Taylor Momsem. Renaissance Woman.

So maybe I'm a tad late, but I didn't know Taylor Momsem was a vocalist. I only know her as the little girl from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"... and the teenage drama queen with signature raccoon eyes from Gossip Girl. But while getting my daily dose of fashionista.com, I came across a post about Taylor Momsem starring in a new ad for the John Galliano fragrance called Parlez-Moi d’Amour. The background music is a beautiful song called "You" by Pretty Reckless, an alternative band consisting of Taylor Momsem herself and three other guys: Ben Phillips on the guitar, Mark Damon on the bass and Jamie Perkins on the drums.

Below is an interview with John Galliano and the actual ad.

Emma Watson, all grown up

Nylon magazine named Emma Watson one of 2010's best dressed. And I would have to agree. She has gone through a major transformation right before our eyes... the cute little girl from Harry Potter soon became a sexy young adult gracing the ads of Burberry. She reminds me of a young Victoria Beckham, and maybe that's why I'm falling in love with her new look. 

Here she is in a classic Burberry trench from their Fall 2009-2010 ad campaign. And below, Emma in Tesh for Marie Claire. 

It's Christmas time in the city : )

Merry Christmas from my house to yours! 

Peace and lots of love,

Alessandra

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Canned Food Drive for the Holidays

According to th U.S. Census American Community Survey of 2006-2008, 
more than 640,000 local area residents are at risk of being hungry and approximately 200,000 of them are children.


In an effort to help, The Coalition for TRUE Beauty is sponsoring a canned food drive for the holidays to benefit the Washington D.C. Metro area. All donations will benefit the Capital Area Food Bank (www.capitalareafoodbank.org). 


To find out more about the organization, please visit their website above. Contact me to find out how YOU can help!


xoxo,


Alessandra

And now that my broken bones all have been healed, I think I'm starting to feel...

I realized that I never posted my pics from my trip to the mountains (Chimney Rock Park, NC). I went in October and it was my first time "hiking" in the mountains... and by "hiking" I simply mean walking on a man-made trail with a series of steps and an elevator to the very top.

It may sound a little over dramatic... but the experience was nothing short of heavenly. It seemed like I was almost immediately transported into another state of mind as soon as I parked my car. At this point in time, this trip was everything I needed... I became calm, fearless, and very, very, appreciative of life.

And the person I was with did something to magnify what I was feeling. I spiritually connected with my environment and with him. Truly, one of the best feelings in the world and now one of my best memories : )

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Inspiration

Very cute.

lookbook.nu

And I just think she's goregous... Rumi Neely.

fashiontoast.com

I really want to have coffee and cupcakes with him. 

yannicksowhat.blogspot.com/

Designer Spotlight: Thom Browne.

Simplistic masculinity with a hint of girl power. My kind of style... Thom Browne, Spring/Summer 2011.

Trésor by Lancôme

Is it just me... or do you LOVE Lancôme's commercials for their Trésor fragrances? Absolutely. Beautiful.

Head in the clouds... painting my dreams on the sky.

lookbook.nu

I live in a fantasy world.

Last night, a good friend and I were talking on the phone. We usually talk for hours upon hours about nothing, but on occassions our convos get pretty deep. Last night was one of those occassions. We started out describing how we would want our weddings to pan out. Of course my vision was grandiose, and perhaps a little unrealistic. Oh, and I want my perfect, unrealistic wedding to happen in about 4 years.

After laughing at my seemingly childish proposal, he said to me, "Don't expect so much all the time because you'll only be let down."

It's logical and at one point, I reluctantly admit, I had the same thought process. BUT... when life doesnt necessarily work out the way we want it to or plan for it to, which is most likely more often than not, what else do we have but our dreams? 

You don't get that dream job you applied for. The person you thought was different turns out to be exactly the same. Your parents constantly annoy you. And your dog continues to chew up your heels.

(Yes, I'm venting.)

