Best and Worst of the the Royal Wedding

BEST

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)- Overall Score: 10/10

- Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Dress

-Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen heels

-Cartier halo tiara

-Robinson Pelham jewelry

*for more info about her dress, and more check out Friday's post.*

Philippa "Pippa" Middleton- Overall Score: 9/10

-Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Dress

Princess Victoria of Sweden- Overall Score- 8/10

-Elie Saab Spring 2011 Dress

-Elie Saab suede platform heels

Joss Stone- Overall Score- 8.5/10

-Hobbs Cheyne shift dress

-Hobbs Cheyne box jacket

-Hobbs peeptoe court shoes

WORST

HRH Princess Beatrice of York- Overall Score: 4/10

-Valentino Couture dress

-Philip Tracey fascinator

HRH Princess Eugenie of York- Overall Score: 4.5/10

-Vivienne Westwood dress

-Philip Tracey fascinator

-Solange Azagury-Partridge jewelry

Samantha Cameron- Overall Score: 5/10

-Burberry dress

-Aldo "Samella" heels

-Erickson Beamon for Erdem necklace & hair clips

Tara Palmer- Tomkinson- Overall Score: 5/10

-Deborah Milner dress

-Nicholas Kirkwood pearl accented heels

-Stephen Jones fascinator & clutch

-Asprey jewelry

Kate Middleton's Wedding Fashion

Kate Middleton looked stunning this morning as she wed Prince William in a Sarah Burton dress. It was highly speculated that she would be wearing a dress by Burton, who is the creative director of Alexander McQueen. Her sister Pippa Middleton's maid of honor gown was also designed by Burton. Her dress had a nine foot train, and the lace applique for the bodice and skirt were hand-made at the Royal School of Needlework, based out of Hampton Court Palace.French Chantilly lace and English Cluny lace were combined to be hand-worked in the Carrickmacross needlework tradition. This tradition originated in Ireland in the 1820s.

Burton designed a veil made of ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers. Her shoes were also made by the bridal team at Alexander McQueen of ivory duchesse satin with lace hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

Kate also reportedly did her own makeup. On her nails is a mix of Essie 'Allure' and Bourjois 'Rose Lounge'. She is wearing Robinson Pelham diamond earrings, which were a gift from her parents. The earrings are diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond drop and a pave set diamond acorn in the center. Inspiration for the design comes from the Middleton family’s new coat of arms. Robinson Pelham also designed and made earrings for her sister Pippa, a tourmaline and diamond pendant with matching earrings for her mother Carole Middleton, and two gold stick pins, one with an oak leaf, and the other with an acorn for her brother James and father Michael Middleton.

The most stunning accessory was the Cartier halo tiara lent to her by the Queen. The Tiara was given to the Queen by her mother upon her 18th birthday. The tiara was made by Cartier and given to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1936 by her husband King George VI.

Kate's second dress of the evening is a strapless white satin gazar evening gown with a circle skirt and diamante embroidered detail on the waist also designed by Burton. She also wore a white angora bolero cardigan to complete the look.

Yay or Nay? Blake Lively's red hair

Blake Lively debuted her new firey red locks at the TIME 100 Gala in New York City Tuesday night. Lively told PEOPLE "It's for the film Hick, I thought [my character] needed red hair. It helps when you're playing a role, when I don't feel like myself. And I don't really feel like myself with red hair."

Her colorist Rosa O'Connor of Lukaro in Beverly Hills transformed her signature blonde beach waves for a new reddish hue about a month ago, and Lively has managed to stay out of the limelight for a month. Who does she feel like? "I feel like Ariel." she gushed, "I love it."

So what do you think? Yay or Nay?

Tip du Jour: Oily Skin Fast Fix

In a time crunch and your skin is super shiny? You don't need to buy blotting paper to get rid of the shine, take some toilet paper and blot away! You can even use tissue paper, or tissues!

Let me know in the comments what kind of blotting paper you use!

Beauty Sales: Week of April 25th

Gilt:

• Versace, Hanae Mori, and Decleor Paris Gift Sets (Sale begins Noon ET 4/28)

Hautelook:

• Vincent Longo (Sale begins 8am PT 4/25)
• Celluscience, E.V.A Hair Electronics, Rock and Republic Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 4/26)
• Kevyn Aucoin (Sale begins 8am PT 4/27)
• La Bella Donna (Sale begins 8am PT 4/28)
• Beauty Gadget Event, GO SMiLE (Sale begins 8am PT 4/29)

Ideeli:

• Senna Cosmetics (Sale begins 11am ET 4/25)

Spa Etiquette Tips

Going to the spa should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, and if you're going to visit a spa that is not your usual; your typical etiquette may not be acceptable.

