Ginger v. Maryann: Two sides of the same coin

Why should you have to choose to define yourself as either a vixen or the cute girl next door? I say it's our prerogative as women to be both when we so choose...after all that's what makes up the spice of life ;)

Be bold, fearless and live like you want to!

Have Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Prince and White Lace Fever!

I've always liked Prince but I never knew that the great purple one had a unconscious affect on me, lol. Here is the white lace necklace I just put up on my etsy shop ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/50193179/romantic-neo-victorian-lolita-retro). Now take a look at the 1985 video below...any similarities?

Yep, that's right...WHITE LACE FEVER!

Hope you enjoy my DJ moment and hop on board the white lace fever train!
Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
New Pollution Designs
xoxo

Neo-Victorian: The New Underground

Romantic Neo-Victorian is what's hot and new...but not because it's inspired from days gone by. This black lace necklace is something that had been rolling around in my mind. It's both sexy and intriguing.

I hand wrap and secure each wooden bead individually.

Take a look at what I have been feverishly working on: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50187025/romantic-neo-victorian-lolita-gothic

or search through my whole shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/newpollutiondesigns

If you like what you see please give it a heart! I hope you enjoy!

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
New Pollution Designs
xoxo

CUTE BONBON CANDIES ON MY ETSY SHOP!!

It's so cute you could eat it!!! Doesn't it look like wrapped candy? This handmade bonbon inspired fabric covered necklace is 29 inches or 73 cm in length with wooden beads on the inside. The necklace consists of 13 large beads at 25mm. The fabric has been braided after the beads to give a fresh feel and a sleeker look. The fabric is cotton that is pink in color with with brown stripes. Each bead is hand sewn securely into place.

It's truly a great necklace to accessorize any outfit!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/49654859/pink-stripe-fabric-covered-wooden-bead

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
New Pollution Designs
xoxo

Find me at:
youtube.com/newpollutiondesigns
facebook.com/newpollutiondesigns
elisaloves.blogspot.com
twitter.com/elisalamour

All items are handmade in the USA.

Hayley Williams of Paramore Budget Makeup Inspired Look from The Only Exception Video

Rachel Zoe Project is BACK!!! WATCH NOW!!! Season Preview that Premieres Aug 3

I truly love this show. Rachel Zoe is a great fashion stylist to watch because she isn't bitchy or mean. She just loves FASHION! And you get a real insiders look at what it takes to make a celebrity sparkle and shine. Plus you get to sit in the front row of a lot of top tier fashion shows...I say yes please :)

If you are on the fence about this show jump on over to the fashion side of life. I think you'll be addicted by the end of the first episode.

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Flashback Karaoke: Madonna Borderline...COME SING ALONG!

WATCH NOW!!! Katy Perry - California Gurls Video

Katy Perry - California Gurls: "Teenage Dream"

Click the link to see Katy Perry's new video 'California Gurls' on mtv.com! It's a candyland dream!

Liquid Metal: Sizzling Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez looks amazing. Period. This picture was taken of her at a benefit concert for the Apollo Theater in a bronze Gianfranco Ferre dress with Sergio Rossi heels, an Etro clutch and Roberto Cavalli jewelry.

Her silhouette looks stunning and her accessories have a relaxed feel. She looks beautiful without looking like she tried very hard. So a nod to her makeup, hair and clothing stylists. They won the fashion battle with this one.

What do you think?

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity at the MET in NY

In the NY area?

Check this out: The 'American Woman' exhibition which features fashion archetypes from the 1800's to today at the Costume Institute of the Met. Below is a little excerpt about the exhibition that is running until August 15, 2010 and video of some of the costumes through the ages...just in case you can't make it over to see in person.

"The American woman's claim to fame in the fashion world mirrors what the country's roots are built on: freedom.  From the heiresses in the 1890s to the screen sirens of the 1940s — and, really, into the 21st century — it was American style icons who helped move fashion forward with new standards of beauty, sexuality, power and art, even if many of the best couturiers lived and worked across the Atlantic. "




Want to know more? Check out this article:Read more: http://newsok.com/american-woman-exhibits-fashion-archetypes-at-the-met/article/3461301#ixzz0qZjcNkXa

Let me know if you've seen the show! Also if there is a cool exhibit going on in your area from any part of the world, please leave a comment telling me where and I'll post it!

