Highbrow for the Holidays

How to get the perfect brow

By Gillian Waxer

Tis’ the season when we are bombarded with parties and appearances, seeing friends and family that love us, but truth be told judge us too. So how can we face the scrutiny? By putting are best face forward…literally.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then eyebrows are the houses that surround those windows and determine the soul’s property value. A great brow will instantly make you look younger and more attractive. A bad brow can make you look cheap and unprofessional.

So how do you get the perfect brow? By remembering the 3 Ts: trim, tweeze, and trace!

A word to the wise, eyebrow groomers everywhere will tell you that your brows are sisters and not twins, so don’t try to make them exactly the same because it will never happen.

1. First action you must take is to brush your brows up and outward. Then TRIM away excess hair.

2. Next find the arch, which is located about diagonally away from the pupil. Accentuate the arch and TWEEZE any stray hairs.

3. Lastly TRACE the brow with an eyebrow pencil filling in any light or sparse spots.

Now your brows are holiday ready and all your friends and family will be happy to see the added grace that’s on your face!

Make your Prada Private!

There have been a growing number of brands who offering customization as an option for consumers. You can customize anything from NIKE shoes, Ralph Lauren polos, and Louis Vuitton totes. The only thing missing from this selection is eyewear! Prada has recently launched their custom sunglass line, Prada Private. It was launched December 2nd 2010 at a cocktail party in at one of the Sunglass Hut locations in NYC. Socialites and models were in attedance creating their very own pair of Prada Private frames. Canada's very own Jessica Stam was spotted accenting her frames with skulls and symbols. The Prada Private frames feature removable arms that can be personalized by 47 character or symbol inserts. They are available in three colours; black, white or tortoiseshell. You can customize your own pari of Prada Private frames at various Sunglass Hut location across North America. Once Spring/Summer 2011 hits, the frames will be customizable within Prada boutiques across the globe.

Here come the British!!

By Amanda Jazvac

There is no doubt that British fashion has always had an impact on the rest of the world, dating back to the 1960’s Mod invasion, and later with the grunge and punk movements. The past year has been their biggest yet however, and the groundwork laid promises no near end in sight.

The British Fashion Awards 2010, hosted at London’s Savoy Hotel and Theatre last night, drew its biggest crowd yet in honoring the most important and influential fashion icons of the past year. Winners included Alexa Chung for British Style, Phoebe Philo (for Céline) as Designer of the Year, and Burberry for the Digital Innovation award.

Special recognition went to the late Alexander McQueen as Sarah Burton, assistant to McQueen for the last 15 years of his life, accepted the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion on his behalf. Also acknowledged were Naomi Campbell, as one of the greatest contributors to British fashion over the last 25 years, and Nicola Formichetti for the Isabella Blow award for Fashion Creator.

For those in the North American fashion industry, the British are becoming and holding their place as ‘household names’; for those not in the know, newer fashion phenomena such as Topshop are sure to command their attention. No matter what angle you look at it from, not only are the British here to stay, but they have proven to provide a consistent supply of fresh and innovative talent. I think it best to be wide-eyed and ready for what they’ll bring us next.

To watch some of the best moments from the British Fashion Awards 2010, click here.

Welcome Back Mr. Ford!!!

By Amanda Jazvac

The fashion world has been waiting to see what Tom Ford will bring them next….and he did not disappoint. After much speculation and expectations being set from both his lovers and haters, Tom Ford has once again brought the sex appeal and luxurious femininity that he so famously delivered most recently for the houses of Gucci and YSL. This time, however, it’s all on his terms.

He chose to show in his Madison Avenue store during New York Fashion week this past September, having women who inspire him, such as Beyonce, Julianne Moore and Stella Tennant as models. The audience was no more than 100, there was no pre or post pubilicty, and the only photographer that was shooting was Terry Richardson, who was doing so for the house of Tom Ford. There was also no release of photos for the internet, keeping the details of his line and first runway show back a secret from the masses. Until now…..

The newest issues of US Vogue, Paris Vogue, and UK Harper’s Bazaar have previews of the collection for spring/summer 2011, available on stands early this month. To see more photos, check out harpersbazaar.co.uk. Welcome back Mr. Ford…we missed you!

Rodarte for 'Black Swan'

By Katie Beattie

@katiembeattie

New movie, “Black Swan” is being hailed as some of the finest work by actress Natalie Portman. The movie follows the story of a ballerina named Nina (Portman) in a New York City ballet company, whose life is completely devoted to dance. Nina and a new dancer Lily (Mila Kunis) are narrowed down as the top choices for the lead role in “Swan Lake”, playing both the White Swan representing innocence and grace, and the Black Swan representing lust and sensuality. Nina is the perfect fit for the White Swan, where Lily is the perfect fit for the Black Swan. Throughout the movie Nina and Lily expand their rivalry and Nina becomes dangerously more in touch with her dark side.

While film critics are excited over Portman’s work, on the other hand, fashionistas are abuzz over something else; that something being the film’s “forward-thinking ballet costumes by Rodarte, the insider-favourite label by sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy” according to an article from the Associated Press.

“Black Swan” director Darren Aronofsky and costume designer Amy Westcott wanted to reinvent the whole sense of the story, and use the contemporary fashion designer “to take it to a new level”.

Rodarte previously found inspiration for past collections by tapping into horror films and ballet, the same elements that are found in the movie. However, Laura Mulleavy did state that producing fashion-forward ballet costumes did prove to be a challenge, “How do you make something look realistic as a tutu and function?” She admits that at times style took precedence over function.

To see the fabulous designs by Rodarte and the amazing performances in “Black Swan” the movie opens December 4^th, 2010.

Eco Treasure-trove

By Gillian Waxer

For ages Fashionistas have found it cumbersome to be both stylish and sustainable. Traditionally glamour and granola do not mix and any attempt to be hip has been hurdled by heaps of hemp. Well…no more. I have great news for green girls everywhere!

It’s www.junoandjove.com. An online store where you can find forward thinking fashions at fair prices. Like an eco-chic Anthropology, Juno and Jove delivers better and moderately merchandise that please the earth, mind, and behind.

Juno and Jove both online and freestanding store in Sarasota Florida; launched in 2006 it offers a broad range of lifestyle products, including those which are: made in the US, contain organic fabrics, employ fair trade principles, locally sourced, vegan, handmade, recycled and repurposed.

This site is equip with men’s, women’s, accessories, shoes & bags, grooming, home, and even a pet department and takes the guesswork out of being fashionably eco. The site also allows you to shop by designer, making it easy to find more of what you like.

So if you want the hip without the hemp, check out www.junoandjove.com!