Mission Control- Luxury Shapewear Review

I have a love/hate relationship with shapewear.  And I'm sure my husband feels similarly.  Not because he wears it himself, but because shapewear isn't the sexiest thing I've ever worn.  I've joked that, while on a date, shapewear is false advertising just like a push-up bra.  Obviously my husband knows what I'm packing these days (see "plus-sized woman").  I'll be honest, I can't wear half the clothes in my closet without some type of shapewear on- It smooths out all of my lumps and bumps.  But let's face it, there is no sexy way to put on or peel yourself out of something that looks and feels like a sausage casing cleverly disguised as the 1940-esque girdle your grandmother wore.  My poor husband.

Needless to say I've been on the hunt for sexy shapewear for obvious reasons.  So when I stumbled across this beautiful lace bodysuit in June's InStyle Magazine, only to find out it was also shapewear, I had to look into it.  Others have tried to "dress up" shapewear, but none have mastered the balance of form and function quite like Mission Control.  Their products are less shapewear and more performance lingerie.  It's as beautiful as it is functional. And above all, affordable!

I put their products to the test on some of my friends and clients.  And their overall reaction?  W-O-W!  Some of my skinniest clients (aka- furthest from actually needing shapewear) said they would even be willing to wear shapewear if it looked as cute as this.  Now that's saying something.  My beautiful and very brave friend Amanda has graciously agreed to let me post photos of her wearing the product (because we want to see the stuff on real people, not just a model).  Pictured below are one piece from each of the Mission Control collections:

A-LIAS Sculpting Hi-Waist Brief. $38.
Notice how this "panty" easily pulls up towards her bra strap.  These babies don't roll down like others I have tried.  Only down side, and it's not necessarily a bad thing, is the they aren't exactly seamless.  To get the pretty stripes of color, they had to include seams.  However, when worn under this same black knit dress, you couldn't see them at all.

Exoskin Compression Tunic, $68
While this one is the prettiest of the three, it is really invaluable for those body con dresses.  What's great about this one is it allows you to wear your own bra.

















Body Boudoir Contour Cami, $52.
Isn't this lace beautiful?  Who wouldn't want to undress with the lights on in this hot number?  This cami comes from the same collection as the bodysuit I fell in love with in InStyle (see beginning of post).  It's so cute I don't want to hide it under my other clothes!  No one would guess that something this feminine and sexy is actually shapewear.  That's because it's not... it's performance lingerie. A+

Big thanks to Mission Control for letting me review their product, and to Amanda for being my amazing model :)

Images courtesy of InStyle Magazine, Mission Control and Jennifer Axcell

Guest Blogger Amanda Castro is "Jerseylicious"

I would like to introduce you to Amanda, accessory guru extraordinaire.  Here are her tips for ways you too can incorporate Jersey worthy bling into your wardrobe.

Amanda Castro

For some reason, I can’t get enough reality shows. So many guilty pleasures, so little time! My particular addiction however rests with those stations that really know how to play on my vices, fashion and gossip. Happily, Bravo and Style each serve up a decadent portrait on the stereotypical lifestyle of the rich, bitchy, and poorly dressed. The Real Housewives series, Kimora; Life in the Fab Lane, How Do I Look?, and new comer, Jerseylicious. The first time I selected it from the channel line-up, I was swimming in a sea of big hair, lacquered make-up, and animal print heaven! Where did this beautiful train wreck of a show come from and furthermore, when did reality TV get this good?! There’s something to be said for America’s recent captivation with the Garden State and I too have fallen for their strange flowers.

Jerseylicious stars several incredibly tan and fast talking stylists, a few of which enjoy a good fistpump or two. The ladies of the salon ooze a tasty, visual treat in skin tight clothing, shiny bronze skin, and acrylic nails to complete their cat-like quarrels. Sure there is one male stylist to help balance out the estrogen but let’s face it, we watch because we love the ladies! Who doesn’t want to be so seemingly free from judgement but quick to fight back? We can all relate to having a friend’s back when they needed it and then celebrating with some drinks and retail therapy.

