Gorgeous Grammys

Better late than never. I wanted to do a quick review of the Grammys that happened last month. I absolutely gushed over several looks and want to share them with you. I decided I would be happier sharing with you my top 3 favorite looks rather than the usual best and worst! 

I have to say Ciara seriously knows how to own her growing baby bump. This soon-to-be mama dazzles in this beautiful gold Emilio Pucci gown. Her perfectly styled hair and natural makeup complete the entire look. This lady is going to be one stylish and golden mommy. Seriously adore her maternity style. 

Taylor Swift is always someone you can look forward to seeing walk the red carpet. She clearly knows how to style a perfectly elegant and classic look. It is so refreshing to see a young girl respect herself and be a role model for other young girls. I adore this sparkly Gucci frock and hands down this is one of my favorite gowns I have ever seen walk the carpet. Thank you, Taylor! 

If I were to pick out any gown for the Grammys, Katy Perry already snatched it from me. As soon as I saw KP's head shot tweet with her brother headed to the show, I knew by the little bit that I saw that I would be in love.  I gush over the soft color of this gown and die for the simple musical notes that flow from this Valentino frock. Such an inventive style worn by an amazing and talented girl.

Off With A Bang

This year has certainly started off right. Sunday, at the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards, I was pleasantly surprised by the classic looks I witnessed. For the first time in a very long time, I really respected most everyone for the humble and simple looks they decided to model on the red carpet. The past few years have reminded me of a sleaze fest, where "Hey, lets all get together and wear whatever we want since this really isn't a big deal or anything." But, 2014 really made an impression on me and with that said, I am happily presenting to you Doll Maison's Top 3 Best Dressed, the Worst Dressed and a lovely dedication to one of our very favorite actresses around. 

Julie Bowen knew what she was thinking when she picked out this lovely Caroline Herrera gown. The color combination is beyond words perfect and I adore the red velvet that this gown has to offer. I appreciate being able to tell texture in a photo or on television. It takes the look to a whole new level and you can really begin to understand the piece that much more. Beautiful!

Monica Potter proves "The Older, The Wiser." Wearing the amazing Romona Keveza, this look is a classic with a twist. It is lady like and totally appropriate for an award show but is also kicked up a notch with metallic nails, a studded clutch and shimmery earrings. I want to look this perfect when I get older. I seriously admire Monica for her classic charm. More girls should strive to be like her.

It is quite normal to want to feel sexy and gorgeous when you walk the red carpet, I totally understand. But, you need to do it with a brain. Margot Robbie donned in this fabulous Gucci gown. Take note girls: This is the correct way to be sexy yet classy at any major event. I drool over an all white look, I appreciate the appropriate slit but I especially adore the perfect diamond and emerald detail on this gown. She finalized the look with matching emerald Christian Louboutin heels, swept back hair and simple diamond earrings. What more could you want!

Our Worst Dressed goes to Heidi Klum in Marchesa. Looking like the corpse bride, I think its time she retires from the red carpet and gets back to her granola looking sweat pants. This style, er, "style" makes me terribly sad and proves my point yet again on why I have a problem with people like her taking the carpet. You don't act and you used to model practically nothing, so either hire Rachel Zoe or go home. 

Finally, I want to end on a positive note for all of my readers. The bullying Gabourey Sidibe received during the award show was absolutely uncalled for. It breaks my heart our society still finds ways to attack and hurt others. Bullying can lead to so many serious problems and issues. While it is a choice to defend and remember how beautiful you truly are, it can still really hurt and stick with you for a very long time. I admire this young lady's confidence she shared on twitter after the attacks. "To people making mean comments about my GG pics, I most def cried about it on that private jet, on my way to my dream job last night." I hope each and every one of you remember that we all have our own story, no one is near perfect and only one person can judge us for who we truly are, the big man upstairs. Lets take a stand to remember as we enter this year that bullying and putting others down is NOT a solution, EVER. You looked stunning my dear Gabourey and we are so thankful you are a part of amazing Hollywood!

  Xoxo

Roberto Cavalli: South Coast Plaza

Last week as I charged through South Coast Plaza (the largest mall in California-I die!!) in Costa Mesa, my friend and I came upon the most magnificent Roberto Cavalli collection on display for the public. While we were a floor up from the gathering below, seriously surprised but also very excited as to what we just witnessed, we literally ran to the glass elevators and rode down to the first floor as fast as it would get us there. When we walked up to the amazing gowns that A-list celebrities have worn from 2003 to today, we couldn't help but snap pictures and gush over the brilliant pieces. They were all perfectly draped upon a mannequin and the detail of each frock was magnificent. I immediately thought of you, my readers, and knew you guys would be very interested and inspired, just like us.

Megan Fox

June 14, 2009 - Berlin - 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Premiere

Shakira

July 15, 2010 - Miami - Univision Premios Juventud Awards

Kate Beckinsale

July 15, 2012 - Beverly Hills - 69th Annual Golden Globes Awards

Rihanna

November 2, 2006 - Copenhagen - MTV European Music Awards

Kristen Stewart 

November 16, 2011 - NYC - The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Premiere

Britney Spears

January 24, 2004 - Cannes - NRJ Music Awards

Kylie Minogue

October 2, 2012 - Rio de Janeiro - Premiere of 'Holy Motors'

Jennifer Lopez

May 18, 2010 - Monte Carlo - World Music Awards

Miley Cyrus

December 11, 2011 - Los Angeles - 2011 CNN Heroes - All Star Tribute

Beyonce

September 13, 2010 - NYC - MTV Music Awards

 

Selena Gomez

June 17, 2012 - Toronto - MuchMusic Video Awards

Grateful for the opportunity, I snatched a picture in front of the stunning collection! While the gowns look so different in person, I have totally determined my favorites. What are yours? 

Sincere thanks to Robert Cavalli and company for allowing fashion students and bloggers like myself a chance to praise such marvelous work.

XOXO

Fash In 360 (Destination Five)

Backpacking around the world from now until early next year, my longtime childhood friend, Ashley, is taking photographs around the world to assemble a portfolio for future jobs. Along the way, she will be sending information and some photographs regarding the latest fashion trends from each city she visits. I am seriously ecstatic to have the opportunity to share this firsthand information with you, my readers. With Ashley's endeavor, we can develop and evolve our own personal favorites into our wardrobe at home.

BARCELONA
Ashley clued me in that while she was having fun and partying in Barcelona she spotted tons of poofy pants, high rise shorts and midriff tops. In the evening, she admired short dresses and tall heels. She explained that 'Barna' was very carefree and adventurous! Below are a few pics of Barcelona fash.

Follow Ashley on twitter @ashleymeek90 while she travels the world and read about all of her spectacular adventures on her blog http://ashleyroundtheworld.blogspot.com/.

The Darling Princess And The Repetitive Queen Bee

Tonight, the 46th CMA Awards were held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Among several country artists I obviously had my eye peeled for the best and worst dressed. You can only imagine the thoughts that kept flying through my head and while I finally came to a conclusion on my best and worst, I hope you agree even if its just a little. 

Taylor Swift scored best dressed as she dazzles in a nude and red petal gown. Adoring the fact that she incorporated the gorgeous hue that she just named her fourth studio album, "Red" sold over 1.2 million copies in the first week which is the biggest record release in the past decade. As we await her nationwide 2013 tour, we have to gush over this gorgeous ensemble that she accompanies with her signature red lipstick. Way to go Taylor! We love you! 

Kimberly Perry looks like a hot mess at the 2010.. no, 2011.. no! 2012 CMA Awards. For the third straight year in a row, Kimberly hits the carpet begging for some kind of help. Whether it be a hair stylist, actual fashion stylist or therapist (for all the criticism she is going to get), we sincerely wish that she would take someone else's advice or at least take a poll before she hit the town. This awful black dress not only makes her look bizarre but the obvious and ugly oversized red belt is a no-no. I can't forget to mention the hair. What, did you forget Halloween was yesterday and not today! You are just a day late my love.

