|
|
School is in full swing, the weather is getting chilly, and winter break is just too far away for what feels like a much needed rest. If you feel this way, maybe changing your diet could change your mood. There are many foods, most likely in your fridge or on your counter top that will give you that boost you so desperately need.
As the coming of the Fall season brings on Homecoming season and then the holiday season, diet is a pretty popular word. However, maybe your so-called diet is leaving you in the dusk of nutritious food, thus leaving you groggy and tired. To lift your spirits and maybe lessen your waistline try to focus on what you consume throughout the day.
One of my favorite healthy, boosting foods is strawberries. Strawberries are so good and so good for you. The ruby fruit contains fiber, antioxidants – which we all know are great for the body – plus vitamins like vitamin C and a vitamin called biotin. Biotin is an amazing vitamin that improves your nails, skin and hair. Another food, one that is more of a meal than a snack, that sometimes gets overlooked but has similar nutritional qualities as strawberries is salmon. Number one, salmon is a great source of protein plus it is super beauty friendly. Salmon is great for hair, skin, and nails plus it can be cooked so many different ways; baked, broiled, pan-seared, or even raw!
Still concerned with your complexion? Well, take those cucumber slices off of your eyes and put them on a plate. Cucumbers are another great fruit/veggie that is useful in maintaining beautiful locks. Cucumbers don’t contain biotin, but they are full of minerals like silicon that perform the same duties. Maybe you don’t like cucumbers by themselves…more of a chips and dip kind of girl? Try dipping those sliced cucumbers in hummus. Hummus is an excellent source of protein and it’s creamy like sour cream dips. But watch your intake, hummus is made of mostly chickpeas which is a yummy veggie, but has a bit of a high carb level. In mind with watching carbohydrate intake, try eating more oatmeal. Oatmeal is essentially the healthiest carb out there; translating to lots of energy, but instead of adding all that unhealthy sugar, just sprinkle some cinnamon on top!
Kanye West is a Jack of all traits. The man is an incredible beat maker, inspirational artist, and quite the celebrity mogul. Of course, for Kanye, it’s never enough. The hip hop artist, most recently known for being the partner to Beyonce’s other half – Jay-Z – in the production and release of the hit single, Otis. Usually Kanye likes to be the main man, the front man, the man whole takes microphones away from little girls at the MTV awards…Anyway it seems Kanye didn’t mind sharing the spotlight this time as he had something of his own in the works. Kanye West has been working very hard on a fashion line, and the deadline for its preview, Paris Fashion Week. Well, the day has come and gone, and the reviews aren’t so bad for a first timer of runway.
The critics weren’t ecstatic with the collection; however a few pieces were favored. The show brought many celebrities, unfortunately no Bey and Jay, but favorites like Anna Wintour was there front and center. Photos from the show are available almost everywhere at this point, including a closer look slide show at Huffingtonpost.com.
Many of Mr. West’s looks carried the hip hop vibe most were expecting. However, as Kanye West and Jay-Z may have taken some old inspirations for their collaboration project, Kanye didn’t do quite the same for his solo fashion line. The collection, entitled DW by Kanye West, seemed to pull inspiration from a decade more reminiscent of the 90’s than a classier time period most designers are currently pulling inspiration from, like the 20’s and 30’s. (Not that I am hating on the 90’s, by any means, but Paris Fashion Week may not have been the best platform for those ideas.) The looks included a lot of zippers, cut-outs, and deep V-necklines, but the major issue with most critics was the ill-fitting pieces and the actual wear-ability of the collection. Women’s Wear Daily said, “It had the earnest veneer of a beginner, which was sort of endearing.” While Style.com seems to be on the same page saying, “What Kanye West is trying to achieve is unprecedented… tonight’s show suggests that conquering his new medium is a work in progress.”
Like most of the critics I do agree that some pieces were pretty fantastic, some were pretty fantastic ideas, while the rest left me thinking, maybe he didn’t have enough time. Either way, Kanye did a good job and look forward to next seasons collection.
According to reports by Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) , Target Corp. has officially announced that Jason Wu will be the next designer featured in the GO International program. Unlike the 400 piece Missoni for Target collection that sent shoppers into a frenzy last month and even crashed Target’s website, Wu’s collaboration with the retail giant is expected to be more focused on apparel and accessories, though given Wu’s meteoric rise to fashion stardom in the last two years it is conceivable that this collection could cause quiet a frenzy of it’s own.
