Posts from — October 2010

Very few things can make all girls- and I mean every single one on the planet- swoon at once. The one thing that every girl dies over? That would be a perfectly tailored suit or tuxedo.

Fellas, take note:

John Krasinski. Photo from aceshowbiz.com

George Clooney. Photo from babble.com

Ryan Reynolds. Photo from dailystab.com

Jon Hamm. Photo from gamerpoop.com

Even Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin look dashing in a well-fitting tux. Photo from hurriyetdailynews.com

John Stamos. Photo from starpittsburgh.radio.com

Matthew Morrison. Photo from starpulse.com

Anderson Cooper. Photo from hollywooddame.com

Case. In. Point.

Insert swoon here.

Hey Lea-

What’s up, girlfriend? First let me say a few things before I get into the heart of this letter.

1. You are incredibly talented.
2. You are really beautiful. Love your smile.

Unfortunately, I am not here to discuss those things.

What’s been going on lately, Lea? I’ve seen some interviews and photo spreads that have me worried about your judgment…and I’m not just talking about the November 2010 GQ Magazine fiasco, though that is a BIG problem.

Photo from GQ Magazine

I refuse to include the other photos of you in this spread because I find them so inappropriate. Lea, what were you thinking? More importantly, what was your publicist thinking?! As a Glee fan, a fellow 20-something gal, and a new pro in the PR industry, I have to wonder why this was considered good for your young career. First of all, why are you the only one not wearing pants? Second of all, are you trying to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel? Why are you trying so hard to be sexy?

A bigger, more important issue is the context of the photo shoot. It’s not like you were photographed as Lea, the 24 year old actress. You were told to act as a heightened version of your character Rachel on Glee. Not a skanky version. I realize that you, Dianna and Cory are all adults here but the fact of the matter is that you were told to act as your characters, who are 16 year old high schoolers. Don’t you think that sitting spread eagle on a bench wearing a small t-shirt and panties in a high school setting while pretending to be a 16 year old is a little much? That sounds like something Taylor Momsen would do…and that’s not a compliment.

I think my biggest problem with you posing like this, Lea, is how hypocritical it is. You even said in the GQ interview,

“That’s why I’m proud,” she says, “to be on a positive show and to be a voice for girls and say, ‘You don’t need to look like everybody else. Love who you are.’”

That’s what you said, yet you were photographed in ways that our society subliminally dictates that actresses in Hollywood pose in order to be noticed, or more importantly, be accepted? Sounds a little conflicting to me…

Also, what’s with your photos from the November issue of Marie Claire, and the next one from October’s Glamour?

Photo from Marie Claire

Photo from Glamour

Do you just have an aversion to clothes? You are a cute girl! You don’t have to pose topless, or sans pants, in every photo or magazine cover.

It seems like you have a problem with consistency when it comes to your image and reputation. Because you are being considered to play Fanny Brice in the first revival of Funny Girl since the great Barbra Streisand originated the role in 1964, I’d sure watch that I do and say from here on out. You said that you didn’t get a nose job because Barbra Streisand didn’t get one. Maybe you should think W.W.B.D (What Would Barbra Do…I mean, who doesn’t do that?) the next time you decide to be photographed by Terry Richardson? Maybe you should consider how you lost a ton of weight over the summer before telling Glamour that you love to eat? If you ask me, these PR stunts seem like the actions of someone who is looking for insta-fame, not someone who wants to have a long and successful career.

(And I’m sorry, but your already tarnished reputation of being a diva definitely doesn’t help you any. These recent interviews and photographs don’t help that reputation, either.)

Just be consistent with your actions because, whether you like it or not, everyone is watching what you do. Thank you.

Sincerely,

-Christa

According to The Cut, Joan Collins claims that there is no beauty in Hollywood, compared to those actresses of the 1960s, like Audrey Hepburn or Ava Gardner.

Ms. Collins, please see the November issue of Vogue. Maybe you’ll change your mind.

Photo from designscene.com

Anne Hathaway graces the cover of next month’s issue of Vogue, and she is more beautiful than ever. I think I’m the only one who knew immediately that this was Anne Hathaway, too. Many are commenting on how they thought it was Eva Mendes first…

Her interview and photos within the magazine is just what the cover says: a breath of fresh air. You’ll also notice that the spread, photographed by Mario Testino, have a retro feel to them. There are photos where Anne is clearly channeling Audrey Hepburn circa “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” one of the actress whom Ms. Collins mentioned in her rant about Hollywood beauty.

I have to say, I’m a little biased. I’ve loved Anne Hathaway since she debuted in “The Princess Diaries” almost 10 years ago. I think she’s a beautiful, good role model and a talented actress. I love how she has dark hair, like yours truly, and hasn’t gone blonde (yet). I love how she can go from girl-next-door to bombshell whenever she wants. Regardless, you can’t deny her gorgeous-ness after looking at this spread, which was photographed in Paris. I especially love the white and black Oscar de la Renta gown (third photo down) and the black strapless Vera Wang dress (fifth photo down).

Who am I kidding? I love it all.

All photos from vogue.com

[Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Macy's or Everywhere, who represents Macy's. I heard about this promotion and think it's a great idea, and wanted to help get the word out!]

Photo from 100andsouth.blogspot.com

…well, the title says everything now doesn’t it?

A few details: my friend Geena over at 100andSouth alerted me to something happening at Macy’s tomorrow, both in-store and online. The 5th Annual Macy’s Shop for a Cause is a nation-wide event that helps support local charities.

How it works: when you go to Macy’s on Saturday, you can buy a shopping pass for $5. That pass will get you 20% off of your ENTIRE purchase for the day, with an additional 10% off any sale or clearance items. You can also use the pass for 25% off of any one regular, sale or clearance item! And the $5 you paid for the pass goes to your favorite local charity, so you are literally shopping for a cause.

