GET THE LOOK: Keri Hilson at the 2010 Grammys

Hey Glamazons! Songtress Keri Hilson finally “WOW’d” us last night in a floor length Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown, a jeweled smokey eye and dewy skin. Makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff (whom we love!) shares with us how she created the look:

“Keri Hilson looked like a 1950’s diva when she left for the 2010 Grammys. Her peach dress with jeweled waistband was fit to the T and hugged every curve with care. I was inspired to play up her beautiful hazel eyes and also give a touch of edge to her Hollywood glam goddess look.”

“Before applying makeup, always start with clean, toned and moisturized skin. I use Mary Kay’s TimeWise Targeted-Action Eye Revitalizer to refresh tired eyes. I love Enessa Neroli Oil Spray to tone skin and make skin glow. To finish, prep skin with La Mer moisturizer.”

The Perfect Face

“I love for Keri to look flawless because she has such a beautiful bone structure. I use Smashbox Photo Finish Primer to give makeup long wearability, then I apply COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Compact Foundation to create a flawless finish. I create a sculpted glowing face using COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Light Bronze. I also use it to contour the nose and cheekbones.”

Radiant Cheeks

“I love the soft peach tones of her dress so I accented Keri’s cheeks with Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Strawberry Cream which has a subtle cotton candy rose tone with a beautiful shimmer to it, so cheeks just glow.”

Standout Eyes

“Keri wanted to have a jewel tone smoke so I chose a beautiful deep purple shade from Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Plum on her lids and lower lash line. As a base to intensify the purple shadow I applied COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in Purple Plum. Then I created depth using Tigi Bed Head Big Fat Fun Liner in Purple and COVERGIRL LashBlast Volume Mascara in Black to top the look, coating both bottom and top lashes three times. I used Ja’Maal Busters Lash Line to add that extra drama for red carpet flare.”

Luscious Lips

“I didn’t want to do just a nude lip and smoky eye so instead I went retro— think Kevyn Aucoin meets Naomi Campbell in the 90’s with a deeper liner using Mary Kay Lip Liner in Dark Berry. I lined lips then used a brush to blend the liner out so it had soft edges then used COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lip Gloss in Pearled Peach in the center of the lips to create the perfect pout.”

Glorious Brows

“Brows frame the face and I love Keri’s brows because they are naturally high arched but also full. So I fill them in with Dior Universal Brow Pencil then brush them with Diorshow Brow in Shiny Blond so they shimmer with a golden glow.”

Bodilicious

“Keri’s dress was amazing and really showed off her curves so I wanted her skin to glow. I used Sally Beauty Body Glow Shimmer spray to give her body that shimmery glow.”

Glam or a Sham: AMA’s

Hey Glamazons!

By now, we’ve all seen and heard about the spectacles at Sunday’s American Music Awards that everyone is talking about: Jennifer Lopez falling on her ass-et (what’s more appalling to me is performing a “Louboutin” song not wearing Louboutins), Adam Lambert making out with a man, Jay-Z taking an alleged jab at 50 Cent while Chris Brown tweets “Cornball” and Q-Tip tweets about “cocky rappers.”

But to me, the fashion was just as troubling.

While some celebrities looked beautiful, others took fashion risks that didn’t quite pay off (Rihanna) or made amateur style faux pauxs (Whitney, where was your shapewear?).

Take a look at the celebrities that made us turn heads or scratch our heads and give your verdict: Glam or a Sham?

We loved Whitney Houston’s ruched white gown but a Spanx would’ve smoothed out her (tiny) tummy.

Not at all crazy about Rihanna’s Marchesa ballgown with floral cut-outs, and Easter Sunday ready white Mary Jane pumps. However, the red cat eyes (and Neil Lane jewelry) were everything.

We think Rihanna’s body is AMAZING but the Fifth Element meets Amber Rose bandaged suit was way too much for us.

Lady Gaga’s antics always amuse but the unsightly strap over her panties looks like a diaper or holster. Odd…not in a good way.

Alicia Key’s Armani Prive dress was adorable, fresh and sexy. We love how she highlighted her amazing legs and kept her Lorraine Schwartz jewelry simple and stunning.