So when he made that comment I answered, "That's no way to live... my elaborate, hopeful daydreams are what put me to sleep at night."

Selma Hayek's view on beauty...

"People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves."

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What is beauty?

Denis Dutton: A Darwinian theory of beauty | Video on TED.com

Two fragrances to try!

Here are my two favorite scents right now: Kenzo and Thierry Mugler's "Alien." They are both light and airy with a sweetness that isnt too overbearing. Kenzo (the beautiful bottle on the left) is $95. I got my bottle from Sephora. Thierry Mugler's amazing line of perfumes (which also include Angel and Womanity among others) can be ordered online at thierrymugler.com or at Nordstrom. The size pictured (on the right) is $75.

xoxo,


Alessandra


P.S. Christmas time will be here before you know it! These are great gifts!!

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Very Green and Very Organic

A couple of weeks ago, I rushed into DC from my job to attend a product launch for Herban Lifestyle. The new line "Naked" was questionable at first. I'm always weary of "really natural" products because I think they may not work as well as your standard products with all of the chemicals most of us can't pronounce.

BUT, at the event I decided to try the green tea facial soap along with all of the other goodies in our freebie bags. The products are amazing! After only a few days of using the facial soap, I noticed a big difference in my skin. I also encourage you to try the lip balms. They made my lips super, super soft.

The products are made from pure ingredients and there are no colors, fragrances, etc. They are all packaged in 100% recycled labels. Good for you AND the environment : )

Shop here: www.herbanlifestyle.com

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DIABETES IS REAL.

On my way to work yesterday, I heard a surprising and SCARY statistic on the radio. The host announced that over the next forty years, the number of people with diabetes in this country will jump to 1 and 4 or even 1 in 3! If this isn't a wake up call, I don't know what is! Our American lifestyles do much to cultivate an atmosphere for the ubiquitous prevalence of diabetes. I surely don't want to be a part of this statistic. Here are some ways that you and I can ward off this disease:

(1) GET MOVING! Whether you want to go running in the park or walking in the mall (like me), it is enough that your body is moving. You don't have to run a 5k every morning to be in shape. Commit to small things like doing a set of push ups, squats, and crunches before you go to sleep every night... or walk your dog a little bit longer when you take him/her out. Your body will thank you later!

(2) COOK: It is much easier for us to monitor how many calories we take in and how much fat we're eating when we're cooking the meals for ourselves. At restaurants, we tend to over eat (a couple of pieces of bread, an appetizer, a glass of wine or two, and the main meal... all of this adds up!) Try to treat yourself to at least 3-4 home cooked meals (i.e. healthy meals) a week! You will definitely see a major difference in your health. 

(3) ACCOUNTABILITY: Finally, hold yourself (and your friends) accountable! When everyone in your circle is doing their part to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will probably do the same. Plus, it is always nice to have some positive encouragement.

Love and beauty,

Alessandra : )

One HELL of a 30th!

My girl Kim K just turned 30 and celebrated in a HUGE way. Not only did she recently pose nude for the Art Issue of W Magazine (gorgeous pics below), she had a really, really, really expensive birthday cake. Or should we say a really, really, really expensive publicity stunt? Her diamond encrusted pastry cost just about a million dollars and was presented to her at New York's Glo Nightclub last night.

She is known for doing things over the top and not apologizing for it... and THIS is why I adore her : ) Happy 30th Kim!

Worn Magazine Issue 2 Launch Party, October 19th from 8pm – 1am

Tonight, the DC-based fashion, art and style magazine will host a launch party for its second issue at U Street Music Hall. Ten local DJs will be present in addition to two "special guests."

I have to admit, I knew nothing of this magazine before seeing the invite on gregslistdc.com. I am definitely excited to attend the party and learn more about what they do. It's mission, as stated on their website, is "to advocate the importance of style and art in the community by producing a hardcopy magazine that encourages readers to use both as a means of creativity and self-expression."

Join me tonight! Buy your tickets here: wornmagazinelaunch.eventbrite.com

Dear fellow shopaholics,

 As you know, there are SO many online boutiques out there to feed our addiction. I would like to introduce you to some of the sites I've been shopping at lately. They all have a good mixture of trendy and classic pieces and most importantly, you won't see everyone and their mother wearing them. If you know of any other lesser known sites, please, do share via commenting below!

Happy shopping!

xoxo,

Alessandra : )

youreyeslie.com

nastygal.com

pixiemarket.com

asos.com

"Every human being is the author of his own health or disease."

My Two Cents: The title of today's blog post is a message that I hope my readers take seriously and adhere to. We are only given one body and one life, so it is VERY important that we make smart decisions about what we're eating, how much we're exercising, the amount of stress we endure, the people we surround ourselves with, and so on. I was very disturbed to recently find out that my mother may be pre-diabetic. It is frustrating not only because I care about her health, but because her mother and all of her sisters already have diabetes. One more will possibly be added to the list. Yes, there are some genetic facotrs related to the prevalence of diabetes in certain communities, BUT I don't want to make excuses for her or other memebers of my family when I have watched them feed their bodies questionable food for years.

Aside from food, my mother and I talked about how the mind and body are intricately connected. STRESS KILLS! Your body performs and serves you better when your mind is clear and free of worry. Try not to let the everyday hustle and bustle of life take over your sanity and peace of mind (as I have too often let happen).

I think it's all about self-control and treating yourself (mind and body) to the respect it deserves. We all deserve health. We all deserve happiness. And having both is completely and entirely up to you.

xoxo,

Alessandra

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Beauty 360

Last night, I attended the Mocktinis and Lashes event at Beauty 360 (Connecticut Ave) hosted by Uptown Girl Entertainment. The set up was lovely and the staff extremely welcoming, but I have to begrudgingly admit, tickets should have cost more like $10-$20 instead of $35. There were tons of cupcakes and chocolates but no product samples. There were eyelash applications but no "expert" advice on makeup/skincare/etc., (even though my MUA, Shayla was very pleasant). I overheard one of the guests complaining about the lack of things to do at the event, asking the host, "Is this it?" I hung around for an hour, waiting for more people to show up, before deciding it was time to go.

On the bright side, the "mocktini" was delish, the store itself offered an array of top-of-the-line products (I will highlight one in an upcoming post), and ticket sales went to a great cause (GWFCC). I guess that makes the time and money spent worth it.

Pics below!

xoxo,

Alessandra : )

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Guests were greeted with a table full of goodies. I had a pink cupcake. It was wonderful!

After walking around a little bit, Shayla, an esthetician and MUA offered to apply my first pair of fake lashes. I chose the ones on the right. To my surprise, they looked really natural! I'll definitely be wearing them over again, but only for a special occasion. I can't imagine wearing them all the time.

Before last night, I had never heard of this company. While browsing, I found this AMAZING liquid eyeshadow in hot pink. And when I tried it on all I could say was (in the words of Rachel Zoe), "I die." Not only was the color great but it has moisturizing properties so your eyelids aren't dried out by the end of the night.  

Guests receiving eyelash/makeup applications (right) and a mini-manicure (left)

Aura Spa at Vida Fitness

AURA SPA on 15th Street in Northwest Washington hosted an open house tonight. The spa welcomed guests into its intimate facility with tons of organic fruit and vegetables, wine/cocktail tasting, and goodie bags. I listened to two estheticians explain the facials offered at the spa and how they can specifically design a customized facial for each client. They also introduced us to their line of products:

GM COLLINS PARIS

Supposedly, this Canadian line was specifically designed for Canadian and American skin due to the climate in this area of the world (as opposed to using products from Asian or European countries like a lot of other spas)... interesting right?

Yummy fruit and veggies for the guests.

Two employees discussing skincare, facials, and the spa's product line.

Wine, cocktails and cheese thanks to Agora. I tried the white wine and it was great. (Don't ask me what the name of it was because I don't remember lol).

G.M. Collin skincare line.

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Spa Open House!

 

If you're looking for something to do when you get off of work (other than choosing from the large assortment of happy hours in DC), check out this spa's open house event. Wine tasting, refreshments, demos and free samples... Sounds like a winner! See the flyer for more details!

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Product Review: Lancome Mineral Foundation

I've found it. My favorite foundation to date. Lancome's Ageless Mineral Foundation. If you are insecure about blemishes and acne scars like I am, this foundation is perfect! It contains 100% mineral pigments that go on smoothly and condition the skin while you wear it. Other mineral foundations (from Mac or Bare Escentuals) did not give me enough coverage. My imperfections were still clearly visibile, even when I piled it on. Lancome's product, however, covers beautifully and it looks like you're not wearing anything at all. The $42 price tag is well worth it.

Even though the product is geared toward those who wish to fight signs of aging, this foundation is for all ages. Try it and let me know what you think!

xoxo,
Alessandra

Mocktini and Lashes Party : )

I've never worn fake lashes... I've been too scared of looking like I'm dressed in costume. But since this event is benefiting the DC Fashion Foundation, I think September 17th will be a good time to try them out! Event details below:

Fashion Show REVIEW

The Fancy Little Things Fall Fashion Show last Thursday was definitely a success. Relic in downtown Bethesda was PACKED with faces old and young, and to my surprise, there were a good amount of male faces present too.


The wait time for the start of the fashion show was a little lengthy, but the wait was well worth it! I got the chance to chat with a few people and exchange business cards before the show, while sipping a glass of white wine (discounted of course).


The fashion show itself was pretty good. I would have liked to hear more of a detailed description of the pieces worn and maybe more about the designers, but in any case, the MC (aka the official "hype man" for the models) was very entertaining (pictured below):

Host Melanie (@sisarina) with Jason, the MC (@coolmcjazz) and Robin the Co-Host (@polishedimage)

Hopefully next time around the venue will be bigger since there was such a great turn out!

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VIEW THE SHOW HERE

Fancy Little Things Fashion Show, TONIGHT!

After work today, I will be headed to Relic in Bethesda, Maryland for the Fancy Little Things Fall Fashion Show, hosted by Polished Image (@polishedImage) and Sisarina, Inc. (@Sisarina). The show is now SOLD OUT and the dozens of guests in attendance are being asked to donate to a great cause: New Endeavors by Women.


The fun begins at 5 pm and will include happy hour specials (yaayy!). The designers featured in this year's show are listed below. Pics from the show and a review on the event will be posted later! Happy Wednesday : )

- Sangree 

- Red Sprinkle

- Zophia Collection

- Natailia Sanz Collection

Essence hires a new face...

Essence is celebrating their 40th anniversary with their September issue, continuing their mission to empower Black women.

Amidst their celebration, they are also making a very bold statement, a statement of inclusivity and acceptance. With arms wide open, the magazine welcomed a new face as the fashion director... and this face happens to be that of a white woman, Ellianna Placas.

This recent move has stirred up mixed reviews from Essence supporters. If the magazine's mission is to empower Black women, why isn't this crucial position filled by a Black woman who can best iterate fashion and beauty from a Black woman's perspective? On the other hand, what is wrong with a little diversity? If the woman is the best person for the job, why discriminate because of the color of her identity? Didn't Blacks fight (and still fight) to get the same respect?

Angela Burt-Murray, Editor of Essence, assures the public that the mission of the magazine has not changed and that is the important thing. Will this actually hold true in the hands of a non-Black director?


What do you think? Comment here.

(Read Robin Givhan's article from Sunday's Washington Post.)

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Pre-Order NOW!

If you would like to pre-order this fragrance at a discounted price, send me an email!

Hurry before the deal ends!!