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March 9, 2010

Givenchy Ange ou Demon Le Secret Fragrance

Givenchy's latest fragrance, Ange ou Démon Le Secret, is finally available in the U.S. A spin-off from the original Ange ou Démon (2006 release), this new scent is a floral fragrance that's based on jasmine and white peony, with top notes of Italian winter lemon and green tea. A base of white musk and patchouli rounds out the predominantly floral theme.

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As I've gotten older I've veered away from most heavy floral scents, but this one is delicate enough for me to wear. This fragrance is also intended to reveal the 'angelic' side of Ange ou Démon.
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Uma Thurman illuminates the screen in this commercial for Ange ou Démon Le Secret (directed by Mira Nair). Isn't she just gorgeous?


There's also a behind-the-scenes video that's located here.

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, fragrance, perfume, scents, shopping

feteafete.com

March 8, 2010

Oscars Beauty - How To Get It!

Lancome ambassador Kate Winslet looked so regal last night at the Oscars. Wearing an elegant Yves Saint Laurent ensemble, Kate’s makeup artist Jillian Dempsey complemented her look with soft, natural makeup. Shimmering, champagne-pewter shades highlighted the eyes, while dramatic layers of mascara delivered extra definition. A pop of pink blush on her cheeks gave Kate just a hint of a natural flush. Jillian topped off the look with nude-pink lips.


Products used:

EYES
Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Black
Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black
Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins
Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel

FACE & CHEEKS
Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence Foundation
Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation
Shu Uemura Blush in Pink 30

LIPS
Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere
Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Hotness




As for Avatar heroine Zoe Saldana, makeup artist Vera Steimberg decided to concentrate on her gorgeous eyes. She achieved this look by using the black Slant false lashes from shu uemura. Steimberg also used the shu uemura eye lash applicator to apply the lashes. I have it and love it - it makes things so much easier.


Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, makeup, makeup tips, oscars, special events

feteafete.com

November 20, 2009

Pink Martini Splendor In The Grass

One of my all-time favorite groups, Pink Martini, recently came out with their fourth album, Splendor in the Grass. With nine original songs and four covers, I'm happy to say it's another strong collection for their fans. If you don't know who this awesome 12-piece orchestra is, you need to run out today and buy all four albums.

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There are so many great songs in this release. I adore the French cha-cha "Où est ma tête?" It's très charmant, I tell you. You can't help but smile and sing along with this track. I'm a total romantic so "Over the Valley" is another favorite of mine. As usual, China Forbes did an amazing job on the acoustic reprise of "Ninna nanna."

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This album is packed with guest stars. Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols plays the electric guitar on "Splendor in the Grass" and Emilio Delgado, aka "Luis" on Sesame Street, sings the Spanish parts of "Sing." And, to my delight, NPR Justice Correspondent Ari Shapiro's sexy vocals are debuted on the fun and catchy "But Now I'm Back."

These guys are so much fun, you have to catch them live in concert. I've seen them several times and it's always a grand time. For concert tour dates and more info go to: pinkmartini.com

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review

feteafete.com

August 3, 2009

Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway!

Ladies - here's your latest arsenal to plump up your fabulous lips. The new Givenchy Le Makeup Gloss Interdit collection is finally on the counters. Available it 15 gorgeous shades, these opaque glosses are more of a liquid lipstick. My personal favorites are Lilac Confession, Rose Taboo, and Indiscreet Beige. For a fun look, I recommend Succulent Orange and Glamorous Fuschia. The Velvet Purple is great for a goth look.

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The pearlescent (Silvershine) and mirror-like (Silverglass) particles give the non-sticky formula an exceptional shine to the lips, as if you've been painted with airbrush makeup. For a plumping and moisturizing effect, microspheres of hyaluronic acid settle on the lips to fill in fine lines. The texture is comfy, without being too thick.

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The lovely and elegant Liv Tyler, spokeswoman for the Gloss Interdit campaign.


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Aren't these colors just divine? Makes you wanna get them all, doesn't it?

Want to try this wonderful new gloss? Here's your chance! The fabulous ladies at Givenchy are teaming up with us to give away two glosses to THREE winners each!

To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/m6ewfk ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which shade you'd like to try (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Be sure to enter 'Givenchy Gloss Interdit Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

Three winners will be chosen at random. Deadline is Thursday, August 13, at 11:59pm EST. USA residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, cosmetics, giveaway, Lifestyle, lip color, lip gloss, Liv Tyler, Luxury, makeup, shopping

feteafete.com

July 20, 2009

Hugo Boss BOSS Orange Giveaway!

If you've been curious about BOSS Orange, the new Hugo Boss fragrance, here's your chance to try it. The lovely Debbie (aka The Perfume Fairy) from DM Fragrances is kind and generous enough to host this great giveaway with us. This time, my UK readers can enter! I'm real excited about this.

British beauty Sienna Miller is the face behind this campaign. The fragrance notes are crisp apple, white flower, vanilla, and sandalwood. This sounds just right for summer! The retail value of the 30ml Eau de Toilette runs for about $43 (£26.00).

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Photo credit: Cliff Watts


To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete BOSS Orange Giveaway http://tinyurl.com/nlsafo ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below this post on which Hugo Boss fragrances you like or have tried before (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. Be sure to enter 'BOSS Orange Giveaway' in the subject line and your unlocked Twitter link in the body. DO NOT forget to email your name & address after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically!

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Tuesday, July 28, at 11:59pm EST. USA & United Kingdom residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, fragrance, giveaway, perfume, shopping

feteafete.com

June 16, 2009

Spices and Herbs Shine at Aziza

While I'm super proud of Chef Mourad Lahlou kicking some real cool derrière on Iron Chef, I'm more impressed with his current menu. I haven't been there in over a couple years and the food is, I'm real happy to see, is better than ever.

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The self-taught chef really knows a thing or two about his spices. The orange and saffron infused mussels are really packed with flavor - a thumbs up in my book. The portions are quite generous, so bring a big belly to the table. The fluffy and well-excuted Basteeya alone could have filled me up but I had to forge on.

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The beef cheeks with brown butter are so tender you don't need a knife. The carrot-tomato stew that accompanied it is outta this world - yum! I'd be pretty happy if I can get jars of this and eat it all day long with couscous, and nothing else. The squab with thyme-ras el hanout is also excellent - very moist, succulent, and well paired with the earthy hon shimeji mushrooms.

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If you still have room left, get the hibiscus granita for dessert. It comes with a layer of rose parfait, making it the perfect ending to such a lush and decadent meal. I'll be back for sure. The drinks are also real awesome - try the muddled tarragon with cardamom or the verbena with wild spearmint.

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aziza-sf.com

Tagged as: chef, drink, food, gourmet, restaurant, San Francisco

feteafete.com

May 12, 2009

Lancome Magnifique Giveaway & Anne Hathwaway Commercial

Check out the new Magnifique parfum commercial featuring Lancôme ambassador Anne Hathaway. Filmed at New York’s The Box, Anne is working the sexy and confident persona of the Magnifique woman.

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To see Anne in the new commercial and to get her Magnifique makeup look: www.lancome-usa.com/fragrance/magnifique.aspx


In celebration of the new commercial, we're giving away one bottle of Magnifique Eau de Toilette to a lucky reader. This spicy, floral, woody fragrance is an intoxicating scent perfect for a summer’s night out.

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To Enter:

Step 1: Tweet this post on Twitter (RT @feteafete Lancome Magnifique EDT giveaway http://tinyurl.com/ommafj ). IF you don't have a Twitter account, please leave an interesting comment below on why you like this brand, or what you'd like to try from this line (don't send generic ones like 'this sounds great!').

Step 2: Email your full name & mailing address to feteafeteswag@gmail.com. DO NOT forget to send your name and address to this email after you comment or tweet, or you'll be disqualified automatically.

One winner will be chosen at random. Deadline is Friday, May 15, at 11:59pm EST. U.S. residents only. Good luck!

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, fragrance, giveaway, makeup, perfume, shopping

feteafete.com

May 6, 2009

Lancome Beauty at NY Met Costume Gala

Check out the following makeup used by Lancome for the Metropolitan Museum of Art for Vogue's Costume Institute gala. The star-studded evening included hosts Marc Jacobs, Kate Moss and Justin Timberlake, and many luminous beauties from the fashion and film realm.

