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Saturday Obsession: Rooney Mara for Calvin Klein

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:47 -0400

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)

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

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:41:28 -0400

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.

Saturday Obsession: JLaw Aces Photobombing at Met Gala

Sat, 11 May 2013 20:11:01 -0400

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)

Devilishly Dazzling: Disney Villains Score Makeovers

Thu, 09 May 2013 17:45:31 -0400

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.

Fashion with a Conscience: Urban Outfitters Launches Ethical Collection

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:00:59 -0400

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.

Saturday Obsession: Alber Elbaz x Lancôme

Sat, 04 May 2013 20:58:00 -0400

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.

Snag Lucy Hale’s Fresh White Look for Less

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:00:47 -0400

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.

Saturday Obsession: JLaw's Early Modeling Photos

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

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:

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

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:21:26 -0400

*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.

Step Out in Style This Spring with Suno for Uniqlo

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:16:09 -0400

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.

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

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 10:00:43 -0400

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.

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

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:15:18 -0400

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.

60 Seconds With Dita Von Teese

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 22:07:59 -0400

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.

Saturday Obsession: Karl Lagerfeld’s Cool Ice Cream Heels

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 10:00:57 -0400

Life in plastic, it’s fantastic –and we have Karl Lagerfeld to thank for that! Chanel’s main squeeze has designed a capsule collection of sugary-sweet jelly footwear for eco-friendly company Melissa Shoes. The four-piece line is perfect for the spring and summer months, featuring quirky designs in go-anywhere shades. Our favorite? The delish ice cream pair pictured above. Yum!

Want Celebrity Outfit Deets Delivered Straight to Your Phone? Shazam It!

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:53 -0400

When Gossip Girl was in its prime, I would’ve given my left arm (not literally) for instant access to the duds Serena and Blair strutted around the Upper East Side wearing (the same goes for Sex and the City). And though I’m not much of a television buff now, it’d be difficult to deny that Shazam’s image-recognizing technology would be pretty amazing, if not revolutionary.

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the popular UK start-up has made it possible to find the artist and song title of a tune you hear with the wave of a phone. See? Magic really does exist. And now, The Guardian reports that the techies behind Shazam plan to expand the app’s capabilities through the addition of image-recognition feature, which would help guys and gals snag the clothes and accessories they see on screen.

“We have the ability to identify the product in a TV show so that when somebody Shazams it, they could find out where a presenter’s dress is from in one click,” CEO Andrew Fisher told The Guardian. “We are focused on creating a new category which we call media engagement. We make it easier for consumers to engage with a brand or a piece of content they are interested in, without having to go through search engines, then mining the results.”

So, if you’ve spent one-too-many hours scouring the fashion blogs for that fab ‘80s-inspired frock AnnaSophia Robb was sporting in The Carrie Diaries, consider this the fashion gods’ answer to your prayers. No official word yet on when this feature will be released, but our closets are counting down the days already.

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential.

Diane Kruger to Serve As the Face of Chanel Skincare

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:29:01 -0400

When was the last time Diane Kruger didn’t look stunning? We can’t answer that question, and apparently, neither can Chanel. In what is possibly one of the best marketing decisions ever (have you seen Kruger’s flawless complexion?), the 36-year-old actress will take on a new role as spokesmodel for Chanel’s new line of skincare products.

“With her natural elegance and beauty, Diane Kruger is one of the freshest, most recognizable faces in film,” the iconic fashion house explained in a statement.

As Huffington Post Style points out, this doesn’t mark the first the first Kruger-Chanel collaboration. The blonde bombshell has been known to hit the red carpet in the label and served as the face of its Allure fragrance back in 1996. More recently, she was photographed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel’s Paris-Biarritz handbag campaign.

And with that, you can count Kruger as one of the luckiest ladies ever! Look out for the campaign later this year.

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential.

Saturday Obsession: Taylor Swift's Springy Keds Line Has Dropped!

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:26:02 -0400

My love for Taylor Swift has been wavering in recent months (and it has nothing to do with her dating life), but I couldn’t help but swoon over her sugary-sweet new Keds line. Featuring polka dots, bows, anchors, flowers, sunglasses, and other warm weather-worthy prints, these kicks are PERFECT to wear with your swingy frocks (just don’t forget your ruffle socks!).

Pick up a pair on Keds.com for a wallet-friendly $50. I can’t wait to have a few spring flings with these shoes!