Yet the best part about Jerseylicious is their bling. The bigger the better and the more the merrier. All I can say is, Hallelujah! I thought I was alone in that sentiment. I’m sure not all of you share my enthusiasm for baubles but there is a way to let your Jersey style shine, without it going to the docks.

First things first, avoid matching sets, specifically earrings and necklace sets, regardless if they’re evening or day-time specific. Sure they’re cute and pretty when they’re packaged together on a hot-tempered Italian gal but the minute you put them on, you look like Betty Homemaker who has no sense of her own style. You can achieve more interesting looks by dividing them up and wearing them with other pieces or with pieces that are similar, like Rachel Zoe did here in the April 2010 Issue of InStyle magazine.

Also consider a matching set that spaces out the pieces more evenly among your body, like earring and ring sets as seen in this H. Stern ad in the new Harper’s Bazaar. This way, you eye moves around your look and doesn’t land on the fact you’re wearing matching pieces. In fact, most people probably won’t even notice, which is why this type of set is ideal. Of course to make it Jersey-ready, layer on a few more rings and bracelets and you’re golden.

If you’re into the trend of statement jewelry but are afraid to completely take the plunge, try layering several more delicate pieces instead. On your arms, stack thinner bangles for a funky take on chunky bracelets. Around your neck, drape a few or several chains of different weights and textures for an edgy but still girly effect.  In fact, most contemporary necklaces come with several smaller chains already attached for those of you who are still a little apprehensive. For your fingers, I recommend seeking out some thin, hammered, stackable bands, about 9 total. They are great if you’re a little bit nervous about trying to combine and stack rings from your own collection. Etsy.com is a great source. In your ears should be a fabulous pair of brilliant, sparkling diamond studs. And if you can’t find those, fake it. Cubic zirconia or glass will substitute just find. And if that’s too girly for you, have some fun with it by using vintage pieces or unexpected shapes, like lightning bolts and feathers.

Though I doubt the Jersey shore will be washing away from out television sets any time soon, I think we can all take a little time to appreciate the blinging brilliance those perpetually bronzed ladies have served us. More is more and don’t think you can’t do it too, aight?!

For more information about Amanda, click here.

Image courtesy of Google image search

fashion 2010

Has been the trend that has stepped on more strongly in recent parades: brightness around the eye with an iridescent glow. Forget about the smoky eyes and gives way to bright!

Although in principle easier to carry, this requires makeup, however, a certain skill. The golden rule is to highlight the eyes, first cover the eyelid with a neutral mobile clear (an anti-dark circles can work very well) to flush the lashes to brow.

Then with a brush or foam sticks, apply... a pearly shade in pastel colours (sky blue, pink, mauve or green) around the eye, from the inside to outside, from top to bottom. You have to have the light hand!
Then another shadow powder applied in the same tone but somewhat darker (and less iridescent) only on the mobile eyelid.

For the brightness, apply a touch of pearly white in the middle of the upper lid, flush with the tabs, that is a must in 2010 fashion.

To avoid: colour masks. Choose a better “false black, softer than a black: colour plum, brown or navy blue. That is 2010 fashion. Nor do you get a lipstick that highlights a lot. It is best if you prefer a gloss (but does not glitter, it would be excessive).

The new Brawn for the shower

Now you can pluck at the shower thanks to Braun

Braun introduces the latest ...in hair: the Silk-Epil Xpressive Wet & Dry, ¡to use both outside and inside the shower!

This novel epilator leaves your skin soft and silky. Since you can also be used while we shower, pluck it’s much more pleasant thanks to the water for its soothing, comfortable and easy to the skin.

Result: Smooth skin for 4 weeks and less pulling and irritation, ¡look for skin imperfections in fashion 2009!

Thanks to your system eliminates Hair lift hair up to 7 times shorter than the wax. Its flexible pivoting head with 40 tweezers reaches an angle of 15 degrees which is perfectly adapted to the contour of the body to withdraw until the last hair.

2009 fashion customization

Customization is the art of appropriate clothing, to give a little personal touch. Although some are true experts in ...the field of personalization, we must know the basis to start playing styles. How to recycle your old t-shirt? Then we give you all the tricks for the style back to a basic shirt.

