It was four years ago that we met style-challenged Betty.  What was an initial attempt to get into the publishing industry turned into a warm, humourous and heart-felt comedy that became a household name.  I always loved this show.  The exaggerated storylines were always fun and it explored the fashion industry in a way that no other show did.

The best part of the show for me was none other than the fashion.  With the genius mind of Patricia Field behind the costuming, who could expect anything less than perfection? Field created amazing, fashion-forward looks which fit every character like a glove.  For Betty, though the task was to create looks to emulate a fashion wreck, it was still a pleasure to watch!

Week after week, Betty would trot to Mode in an insane mix of bright colours, explosion of prints and granny-looking garments.  Here’s the thing…most of what Betty sported was from a designer label; from Anna Sui to Marc Jacobs to Prada.  Somehow, it just worked for Betty’s eccentric, unique sense of style.

Throughout the show, as Betty got a bit slimmer, hair got shinier, eyebrows thinner and as she discovered more body-hugging silhouettes, Betty slowly understood what fashion was…the meaning behind it, what drives it, how it is inspired and how it can connect with people.  The underlying element of fashion (from the out-of-this-world storylines and crazy drama to the cluelessness and constant mockery of Betty) paved the way for Betty to become a star.  A character that clearly seemed disastrous on day one slowly seeped into our hearts, so much that we started rooting for her.  Betty represented the brave few, risk-takers that are gutsy and bold yet honest and compassionate.  Betty was in fact, what we like to call, beautiful.

Image Source: Abc.com, Starpulse.com, Ugly-Is-In.com

Models at the Spring/Summer 2010 Prada Show

Last Saturday, I went out, met some friends, had a few drinks…you know, typical Saturday except for some reason, I kept getting similar reactions from people; Wow, you look great! Omg, I didn’t recognize you! Hey, I didn’t know you were here! As the night went on, and the comments continued to come, I started to think that the black dress I was wearing really did do it for me or that maybe my recent slavery at the gym was really paying off! Or perhaps it was the cutting down on carbs? Then I realized exactly what I did differently that night that I hadn’t done in a while; I wore red lipstick.  Blood red…or as I recently learnt from a male friend what the opposite sex likes to call it, hooker red.

The overload in comments made me wonder if the red lipstick made me look odd.  I rarely wear it so when I do, I feel very self-conscious.  I’m just not used to it but I like the strong colour with certain looks and when I wear it, I think I look fine.  The thought made me curious…curious enough to ask Google “how to wear red lipstick?”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing the shade:

Shades of Red

There are many shades of red and it’s important to choose one that best suits your skin tone.  Paler skins do well sporting reds with cold undertones while warm reds should be used for more olive or tan skin.

Face Faux Pas

When wearing red lipstick, keep everything else simple or you’ll end up looking like a clown! The shade is very powerful so the rest of your face should be kept soft to balance it all out.  On your eyes, use a shade that brings out your skin tone; consider skipping the eyeliner and going straight to your lashes; do not overdo your cheeks.

Time to Work

Buff away any dead skin to ensure smooth looking lips.  Shape your lips evenly by filling them with lip liner first.  Lip liner also acts as a great base; don’t be afraid of shading your entire lips with it.  When applying red lipstick, opt for a lip brush.  It gives you more control and really lets the shade sink into your lips for a better and more long-lasting effect.

The Rest of Your Game

The rest of your outfit is important too.  Don’t be matchy-matchy as you will run the risk of overdoing it.  Avoid pairing red lipstick with red dresses, nails, purses and shoes.

It’s not suitable for every occasion but when worn well and with confidence, you will rock this Spring trend with class and sexiness!

Image Sources: Style.com

“If fashion was porn, this dress is the money shot.”

Yes, Gabourey Sidibe said it right.  Last night, the Kodak Theater hosted the 82nd Annual Academy Awards as Tinsel Town welcomed celebrities, designer names, limos, publicists and I’m sure…tons of Swarovski crystals! I could try to argue that the awards are a celebration of the year in film, but who are we kidding? The event has become the epitome of runway shows on the red carpet – “The Superbowl of Fashion” as some like to put it.

Once again, the carpet was swamped with style-safe numbers, which, though award ceremony appropriate, lacked the wow factor that some of us so eagerly fish for at events like these.

The film might not have lived up to its “best picture” nomination, but there was certainly an Avatar effect of some sort on last night’s fashion as we witnessed a strong sea of blue.

Oprah in Carolina Herrera; Mariah Carey in Valentino Haute Couture; Gabourey Sidibe in Marchesa; Mariska Hargitay in Vera Wang

The dominating metallics were a go-to for many.  I’ll give them brownie points for their sparkle strategy in an attempt to stand out from the mundane colours.

Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta; Kathryn Bigelow in Yves Saint Laurent; Sandra Bullock in Marchesa; Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent

Making another appearance on the Red Carpet after the Golden Globes earlier this year are the elegant blush tones.

Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka Couture; Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab Couture; Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture

I’m not a huge fan of classic trains but I love the contemporary twist designers have given to some of them.  Adding elements such as ruffles and playing with fabric resulted in these stars sporting a Spanish appeal.

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace; Elizabeth Banks in Versace; Diane Kruger in Chanel

After January Jones wore that to-die-for mint green Versace Couture sculptural dress at the Emmy’s last year, countless Hollywood A-listers have followed in her footsteps.  The sculptural look is a bit more daring than a simple silhouette but it’s beginning to become overdone.

Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive; Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan; Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive

To me, prints are a great way to stand out in a crowd.  These actresses paired classic silhouettes with the soft brush strokes of a painting.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten; Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Haute Couture

Some stars chose to cover it up showing that baring all arms is not the only answer to looking smoking hot.

Meryl Streep in Chris March; Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka; Nicole Richie in Reem Acra

Of course, I’m always on the lookout for the crowd standouts.  I appreciate the risk takers so much more.

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

Vera Farmiga in Marchesa

Carrey Mulligan definitely took the biggest risk.  Her Prada number had a fun touch of whimsy, embellished with Swarovski crystal flowers as well as tiny forks, knives, scissors, bolts, watch gears and other charms!

Carey Mulligan in Prada

And of course, my favourite of the entire night is none other than Carrie Bradshaw herself! Parker wore a stunning satin-like yellow gown that set her apart from everyone.  I adore the neck detail of the dress and love the embellishment in the front that drapes down her back.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel

Image Sources: Film.com, Style.com

Christian Louboutin

Prada

Pierre Hardy

Sergio Rossi

Sergio Rossi

Jimmy Choo

Jonathan Kelsey

Image Source: JonathanKelsey.com, PierreHardy.com, SaksFifthAvenue.com, SergioRossi.com