Celebrities

Being on a rather tight clothing budget (yay, tax month!), I’ve decided to invest in jewelry as a way to change up the outfits I have. We’ll see how this plan goes, but so far, it’s opened my eyes to a lot more great jewelry designers. My latest subject of intrigue? Iwona Ludyga Designs.

Several of this Polish designer’s delicate yet eye-catching pieces were spotted on Olivia Wilde this month both on the street and at the Marie Claire April Cover Party. I love that each necklace, earring, bracelet or ring is both delicate and quirky, which makes them great for adding a colorful, eccentric touch to an otherwise classic ensemble. They also layer well, and can be used to dress any outfit up or down without looking gaudy.

Currently, I’m debating snapping up a Tribal Wide Nudes Bracelet (above) or a few Fleur Noir Rings, which I wish I knew about years ago when I was looking for a unique, twig-like wedding band. But there are so many other great pieces to choose from — all of which will be a hit year-round.

Iwona Ludyga Designs is available online at iwonaludygadesign.com or in select stores nationwide.

What do you think when you hear the term “sexy hair”? Soft, beachy waves à la Victoria’s Secret Swim Catalog? Yeah, me too. But how does that explain gals like Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway and Miley Cyrus? IMHO, they look just as sexy now — perhaps even sexier — than they did with long, flowing (and dare I say … generic?) locks.

For those of you who agree, consider checking out what Sexy Hair has to offer come June. The Chatsworth, Calif.-based line — perhaps best known for Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play, the hairspray in the big red can — is releasing a new product line dedicated to helping edgy hairstyles hold up. (more…)

From Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence to Vanity Fair Oscar Party show stopper Selena Gomez, smoky eye makeup was all over the red carpet last night. (Love!)

Now, how do we get these sultry looks at home? Well, step one is to invest in a good, creamy long-wear liner. My favorite as of late is Tarte Skinny SmolderEYES Amazonion Clay Waterproof Liner. Celebrity makeup artist Jenn Streicher used it in Moonstone Brown on Gomez (above left), while celebrity makeup artist Kayleen McAdams used Onyx yesterday on Channing Tatum’s wife, Jenna Dewan-Tatum (aka the luckiest girl alive). (more…)

WHITLEY Designs is a handcrafted jewelry line based in San Francisco that has been recently spotted on Vanessa Hudgens, Maria Menounos, Audrina Patridge and Bella Thorne, to name a few celebs. The collection includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces (shown: Carly), rings, bobby pins, and one-of-a-kind reclaimed vintage pieces. It also offers pieces that are customizable via colorful charms, modern initials, and initial/zodiac discs.

Conceptualized by California-born sisters Whitney and Hayley Stevens (hence the name “Whitley”), the line balances Whitney’s classic style (she is a practicing attorney) with Hayley’s innovative perspective (she is an artist). Each piece is extremely versatile, layers well and goes with almost anything. We caught up with Whitley and Hayley recently to chat about their inspiration behind the line, as well as how they got it off the ground: (more…)

I trust only a handful of people with my hair. Marco Pelusi, colorist extraordinaire and owner of Marco Pelusi Hair Studio in West Hollywood, Calif., is one of them. His growing roster of celebrity clients (Stacy Keibler, Sophie Winkleman, Carol Alt) have the most amazing color; his salon is so relaxing and down-to-earth; and I’m a die-hard fan of his products.

So, with “holiday hair season” upon us, I thought, who better to ask about getting great hair color? Here are his candid answers to my questions, including how to maintain red hair color and how to avoid disappointment at the salon:

TDO: Marco, the hair color you do always looks amazing. What’s your secret?

MP: Thank you! Years of practice. If you want to get good at something, do it over and over and over again, so you have years of experience to draw upon.

Also, listening is perhaps the most vital component to my job. I must have adequate time for a color consultation; to consider the client’s skin tone, what’s most flattering for her, and her wants and needs. While I’m listening, I’m already formulating the proper color, and then I’m ready to go into my ‘laboratory’ and mix! Also, as I’m mixing, I always keep in mind my personal mantra: to maintain the quality and integrity of the hair while coloring.

