FRIDAY EYE CANDY: Salma Hayek

To celebrate Salma Hayek's birthday today, I designated her as our Friday eye candy. I'm starting to wonder if these Friday eye candy posts are a good idea. You know, I'm just never going to wake up and look like this adorable, feisty actress (especially with those 'assets' of hers).

However, there is something about Salma that is inspiring. The woman is approaching 50 and she looks flawless. Sure, photoshop comes into play but not much touching up is needed. Salma is huge on taking care of her skin and body. In her interview with Allure, she said, "I believe that every woman is entitled to fight to preserve her youth." She claims she's never had anything done on her face and never had dermabrasion or peels or injections of any kind.

A few of her beauty secrets are juice detoxes, daily exercises, a balanced diet, excessive sunscreen, and lots of sleep. Yeah, she's definitely a MILF. I can use that term, right?

Even her outlook on men is great...

"I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do."

-Salma Hayek

...agreed.

Happy Birthday Salma Hayek!

[Photos: Miss C, Mara Rubin, Antillais, Listal, Are You In a Hole?]

FRIDAY EYE CANDY: Brigitte Bardot

"I have been very happy, very rich, very beautiful, much adulated, very famous and very unhappy."

-Brigitte Bardot

[Photos: ebashy]

Lollapalooza 2011 Fashion Trends

This past weekend, music fans from all over the world took over Grant Park in Chicago. Although Lollapalooza continues to be a destination for music lovers, the notorious music festival brings a casual chic fashion show to life - combining the best of both worlds.

What I'm lovin?

Suspenders.

Long, flowy dresses.

Bulky bracelets to the elbow.

Feathers galore.

Big brimmed straw hats.

Printed shorts.

Dark, feminine military boots.

Retro-look headbands.

Cut-off shirts.

Bold statement necklaces.

[Photos: Refinery29]

Meet the TOP Creative Talent in the Fashion Industry

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) welcomes the largest class ever.

Meet the talented 33...

Alexa Adams, OHNE TITEL

Fred Allard, NINE WEST

Miho Aoki, UNITED BAMBOO

Gaby Basora, TUCKER

Stacy Bendet, ALIVE + OLIVIA

Eddie Borgo, EDDIE BORGO

Kip Chapelle, RUBIN & CHAPELLE

Christian Cota, CHRISTIAN COTA

Luis Fernandez, NUMBER:LAB

Tess Giberson, TESS GIBERSON

Flora Gill, OHNE TITEL

Rogan Gregory, ROGAN / LOOMSTATE

Joy Gryson, GRYSON

Prabal Gurung, PRABAL GURUNG

Scott Hahn, ROGAN / LOOMSTATE

Mara Hoffman, MARA HOFFMAN

Jen Kao, JEN KAO

Shaun Kearney, CYNTHIA STEFFE

Andrea Lieberman, A.L.C.

Dana Lorenz, FENTON / FALLON

Melissa Joy Manning, MELISSA JOY MANNING

Derrick Miller, BARKER BLACK LIMITED

Claude Morais, RUFFIAN

Blake Mycoskie, TOMS SHOES

Gregory Parkinson, GREGORY PARKINSON

Patty Perreira, BARTON PERREIRA

Thuy Pham, UNITED BAMBOO

Charlotte Ronson, CHARLOTTE RONSON

Ippolita Rostagno, IPPOLITA

Sonja Rubin, RUBIN & CHAPELLE

Olivier Theyskens, THEORY

Trish Westcoat Pound, HAUTE HIPPIE

Brian Wolk, RUFFIAN

[Photos: nymag]

BEYONCE

Now that is real music and a real voice.

Jay-Z wrote:

"Sometimes you need perspective. You've been right in front of greatness so often that you need to step back and see it again for the first time. This is the dressing room rehearsal for American Idol. NO MICROPHONE. No effects."

Video shot by Jay-Z via Life + Times.

The Woman Who Wears Many Hats

Gwyneth Paltrow. She's not really your average Joe Schmo. The Academy Award-winning actress just came out with a new cookbook, "My Father's Daughter;" she recently transformed her career from 'actor' to 'actor and SINGER' (she sang at the Oscars, at the Grammy's, on TV's Glee and in the movie Country Strong); she was just announced as the new face of Coach and will appear in advertisements in September; she maintains her personal site, GOOP.com, a site about living a better life; she has traveled the world; and she is a devoted mother and loving wife.

