Anastasia of Beverly Hills: Bombshell Brow Blueprint

Happy Wednesday!

In honor of the recently held 84th Annual Academy Awards, Anastasia of Beverly Hills gives us what they call "Bombshell Brow Blueprints" -- comparing classic Hollywood icons to today's A-listers:

The Ingenue -



Sheer style and an atypical approach to beauty sums up why Hollywood has always been captivated by "The Ingenue". Ladies like Audrey Hepburn and Rooney Mara blaze their own trail when it comes to both their fashion and their beauty. Natural makeup with bold undertones, androgynous hairstyles, high-fashion, and sometimes-quirky styling creates a type of beauty that you can't keep your eyes off.

The Sophisticate -

From real-life princesses to Hollywood royalty, "The Sophisticate" possesses a style that is the embodiment of elegance. Balance and ageless beauty are the keys to why this type of bombshell has remained the pinnacle of Hollywood glamour for decades. For Grace Kelly, Katharine Hepburn, Michelle Williams, and Meryl Streep, impeccably tailored fashion, hair, and makeup create a refined femininity that is the perfect blend of sexy and classy.

The Girl Next Door -

The nicer side of knockout. These women come in two flavors, "The Sweetheart" and "The Spitfire", and the only thing separating them is their attitude. Hollywood has always loved this approachably natural kind of beauty, and stars like Natalie Wood, Dorothy Dandridge, Emma Stone, and Paula Patton embody this sweet and sassy take on femininity. Wholesome, and maybe even a bit tomboyish, these leading ladies rely on a less dramatic sensibility, instead focusing on a softer, more relatable type of sexiness. 

The Classic Bombshell -

An exotic, smoldering sizzle is what has always characterized this classic role in Hollywood, and for good reason. These leading ladies have captivated audiences since the earliest days of Tinsel Town with their unique blend of sex appeal and highly-accentuated femininity. From Ava Gardner and Sophia Loren to Angelina Jolie and Sofia Vergara, the archetype of the "Classic Bombshell" has remained timeless, and untouched despite changing notions of beauty ideals.

I'd like to think that I am part-The Sophisticate and part-The Girl Next Door, haha!
What about you?

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Udderly Smooth Giveaway Winner! :)

Happy Leap Day!!!

I just wanted to give a special shout out and a big thank you to our friends over at Udderly Smooth for giving me the chance to host a giveaway for you guys! And of course, thanks to everyone who entered and made it a big success! :)

Time to announce the winner...

I had a total of 176 entries, and entry #87 won:

Entry #87 is Bree from Viva La Breee!

Congratulations, Bree!!! :)

Udderly Smooth and I will be emailing you with the details!

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

2012 Academy Awards

Happy Monday!!!

Last night the web was all abuzz with news about the 84th Annual Academy Awards -- it's THE awards show we all look forward to (I know I do!), so let's get on with the red carpet fashion, shall we?

Milla Jovovich - 

Stunning!

She is a vision in white in this Elie Saab Couture gown.
Her hair and makeup are both flawless. And I am loving her red lips!

Louise Roe - 

The fashion journalist looks polished in her tiered blush Black Halo gown.
Her Jacqueline Nerguizian accessories give the masculine squared shoulder of her dress a feminine touch.
And I love her hair!

Bérénice Bejo - 

Although I am not a big fan of her hairstyle, I do love this pale mint Elie Saab dress.
And her emerald and diamond drop earrings are gorgeous!

Michelle Williams -

I think she looks great!
 I am very happy she chose to wear this coral peplum gown from Louis Vuitton!
I love the added "girlyness" from her bejeweled bow brooch and pink clutch.

She's such a talented actress and I'm sure she will win an Oscar in the coming years, it's only a matter of time. :)

Meryl Streep -

I was seriously cheering like crazy when Colin Firth said Meryl Streep's name!
And how awesome was his introduction?!

17 nominations. 3 Academy Awards.
Does it even matter what she's wearing? ;)

Let's just say that she was dripping in gold on her big night -- gold Lanvin dress, gold earrings, and her gold Oscar trophy!

Melissa McCarthy -

Even though she didn't win, I think her nomination alone is cause for celebration. :)

She looked fantastic in this custom Marina Rinaldi gown -- I am loving the bejeweled collar and waistline!
Underneath her dress, she is wearing Brian Atwood pumps (which featured a special inscription from the shoemaker himself!).

