andPOP - Pop Culture With Substance

We are not saying that we are mind readers or we can see into the future, however we are not surprised by Avril Lavigne’s break up from her rocker husband Deryck Whibley. As Jordan explained in our XM radio show last week, we had an opportunity to interview Avril a few weeks ago when she was promoting the launch of her new clothing line, Abbey Dawn. We also saw Deryck there and had a quick interview with him. Although Deryck tried to be as courteous as possible, it was more than clear that he had no interest in being there, and there was something else happening behind the scenes. He just stood in the corner with a pissed off look. You can check out the interview below. Nevertheless we wish both Avril and Deryck the best of luck.

American Idol judge Simon Cowell and Sir Phillip Green, owner of Topshop clothing stores, have teamed up to form a global entertainment super-company. Model Kate Moss has been asked to be the director of style and image for the company, which hopes to rival the other big name brands in television and fashion.

“Kate has been signed as a figurehead and style setter for the fashion end of the business,” said a source. “She will bring her expertise to the table, advising on all branding and style for clothes, hair and accessories. Something that has also been talked about is Kate developing her own singing career and starting a music label.”

Since signing on to the still unnamed company, Moss has doubled her net-worth to $100 million.

It’s safe to say Valentino is considered an emperor to fashion lovers. Even those of us who don’t know the difference in colour between fuchsia and magenta (myself included) can appreciate a man whose successful career in the fashion industry has lasted over 45 years.

Directed and produced by Matt Tyrnauer, Special Correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, “Valentino: The Last Emperor” gives viewers a candid look at one of the most famous fashion designers, Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani (aka Valentino).

One of the first things the famed Italian designer says in the film is “I love beauty, it’s not my fault.” And who can blame him? It turns out Valentino was inspired to become a designer by the stars of the silver screen. After seeing movies starring Hollywood leading ladies like Judy Garland, he set out to make clothes for women. So it would only seem fitting for the designer of the stars to get his own flick on the big screen – and it doesn’t disappoint. READ MORE »

Not only can you admire Kristin Davis’ taste in fashion, but now you can dress like the “Sex and the City” star too!

According to PerezHilton.com, Davis, who plays Charlotte on the hit series and movie “Sex and the City,” will launch her own clothing line at Belk department stores this fall.

Davis says that her clothing line is similar to her “Sex and the City” character’s fashion.

“Charlotte dresses in a very feminine way, and I love her playful nature. I grew up shopping at Belk. It was the nicest store we had, and I’d save my allowance to go.”

The collection is said to consist of very feminine clothing and accessories, and will include clothing, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, and purses.

Items are set to cost between $38 to $240, which is much cheaper than a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes.

Co-star Sarah Jessica Parker already has her own clothing line, BITTEN.

Fashion designer LIZ CLAIBORNE died on Tuesday morning. She was 78.

The cause of death has not yet been released as WENN went to press.

Belgian-born Claiborne and her family moved to the U.S. when she was 10 and shewas raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.

After studying art in Europe, Claiborne returned to America in 1949 and started her fashion career by sketching designs at sportswear firm Tina Leser.

Claiborne started her own namesake label in 1976 and ran the fashion house until she retired in 1989.

She is survived by her second husband Art Ortenberg.

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Hats dominated the fall runways, with styles ranging from the unexpected (we saw more than a few top hats), to the adorable (nothing beats a classic beret), to the more avant-garde (equestrian hats seemed to be the hat du jour). Everyone from Sonia Rykiel, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui topped off their looks with hot hats, which made us wonder-can we really pull off a hat?

After all, wearing a hat takes some guts. First off, it’s not like nobody will notice, so you have to be ready to make a statement when you walk in a room. Secondly, they’re a tricky accessory; you have to find the right one for you and, most importantly, feel comfortable in it. There’s no need to just jump on every trend. Believe it or not, there is a technique to wearing them. John Callanan, the head designer of the hat company Dorfman Pacific, explains how to wear a hat without looking…well…stupid.

ELLEgirl: How does a hat virgin go about finding the right hat?
John Callanan: Everyone is a hat person once she finds the right shape. Like any fashion or hairstyle, you have to find a style that enhances your natural beauty. Short statures should avoid large brims so that they don’t look like a mushroom, and tall girls should keep away from small brims to avoid looking like a pin head. If you are short, look for a hat with an upturned brim as the admirer’s eye will always go to the highest point, so it is a tricky way to add height. A girl who feels too tall should wear a downturn brim to illusionary subtract a few inches. Girls with beautiful oval faces should avoid baseball caps and rounded cloche (bell) shapes. A round cap on an oval shapes is just one big circle. An oval face should wear a fedora style as the creased brim and crown will help to break up the oval.

EG: What are the big hat trends for fall?
JC: Faux fur troopers are still hot, [as are] newsboys and small brimmed fedoras for clubbing.

EG: Any tricks to avoid “hat hair”?
JC: If you are going to wear a hat, then let the hat become your hair. Slick your hair back in to a low pony tail at the nape of the neck. This will show your beautiful swan neck. The hat will frame you sparkling eyes.