TDO: What is the most important or best thing you think a woman should keep in mind about hair color? (more…)

Pop! goes NARS with the opening of its second flagship boutique — and first West Coast store — in Los Angeles this weekend!

I stopped by Saturday to meet Francois Nars himself, who was in the store’s VIP section signing autographs on limited edition NARS x Andy Warhol collection eyeshadow palettes (insert giddy schoolgirl squeal here). NARS International Makeup Artist Lena Koro sat by his side while CEO Louis Desazars kindly greeted guests. Later that evening, stars including Mandy Moore, Alessandra Ambrosio and Rachel Zoe were on hand for the store’s glam opening celebration. (more…)

Eye candy alert! Look who just made his online debut as the first male spokesmodel for Chanel No. 5  (at 12:01 a.m. Monday Paris time, of course). Hear what he has to say to the iconic women’s fragrance at chanel.com.

If there’s one fall collection I’m super excited to get my hands on right now, it’s Cotton Citizen. (Think James Perse meets American Apparel … but better.) This brand could change the way we look at T-shirts forever.

Made in Los Angeles, Cotton Citizen came about when Adam Vanunu, whose family runs American Dye House (makes sense!), experimented with premium fabrics (think bamboo, organic cotton, jersey and French terry) and unique washes and dyes often associated with denim (think acid wash). The effect was a show-stopping complexity of color. When I first got one of their shirts, an ultra-soft rust-colored number with faded, watercolor-like detail, I wore it almost every day for a week! (I’ve since restrained myself, but still want to wear it every day.) (more…)

Need to rest your toes-ies after a long day of shopping in Old Town Pasadena? You’re in luck! Bellacures just celebrated the opening of its new location at 40 Mills Place (right next door to Burke Williams).
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“!!!” “OMG, I’m so jealous.” “OMG, I love her.” “Ask her if she needs an assistant!” The responses varied, but the excitement level was palpable when I told my friends I had the chance to interview Bethenny Frankel. Bethenny may describe herself as a barracuda, but in person, she comes across as a professional, warm, but smart businesswoman. She’s like the cool, all-knowing aunt every girl needs in her life. The one who you can go to for things you can’t ask your mom. The one who will tell you, “No, you shouldn’t buy those jeans” and answer without hesitating when you ask, “Yo, should I dump this asshole?” (love this site.) Her “Frank-elness” (sorry for the terrible pun) and honesty are among the core values of her Skinnygirl brand, which is why I was initially surprised when I heard she was making the foray into shapewear. Because isn’t shapewear partly based on hidden illusion and smoke and mirrors through can’t-breathe, secret foundation undergarments? But leave it to Bethenny to inject some candor into the shapewear industry by taking the “hidden” out of the equation, and making a line of visible, lingerie-inspired foundation garments that are meant to be seen: Skinnygirl Solutions. I asked Bethenny about her new line launching exclusively at 25 Macy’s, her thoughts on the 90 day rule, and why she’s against texting boys.

TDO: When do you wear shapewear?

Bethenny: This is a classic tank, I wear that under everything.  I wear it when I’m going out at night with my girlfriends or husband, under a dress or a tank top. It’s lazy lingerie because when I get home because it’s like, “Honey, I have something sexy on.” It’s smoothing and inexpensive at less than $50 a garment. It’s shapewear you actually want people to see. And it’s not just shapewear: it’s a bra, tank top, and a piece of lingerie, all in one garment.

What were the pain points in the current shapewear industry that inspired you?

My brand is about practical solutions for women. Women say, “It rolls up, it’s too expensive. I’m embarrassed to wear it in front of someone.” I listen to women. That’s my job.

At this point, Alison Brod, the PR impresario whose firm is heading the event, pops by to say hi to Bethenny. (more…)