Gwyneth was born to Hollywood royalty. Just like many people, I tend to subconsciously stereotype those who are born "with it all." I thought their lives were consumed with getting everything they wanted, they lacked ambition, they abused their power and all of their "highs" in life all at once. I know this is a bold statement but I'm talking Hiltons - people who were born with the inability to understand what "not having it all" means. Of course there always exceptions - Jane Fonda, Ben Stiller, Demi Moore and Goldie Hawn. Luckily, Gwyneth's family is one of the most respected families in Hollywood - a rarity. I believe her family is the reason she has an incredible work ethic and a big heart. Her family is also the reason that when she wanted to start her acting career, it wasn't really considered a battle for her. She got in, no big deal. The real test was actually maintaining her career. And the ultimate test that everyone struggles with is being happy while maintaining your career. And for us non-celebs, maybe it's being happy while waiting for your career to even begin. Maybe it's finding peace and contentment during the unavoidable struggles of life. Just because someone may appear to "have it all," doesn't mean their lives are struggle-free. It's quite possible they may experience struggles more frequently having the world at their fingertips. But some people are able to stop seeing struggles, they start seeing results.

So admit it, I know I'm not the only one who is feeling just a little bit envious right now. Gwyneth seems to always look comfortable in her own skin. She doesn't focus her time on trying to re-invent herself. She knows who she is. People like her because she is real - I think she likes herself because she is real. "Home is where the heart is," is the motto Gwyneth abides by. She understands meaningful relationships are; she's had the same friends since she was 4. It is absolutely difficult to understand the meaning of keeping a balance in your life. It's apparent that Gwyneth gets it. People tend to figure this out the hard way, but a career alone doesn't make you successful. What does success mean to you? To me, success is being satisfied in every aspect of your life, being surrounded by people who love you and who you love back, knowing you made a contribution to the world and living with absolutely no regrets. But it's important to realize success in itself is subjective - it has no real meaning to anyone else but you.

"Everything in my life that's good is because I worked my ass off to get it and to maintain it."

-Gwyneth Paltrow

Always an inspiration to embrace a style of simplicity.

Gwyneth has always been partial to uncomplicated silhouettes, tailored pieces and any solid pattern.

Her style choice coincides with her choice of life.

[Photos: Vogue August 2010, InStyle January 2011, Elle, Sociallitelife, Glamorati]

Beautiful Moments

A glance into a beautiful wedding...

...an elegant, lace bridal gown

...old photos of the bride & groom's parents on their wedding day

...gorgeous satin Badgley Mischka heels

...antique wedding bands

...insanely delicious cupcakes topped with a mini wedding cake

...gray chucks for the bridal party

...simple, neutral table settings

...an array of vases filled with white & poppy pink flowers

...and a brilliant photographer

But what truly made this wedding beautiful was how the bride & groom could not stop smiling - you felt how sincerely happy they were. It's weddings like these that shows true love really does exist.

"We do not remember days. We remember moments." And these moments will never be forgotten.

[Photos: Nathan Peel]

Narcissism

The movie, "Up in the Air" is a movie I find interesting. It shows obsession with motivation, but also shows how disclosure of one's feelings becomes destructive.

The main character, Ryan is constantly traveling, constantly in the air. When he touches ground, it's only to lay off people and off he goes again. 'To know me is to fly with me' is Ryan's motto. If something does not provide him with miles, it is of no value to him.

The interesting part of the movie is when he decides to disclose his feelings for Vera. However, it ends badly. When the fantasy of his relationship with Vera breaks, it's too much of a responsibility for Ryan to handle so he disappears.

Ryan is a narcissist. They are often emotionally cold and distant in their relationships. In the beginning of relationships, they appear to be very loving and happy. But after a while, things start to change and the mask begins to unfold. You might think how is it possible this person who expressed eternal love towards Vera doesn't care anymore. Ryan truly feels he loves Vera but because of his inability to experience deep emotion, it only lasts for a brief moment...and his never-ending search for excitement continues.

At the end of the movie, the scene cuts to clouds - it's the moment when the audience gets to think about what they want in their life.

Click here to learn more about narcissism & relationships.

Robert Pattinson

"But you're not really allowed to complain about any of this," he says. "You're just supposed to be grateful. And obviously - I get it. You're lucky and you should appreciate your luck. But, I mean, it just seems if you even hint that there's a bad side to any of these people will be like - Liar! I guess it's because people want to have it as a dream. God, I always talk about fame, and it's just so boring!"

What a great interview Robert Pattinson had with Vanity Fair. Somehow they always capture the weaknesses out of everyone that we think are so strong. The article interpreted him as a human being rather than a "robot". What so many aspire to hopefully to achieve...fame...we see still see someone who has achieved all this and is still trying to find himself. Yeah, it's great in the beginning but can you live like this? Sometimes I try to imagine everyone recognizing me and staring at me. Of course it's flattering starting off but I honestly think it would drive me mad. If a stranger looks at me, I always wonder what they are thinking. I guess I care too much about what other people think. Robert Pattinson's outlook definitely benefits him - he doesn't care what people think of him, however he is confused what his fans want from him. I would be curious to hear some teeny bopper's answer. And no, I don't want to hear why they are "Team Edward". I would want to know the same thing Robert would want to know - what do they want? It's ridiculous. He's not a vampire. He's an actor. I find it bizarre that girls (& women) cry and scream when they see him. He's just like all of us but an actor who is exposed to the public. I do have to admit, I would never be one of those girls who screams when I see Robert, but come on, I would for sure talk to him. When you sign up to be a famous actor, you're signing up to entertain your fans as well. It's all part of the business. Robert will eventually learn. If acting is your passion, I think sucking up to the public is a sacrifice you need to be willing to make. No actor can escape it. If it's making you miserable, stop acting. Everyone has a choice.