Wu was catapulted to stardom in 2009 when First Lady Michelle Obama was spotted in one of his white one shoulder gowns on the night of the Inaugural Ball. Since then Wu has won the Swarovski Award for Womenswear at the CFDA Fashion Awards, been nominated for the Swarrovski Award for Accessory Design and seen his collections fly off the shelves at high end retailers such as Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
Target Corp. created the GO International program in 2006 to help up-and-coming designers offer exclusive collections to customers at lower prices and so far it seems as if this retail model is one that Wu will be embracing fully. “The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before.” the designer told WWD. “My collection for Target is chic and wearable. I think women everywhere will enjoy it.”
Other designers who have had their work featured in GO International include Rodarte, Thakoon, Richard Chai, Rogan Gregory and Zac Posen. For now both retailer and designer are keeping quiet when it comes to specifics about the collection, though Promgirl News will be following the story diligently and looks forward to bring you details as soon as they emerge.
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen has recently launched her own lingerie line named Hope and the first commercials to air for the label have caused quite a stir amongst the female lawmakers of her home country according to reports by The Guardian. The advertisements, which have been airing on Brazilian television in the country’s native language of Portuguese, suggest that the world famous Victoria’s Secret Angel is causing all kinds of problems from car accidents to overly expensive shopping sprees which she remedies by putting on Hope Lingerie and coming onto her husband so as to make him forget the troubles she has started. A voice-over that accompanies the image of Gisele in Hope Lingerie reminds viewers “You’re a Brazilian woman – use your charm.”
Government officials from the women’s secretariat in Brasilia were anything but charmed by these ad spots. Considering that less than one year ago Brazil elected its first female president many women lawmakers perceive the ads, which have already been criticized as sexist and encouraging the objectification of women, to be a step in the wrong direction. An official statement released by a group of female lawmakers reads: “The campaign promotes the misguided sterotype of a woman as a sexual object of her husband and ignores the major advances we have achieved in deconstructing sexist practices and thinking.”
Gisele has not responded to the official statement yet, considering that Hope was launched a little more then a week ago it is no surprise that they were not prepared to respond to this degree of negative backlash. Though it is certain that the supe will have to weigh in soon considering how deeply involved she has been in this label. In a statement she released last week Gisele acknowledge that Hope Lingerie has long been a dream of hers, saying “Life is made of dreams and I’m very happy to announce that now you will know the Brazilian intimate. My dream come true is for Hope.”
Whether your in Gisele’s corner or with the women’s secretariat on this, one thing we can all agree on is that Portuguese doesn’t translate very easily to English.
It was announced earlier in the week that America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) will be replacing Andre Leon Talley with Kelly Cutrone on the judges panel. A contributing editor for Vogue, Mr. Talley has been on the judges panel for the past four seasons after replacing model and actress Paulina Porizkova. When Mr. Talley was first introduced as the show’s newest judge and mentor he was heralded for bringing some serious fashion industry credibility to the Tyra Bank’s reality program that is currently finishing up its 17th season. In a statement he gave to Page Six Mr. Talley confirmed that his departure was amicable, saying:
“It’s all good in the neighborhood… I had a fabulous time. It was a mutual agreement. There is no unhappiness, at all.”
Less than half an hour after Andre Leon Talley’s departure was confirmed Kelly Cutrone took to twitter with the following message: “It’s True! I am joining America’s Next Top Model!”
While the show must be at least a little dismayed to see a marquee name such as Mr. Talley leave, Kelly Cutrone is being praised as a worthy replacement considering her brash, no nonsense personality and her reality TV experience with shows such as The Hills, The City and her own short lived project Kell on Earth.
However with the departure of a big fashion name like Andre Leon Talley and the recruitment of Kelly Cutrone who is more of a reality TV oriented name one can’t help but wonder if after 17 seasons American’s Next Top Model isn’t starting to show some signs of deterioration. This most recent season, dubbed America’s Next Top Model: All Stars has seen the return of previous winners and fan favorites, which is an oft used mechanism for shows that are beginning to see their popularity decline. On top of that this, the most recent season has also received luke-warm reviews from even the shows most supportive critics. Some in the industry speculate that Kelly is being brought into the mix to help balance out the more dramatic and over the top Tyra Banks who may be overstaying her welcome on the TV screens of her viewers.
After 17 season this wouldn’t be the first time that the prediction of ANTM‘s decline was proven premature, but nothing last forever and one day (we’re betting soon) talk of the show’s decline is finally going to be hitting the mark.