Fashion, Faces and Fabulous (Month Two)

Every month, beauty expert, Courtney Rogers, and myself will be giving you the very best advice on how to model the latest fashion and makeup trends. We agree it can be a little challenging to find a balance between style and beauty. Here, we will give you the latest insight on how to choose the perfect outfit while also incorporating your basic beauty necessities. We hope that with our help you feel more fabulous than ever before. Stay stylish, dolls. 

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."

 -Sophia Loren

Hannah (Style): Growing up with a mom like mine, Halloween is kind of a big deal. Sometimes, I feel like its more important than your typical celebration. Don't ask me why, but my mom is obsessed with Halloween, it's her favorite holiday. It's almost as big of deal as Christmas (for real!) She decorates the whole house with amazing decorations and goodies. So, for me it has always been crucial and it's also the holiday that provides us all a little time to dress up and have some fun. The three looks below are some of my favorites while also essential styles you can absolutely rock without too much effort.

Courtney (Beauty): It is a great excuse to get dressed up and to do some extra fun makeup looks, too!!! I am so excited to find the perfect costume this year! My bestie is going to be in from Southern California and I have already insisted upon doing her makeup as well. We are trying to choose a fun twosome costume, or something that goes well together! If all else fails I will opt for the ever-traditional Fairy Princess!!! The three looks featured are so much fun and they all offer different pieces of makeup creativity! I just want to highlight three main tricks to achieving each look.

Hannah (Style): The look that Anne Hathaway models above is the classic Cleopatra. The perfect way to get this look is from a few basics. Grab your long white gown, a bold and stylish stoned belt, lots of gold bracelets and bangles (some that are big enough to go all the way up your arm like Anne's.) While out and about, look for a short, gold necklace. Something Egyptian looking. Last, go to your local Halloween store for the perfect Cleopatra headpiece. 

Courtney (Beauty): The first look is the traditional Cleopatra with a modern twist. Her eyeliner is what really makes this look. To achieve this you need a black gel liner and a liquid liner to put over top. Start with the gel liner and a very flat eyeliner brush. I like to start in the outer corner of my eye and do a thin line along my lash line. I just keep building onto that until I get my liner as thick as I desire. Then, make the angle using the outer corner of your brow to help guide you. For this look, you can make a very dramatic angle and still look classy! Once I have the liner the way I want it, I go over it with my liquid just to enhance it a bit!

Hannah (Style): To grab the sexy flapper look like Lauren Conrad, you totes need to run to the Halloween store. Unless you have a fringy, short dress you in your closet, you most likely will have to find it at your local costume store. Make sure you add a boa, cute clutch or shoulder bag, dazzling headpiece (with a feather of course!) and obviously those amaze long strands of pearls, which are an absolute must! Add short and sweet little heels to touch the look with the perfect twist.

Courtney (Beauty): To achieve a bold lip like Lauren that is rockin, it is important to prep your lips correctly. This will ensure that the color will stay through your Trick or Treating adventure, or your Halloween party! Start with a  lip primer (I love Smashbox's), or you can use a concealer if you don't have a primer. Literally seal your lips with the primer, and then choose a lip liner to apply to the entire lip. Now, my preference is to put on a liner that is close to my natural lip color, as opposed to trying to match the lipstick color I am going to sport. Once you line your entire lip and fill it with the liner, apply your lipstick color. Be very diligent to stay within the lines and do two coats. Now, the secret to getting your color to stay, stay, stay is to then dab on a coat of High Definition powder to seal the color. You can add a third coat of lipstick or finish with a gloss and I promise, your lipstick will not move all night long!!!

Hannah (Style): Argggh matey! Kourtney Kardashian rocks this cute pirate costume while she holds her sidekick and little frog, Mason. The best way to develop this look is by providing yourself the basics. Find a colorful dress with puffy long sleeves, corset, black booties and a pirates hat. Throw on your dress, add the corset and wah-la! Grab your booties and pirates hat (which can be found at the Halloween store as well,) add some bangles if you choose and out the door your go! Trick-or-Treat!

