Costume National
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What I’m reading now….

 Friends, I don’t know about you  but sometimes life just overwhelms me. Not only am I running this site but I’ve been working on a non-fiction book proposal and playing around with a new screenplay. I’m thinking of joining ScriptFrenzy, a 30 day screenwriting challenge.  Im doing some photography for a local business, collectively my children have dance, violin and soccer. I am committed to making a healthy dinner almost every night of the week which means time in the kitchen. I have two dogs who like to be near me all day. I have errends and emails. And I know this is not unusual and I am one of many women who want to scream or lock herself in a closet at the end of the day.

Luckily, I find solace in reading. After the kids are tucked in bed, the dogs have been brought out one last time, the lights downstairs are off, I retreat to my room with a book and my entire body begins to decompress. This is a photo of the stack of books by my bed. I want to recommend them to you. We have, in no particular order:

The Spellmans Strike Again

The Melting Season

Little Black Lies

The Palace of Strange Girls

Evenings at the Argentine Club

A Change in Altitude

Committed

And that’s Creative Screenwriting undernearth my stack of novels, one of my favorite magazines. Besides what you see, I have a bunch of library books that include a Marilyn Monroe biography, Marian Keyes’s The Brightest Star in the Sky, Jillian Michaels’s Master Your Metabolism. I recently finished reading Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane and a book about a boy during the holocaust called A Lucky Child.

One of the best novels I’ve read this year include The Help by Kathryn Stockett which I’ve been recommending to everyone. This wonderful, gripping novel is being made into a major motion picture. Authors coming out with new books include Emily Giffin, Jennifer Weiner, Lauren Weisberger. Allison Winn Scotch, Jen Lancaster  and my friends Caroline Leavitt and Gayle Brandeis who are amazing woman, amazing writers. It will be a dream come true when I can tell you my own book is coming out-  I can’t wait! Grab a good book and lose yourself in someone else’s world.

Valerie Beverly Hills

Recently I had the chance to test out a product from Valerie Beverly Hills, a makeup brand located in-you guessed it- southern California.

Valerie Sarnelle has applied makeup to many famous faces over the years and created this line that everyone can use whether you are a big celeb or a little housewife like myself.

 Major television shows use Valerie’s products and I feel like I’m late to the party in learning about this brand. Better late than never, right?

I tested an Eye Cream, a creamy powder shadow that glides on to lids and lasts all day without having to reapply. I lined my eyes with my go-to black eye liner then applied the Eye Cream on my upper lid. The applicator is soft and makes it easy to create a straight line. It didnt make my eyes tear up, it stayed on and if you need to blend it with another color, you can do so. What’s not to like about it?

I spent a little time reading over the site and looking at all the products Valerie Beverly Hills has to offer and the Magic Wand Concealer caught my eye as did the Fine Lines Primer.  And of course, a girl can never have too many lip glosses!

Click here for more.

Copy this look, Oscar beauties

She looks so ethereal and pretty, this is one of my favorite makeup looks from the whole night. I like how her skin is flawless and her upswept hair creates a halo around her face. Jennifer Lopez’s  Academy Awards look was created by Matthew Vanleeuwen for NARS Cosmetics with the Orgasm Illuminator, Cruising Lipstick, D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow, Sweet Dreams Lip Gloss and new-for-Summer 2010 products Enchanted Cream Blush and Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (try Gueule de Nuit Cream Blush and Makeup Primer now).

I bet that in her day to day life, Maggie wears nothing but sunscreen and chapstick. So its nice to see that bold color on her lips. Her pretty blue eyes really stand out. Here are the details of her look:At the awards, Maggie Gyllenhaal boasted bright lips with NARS  Schiap Lipstick, rosy cheeks with Dolce Vita Blush and copper-toned eyes with Skorpios Soft Touch Shadow Pencil.

Zoe Saldana is young and naturally beautiful. Her makeup artist could have sent her on the Red Carpet wearing nothing but lipstick and she’d still be lovely. I’ve seen a few fashion recaps of the Oscars and whether you  love or hate the dress, people are talking! Zoe will be remembered. 

For Zoe’s look, Vera Steimberg for NARS Cosmetics used an assortment of NARS products including the Orgasm Illuminator, Ophelia Lip Gloss, Brousse Duo Eyeshadow and new-for-Summer 2010 products Love Devotion Lipstick, Enchanted Cream Blush and Lamu Multiple (try Casablanca Lipstick, Gueule de Nuit Cream Blush and the South Beach Multiple now). 

 

What I love about Kate Winslet’s look is how peachy and glowing she looks without appearing to wear an overload of makeup. I want that lipscolor for my everyday wear. Her outfit, hair and makeup all compliment each other. Here’s how to get her look done by makeup artist Jillian Dempsey.

EYES- Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Black, Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black, Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins (using the Raisin shade for definition) Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel.

FACE & CHEEKS-Avon MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20, Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence Foundation, Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation and Shu Uemura Blush in Pink 30

 LIPS-Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere,Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Hotness.

And my other favorites from the night:

Kristen Stewart and her smoky eyes. Try NARS Orgasm blush to get that peach cheek color, Make Up For Ever Aqua eyes in black. For nude-peach lips try Wet n Wild Matte Lip Color in Bare It All.

Charlize is a goddess! That ivory skin, the blonde hair and red lips. I’m envious of her beauty. For a bold, red lip, try Too Faced La Vie en Rose blush, Wet n Wild megalast Matte Lip Color in Smokin’ Hot Pink and Wet n Wild megawink Mascara.

 Celebrity
Hairstylist
Lona
Vigi
created
Cameron Diaz’s
side
swept
look
for
the
2010
Oscars.
Lona
shares
easy
step
by
step
instructions
on
how
to
get
this
look
at
home:

1.(starting
with
wet
hair)
Spray
LiQWD
Volumizing
Catalyst
all
over
and
comb
through
hair.

2. Blow
dry
hair
in
small
sections
using
Velectra
Paramount
Paris
TGR
4000
blow‐dryer
to
give
hair
body
and
volume.

3. Spray
Elneû
hairspray
all
over
head.

4. Set
hair
with
hot
rollers.

5. Once
rollers
cool,
remove
and
brush
hair
to
soften
curls.

6.Spray
again
to
hold
wave
and
pull
hair
to
one
side.

7.To
dress
up
the
look
a
little
more,
she
suggests
using
a
jeweled
hair
clip
or
accessory.

Get her look, Academy Award beauty

 My pal, makeup artist Toby Fleischman is so super talented. It was her incredible work on Evan Rachel Wood that caught my eye a while back. She did an amazing smokey eye highlighted  with gold and flawless skin that was breathtaking.

Toby just finished touring with Mariah Carey and she probably didn’t even unpack her suitcases before she was called to do Gabourey Sidibe’s makeup for the Oscars.

It was Toby who Gabby and I talked about when I met her at the Independent Spirit Film awards. Toby’s a genius with a makeup brush and Gabby totally gushed about her.

Today Toby sent me a note detailing what she used on Gabby, an exlcusive scoop, if you will!  Here are the details-

“It was Gabby’s big night after a long 14 month promotion of “Precious” so we really wanted it to be all about her. After seeing the magnificent Marchesa gown, it was an easy choice as to what her make up look should be – keep it simple and toned down so she could shine with her amazing spirit and beauty.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid keeps Gabby’s skin looking creamy and gorgeous and it’s matte quality works to keep the shine down. We wanted a soft metallic eye to pick up the jeweled accents on the dress. Starting with Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Liner in Black, I smudged it into her lashline for a glamorous lash look. Next I covered the entire lid in CoverGirl Smoky Shadow Blast stick in Bronze. A touch of CoverGirl Eye Enhancer Shadow in Tapestry Taupe set the bronze cream stick and added that hint of metallic we wanted to achieve. Keeping the rest of her face soft, Nars Blush in Lovejoy gave her a bronzy glow. Estee Lauder Tiger Eye Lipstick completed the look adding a touch of Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Gold Spun to pick up the light. The best part about Gabby’s red carpet look – seeing her mega watt smile when she saw herself in the mirror! Stunning!”

…and the after party!

The places to be after the Academy Awards was either Elton John’s party or the big Vanity Fair extravaganza. Celebs were out in droves partying the night away! I’m sure the champagne was flowing and the tunes were lively and the celebrating went on into the wee hours of the morning.

Hilary Swank and Jon Hamm chat …about her daring neckline?

Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, I like both of their dresses. Still not sure what color to classify Kelly’s hair.

Christina Hendricks and Lea Michele looking vampy and sexy in black.

Heidi Klum and Victoria Beckham at Elton John’s after party.

Kate Beckinsdale wearing a slinky silver gown for the Vanity Fair after party. I’d love to be a guest at Elton John’s party or the Vanity Fair shindig. How  fun! Can you imagine all the celeb spotting?

Diane Kruger and boyfriend Joshua Jackson. Looks like she changed into something a little more casual.

Cameron Diaz was a quick change artist too, exchanging her long gown for a shorter ensemble. She stayed in the same color palette as her earlier dress.

Milla Jovovich can pull off red lipstick. Not so much the pantyhose.

 Salma Hayek is wearing some kind of oddly configured dress with a rather interesting pattern. It reminds me of those pictures where you find shapes and things hidden. I spot an owl, a cat, a lobster, an orchid…

Your big guide to 2010 Oscar Fashion!

I’d love to know what everyone thought about last nights awards- specifically the fashion. While I saw some gowns that I loved, a few I wasn’t crazy about, there weren’t too many duds. I did notice an absence of color, many gowns came from a  silver-gold-pale- palette and there were a few blue gowns sprinkled throughout.

This is the one night of the year where Hollywood has carte blanche to pull out all the stops with beauty and fashion. Let’s see how the women did…

Jennifer Lopezlooked like a princess, all confection,  lightness and pale pink. She is so pretty with the upswept hair and soft makeup. I would have liked the gown better if  the ginormous sidecar part of her dress was trimmed down about 75%. It mus thave been so uncomfortable to hoist that thing around when she need to sit, stand or walk- basically when she moved.

Oh, I hate to say it but Charlize Theron’s dress was my least fave of the night. She’s such a stunning woman and I’ve seen her look amazing on the Red Carpet in the past. The swirly rosettes over her breasts, the satin, the sash, I’m not  a fan of any of it! But her makeup looks great.

Tina Fey isn’t going to take a big risk in the fashion department on such a big night of the year. She totally played it safe in a one shouldered black gown but thats okay. I love the dress although is it a bit see thru? I see underwear!

Photo op! Demi Moore and Jennifer Lopez. We’ve already discussed Jennifer,  lets look at Demi. You can’t see her hair too well here but she had one long piece in front that I wasn’t crazy about. I do like  the design of the gown and her accessories. Every time I see Demi I think, “wow she’s had some really good work done.”

When I saw Penelope Cruz, one word came to mind- Cabernet! She looks like a rich, full bodied wine. That color plays off her hair and skin tone very well. I’m not loving the sort of “prom” look of the dress, but she’s a beautiful woman who can wear anything.

We don’t see too many patterns on the Red Carpet so I guess Maggie Gyllenhaal took a risk. I don’t think its in her character to wear something wild, crazy or too attention grabbing. She’s rather subdued with the accessories and pulled back hair. I like- not love- the dress. Its missing something for me though…a long diamond necklace maybe?

Oscar winner Sandra Bullock, how exciting was her night? Her hair was her best accessory- it looks so great, healthy and shiny and smooth.  I am certain that one of Sandra’s requirements was that her dress be comfortable. You don’t see her in too many tight dresses or plunging necklines. I love the whole look, A+.

Vera Farmigain lots and lots of ruffles. I love the color, I like her hair and makeup. It kind of looks like she’s being swallowed by those ruffles though, doesn’t it? If they were only a little smaller, I’d like it more.

Kate Winslet in a simple silver YSL dress. It looks like its two pieces. I think she looks beautiful from the smooth hair to the single eye catching necklace to the matching silver bag…A+!

Elizabeth Banks in a gunmetal gray dress…I like it. I love her hair, makeup, jewelry. Head to toe  – gorgeous A+!

Rachel McAdams in a water color -looking gown. I love her, she can do no wrong. Pretty hair and makeup, long feminine dress.

I like Amanda Seyfried’s gown but she’s such a little girl to be wearing such a big dress. She is lovely though. I wish the dress was a bit more refined, smaller to suit her petite stature.

Rachel Zoe usually dresses Cameron Diaz for the awards shows, I wonder if she worked on this look? I love it all, the wavy hair, red lips and silver/gold gown. Hey Rachel Zoe, another A+ for you!

I was reading some comments about Diane Kruger’sdress and not everyone loved it. Diane is such a fashionista, you can tell from her red carpet choices that she loves fashion. So it makes sense that she wear something that stands out. I’m not wild about the second black band around the knee area, I wish it was designed a little differently- maybe the ruffles all the way to the ground? But for her, it works.

She was the bright spot in the movie Up In The Air, Anna Kendrick. I like the design of the gown and the shoes, but I’d love it more if the gown were just a shade darker. It almost washes her out. But its really so feminine and pretty.

The only thing I don’t like about Meryl Streep’sensemble is that I can tell she’s wearing pantyhose. I like the white for her and its very age appropriate. Upswept hair, light makeup..very nice! PS. I thought she was amazing in Julie and Julia!

I had to include Paula Patton because she’s wearing color! This shade really pops on the red carpet and I think she’s glowing, her skin and hair and makeup look pretty.

What I don’t care for is Sarah Jessica Parker’scinnamon roll hair do. The dress is a little nightgown-esque for my taste but Sarah IS known for red carpet risks so why would she ever go with something plain? There’s something about satin I’m not crazy about. I’m not doing a hand stand over this look but Im not throwing up either. Its just okay for me.

Wow, this is quite a gown! Zoe Saldanais beautiful, just gorgeous. What I like about the dress is the top, the sequined portion is amazing. I also like the purples and think they are very complimentary on her. The giant ruffle balls are too much for me but you  know what? People took notice of her dress, thats for sure.

photo-JustJared

Gabourey Sidibe in blue, yay for color! I like the dress on her and I think the blue looks great. Look at her soft hair and makeup. The whole ensemble is elegant.  Nice job for your first red carpet, Gabby!

I kind of like Carey Mulligan’s dress but then again, I don’t like the little forks danging off of it and dresses that are higher in the front and longer in the  back always remind me of a sartorial mullet. Had the dress been tea-length all the way around, paired with those cool shoes, I would have given her an A+.

I want to shake Kristen Stewart and tell her to smile! Girl, do you know how fortunate you are? Talented, pretty, in the company of amazingly talented people, getting plum acting roles? Hello! SMILE! I really do like this gown a lot.

photo-JustJared

After I tell Kristen to lighten up, I’d direct Ms. Miley Cyrus to throw those shoulders  back! Please, even Morgan Freeman aka Voice of God is eyeing her up in this picture, willing her to stand straight. I hate to say it. I find it tough to get the words out… but…I like this dress. And I like her hair and makeup too.

Live Twittering!

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Gifting Lounges for the Oscars!

What’s more glam than the Academy Awards? It’s my version of the Superbowl and I’m gearing up for the Red Carpet right now! One of my dreams in life is to attend the Academy Awards followed by the Vanity Fairparty. Its the most star studded exlusive party which promises to be amazing every year.

In the meantime, I want to tell you about two gifting suites I attended on Friday. The first was the Haven 360 Oscar Gifting Lounge sponsored by OralB/Pulsonic which took place at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood.

I spotted  Audrina Partridge who showed up with a spiky haired Ryan Cabrera, Nia Vardalos and husband Ian Gomez, Richard Kind who wore a bright turquoise sweater and is BFFs with George Clooney, Dana Delaney, Evan Ross, Gilles Marini, Ricki Lake, Alan Cumming and more.

 I met up with my pal Nadine from the popular beauty blog, NadineJolie.com.  Here we are enjoying the Oral B Lounge. Isn’t she gorgeous? Love her!

with Nadine from NadineJolie.com.

We were gifted with the new OralB Pulsonic toothbrush which is fantastic. I love mine! The Olay/OPI lounge featured the Olay Total Effects Body Wash which was used to wash and massage hands,  and OPI manicures. I chose this sparkly shade which is in the new collection from OPI. I love it!

On our way out, we stopped to try out some wine from Johndrow Vineyards. I don’t know a lot about wines but I know what I like and I became an immediate fan of the JV Clarity. Delicious. I’d love to order a case please!

Across the street at the House of Blues, Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity was holding an Oscar Lounge, Hollywood Helping Haiti. Check out the photos from Day 2 of the event when I attended, here.

Tivo presented their newest version of the recording device, PS3 introduced a new Final Fantasy game thats not even available yet, there was Baskin Robbins ice cream, Paul Mitchell, Croton, Beccaswimsuits and coverups, Deuce Brand, Milani hair extensions, Biatta intimates and more. I spotted Deanna Pappas, Simon Rex, Verne Troyer and spent time talking to the tall and gorgeous Tangi Miller. She’s cemented in my brain from watching years of Felicity!

The event was benefitting ihearthaitiproject.com. Melanie’s events are always so much fun and laid back.