Just for fun

Character personality traits courtesy of:

http://shes-crafty.net/quizzes/sexall.html

The girls are back

After two years and dozens of Cosmos later, the wait is finally over as the fab-four (Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda) are back in the highly anticipating sequel of “Sex in the City 2.” You die-hard “Sex in the City” fans once again have an excuse to wear your favorite pair of stilettos to the movies, but make sure they are Manolos; Carrie wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you are like me and were left with your mouth open upon watching the first “Sex in the City” movie, you are not alone. All the women in the theater gasped when Mr. Big left Carrie at the altar. And after all the emotional games he put her through over the years due to his fear of commitment, I’m almost certain that they wanted to rip his head off at that moment. However, like almost all movies with a romantic plot, there was a happy ending, as Carrie and Mr. Big FINALLY tied the knot.

Now the girls are back, and the sequel is sure to stir up more drama, love, desire, and of course, fashion, as they make their way from one cosmopolitan metropolis to another, Abu Dhabi, on a trip of a lifetime. But, as the tantalizing previews suggest with the “Sex in the City” soundtrack playing in the background, even in the far away desserts of the Arab Emirates, Carrie finds herself in a love-tryst with an ex-lover. So what will this illicit rendezvous mean for Carrie and Mr. Big? I guess you have to go watch the movie to find out.

So grab your stilettos, shake up your Cosmos, and invite your favorite gal-pals for a night of fun, fashion, and of course the fab-four. New York sky-scrapers the limit, so get ready to let loose and have some fun!

“Sex in the City 2″ in theaters May 27, 2010

The beauty of “Ugly Betty”

For all you fellow “Ugly Betty” fans out there, I’m sure you were glued in front of your TV set, as I was, to get your final dose of Betty before she went off the air for good on April 14, 2010. After four seasons, the show’s executive producer, Silvio Horta, was ready to have Betty leave Mode magazine and the airwaves on a high note.

For those of us dedicated to the show from the very beginning, we have been with Betty (America Ferrera) on her tumultuous journey up the not-so-easy fashion magazine ladder as she made her way out of Queens and the comforts of home and into the high-life of Manhattan-living and the fast-paced world of fashion. But even though Betty did not fit in with the fashionistas at Mode, her determination and never-die attitude helped her rise in the ranks; going from Daniel Meade’s (Eric Mabius) assistant to being offered an editor’s position in London; a true “dreams can come true” story.

However, “Ugly Betty” was not just a show about the underdog making  it in the big city and breaking into the cut-throat fashion magazine industry; every episode had a moral. Although Betty, with her shiny braces, frizzy hair, and signature red-rimmed glasses stood-out like a jagged multi-colored rock (with her mismatched outfits) among the dazzling plethora of beautifully polished diamonds that were the models and fashion-conscious employees of Mode, her winning spirit, go-get-them attitude, and overall bubbly personality eventually won the hearts of those who at first despised her and her lack of style. At the same time, Betty also proved that despite all appearances, authenticity, being true to oneself, and hard work is the key to success and prosperity in the end.

For most “Ugly Betty” fans, we were not ready to have the show come to an end, but at least the show’s producers had everything fall into place, as all the characters got what they wanted: Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams) became editor-in-chief of Mode, Hilda (Ana Ortiz) married Bobby (Adam Rodriguez) her high school crush, Justin (Mark Indelicato) finally came-out of the closet, Mark (Michael Urie) got his promotion as creative director, Amanda (Becki Newton) found her long-lost father, and of course Betty (American Ferrera), as mentioned above, was offered a great position as editor at a magazine in London. The only disappointment was that Daniel (Eric Mabius) and Betty (America Ferrera) did not officially end up together in the end, even though the previous episode alluded to that fact. However, the fact that Daniel passed the title of editor-in-chief to Wilhelmina and followed Betty to London indicates that they just might end up together after all; at least that’s the ending in my final cut.

I know you Betty fans were sad to see “Ugly Betty” make its last curtain-call, but at least you can take this moral of the story with you: dare to be different, be yourself, and never give up on your dreams.

Adios Betty, we’ll miss you.

Art Imitating Life, Literally

If you are a nature-lover or just someone who appreciates great landscape and wildlife photography, then you are in luck. Aperture Academy will be having their Spring Open House this Saturday, March 13, 2010, from 6 pm – 10 pm in the Pruneyard Shopping center in Campbell. Their state-of-the-art-facility features the fine art prints of award-winning wildlife and landscape photographer, Stephen W. Oachs. The academy also offers photoshop workshops for both novice and professional photographers who want to brush-up on, or learn new skills.

Come enjoy free food and drinks and meet and mingle with Stephen W. Oachs and the Aperture Academy team.

Festivities will also include:

• Ribbon cutting by Vice Mayor Jason Baker and Campbell Chamber of Commerce!
• Prize drawings
• A free Photoshop® demonstration in the Digital Darkroom

So if you are a professional photographer or someone who just appreciates fine art prints, then this is the event for you!