Appropriate material

- A basic white cotton shirt or colour. You can also retrieve your shirts without sleeves or straps of cotton.
- Thread for sewing needles of different sizes.
- Pearls of rock, strass, badges, and locks.
- Scissors.
- A cup.
- A cutter.

I. Small ideas, big impact style fashion 2009

Given a small change to our clothes? As true stylists, looks original to imagine a cotton T-shirt as a basis.
- A vintage T-shirt: And if we give it a style “used” on our shirt? Simply add a soft colour and lots of salt for dyeing a bit faded. To touch the aged, paste in the English shields.
- A T-shirt 80’s: All the fans we look at Madonna’s “Finding Susan desperately.” T-shirts cut skirt with lace, pearl necklaces … It is easy to achieve. Simply sew pieces of lace on the shirt, for example in the sleeves, and white beads on her neck, as if carrying a necklace of several laps.
- A shirt glamorous and ethnic beads are strung, like when you were on vacation! To your taste, an African style with colourful beads or even a more glamorous style sewing beads metallic rock. Forget the pearls iridescent. In both cases, well together and put them in line at the edge of the collar or sleeves.

II. Touch for fashion 2009

I love the shirt printed. The problem is that you will not either measure. Whether you go small if you go big, you can adjust it easily.

- Cut the neck or the sleeves: The old shirt of your husband that you love can be transformed quickly into a dress-shirt. Just have to adjust it to make it more feminine.
- Bigger: Simply cut the inner and outer seams, and add a small strip of cloth (preferably the original lace or silk) and fix it between the seams.
-smaller: If it’s too long, do not look too much. The trick is to get the seams and adjust like a bra. Remove the inner and outer seams before cutting closer to the body.
You can also entertain doing transfers with embossed pictures, covers album…

Channel Cruise Collection

Inspired by the Venetian high society of the 30s, the Chanel cruise 2010 collection designed by... Karl Lagerfeld struck again.
The collection was presented precisely in Venice, with the catwalk with their backs to the sunset on the beach, accompanied by a slight breeze. The collection was inspired by Coco Chanel’s visits to Venice, where he promoted the famous beach collection.
Ethereal chiffon dresses, jackets with fringed edges, nautical stripes and rich reds are the main features of the collection. This time, Lagerfeld did not overwhelm with their classic black and white, but introduced other colours and shades that add interest to the show. A romantic collection.

How To Tie A Scarf

I love scarves, as do many other women.  But I get tired of wearing them the same way all the time.  Lucky for me, and now you, I found a great website with chic illustrations showing some great ways to incorporate scarves into more of your outfits.  Below are some of my favorites~

Butterfly Wrap

A beautiful way of tying a scarf, accenting the elegant you. Can be sported with any outfit in your wardrobe.

Step 1	Fold the scarf using the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it hang around your neck with roughly one third of the scarf on one side (A) and two-thirds on the other (B) and cross these as illustrated.
Step 3	Bring A upwards to make it pass through the cross so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	After tossing A underneath B, let it pass through a second loop again.
Step 5	Now when you pull one end firmly, you’ll get your butterfly wrap ready!

Casual

A lovely scarf tying style; ready in a manner of seconds. Suitable to be worn with any outfit; the minimum effort required to get this style ready is the cause of its immense popularity.

Step 1	Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it dangle around your neck with one side (B) a bit shorter than the other (A).
Step 3	Take A and after crossing it over B let it pass from under B so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	Bring A towards the neck again
Step 5	After letting A go around the neck, bring it down again and let it pass through the loop that was made before (in step 3).
Step 6	Your casual wrap is ready!

Crown Wrap

This is a relatively informal but stylish way to cover the head, named so because it creates a fabric crown over the head. An oblong scarf is needed for this wrap style. 

Step 1	Drape the rectangular scarf over the head off-centered so that one end hangs much farther down the body than the other.
Step 2	Gather the ends of the scarf at the nape of the neck and cross them behind the head.
Step 3	Form a rope by twisting the longer end; then lay along the front edge of the scarf approximately 1-2 inches from the edge (over the top of the head).
Step 4	Continue the twist around to meet the other, shorter, end of the scarf and knot the two ends together.
Step 5	The ends can be left loose to drape over or behind the shoulder, or may be guided along the back of the head and tucked under the scarf.

