Archive for July, 2009

If you’re going to Europe or Asia on your summer vacation, be sure to check out Russian model Natalia Vodianova’s amazing and crazily affordable new line for Etam, the French lingerie giant.

Etam commands over 11 percent of the lingerie market in France – a country where women devote a major part of their wardrobe budget to underpinnings – so the company really knows its stuff. Apparently, so does Vodianova: Every piece in her collection (strictly swimwear and lingerie) is flattering, romantic and utterly charming. Get a preview at http://www.etam.com.cn

Here are a few samples:

(image via fabsugar.co.uk)

(image via zimbio.com)

Love,
Loren

Raise your hand if you burst into tears when Michael Jackson’s daughter spoke at his funeral. Heart wrenching, wasn’t it? But instead of dwelling on the total sadness of this situation, I would rather take a few moments over the next few weeks to reflect on just how spectacular this man’s fashion sense was. There are trends today that you completely forget started with Michael Jackson. So, in loving memory of the King of Pop, here’s a little trot down MJ’s fashion catwalk through the ages. Starting, of course, from the beginning…

Before clothes became his thing, it was all about the hair:

(image via nymag.com)

Looking like a dapper prom date (only he’s at the legendary Studio 54!):

(image via nymag.com)

Where Jackson’s love affair with sparkles began:

(image via sugarscape.com)

Check back soon for more of Jackson’s style influences through the ages.

Lots of love,
Loren

My friend Shannon just turned me onto this chilled-out serving dish. You fill the bottom bowl with ice and the domed cover traps the cooled air while keeping bugs at bay.

She brought it to a party filled with the most delicious fruit salad and I finally wormed the recipe out of her. It’s super easy: Chop up an assortment of fresh fruits (like melon, pineapple, peaches and something bright like berries or kiwi fruit). In a separate bowl, stir one small, 6-ounce container of lemon chiffon yogurt together with one 6-ounce container of non-fat sour cream. Fold the mixture into the fruit, garnish with some freshly chopped mint leaves and serve.

Lots of love,
Loren

If you know exactly what to look for, you can concoct a lean, leggy look with almost no effort at all. Just remember the key ingredients:

1. Heel-skimming pants in the same shade as your shoes.

   
   

   Citizens of Humanity Amber Boot Cut Jeans, $154 at Shopbop.com

   

2. Flesh-toned platform sandals to wear with a dress or skirt.
   Fiona Asymmetrical Strappy Sandal, $138.60 at BCBG

   

3. High-waisted skirts to help give you a more balanced proportion.
   Fit & Flare Skirt, $29.99 at Chadwicks

   

What are your foolproof, leg-lengthening style tips?

Love,
Loren

(image via usmagazine.com)

Just his outfit, of course. We’re actually good with the top half, considering that he’s on a cruise ship. But what do you think? Does John McEnroe want his tiny, 1970s shorts back?

Much love,
Loren

I went into reverse sticker shock (for once!) when I found these. How something so perfect for summer could cost so little is beyond me, but I’m not asking questions, I’m just hitting “buy.”

Happy shopping,
Loren

(image via latimes.com)

Here’s Barack Obama throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the All-Star Game on July 14th . Which makes you wonder: Why is it that so many recent U.S. presidents (Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Obama) are all lefties??

The good news is that Obama got his game attire right with the Red Tab Levi’s (us.levi.com) and the White Sox jacket (well, almost right, considering that he was in St. Louis.) But after reviewing Obama’s pitch, we felt compelled to offer some advice.

Future candidates, listen up:

The 5 steps to throwing a baseball (or any ball, for that matter):

1. Position your feet sideways to your target, shoulder-width apart.
2. Find a comfortable grip. If you’re throwing a baseball, place your thumb underneath the ball, second and third fingers on top.
3. In one smooth motion, shift your weight to your back foot — so you’re loading the power in your hips and shoulders — and swing your arm back over your head. The ball should be above or even with your head and your elbow directly below the ball.
4. Uncoil, releasing your shoulders and hips as you throw the ball toward the target. If you want to add more torque, snap your wrist as you release it.
5. Follow through to boost your momentum, and stay on balance.

Now the real question: Does Obama’s baggy denim qualify as “dad” jeans?

Love,
Loren

(image via butter.la)

A Hollywood hair-repair guru and champion of botanical treatments, Philip B. is accustomed to midnight calls from panicked stars with fried, damaged strands and frizz. Now, to celebrate the re-launch of his award-winning, eco-friendly hair care line, he’s fielding questions from the rest of us. Write to him with your most pressing hair issues at PhilipB.com; he’ll personally answer as many letters as he can, free of charge. How great is that?

Love,
Loren