2010 BET Awards

Ciara looked fierce

Last night was the 10th annual BET Awards (can't believe it's only 10) and they honored Prince! I can't stop singing Purple Rain now. Patti LaBelle killed it! There was an all girl dedication, featuring a pregnant Alicia Keys rolling around on top of the piano and one of my fashion idols, Janelle Monae going crazy to "Let's Go Crazy!" See for yourself:



I have such a style crush on Janelle Monae! I love her mix of menswear and kind of rockabilly flare. I wish I could dress as cool as she does. Ciara may be my best dressed of the night. Fergie and Cassie have been debated in the blogosphere.

I personally liked Cassie's outfit. Not her hair (half shaved- awful!) and furry purse. But I think she has the body to pull off a bandeau top. It was bold and I applaud her.

Fergie on the other hand. It had a great fit, but the tuxedo tail in the back killed it for me. So I vote Nay.

Overall it was a pretty good show! I know I'd rather be there than the MTV Awards snooze fest. Also, I was SO looking forward to seeing Justin Bieber there but he was apparently touring so didn't make it. That was going to make my night if he won (haha!). And then there was Chris Brown... I will not go there.

Does Anyone Listen to the Radio Anymore?

Call me old school, but to fall asleep I like to listen to music... not on my iPod but on my radio/cassette player (yes they still make those). It came out of function. First, it kills the battery less to shuffle through the stations rather than with the songs of an iPod. And secondly, I could hear 'new' songs (I say new with quotes because they are new to me). You can't download all the songs that radio stations have collected. So if I flipped I usually could find a good selection. However, lately that isn't true.

I know they say the radio industry is dying so I would assume they would play MORE or BETTER music rather than 3 radio stations in a row playing Lady Gaga's "Alejandro." I am apparently wrong. Not sure if they don't have the money to get new music now or if they have completely given up. All I know is that listening to the radio isn't working for me anymore. It saddens me because it has been my little bedtime tradition since high school (at least 10 years- eek!). So now I'm not sure what to do.

Do I switch over to the battery sucking iPod? Or use Pandora, which I listen to during the day on my computer? But I have to download it on my phone which will suck the battery life. Quite the dilemma!

Where Have All the Summer Blockbusters Gone?

It's summer time, which usually calls for big blockbuster movies. Will Smith's "Independence Day" or Michael Bay's explosion fest "Transformers" (and "Transformers 2"). However, this summer I don't see any. The only movie that seems to fit the usual mold would be the "A-Team" starring Bradley Cooper from the comedic blockbuster "The Hangover." It was released the same weekend as "Toy Story 3" (the final installment), which kicked it's ass!

That's right... the summer blockbuster is "Toy Story 3" ladies and gentlemen. I don't see any other movies being released that include big explosions, cool guys and hot chicks that usually form a summer hit at the box office. Of course, the 3rd installment of the Twilight saga "Eclipse" is going to do really well but it's not because of it's summer release. It could be released in October and make millions; therefore, I don't classify it as a 'summer blockbuster.'

What are Hollywood production companies thinking? Isn't this the season where they want to roll out big movies? It seems to be a formula that works so why aren't they taking advantage? One movie that could become a major flop or major success is Angelina Jolie's thriller "Salt." She is a government agent who gets accused of being a spy so pulls a Jason Bourne and takes on the world. Angelina hasn't starred in this type of role since "Wanted" in 2008. It didn't do overwhelmingly well, but it showed guys still wanted to see hot chicks blow stuff up.

A movie I thought would want to be released in hot summer times is "Tron." Yes, based on the corny eighties video game. I think studios got scared because "Star Trek" the movie, which had high hopes but didn't make them as much money as they wanted. I saw the movie "Star Trek" and it was awful, but I'm not really a fan of the original show either. I think movie companies want to make sure they either pay proper homage to the original, or completely separate from the original (i.e. Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," which had Alice as an older girl coming back down the rabbit hole). "Tron" looks visually stunning and stars Jeff Bridges (could there be a cooler actor?) who just won an Oscar. I think Hollywood missed the boat by not having this movie released in the summer, but I guess we'll have to wait until December to find out.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson 1 Year Later

I remember hearing the news of Michael Jackson's death last year. I was in Hong Kong going down the elevator when the news was on the TV was showing a picture of Michael, but it wasn't in English. I went down to have breakfast and asked why Michael Jackson was on the news and my professor told me. It was so shocking and sad. He was the "King of Pop" and had such tremendous influence. People all over the world mourned his death, very much like Princess Diana.