To see all of the other scarf tying instructions, click here.

 




Image(s) courtesy of http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html

Party dresses 2010 | Spring Summer Devota & Lomba

Devotee’s collection for spring summer & Lomba Cibeles seen in 2010 has been characterized mainly for its incursion into... a constant geometry, based on hexagons and shapes with a slightly oriental style.
The leit moptiv of the collection, is based on origami, which was mainly in the tails of party dresses in skirts and tops of evening dresses.
In the shorter skirts, the flight with power hidden under the silk tulle., was perfect. Overlap fabric color schemes among, which predominate apple green, red, black and camel.

fashion trend: the black dress

The black dress revisited

The “little black dress”, so dear to the American enters the collections of designers and fashion brands for the general public. Revisited and reinvented again and again, it seems that the designers never have finished creating this garment that lasts over time…

Our advice: This season had better forget the model “3 holes”, since the lines are more vague, the cut is slightly off the body or, conversely, it becomes an article of the most sexy models adjusted hyper as if it were a sleeve. Choose yours!

Fashion hairstyle 2010

Queen of the ice

This spectacular hairstyle main asset is its volume. A large wick becomes a ribbon running through his head side to side, rolling her fantastically, as if a tornado is involved. Its finish fades a bit at the end, to lighten a little the whole. This setting gives the feeling of wearing a hat, so it is an accessory in itself.

Who? For angular and square faces. But do the test before, as they must have picked up weight … Makeup and jewelry are gorgeous.

What dress? With one sophisticated than tightly around his body, to avoid the effect of “longitudinal” to lengthen the silhouette

* Scarlett Johansson designed a fashion bag for Mango

In order to raise funds for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti, actress Scarlett Johansson has developed a joint stock company.. exclusively for Mango that will be available from today (while supplies last) in over 1,400 stores that the firm has worldwide. Its price is 14 euros and part of the collection of bags will be donated to Oxfam International (Oxfam in Spain).
The print on the bag, designed by Scarlett Johansson, is a former Haitian mapping and contains the message (written and signed by the same actress) Supporting the people of Haiti.
Scarlett Johansson wanted to show their commitment to the cause: “I am delighted to collaborate with Mango to promote a solidarity project that will benefit the Oxfam Foundation, which works with the cause of the earthquake in Haiti. By purchasing this bag that I designed especially for the occasion, it helps provide vital assistance such as clean water, the people of Haiti.

The importance of removing the make up

make up

Often.. up to date with the latest trends in make up is essential to know the latest revolution in cosmetics. We did not even hesitate to apply ourselves hundreds of creams, tonics, or peeling facial masks with which to achieve, if not eternal youth, aging more dignified.

But … what happens when the day ends and your skin needs to breathe? There is an “eternal forgotten in the beauty of this: the process of makeup remover on a daily basis.

We forget the importance of a good cleaning of our face, without realizing that the remover is an essential part of facial care to activate the regeneration process of the skin. And above all that a bad makeup of fashion 2009, remover contributes to skin aging.

A frenetic pace of life, lack of time for an investigation, the fatigue accumulated during the day, “I do it later”, to late at night and, ultimately, laziness can be the cause of our “neglect” but never an excuse. It is true that we all jumped on occasion this small but important ritual. This year, fashion 2009, we must learn no to do it!.

When cleaning your skin, besides freeing the mask and makeup and help it to breathe, remove dead cells, excess sebum and waste pollution that accumulate during the day. It is imperative to clean the skin with cotton towed away dirt, both morning and night with a facial tonic after a gel or a cream remover. We must make this ritual becomes a process of everyday life, such as cleaning the teeth.

Shield Sunglasses Like Jared Leto Of 30 Seconds To Mars

Getty Images; From top: Hot Topic ($9.99), Guess ($54.94).