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Grace Kelly: Style Icon and the V&A

Grace Kelly: Style Icon, sponsored by Van Cleef and Arpels, is on display from now until September 26, 2010 and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England.

Below is an excerpt from the website about the show.

"This exhibition shows the spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s. Featuring dresses from her films including High Society and Rear Window, as well as the gown she wore to accept her Oscar in 1955, the display will examine Grace Kelly's glamorous Hollywood image and enduring appeal.


It will also explore the evolution of her style as Princess Grace of Monaco, from the outfit she wore to her first meeting with Prince Rainier in 1955 to her haute couture gowns of the 1960s and '70s by her favourite couturiers Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Yves St Laurent."

Please click on the link below for more information. It's one not to miss!

http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fashion/gracekelly/home/index.html

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Quote of the Day: Judy Garland

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." ~Judy Garland

Anna Nicole Smith...the Opera

Yeah...you read that right! ANNA NICOLE SMITH the OPERA!!!!! Really if you live in the Uk you have to go see this. I beg you :)

So, Anna Nicole Smith the opera will be performed at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden for February 2011 with Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title role.

Here's the blurb from the website:

A world premiere on the fascinating subject of Anna Nicole Smith. A model for Playboy, marriage to an octogenarian billionaire, scandal, legal battles and early death – this is the real-life story that has inspired Mark-Anthony Turnage’s new opera. Inevitably adult themes, strong language and sexually explicit content are part of this exciting work. Richard Jones directs this major new opera, with Antonio Pappano conducting a cast that has Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title role.

Here is a link to see when the show is & how much the tickets will be: http://www.roh.org.uk/season/opera.aspx
 
AMAZING!!! lol
 
Happy Singing,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Retro Grandma Chic: Balenciaga & Louis Vuitton

Are you going to be rocking the hot granny look next summer? You might be because this is the styling coming out of the 2011 Resort Collections for Balenciaga (on the left) and Louis Vuitton (on the right). I rather like it but I don't think anyone is really going to wear this look in its styled entirety. But I am always a fan of retro designs. I think the elements broken up are going to be fab!!! It also kind of reminds me of the movie 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton :D... Don't you think?!?!?Share your thoughts...hit or miss?

designer photos from style.com

Glam It Up: 6 Easy Makeup Tips

You don't need to be a professional makeup artist to look glam...you just need to know their secrets! So here is a quick compilation of tips that you can try in the comfort of your own home from artists Gregory Arlt, who is the director of makeup artistry for M.A.C Cosmetics and James Boehmer the international lead makeup artist for Nars. Also Soul Lee, national makeup artist for Shu Uemura, Rachel Goodwin, makeup artist for Chanel, celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow and Molly Stern, celebrity makeup artist for Covergirl. Let's begin:

1) Sculpt Cheekbones: Pick a matte contour color or matte bronzer that is one to two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Stern says to blend it from the top of the ear to underneath the apple of the cheek.

Then add a pop of rosy cheek color and a bit of highlighter along the tops of cheek bones. "The contrast will make cheeks look more three-dimensional," says Boehmer

2) Make Eyes Look Wide Awake: Go for light colored eyeshadow with a frost or a satin finish, says Arlt. Pale shades open up eyes while shimmer reflects light, making them appear brighter, like Kim Kardashian. (See left)

Using a nude (not white) on the lower rims of eyes will also create the illusion of larger eyes.

**I'd like to add that you should try and find a color that is one to two shades lighter then your own skin tone. It won't look as harsh. Try elf eyeshadow in Butternut (middle left). It's a budget friendly way to test the look. (eyeslipsface.com)**

3) Perfect Your Brows: Brush brows with a spooly brush (looks like a mascara wand), then fill in sparse area with a brow pencil using light, short strokes says Lee.

Finish by brushing brows once more to bland color and give a softer appearance.

**I'd like to add that you can go to your local drug store or chemist and buy clear eyebrow templates to help as a guide to shaping your brows on a budget.**

4) Create Luscious Lips: Make your mouth seem fuller by shading in the outer two-thirds with a pencil that's slightly darker then your lips and leave the center bare. Finish with a shimmery neural gloss, concentrating on the middle of lips for extra dimension.

