David Beckham models his new underwear line for H&M, available February 2, 2012 in over 1,800 H&M stores world wide and online. The line includes briefs, boxers, tank tops, T-shirts, pjs and long underwear. 36 year old Beckham will be appearing for the first time in a Superbowl ad for this line posing in his boxers. Shopping tip: Pick this up for your man for Valentine’s Day — it can be the gift the keeps on giving. And maybe, if you’re real nice, he’ll even put on that sexy British accent! If you can’t wait till Sunday, don’t worry! We have the video here for you.
Chanel celebrated the grand reopening of its Bellagio boutique Monday, January 30, 2011 and unveiled its five special edition bags exclusive to its Las Vegas location. The bags are classic Chanel with a little more sparkle — and even one with a dice charm — as a tribute to Sin City.
Francesca in the studio December 2011 working on her first solo album.
Artist Francesca Ramirezis a triple threat in Hollywood (actress/dancer/singer), speaks three languages (English, Portuguese, Spanish), is a successful jewelry designer and CEO of Lucky Flirts Jewelry, and is on the way to world take over as an entertainer in the dance/pop/urban scene.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Francesca’s family immediately spotted their little girl’s natural talents, taking after her parent’s love and skills for the arts. Her mom enrolled her in acting, dancing, and singing classes at age three.
“It brings me joy and happiness.I love making people dance and smile.” — Francesca
Francesca growing up in Puerto Rico.
You can find Francesca in the dance studio and is now regularly posting her dance class routines, which of course we love. Here’s one of her videos with her choreographer “Jersey” from Pussy Cat Dolls:
She grew up imitating the dance moves of Michael Jackson and singing songs by Aretha Franklin, Madonna and Tina Turner. And here’s the super cute videos:
Francesca is edgy, fun and sexy and exudes happiness and power. She’s tough and her resilience and determination is bar none. At age ten, she barely survived a devastating boat accident where the motor’s propeller ripped off 70% of her scalp. She spent two months in the hospital and it took eight years for her to recover.
Francesca with her father performing in his band in Puerto Rico.
A Sony Music Executive discovered her at thirteen years old while she was singing in her father’s band and offered Francesca what could be for many a once in a lifetime opportunity; a recording deal. Francesca had to turn down the deal as she needed to heal.
As a teenager, Francesca snuck off to New York City to audition for P. Diddy’s MTV Hit Show, “Making The Band.” At the time Francesca did not speak English, but she could sing it. Against 10,000 girls Francesca made the show and Bad Boy offered her a Latin music contract. For the second time, Francesca said no because she is determined to become an International name.
She headed back home, earned a degree in Communications and became fluent in English and focused on writing English songs.
Francesca’s rock hard body is due to her commitment in fitness; she used exercise as an outlet for her frustration over her accident. She enjoyed getting in shape because it took the attention off of the scars on her head and onto her sculpted body.
She also found a passion for jewelry design and at age 20 flew to Florida to sell to retailers. In Miami, she met Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin who offered her a spot in the Interscope Records girl group “The Paradiso Girls.” Just a few short months later, Robin offered Francesca the lead singer position in “Pussycat Dolls Burlesque” and brought her to Los Angeles.
For three years, Francesca performed with PCD in Hollywood, and around the world, with special guests like Carmen Electra, Eva Longoria, Mya, and Paris Hilton.
Robin Antin, Carmen Electra and Francesca Ramirez with the Pussy Cat Dolls performing on tour.
Her Lucky Flirts Jewelry is now available in high-end boutiques across America and online with high-profile clients including many celebrities such as David Beckham, Gwen Stefani, Joe Jonas, and Randy Jackson.
In 2011 Francesca achieved her goal of becoming a solo artist. She now calls the studio her home as she creates her first album.
“Don’t give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking of,” is a quote Francesca lives by.
Francesca says she believes her “crazy personality” is what makes her unique and
“I’m me 100%. What you see is what you get. No more, no less. I want people to relate to me, to trust me, and see me as an inspiration. In the near future I want people to say ‘she inspired me.”
Francesca and I with friends at Thanksgiving 2011 turkey drive in Hollywood, CA.
“The Spring 2012 collection is all about modern coastal classics,” Quicksilver designer John Moore shared with me over bites, Voila Light drinks and DIY fun at The Eveleigh in West Hollywood on January 10, 2012 for the unveiling of the QS Spring/Summer 2012 line for fashion and lifestyle bloggers. Quicksilver also premiered its short film “Water Surfer” featuring world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore.
Top Left: Leah Michelle in Marchesa; Top Center Jennifer Lawrence in Viktor & Rolf; Top Right Kristen Bell in Valentino. Bottom Left Ginnifer Goodwin in Roksana Ilinicic; Bottom Center People's Choice Host Kaley Cuoco in Badgley Mischka; Bottom Right Nini Dobrev in Elie Saab.
Bright color dresses with beautiful detailing like lace and pleats and simple hair and make up stole the spotlight at the 38th Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 11, 2012. The People’s Choice Awards is known for fun, youthful looks and short dresses on the carpet – with stars saving their over the top diamond jewelry and classic hollywood long glamour dresses for the Golden Globes just four days later.
1: Kenna-T Black Leather Vest, $348. 2: Prada Baraque Round Sunglasses, $290. 3: Hard Tail Mesh Sweatshirt, $78. 4: Aqua Red Girlfriend Blazer, Exclusive at Bloomingdale's, $98. 5: Michael Kors.
New Year. New You. New fashions! Here are a few items that I have added to my “want list” and why.
