Blogginista

Dressed for Success: 5-Year-Old Portrays Powerful Women in Grrl-Power Photo Shoot

And now, for your Wednesday morning dose of grrl power: Jaime Moore, mama to adorable five-year-old Emma, decided to stage a photo shoot featuring her daughter dressed as groundbreaking women. No Disney princesses here! The shoot honors five powerful ladies: Susan B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Helen Keller, Jane Goodall, and Coco Chanel.

“I wanted her to know the value of these amazing women who had gone against everything so she can now have everything,” Moore wrote on her website. “So let’s set aside the Barbie Dolls and the Disney Princesses for just a moment, and let’s show our girls the REAL women they can be.”

Though most of us have played with a Barbie doll at some point (even if it was just to chop her hair/head off), it’s so important for little girls to know that not only can they dream of being models, actresses, and pop stars, but also doctors, lawyers and heck, even president. Our hats are off to you, Ms. Moore. And Emma, we’re jealous of whatever treasures must be stowed in your dress-up box!

Photos courtesy of Jaime Moore Photography 

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

Leave Note / Reblog
jaime moore jaime moore photography girl power coco chanel amelia earhart feminism

CoverGirl Goes (Capitol) Couture: A ‘Hunger Games’ Beauty Line is in the Works!

Fear not, Hunger Games fans: CoverGirl plans to put the beauty odds in your favor with a Capitol Collection line of makeup. According to entertainment website Hypable, the brand will offer shades seen on the glitzy Capitol residents in the franchise’s second installment.

“The exquisite beauty and style in the world of the Capitol is a focal point of this film,” Paula Kupfer, Lionsgate’s Vice President of Promotions and Consumer Products, stated in a press release. “Partnering with an innovative brand like CoverGirl to create an additional layer of beauty storytelling and inspiration for the fans is new territory that we’re delighted to explore.”

Katniss may have been plucked, pruned, and prodded by a team of stylists, but we’re going the easy, breezy, beautiful route with CoverGirl. Though an official product lineup and release date have yet to be announced, we’d like Effie’s pretty pink lipstick, Katniss’ fiery red eye shadow, and Cinna’s glimmering gold eyeliner. Oh, and everything else (pretty please?). We swooned over China Glaze’s 12-piece Hunger Games nail polish collection, and we’re more than ready to dress our faces up, Capitol-style!

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

Leave Note / Reblog
covergirl hunger games beauty covergirl makeup covergirl hunger games katniss katniss and peeta effie trinket

Saturday Obsession: Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein

Rooney Mara fans, rejoice! The 28-year-old Girl With the Dragon Tattoo star has been tapped to serve as the face of a city-chic campaign for Calvin Klein’s new fragrance, which is aptly called “Downtown”.

According to the Telegraph, photographer Jean-Baptiste Mondino shot the ads for print while TGWTDT director David Fincher will helm the small-screen campaign.

“I am very excited to be included in the group of amazing women that have been featured in the iconic advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein fragrances,” Mara explained to WWD. “The Downtown fragrance holds true to the chic, confident and simple feeling of the Calvin brand. The effortless and timeless appeal of the Calvin Klein Collection and the Downtown scent made this a natural partnership.”

Despite her gracious statement, we don’t need much convincing. If it’s good enough for Rooney, it’s good enough for us.

The perfume is said to have top notes of Italian cedrat, bergamot, Tunisian neroli, green pear and watery plum; a heart of pink peppercorn, violet leaf and gardenia petals, and a drydown of Texan cedarwood, incense, vetiver and velvet musks. (via the Telegraph)

Leave Note / Reblog
rooney mara rooney mara downtown calvin klein downtown downtown fragrance calvin klein girl with the dragon tattoo david fincher

Beauty Road Test: Metropolis Soap Company’s Soothing Lavender Picks (Zooey Deschanel Is a Fan!)

If you’re tired of using mass-produced, skin-stripping scrubs in the shower, Metropolis Soap Company’s cruelty-free, earth-friendly products are exactly what you need. I had the chance to test a selection of lavender offerings, including two luxurious soaps, a jar of whipped shea butter, and lip cream. Hand-crafted from 100 percent natural ingredients sourced from small farms, each item is cruelty-free and earth-friendly. And they’re made right here in New York (Betty’s team headquarters!).

I started off with Metropolis’ lavender and tangerine artisan soap ($7.99, metropolissoap.com) and aloe, chamomile, and lavender soap ($7.99, metropolissoap.com). Besides feeling like a luxurious, guilt-free treat in the shower after a long day, the bars boasted rich scents and left my skin feeling silky and radiant after only a week’s use. The refreshing lavender and tangerine soap is especially ideal when you’re in need of a morning pick-me-up.