**Extra tip: Pucker your lips and draw a line with lip liner from right out side the upper points of your lips down. Once you release you will easily see where the other two-thirds is. If on a budget try Rimmel London lip liner in Tiramisu.**

5) Make Your Skin Glow: Moisturize, then apply a mixture of creamy luminizer and foundation or tinted moisturizer to get all-over radiance, says Turnbow. Add luminizer to the tops of cheekbones, brow bones and cupid bows of lips like Kate Bosworth. (see left)

**If you are naturally oily I would skip this step and add a nice highlighter in the same areas suggested. It will stop you from looking to shiny too quickly. A nice foundation to try is Neutrogena Healthy Skin. I use Smashbox Softlight (bottom left) powder to give a pretty glow. (smashbox.com)**

6) Under Eye Brightening: Choose a concealer that is no more than one shade lighter then your skin, says Goodwin. If you need a color that corrects, peach helps with dark circles, and green counteracts redness.

And if all else fails go to a few makeup counters and ask what types of products they suggest you need. Test a few in different lighting before making a decision.

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Feeling Like a DJ--Paramore: The Only Exception

This is how you do the no makeup, makeup look. Simply Beautiful. I think this song is great and the cinematography is captivating. Big thumbs up...what do you think?



Happy Listening,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Awesome & Free Radio Si/Fi, Mystery, Drama, Comedy Dramatizations can be Found HERE!

Are you into books on tape? How about sci/fi or comedy or drama? What about mysteries or ... English accents? Then I have something that you will enjoy. It's listening to free stories on BBC Radio 7. When I lived in London I used to listen to radio/internet stories like Dr. Who and Sherlock Holmes to Dracula and Winnie the Poo. And now that I am back in the States I listen to broadcasts on http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio7/.
The only catch is that you have 7 days to listen to the entire story and then it's gone. But it's well worth it to listen to dramatized stories at your leisure for free. I like to listen to the stories on this site when I am creating my hats and necklaces.

There are 134 programs to listen to right now. So scroll through and pick your fancy. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio7/programmes/a-z/player

I'm following the mystery series Lord Peter Wimsey: The Nine Tailors episodes by Dorothy L Sayers. But remember we only have 1 week to listen!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00m5xc7/episodes/player


Tell me what you are listening too!
Happy Listening,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Daily Dose: 5 Vitamin Must Haves

I have to say that I am pretty good about taking my vitamins everyday...except for when I forget. But I haven't always been as diligent as I am now. Up until late teens I could only swallow teeny-tiny little pills...so I know your pain if you are one of those people.

I know vitamins aren't something that everyone immediately buys or takes, yet we all hear or read that they're important. So I thought this bit of information from Dr. Michael Roizen, co-author of You: Staying Young would be helpful and easy!

He says that 5 vitamins will help you everyday. Let's break it down:

1) One Multivitamin for health and life longevity.

2) Two 600 milligrams of DHA/omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) for brain function.

3) One 1,000 IU vitamin D for bone and heart health.

4) One 200 milligrams of magnesium to counter act bloat and constipation.

I hope you found this helpful. Now you know what to buy and take to give yourself a quick dose of health.

Happy Health,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo
You: Staying Young: The Owner's Manual for Extending Your Warranty

Look Hot in Vintage Glam:Perfect Little Plus Size Black Dress for Date Nights or Special Ocassions

Honestly, I know how hard it can be to find a nice dress when you have an event to go to. As a plus size lady myself, it's not always easy to find something glam/retro and not have it look like my great-grandmother would wear it!!! I want sexy not dumpy. I want to be on the dance floor not in the corner.

Kiyonna is the place that I turn to for such occasions and I know you will really love what you see. I adore this dress. It's the perfect mix of vintage glam and simplicity combined. Think Marylin Monroe and Jane Mansfield combined...sexy sophistication.