Jared Leto's got some funky fashion sense, and we don't just mean his amazing Mohawk. Earlier this week, the 30 Seconds to Mars frontman wore some zebra-print shield shades to a press conference for the MTV World Stages in Mexico City. Now this is a fun way to wear animal print! Want to snag a similar pair? Try these Jungle Print Shield Sunglasses from Hot Topic for $9.99. If you like the shape but want to ditch the animal print for basic lenses, go for a pair by Guess ($54.94). It fits both guys and girls, and comes in various colors, like silver, gold, gunmetal or brown.

Taylor Momsen Ditched Her Black Eye Makeup For The Cover Of 'Sugar' Magazine

Spot the difference: Taylor on Sugar magazine; Taylor at MTV.com shoot in summer 2010.
Courtesy of Sugar; MTV.com

Taylor Momsen landed on a magazine cover! The Gossip Girl star and The Pretty Reckless lead singer is the cover model for the October issue of Sugar, a British magazine for teen girls, and she poses under the headline, "Trashy? Wild? Or secretly a bit like you?" Thought-provoking, eh? But that cover line isn't as surprising as the actual image of Taylor, in which her face is totally stripped of the black, charcoal, dark eye makeup that has become her signature. How surprising to see Taylor so fresh-faced, don't you think? What a difference!

SEE THE COVER LARGER BELOW ...

Katy Perry Knows How To Rock A Ballerina Tutu

Katy Perry in tutus on August 27 and July 30.

We're on HIGH ALERT for ballerina tutus this summer, and Katy Perry is proving to be quite the tulle collector. Her tutu love began earlier this summer, when she wore a white one on July 30 for her performance at the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia. Then, just this morning, she wore a pink one for her performance on the Today show. But the best part? Katy not only knows how to rock a tutu ballerina-style, but she's sly enough to actually pair the look with BALLET flats, for a ballerina look from head to toe.

Bright Blue Eye Shadow Like Paramore’s Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams on August 18 performing in Chicago, Illinois with Paramore.

MTV just announced that Paramore is performing at the 2010 Video Music Awards! That means we'll get to see the band's stylish singer, Hayley Williams, decked out for a killer performance. For previous stage looks, she whipped out blue eye shadow, like when she stopped in Chicago last week on tour. Not only does the hue look awesome against her pale skin and bold hair color, she is also wearing it in a way that appears bright, without being overpowering. There are a few ways to try this look yourself. For a smoky blue eye, try the cosmic-inspired shadow named Deep Space by Too Faced ($19.50). For a blue with a bit more sparkle, try Ell-If-I-Know by Bare Escentuals ($13), a shimmery cobalt blue. And, to try the hue without splurging, swipe on Revlon’s Matte Eyeshadow in Venetian Blue ($4.99). And tune in to see Hayley and Paramore live at the VMAs on September 12! We wonder what she's going to wear for the big night.

3 Great Ideas For Light Jackets

Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin, Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead, Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style

It's almost fall, which means it's that tricky time of year we like to call In-Between Weather. So how do you suit up for a seasonal transition? We took to the style blogs to get some inspiration! There we found Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin, Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead, Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style who all show off great transitional jackets. See below to find out why they're the favorites of the week.

Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin
Blog: krameymartin.com. Twitter: @krameymartin.
Kaleigha Martin showed off her Deni bomber jacket from Anthropologie, which is we picked for its details: double-breasted military-style buttons, puffy sleeves, and two front pockets (which are perfect for stashing your keys and cell phone). It also looks great with her outfit — a navy blue dress, brown belt, and matching brown boots. This girl is ready for fall.

Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead
Blog: blonde-bedhead.blogspot.com. Twitter: @andreakerbuski.
Michigan-based blogger Andrea Kerbuski picked up one of the biggest trends for fall: Army green. Her cropped three-quarter length jacket by Ecote is a great neutral element for any type of outfit, which is why it pairs perfectly with her accessories, from the cream bag to the leopard scarf to the aviator shades to the Jeffrey Campbell boots. Cheers all around for this one.

Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style
Blog: ifyouseekstyle.com. Twitter: @cayleem.
Caylee Willett gave us a great idea for incorporating bleached denim into our cool-weather wardrobes. The Forever 21 jacket looks great with a black-and-white tribal mini from H&M and tons of jewelry — bracelets, rings, and even a silver ear cuff! The jacket sets the tone for the whole eighties-inspired outfit, which has a downtown vibe we totally want to steal.

Jared Leto Wear Face Paint Better Than Ke$ha

Photo: Getty Images/PictureGroup

30 Seconds To Mars performed at the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands on Monday, and frontman Jared Leto showed off a cool new look — face paint! He swooshed three white stripes across his cheeks and forehead, and dabbed pink color above his eyebrows. His mohawk was at full spike altitude. You know who also loves colorful painted faces? KE$HA! But the real question is: Who wears their face paint better — Jared or Ke$ha? We'll leave that one up to you.

Day 14: EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Shellac manicure in the San Francisco-Bay Area

So here they are, DAY 14.... see any chips?  NO.  Among regular wear and tear, these shellaced puppies survived two weeks of work, two airports and the hand washing dishes, CHIP FREE.

You can tell it's been a couple of weeks.  Look at that grow out.

 Surprisingly, this hard-to-chip hybrid polish is really easy to remove as well.

Step 1-Soak in Acetone

Step 2-Scratch off Shellac with an orange stick (cuticle pusher)

Soak and repeat as needed. DONE!

The best part of this whole process (other than the fact that the Shellac lasts at least 14 days) is that is causes no damage to your natural nail.  There's no "prepping" of the nail or abrasive filing.  Just soak and scratch off.  Simple.  I was also really please to see that there was no staining of my nails like you find with traditional red nail lacquer.

Finally, for the part you've all been waiting for......  I am so excited to announce that The Sanctuary Spa in the Marin Bay Club has agreed to offer my readers a $10 DISCOUNT on their Shellac manicure.  All you have to do is mention this blog post!  Hurry, the promotion only lasts until September 15th.  Book your appointment with Sarah before it goes back to full price.

Image(s) courtesy of Sanctuary Spa Marin Bay Club

world fashion model show

I just received the look book for the Snoozer Looser Fall / Winter line and had to share it with you guys. I have posted about New York designer Snoozer Looser in the past and I am really excited about her new collection. I love the mixing and matching of these funky prints and the styling is so great. The knee socks and brightly colored tights are perfect accents.

Fashionable Movies: "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe

I love old movies, and one of my favorites is "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable.  Marilyn didn't make many bad movies, and this certainly isn't one of those.  Without giving anything about the movie away (I'm hoping you'll want to see it for yourself), I've included a short synopsis (after the jump):

Not wanting her date to see her glasses (she's blind without them), Monroe inspects her outfit in the ladies room

Three New York models, Shatze, Pola and Loco set-up in an exclusive appartment with a plan: tired of cheap men and a lack of money they intend to use all their talents to trap and marry three millionaires. The trouble is that's it's not so easy to tell the rich men from the huxters and even when they can, is the money really worth it?

During the hunt for their millionaire husbands,  the three models rent an upscale, furnished apartment, and live off of the sale of its furnishings.  I have to assume that a good portion of that money goes to their incredible wardrobes!

Outfits worn during the fashion show scene

This movie was made during a time when women's curves were celebrated and accentuated.  My, how times have changed- Marilyn was a size 12/14, and that was a good thing.  But I digress...  The point is, this movie is a vintage-loving-fashionista's fantasy. 

More outfits from the fashion show scene (why can't we shop like this any more?)

Bacall's trying not to fall for the "gas pump jockey", but keeps answering his calls.

When her millionaire comes back, Bacall realizes she won't have to sell off any more furniture.

I have to say this last outfit (above) is my favorite.  You can't see it as well here, but Bacall is sporting a huge poet sleeved blouse under a simple gray shift dress.  But you don't have to buy vintage to make this outfit work for you today.  To update this look for the 21st century, try this blouse and this dress.  Keep the hemline above/at the knee, and keep the accessories simple.

Impractical green/yellow skiing outfit, but oh-so-fabulous (best seen in color version of film).

What are you fashionable movie favorites?

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search