EG: You can tell a lot about a person by the kind of hat she wears. What do some of the different styles say about a person?
JC: Fedoras have a mysterious look. Often worn at a jaunty angle so the viewer only see one eye, it says ‘I am not revealing everything all at once.’ The newsboy says ‘I am casual, sporty and one of the boys.’ The cloches say ‘I am a diehard romantic.’

EG: Is there a universal hat that just looks good on everyone?
JC: Probably the newsboy. It has enough volume to allow the wearer to play with it until she finds the shape that works with her face or mood. The visor gives enough shadow for the mysterious look. Newsboys are really a stylized beret with a visor.

So you can wear a visor AND be stylish? Who knew…

By Jackie Nasser

Visit ELLEgirl to see a gallery of this season’s hottest hats, runway-style.

Jewellery (spelled jewelry in American English) refers to ornamental devices worn by persons, typically made with gems and precious metals. Costume jewelry is made from less valuable materials. However, jewelry can and has been made out of almost every kind of material. Examples include bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings, as well as items like hair ornaments or body piercing jewelry. Jewelry, particularly when made with precious materials, is generally considered valuable and desirable. Some cultures have a practice of keeping large amounts of wealth stored in the form of jewelry. Jewelry can also be symbolic, as in the case of Christians wearing a crucifix in the form of jewelry, or, as is the case in many Western cultures, married people wearing a wedding ring. And what can symbolize love and, of course, the wedding ceremony more than a diamond?

Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.

Cut – What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer’s eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.

Carat – How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.)

Clarity – How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a summary:

Color: Diamond colors generally range from D – X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become “Fancy” yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds – though these are usually irradiated.

Diamonds are often treated. If you are concerned about getting true value for your money, know what you are getting. Be sure to read the fine print.

Diamonds with inclusions are sometimes filled with glass to make them appear clearer. An inclusion is an imperfection internal to the diamond. Filler can be damaged by heat, ultrasonic cleaning, and by re-tipping. The filling does not repair the inclusion, it just makes it less visible. They can be painted to offset a yellow tinge. The paint wears off rather quickly.

Finally, now that you have that precious stone, here are some tips as to how to take care of it. Diamonds are often thought to be unshatterable. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Diamonds are brittle: If you hit a diamond hard, they WILL crack or chip if mishandled. Don’t wear your diamond when doing rough work.

Storage: Store diamonds separately. When stored with other jewelry, diamonds may scratch other jewelry (or each other).

Cleaning: The best method for cleaning is a jeweler’s polishing cloth. Many jewelers will clean your diamond ring for free if you are making another purchase in the store.

About The Author

Lisa Arons is a writer at http://Beautiful-Earrings.com where you can find a variety of articles and items including necklaces, rings and bracelets. Visit http://www.beautiful-earrings.com for additional jewelry information and merchandise.

Girl, are you intelligent, funny with a fab personality and an eye for the newest fashion trends but need a little help pulling it all together? Look no further, here are some tips on pulling together the right look.

Your personal style speaks volumes about who you are so let?s not blow it after you?ve spent your hard earned money on the latest new trends!

The key to putting together a great outfit is risky and simple. The rule of thumb is balance and ?less is more.?

Choose one ?wow? item and build around it. For example, if you have this absolutely fabulous piece of jewelry that you mush show off, try wearing it with a simple black dress. Black flatters just about all figures without overwhelming the look of your jewelry.

Want to show off your new elaborately stitched jeans? A solid shirt paired with heels works well with decorated jeans. If the design on the jeans is too busy the shirt will tone it down some.

How about those new bright pink pumps? You can?t go wrong by complimenting the shoes with a pair of solid black jeans and white shirt. Black jeans and solid colored shirt matches well with any brightly colored pumps.

And what about those gold sequin flats that you just couldn?t pass up? Petal-pushers and a simple shirt are ideal compliments for your golden feet.

The key is to pick one item and build around it. Don?t just stick with one look. Be glamour one day and urban the next.

Take the time to educate yourself on different styles. Learn how to draw inspiration from your favorite looks of past eras.

Fashion is about confidence. If you feel great in an outfit, others will feel your vibes. And if you don?t feel confident, fake it! Whether you are 18 or 50, take pride in your appearance and it?s important to feel comfortable in your style.

About The Author

Bridget Allen has worked for many years in the fashion industry, at a senior level, and she has written an amazing totally free fashionista minicourse that will thrill, entertain, and most importantly educate you about what you absolutely need to know about fashion. Get the free course ” Fashionista Essentials” now at http://www.i-stylish.com.

Fashion styles are forever changing. What do this year’s changes bring forth? Fashion is up and down and all around this year. Accessories are going to sizzle this summer, hemlines are going down a bit, pants waistlines are going up, necklaces are going down, scarves are fluid, earrings are dangling, handbags get soft, and belts are back. Feminine, sexy and sultry styles will keep those heads turning. Sheers, crocheted lace, silky satin and flowing gauze will be everywhere. Comfy cool and sexy, sounds like a great year for women!