Nothing is probably more iconic than his 'Thriller' album. We all could put aside any allegations against the pop singer and just remember his music. The radio stations played all Michael all day. I think one positive thing, if you can even say that, was that a young generation who only knew him as the weird guy in pajamas at court go to hear his music. Fashion was quickly influenced by his fashion again: red leather jackets, the glove. Kids who never knew Michael Jackson in his glory days soon started appreciating his music. That was great for me.

We miss you MJ!

Outfit Of The Day: Summer Floral Dress

Going out to dinner in 90 degree weather.

Floral dress- Old Navy $19.50
Gladiator heel sandals- Type Z $67
E.L.F. lip stain "First Date" $3

3 Guys I Thought Were Hot in High School

My parents just moved into a new house and my mom wanted to put some posters on my wall to decorate my room. Of course, I requested something New York (where I live but also my love!). She was relieved at my mature response... she thought I was going to say Jonas Brothers (ha!). It made me realize that I did have some interesting fellas framed on my wall in my old room.

1. 50 Cent (yep, that exact poster!). It probably shocked and horrified my mother when her 14-year old daughter had a poster of a gangster rapper with bullet shattered glass in front of him. But oddly, she has grown to like him!

2. Vin Diesel. What ever happened to him? I was obsessed with Fast & the Furious (the original) when it came out because of him (oh that voice!). Still have it on DVD. I thought he was the hottest thing, until he did The Pacifier. Oh fond memories.

3. Zach Hanson (the youngest Hanson brother). I must confess that I screamed like a little girl when I read that Hanson was releasing a new album this month! I miss them! I had such a crush on the youngest one, Zach. 1) He was the drummer (my favorite member of a band, usually) and 2) we were close in age (so it could work!). But now he's married (what?!)!

*Note: Johnny Depp was also framed in my room, but he is not listed because he will ALWAYS be framed in any room I live in. He is the sexiest man alive! Thank you.*

What do you think of my list? Who do you have framed in your room?

Cool Art Idea: Using Lipstick

Not too long ago there was a art exhibit called "Lipstick Portraits" in New York City that was meant to draw attention to sex trafficking. It showed several famous people, men and women, wearing red lipstick. I thought it was a great idea and was unique.

Jonathan Kroppmann posing for "Lipstick Portraits"

Another artist used lipstick in an unique fashion. Livea Marin, an artist from Chile, used 2,200 lipsticks and molded them into unique shapes:

"Fictions of a Use"

And an artist from Brussels, Vincent Olinet, carved out this glossy lipstick. However upon closer inspection the lipstick has rough edges. He says he likes "to make shiny, colorful art pieces that appeal to our dreams... but actually deal with decay or disillusion." (Source)

What do you think of these artists use of lipstick? Is it creative or unoriginal?

I WANT Camilla Belle's Eyebrows!!!

You know how girls talk about body parts of celebrities they want? Well, I really want Camilla Belle's eyebrows. I know it sounds weird... but its true! I think eyebrows are really important to a woman's beauty. They shape your face and can make or break your look. Camilla Belle always looks gorgeous!




Personally, I favor a fuller brow and Camilla's are the ideal. I doubt she walks out of the house looking like that, but I really want to know how she achieves that look. Do you think it's eyebrow pencil or powder?

Watermelon Manicure!

I saw on a site this "watermelon" manicure and I was in love! I wanted to do one for myself so of course I went to Youtube. There were many versions and styles that you could do. I didn't follow any of them particularly step-by-step but used them as inspiration.



This is the manicure closest to mine because I didn't include the white part. I used China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy and Kiwi-Colada from their Poolside Collection (which I'm loving!), some old black nail polish and topped with the Seche Vite top coat (which made my manicure last a good week!).

Step 1: Apply the "pink" color (Flip Flop Fantasy for me) and let dry for a good few hours because you'll add tape to them.

Step 2: Add the French tip guide tape across your nail wherever you'd like to create the "green" part of the watermelon. I purchased a pack of 100 from Walmart for $3.