Angelina Jolie - 

Can you believe this woman has 6 kids?!
She's gorgeous and she knows it!

This black velvet Atelier Versace gown is typical Angie, but somehow she makes it look current and different.

And Brad, hang in there, you're bound to win an Oscar someday!

Octavia Spencer -

The Best Supporting Actress winner knows what works for her and she sticks with it!
I think she looked fantastic in this white beaded Tadashi Shoji gown -- the beading and draping are beautiful!
Her diamond chandelier earrings and crystal-studded clutch completed her red carpet look.

Penelope Cruz -

The Spanish beauty channeled classic Hollywood glamour in this periwinkle Armani Privé creation.
I wasn't sure whether I liked this or not, but there is no denying that Penelope Cruz is beautiful -- she makes the look work!

Leslie Mann -

The midnight blue color of Leslie Mann's Roberto Cavalli dress is gorgeous!

She looks great, but I think she could've accessorized a bit more -- a necklace, perhaps?

Emma Stone - 

This fuchsia Giambattista Valli dress is absolutely beautiful, but I'm not sure if it's the best choice for Emma.
I feel like she got lost in it.

And I hope she knows it's inevitable for people to compare it to this dress:

 

Nicole Kidman's red Balenciaga gown she wore to the 2007 Academy Awards.

Stacy Keibler -

I think she always looks great, but this is not her best -- she's looked better.
With that said, I do think her gold Marchesa dress fits her really well -- it's like liquid gold on her (if that makes sense... haha!).

Shailene Woodley -

At first look, I didn't like Shailene's white Valentino Couture dress... but it grew on me, I kinda like it now.
Even though I wish she wore something a bit more youthful, I still think Shailene looks pretty.

Jennifer Lopez -

I love the American Idol judge's glamorous bun and diamond earrings!
However, I am unsure about her Zuhair Murad gown. I don't love it, but I don't hate it either, hmmm...

Rooney Mara -

I'm so happy her Givenchy gown is not black, so I will overlook the hair. ;P

Sandra Bullock -

I love the embellished detail and the cowl back of Sandra Bullock's Marchesa dress, but I can't help but notice that it's a bit loose in the front. :/

Jessica Chastain -

I like that she tried something different with this Alexander McQueen gown, but I'm not sure if it worked out -- instead of noticing her, I ended up noticing the intricate gold embroidery of the dress. :/

Gwyneth Paltrow -

I love her diamond-encrusted cuff!
As for her Tom Ford dress... well, I am not a fan of the cape.

I think it looks better without it:



Natalie Portman -

You know what I noticed about Natalie Portman's red carpet looks?
I always end up not liking the dress, but I always drool over the jewelry!

I am not crazy about her vintage (from the 1954 collection!) Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, but oh man, look at that necklace!

Viola Davis -

I am not a big fan of this green Vera Wang dress - the color and the pleated chiffon train are just borderline Little Mermaid-esque for me... 

Her diamond and emerald jewels are sooooo beautiful, though. ;)

Cameron Diaz -

Cameron Diaz needs her hair back... her current haircut is not doing her any favors. :/
Her nude Gucci gown is kind of blah as well.

Melissa Leo - 

This gold and black Reem Acra dress = not right for the Oscars. :/

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco -

The princess' Akris gown is not the best, but it would've been better if she smiled... maybe?

I was confused as to why they were there in the first place, so I did some research. ;)
From what I understood, they were there because it's been 57 years since Prince Albert's mom, Princess Grace, received her Best Actress Academy Award.

There we have it, another year marked by the end of awards season...

Whose look did you like the best? Whose look did you not like at all?
Were you able to watch the 84th Annual Academy Awards show?

Have a fantastic week, everyone!!! :D

------------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Enter my Udderly Smooth giveaway for a chance to win an assortment of amazing Udderly Smooth products!
Ends tomorrow, the 28th, at 11:59pm PST.
To enter, please click here.

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

I want a...

porch with a ceiling fan and a comfy swing! ;)

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

Review: Kushyfoot

-----------------------------------------------
P.S. Enter my Udderly Smooth giveaway for a chance to win an assortment of amazing Udderly Smooth products!
Open to U.S. and Canada bloggers. Ends on February 28th at 11:59pm PST.
To enter, please click here.