Event Location:

Aperture Academy
Pruneyard Center
1875 S. Bascom, Suite 600
Campbell, CA 95008

Phone: (408) 369-8585

Event information courtesy of: http://www.apertureacademy.com/open-house-rsvp-march-13.php

Heart Health

On Saturday February 27, 2010, participating Santana Row restaurants and shops will be hosting exclusive in-store events offering complimentary food and wine parings, along with special discounts for those who participate in the event. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Heart Association. Tickets cost $30 and include access to all in-store events. Patrons will also receive a Heart card shopping pass, a signature Santana Row wine glass, and a wine bottle tote bag.

To buy tickets visit:

http://www.santanarow.com/events/item/wine_dine_around_benefiting_american_heart_association/

Wine is not only good for the heart it is also good for the soul. CHEERS!

Dance like a pro on the Row

If you are like me and never miss one episode of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, then get ready to put on your dancing shoes. This Saturday February 13, 2010, from 3:00 pm to 5 pm, you can receive a complimentary dance lesson from professional Ballroom instructors from Cheryl Burke Dance, in Park Valencia.  Not only will you learn a few new dance moves, you will also be entered to win a Romance package that includes dinner for two at Santana Row, a free one night stay at Hotel Valencia, and complimentary dance classes at Cheryl Burke Dance.

So grab your dancing partner and head on over to the Row this Saturday for a fun afternoon of Ballroom dance lessons; who knows, you may just get three 10’s your first time.

Not so sunny

Known as “Sunny California,” we bay area natives are lucky to live in a state where the climate has been compared to that of the Mediterranean; with our warm, dry summers and overall sunny and temperate climate. However, when the rain arrives, most of us like to stay in-doors if possible and snuggle up by the fireplace with a nice cup of hot coco. But a rainy day does not mean that you have to stay in-doors. Silicon Valley’s fashion Mecca, known as Santana Row, offers a rainy day discount for shoppers who are not only looking for a good deal, but who are also not afraid to go out in the rain.

Santana Row rainy day discount

Beginning February 1, 2010 – March 31, 2010, any shoppers who visit Santana Row between 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on a rainy day, have the benefit of receiving a rainy day discount of 10% off products and/or food items at participating shops and restaurants on the Row. And, if you happen to forget your umbrella at home, don’t fret; just take a quick detour to the concierge where they offer the use of a complimentary umbrella during the duration of you shopping endeavor.

Rainy day?

If you are not sure whether or not it is a “Santana Row Rainy Day,” you can visit the santanarow.com homepage and click on the weather icon to find out.

For a full list of participating stores and restaurants, you can download this PDF

Or, for more information you can call the Concierge at: 408-551-4611

With the Santana Row Rainy Day Discount you will surely make a splash.

Man makeup – a cosmetic phenomenon

British Comedian Russell Brand

Yes ladies, you heard it right: eye make-up is no longer for your pretty peepers only. Yet it’s not only the Hollywood movers and shakers that are using this man-makeup to make a statement; more and more everyday guy’s guys are stepping out of their masculine comfort zone and exploring what this new phenomenon has to offer.

This is great news for you ladies who have, in endless attempts, begged your boyfriend to let you have some fun and allow you to give him a make-over. Now, you may just find him actually wanting you to put your makeup on him, but within reason of course – you don’t want your guy coming out looking like a drag queen – or do you? Yikes!

Special Effects

Guyliner and Manscara give guys the same effects that typical eyeliner and mascara give women, yet with a more subtle outcome– it makes the eyes pop (not literally), as the bluest of blues, brownest of browns, and all of the eye colors in between are made more vibrant. Yet for the gents, the eye makeup gives them the added allure of making them look mysterious, sexy, and even a little dangerous all at the same time.

Singer Adam Lambert

Taxi Man – not what you think

Superdrug.com, the UK’s second-largest beauty and health retailer, was the first to stock and offer makeup designed just for men. With their launch of Taxi Man brand cosmetics in 2008, the company has taken the typical use of makeup that in the past has been solely used by women and by some men – drag queens, actors, and those secure in their sexuality – and have made it available to the machismos who want to go beyond the scope of social norms and explore the use of an item that has for centuries been prevalently meant for, made for, and used by women.

Metro-sexual Evolution

Rocker Pete Wentz

Progressive trend pushing the boundaries

However, as progressive as this new trend is in terms of going beyond typical social norms and gender role ideals, it may not be suitable or appropriate for all men; there will always be those traditionalists that will never leave the comfort of their strictly male and masculine identity behind- and that’s okay. Guyliner and Manscara is just another one of the 21^st century’s inventive ideas that for some will be a fun way to push the envelope, but for others, a test that will press the boundaries of conventional norms as well as the role of gender and what it means to be strictly male and strictly female. Either way, if you are, or know a guy who is willing to step out of the box and have some fun, then Guyliner or Manscara can help you take that first step. You never know, you may just like what you see.