Celebrity makeup artist Leslie Lopez gave Anne Hathaway her ultra-dramatic look with smokey eyes as the focal point. Leslie swept Lancôme Color Design Eyeshadow in Statuesque over the entire eyelid, then dabbed Color Design Eyeshadow in Daylight on the brow bone.
anne_hathaway.jpg

She finished with several coats of Lancôme L'Extreme Mascara in Black. Anne’s sheer, neutral colored lipstick--Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Couture Suede—was the finishing touch.

Supermodel Du Juan's look:
Lancôme makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor created Du Juan’s radiance by using Lancôme Artliner in Brown on the upper lash line. He then added a few coats of Lancôme Virtuôse Black Carat Mascara, giving her lashes a boost of volume and length.

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Andrew added just a touch of color to the eyes with Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in ME Brown 860 and ME Pink 100. He lined the lips with Lancôme Le Lipstique in Natural Mauve and topped it with La Laque Fever gloss in Pink Dimension, resulting in a pretty pink pout. A dusting of Star Bronzer in Bronze Dore gave Du Juan a sun-kissed complexion.

(Image credit: Style.com)

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, eyeliner, fashion, lipstick, makeup, mascara, shopping, special events

feteafete.com

April 22, 2009

52nd SF International Film Festival

I always get excited when the annual SF International Film Festival rolls around. This year marks SFIFF's 52nd year, and the selections are as exciting as ever. This year's star-studded appearances include Robert Redford, Francis Ford Coppola, Evan Rachel Wood, and Elijah Wood. I'm looking forward to watching 500 Days of Summer (starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, Rudo Y Cursi (Gael García Bernal - drool!), and La Mission (with Benjamin Bratt).

Here are a few films to check out:

Versailles (France) - Versailles is a heartbreaking look at 'les marginaux' in France. Damien (Guillaume Depardieu) is a homeless man living in the woods caring for Enzo, a five-year-old child left behind by his mother. This is one of Depardieu's last performances, and it's one you shouldn't miss. I liked how director Pierre Schoeller refused to show sentiment between man and child, and instead hones in on the brutal hardships of extreme poverty. Fighting cold, illness, and hunger, the two form a bond that's as real as a father-son bond. Despite the grave nature of the film, it's also an uplifting look of survival.

Versailles.jpg
Guillaume Depardieu and Max Baissette de Malglaive in Versailles


35 Shots of Rum (France) - Claire Denis's finely wrought narrative of a small circle of Parisian friends is a thoughtful mediation on the many different forms of love. This tight 'family' of friends and relatives center around Lionel (Alex Descas), a train engineer, who lives with his daughter Jo (Mati Diop). A taxi driver (Nicole Dogué) lives in the same building, along with Noe, a brooding young man. It's not obvious in the beginning, but we get to piece each relationship together as the film goes along. I love how the small moments (Descas's strong, silent gazes are so elegant and deliver such power) create such an emotional impact on the overall feel of the film. Agnés Godard’s delicate cinematography is meant to enjoyed slowly and thoroughly.
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Mati Diop and Alex Descas in 35 Shots of Rum


Artemisia (Taiwan) - First-time director Chiang Hsiu Chiung worked with New Wave master Hou Hsiao-hsien, and her gentle and leisurely paced film is centered around a conservative widow coming to terms with her son's homosexuality and her daughter's out-of-wedlock child. Actress Pan Li Li's performance is a solid portrayal of an older generation trying to understand the modern realities of their children.
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Pan Li Li and Mo Tzu-Yi in Artemisia


French Girl (France/Morocco) - National and self identities are deeply questioned for young French-born Sofia in Souad El-Bouhati’s wonderful first feature. After her father loses his job, the entire family relocates back to their homeland of Morocco. Trying to retain her proud Gallic origins, Sofia toils away in her university studies while her traditional parents try to reign in her headstrong personality. Longing to return to her beloved France, she declares “If I stay here, I’ll die.” César Award–winning actress Hafsia Herzi lends the character of Sofia a passionate and maturity to the character, making this film thoroughly enjoyable.
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Hafsia Herzi in French Girl


The SFIFF runs April 23 to May 7. Tickets are on sale at: fest09.sffs.org/info/box_office.php.

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, film, film director, Film Festival, film review, Film Stars, movie, San Francisco, special events

feteafete.com

April 21, 2009

Joanne Weir's New Tequila Book

Tequila in cupcakes? Who would have thought? This Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes recipe from Joanne Weir's new book Tequila: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites is worthy of a try. I'm gonna give them a whirl for Cinco de Mayo week.


Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes

These soft, moist, and very coconutty cupcakes should come with a warning! Not only can you not stop after eating just one, but these adult-only cupcakes provide enough kick to make you feel like you are on vacation south of the border. The inspiration for this recipe comes from my friend Tina Gherzi, who loves tequila and coconut as much as I do.


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Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Large pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 cup 100 percent agave tequila
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Coconut Cream Frosting

1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk, or more as needed
2 tablespoons 100 percent agave tequila
2 teaspoons coconut extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, or more as needed
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut


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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 12-cup cupcake pans or line with paper liners.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing well after each addition. Add the coconut milk, ginger, and coconut extract and beat for 1 minute at high speed until well blended. In a measuring pitcher, stir together the tequila and buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches to the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture in 2 batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Fill each cupcake well about three-fourths full with batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Meanwhile, to make the frosting, using the electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth. With the mixer on high speed, slowly add the coconut milk, tequila, and coconut extract. Continue beating until thoroughly combined and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating on high speed, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more coconut milk if the consistency is too thick, or more confectioners’ sugar if it is too runny.

To assemble, spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the shredded coconut.

Recipe from TEQUILA: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites by Joanne Weir. Photo credit: Lara Hata. Copyright © 2009. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA.

www.tenspeed.com

Tagged as: baking, book, chef, cocktail, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, drink recipe, food, gourmet, Lifestyle, spirits

feteafete.com

March 26, 2009

Lutz & Patmos Jane Birkin Collection

SF weather can be super cold and windy even in the Spring and Summer seasons, so imagine my delight to come upon the new Lutz & Patmos Spring 2009 collection. Teaming up with style icon and guest designer Jane Birkin, they created two ultra soft and flattering basic tops (made with 100% organic Scottish cashmere).

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Jane Birkin for Lutz & Patmos - wearing her V-Neck sweater and Tank.


Layer the Jane Birkin Tank with the V-Neck sweater for that casual, sexy look. The deep V-Neck is raw edged with a slouchy fit and 3/4 sleeves, while the tank scoopneck has a delicate hand crochet finish at the neckline and armhole. Both styles come in black, grey heather, and mocha heather. The company will also continue collaborating with Birkin for Fall 2009.

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I also want the Organic Flounced Dress - so elegant! It looks deceptively simple but I know it will be very flattering for most body types. It's the perfect black dress with a green agenda.

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Get it online at www.lutzandpatmos.com (FREE shipping through March 31!).

Tagged as: celebrity, fashion, green, Lifestyle, Luxury, organic, organic ingredients, shopping, spring, Style

feteafete.com

March 20, 2009

IFB Links à la Mode March 19

Spring Fever: Are harem pants a passing phase? Check out what reLYME has to say...Practice your smokey eye as The Coveted gets tips from Benefit Cosmetics! Also, it might be a good time to spring clean your make up kit with What the Pros Do; If you're short on cash, Retro Chick give 5 tips to have fun anyway, and if you Do have cash, Consume or Consumed delves into her habits.

The full version of Links à la Mode is here in the forums - lots of great posts there too.

A Few Goody GumDrop If you are coming apart at the seems then enter to win torn leggings from LnA!
Breakfast at Saks - Still sifting through Paris Fashion Week shows? Be sure to make time for Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10
Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Check, Please!
Consume or Consumed - Consume or Consumed Sees Double and Triple: On Buying Multiples
Couture Cult - CoutureCult.com: Alison Lewis (formerly of Mooka Kinney), Spring/Summer 09
Debutante Clothing - Missoni is Inspired By Vintage Modernist Necklaces
Dogmom's Dish - Desperately Seeking Orla
Fashion Daydream - What your didn’t see at Fashion Week: A behind the scenes look into fashion week, fashionistas en route to the shows and models being made up.
Fashion Pulse Daily - reports on the latest colors for fall 2009
Felicia Sullivan - beauty & styling products that work for curly, coarse hair, really work. part 1: frederic fekkai
fete a fete - Larkspur & Hawk's GORGEOUS antique and vintage inspired

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Independent Fashion Bloggers - Burnout Aversion Tips From Bloggers
reLYME - An analysis of the Persian-inspired trend that's hitting the runway
Retro Chick - Top 5 Ways to have fun with no money
Shopping and Info - Gossip Girl scarves bags and jewelry oh my! Solo Lisa - Sunny fashion picks inspired by Freida Pinto's character in Slumdog
Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Shopping Hops in the Far & South East Asia!
Style Symmetry - Interview with Jennine of The Coveted!
Style With Anna - Fashion for Guys: How to Dress Like David Beckham
THE COVETED - Exclusive Video Preview & Tutorial: Benefit Smokin'; Eyes
the musings of ondo lady - Get ready for a retro prequel of Gossip Girl which is about the trials and tribulations of a teenage Lily van der Woodsen
what the pros do - Spring Clean Your Makeup Kit!

Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, fashion, fashion design, makeup, shopping, Style

feteafete.com

March 17, 2009

Lancome's New Blog and Giveaway

Lancôme's new beauty blog is launched! Headed by Kerry Diamond (former beauty editor, author, and VP of PR for the brand), she will be keeping us up to date with the latest on new products, spokespeople celebs (Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet, Clive Owen), makeup artists, and models.

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They're also gonna do lots of great giveaways.The first one is a giveaway on the new Génifique skincare product that is launching this month. They're giving away 10 bottles, so comment on their post and 10 readers will be chosen at random.

Check the blog (and the new skin care and giveaway) out at: www.thelancomeblog.blogspot.com

Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, giveaway, makeup, shopping, skin care

feteafete.com

March 12, 2009

IFB Links à la Mode March 12

As Paris fashion week wraps up, we're still sifting though the fashion week madness. A Balmaniac wonders why mess with perfection on Breakfast at Saks; Dogmom's Dish review McQueen for Target; Fashion Pulse Daily hits on Christian Soriano's shoes; Style Amor contemplates the dying magazine industry; 39th and Broadway talks about the plus size industry; and Retro Chick delves into the Primark Effect. Lastly, The Coveted reviews the Vivienne Tam HP Mini after a month of travelling and blogging.

The full version of Links á la Mode is in the forums; there's a lot of great posts there too.

39thandbroadway - Fashion’s Plus Size Dilemma; A different perspective on the plus size apparel industry.
Breakfast at Saks - Biased Reporting on the Balmain show from a Balmain-iac
Clutch 22 - Exploring Etsy - Three unique talents to watch
Consume or Consumed - Stylish film looks channeled toward a more stylish life
Debutante Clothing - Special Report: YSL Vintage Clothing Auction in Paris
Dogmom's Dish - Alexander McQueen for Target: Post-Modern Punk Princess
ericdwills.com - Kanye West x Louis Vuitton sneakers called the 'Don' and 'Hi Top'
Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Week reviews, Christian Siriano's shoes, and much more!
fete a fete - elegant FIEL flip flops, made with love from Brazil!
Independent Fashion Bloggers - Privacy Tips for Bloggers

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Mademoiselle Robot - A love letter to Jeffrey Campbell
Nico Assatly - New Spring Polish that will knock your socks off !
Retro Chick - The Primark Effect - Can cheap fashion be ethical fashion?
Shopping and Info - Win a Twelfth Street By Cynthia Vincent Sweater from the Shopping and Info Spring Giveaway.
Solo Lisa - Less expensive but equally charming alternatives to the new Tiffany key necklaces
Studio Purpura - Milan Fashion Week Fall 2009 presents creative color schemes and designs to tickle your fancy!!
Style Amor - THE DYING MAGAZINE: March U.S. Magazine Reviews
Style Bite - Geared up for Etten Eller's Newest Collection
Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves to layer tights!
Style With Anna - How to Dress Bohemian
THE COVETED - A real life review of the Vivienne Tam HP Mini


Original post at: http://independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/03/12/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-11/

Tagged as: Accessories, fashion, fashion design, giveaway, shopping, Style

feteafete.com

March 5, 2009

Two Lovers

I saw "Two Lovers" last night, this film got me excited about American cinema again. A love triangle story is hardly original, but the stars (Joaquin Phoenix, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Vinessa Shaw) and director James Gray make it work. Phoenix does a superb job of putting his vulnerable side out there as Leonard, the charming and broken guy who gets into trouble with two very different women. The emotions are genuine, and you really do feel it whether he's deeply in love or in suffering from pain, even if they happen within a matter of hours.

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Joaquin Phoenix and Vinessa Shaw in "Two Lovers." (Magnolia Pictures)


You'll also enjoy Isabella Rossellini's turn at playing the protective Jewish mom. She completes the picture of the suffocating life that Leonard (Phoenix) is desperate to escape.

I adored the strong storytelling. Each shot is filmed with purpose and nothing is gratuitous. Even the spare use of music is brilliant, drawing emotional resonance from the audience. This is how movies should be made.


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Gwyneth Paltrow in "Two Lovers." (Magnolia Pictures)


I had thought this would be one of those sappy downer films, but there are a lot of sweet moments that find parallels from real life, drawing you further into this messy drama. This is how life is, mixed with lots of good, bad, and the sorta-OK stuff in between.

www.twoloversmovie.com

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, film, film director, film review, Film Stars, movie

feteafete.com

Style Inspiration from Oscars Screen Sirens

The excitement may be over from this year's Oscars, but the styles from the lovely celebs will stay in our minds for a long time. Here's a few of our faves:

Vive La France! Marion Cotillard has always been a favorite of mine, even before she got internationally recognized for "La Vie En Rose." She totally nailed it with elegant drama without going over the top with Dior. Stunning, deceptively simple, yet classy - everything I adore about French couture. Oh, how I love her and her style.

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Here's what Stevie, of LA-Story.com had to say about Cotillard's ensemble: I find this outfit intriguing. I wasn't hot for it right off-- but then when I took a good look at the entire ensemble, what's not to like? . The deep color is so very flattering for her and the shape of the dress creates a very retro-glam 1950's glamour that's dramatic and works for her. Unlike others who went strapless, , she wore a necklace which creates interest and leads the eye to Cotillard's face. Love the ring she has on -- it's stunning!


Penelope Cruz was totally channeling Audrey Helpburn in this Balmain vintage outfit. It was sweetly romantic and charming without overdoing it like Sarah Jessica Parker. Love it. White is not my favorite color (and some though it was too princess bride) but she pulled it off nicely a la Roman Holiday.
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Stevie: I like the essence of the dress. It's much like the black one she wore at the BAFTAS and while it works a la Audrey Hepburn, the lack of color just drains the life out of her. Make this red, deep rose, burgundy, deep forest green, any range of blue hues and this would be a smashing dress. Penelope, I think you got just a bit tired towards the end. The bag doesn't work with the dress. If you are going to pull off that dress, then carry a vintage style bag too.


Nicole Kidman had the classic, ethereal, 'very Nicole' style in L'Wren Scott. She looked very retro-glam in this one, and I approve heartily. It's like a beautiful ice goddess came down upon earth to bestow her beauty for us to enjoy...

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Here's Stevie's take: Gorgeous dress with unique detailing at the bodice. It's really eye-catching. Would have loved to have seen it created in a different, richer color as this almost matches Kidman's skin tone. Her hairstyle is amazing and opens up her neckline which made it an ideal opportunity to wear a fabulous-- yet delicate-- necklace to work with those earrings and either a ring or a couple of sleek thin bangle bracelets.


Taraji P. Henson was also sporting the sweet and innocent feel with her choice of Roberto Cavalli. I like the simple chic in this one. Good move overall, even if it's a bit too bridal looking.
taraji-p-henson.jpg


Gorgeous dress on Taraji. I think she was truly one of the best dressed with an edgy design that flattered her body and made her truly a star on the red carpet. The color was perfect with her skintone!
Stevie, LA-Story.com


Leslie Mann had an incredible hot-mama Pamela Roland gown on. Smokin' diva! I hope to be this hottie hot when I get to her age...it draped on her body so nicely without baring too much flesh.
leslie-mann.jpg

Stevie says: Pamela Roland should be so happy to have this dress on Leslie Mann and vice versa. It's stunning on Mann because the design skims her body perfectly. The dress is killer, smokin', sexy-hot and without showing off a lot of skin either. No mean feat that.


I wish everyone had made the right choices. I really love Beyonce, but man, this House of Deréon dress made
her look like a cartoon character. I dig her lovely curves but this matronly design exaggerated the hips which is not what we want. The severe bustline is not flattering to her voluptuous figure.
beyonce.jpg


Stevie's take: Typically Beyonce "wows" you on the red carpet, but this dress makes a statement in all the wrong ways: too big on the hips, the retro-hemline, the overwhelming pattern, the top makes her look like a Barbie doll or Jessica Rabbit (my apologies to Jessica Rabbit for the comparison). This dress should teach Beyonce that you should not dump the kitchen sink of design elements into one dress. Plus what's with the lack of jewelry?