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

Review: Kushyfoot

Happy Wednesday!

A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to have received some amazing products from Kushyfoot to try and review. Now that I've had enough time to use all three products, I am ready to share them with you guys! :)

I looooooove getting packages! ;)

Kushyfoot is the first hosiery brand to incorporate the ancient healing art of Reflexology in trouser and knee highs, foot covers, toe covers, athletic socks, tights, and men's socks to massage with every step.

The massage action works by providing extra comfort through its 3-dimensional padded and wavy design and it provides a cushion between bare feet and the hard soles of a shoe. The Kushyfoot sole helps relieve tension and discomfort in achy feet, thereby helping to relieve stress and fatigue throughout the entire body. These therapeutic socks protect your feet and leave you feeling refreshed all day!

Kushyfoot offers assorted styles to complement every type of footwear from foot covers, toe covers to trouser socks and sheer knee highs for ladies. Also available are tights, sheer and opaque fashion knee socks. These women's hosiery products are made of soft elastane and premium nylon for ultimate comfort and extra durability.

Other categories include athletic socks for men and ladies, made of a blend of combed cotton, nylon, and elastane for added cushion in your sport shoes.

The products I got:

Kushyfoot Microfiber Tights, Kushyfoot Toe Covers, and Kushyfoot Flats-To-Go.

Kushyfoot Flats-To-Go in Zebra Print ($9.99) - 

NEW Zebra print Flats-to-go®! Soft, flexible faux leather Flats-to-go® are an instant and elegant solution to a perennial need for the relief of sore heels, blisters, and scrunched up toes. Featuring an elastic back for a better fit, and a unique, 3-dimensional wavy sole that cushions and massages the foot as the wearer walks -- perfect for indoor and smooth outdoor surfaces. They slip neatly and easily into their owner's purse, folded into a cute clear plastic carrier with its own little handles. 1 pack per order.

Available sizes: 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10
Also available in Classic Black Patent, Silver, Cream with Perfs, Snake Print, and Embossed Alligator in Bronze and Black

These are absolute life savers... or maybe I should say feet savers? Haha, sorry, that wasn't funny... ;)
But yeah, kidding aside, I definitely agree with everyone when they say that every girl should have a pair of flats-to-go.

The thing I really love about this is it comes in a plastic carrier -- it's so easy to carry around with you!

Slipping these on after wearing heels for hours is one of the most amazing feelings ever!
With that said, keep in mind that these are not made for long wear because the soles are quite thin.
And, as with other shoes, the garter at the back takes some getting used to.

For $9.99, this is a great buy!

Kushyfoot Microfiber Tights ($8.99 each/ $26.97 for 3 pairs) -

Microfiber Tights, the first full length hosiery product in Kushyfoot. Wear them with boots or shoes, great for any occasion, with the massaging sole. 3 pairs per order

Instructions:

Pull tights on, walk around, and allow your feet to be pampered.

Available sizes: Small, Medium, and Tall

Also available: Diamond Tights, Heather Tights, Fishnet Tights, Rib Tights, and Footless Tights

I was excited to see that I received gray tights!
I have a couple of black tights (definite wardrobe staple!) and a pair in brown, but I don't have gray ones... so yay, now I have one! You know, a girl can never have enough tights! ;)

These are very comfortable and the quality is excellent!

As for the massaging sole, it felt like there were rubber bumps that cushion every step, but I wouldn't really say that it massages your feet. Nevertheless, I thought it was a cool addition to these wonderful tights!

Kushyfoot Toe Covers ($3.99 each/ 3 for $11.97/ $23.97 for 3 packs of 2 pairs) -

Kushyfoot Open-Toe Padded Toe Covers are ideal with sling backs and sandals. Enjoy the comfort of the padded sole and a non slip sole that will keep your feet in place. 3 packs of 2 pairs per order.

Instructions:
Pull Padded Toe Covers over your toes resting the band on the middle of your feet. Walk around and allow your feet to be pampered.

- Fits shoe sizes 5 to 9
- Also available in Black

This is such a genius idea!
It definitely makes wearing heels easier and I love the cushion!

If you're not comfortable wearing heels (like me!), then I think this will definitely help make it a bit easier and more comfortable.