Meet Jane Levy: 10 Fun Facts About the 'Evil Dead' Star

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:01:01 -0400

If you’ve never heard of up-and-coming actress Jane Levy, you will soon (trust us). The fiery redhead –who plays quirky Tessa in Suburgatory– will show off her acting chops on the silver screen TOMORROW, April 5, 2013, in Evil Dead. The remake of the 1981 classic follows Levy as heroin-addicted Mia, whose friends take her to a secluded cabin to get clean. And if the words “secluded cabin” were any clue, chaos, demonic possessions, and buckets of blood ensue. Eek!

Whether Levy’s character makes it out alive or not, we can all rest assured that this is only the beginning for the sarcastic, talented 23-year-old. Without further ado, here are 10 quickie facts you should know about Evil Dead’s leading lady.

1. Like 95 percent of the female population, this star can’t resist a plate of good French fries and the Real Housewives of New York City. And with that, Levy is our newest girl crush.

2. As a teen, Levy was impulsive and ready for adventure (who wasn’t?). When she was only 15, the Northern California girl studied abroad in England for six months. And also like many teens, she discovered first hand that you don’t always get what you bargained for.

Of the experience, she told Backstage.com, “I ended up in the West Midlands near Birmingham, and it’s not the nicest area, and the family was not very nice to me. They treated me like an American slave and made me babysit and cook for them and clean the house. But I learned a lot about seeing things through, even when it’s not fun or easy.”

3. While her stint in England didn’t go as planned, Levy’s decision to drop out of Baltimore’s Goucher College to pursue an acting career in New York City certainly paid off!

4. And if she hadn’t pursued acting, Levy might have been kicking it (literally) as a soccer star. Back in high school, the actress was captain of the varsity soccer team. But no matter what she does, this gal manages to score big.

5. Remember all those hours you spent devouring s’mores and swimming in the (kind of icky) lake at summer camp? Well, Levy’s time there tops her list of favorite childhood memories. She told Elle.com that she remembers “Dipping my whole hand into a trough of hot wax. I made a fist-shaped candle.” Aww!

6. Levy has quite the passion for online shopping, but don’t think she’s scouring the sale section on Macys.com! She may be young, but this actress has a passion for high-end fashion labels like A.P.C., La Garçonne, and Opening Ceremony. Swoon!

P.S.: Levy told Teen Vogue that personal style is “classic, comfortable, and cool.” Now how do we score access to this girl’s closet?

7. Levy has amassed countless letters, postcards, and thank you notes. Yes, she saves all of them. If that applies to fan mail, we’re almost positive she has enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool.

8. When it comes to going on auditions, let’s just say that Levy finds the process utterly nerve-wracking. And when she landed her role in Shameless, she told Backstage.com that she spent her first scene “ever, ever, ever…pouncing on Cameron Monaghan and taking his pants off, essentially pretending to go down on him.” Can you say awkward?

9. Speaking of awkward moments, Levy was convinced that she didn’t get the part in Evil Dead. She explained to Backstage.com, “I was like this lunatic, stomping around and crying and screaming…I asked my agent to call the casting directors and apologize for my behavior. But it turned out I got the part. I guess they were looking for a crazy person.”

10. Despite her young age, Levy likes her famous with seasoning. The older guys she’s crushing on include Twin Peaks’ Kyle McLachlan, Boardwalk Empire’s Michael Shannon, and On the Road’s Viggo Mortensen. “They’re old enough to be my dad. It’s weird,” she told the Christian Science Monitor.

Recreate Jessica Alba's Sleek Black and White Look for Less

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:01:05 -0400

Jessica Alba proves that black and white doesn’t have to be boring in pants that scream flower power. And this sultry star’s white Christian Louboutins and edgy Michael Kors blazer has us swooning! Though shelling out for Alba’s pieces would totally drain our bank accounts, a lookalike getup will make you feel just as put together, minus the guilt trip.

Here’s what you’ll need to pull it off:

Collarless faux leather blazer ($32.80, forever21.com), Charter Club skinny printed ankle-length pants ($54.99, macys.com ), Mease heel ($27.99, aldoshoes.com), Ivory high neck shell top ($27, us.dorothyperkins.com), Mossimo small flap crossbody ($19.99, target.com),L’Oreal Colour Riche Caresse wet shine stain ($9.99, drugstore.com), Anne Klein silver-tone large oval hoop earrings ($18, macys.com).

This post originally appeared on BettyConfidential.

Get Your Easter Nail Art On!

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:00:36 -0400

Who could resist all the gorgeous nail art floating around Pinterest right now? Ring in the Easter season with fabulous and festive fingers. Here are my fave four so far: