Gaga over Grammy fever!

From Ga Ga to Bieber, whether you like them or not, you probably watched some or all of The Grammy's last night. Modern Motown to 80's flash backs, Leopard & Neon, Pod to Mod, they wore it all on the Red Carpet.

Here is what I took away from The 53rd Grammy Awards Fashion Hits and Flops.

Best of the night:

Martina McBride - As soon as I saw this dress my heart skipped a beat. If I had it my way, this is the sort of dress I would design for the red carpet! The detail in the draping, the ironed pleated fabric, the metallic wet shiny rock chic look was just Unstoppable!


Rachel Moniz - What a face this newcomer has. Flawless skin with an even more flawless feminine and modern tuxedo look. She wore it simple yet so elegant. She had me at her wingtips.
LL Cool J - Oooh that infectious smile! He just sparkles doesn't he? LL opened the 53rd Grammy Awards with a look that always works for him and seems truly his signature style. A beautifully tailored suit, shiny tie, sexy sunglasses and forever the kangol hat. Schnap Brotha!


Miranda Lambert - I honestly had never heard of this Grammy Nominee and winner but I have her on my list because she has curves and wore them well. A simple strapless dress in a metallic shade that kissed her curves just right. Bravo Beauty!

Rhianna - The best part of her performance dress was the bottom jagged edges of yellow and deep red, it mimicked the fiery sound of her new radio hit! She usually makes my list each year however her entrance dress didn't wow me this time as it would have been better for a snow bunny Xmas party look. This one however blew me away!


Mick Jagger - The Jewel tones are back and better than ever with this Teal number on Good Ol' Mick. Quilted Silk Tux jacket and a Gold braided Medallion Belt with his signature tight pants really impressed me. The cape he came out with on stage had a brocade gold lining that pulled it all together and had me voting him one of the best dressed of the evening! I know I didn't expect it either! (We can just overlook the black sneakers he had on. But maybe his sneaks are what has helped him bounce around on stage like he still can 6 decades later! )


J Lo - Yowsa! Those legs have never looked better. She killed it on this one. The banter with hubbie didn't go so well but head to toe she knocked it out da HOUZ!


Jewel - A shout out to the most adorable preggo Grammy goer. Baby yellow for the bun in the oven!

Adam Lambert - You know, somehow I like this guy. He had the Hollywood look from the day he stepped foot on American Idol and just keeps on putting one rhinestone boot in front of the other. He's the total package deal in the Fashion meets Music world. Love the lapel dude!



Major Props to:
Mumford and Sons and their lead man Mumford himself. He is...well...Mummmm mumm good!



Gwenyth Paltrow gave her rock star hubbie a run for his money, girl you nailed it! Singing with Cee-Lo, the hit you know oh so well and prefer one version over the other.
And PS. Not many women can pull off a body suit like she did, well maybe Sandra D!


Esperanza Spalding and Absinthe had something in common last night. They both could make you fall off your chair in one shot. The color and details were all that and more! Can't stand behind her shoe color but clearly the girls got brass balls.


Undecided about my thoughts on these Fashion Misfits but they deserve a holla.


Fashion Faux Pas -

Ricky Martin's Silver jean pants and casual combat boots with a tailored tux suit jacket. Huh. It just didn't work for me. He tried to pull off the rock and roll look and ended up looking more like a wanna be to me. Take some lessons from the hip boys of London, MUSE. They Rocked the Rocker look like Champs in Silver leopard and Silver sparkle that worked so well on stage.


Barbara Streisand. Oh Babs, why are you so uncomfortable in your own skin? It must be so tough going through life so scared of everything when you have such talent. Her stylist went way too heavy on the ruffles and color. Babs ended up looking more like a cake topper rather than a Legend.

Those Products I can't live without

I have a few items I use everyday and now realize that I can not live without them.
Many people ask me about my favorite products and so I felt it was time to share on my blog....

For under-eye cover up and spots on my face and neck I never leave home without Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent . I can have days when the circles under my eyes are purple or darker than usual and a stroke or two or three of this remarkable stuff and I look like I've slept 8hrs a night for a month! Seriously, I know where my Touche Eclat is at every moment of every day!

* The beauty secret of the world's top makeup artists and models, Touche Eclat is the original must-have for a radiant, flawless face. Capture 8 hours of sleep with the click of a pen. With a few strategic strokes of this award-winning complexion highlighter—dark circles, fine lines and signs of fatigue virtually disappear. Powered by the radiance-boosting Luminocaptide Complex, skin is instantly illuminated, so you look rested and refreshed—even if you’ve been up for hours. Sleek and sophisticated, it discretely slips into a makeup bag for quick touch-ups anytime. It’s the one beauty essential no woman should ever be without.

I get my Touche Eclat at Sephora and it has about five different shades for all skin tones!

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Next on my list is my latest and greatest discovery, LIQUID blush.
Squeeze, tap, rub and go.
No brush, no sponge! It's AMAZING and it pops my cheeks with a glow like no other blush has before!


HD Microfinish Blush
What it is: A cream blush that naturally sculpts and highlights the cheeks for a healthy glow. What it does: HD Microfinish Blush combines mattifying and reflecting powders to create a soft-focus effect for a radiant complexion. Its ultra-fine, second-skin texture blends seamlessly, imparting a healthy glow that's hard not to notice.
What else you need to know: Formulated with evaporating oils, HD Microfinish Blush has a long-lasting result. Dermatologist tested. Paraben free.

I discovered this gorgeous lil' bottle when it was donated to my business for an event I had last November at the Liberty Hotel in Boston and Sephora in Cambridge Side Galleria was kind enough to donate a bunch of product to our event sponsoring Veterans Day. I tried it and was hooked! Hook, line and sinker!

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Lastly, is the Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder by Chanel. I can't even begin to tell you how many people, since I started using this incredible sparkly stuff, have commented on the "glow" on my face. I just adore this stuff!
(I am realizing as I get all my links for this, that it may have been discontinued, but hopefully if so, Chanel will replace it or bring it back!?)

Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder
A unique beveled brush allows for perfect contouring.
This highlighting powder combines subtly shimmering shades of rosewood, beige and brown to warm and brighten the cheek and browbone.

I discovered Chanel make up about a year ago at Sak's and live for everything about the line. The branding, the quality, the marketing. Chanel is Queen of Fashion AND Beauty Products.

So those are my lil' must have products that I use everyday as I am putting on my 'face'. Enjoy these gems as I do!

So what are your personal favs that you can't live without?

Gold Stars at the Golden Globe

I always wait with bated breath for awards season to arrive, so now that the Golden Globes have come and gone, and the golden dust settles, here are my picks of the evening.

Worst Dressed -
Tilda Swinton. "Ghostly in White" Good god she is already quite ghostly and this dress made her look like a true apparition. White, Cream, Light Yellow are all colors someone with her complexion can not wear. She always likes to make a statement it seems but she never gets it right for her coloring, body height, and slender figure.


Worst dressed Runners up -
I really am saddened to put these 3 women on my worst dressed list but here goes:
January Jones - "20's Flapper meets bondage dominatrix queen". Her cleavage was obscene for a classy event like the GG's and the color red was way too bright of a red for her. Seriously, who told her it was ok to walk out of a Halloween shop straight to the GG's?
Anne Hathaway - "Shoulder me this one" OMG. What were her stylists thinking! Not only was the shoulder pads on that dress just too much for her frame and delicate features, it was head to toe sequins with long sleeves! Yuck. The only detail it had going for it was the exposed low back.
Julianne Moore - "Much too much" The concept of this dress was right on but in a duchess satin bright fuchsia fabric it over powered her beauty and presence. The one arm sleeve coming from a twisted neckline was a brilliant idea but due to the sleeve being so full and fabric so thick it did not work at all.

Best Dressed Men -
Justin Bieber - "3 piece perfection" Got to give it to the lil guy, his tux was perfection. The satin detailing on the vest and tux lapel with pic stitching and the white shirt with a skinny tie all worked so well on him, so much so I am willing to over look the patent leather black sneakers on his feet. Bravo lil guy!

Robert Downey Jr - "Out of the Box" - He seems to make my list every year, I just adore his style! This year it was kinda out there but somehow he pulls it off. A deep red taffeta tie and matching pocket square with a steel grey suit was out of the box and I loved it! God he is dreamy isn't he!?

Kevin Bacon - "Better with age" - He struck me when I saw him, but couldn't place it. Now as I look back at all the photo's it is a head to toe package. Skinny tie, satin stripe down his skinny tux pants, the scruff on his face and the eye glasses. All made him look so distinguished. The scruff and longer hair just works and from footloose to fancy, he has truly gotten better with age.
Jeremy Renner - "Smokin in Steel" - He wore a Steel Gray Jacket, skinny pants, black bow tie, and Dark Blue Shirt... Jeremy stole the carpet. He really looked smokin and caught my eye in this ensemble!

Best Dressed Women -
Eva Longoria - "Old Hollywood & to die for" - Wow. The first thing I said when I saw her in this dress was how INCREDIBLE the neckline was and the detail of the open back on this dress. Her hair, make-up, waistline and mermaid sweep of the dress is just beautiful. I hope T Parker was pinching himself last night. A+ Eva!

Olivia Wilde - "OOOhhh, who is this stunner?" - This is the perfect princess dress with an edge. I absolutely loved the ombre effect with top to bottom sparkles. Her make-up, hair coloring and skin tone were just so lovely. What a looker huh?!

