Season 13 of America’s Next Top Model has a unique twist. On previous seasons contestants were required to be 5’7” or taller, and on this season their main focus is to have contestants no taller than 5’7”. Although, we are only in the fourth week, Tyra has taught lessons on how to have strong facial expressions and has had creative challenges that get to show the various types of modeling. Like past seasons, the challenges given to the contestants, are as crazy as always. Despite the height difference in the contestants this season, Tyra still expects that each contestant takes a magazine worthy photograph. They are judged the same way, as the taller models have been in past seasons. This season the shortest contestant, Sundai, is an 18 year old student from Bakersfield, California. Sundai is 5’3”, but don’t let that height fool you; she is a spunky, outgoing contestant that is excited to have an opportunity to show that she can model, despite her height. This season is one to remember because it shows that shorter women can photograph well and still look fierce on the runway.

Just in case you missed last night’s Emmy Awards, here are some pictures of all the fabulousness!

Notice the color schemes:

Black

Blue/Green

Gray

Navy

Pink

Purple

...and a little bit more.

Red

White

Yellow/Gold

and not to be left out…

The Kardashian Sisters

You gotta love the red carpet!

Some have embraced it while others are amazed and confused by its success. Although somewhat unconventional in appearance, Uggs have agined a huge following among all social groups and ages. From the warm sands of California to battling the New York winters, Uggs have made their statement.

I too was a non-believer at first, until October of last year, when I received my first, very own pair of Uggs. I must now admit that I would never give them up. The pillowy-goodness that my feet rest upon inside these boots has won me over. The first time you put your foot into that glorious sheepskin, you forget about their high-maintenance needs and rather unattractive exterior as you melt away to a far-off world where everything is warm, soft and comfortable. I also love that I can be fashionable without even trying. I can oversleep and still be able to “look good” by simply throwing on a sweater, a pair of skinny jeans and my Uggs. Instant trendy outfit, zero effort. It’s the fashion equivalent of an Easy Mac dinner.

When it comes to most fashion, women are often required by high fashion to wear 4-inch stilettos, tight, unbreathable clothes and suffer through countless painful processes in order to achieve “beauty.” Maybe we finally decided to give ourselves a break. Maybe we all consciously made the decision to ignore Uggs’ hideous outer appearance and focus only on the softness and warmth they brings us.

Sometimes comfort and practicality win out over pure chic factor; this is one of those instances. Will they become a classic fashion item or die out as a long lived fad? My suggestion: no matter what, keep them in your closet forever!

Now, something needs to be said if Sarah Jessica Parker, one of the most fashionable women in the world, is wearing Uggs.

Anna Sui has long been one of our favorite designers. We love her boho meets rocker style and have covered everything from her runway trends to the hair and makeup backstage!

According to New York Magazine, the new line for Tar-Jay was inspired by “Gossip Girl” — so even those without trust funds can dress like Constance girls. From Women’s Wear Daily:

“I have always been a fan of designer partnerships with mass retailers,” Sui told WWD exclusively. “I think it is a great way to bring fashion to everyone. I love Go International and was intrigued with Target’s new take on designer partnerships. It’s a fresh approach. I was able to select a muse or source of creative inspiration to focus the collection around. It is an exciting challenge to try and interpret my aesthetic into a mass-produced product with a specific inspirational source as the focus.”

Brilliant! Anna Sui, Target and “Gossip Girl.” It’s like a new holy trinity. The collection hit Target online and approximately 250 select locations nationwide from September 13, 2009 to October 17, 2009.

(Thanks to stylelist for the info!)

Lately, I must say that I’ve been obsessed with a little trendy accessory: the embellished headband! The headband seems very schoolgirl-ish to some, especially if you watch Gossip Girl and notice that Blair Waldorf’s head tends to be adorned with a different headband each scene…her signature look.

I came across this great blog about embellished headbands, and some Do-It-Yourself tips. I had to share…

It’s a simple addition to your wardrobe that packs a powerful punch. A little exotic and eclectic at first, you’ll soon realize how versatile a simple piece of bent metal, hot glue, and some pretty trinkets will do to your entire wardrobe. Once a prep school staple, designers such as Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen have turned it on its head. Dress it up or down, this is a trend for the masses.

DIY Cameo Pendant Headband

• Basic wide headband – $3
• Centerpiece: Cameo pendant w/necklace chain – $6
• Optional: small charms, brooches, and trinkets
• Hot glue gun – $7 (nix this as a cost if you already own one)

Now for the fun part! Wear the headband as you normally would and choose which side you want the embellishments to be on. With a pencil, mark the are where the headband meets the top of your ear (mark 1) and draw a faint line from there to the top half of the headband. Mark the middle of the line ( mark 2). Now you may begin embellishing! You want to keep this classy not tacky; you don’t want to feel like you’re bedazzling your headband. You first want to take your centerpiece, in this case the cameo pendant , and place it above mark 2. Save the chain from the necklace and double loop it under the pendant to create a sassy piece! The apply the smaller trinket all around, following the line you marked earlier.

