People's Choice Award- Best and Worst Dressed List

Another year has began and with it the so awaited Award Season...and we begin the year with a boom!

I have to say, after watching a few of the award events in the past nights, my list of worst dressed is very short; I mostly condemn these fashions, not as atrocities but as boring choices! And this time I choose to call them Safe & Boring choices, rather than worst dressed.

Let's begin with my most favourite/out of the box choices:

Best Dressed

Country Singer Carrie Underwood hits the mark with this gorgeous lime green Empire-waist tiered gown! The color is vibrant and the embroidery elegant especially when accessorized with Cinta by John Hardy Jewels. This was her backstage dress (1 out of 3 changes), but much more red-carpet worthy than her floral dress!

Dress number 2 for miss Carrie Underwood was a tangerine bejeweled short dress by Jenny Packham SS09 collection. The jeweled neckline is hot this upcoming season, as is the vibrant color!

The third and final dress choice (the red carpet pick of Carrie Underwood), is my least favourite of the 3; nonetheless, it's still a gorgeous dress with fabulous fit! The floral and metallic theme is hot this upcoming season, as the Naeem Khan Pre-fall 09 suggests. Carrie accessorizes it beautifully with Cinta by John Hardy Jewels and Mary Norton Clutch.

Jennifer Morrison metallic dress has to be my favourite of the night! The details on the bodice of the Gianfranco Ferré Spring 08 dress is so interesting and a perfect choice for the red carpet. Jennifer accessorizes it beautifully with Christian Louboutin slingbacks and a perfect grey clutch.

Marisa Tomei looked stunning in the strapless
vibrant red dress with asymmetrical hem line by Donna Karan. The choice of gold jewelry and accessories is exquisite. Marisa looks classy and timeless!

What a stunner Dakota Fanning. The teenager holds her own on the red carpet. The electric blue is fantastic against her skin and the one shoulder BCBG mini dress is very age appropriate. She keeps it simple and stunning with no jewelry or accessories.

Show host Queen Latifah, looked beautiful in her purple Georges Chakra Couture gown. The color is great against her skin and the chiffon and jeweled neckline makes it red carpet worthy.

Debra Messing took chances on the red carpet with the Steel grey Donna Karan dress and I love it! The choice of gold jewelry is also a great fit.

The interesting shape keeps it fresh and daring...awesome for a red carpet choice!

Paris Hilton is usually not one of my favourite dressed on the Red Carpet. I find that her choices are repetitive, and so she continues on the People's Choice Award red carpet with another one of her baby-doll dresses. However I can't deny how much I like the low cut full skirted Jenny Packham dress! The floral appliqué and gold sequins makes it fresh and pretty and the Fendi bag is a great accessory.

Safe & Boring Dressed

Ok, I don't think this is the worst dress on the red carpet, actually I think Jordin Sparks looks adorable in Jessica McClintock, and the vibrant blue is excellent; however I'm growing so tired of the prom queen look! If the dress could be worn at prom...it might not belong on the red carpet...it just needs a bit more edge when you are a superstar like Jordin!

I think I have this dress (in brown)!!!

Given that the steel grey is gorgeous and the fit on AnnaLynne McCord is amazing, I don't think a jersey/spandex dress fits on the red carpet...a club or a restaurant maybe! and I have seen this dress a million times!

Christina Applegate black chiffon dress by Jenny Packham is pretty and a bit more detailed than the boring LBD on the People's Choice Award's red carpet (to follow on the list). The sheen creates a few extra bulges.

Jennie Garth is looking very epoch in her LBD, especially with the red lips and big curls. And has been seen how many times already?? The red carpet has a need of fresh looks or it becomes plain Boring.

Exhibit A! Boring to the Nth degree! Reese Witherspoon has looked so much better on the red carpet, the LBD here is just plain lazy and playing it safe!

Imagine the possibilities with Lisa Edelstein's baby blues and gorgeous skin! The little blue accent in her dress already pops...however she decides to go safe with a boring and flat hued Black dress.

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/

Social Media and Fashion Business

Lately, I have not only been addicted to Social Media Networks but also come to know the huge weight in Business-Networking they carry.
I am talking about networks as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin (to name a few).

Many user learn these new technologies as a way to keep in touch with friends and family. In numerous occasion these tools have served well in resuscitating some old relationships and friendships. However many users fail to see that these social networks are an actual science! What seems to be a fad, it's actually a new networking way of doing business.

In the Fashion world, these media network photographers, agents, models, stylist and even buyers and retailers. It's incredible how entering one of these circles can boost a new career!

It is actually possible to meet professionals online, make sure their career comes highly recommended by people who know people we know and trust, and actually do business with them without even meeting in person!