1. Arrive, book, and cancel early If it's your first time at the spa, call ahead and ask for recommendations based on what you're looking for (stress relief, dry skin, acne, aging, tense muscle relief, etc.) Book ahead of time so you can get the best service provided possible, and make sure to check spa policy for cancellation and/or rescheduling policies so you don't get charged extra fees.
2. What to wear There isn't a dress code for spa's but dress comfortably, considering you will probably have to get into a robe. Typically, I wear flip flops and sweats. Also, don't go with freshly washed hair, especially if you get a facial because you will most likely end up with particles of the oils and such in your hair.
3. Speak Up The spa workers are there to make your visit as comfortable as possible, so if something doesn't feel right- speak up! If the masseuse's hands are too strong, suggest going easier. Don't be afraid to speak up!
4. Respect The spa is a place for relaxation, so avoid talking loud, or having your cell phone buzzing or ringing. Also, respect the workers, tip 15-20%, ask the receptionist where you should leave your tip

Jo Malone Sloane St. Boutique unveils the "Wedding Window"

The Jo Malone boutique on Sloane Street in London has just unveiled it's new window display in honor of the upcoming nuptials. Not only is the window celebrating the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but the boutique will also be offering hand and arm massages, champagne, and celebratory cupcakes.

To all London viewers, enjoy all the perks!

Sweet Sale: Butter London at Ulta

Ulta is now selling Butter London nail polishes! I have always wanted to try one, and I bought the color "All Hail the Queen" [pictured below]. These polishes are a $14, but with the $3.50 off a $10 purchase that are always flying around, you can get the polish for $10.50, plus with any Butter London purchase [online or in store], you can get a free 2 fl oz Powder Room polish remover [$5 value].

Combine the coupon, and free gift- you are getting a $19 value for only $10.50! Enjoy!

NYC IMATS 2011

My haul:

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Ton Lip Tar $10

Naked Cosmetics Naturally Nude set $30

Naime's "Beauty Blender" $10

Miss Adora #1 and #46 Lashes $5

Beauty So Clean Try Me Set $25

Visiting the Dash store on Spring St. the line was so long!

A really cute model!

Local Union 798 Panel Discussion with Valerie Gladstone and guests.

Wildlife Student Competition

Student Competition- Law and Order: SVU

Student Competition- Sopranos

Me and Brooke. (sayanythingbr00ke)

My sister and Ingrid (missglamorazzi)

My friend, me, Bethany (Macbarbie07) and my sister

I had an amazing time at IMATS two weeks ago and I bought a few items, but mostly I had fun around the city. Here are photos of my purchases, as well as some other photos from IMATS!

Enjoy!

Beauty Sales: Week of April 18th

Gilt:

• Great Hair Day: Tela Organics and Corioliss Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 4/20)
• Natural Beauty: Pangea Organics (Sale begins Noon ET 4/22)

Hautelook:

• Isomers (Sale begins 8am PT 4/18)
• Precision 3 (Sale begins 8am PT 4/19)
• Beauty Bar, NYX Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 4/20)
• Peter Lamas Hair Care (Sale begins 8am PT 4/21)
• Jean-Michelle, Madara Ecocosmetics, Twist & Pout (Sale begins 8am PT 4/22)

Review: April 2011 Birchbox

This month's box includes:

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel- This organic peel doesn't mess around: natural fruit acids dissolve even the most tenacious dead cells for an immediately brighter, smoother complexion Extra: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Eye Cream

LIV GRN Earth Eau de Parfum- Made from biodegradable and sustainable ingredients, this lush scent is laced with jasmine and sandalwood. Plus, ten percent of sales go directly to Global Green.

Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion- A silky lotion that adds major hydration without feeling heavy. Organic rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and E, which work to soften and protect skin.

Zoya Nail Polish in Caitlin- Green is glam, especially when it comes to Zoya's super glossy lacquers. This lovely violet gray hue is your new spring go-to.

Birchbox Treat: Bloomin Seed Paper- Even better than recyclable: Plant this handmade paper in soil, give it a little water, and watch it sprout into wildflowers.

