Monroe Iconic

Arguably the most famous starlet of all time, Marilyn Monroe has somehow made it into the minds of every generation since her own.  Singing Happy Birthday to the President in 1962, she became global, if she hadn’t been already.  It’s sad to think about who might have been singing her Happy Birthday today, because we are certain it would have been a worldwide event, so in honor of her, we toast her style and those who she inspired long after her death.

The famous ivory William Travilla dress Monroe wore in “The Seven Year Itch” is among the Debbie Reynolds‘ collection of costumes going to auction in Beverly Hills this month at Profiles in History Auction, the value at between $1 million and $2 million. Mariah Carey bought the white baby grand piano belonging to Monroe for $600,000.00 not too long ago, we wonder who will bid on this!

Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra at Cal Neva Lodge in Crystal Bay, Nevada

Adored by all types of men from singers to athletes and fellow actors. Woman all over the world have impersonated her signature style, especially that of the most famous photo of her in the white dress blowing in the wind.  Amongst the scandal and the stories, she was a tormented fragile beauty who’s style remains’ timeless.

Three months before her death she was introduced as “the late Marilyn Monroe” making a dig that the timelessness, little did they realize the truth in it. There are many theories on what happened to the singer, actress and model, but in the end the Los Angeles Police Department ruled her death as accidental, but did confirm her last phone call was to the President of the United States, Kennedy.

Diamonds are a girls best friend

Elton John wrote Candle in the Wind about her, everyone from Madonna to Michelle Williams to Jennifer Lopez and Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Anna Nicole Smith all have imitated her.   If intimidation is the biggest form of flattery then she should be blushing at the number of people who are inspired by her.  Mira Sorvina & Ashley Judd played her,  Mariah Carey named her daughter Monroe after her, Megan Fox tattooed Monroe on her arm, and Lohan named her leggings line 6126 in honor of her birthday June 1, 1926.

Madonna "whos that girl" and Monroe

The list of well known and lesser known woman who have interpreted her style continues to grow, but perhaps the woman who is said to have done it most is the iconic Madonna – known for reinventing herself time and again – its amazing to note many similar poses and styles she has to Monroe, perhaps making Monroes’ style the most inspiring of all time. Starting with her “Material Girl” themes which show her dressed in a similar pink dress to Monroe’s with men adoring her as she sings “Material World” and then throughout her entire “who’s that girl” film and albums around that, to W Magazine shoots where she is posed similar. It could be just by chance, which would make sense too considering how Madonna is for sure one of the greatest sex symbols in America now.

Madonna & Monroe

Either way, we hold a moment of silence for Monroe today and thank her for showing us that a woman can be stylish and sexy without all the skin.  Despite being the first woman to ever pose for Playboy Magazine, Monroe has remained a classy and elegant fixture in Hollywood.

We know her style legacy lives on, not just retold by Madonna, but by generations yet to come and her life maybe will inspire others to live their life full of passion, but keep to their health.

Happy Birthday Ms. Monroe!

Ben Millepied, Darren A, Portman and Vincent C

When People Magazine news broke that “Blake Swan” Golden Globe nominee actress Natalie Portman was not only engaged to 33 year old Benjamin Millepied, but expecting a baby, men all over the world sighed while every fashion house in the world began clamoring to dress the actress, who already was on all of their award season dressing lists, alas, sad for some, we suspect she may already have a brand in mind.  For a moment though, lets put the man before the dress, 29 year old Portman has been busy, upcoming she will appear in “No Strings Attached”, “Your Highness” and “Thor”, but  it was Black Swan that brought her true love. The very handsome, French born, Benjamin Millepied, choreographed the film and trained Portman and Mila Kunis, while also acting as her dance partner.  Benjamin is a principle dancer with the New York City Ballet, with plans for more acting roles. Check Millepied, out in Details magazine back in June, who could predict how serious their relationship had become!

Now back to the wedding dress, for years Portman has worn tons of Rodarte, by Los Angeles designers/sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, so it seems quite predictable the sisters will indeed make her wedding dress.  At the Venice Film Festival she wore an incredible red claret silk tulle draped gown and they even created her TuTu for the Swan film, as well as many other costumes.