An online recommendation is the most sought after credential in this Networking world!

It is also a must to be profiled in as many networks as possible; a professional not having a virtual profile, is seen as a negative, as a being-out-of-touch with the professional world -almost as serious as not having a business card or a phone!

I personally like to separate my fashion business contacts, from my friends and family. Keeping a secret identity -in a way- except when the two worlds collide and some of my professional contacts make it through to my friends list.

It is also vital to pay attention who you associate with in your online social networking, since a bad chip can sink the ship- and can get your reputation to go along with it to the bottom of the online abyss!
An On-line agent or photographer with a bad rep can and will ruin your credibility with future clients! So be extremely cautious. But don't get intimidated by the new technology, and don't ignore it, it won't just go away.
So be warned: if you fail to network yourself in these new media, you will be left in the dust!

Check out some of my business profiles and join some of the networks/web-tools here:

Ella-Linkedin
Ella-Twitter
Ella-WorldWebinarNetwork
Facebook
Flickr
MySpace
So on and so forth...

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

How to Really Become a Successful Model

The Fashion Industry, is a wonderful field to experience! With so many different opportunities and so much glamour it's one of the fastest growing industry out there. Thousands of Magazines, TV shows and Online sites are dedicated to Fashion, and millions of people world wide aspire to have a career in this multi-million dollar industry.

But with the good comes the bad!!!

It's a dog-eat-dog industry, very cut throat and unforgiving. Like Heidi Klum says: "In this Industry one day you are in, the next you are out!". The world of modeling can also add it's own demons, with eating disorders and substance addictions.

How do you really become a Successful Model without falling victim to the
Industry Demons?

Well -believe it or not- I found the answer!!!

Recently I listened to a CD, which a very clever and experienced guru has released. It's "The Wizard of Editorial- How to Really Become a Successful Model" by Marie P. Anderson.

Miss Anderson, is not only a former model who has walked the walk, but she is also the author of two sold out internationally published books: Model, The Complete Guide To Become a Professional Model and Model, The Complete Guide for Men and Women.

She has co-produced the modeling documentary: Clean Face, Clean Hair. With many accolades to her name, one is being known as the booker that discovered the Supermodel, Cindy Crawford.

Being a model and talent agent in for the past 25 years, and having owned her own Chicago based Agency makes Miss Anderson a voice to be heard! She knows exactly what the new models will experience, since she has been on "both sides of the fence!" and like few others, she sees the NEED to educate new comers with the basic and advanced knowledge of the industry, in order to avoid the dangers and down-sides of it.

Her educational company Studio Galatea, offers amazing services, including live seminars with the expert herself.

In her CD, she talks about the crude reality of the fashion industry, giving a survival guide to the new beginners. She teaches the aspiring models how to set realistic goals, to find and contact a good agency and to establish a two-way working relationship with the booker. She proceeds to advice the new models how to professionally present themselves at the interview and the questions to ask the agency.

Wow, I was absolutely puzzled why agencies world-wide don't ALREADY provide Marie P. Anderson's teachings to ALL their new models!

She is amazing in delivering her message with ease, truth and in a conversation-like matter. She is very honest and warm, and at times it feels like she's having an intimate conversation with the listener.

The CD can be purchased through her website http://www.studiogalatea.net/ and she is easily reachable at 312.961.6775.

She is still working in Chicago as an agent who finds great pride in nurturing new talent, so if you are looking to 'Make it Big' in the crazy and glamorous world of fashion and entertainment, buy her material and give her a shout!

I personally and highly recommend her as one of the nicest people in the industry you will ever encounter!!!

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/

Best Holiday Gifts

Another Holiday season is upon us: the lights, the festive music, the decorated trees, everything seems to remind us that it's that time to go Holiday shopping!

It is a big dilemma every year, what to buy for our dear family and friends, trying to stay fresh and original with new ideas. But, sometimes classic gifts can take the guess work out of gift giving and still be very much appreciated.

Everyone on their list has that almost impossible person to shop for; this holiday gift stick with a classic! Who doesn't like a cashmere sweater, or scarf, gloves, hat? Cashmere is a luxurious fabric, and everyone likes a warm embrace by cashmere in the cold winter days. The best thing is that it's a present that fits both the men or women on your list.

Try to stay away from personal items like perfumes, shoes, sunglasses.

Opt instead for a more generic gift, with relevance to the person.

A lady likes her handbags, in every shapes, texture and color, so scout around for a nice addition to her wardrobe. Jewelry is almost never a miss either; to keep it affordable and original, visit a vintage store and find a great piece of custom jewelry ( a beautiful broach for her winter coat, or a necklace for the party dress), make sure it has an interesting story and it's wrapped in a beautiful box.