I think Robert Pattinson's interview with Vanity Fair was refreshing. Our society tends to think if your famous you never have problems. If anything, I think they have more problems than us (the average Joe Schmoe). They just do an incredible job of masking their "perfect" lives (thanks to their underpaid publicists). There's more to life than money & fame. More people with everything are still unhappy with their lives than those who chose a more simplistic life. Not saying if you have money, you can't be happy. It's just important to remind yourself that money doesn't create happiness. Imagine yourself with your friends or family at a super expensive restaurant. Then imagine yourself at a cheap whole in the wall. Can you tell the difference? Absolutely not. It took me a few years to figure all this out. The source of my happiness stemmed from just the people in my life, not the "extravagant things" I was trying to get involved with. It's definitely important to be spontaneous and try new things, but it's more important to understand your priorities. One of my top priorities that will never change are my relationships. If this isn't one of yours, be prepared. If you can't give love, you can't receive love. Everyone wants something out of a relationship. Some celebrities want the most unimportant thing out of their success...fame. But somehow after some time, the fame isn't good enough. They think, "Now what?" It's how you can tell a talented, focused person from a selfish, attention hungry person. Both people exist in the"successful world" but it's the people who put others first, let negativity go and hope for a great life, that are truly, genuinely happy. I think we're all trying to achieve this, every day. All we can do is try and hope for the best.

[Photos: Vanity Fair]

Elizabeth Taylor

"It's all about hope, kindness and a connection with one another."

-Elizabeth Taylor

R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor

Valentine's Day: Spirit of Giving

I know a lot of people think Valentine's Day is a holiday meant for "couples" but I am definitely not one of them. I am not one of them who feels the need to go out with single girlfriends and celebrate our "freedom" because we all know the real motives behind this. Today, I sent a mass email (a meaningful mass email) out to the people that matter in my life. Hallmark really needs to step up there game. Valentine's Day is about love and not just the romantic love but the love we have for everyone in our life. It's about the spirit of giving. The time I share with my friends, my sister, my family, my co-workers...what really makes my life special. So of course, we all know that I am single ha-ha. BUT, I say this with love, I am happy. And I want everyone out there in my life to know that they make my life happy. Of course, a boyfriend adds that "special" kind of love. But overall, everyone just wants to be loved and I truly know I am. All these talk shows that try to console single people and say "the 15th is right around the corner"? Well, I'm happy, on the 14th. And I have all of you to thank for that. Happy Valentine's Day!

Eleanor Lambert

If you DIDN'T know...fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert established New York's first fashion week (at the time, known as "Press Week") during World War II. She put American designers in the spotlight and, as a result, fashion magazines started to feature American designs and fashions, having previously been dominated by French designers.

Thanks Eleanor. We ♥ you & NY!

Happy Friday!

BOYFRIEND Discovery

I had the privilege of interviewing the lovely Kate Walsh about her new fragrance, BOYFRIEND. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I could not NOT share this! The world is brain washed to think on this day, we must have "someone" to celebrate the love between one another. Which is why I love the whole idea behind the inspiration of the scent. Kate came up with the idea about 6 years ago when her and her boyfriend broke up and she was in New York shopping and missed him...missed his fragrance that is. We've all been there. Our mind goes back there when certain things set it off. When I asked her what she thinks the scent will give a woman or make her feel like, she simply said, "Ok, you know what? I've got my boyfriend in a box. It's totally cool." She wanted that feeling, whether a guy is in the picture or not. When you get the train case it has a little note that says, "WEAR THE RED DRESS." On her webimmercial (which you have to check out HERE), she wanted to feel the spirit of "WEAR THE RED DRESS." It's about the spirit of feeling good and feeling sexy for yourself - whether there's a guy in the picture or not.

Celebrity fragrances are popular because celebrities are spectacular at promoting their product but who's behind the scenes? Kate is all over this fragrance - the creation, designing the package and really coming up with the marketing campaign. Cheers to Kate - a celebrity who is doing it the right way.

I've been watching her videos all day - not only are they sexy, they are fun and playful too! You can view them HERE.

Click HERE to buy BOYFRIEND.

Not only have I discovered a beautiful fragrance, I've discovered another beautiful person. Keep doin' what you're doin' Kate;)

Smile

Find a reason to be happy.