Arms and hands feeling dry and scratchy after a seemingly never-ending winter? Consider the lavender whipped shea butter ($19.99, metropolissoap.com) –New Girl star Zooey Deschanel is a fan! I’ve used this product once each night after my shower, thoroughly massaging it into my skin in circular motions as the packaging suggests. The lavender scent was a bit strong for my taste, but wasn’t overwhelming. After just days, even the cracked skin on my knuckles felt refreshed and baby soft. My skin has never been this smooth, and I’ve invested in my fair share of pricey hand scrubs. Who knew that a combination of five ingredients (all of which are pronounceable!) –shea butter, coconut oil, tapioca starch, lavandin grosso essential oil, and vitamin E– would yield such amazing results?

Last but not least, I used the vitamin-packed lavender and spearmint vegan lip cream ($6.99, metropolissoap.com), which has now become a purse staple. It’s moisturizing, but doesn’t leave lips sticky, and tastes like gum –perfect for date night!

It’s easy to feel good about Metropolis Soap Company’s affordable, socially-conscious products. They’re friendly to animals, friendly to the earth, and friendly to your skin; the Zooey Deschanel-is-a-fan part is just an added bonus!

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

1 note
Leave Note / Reblog
Zooey Deschanel metropolis soap company vegan soap vegan beauty zooey deschanel vegan lavender new girl

Saturday Obsession: JLaw Aces Photobombing at Met Gala

If Jennifer Lawrence wasn’t already your favorite person ever, spend a minute or two watching her photobomb Sarah Jessica Parker (while rocking the heck out of a Christian Dior number). You’re welcome. (via Refinery29)

17 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
jennifer lawrence jennifer lawrence photobomb jennifer lawrence met gala met gala punk photobomb jlaw sarah jessica parker

Devilishly Dazzling: Disney Villains Score Makeovers

There’s no shortage of Disney-themed artwork on the Web (like these images of Disney princesses brought to life), but rarely does a skillful hand focus on villains. Leave it to the Internet to satiate inquiring minds: An anonymous artist has given our childhood’s most infamous bad gals and guys makeovers.

Is it enough to make us trade in our happily-ever-afters for a trip to the dark side? Maybe not, but this crew is certainly something to look at. And while we’ve always appreciated the quirks that made our villains stand out –take Ursula’s glowing purple skin and Captain Hook’s curved nose as examples– it’s interesting to see them in an alternative, albeit conventional, light.

Tell us: Do these transformations make it easier to side with (and swoon over) Disney’s antagonists (especially Jafar)?

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

2 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
jafar ursula disney villains disney villain makeovers cruella di vil 101 dalmatians little mermaid ariel makeover

Fashion with a Conscience: Urban Outfitters Launches Ethical Collection

Last year, we told you about Della, a Los Angeles-based fashion line that employs and empowers impoverished women. Founded by Tina Tangalakis, this socially responsible brand uses sales proceeds to fund literacy and money management classes, healthcare, and fair wages for its seamstresses in Hohoe, Ghana.

Back then, Della was a tiny –albeit colorful– line that included small accessories like totes and earrings. But now, Tanglakis has worked with retail giant Urban Outfitters for a capsule collection that includes both clothing and accessories. Starting May 1^st, 2013, shoppers will find the brand’s sustainable, vegan designs at UO stores across the country –and we can’t help but feel ecstatic!

“This is the first time Urban has partnered with an ethical fashion line for a full collection,” Tanglakis said in a press release. “We are excited about our expansion and thrilled at the opportunity this provides to our team in Ghana and beyond.”

Featuring printed jackets, track shorts, tees, and accessories like caps and iPad cases, each piece from the warm weather-perfect collection is priced below $69. Can you say score? And of course, the line’s proceeds will benefit the Ghanaian communities in which they were handcrafted. Spring shopping has never felt this good!

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

1 note
Leave Note / Reblog
Della Tina Tangalakis Della Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters UO style ethical fashion

Saturday Obsession: Alber Elbaz x Lancôme

Tired of toting around your boring old mascara wand and uninspiring shadow palettes? Alber Elbaz (a.k.a. Lanvin’s renowned creative director) has come to the rescue by giving a few of Lancôme’s classic palettes and mascaras fabulously quirky makeovers!

Fashionista reports: 

He [Elbaz] created four different designs–Star, Doll, Drama, and Definicils–which correspond to the brand’s popular mascara names. There’s a matching eye shadow palette and mascara for each design, as well as one set of false lashes (in the cutest box ever).

We’ll be keeping an eye out for this limited-edition collection, which is slated to hit stores in mid-June. 