#1 Outerwear Lust: Black Leather Vest A black leather jacket is a closet staple. I love my black leather jacket but sometimes I feel like it’s too much for the Los Angeles sunny weather and it hides my shirt underneath. A black leather vest is perfect for layering and I like pairing it with a bright color to have your outfit pop. This isn’t a biker vest or a super tight vest from the ’80s, think deconstructed, lose, almost like a cuddly sweater wrap but in leather that gives your outfit a ‘lil edge.
#2 Sunglass Lust: Baraque Frames Baraque side frames are fun, super feminine, and a throw back to the 1950s with a modern edge ; a great pair of frames to add to your sunglass collection.
#3 Fabric Lust: Mesh We spotted mesh fabric everywhere at Milan’s Spring 2012 fashion week. We also saw actress Jennifer Lawrence in a beautiful blue dress with mesh detailing at the 2012 People Choice Awards (look here). I’m particularly fond of mesh work out clothes as it’s something different and gives your fitness look that extra touch.
#4 Color Lust: Red Red is the color of the season. I am drawn to red because it is a power color; it’s classic, glamorous and sexy and you wear red when you want to be noticed. Incorporate red into your wardrobe in an unexpected way, like with a red blazer or red pants, and stand out from the crowd!
#5 Shoe Lust: Bling Take your black shoes up a notch with bling; think jewelry for your feet. Add some extra fun in your step during those long work days with bling!
Arezoo Tarkian at her Hollywood Hills Home, December 2011.
I first met Arezoo Tarkian buzzing about at her private Helmut Lang shopping event in West Hollywood, California and smiled at her obvious love for clothes and styling. A sought after stylist, Arezoo throws regular private shopping events at high end boutiques where her clients are eager for her help. Sipping on champagne I sat back watching her busily work, while lines of female CEOs and executives, leading ladies and models-turned-moms, and reporters and even other stylists anxiously awaited for her fashion knowledge. I kept overhearing “oh thank you” and “ok I’ll take it” over and over again. It was a busy night and the sales team was sweating – a usual thing when The House of Arezoo blows into your store. I decided to meet Arezoo the next day at her home high in the the hills of Hollywood to find out more about this woman on the move.
Arezoo Tarkian’s Bedroom with Helmut Lang clothing featured.
39 year old Arezoo, wife and mother of two daughters, decided a few years back it was time to leave her day job as a power lawyer and pursue her love of fashion styling. She noticed while in the courtroom and at the boardrooms that power woman were successful in their job and fulfilling numerous roles at once such as mom/wife/executive but they needed some help. Along the way these powerful women had forgot, or given up, their sense of style. Arezoo decided this would be her styling niche — helping the everyday career woman look effortlessly chic in styles that will suit their nonstop lifestyle.
Inside the House of Arezoo.
Arezoo has a knack for mixing contemporary and classic pieces with a splash of vintage elements. She tells me it’s ok if you can’t afford it all, there is no need to buy loads of clothing, and infact she keeps her wardrobe tight by keeping each season’s outfits on one clothing rack. That way you can see what you have to work with and can mix and match pieces to create new looks, she explains. What is essential, however, is making sure you invest in investment pieces. A nice business jacket will last you for years, Arezoo states, and you can pair it with jeans, shorts, leather pants, dress, skirt and more. She advises her clients to think about what investment pieces they need and then they focus on finding those pieces, making sure the clothing fits perfectly. ”People notice your outerwear,” shared Arezoo. “If your jacket is expensive, then they will assume your shirt underneath is as well.”
Arezoo also stresses the importance of a good high heel with a platform toe so you can stay on your feet longer at work and be comfortable.
I had a wonderful time with Arezoo in her home. Thank you!
Her positive energy is contagious, I feel like I have found my long lost friend, and I can easily see why the women come calling when she arranges an event. She is straight forward, quick to the point, and good at what she does. I would feel completely comfortable giving her a budget and then coming home after a hard day of work and finding amazing and practical outfits laid out in my room. This would most likely save me a ton of money as well, as she would actually be focused on buying me what I absolutely need rather then last minute “ohhh but I want it” finds that are more likely great for play but not work appropriate.
Arezoo and myself both in Helmut Lang. She dressed me in this to die for outfit that I still dream about.
Los Angeles is crazed with celebs entertaining the Golden Globes weekend. Over in Beverly Hills at new hot spot Confidential Beverly Hills many starlets retreated to get pampered and dolled up for their Golden Globe destinations at THE Hospitality Suite. VIPs were pampered with Makeup Mandy Lashes, Infinity Tanning, OPI Nails, and hair by my lovely and talented friends George Papanikolas and Mika Fowler with Joico Haircare.
Modern Family Actress Sarah Hyland at the 2011 Primetime EMMY awards. The look for less on the right from www.uniquevintage.com Angelic Dusty Rose One Shoulder Gathered Chiffon Gown; $118
Award shows are like the Super Bowl for fashionistas. Get in on the fun by hosting an award show party at your home or favorite restaurant. It’s a great way to bond with friends and enjoy the red carpet pre shows and award shows together while channeling your favorite Fashion Police personality. Here are a few gorgeous gowns from the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards, with looks for less from Unique Vintage, to help inspire you to dress up for the season.
S/S 2012 "Indian Summer" Collection by Ivana Helsinki
Independent Finnish Brand Ivana Helsinki does a great job of mixing past and present to her prints and designs that reminds us of yesteryear, along with a shot of contemporary charm. Her Spring/Summer 2012 collection called “Indian Summer” makes us want to take a spiritual road trip in these charismatic cotton dresses.