Her fall may be the talk of the town, but Jennifer Lopez’s Marchesa feathery dress with beaded bodice totally makes up for it.

I live for Fergie’s studded Armani Prive gown. Equal parts daring and dazzling.

Does it get any chicer than Shakira’s yellow Versace minidress and Lorraine Schwartz jewels? Note to Rihanna: this is how cut-outs should be done.

I think the Biker Chic trend is completely overdone here. And Leona Lewis’ soft hairstyle with cascading ringlets seems out of place when paired with her leather Vivienne Westwood dress, chains AND a three-finger ring. Not a fan.

We thought Mary J. Blige looked elegant but a tad too dressy for the event. Nonetheless, her expertly-styled blonde cut was the perfect complement to her glowing skin.

We loved Keri Hilson’s sparkly Louise Golden minidress and Alaia booties. She always gets it right.

Though some critics feel Toni Braxton’s dress is a bit too revealing for a 40-something star, I think her gown—and body—look stunning. The messy updo, on the other hand, is not red-carpet friendly. And she could’ve put that boy in a suit.

I think velvet is always a controversial choice, but when done right, it looks expensive and dapper. Jay-Z slightly misses the mark, in my opinion, with the brown color.

What do you think about these looks, Glamazons? Glam or a Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

Angels In The Big Apple

I know, I know, I’m slightly late with this post so you’ve probably read all about the 2009 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that happened this past Thursday night in New York.

But seriously Glamazons, I (Ferocia) have been running on fumes for the past couple of weeks and booked a last second flight back home to chill out and catch my breath for a second. (City life can get pretty harsh sometimes! Not that I’m complaining about it, but it’s good to take a break every now and again.) So, with that said, apologies for not posting earlier, but I was busy packing and jumping on a plane. Now that I’m settled, read on to get my opinion of the show!

You all should know by now about my secret obsession with the Victoria’s Secret Angels and I was fortunate enough to get a ticket to the show (thanks to the lovely AJ from VS Beauty…she seriously rocks my world!) Despite the dreary weather, I headed over to the site super excited! There were several other beauty editors/directors in attendance (including my lovely friends Erica Metzger from Ladies Home Journal; Heather Muir from Seventeen; April Franzino from Good Housekeeping and Leah Wyer from Cosmopolitan.

(from l to r) Erica, Heather & April

Leah Wyer (beauty director at Cosmopolitan magazine)

While waiting for the show to begin, I spotted several celebrities walking into my section in search of their seats including Russell Simmons (who brushed right past me!) and fashion designers Zac Posen and Christian Siriano (whom I love, love, love!). Further down across the way I spotted marketing guru Steve Stoute (whom I’ve been secretly obsessed with meeting since I moved to the NY three years ago!), Jay Z (looking dapper in a black suit complete with bow tie; probably in preparation for Diddy’s birthday party which was also happening that night) and Dr. Dre. Singer Keri Hilson looked waltzed in looking atothemazing and actress Michelle Trachtenberg looked pretty, but very pale (ew).

Jay -Z and Dr. Dre at the VS Show 2009

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg at the VS Show 2009

It was while waiting for the show to begin that I started to think about last year’s show in Miami and how there was something missing about this year’s show versus last year’s. (I was also fortunate enough to attend the show last year, click here to read all about it!)

This year, there was no electricity in the air; no buzz. Granted, there was plenty of noise due to the mosh pit of teenagers near the stage that (I heard) were specially flown in to dance and yell in the hopes of making the crowd of jaded New Yorkers seem alive on television. Maybe it was the rain outside…or maybe it was the fact that I was extremely tired. I don’t know…there just didn’t seem to be as much excitement this year. I think Miami (or any other tropical city) are the perfect sites for this type of show….I mean, beaches, pools and sunshine go hand in hand with beautiful, half-naked women, wouldn’t you agree?!

The show itself was pretty awesome! This year’s musical guest were The Black Eyed Peas and one look at Fergie’s legs and ass in those fish nets was enough to make me want to start squatting on the spot! (Her and Beyonce’s bodies are my inspiration to hit the gym haha).

