Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Sasha Fierce


In celebration of B's new album that dropped yesterday... 

See if you can match Sasha Fierce to her diva-licious essentials!

1.  In her "Run the World (Girls)" video, Beyonce does not wear these designer duds:
A.  House of Dereon
B.  Alexander McQueen
C.  Emilio Pucci
D.  Givency Haute Couture

2.  For her 2008 wedding to Jay-Z, Beyonce reportedly did the following:
A.  She made her entrance via helicopter.
B.  She flew in 50,000 orchids from Thailand.
C.  She serenaded Jay-Z with "Dangerously in Love."
D.  She posed with an elephant.

3.  This A-list pal called Beyonce "the most talented human being on the planet":
A.  Cameron Diaz
B.  Celine Dion
C.  Gwyneth Paltrow
D.  Lady Gaga

4.  As a solo artist, Beyonce has ___ Grammy awards:
A. 4
B.  8
C.  13
D.  20

5.  Which domestic chore does Beyonce admit she is terrible at?
A.  Cleaning
B.  Sewing
C.  Cooking
D.  Laundry

6.  Which legend was upset with Beyonce for serenading the Obamas with her song?
A.  Diana Ross
B.  Aretha Franklin
C.  Etta James
D.  Tina Turner

7.  Which star has not parodied Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"?
A.  Justin Timberlake
B.  Joe Jonas
C.  John Mayer

8.  How many carats is Beyonce's wedding bling?
A.  10
B.  18
C.  20.5
D.  29


ANSWERS


1.  A-House of Dereon.  A diva never wears the same thing twice, as evidenced by the number of costume changes during her first music video from her new album.  She traded in her own label for some high-fashion pieces, including a scarlet Alexander McQueen frock from her own closet! 


2.  B-She flew in 50,000 orchids from Thailand.  Mere hours before the top secret wedding, crews delivered floral arrangements, candelabras, and a tent into Jay-Z's Tribeca apartment building. 


3.  C-Gwyneth Paltrow.  Earlier this year, Gwyn told Harper's Bazaar U.K., "Beyonce is the most talented human being on the planet.  She has so much mastery over what she does.  It's not even confidence – it's on a whole other level. It's mind-blowing."  I couldn't agree more!


4.  C-13.  This includes the record-breaking 6 Grammys she took home in 2010 for her album I Am...Sasha Fierce. 


5.  C-Cooking.  In 2008, she admitted to Ellen DeGeneres that after cooking for Jay-Z a few times, her husband said, "Just don't do it."  Guess that means more dinners out!


6.  C-Etta James. Even though the legend approved of Beyonce's portrayal of her in 2008's Cadillac Records, she said this of serenading the Obamas during their official first dance: "I can't stand Beyonce.  She had no business up there singing ... my song that I’ve been singing forever."  Cat fight!


7.  C-John Mayer.  A diva is often imitated but never duplicated!  JT donned a leotard and high heels to back up B on SNL, while Joe Jonas made his own parody video.



8.  B-18.  After her top-secret wedding, Beyonce flashed a flawless 18-carat diamond, valued at more than $5M.  You know, just a small little something...

SCORING
0-2 correct = Child's Play!  Somebody better ring the alarm because that score would set a diva off!
3-5 correct = Diva-in-Training.  You've got the diva basics covered, but not quite enough to run in B's bootylicious entourage.
6-8 correct = You run the world!  With that score, you've gone above and Beyonce!



Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wedding Fever


This weekend, I kicked off my year of weddings (I have 6 total) with Kaleen's bridal shower!  Kaleen was totally surprised and really enjoyed her special day - but how could you not with champagne, Georgetown cupcakes, and so many fun presents!?

Speaking of weddings...


Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo's wedding will be on TV!  That's right - TLC will air a special episode several weeks after the couple's wedding, the date of which is secret.  Apparently the episode is going to feature the couple's wedding shower, wedding gown shopping, and the actual wedding day.  To be honest, I could care less about this couple; however, they are both BEAUTIFUL people, so why not get obessed with their wedding!  (Side note - Nick, maybe weddings on TV aren't a great idea for you.)