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, fashion, fashion design, Film, Film Stars, gown, Lifestyle, Luxury, special events, Style

feteafete.com

March 4, 2009

Maia Hirasawa

Indie music lovers take note. I adore the "And I Found This Boy" video by Maia Hirasawa. Her heartfelt vocals and honest lyrics are part of the reason why I'm intrigued with Though, I'm Just Me (Thrive Records), her US album debut.

hirasawa_Maia.jpg
Credit: Johanna Svennson


She is a great example of just diving into truthful songwriting and jamming out good, classic tunes. She also arranged, produced, and recorded all her music. And she played most of the instruments. What a multi-talented Swedish tour de force.


Some other tracks to check out are: "My New Friend", "Say Goodbye", and "Gothenburg."

www.maiahirasawa.com

Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, international, music, music review, song

feteafete.com

February 26, 2009

IFB Links à la Mode February 26

As the lovely IFB bloggers wrapped up New York Fashion Week and headed to London, we've got lots of great fashion week coverage below. Also check out our own London Soiree which happened this week!

  • A Few Goody GumDrops - Giveaway of Current Elliott Boyfriend Jeans! Enter to Win!!
  • alixrose - Interview with Monika Dasai, CEO of Sole Envie, on how her company will change the way women shop for shoes.
  • Breakfast at Saks - Christian Siriano for Payless Debuts at NY Fashion Week
  • Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - the elegance of pearls
  • Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing finds a red carpet worthy vintage Balmain cocktail dress
  • Dogmom’s Dish - Erickson Beamon for Target: Bodacious Brilliance to Stimulate Your Senses
  • Fabfrocks - About a million reasons why I still love Betsey Johnson…OK, not a million, but definitely more than three!
  • fashion in my eyes - Boy meets modelling
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - A Fashion Week recap, including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Tibi, and Narciso Rodriguez!
  • fete a fete - Cute workout attire from IVEE
  • IFB_links2.26.09.jpg

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers - Photos from Dress Up Soiree LONDON!
  • Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Fashion - Favorites from Fashion Week: Rachel Roy, Peter Som, TSE, Christian Cota, and more.
  • MISS GLITZY - Her personal shoe museum, the story of I. Miller, a dynasty of American shoemakers.
  • misslikey - never forget your gloves
  • Or False Glitter - Hannah Marshall and Ipso Facto: A day of London Fashion Week
  • Shopping and Info - Loving the ruffle bags - all the rage for Spring and in the nude even better!
  • Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Oscar 2009 Hits and Misses for the lovely starlette’s that dawned the red carpet!!
  • Style Gourmand - Style Gourmand talks to Ray Chang, Art Director at Oscar de la Renta, about art, fashion and his endless search for the perfect grey suit.
  • Style Symmetry - Would you wear red eye makeup?
  • Style With Anna - Get Angelina Jolie’s 2009 Oscar Inspired Dress and Emerald Jewelry
  • THE COVETED - A visit to the house of Wendy Brandes
  • Your source for all things wicked and awesome - Kate Moss makes black magic look extra yummy in this editorial. It’s all about acessorizing in just the right way!

  • independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/02/26/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-9/

    Tagged as: Accessories, celebrity, clothing, entertainment, fashion, fashion design, fashion show, jewelry, Lifestyle, shoes, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    February 25, 2009

    Givenchy Beauty at Brian Reyes NYFW

    For the Brian Reyes Fall 2009 show at NY Fashion Week, Givenchy Le Makeup creator Nicolas Degennes provided the perfect makeup to reflect the modern sophistication behind the fashion line. The focus is on the gorgeous peepers.

    givenchy.jpg


    Runway makeup doesn't mean it has to be hard. Check out the beauty tips below so you can replicate the fresh look! I love the emphasis on the lower eye line. So very French!

    givenchy_chart.jpg

    givenchy_beauty_tips.jpg

    Tagged as: beauty, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion show, Lifestyle, makeup, NYC, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    February 19, 2009

    PBS MASTERPIECE Charles Dickens

    Charles Dickens fans take note - the new season of PBS MASTERPIECE just began this week, and will feature an encore presentation of the “David Copperfield” with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) in his first film role (3/09 - check listings), and an Andrew Davies version of “Little Dorrit” (starts 3/29), and culminating with “The Old Curiousity Shop” (5/3).

    PBS_Dorrit.jpg
    Claire Foy in Little Dorrit; BBC 2008/ Mike Hogan for MASTERPIECE


    The Brass Sisters also teamed up with PBS to develop Dickensian comfort foods (Sheila and Marilynn Brass of Heirloom Cooking with The Brass Sisters) for the MASTERPIECE Book Club. You can download recipes like Hearty English Meat Pie, Shepherd's Pie, and Irish Sponge Cake. Or Try the scone recipe below!

    Currant Cream Scones
    by Marilynn and Sheila Brass
    Makes 12 scones

    Scones were the comfort food of the Victorians. A Scottish contribution to the English culinary menu, they were enjoyed hot with butter and jam, and clotted cream. Originally made with oats, the composition of scones has become more refined because the texture of flour and sugar and the size of eggs have become more standardized. The cooks of Dickens’ time had to break up their sugar with metal nips because it came in large cones wrapped with blue paper. They also had to pulverize it to the desired grain. Flour varied from mill to mill, and eggs came directly from the hen. Scones were enjoyed by the upper and middle classes, but the ingredients were too costly for the very poorest in Dickens’ England.

    pbs_scone_dickens.jpg


    2 cups flour (plus ¼ cup for kneading dough)
    1 tablespoon baking powder
    ½ teaspoon salt
    ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    ¼ cup butter
    ¼ cup sugar
    2 eggs
    ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
    1 tablespoon grated orange zest
    1 cup dried currants, plumped in ¼ cup orange juice*
    ¼ cup sugar


    1. Set the oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cover a 14-inch by 16-inch baking sheet with foil, shiny side up. Coat the foil with vegetable spray or use a silicone liner.

    2. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

    3. Cream butter and sugar in a medium bowl. Combine eggs and 1/2 cup of the heavy cream and add to butter mixture. Add grated orange zest. Add sifted dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough begins to form. Squeeze orange juice from currants and incorporate fruit into dough with your fingers.

    4. Place dough on a generously floured surface. Knead gently five times, turning corners of dough toward the center. Pat dough into a 1/2-inch thick circle. Using a floured knife, cut dough into 12 equal wedges. Using a floured wide spatula, transfer each wedge to baking sheet. Brush wedges with the remaining heavy cream and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until tops of scones are lightly brown and bottoms are golden brown. Place baking sheet on a rack and cool about 10 minutes. Serve scones warm with butter and jam. They are best when eaten the day they are made.

    *To plump currants in tea, orange juice, or water, bring the liquid to a boil, immerse the raisins, continue to boil for 1 minute and set aside to allow them to absorb the plumping liquid. If needed immediately, place in plastic container and chill in freezer for 10 minutes. If not used the same day, refrigerate and use when needed.


    Recipe originally appeared as “Marion A. Carter and M. E. Carter’s Cranberry-Orange Cream Scones” in Heirloom Baking With The Brass Sisters by Marilynn and Sheila Brass, published by Black Dog & Leventhal, Inc. © 2006 Marilynn and Sheila Brass. Photographs copyright © 2006 Andy Ryan.


    Check it out at: www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/dickens/

    For more MASTERPIECE Book Club recipes: www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/bookclub

    Tagged as: Books, celebrity, cookbooks, cooking techniques, entertainment, film, food, recipe, Television, TV show

    feteafete.com

    February 11, 2009

    The Trouble with Romance

    Just in time for the big Valentine's Day, there is a romance-comedy flick called "The Trouble With Romance" available on On-Demand/Pay-Per-View. Whether you're single or attached, the four vignettes explore the confusing world of relationships and why we even bother to fall in love.

    Roger Fan (Better Luck Tomorrow, Rush Hour) was hilarious as the immature, clueless boyfriend. This one is entertaining for the guys out there, since there is a funny toilet scene that you might not want to miss.

    troublewithromance.jpg
    Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Kip Pardue in "The Trouble With Romance."
    (Credit: Lacy Terell; Courtesy of Sweet Violet Films)


    David Eigenberg (Sex and the City) has a good turn as a husband who refuses to get into a threesome with his wife and a co-worker, while SF Mayor Newsom's wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom (Mad Men) conjures up a hallucinatory closure in the hotel bathroom with her ex-lover.

