Google Goes All Kansas On Us

Google thinks they're being funny with their April Fool's Joke. I don't.

 Update, 8/12/10:  Google, you have redeemed yourself.

NYC Beauty Ritual: Eyelash Extensions

As written for pop culture site Crushable.com 
Confession: I am beyond obsessed with whatever it is that makes Hollywood’s movers and shakers look, well, nothing like the rest of us. I’m addicted to Life & Style and Allure — if Heidi Montag’s had it nipped and Madonna’s had it tucked, I probably read it first. Rachel Bilson swears by $1,300 jars of La Mer? Why, I love Rachel. Rachel has great skin. Off I go to the nearest Bergdorf and Bloomie’s to feign interest in making a massive purchase, scoring a few samples in the process.

So it should come as no shocker that my most recent fascination came in the form of eyelash extensions. Paris Hilton, Molly Sims, Ashley Tisdale and Danielle Jonas (yes, the eldest JoBro’s wifey) all swear by ’em. So when I randomly won a Twitter contest hosted by @WEtv (don’t hate — I dig their Golden Girls re-runs) for a free Xtreme Lashes application, I. Was. Psyched. I never win anything, let alone a fancy schmancy $300 procedure! Luckily, I live in NYC and immediately requested Xtreme lash stylist to the stars, Cheri Wroblewski of Lash Boutique. If I’m going to spend two hours having someone poke and prod at my eyelids, I want the best.

As requested, I arrived at Cheri’s adorable midtown lash studio at 9am on a Thursday, sans eye makeup. Professional and sweet as ever, Cheri took one look at me, stated that I have gorgeous “cat eyes” (hey, I’ll take it) and said she had the perfect lash look in mind. Apparently, the “looks” can range anywhere from natural to dramatic to OMG-my-lashes-touch-my-forehead. I lay down amidst a cluster of itty-bitty jars of synthetic lashes, and Cheri placed a pair of soothing anti-wrinkle pads underneath my eyes. I closed my eyelids and instantly relaxed. Self-proclaimed ambidextrous, she quickly worked with both hands and two teeny pairs of tweezers — isolating one of my lashes with one hand and placing a single lash extension on the base with the other, using a hi-tech medical adhesive. It was literally an eyelash extension. I was in awe. Throughout the next hour, I barely felt a thing. Sure, there was the occasional tug, but nothing crazy. No irritation whatsoever. When she was finished, I sat up, looked in a mirror and squealed like your little sister at a Justin Bieber concert. I’m not exaggerating when I say that my face was completely transformed, and I wasn’t even wearing makeup (obviously a daily ritual for me, see first ’graph). Cheri the Miracle Worker had meticulously applied nearly 200 individual eyelashes in just over an hour! I thanked her, left a generous tip and skipped five blocks to work, batting my lashes at anyone who dared glance my way. 

NY Fashion Week 2010: Monique Lhuillier

As written for fashion blog iheartheels.com 
Having outfitted nearly everyone who’s anyone from Bilson to Barrymore, Monique Lhuillier continues to dazzle with red carpet-worthy couture. Her Fall 2010 collection combined the tough, militant flair of the ancient Chinese warrior with a contrasting hint of soft, feminine elegance. As one would expect, the line was largely composed of striking evening gowns — touches of tulle and chiffon embellished with embroidery and aptly placed hardware. I literally gasped when I laid eyes on this gorgeous number:

 

With hair wrapped in buns, minimal eye makeup and ruby red lips, the runway models took on a stoic, fierce presence — fitting amongst the strong silhouettes and high necklines. Shades of crimson, gold and navy were also dominant amid the party dresses and dragon-print jacquards.

Accessorized with chunky cocktail rings and textured lace tights, the latest Monique Lhuillier collection was a massive hit; just ask actresses Melissa George and Sophia Bush, who were in attendance. “[Monique’s] clothes are so beautiful,” Sophia says to celebrity gossip blogger Just Jared. “They’re such a throwback to really classic, tailored, feminine design. She can really do anything. It’s just so elegant.”

NY Fashion Week 2010: Lia Sophia

As written for fashion blog iheartheels.com

The latest installment of Lia Sophia’s Red Carpet Collection launched late last month, and I’ve been dying to check it out. Luckily, I had an hour to kill in between shows, so I stopped into the nearby Alice + Olivia boutique where the Lia Sophia gifting suite was set up. Aptly called the Lanaya Collection, their newest line of luxe, high-end jewelry is inspired by the natural beauty and exotic elements of Thailand. Celebrity followers of the collection include Paris Hilton, Stephanie Pratt and Tinsley Mortimer. Comprised of matte metals and multitudes of chains, unconventionally paired with geometric jewels and colored pearls, these chunky pieces are major standouts. I couldn’t resist picking up this ultra-long Fringe Chain Necklace ($700, liasophia.com), complete with violet pearls! It was love at first sight.

I also picked up this stunning Studded Pyramid Stretch Bracelet ($400, liasophia.com) for J. The coolest thing about these cuff bracelets? The edges have ridges, so you can stack a couple of them for the ultimate statement accessory.

Hope you love it, Jules! The bottom line? This collection commands attention, so it is advisable to keep the rest of your look fairly simple. I can definitely see rocking these bold baubles with a deep-v tee and destroyed jeans for a chic, casual look. Or for something a little dressier, pair a piece or two with a sleek, monochromatic dress.

Photos courtesy of liasophia.com/Tina Smithers

NY Fashion Week 2010: Ecco Domani

As written for fashion blog iheartheels.com
The Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation is known for bringing emerging fashion designers to the forefront, having helped launch the careers of wildly successful designers Zac Posen and Alexander Wang. This year, the EDFF donated monetary grants to seven up-and-coming driving forces in fashion: The Blonds, Prova, Prabal Gurung, Siki Im, Altuzarra, Salvor and Organic. Specializing in everything from women’s ready-to-wear to accessories to menswear, Monday night’s show was hosted by fashion guru Robert Verdi, who gave us a first look at the next big names in the industry. Major style standouts included eco-friendly tweed jackets by Organic, printed silk scarves by Prova (Michelle Obama is a fan!) and a python corset by The Blonds, reminiscent of something one might find in Lady Gaga’s closet. Front row attendees included actresses AnnaLynne McCord, Kelly Rutherford, Molly Sims, Kate Walsh, Adrienne Bailon and socialite Tinsley Mortimer.

 Photos courtesy of coutorture.com/Tina Smithers