I have bought quite a few items from Kiyonna and love them all. This dress is on the list to pick up. Plus it has really good customer reviews. AND it ranges from size 10-12 to a 32-34...yeah I'm serious!!! So if you or someone close to you is plus size then click on the pic below to find out more about my Little Black Dress Pick of the Day. It will save so many tears of frustration. And YOU WILL LOOK HOT!!! I'm just saying!;)







Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour
xoxo

Prrrfect Hello Kitty Inspired Headband: Graduation, Birthday, or Because You are FAB Gift!

newpollutiondesigns.etsy.com

Fergie's New Ad Campaign for Avon

According to beauty journalist Rachel Jacoby at instyle.com,"Fergie’s debut ad campaign for Avon features the songstress in a sexy cut-out lace mini-dress with an armful of edgy bangles."

She described the scent, Outspoken (available for purchase later this month), "[as] everything Fergie—fresh and modern—with exotic notes of passionflower, ebony, saffron and even black leather!" In October 2009 when her appointment to Avon was announced, Fergie told WWD.com that “It was very important to me to bring what I have to the table. I’m a bit more rock and roll than some of the other artists, and Avon has really allowed my personality to come through.”

These are two new pics of her Avon ad.

Men in heels: WATCH NOW Lady Gaga's Newest Video Alejandro

Men with bowl hair cuts in high heels: Have you seen Lady Gaga's latest video Alejandro? It's both minimal and overdone in the Gaga style we have come to enjoy and expect...and it's awesome. Just when you think you know what she is going to do next she switches it up. Yet she remains true to her art form philosophy.

One thing I do notice is a video catalogue reference, purposeful or not, to some of Madonna's videos. Maybe it's coincidental but it does show how groundbreaking Madonna has been and continues to be.

Hope you enjoy,
Elisa L'Amour xoxo

Marc Jacobs is the Womenswear Designer of the Year.

FASHION QUICKIE: The Council of Fashion Designers of America, based in New York, selected Marc Jacobs the Womenswear Designer of the Year. Marcus Wainwright and David Neville for Rag & Bone won Menswear Designer of the Year, and Alexis Bittar was Accessory Designer of the Year.

Pics of the event were taken by Steve Eichner

From the top: Marc Jacobs, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dakota Fanning, Rachel Weiz in Jason Wu, Jessica Biel, Various models from the show.

mark Offers FREE Kissink Lip Tintmarker for My Blog Buddies!!

Get a FREE Kissink Lip Tintmarker plus FREE Shipping with your $20 mark.

mark Kissink Lip Tintmarker is filled with a water-based liquid pigment, this magic marker-style lip tint dries fast for a smudge-proof finish that lasts hours and hours. 0.09 fl. oz.

order. Code KISSINK. Valid through 6-30-10.

Watch Oscar de la Renta Resort Runway show on livestream

Double click the video box below and you will see the 2011 Oscar de la Renta Resort Runway Show that just happened today. It's like sitting in the front row.

Watch live streaming video from oscardelarenta at livestream.com

Share you thoughts with me...hit or miss?
Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour xoxo

Great Dress: Miranda Cosgrove

I think Miranda Cosgrove, who is 17 years-old, looks great at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. She looks age-appropriate and very cute. I think young stars and young girls alike should take note: This is how not to look desperate! You can see in the photo below that the original dress came in blue but I love the red better...don't you? It just brightens up her complexion.

images from celebrity-gossip.net and thefashionspot.com

Dangerous Curves: A Quote to Remember

"Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided. "
~Mae West

HK+ME=LOVE! Find out what's new on my etsy shop!!!

For my British Beauty Lovers...

Are you a fan of Estee Lauder, Clinque, Origins? What about Laura Mercier, Yves Saint Laurent or Tom Ford? Well you can check out the latest products and more by clicking on the the link below...
Spend £30 for free delivery on top brand beauty products at John Lewis

America's Most Wanted...HAIR!

According to People Style Watch Jennifer Aniston's sun kissed highlights and easy layers are a national favorite.

In Los Angeles, California Jessica Biel's long layers are most requested.

In Boston, Massachusetts Gwyneth Paltrow's angled bob is all the rage.

The ladies of Phoenix, Arizona are loving Katie Holmes short hair cut.

And finally the great gals of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania want the lovely blond layers with fringe/bangs of Reese Witherspoon.

Who is the celebrity that you most covet? Is she or he not pictured above? Share then!