Accessories are fabulous this year and are leaning in the arts & craft direction. We will start with necklaces. They are beady, long and plentiful. Where a single large beaded strand with artful beads or pair them up with several. Long is where they are at as well as big and with interesting beads. Plastic, glass, wood, handmade, crocheted, and metal beads in all variations have invaded the necklace world. Find them beaded alone or with lace, sheer or ribbon. Artisans beware; fabulous finds are in high demand! While you are at it, dangling earrings to match will complete the ensemble. Hoops and beads are dangling in the earring category. Out with the chandeliers and in come the dangling beads.

Belts are back big-time accentuating the waistlines. In the gym lately? You’ll need it this year! Belts run the gamut this year in all styles. Wide big belts are back as well as plenty of other styles. Crocheted lace belts, pom pom end belts, leather, and fabric belts are all a hot ticket. Sheer or lace belts are big that can be used two fold. You can where them as a belt or as a scarf. Get creative and find those great finds at art fairs in fabric belts or crocheted belts.

Gold is big this season. Find it in handbags, jewelry, clothing and shoes. Don’t go overboard with gold; remember a little goes a long way. Don’t cover yourself in gold from head to toe; you’ll look like a left over Christmas ornament! Gold shoes and a great gold handbag will look great with any outfit and you will not be overdoing it.

Handbags are always a favorite; you can never have enough of them. Soft leathers, straw and fabrics are very in. Larger size handbags are big. Look for lots of gathered ends on the top and visible pockets on the outside. Straw is hot in all colors and new styles, crochet and appliques are abundant. You will see simple designs to more artistic designs. Stick with simple if your outfit is strikingly fabulous. When going for a more conservative or simple style, then go with a more artistic handbag to set it off.

The ups and downs have it this year. Necklaces are going down as well as hemlines. Not too much though, just mini’s are out. Look for knee length and long flowing skirts and dresses. Lacey, satin, sheers and gauze is it for skirts and dresses. Yes, I did say dresses; they are making a comeback big-time. Comfy and sexy at the same time! Skirts styles are very full along with A-lines are very in. Pants waistlines are starting to go up which is what is bringing belts back in. It may take a while but at least they are not going down any farther. Was there any room left to go?

Let your accessories sizzle and your femininity and sex-appeal reign in this year’s styles.

About The Author

Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.AlexiHandbags.com an online custom handbag and accessory boutique. She enjoys fashion, reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children.

mary@alexihandbags.com

Makeup can be one more accessory to your personal image and that?s why we are going to explain to you step by step the most flattering and easy trends so that this season you will be beautiful.

MAKEUP

There are various flattering trends this season. On the one hand, there is the natural look with earthy and gold tones, and neutral tones for the eyes and transparent but shinny lips. On the other hand, there is the sexier look with darker tones for the eyes from navy blue to purple, and (don?t forget black), and dark sexy lips.

ADVICE: Choose a look that works for you and one that you feel most comfortable with and follow the advice that we give you below.

FOUNDATION

Give a touch of something pearlescent to your foundation and you?ll achieve a modern and flattering look.

ADVICE: Apply your foundation to the entire face. Once it has been absorbed in to the skin, wait a few minutes for it to absorb, apply a small amount of illuminating powder in the T zone, forehead, cheekbones and chin. Blend it well with a brush for a pearly but natural effect. The result, light satiny skin.

COVER UP

Brighten your look by using a light cover up which is lighter than your skin tone over your foundation.

ADVICE: Blend it well around your eyes with your finger tip to take away any excess. And that?s it, a great look without bags and full of life.

EYES

For a natural look, use browns and neutral tones.

ADVICE: Apply a golden tone on the upper eyelid to achieve the look and give it a touch of light. If you want your eyes to have a stronger look, use a dark brown pencil on the inner eye.

For a sexy look, use darker tones, the ones you like the most, from navy blue to bottle green. Or if you like, use grays or blacks.

ADVICE: Don?t forget to put the darker color on your eyelid putting a blended line next to the eye lashes and put makeup on the outer eye with a black pencil. Lighten the eyelid just under the eyebrow with a pearly or shinny white for a sexy arousing look.

ESSENTIAL: Everyone notices mascara so curl your eyelashes beforehand and use two cotes to give them volume.

CHEEKBONES

Give your cheekbones a healthy look with soft rosy natural colors.

ADVICE: Blend blush well with a clean brush and loose powder on your cheekbones.

LIPS

If you want a natural look, or you have put too much lipstick on, apply lip gloss for a juicy natural look.

ADVICE: Choose a lip gloss that also shines and protects your lips.

On the other hand, if you want to forget the natural look, try a passion red or a bright fushia. The result, sexy provocative, but natural lips.

ADVICE: Use a well-sharpened lip pencil that is very similar to your lipstick to outline your lips. Do this before applying lipstick so that the color will last longer and it will be easier to use darker tones.

THE FINAL TOUCH

Wash your hair with a rinse similar to the natural color of your hair to make it brighter but without changing the color.

ADVICE: Ask you hairdresser. There are rinses that naturally moisturize and give shine to the hair.

About The Author

Maria Llorente is a qualified Make Up Artist and Beauty expert. You read more of her articles at: http://www.promaquillaje.com.