Portman in Rodarte at AFI for Black Swan

She also recently wore a lovely pink and floral Rodarte with a colourfully beaded waistband as “Black Swan” closed AFI Fest 2010 in LA, another of several dresses throughout the year she was photographed in. So, while many celebrites choose Monique Lhuiller, Vera Wang or Karl Lagerfeld,  Rodarte does seem right for her, however we should mention she’s also a Christian Dior girl, often carrying their handbags and we can’t forget they created a whole line of Vegan shoes for her. Peoplestylewatch.com quotes her saying, “One of the things that’s been so nice is Dior made all of the shoes for me with no animals and no leather, they remade all of my shoes so I can wear Dior without taking lives.”

2009 Oscars Portman in Rodarte with Dior Clutch

In 2008 Portman was the face of their Miss Dior Cherie perfume, but does appear usually only wearing clutches by Dior, and fellow Vegan Stella McCartney, creates incredible Vegan shoes too of which Portman is a fan. Perhaps a dress by Rodarte, a handbag by Dior and shoes by Stella?

Wedding Gown Sketch for Middleton

Or Portman can always seek elsewhere, maybe consult Kate Middleton, who has many designers sending sketches her way, but may end up going with designers Elizabeth and David Emanuel, who did Princess Diana’s dress along with Madonna’s, Elizabeth Taylor, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Or Nicole Richie’s choice, Marchesa, an incredible look for the petite bride.

Nicole Richie at her wedding

Whatever this Harvard Graduate choses, she always looks terrific and does things that continue to make us adore her, even while off screen, including rocking a Rodarte for Target slip dress which costs $39.99 at Target.com. See below:

Portman in Rodarte for Target

And we also love her for going Vegan after reading Jonathon Safran Foer’s book Eating Animals.  For those of you who wished you had bought some of her shoes she designed with Te-Casan, the designers that had to close,  we found a few on amazon, warm enough for the winter too! Check out our here.

We wish Portman all of the happiness in the world and can’t wait to read all of the coverage, see all of the photo’s and watch more movies with her as the star.  What a Happy New Year, we hope she brings home the Oscar and the Golden Globe, since she already has the man and the baby on the way it would seem like her fairytale deserves the ultimate happiness in all areas of life. Note to self, consider going Vegan.

Setting the scene for the holidays can be stressful and music is such an important part of that so we thought we would help you by compiling our top 25 Holiday Songs for you to add to your play list, or better yet, burn onto a CD for a last minute gift.

#1. “White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby, written by Irving Berlin. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales in excess of 100 million copies worldwide. Berlin wrote the song in 1940, poolside at the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. It was first released in 1949, and has never been out-of-print since, it is the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Many well known singers between the 50’s and present day have covered this song including; Barbra Streisand, Freddy Martin, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, The Ravens, Mantovani, The Drifters, Elvis Presley, Mitch Miller, Andy Williams, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Jimmy McGriff, Doris Day, The Supremes, Dean Martin, Otis Redding, Lana Cantrell, Bob Marley, New Kids on the Block, Michael Bolton, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Westlife, Twisted Sister, Taylor Swift, Al Jarreau, Rick Astley, Andrea Bocelli, and Boy George.

#2. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como. Meredith Wilson, composer of The Music Man, wrote this in 1951, it has become an evergreen classic.

#3. Happy Xmas (war is over) – John Lennon with Yoko Ono. One of this Beatle’s dreams was to create a classic Christmas song, he was successful with this one, simultaneously a holiday song and plea for world peace.

#4. The Christmas Song – Nat King Cole

#5. Baby Come Home For Christmas – U2

#6. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney

#7. The Most Wonderful Time of The Year – Johnny Mathis

#8. All I Want For Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

#9. My Favorite Things – The Supremes

#10. Rockin Around The Christmas Tree – Brenda Lee

#11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Temptations

#12. Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt &/or Madonna

#13. Give Love On Christmas Day – Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5

First Lady Michelle Obama, Usher, Justin Bieber and President Obama 2009

#14. Someday At Christmas – Justin Bieber. Considering it was good enough for Usher, First Lady Obama and our President, I think its safe to say this makes the cut!

#15. One Little Christmas Tree – Stevie Wonder

#16. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin

#17. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra

#18. Christmas Must Be Something More – Taylor Swift

#19. Santa Claus Is Comin To Town – Miley Cyrus

#20. Happy Christmas – Jessica Simpson & Ashlee Simpson

#21. Silent Night – Britney Spears

#22. Katy Perry (@Katy Perry) tweeted Christmas Songs are better when Elvis sings them, so Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley is perhaps is best one ever!