Courtney (Beauty): Applying lashes is a must do for any Halloween look. This can be a little tricky doing it on yourself because it is easy to get mixed up and turned around in the mirror. Just be patient and leave enough time to do it again if need be! I like to take my strip last out of the package and bend each one bit to get some flexibility. I then take one of the strips and apply a very thin amount of adhesive to it. Blow it to a tacky dry, and then apply the strip starting on the outside of your lashes and work in. Once you have the lash placed exactly where you want it, you can hold each end down and let it dry for about 20 seconds. When both lashes are on secure, apply a coat of black mascara to blend your lashes in with the strip. This will seriously amp up any Halloween look you are trying to achieve! Don't be afraid to rock some feather lashes, or ones with some bling on them and the hot thing to do this year, is to double up on your lashes.

Hannah (Style): Surely these beauty and style tips provide you some kind of help for your Halloween costume. If you need any style advice or have any questions concerning your Halloween wardrobe, please feel free to ask me. You can find me on twitter @hannahkooc or on facebook at facebook.com/Doll Maison. Enjoy a careful and fabulously fashionable Halloween!!!

XOXO your personal stylist,

Hannah Cook - Doll Maison

Courtney (Beauty): This holiday is an excuse to go all out and have fun! Hopefully you will be able to use one or all of these tips in your Halloween look. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to tweet me at humanybeautyinc, or you can find me on facebook at humanbeauty! Have fun, play safe and be beauty!!!!

XOXO your makeup artist,

Courtney Rogers - Human Beauty

NYFW Spring 2013 Preview

While New York Fashion Week has come and gone, I took some time selecting my favorite pieces from seven genius designers. While the elimination process was crucial and insane, I have finally selected the most beloved styles. The collections featured at NYFW were absolutely incredible and I wish that they would fill my closet by Spring. Check out the most adored looks below. 

Michael Kors chose to add a touch of sparkle and gold with white shorts and metallic heels. The blouse is super glimmering and an incredible way to add spunk to any outfit.

Jason Wu goes classy with a black and white fitted top, black skinny ankle pants and black heels. He chooses to pop the outfit with a white and leopard tote.

BCBG opts for a flawless sheer, lace black and creme frock with black heels that wrap around the ankles. Flawless and perf! Crushing over the wavy locks and simple black clutch.

One of my fav designs was composed by DKNY. I love this simple and carefree gown that fits the body completely. I admire how creative the design is while it also offers a collective feel.

DVF chooses bold and funky colors and patterns (per usual) which I totally gush over! The gorgeous dress above showcases a coral hue, white and turquoise. I love the bit of sparkle at the bottom of the frock that totally adds something special.

Kate Spade has proven that 50's inspired fash is what is going to be hot! Grab the mint collar blouse, checker capris, pointed toe flats, cat eye sunnies and nude tote. So Mad Men!

Victoria Beckham creates this chic and hip white mini with a clean and effortless cutout. Paired with the sassy nude knee high gladiators, this is totes amaze! I die!

The Ultimate Fall 2012 Manicure Guide

Want the latest on manicures and nail polishes for this fall? I have the most popular trends right at the tips of your fingers (literally!) Grab a hold of these luscious looks and wear them with pride to your next big event. Nail art has never looked better! 

Busy Phillips two-toned nail trend is one of the most popular trends of the season. Rocking a gold bead-embellished turquoise and black mani, Busy's nails worked perfectly with her printed dress. Super heavenly!

Funny girl, Khloe Kardashian tweets a picture of her "Chanel Rain" inspired nails that are absolutely fascinating and something that we should all try. Going artistic and adventurous is the new thing to do, obviously! Adorbs!

Bad girl Kristen Stewart knows what's up. She decides on super glimmering metallic nails, the must-have color of the season! How captivating and daring are these?! If you are having a hard time deciding what to do next with your nails, go metallic. You won't regret it. 

Christina Milian models a blue sparkly manicure. While fall tends to look towards darker hues, be sure to add that cute little sparkle, a way to make things sassy and fun.

Front row at Paris Fashion Week, Jessica Alba rocks this lovely combination. She chooses to go a distinct route with neutral colored nails while the tips are coffee colored, matching her ring finger hue. Very different but something I am going to do next week at the nail salon!

Jessica Szohrs nail art is absolutely delightful and spunky as she opts for dark blue and purple sparkly nails. I love how they slowly change on each nail bud. Super clever and super fearless.