So, what to use your coupon on? Here are some suggestions:

Ladies, use this opportunity to snatch up a great pair of boots. I just ordered a pair of camel colored ones (for my Halloween costume, actually…) and I can’t wait to get them and wear the life out of them, so I’d recommend getting that color. However, black boots are always in style also.

(all photos from macys.com)

Nine West boots, $151.20 on sale. How beautiful are they?

BCBGGeneration boots, $167.20 on sale.

Fellas, use this opportunity to invest in a really great pair of jeans or a nice tie, especially a pink one. Never underestimate the importance of both things. I am very vocal about how I feel about these two must-have items in a man’s closet.

Levi’s Jeans, 501 Original Fit. On sale for $29.99. A steal if you ask me.

DKNY silk tie, $34.99 on sale.

The infamous Carrie Bradshaw on Sex & The City once said:

Shopping is my cardio.

Photo from fanpop.com

After the weekend of shopping I had, I’m starting to believe her.

If you’ve ever been to malls like Garden State Plaza, Woodbury Commons, Woodfield Mall, Towson Town Center, or King of Prussia, you know that an intense day of shopping not only can exhaust your credit, but it can exhaust you physically! While I haven’t been to any of these malls in a long time, I did go to some outlets on Monday with my sister and shopped enough for the both of us. After I came home, hands full of bags, I was pretty wiped! It got me thinking about Carrie’s quote and how shopping can really be your cardio:

1. My family and I tend to park farther away, so you get a little workout walking to and from your car.
2. You can do a lot of running around if there’s a good sale going on, especially on Black Friday and during the holiday season.
3. Shopping bags can feel like weights if there’s enough stuff in them!
4. Climbing up and down stairs to get to different stores and mall levels can be exhausting…
5. All I want to do after a marathon shopping day is come home, shower and relax. Much like I do after I go to the gym.

How is shopping YOUR cardio?

Photo from bloomcosmetics.com

A few weeks ago, I picked up a copy of this little book from Anthropologie. Beauty In Bloom, written by Bloom Cosmetics founder Natalie Bloom, is an adorable little collection of beauty tips and inspiration for every day life. The book covers any topic you can imagine in three different chapters: Beauty, Indefinable Beauty, and Beautiful to me. In each chapter, Ms. Bloom describes what she thinks is beauty, whether it be make up application tips, gardening, her favorite flowers, or home decorating tips.

Mixed in between the delicately painted pages, which look almost watercolor-esque, are inspirational quotes that tie into the chapter’s different themes. Here are some of my favorites. They have inspired me in so many ways, and I hope a few of them can inspire you as well!

The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you. -Coco Chanel

Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart. -Kahlil Gibran

When you only have two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. -Chinese proverb

Fashion fades, style is eternal. -Yves Saint Laurent

I don’t like standard beauty- there is no beauty without strangeness. -Karl Lagerfeld

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. -Helen Keller

Do not quench your inspiration and imagination. -Vincent Van Gogh

Les goûts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas (Taste and color one does not discuss). -French saying

There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart…pursue those. -Michael Nolan

Another reason why I love this book? There are pages and pages dedicated to my favorite city in the world.

Seriously, what’s not to love!

Where do you find inspiration?

Editor’s note, 10/15: Let’s help #beatcancer! With every tweet, Facebook status update, or blog post (like this one) that mentions #beatcancer, SWAGG and PayPal will donate $.05 to charity.

…I wish I could say that I came up with that myself. Sadly, I did not. It’s the name of an event that I saw on Facebook. One of my undergrad friends is attending it and I thought it was the most awesome thing.

As most of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many, many brands have worked out partnerships with various cancer and breast cancer research foundations. Here are a few of my favorites items that will make you (yes, even the fellas!) feel better, both inside and out, and hopefully help to end a horrific disease.

Philosophy bath & shower gel, photo from ulta.com

Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause, photo from lordandtaylor.com

Photo from opi.com

Susan G. Komen Knots for Hope Silk Tie, photo from lordandtaylor.com

DKNY Leather Slip On Flats, photo from qvc.com

Kathy Van Zeeland keychain, photo form qvc.com

Hope silly bandz, photo from officialseenontvstore.com.

After a great review of the Tucker for Target collection on 100andSouth, I had to go check it out.

To sum up: the latest GO International collection at Target, which hit stores September 12, is nothing short of fabulous. The colors and patterns scream fall and the fabrics will carry you through the entire season, whether we have some lingering summer weather or the chill of autumn.

When I went to Target, this was the only dress they had left in my size:

Photo from Target.com

Not that I’m complaining. As this post promises, here are three ways to wear this dress into the fall.

1) Weekend

October started with a beautiful weekend, weather wise. Perfect for a day of outdoor fun, like at Fells Fest in Baltimore, where I wore this dress. Because I need to give myself some curves, I added a thicker, more defining belt instead of the one that came with the dress. I decided to go with flat sandals because the weather was an amazing 70 degrees and sunny. Ballet flats would work just as well, though! If we have no more beautiful days like this, you can wear the dress with sandals in the spring (score for working in both seasons).

2) Work

My favorite outfit for the cooler months: Dress, tights, and boots. It’s so easy but still looks put together and is appropriate for work! I would recommend brown with these color scheme, but I’m really loving these over the knee boots from Kohl’s. I can’t wait to wear the boots and dress together!

Photo from kohls.com

3) Date Night

Go from day to night with a simple change of shoe. Instead of flat boots, try a pair of ankle booties. My favorite material for the fall? Suede. And ankle booties are a nice alternative to pumps for this kind of dress, too. They add a touch of class without dressing it up too much.

Photo from LordAndTaylor.com