The Black Eyed Peas performing at the VS Show 2009

The first performance was “Boom Boom Boom” (one of my fave work out songs!) and was complete with glowing neon colored-clad background dancers and flashing neon lights. I couldn’t help but to bop along in my seat (that beat is infectious!). I also loved the huge blow-up polka dotted dog that was in the middle of the stage during the PINK section of the show.

Other than the Black Eyed Peas’ musical performances, the surprise of seeing Heidi Klum walking (she just popped out a baby! granted she wasn’t as naked as she usually is presumably because she’s still on a hardcore workout regime to get tight again, but she still looked gorge!) and the fact that I got to hang out again with my beauty editor friends, I didn’t really find anything else too intriguing about the show.

VS Angel Heidi Klum works the stage at the VS Show 2009!

Chanel Iman looked cute (as usual) and Sesilee Lopez looked fierce in those green thigh high boots and matching lingerie set (I’d kill for a stomach like hers!). I was excited to see Liu Wen walk in the show..she’s the first Asian model to do so and I hope that the VS brand continues to keep adding a more diverse roster of models to the show roster.

Chanel Iman shows off her ‘ass’ets at the VS Show 2009.

Missing VS Angels this year were Karolina Kurkova (who just had a baby) and Adriana Lima (who’s still pregnant).

VS Angel Alessandra Ambrosio gives a new definition to the “hot” in hot pink during the VS Show 2009!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics on my camera phone (shhh! We weren’t supposed to take any pics during the show haha)

Pretty pink and green scene from the VS Show 2009

All of the models came out at the end of the show.

Did anyone else attend this year’s show? If so, what did you think? Let us know.

And don’t forget to watch the show when it airs on CBS Thursday, Dec. 1 at 10/9 central!

xo

Ferocia

Fall Accessories Guide

Hey Glamazons!

This season, more actually is more. Ditch understated accents that just compliment your clothes. Fall’s accessories are no longer co-stars, they MAKE the outfit. The accessories of choice? The thigh-skimming boot, the costume jewelry necklace, the jeweled brooch, the long glove, the oversized day clutch, the cool hat, the leopard print bootie and lots of layered chain necklaces.

Instead of buying the whole accessories section at Nordstrom, invest in these three pieces: over-the-knee boots, leopard print booties and statement necklaces. Why? Because they’ll give your old Fall basics an instant update. An over-the-knee boot makes a pair of jeans look brand new in the same way a statement necklace adds pizzazz to a boring sweater. See? Totally, worth the investment.

PIECE TO BUY: Statement necklaces aren’t just for the prom, gala or red carpet anymore. Glamorous bib necklaces and layered chain necklaces are dressing up sweaters, tees and tanks this season! Throw one on and bring new life to your old Fall staples.

PIECE TO BUY: Over-the-knee boots are the style of choice this season! Note: to tone down the sex appeal (read: in order to not look like a streetwalker), wear them with a pair of fitted pants or leggings. If you want to rock a skirt or minidress, throw on tights in the same color as the boots (monochromatic color is huge this season!) to keep the sexiness at bay.

PIECE TO BUY: Accessories, like leopard print booties, always do the trick of transforming a plain wardrobe. They add sexy, trendy flair to your basic black, gray and brown pieces.

Yours truly rocking the look with Kandi from Real Housewives of Atlanta.

Kisses,

Coutura

Charlotte Ronson Spring 2010 Show with Keri Hilson and Angela and Vanessa Simmons

Hey Glamazons!

And the madness continues. Today, I went to the Charlotte Ronson Spring 2010 show and was introduced to the fabulous clothes I will be rocking all next season (umm…if I get a raise).

The designs were downtown, rocker chick meets ballerina. Charlotte gave her younger fan base the trendy, downtown style they’ve come to expect from her: 80’s shoulder pads, motorcycle jackets (with puff shoulders…to die for!), harem shorts, jumpsuits, leather bras (got to get my hands on one of those!), acid wash and stonewash denim and plenty of studs, zippers and spikes.