Happy Fashions,
Elisa L'Amour xoxo

Blue Hair Never Looked So Sexy! California Gurl...

Now this is how to wear blue hair and still look smokin' hot! Check out Katy Perry at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. And you know I can't blame her for forgetting her pants because if I had those legs I'd be rocking this dress too....and so would you! Don't lie! LOL!!!

I wonder if she will start a trend. Does this make you want to run out and buy some blue hair dye? Or what about blue hair extensions?

Happy Fashions,

Elisa L'Amour xoxo

Beauty Buzzwords: Fast Track to Healthy Skin

You may have heard these 5 words being tossed around by beauty experts on TV and magazines: Avobenzone, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptide and Retinol, but what do they actually do for your skin. Well I'm gonna break it down!

• Avobenzone: It's an ingredient in sunscreen that blocks UVA rays which can lead to wrinkles.
• Glycolic Acid: It's a fruit-derived acid, it helps exfoliate the skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: It's an ingredient that attracts moisture and allows skin to hold onto it.
• Peptide: It's a chain of proteins that helps reduce wrinkles and improve texture and pigmentation.
• Retinol: A derivative of vitamin A that stimulates collagen production, smooths skin and fades brown spots.

So now when you are staring down the skin care aisle with a ton of choices you are a bit more armed with the knowledge to make the right choices for your skin.

Hope this helps,
Elisa L'Amour

New Blog Features= Fun Times Ahead!!!

I'm sure you can tell immediately that I have a new background! F-U-N!!! I was playing around today with some new ideas and widgets that I really like! So if you look at the bottom of my page you will see books that I recommend to everyone looking for fashion tips, make-up know how and craft ideas. Honestly these books are so helpful!

Also in the sidebar on the right you can now preview the latest songs on amazon.com. I need to check out Katy Perry's 'California Girl' and Lady Gaga's 'Alejandro'. It's like a mini-DJ for my site. So scroll through and see if anything strikes your fancy.

Feel free to feed the fish too!!! You just click in the middle of the box and your cursor will drop food in their bowel. You can watch them eat and play!

I hope you enjoy!

Elisa L'Amour xoxo
New Pollution Designs

Clean Correctly: The Face

Interesting 'How To' from dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf

Did you know that in order to clean your face correctly you should:

1)Splash skin with luke warm water.
2)Massage cleanser onto your entire face for 30 seconds in a circular motion.
3)If you are normal to oily, rinse thoroughly with luke warm water and pat dry.
3a)If you are on the dry or sensitive side, gently remove cleanser with a damp cloth or tissue.

So there you have it folks...THREE easy steps to getting a clean face!

And as Elizabeth Taylor shows us...if you wash your face you too can look as lovely as she! :p

Wink and a smile,
Elisa L'Amour
New Pollution Designs

Purple Rain: Hollywood Forever Cemetery

There are parts of the 80s that I think everyone should keep alive. I suppose it's because I remember the 80's (I was a but a wee babe) but I still can't get past the MUSIC. Give me Duran Duran, Prince, Cindi Lauper, Madonna, The Cars and more any day!!! Also my cousin was a teenager in the 80s and I thought she was incredibly cool for wearing a stud earring in one ear and a large plastic pink dangling '7' earring in the other. Plus she had these magazine pull-outs of all the 80s musicians of the time all over her bedroom walls... Prince, Michael Jackson and Boy George come to mind.

So when I had the chance to go to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery this past weekend to see Purple Rain on the side of a huge mausoleum with some of my home-girls (yes I am inappropriately keeping that saying alive) I jumped at the opportunity and it was amazing! Granted the hipster quotient was a bit out of control but everyone was in a great mood and had fun.

It was a picnic situation so the Purple Rain fans laid out their blankets and chairs in the "empty" cemetery grounds and ate everything from vegan dishes to BBQ. My friend, forever the the Italian Momma, brought a sandwich spread that would make a grown man weak in the knees. I couldn't have asked for a more special night with my friends. I want to urge anyone that lives in So Cal to go to one of these movie viewings.
http://www.cinespia.org/calendar/

Oh and for the record we didn't sit on any graves so no worries!!!

So in honor of that fun evening I want to put up two lil' videos for your enjoyment!