I was so excited to see this particular product featured in a magazine!

Cool, right?! ;)

Kushyfoot offers excellent products at affordable prices.
The word that I associate with them the most is comfort -- and comfort is a big factor for me. :)

***Learn more about Kushyfoot products here.***

Have you bought anything from Kushyfoot?
Which of these three products are you most interested in trying?

---------------------------------------------------------
P.S. Enter my Udderly Smooth giveaway for a chance to win an assortment of amazing Udderly Smooth products!
Ends on Tuesday, February 28th, at 11:59pm PST.
To enter, please click here.

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)

New York Fashion Week + 2012 Oscar Fashion Predictions

Happy Monday!

I was looking at all the gorgeous new designs from New York Fashion Week when I came across www.fabsugar.com's list of the best dresses from both top and up-and-coming designers who showed off their collections last week. 

FabSugar also named who they think should wear those beautiful creations on the red carpet... to make it even more fun, let's see if the following celebrities will wear something similar on Sunday for the 2012 Academy Awards! :)

1. Designer: Ralph Lauren

Who should wear it: Viola Davis

(Best Actress Nominee for The Help. The Help is also up for Best Picture.)

Viola Davis looks great in bold colors and one-shoulder gowns.

2. Designer: Ralph Lauren
Who should wear it: Angelina Jolie
(Presenter. Brad Pitt is a Best Actor Nominee for Moneyball. Moneyball and The Tree Of Life are both up for Best Picture.)

Angelina Jolie often opts for simple and understated (but elegant) dresses -- this Ralph Lauren dress is simple at first look, but its beading gives off a vintage glamour vibe.

3. Designer: Marchesa
Who should wear it: Rooney Mara
(Best Actress Nominee for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.)

I really hope Rooney wears something bright and colorful on Sunday... but I have to admit, she does the "dark and edgy" look well.

4. Designer: Lela Rose
Who should wear it: Shailene Woodley
(The Descendants is nominated for Best Picture.)

Not gonna lie, I was sad when I found out Shailene wasn't nominated for Best Supporting Actress, but oh well, hopefully she'll have other opportunities to show off her talent.

And I hope she attends the Academy Awards on Sunday -- she's quickly becoming a red carpet favorite and I am loving her feminine style.

5. Designer: Prabal Gurung
Who should wear it: Michelle Williams
(Best Actress Nominee for My Week With Marilyn.)

Michelle Williams is known for her simple and no-nonsense style.
This dress is so her, but for the Oscars, I hope she goes for a floor-length version.

6. Designer: Carolina Herrera
Who should wear it: Meryl Streep
(Best Actress Nominee for The Iron Lady.)

Sophisticated and classic = perfect for this brilliant actress!

7. Designer: Naeem Khan
Who should wear it: Bérénice Bejo
(Best Supporting Actress Nominee for The Artist. The Artist is also up for Best Picture.)

The Artist star is described as "elegant, feminine, and glamorous", and those words describe this gold lace dress perfectly.

8. Designer: Jason Wu
Who should wear it: Emma Stone
(Presenter. The Help is nominated for Best Picture.)

Emma Stone has perfected the art of combining gorgeous colors on the red carpet -- I think she's gonna look great in this Jason Wu creation.

9. Designer: Zac Posen
Who should wear it: Jessica Chastain
(Best Supporting Actress Nominee for The Help. The Help and The Tree Of Life are both nominated for Best Picture.)

Jessica Chastain has the same hair color and complexion as the model... the dress looks fab on the model, so we can be sure that the first-time Oscar nominee will look amazing in it too.

10. Designer: Ralph Lauren
Who should wear it: Jennifer Lopez
(Presenter)

Who else can pull off this over-the-top gold ostrich cape but Jennifer Lopez?

***To see other NYFW dresses and who should wear them, please click here.***

What do you think of these ten dresses? Which one did you like the most?
Do you think these celebrities will wear something similar on Sunday?

Have a wonderful week, everyone! :)

---------------------------------------------------
P.S. Enter my Udderly Smooth giveaway for a chance to win an assortment of amazing Udderly Smooth products!
Open to U.S. and Canadian bloggers. Ends on February 28th.
To enter, please click here.

Twitter? WhatMimiWrites :)