Tiara: A symbol of nobility

Tiaras have always been associated with royalty, glamour and beauty. Tiaras are also known as diadems (headdresses) used to adorn the heads of nobilities. However, the tiara’s true history is unclear since it has been in circulation for ages, with its continuous development unknown.  The earliest known manifestation of the tiara spans back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Pharos, their queens, and Egyptian princesses were adored with ornate and at times heavy crowns or tiaras. And although crowns are typically worn by kings, there have been occasions when queens have also worn crowns, yet the tiara was and is primarily reserved for the heads of queens and princesses.

Tiara: A symbol of power and authority

In their simpler form, tiaras were made out of leather encrusted with jewels and were only worn by emperors and important members of society. In the classical periods, tiaras were also simple in grade. A simple cloth that was tied around the head of a king or queen sufficed as the royalty’s symbolic declaration of authority and power.

The use of the tiara throughout the ages

As time progressed, the earliest tiaras used by the ancient Greeks were made of silver or gold sheet decorated with

The late Princess Diana looking beautiful and elegant wearing her royal tiara

patterns of dots imprinted in the back. The Greeks’ simple diadems also resembled the simplicity and naturality of a wreath. Leaves and flowers were made out of gold, silver, and gold-plated materials, and were worn on ceremonial occasions like weddings.

In the era of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon himself had an influence on the use of the tiara. His constant need to boast about his affluence and nobility made the tiara an obligatory accessory to be worn at all social functions during his reign.

The tiara was most popular between the early 1800s and the beginning of World War I (1917-1920).

Tiaras have also been seen on the heads of former Popes. The papal tiara was worn only for ceremonial occasions. And although this is no longer a ritual that is practiced, the papal tiara is still a fixture in the Roman-Catholic Church.

Modern-day tiara

The modern tiara is not as elaborate as its ancient predecessor. The modern-day tiara is simpler in shape and size, is easy to wear, and no longer connotates authority or royalty in its everyday use. Women can now wear a tiara to add an extra dazzling essence to their outfit.

In the 21^st century, tiaras have been and are primarily worn on, or to formal occasions or events such as: weddings; quinceñeras; proms; pageants; coming out parties; balls; and even to the opera.

Princess for a day

Since a tiara is usually an elegant hair accessory, delicate in nature, and exudes a feminine grace, females are typically the sole wearers of tiaras. Brides, in particular, (those who choose to) wear a tiara to complete their wedding ensemble. Wearing a tiara with her gown gives the blushing bride the feeling of being a princess for a day; something most women would like to experience at least once in their life.

Fashion on the Row

Santana Row’s 5^th annual Fall Fashion in the Park was the place to be this past weekend (Sept. 11-12, 2009). During the two-day fashion event, posh parties, special shopping deals, and runway shows were all the rave. Connoisseurs of fashion and amateurs alike were found sipping wine and sampling some Mediterranean-style hors d’oeuvres while previewing this year’s fall fashion trends.

This year’s show featured 18 well-known designers. Some of the bigger names in fashion included Anne Fontaine, Cole Haan, Donald J. Pliner, Eli Thomas, St. Croix, and many more.

On the catwalk

While watching the models make their way down the catwalk decked-out in this season’s must-haves, it was interesting to note that many of the designers used similar colors and even some comparable styles in their 2009 collection.

The dichotomy of fashion

Fall trends of this season include:

• French-inspired fringe tops, elegant couture evening gowns, and satin cocktail dresses.

• Stripes, plaids, and argyle are the patterns of choice.

• The dichotomy of comfy and loose and tight-fitting garments is the norm. From tops to bottoms, dresses to fitness wear, loose or tight, you pick the style that is most complimentary to your body-type.

• When it comes to day or evening dresses, silk and satin are the way to go.

• Men’s suits are also dichotomous in style this season. For you guys out there, mix a formal dress shirt with casual jeans and vice versa.

Color:

Popular colors of this season include: the always classy and chic black; black and white combinations; reds of all shades; orange; earthy tones like caramel, gray, and light browns; gold; varieties of purple; and pastels like pink, blue, and green.

Accessories:

Big handbags were prevalent amongst the various accessories accompanying several of the designers’ ensembles. These handbags came in a variety of fabrics such as leather, shiny varnish, python printed patent, and suede. Belts and boots also matched many of the handbag fabrics.  Find the one that works best for you.

Jackets/Coats:

Suede and leather jackets and warm sweater-coats are a collection staple.

Shoes/Boots:

Knee-high leather boots, ankle-boots, and stilettos are the gotta have it footwear for this season.

Stockings/Pants:

Plain or printed stockings, tight latex or leather-like pants, polyester, and skinny jeans are perfect for the crisp autumn weather.

Whatever your personal style, this season is sure to bring out the fashionista in you.

Fashion with a purpose

A portion of the proceeds benefited four South Bay non-profits: Breathe California, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, Junior League of San Jose and San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Remember, charity is always in style.