Check out Birchbox:

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Consignment & Vintage Shopping Tips

Hey everyone! Recently I have been really into shopping vintage and vintage consignment shops. Here are some of my tips that help me (and hopefully some of you) when I hit my local vintage boutiques! One thing that bothers me is that the word vintage is incorrectly overused, vintage typically means that the garment is 25+ years old.

1. Know your measurements, but ignore sizes. Standardized sizing didn't come around until WWII, so it's important to know your waist, bust, and hip measurements when going into shops to avoid trying on tons of things that you know don't fit. For men, know your chest and neck size. Bring a tape measure if necessary.
2. Shop early Fall & Spring. Most vintage consignments get in their best stock in the early spring and fall when their customers clean out their closet, so try to get to your favorite stores fast. (hint- there will be lots of sales before a new season to get rid of old merchandise, make sure to ask about sales and promotions!)
3. Make relationships with owners. Making a relationship with a shop owner could be one of the most important tips of all. They can let you know if they are expecting some things in your size, let you in on deals, and they are most likely knowledgeable when it comes to vintage shopping. Make sure to sign up for a mailing list as well!
4. Inspect before you buy. Pass on anything with a rip, odor, or cracking leather/material. These are not easy fixes, and it could end up costing you more than the actual merchandise. Smaller fixes are okay, such as a broken zipper, missing buttons, a too long or short hem. These easy fixes can be done at home or with a quick trip to the tailor.
5. Skip the shoe rack. It's hard to find vintage shoes in really good condition that won't require a trip to the shoemaker. Just like with clothes, avoid shoes with an odor, cracking leather, or a rip.

Beauty Sales: Week of April 11th

Gilt:

• Kai Fragrance (Sale begins Noon ET 4/11)
• Hourglass Cosmetics (Sale begins Noon ET 4/12)
• Bridal Beauty Survival Kit (Sale begins Noon ET 4/14)

Hautelook:

• Mario Badescu (Sale begins 8am PT 4/11)
• Luxury Scent Event (Sale begins 8am PT 4/12)
• RSession Runway Series (Sale begins 8am PT 4/13)
• Michael Todd Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 4/14)
• Beauty Problem Solvers, LASHEM (Sale begins 8am PT 4/15)

Sweet Sale: Bobbi Brown Friends & Family Sale

Make sure you check out the Bobbi Brown 3-day only Friends & Family Sale on BobbiBrown.com

Spotting Vintage Pieces

Here are a couple of tell tale signs of whether or not something is really a vintage garment or not. photo credit: youtube.com/feliciajuly

1. There were typically no size zero's pre- 1990's.
2. Most tags were embroidered onto cloth tags or the actual piece between 1920's-1940's.
3. Most clothes were not made in China, as many are today. Check for a union label.
4. Most zippers were rounded, not "pointed" as most are today. Some recognizable vintage zipper brands are Lightning, and Talon.

Beauty Sales: Week of April 4th

Gilt:

• Revitalash (Sale begins Noon ET 4/5)
• Vincent Longo (Sale begins Noon ET 4/6)

Hautelook:

• Genie Beauty (Sale begins 8am PT 4/4)
• Nia 24 (Sale begins 8am PT 4/5)
• TruDerma (Sale begins 8am PT 4/6)
• Michael Todd Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 4/7)
• Hair Care Discovery Event, i-Tech (Sale begins 8am PT 4/8)
• Tini Beauty Lounge (Sale begins 8am PT 4/9)

Get the Look: AnnaSophia Robb at the Soul Surfer Premiere

AnnaSophia Robb is the star of the upcoming flick Soul Surfer, a true story about Bethany Hamilton, where she lost her left arm in a 2003 shark attack. At the premiere were both AnnaSophia and Bethany, and they both looked great! Soul Surfer hits theaters April 8th. Here's how you can get AnnaSophia's look.

Her Outfit:

• D&G Dress
• Vince Camuto Heels
• Neil Lane Jewelry

Look for Less:

• Shakuhaci Bandage Lace Back Dress $359
• Forever 21 Open Toe Stiletto Heels $22.80
• Juicy Couture Princess Stud Earrings $48
• L'Oreal Lineur Intense $8.99
• Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Prized Peach Liquid Lipstick $10.99
• CoverGirl Shimmering Sands Eye Enhancers 3 Kit Eyeshadow $4.69
• Essie Baby's Breath Nail Polish $8

photo credit: gossipteen.net