol)

Tell us which products give you the best faux tan!

xo

Ferocia

Would you...Vajazzle (Bedazzle your Vajayjay)?

Hey Glamazons,

We've shared some crazy Fashion and Beauty finds with you on this blog---from logos that can be branded onto your skin to lingerie with an attached tracking device---and our latest beauty discovery is no different.

Va-jazzle is the latest puzzling procedure that lets you sparkle where the sun don't shine.

Perfect for Valentine's Day, the new craze is offered at Completely Bare Spa, where your lady business is embellished with a Swarovski crystal design of your choosing. The design is available in starburst, butterfly, heart and various other shapes.

I get it. It solves the problem women everywhere were facing when belly rings and nipple piercings left their kittens feeling underdressed.

No, it's not enough that you can dye and shave your pubic hair into any outrageous design your heart desires. Your lady business needs accessories, too!

And besides, nothing says Happy Valentine's Day like star-studded, diamond encrusted goodies.

(By the way, I'm completely kidding.)

Jennifer Love Hewitt dedicates a whole chapter of her new relationship manual, The Dog Ate Cupid, to Vajazzling. She vajazzles regularly and said this, publicly, on Lopez Tonight. "After a breakup, a friend of mine Swarovski crystalled my, um, precious lady," Hewitt told Lopez. "It shined like a disco ball."

Well, you can bling everything else, even your teeth. Your vajayjay was the next logical step. Sideeye.

What do you think, Glamazons? A fabulous, new and exciting treat for Valentine's Day? Proof that we've all taken BLING too far (and it should've died in the '90's)? Fellas, would you be pleasantly surprised or turned off by your lover's Vajazzled lady parts?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

Makeup Artist Scott Barnes Launches New Book

Hey Glamazons! If I had to name one makeup artist in the game right now that's able to turn anyone's face from bland to banging it'd have to be Scott Barnes. Even if you have no idea as to who he is, you've definitely seen his work. (One of his most noticeable would have to be the gorgeously glowing face of Jennifer Lopez).

He's now unlocked his treasure trove of makeup application secrets to the public with the launch of his new book About Face: Amazing Transformations Using the Secrets of the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist. Scott and his hoards of celebrity followers (including Kelly Rowland and Wendy Williams) all showed up to give him some beauty love at his book launch party last week. (See pics below)

To all the makeup mavens out there I say that his a must-have purchase for 2010. There's some great tips in there no matter your race or ethnicity. Be sure to purchase and let us know what some of your fave tips are!

J. Lo looking fierce in this cute Louis Vuitton mini.

Scott Barnes and Kelly Rowland

xo

Ferocia

WIN IT!: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Hey Glamazons! Having worked at a major magazine covering beauty, I've been very lucky (and blessed!) to meet and chat with some of the greatest makeup artists of our time. (I nearly fainted backstage during Fashion Week when gathering quotes from Pat McGrath when I first met her while interning at WWD.)

But makeup artist Bobbi Brown takes the cake as one of my most favorite artists. She's frank and to the point (without being rude) and the lady knows her makeup! The best part about her? She's real. The first time I met her was backstage at the Tory Burch presentation about two years ago. I was towering over her in my 6 inch heels and trying hard not to think about the pain running through my spine as I took notes on the looks she was creating. I remember that she laughed at me (clearly it was obvious that I was very uncomfortable) and said she liked my shoes, but didn't know how I was doing it. I looked down and she wasn't even wearing any! She laughed and said that she used to be like me, but has been working too long (and too hard) to even have to worry about being cute anymore. I laughed too and was immediately inspired by her practicality. From then on, I've only worn cute flats or low heels while covering backstage beauty during Fashion Week; and I've been in love with Bobbi (and her products) ever since.

So, it's no surprise to see that Bobbi is making her products more accessible than ever through the launch of two new contests: Pretty Powerful Tuesdays and Pretty Powerful Video Contest. Here's how they work:

Pretty Powerful Tuesdays

Starting on January 26^th, tweet @AskBobbiBrown every Tuesday with #PrettyPowerful to be entered to win one of four Bobbi gift sets each week. Please see below for additional details—official rules can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/PPRules.

Pretty Powerful Video Contest

For all contest rules and details click here.

Good luck to all who enter!

xo

Ferocia

FIRST LOOK! Spanx Does Swimwear

Did I tell you that Spanx changed my life? Spanx has been my choice WMD (weapon of mass deception) since I started working in Fashion. So many of my outfits wouldn't have been possible without its magical capabilities.

Besides being the original shapewear creators (and as you know, I love shapewear!), Spanx is on the forefront of every technological advance and innovation in the industry. I know this because I live for their previews every Season.

When women were complaining about wearing Spanx underneath their tights, Spanx answered the call with tights that come with built-in shapewear. (I'm also a fan of those).

When women felt their Spanx weren't pretty enough and left them feeling embarrassed in the bedroom, Spanx created a fancy, lacy shapewear collection that could easily double as lingerie.

(Add to that breath-ability, bands that won't roll down and the best tummy compression technology in the biz and you see why I am a die-hard Spanx supporter.)

So at the last preview, I was thrilled to hear they are launching swimwear (Woohoo!) but not surprised---they are always the leader of the pack when it comes to innovation in shapewear.

Even more awesome? The swim actually looks fab! And you will look fab in it! It boasts cups for added support and the amazing "thinnovation" technology for a slimmer waistline.

Check out the awesome color-blocked and one-shoulder styles below:

The one-pieces are available in sizes 4-14, the bikini 4-16. Prices range from $58-$198. Go to Spanx for more.

What do you think, Glamazons? Do you love it?

Kisses,

Coutura

Magazine Glam: Chanel Iman and Diddy Do Vogue

Hey Glamazons,

In the latest Vogue news, Diddy and Chanel Iman star in fab Fashion spreads in American and Spanish Vogue, respectively.

Diddy channels his Last Train to Paris vibe in a sultry shoot entitled, "A Brief Encounter," with Russian model, Natalie Vodianova. There's something thrilling and romantic about a train ride, and photographer Annie Leibowitz captures the sexy scene brilliantly. I especially love the shot of Natalie and Diddy going for a kiss as the train gears to pull off---that lingering moment when you have to say Good-bye but try to hold on for as long as possible. Just magical!

And can we add Diddy never looked more handsome than the first shot in a three-piece suit, tie and peacoat? Thank you, Grace Coddington, the [uber talented] Fashion Editor for this shoot.

*Ooo, and one more thing? So I knew I recognized the train station. They shot it in Hoboken (I'm a Jersey girl) where I've ironically spent many hours devouring Vogue while waiting for the train. Love it.*

Diddy wears a Tom Ford coat and suit and Ermenegildo Zegna tie.

Diddy wears a Salvatore Ferragamo shirt and Louis Vuitton trousers.

Diddy wears a Calvin Klein tee and John Lobb loafers.

See more images from "A Brief Encounter" here.

Spanish Vogue trades in the steam for sunshine with a Happy Face shoot featuring young beauty Chanel Iman. I've always preferred Chanel Iman in a fresh-faced look showcasing her gorgeous smile, like the adorable Teen Vogue cover she shared with Jourdan Dunn.

The Spanish Vogue shoot, photographed by Michelle Ferrara and styled by Maria Aguilar, taps into Iman's international appeal as a budding starlet who radiates natural beauty. In girly, quirky and fun fashions, Chanel looks as vibrant as the blue and orange-hued dresses she models.

Both the American and Spanish Vogue spreads will appear in the February 2010 issues. What do you think of the shoots?

Kisses,

Coutura