Category: Trends

On the one hand I’m mesmerized yet on the other I’m unsure about my feelings for this collection of exquisite necklaces made from hair–that’s right–hair. But I guess that’s exactly how artist, Kerry Howley, wanted me to feel about her latest creations. A recent graduate with honors from London’s Middlesex University, Howley designed the hair necklaces entitled “Attraction/Aversion” as her graduation collection.

Howley explains, “Attraction/Aversion is a material exploration of how people can feel seemingly opposing emotional responses simultaneously. The necklaces are made of human hair, a familiar material that we take pride in. However once off of the body hair becomes an innate source of aversion. Kerry wanted to see if she could make discarded hair attractive again.”

How do you feel about this art form?

Summer has arrived – it means sunny days, humid nights… and oh! Weddings!

As I type, brides around the country are scrambling to pull together and put the finishing touches on the weddings of their dreams.

The perfect dress…

The perfect hair…

The perfect makeup…

Oh…and the perfect person to walk down the aisle towards, too.…that’s a minor detail though.

Shows like TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress chronicle endless appointments of brides and their entourages as they try on dress after dress… but what exactly are the dress trends?

One not-so-big surprise is that the Royal Wedding has had a major impact on bridal trends.

Some big trends include the use of sapphire. While diamonds or pearls are pretty traditional wedding jewelry, don’t be surprised if you see a little something blue (and sparkly) on brides this season!

Another influence – Kate’s dress. I mean, I’m not even thinking about getting married right now, and I think, “I want that dress!” escaped my lips when she stepped out of that car. Beautiful and classic – with a hint of fairytale. Those lace sleeves and that Grace Kelly style will definitely be seen this season.

However, for the bride who is not about to be Kate 2.0 on her wedding day, Bridal Fashion Week offered varied, unique and romantic styles that ranged from layered and intricate to simple and short. Yep, I said short.

Aside from Kate-inspired dresses (sleeves both long and short were seen all over the runway), Bridal Week trends included:

Illusion necklines  – like this Monique Lhuillier

Two-tiered skirts – like this Junko Yoshioka

“Horsehair” Trim – like this Rivini

The “Little” White Dress – perfect for the reception

Now we know that the hair is just as important as the dress. Summer bridal styles range from classically glamorous to beautifully casual.

One big thing that I’ve seen is hair accessorizing. Whether it is feathers or flowers, ribbons or rhinestones – brides are accessorizing from head to toe. Which is perfect for any bride, but especially if you have a shorter ‘do it allows you to spice it up for that special day!

Trendy up ‘dos, like this chignon, are simple, but super chic:

Brides are also opting for down ‘dos. Keeping things casual and soft but still elegant. You’ve seen these down-dos on brides like Kate Middleton and Reese Witherspoon. They range from sleek and straight to soft curls.

Kate swept her hair away from her face:

Reese kept things simple and sleek:

What are your favorite looks for bridal season? Your favorite hairstyles, dresses, jewelry – even makeup?

I know I’m a fan of the simple and chic look of the down ‘do, but I also love the look of a chignon up ‘do!

American Idol is part of American culture. For the past 10 seasons (yes, it’s been 10! crazy!), we’ve watched truly talented singers rise through the ranks and go onto singing stardom.

Sure – you tune in to see who will wow the crowd, who will choke under pressure and who will surprise everyone.  However, if you’re anything like me – you tune in for more than just the singing and the crazy judges.

Personally, my favorites parts of the seasons are the auditions (I mean, William Hung’s “She Bangs” is a “classic” at this point), and, most of all, watching the transformations that the contestants go through as they advance through Idol.

We’ve seen Ryan Seacrest go from a rookie host with frosted blond tips to a carefully coifed media mogul. We’ve witnessed countless transformations of past idol contestants. Some of my faves? Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Jennifer Hudson.

(Previous 3 Photos: http://www.tvguide.com/photogallery/american-idol-favorites-1772)

This season’s contestants kept with tradition and transformed, by leaps and bounds, from auditions to the finale.

Runner up, Lauren Alaina (16 years old!) started off the season a lil’ disheveled (can’t blame her, I’d be a wreck):

(Photo Credit: http://idolphenomena.blogspot.com/2011/02/idolrumors-top-24-spoilers.html)

By the finale, she had experimented with looks ranging from sweet to rocker chic:

(Photo Credit: http://www.123etcetera.com/lauren-alaina.html)

By the way, anyone else think Lauren resembles DJ Tanner (a la Full House) in the photo with the black and white patterned dress?

The transformations are not limited to the female contestants. Season 10’s winner, Scott McCreery, certainly went through a transformation of his own.

Scott was a young, clean-cut guy, donning flip-flops, with a little bit of a country twang to his style when he auditioned in Milwaukee.

As the season went on, he become more polished, an apparent fan of leather jackets and light wash denim was no more (so were the flip-flops)!

Open collar and suit jacket? How very “Seacrest” of him!

Jokes aside – these guys (and gals) look great! It must be nice having a stylist, makeup artist and hair stylist on call!

What have been your favorite Idol transformations – from this season or seasons past??

Can’t remember them all? Take a peek at the American Idol photo albums! – Ahh…nostalgia.

The Royal Wedding captivated audiences around the world. With alarm clocks and DVRs set, the world anxiously awaited the dress, the hair, the kiss…and the hats? Yes. Everyone is still talking about the hats. Hats, headwear, fascinators – call them what you want – but some might say they stole the show. The fashions ranged from tasteful to outrageous.

Perched precariously on the heads of the London elite, they came in many forms. Bedazzled, beaded, covered in feathers and flowers, and some electrically hued, they seemed to defy gravity.

Princess Beatrice’s topper had its own Facebook “fan” page almost instantly, and drew comparisons to everything from a toilet seat to a giant pretzel.

http://www.zap2it.com/media/photo/2011-04/337069360-29040356.jpg

Don’t they say that you should never try to upstage the bride? Perhaps a few of these women need a gentle reminder on that one. One thing is for sure, it doesn’t seem like this fascination with fascinators is going anywhere anytime soon. Replicas of Kate Middleton’s dress have been in the works from the moment the cameras caught a glimpse of her. How long will it be before Philip Treacy, who designed many of the hats worn by guests of the royal wedding, replicas will be found on this side of the pond?

The British tradition has already found its way to the red carpet with Demi Moore stepping out at the MET gala in a rather showy headpiece.

Even the 2011 Kentucky Derby, America’s occasion for over-the-top headwear, included some rather British-looking headpieces mixed in with the usual large and extravagant sunhats.

What do you think of these fashion statements? What were your favorites from the royal wedding? Perhaps the hat you love to hate?

The more important question: Would you wear one???