Thursday, June 16, 2011

To Paint, or Not to Paint?

Like most women, I relish in the days when I can stop by the Asian ladies and get myself a mani/pedi.  Now that I'm a working professional, however, and I need to look like one on a daily basis, I tend to skip the manicure because chipped nails are not attractive.

But here are two new trends that I'm dying to try...  except I can't decide if wearing them to work is professional (more like, I can't decide if I like them enough to not care if they are professional or not).  What do you think? 

Crackle Nail Polish

Sally Hanson's Salon Effects Nail Strips

   

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Find the Sexiest Swimsuit for Your Body


I'm BA-ACK!  Sorry for the two week hiatus, friends, but I was on vacation!  I swear that I wanted to tell you ahead of time, but isn't the number one rule of internet usage (or at the very least, it's number three) not to announce when you'll be on vacay?  I'm sure there is some crazy criminal who is conveniently obsessed with fashion and celebrity gossip that is stalking me to find out when I'll be away.

After spending the past seven days basking in the glory of the sun (PS - I'm really tan, like the permanent bikini-while-naked tan), I've learned why every magazine has a "swimsuit for your shape" section.  Based on my calculated formula, only 32.7% of beach goers actually read those little tidbits of advice.  The other 67.3% - well, let's just say this is for you.  Please help yourself out, and wear something that's flattering.

Let me preface this by saying that I realize that there is only so much a swimsuit can do.  There are certain things that you just can't hide and be in a swimsuit at the same time.  For example, I can't pretend that I'm a 5'7", size 6 woman with a C-cup chest in a swimsuit like I can when I'm wearing clothing.  It just doesn't work out that way.  But even though you might have some insecurities or trouble spots, there is still a swimsuit that will make you look and feel your best!

(Confession - this post is also in part due to my swimsuit addiction.  I have at least 15 bikinis - and no, I'm not exaggerating.)

If you're pear-shaped...
Highlight your upperbody with V-necks, and lengthen your legs with asymetrical bottoms for a leaner look.  Try slimming stripes, cute polka dots, or a one-shoulder one-piece.  Solid bikini bottoms slim your lower half, and a retro top adds some oomph to your chest.


Trina Turk Tri, top, $87 and bottoms, $79


BodenUSA.com, $68

Karla Coletto, $281

ShopBKB.com, Sunset Brush Strokes banded halter top and twist-front bottoms, $114

If you're boy-shaped...
Add volume with ruffles or bold stripes to create a curvier figure.  Flirty florals, bold colors, or a bandeau top can help make you feel sexy and self-confident!


SwimwearBoutique.com, L-Space Dolly top, $69, and Estella bottoms, $63

Shop.Guess.com, Avant Garden top, $47, and bottoms, $39

Gap.com, pleated bandeau top, $37, and bottoms, $34

If you're petite...
A string bikini usually works best because you can tie the sides of the bottom and the top for that perfect fit.  Try bold and modern prints or something fun and flirty. 

ShopONeillUSA.com, Dreams top, $34, and bottoms, $36

Victoria's Secret, top, $25, and bottoms, $24

Roxy.com, Stop and Glow top and bottoms, $34 each



If you're small-chested...
Get something with an extra lift up top to boost your bust and flatter your upper body.  A bikini top with full coverage, a band below the bust, and halter straps will be exactly what you need. 

Anne Cole Essentials Marilyn top, $42, and Alex bottoms, $42
JetsSwimwear.com, fixed halter top, $101, and hipster bottoms, $77

Macy's, Guess cut-out one-piece, $94


If you have an hourglass shape...
Play up your shape with something sweet and fun, like polka dots and ruffles.

Roxy.com, 70's halter reversible top, $48, and low-rider tie-side reversible bottoms, $44

Dillard's, Jantzen Signature ombre maillot, $168

CanyonBeachwear.com, Kenneth Cole New York In the Spotlight Ruched V-neck Mio, $100

Noelle Sanddollar bikini, $164