#23. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – N Sync (yes N Sync, we love this one from Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, JC Chasez, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick, this was off of their 2nd album and went Double Platinum selling over 4 million copies

#24. Hark The Herald Angels Sing – Jewel

#25. Purple Snowflakes – Marvin Gay

Enjoy your night and Merry Christmas, oh and for those of you who really are questioning that #23, check out the video here below:

Mary J. Blige and Catherine Malandrino walk the runway in June 2010 in the designers pieces.

Today through August 29,2010

We are pleased to be able to extend this special opportunity to you —  to get designer pieces by the most talented, Catherine Malandrino, at a small fraction of the normal retail cost, we’re talking up to 80 percent off.  Catherine Malandrino is a favorite of celebrities such as; Madonna, Mary J Blige, Jessica Biel, & Beyonce. “I design clothes for the ultra-feminine, audacious, curious, and adventurous woman”, proclaims Catherine.

Catherine Malandrino weaves together the energy of Manhattan with the romance of Paris. Her collection goes beyond fashion, marrying two cultures, the reflecting a revolutionary spirit and chic nomadic lifestyle.  So take the opportunity to get up to 75% off her spring/summer 2010 collections, there is something for everyone, in all price ranges.

Madonna in a Fall 2010 Catherine Malandrino motorcycle jacket.

Malandrino is known as a chic and daring fearless designer who also mixes music with fashion.

If located in Los Angeles, you can shop these deals at the Melrose Place Maison and Sunset Plaza Boutique.  No RSVP is necessary, just mention you were invited by Jenn/STYLE SEEN DAILY.

Designer Catherine Maladrino walking the runway after a fashion show.

Catherine Malandrino is a French woman living in America, and her Spring collection is all about travel. The collection features pieces inspired by four parts of the world, Sudan, North Africa, Peru, and Polynesia. Tribal prints, intricate beading, and bright, island colors are all seen on harem pants, cropped jackets, and jersey jumpsuits throughout the collection.

Actress Drew Barrymore at her "Going The Distance" movie premiere in Los Angeles.j[ar

Material girl Madonna and her thirteen year old daughter Lourdes have a new line at Macy’s called New Material. And yes, we here at Style Seen Daily have a sneak peak at some of the pieces.

New Material offers clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags influenced by this pop mugol mom’s 1980s style.  In sum, get ready for loads of lace and girly frills like roses and ruffles.

The line is meant for teenagers (but that isn’t set in stone) and the clothing items are on average less than $40.

So get ready for the 80′s flashback with this line come August 2010, just in time for Madonna’s 52nd birthday (August 16).  We’ll make sure to include it in our Style Seen Daily Showroom as soon as it’s ready for purchase because “you know that we’re living in a material world.”  Well at least Madanna hopes that.

Bryon Williams, Nicole Richie, Andy LeCompte and Rachel Zoe.

After all the rumors about Nicole Richie and stylist Rachel Zoe, we were surprised to see the two posing for photos together at when we attended Andy LeCompte‘s West Hollywood Salon opening. Is it possible that LeCompte himself paved the way for a reconnection?

Regardless, LeCompte was so busying touring with Madonna, his salon went open for months before he could host a proper unveiling. Finally when he did, clients like Lindsay Lohan, Micha Barton and of course Nicole Richie all came out to support.

While Madonna was not on hand, LeCompte did reveal quite a few secrets of the popstar. We’ll share but first a little background - he opened the salon with business partner (and fellow stylist) Leanne Citrone,  the two hand picked everything from the “cute coffee cups” to the unique art on the walls by their favorite L.A. artist Paul Rusconi. The  artwork is vibrant and alluring on most every wall in the raw studio like salon, which is tucked behind L.A. fashion designer Jenni Kayne‘s store.

Andy LeCompte's West Hollywood Salon

The hosts, LeCompte, Citrone and Kayne, had candy bar stations equipped with everything from Lolipops to Hershey’s kisses and the washing station sinks were all filled with ice and champagne, poured by typically attractive Angeleno bartenders. In addition to candy and cocktails, guests were given gift bags filled with Joico hair products and some lucky goers also claimed their own House of Harlow headpieces, designed by Nicole Richie and sold in the salon. Nicole sported a gold one herself.