After a few minutes, you’ll have your very own embellished headband for a fraction of the price! And honestly, don’t it feel good to save money AND look this great?

Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the recessionista in you and get creative!!

Every season there is a new look and trend, Fall is an especially wonderful time for the new looks in makeup . The Fall 2009 makeup looks will prove to be especially dynamic and bold, deep rich colors will be the look of the Fall season. According to Michelle M. Guilbeau-Sheppard of Associated Conetnt, finding your best Fall makeup looks will depend on your personality and preferences but the following top 10 Fall Makeup Tips can be used as a guide so that you put your best afce forward.

1. Mineral Makeup: Natural, nude makeup is the one of the hottest makeup products of the season.  It can be used on a daily basis and you can get an exact match with your skin tone.

2. Bold Lips: Dark deep reds, deep oranges, deep hot pinks are the lip colors for the best Fall makeup looks. Using foundation on the lips before applying lip color really helps to hold the lip color and make the lip color stand out even more.

3. Strong Eyebrows: Full, dark eyebrows are one of the powerful makeup looks for Fall 2009. The strong eyebrow makeup look can be achieved by coloring in the eyebrows with an eyebrow pencil that is one shade darker than your own eyebrows.

4. Smoky Eyes: Deep dark, rich eyes are the hot makeup look for Fall. The browns, coppers and golds are the in colors for the Fall 2009 makeup season. The browns, coppers and golds are also popular for nail color, coordinate the eye colors and nail colors for a professional, put together look.

5. Black Eye Liner: Be prepared for lots of black eye liner, cat eyes are back if you dare. The darker the eyes, the better for the top Fall makeup looks.

6. Black Mascara: Going along with the makeup look of dark eyes is black mascara.

7. False Eye Lashes: If you have not used false eyelashes in the past, now may be the time to learn how to use false eyelashes. To obtain the Fall 2009 makeup looks, false eye lashes can really help to obtain the dramatic effect of the dark, deep eyes.

8. Metallics: The metallics are also big for the makeup looks for Fall 2009, the deep greys and industrial type colors work well this Fall makeup season.

9. Sequins and Gems: Sequins and gems are another Fall makeup look, this is a quite daring look and would most likely be best for a nightclub type look. Attaching tiny sequins to the eyelash line is a huge hit but it takes lots of practice and patient to apply the product properly. The look of sparkly eyes is quite stunning when done properly.

10. Emphasize an Area: Make sure to emphasize just one area of the face, if you are going bold on the eyes make sure to go subtle on the lips and the other way around, if you are going bold on the lips make sure to go subtle on the eyes.

The fall makeup looks are daring and bold. The Fall 2009 season is a great to time to take a little risk with makeup and be a little more daring than usual. It is important to remember to keep makeup in balance and not too go overboard in multiple areas of the face, pick one area of the face and push the limits in the one particular area if you choose.

Does the age old rule of “no white after Labor Day” still apply?

Labor Day is the symbol of the end of summer. Should you have to put away all of your white clothes?

According to myphilly.com, “No white after Labor Day” was the old-fashioned style rule. Today’s fashion rules now shy away from this outdated policy. Most believe the rule began because people thought it was better to wear darker colors in the winter to stay warmer. Some even thought the rule was because you didn’t want to clash with white winter snow.

Back in the 40s and 50s it was a fashion faux paux to wear white after Labor Day, but times have changed. Fashion icons and celebrities often set fashion styles, and they wear white all year-round. You can make white in the fall and winter work for you too. Winter white is also a popular color alternative for white in the winter.

A white winter coat and white accessories such as pearls can also be stylish.

Some fabrics should never be worn after Labor Day, however. Linen should get packed away first — and it doesn’t really matter what color it is. Labor Day can also be a great time to find bargains on your summer and winter wardrobes.

As long as you can keep it clean, white outerwear is a way to make a striking and stylish statement. You can wear both a white down vest or a white ski jacket during colder months. There are ways to wear white after Labor Day and not stick out like a sore thumb.

A white cashmere-blend coat over a black dress is a perfect package. The brightness can give a needed punch to a fall fashion season that’s dominated by dark colors.

One no-white rule does still apply: No matter the time of year, don’t wear it to a wedding unless you are the bride.

It’s more interesting and fun to play with your wardrobe and not leave any color out.

Have Fun, Be Safe, and don’t be afraid to wear your white!! 

Happy Labor Day!!