Jennifer Lopez - "Vision in White" - J. Lo got her groove back baby. She was stunning in this white curvy number with the sheer bejeweled cover up. She looked like a Grecian goddess a la modern chic! Gorgeous!


'Trends' of the night and shout outs to those who wore it well:

Jewel tones (mostly in Emerald) - Elizabeth Moss, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mila Kunis, Sofia Vergara (Ruby), Angelina Jolie (not crazy about this dress on her but color was right on!)

Long sleeves - Annette Benning

One Shoulder dresses (many with a sleeve too)- Almost everyone! Diane O'Dell, Julie Bowen, Julia Stiles, Vanessa Williams

Head to toe Sequins - Melissa Leo

Overall Shoulder details (80's influence)- Jane Fonda, Melissa Leo

Open backs with sleeves - Emma Stone, Eva Longoria, Anne Hathaway

Facial hair on men - Al Pacino, Kevin Bacon, Mark Wahlberg, Michael C Hall, Bryan Cranston, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Jeremy Renner, Jake Gyllenhaal

Long Hair on men - Robert Deniro, Christian Bale, Johnny Depp, Mark Ruffalo

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Kudos for going with Color - Michelle Pfeiffer in deep electric purple! Claire Danes in tropical coral, Kyra Sedgwick in sunshine's best shade of yellow, Katy Sagal for a shade of orange only she could pull off

Best Acceptance Speeches - Colin Firth & Melissa Leo...Congrats!

Wow they are getting old huh? - Robert Deniro, Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey

Desperately needs a New hair do - Scott Caan, has he ever changed the combed back look? Time to retire it buddy.

Props on wearing a Fedora to GG's - Geoffrey Rush

"Overall Beauty" Dressed to perfection with the Hair and Make-up to prove it! Diana Agron, Piper Perabo, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Langoria, Olivia Wilde

Shout out to those who should have been nominated - Hailee Steinfeld for her outstanding performance in True Grit.

Lastly, I feel the need to mention this, since my husband is a comedian...Ricky Gervais's humor last night was too cruel for this happy occasion and my guess is he won't be asked back to host again...You could feel it right thru the HD TV and it added a white knuckle factor not needed on this celebrated evening. The only thing Gervais had going for him last night was a tux fabric in square brocade that jumped right off the TV! That and saying Bruce Willis was Ashton Kutcher's dad!

UGG....Is for Ugly

Seriously, even Big foot would be embarrassed to wear these things!

I am baffled at this phenomenon that has crossed oceans, continents, countries....have you not noticed how ridiculous these tree trunks look like on women?

I just cannot get behind these boots.
They look sloppy to me - oversized and unflattering with any outfit. I see well dressed women and girls, then I look down at their feet and shudder.

It is the trend of the moment that's for sure.

Speaking of trends, I remember wanting and of course 'needing' to own Jellies, Keds, Moonboots, boat shoes with the laces tied in spirals, Vans, and Shoe Boots.
And you know what? All those trends of our yesteryear give UGG boots a run for their money.

And speaking of money, you (or parents- since the average age of those who are wearing these lovely claud-hoppers is 13-21) have to shell out some serious cashola to own a pair of UGGS.

What are the benefits to wearing these things? As far as I can tell there aren't any.
Do they have arch support? Are they Waterproof? Are they durable in inclement weather? I suspect no, no and no. But the UGGS true flaw? They are simply not attractive on the foot.

Am I alone here in my thinking?

I spot the sun

If you are like me, you may be starting to see the effects of laying in the sun with abandon. You know the 'baby oil' days!?

Of course I no longer use baby oil and I know all the hazards of laying out on the beach, but I still enjoy being in the sun.

Well in the last few years, I've started getting sun spots on my face. When I noticed them in photos of myself, my vanity started screaming at me to do something about it.

I tried a number of other products without results such as Clarins Bright Plus that promised age spot removal until I found this one...

The 'special sauce' I use for removing sun spots is from MURAD called Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel.

Here's the deal, you must use this stuff ONLY in the winter when your face is not in the hot sun. It is 2% Hydroquinone skin lightener, which to be honest smells a bit potent, but this stuff works!
I used it directly on my cheek morning and night and within a few weeks it began to sting just a bit, then itch a tad, then start to flake off. And poof!

The sun spot that had been following me around in every picture, was out of my life!

I personally adore being in the sun and having sun kissed skin, but 'Debby Downer' says the reality is its going to start effecting our skin in ways like sun spots and the C word....

For now, here is my personal remedy.

See ya on the beach with sun screen in hand and a Yoga Journal!

Marilyn throws a curve

Marilyn Monroe has just authored a book which I was surprised and elated to see includes a compilation of her diary's, poems and inner most thoughts.
After she died, everything went under lock and key and now 48 years later they have released them to the public.