2 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
Alber Elbaz Alber Elbaz lanvin Lanvin Lancome Alber Elbaz lancome lancome eye shadow lancome mascara beauty beauty news

Snag Lucy Hale’s Fresh White Look for Less

The Pretty Little Liars ladies may hold a few dirty secrets, but that didn’t stop Lucy Hale from rocking a crisp white Dior shirtdress at the 2013 Kids’ Choice Awards. We might not have a Hollywood-sized budget, but making “A” red with envy doesn’t necessarily take designer duds and a red carpet. With this fresh lookalike frock and put-together accessories, you’ll look like a star –and have enough cash left for a night on the town. Take that, “A”!

Eyelet tank shirtdress ($29.99, delias.com), Chinese Laundry Next To Me Mary Jane pumps ($49, macys.com), Expressions NYC pebbled box clutch ($48, shop.nordstrom.com), Revlon Moon Drops creme lipstick in Love That Pink 575 ($7.19, drugstore.com), Black cross keeper skinny belt ($6, us.dorothyperkins.com),Noir beaded bloom bib ($32, baublebar.com).

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

2 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
lucy hale lucy hale style pretty little liars pretty little liars style PLL PLL fashion style looks for less

Saturday Obsession: JLaw’s Early Modeling Photos

I’ve been obsessed with Jennifer Lawrence since I caught the first teaser trailer for The Hunger Games (which was painfully short, but I digress). Hours of Internet stalking and one crazy fan girl collage later, I stumbled upon a few of her old modeling shots, which have been circulating the fashion blogs and news sites in recent days.

JLaw said that she didn’t make the cut for Abercrombie’s catalogue because of her “flared nostrils, red face, my hair’s crazy, and I’m like, WRAHHHH!” Nevertheless, photographer Chris Kaufman (who did not shoot Jen’s dreaded Abercrombie photos) told E! News Now, “When I first took her picture, I was thinking she moved like Gisele.” 

Check out a video of the Girl on Fire’s early pics:  

Leave Note / Reblog
jennifer lawrence jennifer lawrence modeling pictures models fashion jlaw hunger games catching fire abercrombie

Star Models’ Anti-ED Campaign Isn’t As Powerful As You Might Think

*Trigger Warning* This past weekend, we caught wind of a visually shocking ad campaign meant to discourage women and girls from developing eating disorders. The brainchild of Brazilian modeling agency Star Models, the ads depict real models Photoshopped to resemble fashion sketches. The altered women in the images seem mere breaths away from an untimely death and will make you cringe –but when you move past the shock value, how effective is this campaign?

It’s a step, but in which direction is up for debate. First, let’s analyze this ad’s catchphrase: “You are not a sketch. Say no to anorexia.” Well-meaning? Maybe, but it fosters a culture in which women and girls are blamed and shamed for having a mental disorder.  And while designers should stray from depicting only the willowy, oftentimes unrealistic figures we’re so used to seeing, forcing women and artists to shoulder the culpability for the epidemic of body hatred (and not the society and entire industries that glorify extreme thinness) seems hypocritical to say the least.

Meanwhile, the modeling industry in general is notorious for hiring emaciated young women to sell luxury goods and services. According to eating disorder treatment center Rader Programs, the average model in the United States stands at 5’11 yet weighs only 117 pounds, which is considered underweight. Moreover, a majority of runway models have a body mass index (BMI) so low that they meet the criteria for anorexia. Perhaps most shocking is a recent expose detailing a major Swedish modeling agency’s repulsive attempts at recruiting eating disorder clinic patients. And after we paid a visit to what we believe is Star Models’ Facebook page (the listed agency is located in Brazil and both the page and the ads share the same logo), we noticed images of waif-like women (only!) staring back at us.

Last, these images could be painfully triggering to women who are anorexic or have survived an eating disorder and encourages women who are considered physically healthy to gawk at and express hatred toward these bodies. At the end of the day, this ad propagates finger pointing at women and designers without addressing our society’s obsession with thinness at any cost. We can –and must– do so much better.

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

Leave Note / Reblog
star models eating disorder ED anorexia fashion beauty modeling industry

Step Out in Style This Spring with Suno for Uniqlo

The four-year-old brainchild of designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, luxury brand Suno has gained recognition for its bold mixed prints and celebrity clientele. And while Michelle Obama, Katy Perry, and Blake Lively have dropped mega bucks for the label’s standout pieces, the rest of us were doing without –until now.

Glamour reports that Suno has teamed up with mega-retailer Uniqlo to deliver a gorgeous (yet totally affordable!)  line. Inspired by “Japanese Americana”, Osterweis and Beatty’s capsule collection features feminine florals and sweet stripes in an array of styles, including maxis, tees, blouses, and more.