    See the trailer here:


    THE TROUBLE WITH ROMANCE, Directed by Gene Rhee; 88 minutes; Rated R. Available for the month of February (via On-Demand/Pay-Per-View). The film will open its theatrical engagement at the Quad Cinema in New York on February 27, 2009.

    Tagged as: celebrity, comedy, drama, entertainment, film, Film Stars, holiday, movie, TV show, valentine

    feteafete.com

    January 27, 2009

    PT Walkley's Mr. Macy Wakes Alone

    Opening for Coldplay is not an easy feat to do, but PT Walkley's debut solo album Mr. Macy Wakes Alone reveals the songwriter's treasure chest of solid storytelling and memorable characters. With 18 tracks, there's an actual storyline from beginning to end.

    mr_macy.jpg

    Listeners are privy to the lives of Audrey Macy, a trust fund kid who poisons her father, and Calvin the Crooner. It's partly whimsical, quirky and folksy, but always engaging. I enjoyed "Audrey Macy,", "Daydreaming," "The Lucky Ones," and "Somebody."


    The album debuts today. Check it out at ptwalkley.com, www.myspace.com/ptwalkley or listen here: http://ptwalkley.com/song-book


    pt_walkley.png

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review

    feteafete.com

    January 26, 2009

    Jonathan Rhys Myers for Hugo Element

    For all you passionate fans of the super hottie Jonathan Rhys Meyers, here's your chance to catch him in person this week (Fri, Jan. 30). The face of the new Hugo Element, he will be at Macy’s Herald Square (NYC) to promote the launch of their latest men's fragrance.

    Hugo_Element_jonathan_rhys_meyer.jpg

    The modern fragrance defines the urban traveler who draws his life source from the city. Notes include calone, ginger, coriander leaf, and cedarwood. The packaging is meant to represent the oxygen bottle, representing the air element.

    Guests who make a $65 purchase of HUGO ELEMENT will get to meet the Tudors star in the flesh (swoon!), and an opportunity to get an autographed fragrance bottle. A great idea for Valentine's Day prezzies for the bf.

    Sigh. If only I can jet to NYC in a snap...

    Hugo_Element.jpg


    WHAT: Jonathan Rhys Myers for HUGO ELEMENT
    WHEN: Friday, January 30th @ 5:00pm
    WHERE: Macy’s Herald Square
    151 West 34th Street, New York City
    HUGO Fragrance Counter, Main Floor
    212-695-4400

    Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, entertainment, Film Stars, fragrance, gifts, holiday, Lifestyle, shopping, special events, valentine

    feteafete.com

    The Bird and the Bee's Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future

    They're back! Inara George and Greg Kurstin, the talented duo behind the bird and the bee, are releasing a brand-spankin' new full length album tomorrow. Titled Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future (Blue Note Records), it's a deeper focus on the psychedelics of the Tropicalia era. It has less bossa nova, but it's more danceable. This album belongs on a '60's TV spy show.

    bird_and_the_bee.jpg


    It's easy to see how everyone's in love with their fun and witty music. With an airy mix of Brazilian heat, ’60s pop, electronic beats, the LA-based duo came up with the trippy “What’s In the Middle” and the dreamy “Meteor.”

    birdandthebee_byAutumnDeWilde.jpg

    A few of my favorites are the catchy "My Love," "Love Letter To Japan," "Baby," "Witch," and "You're a Cad." This release includes the popular “Polite Dance Song,” which first appeared on the Please Clap Your Hands EP. It also has the adorable and breathy "Birthday" from One Too Many Hearts.


    Video of "Love Letter To Japan":
    The Bird & The Bee - Love Letter To Japan


    Catch them on TV on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, (click on the link at 38:24) and on February 4 on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

    For more info, go to: www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee or www.thebirdandthebee.com. I'm going to the SF show on 2/9, hope to see some local fans there!


    the bird and the bee tour dates:

    Jan 26 — Los Angeles, CA — Tonight Show with Jay Leno
    Feb 4 — Los Angeles, CA — Jimmy Kimmel Live
    Feb 5 — San Diego, CA — Casbah
    Feb 6 — Los Angeles, CA — Natural History Museum
    Feb 7 — Santa Barbara, CA — Soho
    Feb 9 — San Francisco, CA — Independent
    Feb 11 — Portland, OR — Doug Fir
    Feb 12 — Seattle, WA — Chop Suey
    Mar 3 — Fairfield, CT — Stage One
    Mar 4 — Vienna, VA — Barns at Wolf Trap
    Mar 5 — Philadelphia, PA — Tin Angel
    Mar 7 — New York, NY — Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, singer, song

    feteafete.com

    January 22, 2009

    IFB Links à la Mode January 22

    Here's this week's installment of IFB's Links à la Mode...lots of vintage inspiration from Iwanttowearit as she delves into Depression-era color photography; Mademoiselle Robot found darling vintage pics; Couture Allure revisits Jackie Kennedy’s inaugural attire; Debutante Clothing highlights Mad Men at the Golden Globes; Solo Lisa and Retro Chick give tips on adding color to a dull winter wardrobe. Have fun!

    * A Few Goody GumDrops tells you how to own a Rockstar!
    * Aysha’s Rabbit Hole - Her latest crafting creation
    * Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - brick house reds
    * Couture Allure takes a three day look at the inaugural fashions worn by Jacqueline Kennedy.
    * Debutante Clothing - Mad for Vintage at the Golden Globes
    * Dogmom’s Dish - Hayden Harnett for Target: The Good, The Bad, The So So
    * dramatis personae launches her Etsy Mischief, My Dear Shop & Giveaway!
    * fashion in my eyes - Blake Lively in Vogue
    * fête à fête - Spring denim by Freedom of Choice & interview with founder Nathan Menashe

    linksalamode_IFB_jan2209.jpg


    * Independent Fashion Bloggers - Swag Etiquette: How to approach the ‘freebies’ in blogging.
    * Iwanttowearit shows Flickr’s Commons for fashion-related history lessons. Take a trip to Pie Town at the tail end of the Depression.
    * Mademoiselle Robot - Vintage inspiration for Spring fashion
    * Nico Assatly - Old School Spring Favorite: American Eagle!
    * Retro Chick - Brighten up the dull winter days
    * Shopping and Info found some great deals on Graydn leather motorcycle jackets, Ella Moss, and Lily Mcneal cashmere this week.
    * Solo Lisa y Nada Mas - Affordable essentials for incorporating colour into a colour-phobic wardrobe
    * Studio Purpura - Vicente Villarin: A Fashion Newcomer that Dares to Dream!
    * Style Symmetry - Eyeliah loves props in outfit photos, do you?
    * THE COVETED - Become Red Lip Royalty: Interview with Lipstick Queen founder Poppy King
    * the musings of ondo lady - Meet Stephanie Savage, the queen of teen dramas such as The OC and Gossip.
    * two months rent - i’ll take (or make) one of those a diy braided chain necklace


    independentfashionbloggers.org/2009/01/22/links-a-la-mode-ifb-weekly-roundup-4/

    Tagged as: Accessories, beauty, celebrity, entertainment, fashion, fashion design, jacket, jewelry, Lifestyle, makeup, shopping, Style, vintage

    feteafete.com

    January 20, 2009

    Mr. President Obama!

    I still can't believe that today has come. Welcome, Mr. President Obama! Watch him take his oath of office and deliver his inaugural speech (video below). It's very moving, filling the heart with grace, hope, and perseverance. GObama!

    inauguration__obama.jpg
    Barack Obama, with his wife Michelle, takes the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States. (Ron Edmonds / AP)


    For the fashion divas, Michelle Obama is wearing a golden yellow ensemble by Cuban-born American designer Isabel Toledo.

    It's time for us to chose hope over fear.