Other clients such as Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Kate Walsh and Fergie were not in attendance, but we’re told are frequent visitors. Now back to Madonna, if you want to get locks all sexy like her’s, LeCompte suggests adding texture by using Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Spray and then use either a Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Waver. Or if can’t get yourself an appointment to see LeCompte, get that sexy tousled look Madonna, Mischa and Lohan love, by using dry shampoo, a waterless way to freshen and restyle hair when you can’t indulge in a regular shampoo and blow out.

We took the advice and realized this was not only a great way to create that lusty look, but also a terrific soultion when you’re traveling, or rushing out the door with no time for proper primping.

Dry Shampoo Available at Sephora

Naturia Dry Shampoo by Rene Furterer, sold at Sephora is perfect to cleanse hair in minutes leaving it luminous and healthy with no water. The formula absorbs impurities and oil in the scalp with a high absporption power of essential oils that soften’s hair and will give you that “Madonna” look. 

Congrats to LeCompte, both talent and lovely, we could not be happier for his success!

www.andylecomptesalon.com

W Magazine March 2009 Cover.

Rumors were rampant at the end of 2008 that Madonna had acquired a 22 year old boy toy named Jesus Luz.  Jesus is a Brazillian model who is featured with Madonna in the March 2009 issue of W Magazine — and really it’s like the entire magazine — a 46 page pictorial!  

The shoot took place in Rio with veteran photographer Steven Meisel.

Madonna with model / boy toy Jesus Luz.

The pictorial includes shots of Luz and Madonna making out on a bed, practically nude, sweaty…you get the picture.  It’s hot and steamy and we can’t wait for the magazine to hit stands so everyone can see for themselves what the camera reveals about these two.  The shoot took place several months ago ofcourse, and immediately after the rumors started about these two continuing with the sexy photoshoot vibe after cameras stopped clicking.  We here at SSD say go Madonna!  

And while we will overlook the fact that Jesus has a tattoo of his name sprawled across his back (Isn’t that a little much!?!  A little too self indulgent!?!  Thoughts?  Feel feel to comment below), we will also congratulate him for his recent success.    

Since Jesus hit the gossip mill for Madonna, his model rate has jumped from $225 to $100,000 plus for a photoshoot.

The Queen of Pop has always reinvented herself, making designers like Jean Paul Gautier, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana quickly grow to worship not only her talent, but her ability to make their clothing world famous. Since the late 80′s, Madonna’s fashion style, along with her music talent and controversial ways, has been a popular subject in media. For nearly two decades she has set trends and on October 18th, Dolce & Gabana along with the Cinema Society and Madonna herself hosted the premiere of her directorial debut, Filth and Wisdom, at Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema in New York City.

Following the premiere, Madonna and her guests headed over to Jason Pomeranc’s newest hotel, the Thompson LES (lower east side), where Madonna christened the hotel and restaurant SHANG with its very first event.

Madonna’s choice to launch her film in the East Village was simply because, as she honestly put it, “it is where my struggle began.”

Her gritty film had guests talking. “It’s an honest reality about human beings,” one guest said.

Madonna, who was wearing a black Dolce & Gabana blouse with a see thru skirt, told reporters: “There is a little bit of me in every character.”

Actress Vicky Mclure’s character helps children in Africa. Eugene Hutz’s character is as aspiring pop star who pays the bills by performing S&M acts. Actress Holly Weston plays a graceful ballet dancer who transforms into a stripper. Weston chimed into editors at the party that Madonna “knew exactly what she wanted andwas actually on set before all of us daily.”

The pop star spent most of the evening with her friend/partner Guy Oseary and uber agent, Jason Weinberg, who made for gracious dates.

Guests at Madanna's party.

Guests at the party included a range of star talent and fashion icons like Brooke Shields, Naomi Watts, Ed Westwick, Diane Kruger, Josh Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Marc Jacobs, David Blaine, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, and Malin Akerman — all dressed of course in Dolce.

Akerman dotted over Madonna and declared “after her Blond Ambition Tour, I wanted to be just like her.”  Jean-Paul Gaultier designed the costumes for that tour, including the now-infamous cone brassiere.

Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier designed, Blonde Ambition look, circa 1990.

The Recording Industry Association of America ranks Madonna as the best-selling female rock artist of the twentieth century.  Guinness World Records list her as the world’s most successful female recording artist of all time and the top-earning female singer in the world with an estimated net worth of $490 million, having sold more than 200 million records worldwide. On March 10, 2008, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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