Calling all fashionistas! Calling all foodies! Your two worlds have finally collided! Spanish pastry chef Jordi Roca is known for creating pastries that are inspired by your favorite designer perfumes. However, he has taken his ingenious idea to the next level, not only can you eat your favorite perfume, but now you can wear your favorite pastry. Jordi Roca’s most famous pastry has been turned into a perfume! Jordi Roca is the pastry chef at El Celler de Can Roca where one can purchase these delectable treats that carry the aroma of scents like Lancôme’s Miracle and Terre by Hermes. Wondering how this works…here is an example. Chef Roca has created a pastry based off of Calvin Klein’s Eternity. The pastry version is made of vanilla cream, basil (pretty normal pastry ingredients), and mandarin orange granita – a semi-frozen dessert – with orange flower gelée – a flavor, in this case orange flower, blended with gelatin. Chef Roca is very inventive with his creations; however he commented on that the fact that with all of these feats accomplished, there is one that he has been unable to pull off. It is none other than the classic fashionista perfume, Chanel No.5. Jordi said, “We’ve never been able to get Chanel No. 5 to taste good. Too many aldehydes.” What a shame!
Don’t think the pastry chef is getting down on himself over that. Chef Jordi Roca’s newest accomplishment is allowing him get over that loss. El Celler de Can Roca now carries their very own perfume line, thanks to Chef Jordi Roca. The popular pastry, Núvol de Llimona, or Lemon Cloud is the one Chef Roca got his inspiration from for the Pastry shops perfume. It is available for purchase in his shop in Spain and will be available online shortly. The major scents of Chef Roca’s perfume are number one, lemon, as well as cream and brown sugar. The perfume costs about 50 Euros or $70 USD.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are not by any means new on the scene, unless it’s 1986 and were talking baby actors. Their little sister, however, is rather new. True Olsen twin fans remember the pairs’ sibling cameos in their straight to video released movies back in the 90’s. Well, these days the little Olsen sister is making news and is definitely an up and coming star. Elizabeth Olsen, better recognized as Lizzie, is gracing Hollywood – or rather Sundance, as the film Elizabeth is to star in is an independent thriller – with her presence. The twenty-two year old actress had some sweet inspiration from her uber-famous family members, but it seems Elizabeth has made it on her own and in quite an impressive and dramatic way. The new film she will be starring in is titled, Martha Marcy May Marlene. In the film she is the main character whose back story is briefed by some detailed verbiage, worded best by imdb.com, “Haunted by painful memories and increasing paranoia, a damaged woman (Elizabeth Olsen) struggles to re-assimilate with her family after fleeing an abusive cult.”
The new found publicity has brought a few more things onto Elizabeth Olsen, including a magazine cover. The over-night celebrity will be featured on newsstands, on the cover of Nylon Magazine this October (2011). The interview that coincides with her gorgeously vintage, yet current cover mostly goes over her start-up in the acting field, and of course some family stuff. The interview begins with the basics and goes into detail from there. As the magazine has not made its way to stands yet, I can only divulge some of their interview. Elizabeth filled Nylon in on her background in theatre, going beyond her cameos in The Adventure’s of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Elizabeth is a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, closing the gap on the concern of performing at a Sundance level. “I just always thought that theater was different from being an actor in Hollywood for some reason. It was like this safe place where people aren’t harassed. But I was apprehensive because I saw how brutal people can be when other people put themselves out there,” Elizabeth told Nylon, concerning her choice in going into acting. But, it seems Elizabeth has learned a lot from her sisters and is headed in the right direction. Martha Marcy May Marlene will be released December 22nd, 2011 in theaters. And don’t miss the other four films that will be released in 2011-2012 starring Elizabeth Olsen.
For those who think they’ve seen all that there is to see when it comes to Marilyn Monroe it may be time to take another look. As the associated press has reported earlier in the month photos from Marilyn’s very first modeling shoot will be hitting the auction block this December and they present images of the famous actress unlike any that have been seen before.
The photos, shot by Joseph Jasgur in 1946, depict a 20-year-old Norma Jeane Dougherty complete with brunette hair as well as a more svelte and adolescent build then most Monroe fans are accustom to seeing. They will be auctioned off through Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills, California sometime between December 2nd and 4th. The photos are one of many lots that Julien’s will be offering during their “Icons & Idols” auction and will be complimented by several model release forms that the then Ms. Dougherty signed for Mr. Jasgur in Hollywood.
What is extremely unique about these photos is that the copyright for each of them will be sold alongside the images; meaning that whoever ends up with the pics stands to make a good return on their investment thanks to what are bound to be some hefty distribution fees. Darren Julien, chief of Julien’s Auctions has declined to put an estimated price on the images saying “It’s really hard to put a value on something like this, because it’s rare and not just for the collector.” Mr. Julien went on to explain that “these are probably the most significant images of Marilyn that are available because they’re so early, from the first part of her career, and it’s rare to have images like these where you’re selling the rights too.”