    Full text of his speech: www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/20/president-obamas-inaugura_n_159370.html



    For other inauguration videos, go here: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27721638/

    Tagged as: Current Affairs, inauguration, Obama, politics, special events, travel, U.S.

    feteafete.com

    January 13, 2009

    Bitter:Sweet

    I'm totally luvin' the Bitter:Sweet Drama album. It's now one of my fave music duos - their "The Mating Game" debut was such a hit. Their sophomoric release is built upon the same snazzy flair with super flirty vocals, dramatic strings, and pure poppy bliss.
    bitter_sweet_drama.jpg

    It's a James Bond meets Catwoman kinda feel, with dashes of Bjork, Portishead, and Goldfrapp. Put it on your iPod when you feel like channeling Ms. Cheeky Sexy Spywoman. On top of the hits "Trouble" and "The Bomb", I love the songs "Drink You Sober" and "Sugar Mama."

    bitter_sweet.jpg

    Their music is so popular it's been featured in shows like 'Dirty Sexy Money,' 'The Hills,' and 'Desperate Housewives.'
    Listen to a track here: www.quango.com/promo/hills/ or here: www.bittersweetmusic.com

    Tagged as: entertainment, music, music review, shopping, TV show

    feteafete.com

    January 8, 2009

    Going Platinum

    It seems like everyone is super crazy for platinum these days. From skin care (La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare anyone?) to jewelry, this precious metal has been the favorite of royal dignitaries and celebs alike.
    Gwyneth_Paltrow_PGI.jpg

    Thirty times more rare than gold, the metal won't tarnish. With its mega lasting power (95% pure), it's no wonder it's making a huge comeback with blushing brides everywhere.
    platinum_kwiat.jpg


    For more info on the history, care, and buying of platinum: www.preciousplatinum.com

    Sarah_Jessica_Parker_platinum.jpg

    Tagged as: Accessories, bridal, celebrity, fashion, jewelry, Lifestyle, Luxury, shopping, Style, Trends

    feteafete.com

    November 20, 2008

    Yves St. Laurent Retrospective at de Young

    Fashion lovers need to glide over to the Yves Saint Laurent retrospective at the de Young Museum. Even if you're not in the area I'd suggest a haute couture pilgrimmage to SF. Spanning 40 years (1962 to 2002), the 125+ couture ensembles from the visionary master will knock the Louboutins off any fashionista.

    ysl_gown_1970.jpg
    Marina Schiano in Evening Gown. Fall-Winter 1970. © The Estate of Jeanloup Sieff


    The dazzling exhibit is quite comprehensive - be prepared to return for a second or third viewing. There are sketches, videos, accessories, and even Lesage embroidery on display. Some pieces evoked the spirit of Chanel, while others were inspired by nature and art (Mondrian, Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, etc.)

    YSL_Mondrian_Dress.jpg
    Cocktail Dress (tribute to Mondrian), Fall-Winter 1965. Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger


    With iconic muses like Nan Kempner (SF native, naturally) and Catherine Deneuve for inspiration, Saint Laurent also had a vast interest in foreign culture. Along with inventing a female version of the tuxedo (le smoking), pea coat, pantsuit, and safari jacket, he had collections that drew heavily from the African, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese cultures.

    YSL_bridal_laetitia_casta.jpg
    Bridal Gown, Spring-Summer 1999. Bridal wreath, bracelet and anklet bracelet of rose and leaves by Lemarié. Train in silk gazar by Gandini. Model: Laetitia Casta. Courtesy Foundation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent.


    Aside from his sheer genius, the main thing that touched me is that Saint Laurent was such a romantic poet. He really is a true artist. His extremely sensitive soul, coupled with his lonely imagination, has resulted in one of the most inimitable, prolific, and revered careers in haute couture.

    YSL_Rau_Portrait.jpg
    Credit: Andrew Rau; Courtesy of Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent.


    Shown earlier at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the de Young will be the only U.S. show. It runs through April 5, 2009.

    Golden Gate Park
    50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
    San Francisco, CA 94118

    www.famsf.org/deyoung

    Tagged as: art, celebrity, couture, dress, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, France, gown, international, Luxury, musuem, shopping, special events

    feteafete.com

    October 28, 2008

    Angelina Jolie Style

    Angelina Jolie's fashion sense has grown classier as her acting matures. Here's a couple examples of her understated yet elegant style:

    At her movie premiere with Brad Pitt, wearing a Ferragamo black silk trench from the Spring 2009 collection...
    Angelina%20jolie%20Brad%20%20pitt%20ferragamo%20trench.jpg

    Carrying a basic leather clutch from Ferragamo...
    Angelina%20Jolie%20ferragamo%20black%20clutch.JPG

    Lookin' stylish in her new film "Changeling."
    angelina%20jolie%20changeling.jpg
    (Credit: Tony Rivetti, Jr.)

    Tagged as: celebrity, clothing, fashion, fashion designer, film, movie, shopping, Style

    feteafete.com

    October 16, 2008

    Meet shu uemura's Gina Brooke!

    I'm really excited to be meeting shu uemura Artistic Director Gina Brooke at the Nov. 1 Atelier Artist event. Beauty junkies should really attend this master class. In this exclusive in-store appearance, Gina will share her celebrity makeup tips and tricks of the trade (she's worked on Madonna, Eva Longoria, Naomi Campbell, Giselle Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, and David Beckham).

    This is a great opportunity to learn fabulous makeup techniques for holiday parties! To get an idea on how wonderful this event will be, check out her tips on getting Madonna's Stick and Sweet concert tour look:

    gina%20brooke.jpg


    STEP 1: Prepare the face
    “Beautiful makeup starts with skin.” Prep eyes with the DEPSEA MOISTURE REPLENISHING EYE MASK (to calm puffiness and hydrate). Apply PHYTO BLACK LIFT FIRMING ANTI-WRINKLE CREAM on the whole face. Lastly, apply FACE ARCHITECT REMODELING CREAM FOUNDATION beginning at the arch of your brow down to the middle of your eye, directly onto the middle of the cheekbone. Each time the sun reflects off your skin, it will create the illusion of glowing, dewy, healthy, radiant skin!

    STEP 2: Prime the eyelids
    Using a KOLINSKY BRUSH 11, apply PRESSED EYE SHADOW in M BEIGE 800 above the eyelids. Blend PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN ME BLACK 990 onto eyelids. Then, use COVER CRAYON in 9YR LIGHT in the inner corner and water line of the eyes to make them appear larger. Madonna is known for her liquid black eyeliner, so for this look, she wears it very dramatically. I apply LIQUID EYELINER at the top and bottom of the eyes as well as on the lid, drawing small lines, almost like scratches, that create an optical illusion of a blackout when blended into the ME BLACK 990 eye shadow. It’s all about the eyes!

    Madonna%20shu%20uemura%20chart.jpg


    STEP 3: Prep the lashes
    Use the EYELASH CURLER before applying ULTIMATE EXPRESSION MASCARA beginning at the base and rolling the brush through the tips of lashes. Now here’s the trick to make eyes pop – interweave two pairs of FALSE EYELASHES S217 to create an atmosphere of black around the eye.

    STEP 4: Finish off with the lips
    Since the focus is on the eyes, use ROUGE UNLIMITED in BG 949 layered with GLOSS UNLIMITED in BG 930N for a soft, natural look.


    To get your personalized look with Gina, call 415-395-0953 to reserve your space!

    Saturday, November 1, 2008
    9:00-11:00am
    ($250 pre-pay redeemable in products)

    shu uemura
    1971 Fillmore Street
    San Francisco, CA 94115
    415-395-0953

    (For those who can't make it, the Japanese Global education team will be at the SF store 11/1-11/3 for a custom 90-minute makeup consult ($100 pre-pay redeemable in products). Space is limited, so book it now!)

    www.shuuemura-usa.com

    Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, cosmetics, events, eye makeup, eyeliner, lip color, Luxury, makeup, Makeup Artists, San Francisco, shopping, skin care

    feteafete.com

    October 14, 2008

    Someone Spoil Me

    Here's a neat social gifting site that's also promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Someone Spoil Me's gift guide recommends gifts that donate a portion of proceeds towards breast cancer research. You can send your bff a Denise Richards t-shirt via ShopBop.com (designed by Richards herself, and 50% proceeds go to Breast Cancer Network), or some cute soap from Gianna Rose Atelier.

    gianna%20rose%20pink%20ribbon%20soap.jpg


    The site is also doing a free raffle on a pink gold Helen Ficalora Pink Ribbon charm & necklace (value $250-$280).

    helen%20ficalora%20pink%20ribbon.jpg


    Not just for the month of October, it's more of a "Think Pink" year-round state of mind. So start gifting your gal pals and educate them on this great cause!

    www.someonespoilme.com

    Tagged as: body care, celebrity, clothing, gifts, giveaway, Holiday, jewelry, Lifestyle, shopping

    feteafete.com

    September 26, 2008

    PBS MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY

    PBS fans take note - check out the latest modern Brit dramas from the new MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY series. It will start with the egdy techno-thriller "The Last Enemy," as well as introducing the adorable and articulate (I could just listen to him speak all day long) host Matthew Goode (Match Point).