Step 3: Paint the green color on the top part of your nail, following the guide tape. Wait for it to dry before removing the tape.

Step 4: Add black dots, let dry and add top coat!

This manicure does require a lot of patience... but I loved the design! There are so many ways to re-create this look so have fun with it!

Do you like this manicure? Would you try it?

I Need to Stop Adding Guilty Pleasures on My iPod!

I like to update my iPod with some new tunes every once and awhile. However, I've been noticing that I've been adding a lot of catch pop tunes that I probably will hate in a few weeks. Pitbull is probably one of my biggest guilty pleasures. Now by admitting that he is a "guilty pleasure" I am in NO WAY saying he is a good artist. His songs are catchy! Meaning that they are fun to dance to and don't contain real lyrical content. His new single with Enrique Iglesias (where has he been?!) is growing on me... until the video came out with the "Jersey Shore" in it. NO!



I know... I'm ashamed. I'm getting worried about my Pitbull addiction...

Another song that is growing on me that I hate to admit is Miley Cyrus' "Can't Be Tamed." I actually like the video... great makeup!



Am I the only one who is liking these songs?

Ruffles for My Birthday!

For my birthday I've been keeping an eye out for cute party dresses. I wasn't really sure what I had in mind, until the Express catalog came in the mail. On the front was this gorgeous ruffled dress (above). I thought "this is the dress I want for my birthday!" It cost $69.90 which I didn't think was too high of a price for a dress.

However, when I looked it up on the Express website it didn't look as pretty as it did when styled. Also, the color said "pink" when I thought it looked more "coral." Needless to say, I was let down... and continued my search. This past weekend I finally made a trip to Target (so sorry if this dress isn't new to all of you) when I spotted this adorable dress:

And I love it! It fits really well, which I was surprised and is very flattering to my figure. For $19.99, I thought it was a great look-a-like of the original dress of what I wanted. But I ended up happier with the cheaper version- surprise! This is why I love Target!

The Short Hair Trend!

I think the short hair trend is popular right now, not only because it's summer but because women want to shed a lot of conceptions about them. Removing their extensions isn't only practical in this heat but also is a way for them to step away from the "beautiful people" of Hollywood. Even 24-year old actresses are getting tired of the business and retiring (i.e. Amanda Bynes!)

A great example is when Lady Gaga appeared on Larry King... dressed like Larry King! It was brilliant! Gaga who is also about female empowerment definitely demonstrated what I think a lot of celebrity women have been feeling... don't put me in a box! There is a such a cookie-cutter society in Hollywood and I'm sure talented females, such as Gaga, get frustrated getting told they need to fit into it. One great way to fight that- chop it off! It is similar to when a woman goes through a break up and gets a new hairstyle. A great thing of power that we have is our hair.

It reminds me of the documentary Chris Rock made "Good Hair." Great movie! He discusses the money and risks women go to for great hair. Why? Because we feel like it is part of our identity. I personally admire women who are bald or have pixie cuts because I don't like myself with short hair. I think you have to be a true beauty to pull off that look!

Going short is definitely not a new trend, but it is interesting to see that a lot of young starlets are doing it:

Christina Aguilera has been sporting a short 'do lately. Not only is it a practical haircut for the mom on the go, but she is also trying to sell an album, Bionic.

Rihanna seems to be going shorter every day!

Solange Knowles who will forever be known as Beyonce's sister... poor thing.

Hayden Penetierre

Carey Mulligan is quickly on her way to becoming one of our great actress, but definitely has separated herself with her pixie cut. (I will also applaud my crush, Shia LaBeouf, for snatching up this great woman!)

What do you think of these celebs cutting their hair? Are they saying something or just rocking a new trend?

Update!

Oh how I've missed you blog! I've been busy in my new role as Managing Editor of Lovelyish that I haven't had much time to write for my own personal blog.

I'm going to Nashville at the end of the month and I'm hoping I can take more outfit pictures since I'll be staying with my friend Laura. Living alone doesn't really make it easy to take pictures of myself plus also working from home, I rarely dress up. I'm hoping to change that this summer and complete my "New Year's resolution" or as I like to call it, a goal, to wear everything I own! (Maybe I should stop buying things then....)

That's the update for now. Stay tuned!