Most guys like their technology, anything from wireless headphones to a new laptop/iphone gadget. Especially relevant for teenage boys.

If technology is not the gift of choice then can't mess it up with leather! Try a new belt, or the cuff that all the male celebrities are wearing.

Ties are also a classic...well, almost a cliche, but a gift cannot be a miss with a gorgeous Italian silk tie!

Most teenage girls love their makeup, a great gift would be a start up kit of mineral makeup (which has muted tones of makeup...much appreciated by the parents) or a brush set. Or buy a Makeup case, the bigger the better!

Girls and women of every age love Organizers. Find a case with drawers of every size for their small items (jewelry/makeup/scrapbooking), then fill a couple of drawers with some "surprises".

Gift certificates can be impersonal most of the time, unless they are from the recipient's favourite store!

What if the money is a bit tight this year? Start a fund...show your wife/husband/child that you have started a saving fund for their favourite expensive handbag/shoes or the new laptop/gismo or the videogame station/bike...then you will (must) set aside a small amount every month for the item! But make sure the money is used to purchase the item at the end of the collection, or the fund idea loses it's charm! Then still get them something small to unwrap!

Books are great classic holiday gifts (and not too pricy), for your reader friends and relatives. Book lovers can't have enough books! The entrepeneur on your list would love a book as well, buy one in the related field of interest, or a self-help book on leadership, author John Maxwell has a great range.

For the engaged couple on the list a book about relationships: "The five love languages"and "Personality Plus" are a great start (also an excellent gift for a wedding shower). A scapbook (kit) to place their momentos of their new life together is also a thoughtful holiday gift.

For the impossible aunt/grandmother, go dust off an old picture of the two of you from the past(or herself as a child), make a larger copy and frame it. Wrap it in the most precious wrapping paper and a big bow to make it extra special.

Whatever you decide, remember that it's about giving and receiving...not about the expensive gift, so put some thought in the holiday gifts you select for your family and friend.

Have a blessed Holiday Season,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/

New Fall/Winter fashions trends

The New Fall /Winter ('08/'09) Season is upon us and with all the trends circulating right now, it's hard to sift through the stores for a sophisticated outfit. What to wear this holiday season?

I'm relying on Fashion Director Michael Fink, from Sask Fifth Avenue to give you a visual.

The Sask's WANT IT! LIST, provides women and men with basic wardrobe pieces to be stylish during the holiday season.

I agree with Fink, dresses are IN!

Try a pretty fitted dress for the Holiday Office party. A solid color or a soft print, with a bold necklace, tights, a gorgeous handbag (or clutch) and a pretty ankle boot, all topped by a great coat is classy and appropriate.

Invest in a three quarter length coat; try a soft color like Cream or Camel (it's always more sophisticated than the usual black or gray).

To be adventurous, try color tights...a beautiful wine color with your brown boots and fitted dress. Or a metallic tight to give a plain black boot a punch of color. However keep it classy, otherwise it can look costume-y.

Boots are essential this winter season and something to splurge on. Go for quality, rather than brand name. A well-made boot will last for many seasons and will keep you warm, dry and fashionable. Also it will make any outfit look "expensive"!

Man can invest in a great pair of ankle boots. Celebrities (like Colin Farrell, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and many more) are wearing the trend this season, from worn out slip-on boots to patened zippered boots. Wear them with casual and classy clothes for an edgy look.

Bold jewelry is also all the rage this season. Do a bold necklace on a soft blouse or a chunky bracelet with a clean lined dress. Cocktail rings are bigger and bolder, carry one from day to evening, by wearing it with any outfit, it's a statement piece! Do not wear too many bold pieces at once! If you wear a bold necklace then keep the earrings smaller. If you do a bold ring then move the chunky bracet to the other arm.

Keep the handbag in proportions with your body size. A bigger body frame needs a bigger bag, while a more petite body size needs a smaller bag.

Scarves are still hot. Pick a thin tweed one (Missoni style) to wrap around your neck to dress up a jeans, T-shirt and leather jacket outfit; or a big scarf to wrap around your neck to dress up a plain turtle neck sweather.

Skinny jeans are still hot! Wear them inside a favourite pair of boots. If skinny is not great for your body type, then opt for a straight leg pair of jeans, and wear them with ankle boots or a favourite pair of colorful pumps. Trouser jeans are also great and suit a more semi-professional environment; they can be dressed up or down, and are fantastic for the woman with the more sophisticated taste.

Have a Happy Holiday and Be Fabulous!