    PBS%20host%20Matthew%20Goode.jpg


    This first season explores the trend toward a surveillance society in the post-9/11 world, the trial of God in the shadow of the Holocaust, and censorship in the freewheeling culture of 1960s England:

    The Last Enemy
    Sundays, October 5 - November 2 at 9pm
    A gripping five-part miniseries by Prime Suspect 6 writer Peter Berry about an expatriate mathematician who returns to England to find the nation transformed into a hyper-paranoid surveillance society, plagued by terrorists, fugitives, and spies. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement) and Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty).

    God on Trial
    Sunday, November 9, 9 to 10:30pm
    Who is to blame for the greatest of all crimes? Antony Sher (Primo), Dominic Cooper (The Duchess), Stellan Skarsgard (Mama Mia!) and Stephen Dillane (John Adams) star as a group of Auschwitz prisoners who put God on trial for abandoning His chosen people.

    Filth
    Sunday, November 16, 9 to 10:30 pm
    Shocked by a BBC program about premarital sex broadcast at teatime, Mary Whitehouse (Julie Walters, Harry Potter) rises from her quaint suburban life to do battle with the innovative, taboo-breaking head of the BBC during the free-wheeling 1960s. Forty-five years later, the question of what is and what is not acceptable for broadcast television remains a hot issue.

    www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/contemporary/index.html


    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, show, Television

    feteafete.com

    September 9, 2008

    Derek Lam Travel Kit by Kiehl's

    Collaborating with Derek Lam for his New York Fashion Week's Spring '09 collection (a big envious sigh to those who are lucky enough to see it today), Kiehl's just launched a fabulous Limited Edition Travel Kit designed by the fashion designer. This jet-setting kit contains Lam’s favorite grooming essentials in a travel size (Creme de Corps, Creme de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream, Amino Acid Shampoo, Formula 133 and Lip Balm #1).

    Derek%20Lam%20kiehls%20Travel%20Kit.jpg

    Inspired by his own world travels and Kiehl's elegant simplicity, Lam wanted to create a streamlined and sophisticated travel accessory. Luxurious yet efficient, it also has a custom inside pocket to hold his fave in-flight beauty aid – Lip Balm #1.

    Available at www.Kiehls.com and select stores.

    Tagged as: beauty, body wash, Derek Lam, fashion, fashion designer, lotion, New York Fashion Week, shampoo, skin care

    feteafete.com

    August 21, 2008

    CARGO

    I've never really explored the award-winning CARGO cosmetics line, but there are lots of great things to play with. Take for example, the DailyGloss packaging. It's great for traveling divas. You rip off as much tearaway bubbles as you need to fit into your teeny tiny purse or jeans pocket, or bring the entire 30-day supply for a long trip. Talk about smart packing!

    cargo%20dailygloss.jpg

    If your purse permits more space, the regular Lip Gloss Quads are just as fun to play with. The Reverse Lip Liner is also a great companion tool, as it will help prevent the gloss from bleeding/feathering out of the lip line.

    For the eco-gals, the Plant Love Botanical Lipstick line is awesome. I like the sheer berry shade designed by Courteney Cox. What I think is so cool is that the lipstick tube is compostable (made from corn, greenhouse-gas-neutral) and the packaging can be moistened to plant wildflowers! How cool is that? It's a eco-triple threat.

    cargo%20plant%20love.jpg

    I'm kinda klutzy with the dramatic eye makeup, so the SmokyEye Brush is a lifesaver. If you have half an hour to experiment, that's great. But I'm always on the go, and this brush takes out the mystique on basic smoky eye technique. The ergonomically designed handle is easy to grip, and allows for perfect smudging out cream, powder, or pencil liners. Just dab and smudge with a back and forth motion.

    SmokyEye%20brush.jpg


    For flawless skin on and off camera, the blu_ray Collection is a good one to have on hand. Developed for filming in high-definition, the five products are provide full coverage while looking completely natural. I like how the blush and pressed powder just blends into my skin. It doesn't look like you're wearing tons of pancake makeup, it just enhances your natural beauty. (for more tips: www.cargobluray.com)

    blu_ray%20gloss.jpg


    www.cargocosmetics.com

    Tagged as: blush, cosmetics, lip color, lip gloss, makeup, makeup brush

    feteafete.com

    July 28, 2008

    Brideshead Revisited

    Based on Evelyn Waugh's famous novel, "Brideshead Revisited" is a gorgeous film. Set in post WWI, the epic drama chronicles the lives of an aspiring young artist and a wealthy family. Featuring great performances, the film describes the complicated relationship between Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) and Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw). The close friendship is further complicated when Sebastian's sister Julia (Hayley Atwell) enters the picture, and the entire family is thrown into moral and theological chaos.

    brideshead%20revisited.jpg
    Matthew Goode, Hayley Atwell, and Ben Whishaw. Photo credit: Nicola Dove/Courtesy of Miramax Films


    As the controlling and cold Lady Marchmain, Emma Thompson played a fantastic Catholic zealot, and the adorable Whishaw is just scarily fragile as he hurtles at breakneck speed towards self-destruction. While beautifully set in England and Venice, the plot drags towards the end, becoming a heavy discussion on religion and family duty.

    brideshead.jpg
    Ben Whishaw and Matthew Goode. Photo credit: Nicola Dove/Courtesy of Miramax Films

    PG-13. 135 minutes; www.miramax.com


    -Tami

    Tagged as: cinema, film, Film Stars, movie, review

    feteafete.com

    July 17, 2008

    Jay Clifford - Driving Blind

    I adore Jay Clifford. He's one of my all-time favorite songwriters. For those who haven't yet discovered him, the hauntingly beautiful voice of Jump (formerly Jump Little Children) has a nice solo album, Driving Blind. While not my favorite (still longing for the old JLC stuff, along with the Rosebud songs), this one has the breathtaking "Diving Bell," easily the prettiest song in this album. The lyric "Finally asleep, she is sold, each breath for a handsome price..." is such a riveting image. Other gems include "Caught in the Rain," "Paralyze," and "Dissolves."

    jayclifford.jpg

    www.myspace.com/jaycliffordmusic


    -Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, singer, song

    feteafete.com

    July 14, 2008

    When You Are Engulfed In Flames

    David Sedaris has done it again with his new essay collection When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Hysterical and absurd, his sixth book recounts bizarre and ultimately awkward moments in his daily life - from accidentally dropping a lozenge on a rude airplane passenger's lap to his not-so-fun experience of using the Stadium Pal, an external catheter to assist with his bathroom dilemmas. There is even a story on how his boyfriend lanced a boil from his backside. If that's not true love then I don't know what is.

    Sedaris%20EngulfedFlames.JPG

    For Sedaris fans, the last essay "The Smoking Session" calls for nostalgic comparisons to Me Talk Pretty One Day. There are many comedic moments as we observe the author struggle through language and cultural barriers while orchestrating his painful attempt at quitting smoking in Tokyo. This is a humorist worthy of a permanent spot on your bookshelf, and you can count on many laughs with each reading.

    www.whenyouareengulfedinflames.com


    -Tami

    Tagged as: author, Books, humor

    feteafete.com

    June 25, 2008

    Anne Hathaway's Smart Look

    Get Anne Hathaway's smart makeup look! At a recent charity screening of "Get Smart," the new face of Lancôme showed off her gorgeous features with the aid of celebrity makeup artist Julie Harris.

    anne%20hathaway.jpg

    To re-create the look: Apply Lancôme black liquid Artliner on the upper lash line to make the eyes pop. Add a few coats of Lancôme Hypnôse mascara for a beautiful boost of volume and length. For a touch of color to the apples of the cheeks, use Giorgio Armani Sheer Cream Blush #2. Set the look by dusting Laura Mercier translucent powder all over the face. For soft neutral lips, finish up with Lancôme Color Design Lipcolor in B-List.


    -Tami

    Tagged as: beauty, blush, celebrity, cosmetics, lipstick, makeup, Makeup Artists

    feteafete.com

    June 24, 2008

    Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris

    For all you Francophiles, here's a cute little travel book about the City of Light. Famed food blogger (Chocolate & Zucchini) Clotilde Dusoulier's new book, Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris, is a fun reference guide too all things decadent and delicious in Paris. Follow the native foodie as she picks her favorite wine shops, bakeries, restaurants, and markets in each arrondissement. Easy to follow, Clotilde's infectious warmth shows on each page.

    Edible%20Adventures.jpg



    fête à fête recently caught up with Clotilde about her new book:


    If you had all the time in the world, what would be the ultimate edible adventure for you?