The proceeds from the auction will be used to settle Mr. Jasgur’s outstanding debts, and due to the related court battles that have been going on for the last two decades the images have not been widely circulated at all. Though once the copyright is in the auction winner’s hands it stands to reason that will no longer be the case. Sample images from the lot include a black and white head shot of Monroe, another black and white of her wearing a halter top and most interestingly a color image of her lounging in the sand and wearing a striped bikini. While Mr. Jasgur could not have predicted where the then-unknown Norma Jeane Dougherty would end up, it is not hard to predict that these images will find their way into the public sphere along with all the others of one of America’s most cherished icons.
Have you heard? There are so many rumors right now about LVMH and what in the world is going on over there. First we heard that Marc Jacobs would be filling in John Galliano’s spot with Dior, and then we heard that may not work out as Marc Jacobs is the designer for his own lines, Marc Jacobs and Marc By Marc Jacobs plus his position at Luis Vuitton with LVMH. As the mass confusion only seems to be rising, reading over past articles concerning the matter may be a big help. Here are links to Promgirl.net’s past articles about Marc and John: http://news.promgirl.net/?p=524 and http://news.promgirl.net/?p=432.
The rumors really began to gain speed again yesterday (Tuesday, September 27th, 2011) when British Vogue releases a statement on the matter at hand, saying, “For Dior, it’s a pretty tricky situation, as the three favourites really can’t take the job,” a source close to LVMH told us. “Haider Ackermann is said to be ‘way too edgy’ for Dior; Marc Jacobs wanted the job a lot, but LVMH wants him to stick with Vuitton; and Riccardo Tisci simply refused, saying that he was feeling more than comfortable with the job at Givenchy. So nobody’s taking over so far.” Somehow this statement leads all of you gossipers out there in cyberspace to place Alexander Wang as, and I quote, “the next hat in the ring.” Quite perplexed by the news, I read over the statement again and I found this…this source believes Ackerman is too edgy, but thinks Wang is perfect? This equation just doesn’t seem to add up. Other criticisms have been about Wang himself. Alexander Wang doesn’t have much or any couture experience and is also doing very well with his own line, described as “slouchy street wear” by New York Magazine.
Due to the mass hysteria in the fashion world over this dragging debate, British Vogue let the world in on some news today (September 28th, 2011) simply saying their interest in Wang is for “other reasons.” Oh…how vague of them. Essentially, from all the buzz, what I have gathered is that LVMH may be thinking of buying Wang’s company and having him work under them instead of on his own. As mentioned above, Wang’s business is doing great and would be a perfect time for LVMH to step-in on the action.
It seems celebrities are now privileged enough to not only wear designer digs for free, but to wear clothes that have not yet been released to public or the fashion world! How lucky! It used to be that one would have to wait, like everybody else, to see a designers new looks until the runway show, especially during fashion week. As we have since learned, a few designers are breaking these rules. Pucci and Stella McCartney are our culprits thus far, as fashion week hasn’t ended yet; you never know what surprises are left in store.
Pucci’s gave as a peek at last week’s 2011 Emmy awards. Can you guess who wore the futuristic look? Here’s a hint…it got nominated as the worst-dressed. Yes, Gwyneth Paltrow was the lucky A-lister to adorn herself in never before seen Pucci attire. The dress Gwyneth wore was none other than the two-piece, midriff revealing, black lace number criticized on the red carpet by Joan Rivers and company. The same dress was spotted walking down the runway for Pucci on September 24th. In case you are not keeping up with fashion week, Pucci’s Spring 2012 runway show debuted in Milan, Italy for their portion of Fashion Week. No word yet if any of the moguls who disliked the Pucci on Gwyneth felt differently when the Pucci outfit made its way down the Milan runway.
Now, don’t go thinking Gwyneth is the luckiest star, because other celebrities have been spotted wearing futuristic duds. One of our favorite fashion icons was also pointed out as being a fortunate star. Sarah Jessica Parker attended the New York Ballet fall gala party last week, September 22nd, 2011 and what do you think she was wearing? Well, it wasn’t Pucci. SJP was beautifully laced up in Stella McCartney – yes, Spring 2012 Stella McCartney. Sarah Jessica looked beautiful in the short, one shoulder, asymmetrical, white lace dress. All I can say is, if Stella is trying to get us hyped up for Paris Fashion Week, she has done so.
|
|