With prices starting at $19.90 and topping off at a mere $39.90, you’ll save tons of dough and maybe even a major guilt trip. The line hits stores and online on May 20, 2013, so mark your calendars and scoop up your favorites fast…before they’re gone for good!

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

Leave Note / Reblog
suno suno for uniqlo uniqlo new styles style spring style floral dress

Saturday Obsession: Tiffany & Co.’s ‘Great Gatsby’-Inspired Jewels

What happens when Tiffany & Co. partners with the highly-anticipated Great Gatsby film? We won’t leave you wondering, though it’s safe to say that the words intricate, lavish, and breathtaking come to mind almost immediately. 

This week, the premier jewelry company held a special unveiling of the Gatsby-inspired collection (and a larger line based on the Jazz Age) at its Fifth Avenue location in New York City. Carey Mulligan dons a selection of Tiffany’s heavily embellished, Deco-inspired jewels on the cover of Vogue’s May issue. 

Check out the brand’s special sneak peek video of the baubles we’ll all be swooning over once The Great Gatsby hits theaters next month. 

9 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
the great gatsby the great gatsby jewelry the great gatsby style art deco jewelry art deco style carey mulligan

Nail Polish Fiends, Rejoice! China Glaze’s App Can Find Shades to Match Anything

Have you ever been a bit jealous of your BFF’s gorgeous green irises, your coworker’s ah-may-zing crimson trench coat, or your kitten’s burnt orange fur (cat lady solidarity!)? Yeah, so have we. But instead of colored contacts or a shopping spree, you’ll find us painting our nails with the hues we’ve been obsessing over. And we have China Glaze’s cool new app to thank for that!

Free and available to iPhone and iPad users, the app is ridiculously easy to use. Simply download it, point and shoot a photo, and touch a spot on the image to check out your lacquer options. Fall in love with a shade? See how it would look with your skin tone and order the color in minutes with a few taps of your iPhone.

And with that, China Glaze’s app earns its place on our list of biggest time sucks ever, right after Facebook. Our nails, however, have never been happier.

This piece originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

3 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
china glaze nail polish china glaze app nail polish trends nail colors 2013 nails beauty spring beauty

60 Seconds With Dita Von Teese

Once known as the wife of eccentric rock star Marilyn Manson, the glamorous Dita Von Teese has carved a name for herself as a burlesque dancer, model, author, and beauty icon. So, when we found out about her appearance at New York’s International Beauty Show, we simply had to be there. And all that pushing through throngs of adoring fans was worth it! Von Teese glided through the crowd (like magic!) in a deliciously curve-hugging number, sky-high Louboutins, and her signature red lip and bouncy mane. We chatted with the modern Marilyn at Obliphica Professional’s booth about her beauty and hair secrets and the exciting projects she’s working on now.

Betty Confidential: We adore your flawless beauty look. What’s your secret?

Dita Von Teese: Well, it’s different every day because I don’t always go 100 percent, full-power glamour. I am a master at getting ready in under 15 minutes because I have a lot of tricks. Sometimes, it’s just powder, sunglasses, hair in a chignon, red lipstick –it looks like it’s full glamour, but it’s easy. I’m writing a beauty book and I talk more about what my priorities are and the key to a good beauty routine without spending a lot of money or time. It’s about knowing what’s most important to you and going from there. I’m rarely late for things. But a day like today, I’ll usually block aside an hour and a half to two hours, but it’s not something I do every day, you know?

BC: What about your hair? Do you have any tips to share with us?

DVT: Obliphica products really changed my life because I roller set my hair every day –sometimes two or three times a day– and they help keep it moisturized and healthy. And since I like to wear my hair curled, it helps make the bend better. People are always commenting on how shiny my hair is too, and I equate that with when I began using Obliphica. It changed my life.

BC: What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever received?

Celebrity Stylist John Blaine: I’m her best beauty tip. [laughs]

DVT: Use sunscreen and don’t smoke.

BC: You’ve designed some gorgeous lingerie. Is a full clothing line in your future?

DVT: I do have a small dress capsule collection. It consists of five dresses that are all based on vintage pieces from my wardrobe. I am all about making the vintage more wearable, including a full range of sizes, making fabric quality better, but I wouldn’t claim to be a designer.

BC: Can you tell us a little more about the exciting projects you have in the works?

DVT: Well, I have three fragrances out, and a fourth coming out by the end of the year. And I’m about to go on air with HSN in Tampa to sell my first two perfumes. April 24^th is my big day…no wait, April 21^st. Actually, scratch that. It’s sometime next week. [Look out for Dita’s American debut on HSN and hsn.comon April 23, 2013.]

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential. 

20 notes
Leave Note / Reblog
dita von teese dita dita von teese hair obliphica hair red lipstick spring style dita von teese beauty new york international beauty show