But the fresh spin is that she juxtaposed that downtown look with feminine, ballerina-inspired details and a touch of grown-up sophistication. For example, we saw double-breasted pantsuits paired with leather studded stilettos. Boyfriend shirts and blazers and vests spiced up with funky zipper details. The ballerina twist showed up in soft hues of dove gray, white and blush and flowy fabrics like chiffon. And of course, the hairstyles were variations of the classic ballerina chignon adorned with a trendy braided headband. Here are my loves:

Blazers with leather waisted belts made for grown-up silhouettes.

And 80’s fashions ruled.

Sister Annabelle stormed the catwalk in black acid wash shorts and a shimmery bra. Hot!

Charlotte Ronson walks out to applause at the close of the show

It was a tough-luxe fashionista’s paradise. The opposite of Utopia, however, was the celebrity chaos that ensued before the show started. For some awful reason, the PR people couldn’t get the seating right. People who legitmately had a seating assignment (not the “fakes” who bumrush the tents) were being regulated to the back or standing because the PR people had mistakenly filled their seats. One skinny PR girl randomly gave me a seat in the center in the 3rd row when I was supposed to be in row 6 (I’m not complaining) and dished: “I’ve been working on seating for half an hour and I was just supposed to be handling invites.” Messy, messy.

Luckily, during the chaos, I got to meet Angela and Vanessa Simmons (Uncle Russ was in the building as well), spot Nicky Hilton and chat with Keri Hilson, who “appropriately” wore her “favorite Charlotte Ronson dress.” In a one-shoulder printed minidress with one matching glove and platforms, she was more than appropriate – she could have easily been one of the models. She made me wish I wore my Charlotte Ronson…for JCPenney’s dress. =)

Keri Hilson posed for me in her black/metallic mini with one-leather-sleeve and glove. Can we say fierce?

Yes to the red lip, Miss Angela. Love seeing young, fashionable beauties on the red carpet: Angela and Vanessa Simmons and Keri Hilson.

Power families: the Simmons and the Ronsons

And can I just say, I love that the Ronson shows and events are a family affair. While sister Charlotte Ronson presented her fab designs, brother Mark Ronson sat in the audience, sister Annabelle modeled on the runway and sister Samantha Ronson shut it down as a DJ. Family fun, I love it!

Kisses,

Coutura

Front Row: BCBGMaxAzria Spring 2010 Collection with Solange, Amerie and Keri Hilson

Hey Glamazons!

Fashion Week is off to a fabulous start. This morning, the Glamazons, along with Keri Hilson, Solange and Amerie, checked out one of the hottest shows at the tents, BCBGMaxAzria. The show’s message? The 80’s is here to stay. Max Azria blew us away this season with his signature bandaged minidress (usually a staple at Herve Leger) with an exuberant, youthful twist. He experimented with eye-popping graphic prints and vibrant brights from hot pink to apple green. The silhouette was slouchy and comfortable as elegant—and super-flattering—draping ruled. Along with sexy bandaged minis, the asymmetric neckline is back for another season but this time, with racy, sheer cut-outs that are sure to turn heads. Mixed in with the electric neons were sophisticated neutrals like wispy white and gorgeous gray. And he even graced us with a few, floor-length fitted dresses with beautiful, show-stopping prints. 

Check out some blurry pics of our faves (sorry – the models move fast!):

Here’s the man of the hour at the end of the show. Such a tremendous talent!

And now for the front row! Sexy starlets, Solange, Keri Hilson and Amerie ruled the front row in glam, fashion-forward looks. We had to fight tons of photographers, reporters, camera crews and bloggers just to get to them! Complete mania but Ferocia and I are up for the challenge!

Solange wore a vintage black jacket with ropes strewn across the front and black sweats with a pop of color on the lips. Her haircut is even more stunning in person. 

Sol-Angel meets Coutura

Keri Hilson rocked a gray BCBG tunic, mini and platforms, a spiky silver necklace and her signature, highlighted haircut. 

And fashion darling, Amerie, was gorgeous in a green BCBG dress, black Gucci booties and a matching clutch. Love that she remembered me from chatting at the office! She dished that she’s super excited to see “BCBG, Davidelfin, Mara Hoffman and Fashion’s Night Out” tonight. Maybe we’ll see her at the FNO events? 

Stay tuned for more. =)

Kisses,

Coutura