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/

Standard of Beauty

What do Monica Bellucci, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp have in common?

Beauty!!!

They are all "beautiful people"!

Even though they don't look alike, (like many others) they all fit in a "beauty" category.

We see it every year, magazines around the world: the most beautiful...sexiest...most attractive man/woman in the world!

The world is fascinated with beauty ranking: readers out there, buy millions worth of magazines which showcase the beauty of a certain star, and get wrapped up in the gossip and at time not so pristine lives of the celebrity.

But is beauty in the eye of the beholder? If so, why do so many people agree on classifying these celebrities as beautiful? And who decides?

The truth is, that there is a standard of skin-deep beauty which is universally agreed upon. And the Beauty industry thrives on it!!!

What and who is beautiful then?

From facial features, to body parts, to general appearance, most people agree on certain standards of beauty... and therefore giving plastic surgeons and cosmetic companies a hefty salary!

Many may argue this theory, but if looked closely, a lot of these stars share "the beauty standard" most people in the world strive for.

What makes a person's physical beauty? Starting with the face: baby-like features!

Big eyes (color doesn't really matter much), high rounded cheek bones, small button-like nose and big pouty lips. Man usually need in addition a strong jaw line, dimples and a great smile.

A tall, lean figure seems like a common beauty trait. Women share an hourglass body shape, with a medium sized chest, small waist, flat stomach and pretty hips.

The body is not too skinny, but fit and (appearing) flab-free.

Men are also taller, lean and fit and at times, sporting a well defined torso.

Big shoulders frame a smaller waist line and a flattering hair style to frame the pretty facial features.

According to the standard, Beauty is:

Youthful skin-it is a must! keeping the face wrinkle-free, age and sun spots-free, and meticulously cared for. No big pores, no facial hair (trimmed and well kept for some men), a well bronzed or porcelain-like skin color, with even texture. The face has to be blemish-free, well exfoliated and with a radiant glow.

Hair has to be shiny (a sign of health), well trimmed with a modern, face framing hair cut. Highlights usually follow a nicely bronzed skin, while a more saturated hair-color follows a sunless skin complexion.

The body is fit and hairless. The extremities (hands and feet), well exfoliated and manicured.

Do these celebrities really look that way though?

Well, likely for us mere "mortals", they don't!!!!

They spend countless hours and dollars to achieve the standard, taking care of their health, diet and overall physical appearance; but it's virtually impossible to be flawless as the standard claims!

Modern science, in the vest of plastic surgeon, cosmetologist, stylist and well trained photographers transform the celebrity to what we get to see in the magazines.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, regardless of what people claim, however when the beholder relates to a certain standard of beauty, the product is a most beautiful/sexiest/attractive woman and man in the world!

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

http://community.beautybyella.com/

My Fast Life in the Fashion Lane

Back from working another Runway Fashion show at Fashion Week... and have to say, backstage it's a whole different world!

A world made of chaos, piles and piles of clothes, emotional roller-coasters and the drama...oh my, the drama!

But as much as I enjoy watching beautiful models parade a designer's latest fashion collection, being backstage at a fashion show -where the magic happens- is just my favorite part.
The adrenaline rush that you experience from the fast changing, the smell of hair spray and the dilemma of a missing shoe is addictive!


Funny how you find yourself in the dust and concrete walls of a Runway fashion show's backstage (which is so crude, compared to the pristine white runway the public gets to experience) and yet it feels like you always belonged there.

I often wonder if the models feel the same way... I dare to guess they prefer the flashing attention of the photographers.


As for me, I keep wanting more and more; this drug-like addiction leaves you exhausted and yet exhilarated.

All the tension and the rushing, often resulting in models crying and designers frustration, is all lifted once the runway fashion show is over, the models' smiley faces leave the runway and the public exits the fashion venue heading down to the after-party.

The only things left then are a number of white chairs - no longer lined up in a meticulous row- a few people who stick around to network and a messy-messy backstage.
Now, the busy dressers are left scooping off the floor the designers' beautiful fashion pieces they so carefully steamed before the show; meanwhile, as all the workers sweep all the pieces of paper with the models' names and line-ups, the hair stylist pack up their hairspray, the Agency people celebrate by taking off their shoes and the designers pack their precious clothes into plastic bags!

A whole day of preparation, a whole month to put it together, a whole season of designing...all over in 20 minutes! Everything wrapped up by the media and the critics by either thumbs up or down!

The designers leave excited, hoping some big department store, or fancy boutique will now carry their line.
As for us, behind the scenes people, it's off to the next show.

It's a wonderful crazy world of its own, the "Fashion Show", and I feel blessed to be a part of it all.

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
http://community.beautybyella.com/