"Fragments" Poems, intimate notes, letters by Marilyn Monroe'.

Her death was such a mystery. Did you know there was a glass by her bedside that went UNTESTED during the investigation into her death? That she called one of her friends and begged for his help that fateful night.
I quite honestly have been obsessed with Marilyn since I was in high school.

I have always identified with Marilyn Monroe. The sparkle in her eye, that infectious smile, those fabulous curves, the platinum blond hair, the flirtatious pouty way she spoke her lines in all her films. She has been my muse for over 2 decades.

They say the trend these days in Spain is headed towards curvaceous models on the runway. Someone just told me a big time designer is now focusing on all curvy models to represent their collection in print. Amen.

I have curves. I've loved them and of course I have hated them at times but diet or no diet they are always going to be a part of me. Marilyn embraced hers. And so have I.

When women come in to my boutique who have curves and hide under over sized clothing, the result is that they end up looking bigger then they are.
Then I sometimes get to watch the transformation happen right in front of my eyes. I offer them a pencil skirt and a fitted top or a dress that reveals her curves. At first, most resist. Then they begin to see how sexy, powerful and truly beautiful they look.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you have curves and resist accentuating them, you are making yourself look bigger.
A few pointers for dressing your curves: Wrap tops, pencil skirts and form fitted dresses are always a great way to start dressing for your body type. V-neck wraps draw the eye down the center of your body and honestly ladies, a little cleavage never hurt:-) Even if you think pencil skirts would never ever work for your body type, trust me, try one. I bet most of you would rock it!

Did you ever see Marilyn in baggy over-sized clothes? No. Always always in something that revealed and accentuated her curvaceous size 12 body.

If you got them, flaunt them. What do you think my curvaceous friends?

Confidence. It is all in how you dress!

Last night I realized as the clock got closer to 6:30pm, one of my dress designs was hanging there waiting to be put on to go to a Holiday party at the White House by a client of mine!

Whoa. This is truly a moment in time and a huge highlight in my career. I needed to bask in the moment.
And because of some wild karma going on, this is actually the second dress in ONE week that has been selected from my collection to be worn for an event being hosted by the Obama's!
A wish come true? Absolutely! Pinch me? Definitely!

From what I have heard so far, my client that went last week had the pleasure of a photo op with the Obama's and got to walk through a beautifully decorated White House.

So here's my take away from being asked to dress 2 fabulous women for a 6:30pm Holiday Reception at The White House:

The event invite, which, by-the-way, was an extremely formal embossed heavy paper invite, DID NOT in fact state the dress code for an event at the WH.
What? I know right, a White House invitation with no dress code listed??
So how do you find out how to dress for your WH event?
Well you call the White House and they connect you to the Social Office messaging center to get further information. The gal on the message states to call x number to leave you and your guests full name and social security number and then, at the VERY end of a rather long message, she finally states that the attire will be: BUSINESS.

BUSINESS? At 6:30pm, at a Holiday party at the White House, where you will get to MEET and take a picture with the Prez. and F.L.O.T.U.S.?

Yes. Business.

Ok so Business attire to me means a very nice SUIT because most likely you are coming from WORK. But Business attire for a WHITE HOUSE Holiday party is a whole another level of dressing, don't you think? And neither of my clients were coming from work!

Neither of these 2 FAB ladies wanted to wear a suit?! And a floor length black tie event it was not, so where does that leave you?
So after MUCH debate, we decide it was more than appropriate to wear a DRESS. But a Dress that is COCKTAIL LENGTH ONLY.
In there 40's, with 3+ kids, both women have svelte figures and can luckily can pull off anything at all so I/we went with a fancy cocktail length dress in holiday colors such as deep red satin, and Chantilly black french lace with deep red silk taffeta underneath. Both ironically went strapless. More power to them!
The dresses looked right, appropriate and they felt beautiful, comfortable and most importantly confident!

Each women said to me that she wanted to look more curvy in her dress, so we padded the bras as much as possible and kept the dresses slightly a-line at the hem to create a curve in their silhouette. Fitted at the waist with a 3+ inch heel, they both set off for their exciting event in Washington D.C.

So my overall take away.
If you are unclear on how to dress for an event, I personally feel it is always better to be OVER dressed than under dressed. Dress UP rather than in a more casual direction. You will always feel confident in something you look good in. And ultimately it will create a more powerful energy around you.

Here are three items that always increase my confidence levels when I need to dress for an important meeting or a special occasion. Not necessarily worn together but 3 separate items to wear at any giving time.
A pencil skirt which falls just below my knee that has a hair of stretch for comfort.
A blazer that fits across my back and arms well, never fails to help me to feel strong and clear headed.
And lastly, I am forever in a pair of shoes, heels or boots I can power walk to my event in.

Confidence can always be found in well fitted clothing.