    CD: I am inordinately curious about all things Japanese, and for many years now, I have been wanting to go to Japan and taste its cuisine in context. It looks like I may finally have a chance to go this year, and I am beside myself with excitement.


    What was the process in determining the top places for your book? Did you have a systemic rating system, or was it purely based on personal preferences?

    CD: I started with a list of personal favorites, then worked my way through long lists of places -- old and new -- I'd heard good things about. I paid those restaurants and food shops a visit, sampled their offerings, and ultimately decided whether I liked them enough to include them. I didn't have a rating system, but rather trusted my instinct, asking myself this simple question: would I send a friend there?


    Any particular dish you've been meaning to try, or perfect on its technique?

    CD: Baba au rhum (a sponge-like yeast cake doused with rum) is all the rage in Paris these days, and I've been meaning to try and make my own -- I've already purchased the aged rum, and now I'm just waiting for the opportunity to serve this grownup dessert to friends.


    So there you have it! Visit www.chocolateandzucchini.com/edibleadventures


    Bon Appétit!

    Tami

    Tagged as: book, culinary, food & drink, France, international, interview, Paris, Shopping, travel, Trends

    feteafete.com

    June 13, 2008

    Shu Uemura 25th Anniversary Hana-Bi

    A pioneer in the international beauty realm, Shu Uemura was more than just an artist. His visionary methods changed the way we thought about makeup art, opening up a new world that successfully blended art, beauty, fashion, science, and nature into each product. From the iconic eyelash curler to the wildly popular cleansing oils (and don't forget those gorgeous lashes and stellar makeup brushes!), there is so much to be remembered from this prolific and legendary master.

    shu%20umeura%20lashes.jpg

    As a young man, Uemura knew he wanted to create beauty. As the only male student at the Tokyo Beauty Academy, he soon rose above other aspiring artists by being chosen to work on Joe Butterfly in 1955, and soon became the darling amongst Hollywood's elite. Uemura elevated beauty to an art form, and stars like Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra were loyal fans.

    Uemura's meteoric rise continued to shine. He returned to Japan in 1965 and established the Shu Uemura Make-up Institute, the first Hollywood-style makeup studio in Japan. In 1968, he launched the first Mode Make-up look (the revolutionary concept of using makeup design as an artistic expression) and became the beauty industry's big sensation. Subsequently he created an in-house line of skincare, and opened his first Beauty Boutique in 1983. Today, the Shu Uemura art has expanded to Paris, London, Milan, Taipei, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and San Francisco.

    shu%20uemura.jpg


    To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Tokyo Beauty Boutique opening, this year's special HANA-BI limited edition collection features the dynamic shape of fireworks in the artwork. Designed by noted graphic designer Gwenael Nicolas, the fireworks are a burst of spontaneous beauty that represents this special occasion.

    shu%20uemura%20anniversary%20palette.jpg

    Inspired by three elements of nature (earth, flower, and water), the collection features brilliant eyeshadow palettes offering earthy, bright, and cool shades to mix and match to your heart's content. I love the Fleur de Rose palette. You can definitely do a smoky eye, or opt for more neutral looks with the lighter colors. The Shimmer Liquid Eyeliner (long-lasting formula) compliments the pretty hues.

    25th%20anniversary%20perfume.jpg

    Three natural origin fragrances formulated with Depsea Water are also showcased: Fleur de Rose (Ylang Ylang & Turkish Rose), Fleur de Source (Coriander, Papyrus & Basil), and Fleur de Terre (Rosemary & Bergamot).

    www.shuuemura-usa.com


    Happy birthday, Mr. Uemura. You will be in our hearts forever.


    -Tami

    Tagged as: cosmetics, eyeshadow, fragrance, limited edition, makeup, Makeup Artists, special events

    feteafete.com

    May 31, 2008

    V Magazine Model Search

    Calling all fashion divas - Do you have what it takes to become the next face of fashion?

    Enter in the VMAGAZINE.COM exclusive model search and a panel of judges may select you to win a three-year contract with Supreme Model Management and a starring role in a fashion story in an upcoming issue of VMAGAZINE.COM.

    models_about.jpg


    V A Model! winner Amanda Laine shot to supermodel stardom, walked the Fall 2008 runways of Prada, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton, and took a turn in front of the camera for Mario Testino and Willy Vanderperre. Now it's your turn!

    Readers of VMAGAZINE.COM can select a winner of their own. Vote each day for your favorite face and have a hand in selecting the V A Model! Popular Vote Winner, who will be the star of her very own vmagazine.com fashion story.

    Enter now and vote HERE.

    -Tami

    Tagged as: beauty, contest, fashion, fashion design, model

    feteafete.com

    May 26, 2008

    Sex And The City Interview

    Get an exclusive peek of the Sex and the City movie! Glam.com's entertainment editor Lauren Barth interviews the entire cast to see what it's all about. From Carrie to Mr. Big, don't miss this insider look of our favorite glorious fashion divas...


    www.sexandthecitymovie.com


    See you at the movie!

    Tami

    Tagged as: beauty, celebrity, Fashion, Film, Film Stars, movie, TV show

    feteafete.com

    April 23, 2008

    SF International Film Festival (Part II)

    Here are a few more film reviews for the upcoming San Francisco International Film Festival, which starts tomorrow through May 8:


    Solitary Fragments (Spain) is a close examination of family dynamics within the circle of human relations. Director Jaime Rosales weaves a natural and unbiased study of people struggling with everyday challenges while Yasuhiro Ozu's creative use of the split screen pieces the intersecting stories together.

    Solitary_Fragments.jpg

    Single mother Adela (Sonia Almarcha) leaves her provincial town in search of a better life in Madrid with her infant son. Struggling with a bland job, she moves in with Carlos (Lluís Villanueva) and Inés (Miriam Correa). The roommates become friends and open up to each other about their personal lives over shared meals. Inés’s mother Antonia (Petra Martínez) soon becomes an indirect acquaintance. A widow with three daughters, Antonia is literally the rock in the family. Dealing with one daughter's cancer prognosis and manipulated by another to help supplement her selfish ambitions, the normalcy of daily life unexpectedly ends for these these women when tragic events occur. The survivors have to find the strength to carry on, and the viewer is strongly drawn to the well-being of each character. I liked how certain silent scenes reflected the inner strength of the main characters. Lonliness, grief, and isolation surround them like an invisible wall yet they manage to maintain their dignity as life goes on, with or without them.

    Click here to watch the trailer (Click on "Watch" link on the lower right corner of the movie still).


    Secret (Taiwan) is a beautifully shot teen romance. Taiwanese pop artist Jay Chou built some acting chops in Zhang Yimou’s "Curse of the Golden Flower" and he refined his skill with "Secret." Directing his own script, Chou plays Yeh Hsiang-Lun, an extremely gifted music student entering a prestigious academy. Innocent flirtations abound amongst students and the days are filled with lectures, sports, hi-jinks, and “piano battles”.

    Secret.jpg

    One day in an old music room, Lun encounters Lu Hsiao-Yu (Kwai Lun-mei) playing an alluring tune. This melody and the coquettish Yu begin to haunt Lun day and night. Eventually Lun discovers a photograph of Yu with his father (the matchless Anthony Wong), and the plot rises to a very dramatic and supernatural turn. Delicate and sweetly mysterious, Yu is the film’s emotional center as she and Lun performs their magical symphony for all time.

    Click here to watch the trailer (Click on "Watch" link on the lower right corner of the movie still).


    Just Like Home (Denmark) is a wry comedy about trust and community within a small Danish town. Filled with eccentrics, the characters share their angst and loneliness, including a woman on the lam (Ann Eleanora Jørgensen), an angry pill-popper dealing with his childhood (Peter Gantzler), a stuffy poet (Peter Hesse Overgaard), and an optimistic civil servant (Bodil Jørgensen) with a shaky hold on her job.

    Just_Like_Home.jpg

    Director Lone Scherfig does a fine job of painting a tableau of a conservative society as the residents struggle with the rumor of a male streaker in their midst. A local pharmacist opens up an anonymous hotline to find the culprit and calamity ensues as the townsfolk use it to air their grievances. Despite their initial misgivings, the hotline volunteers learn to find their voice, help each other, and heal the community. If you've seen "Italian for Beginners," you will want to check this out.


    For tickets and information: go to www.sffs.org or call 925.866.9559


    See you at the film fest!

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, film, Film Festival, Film Stars, movie, San Francisco, San Francisco event

    feteafete.com

    April 21, 2008

    SF International Film Festival (April 24-May 8)

    Film lovers will have a lot of wonderful screenings to explore at the upcoming 51st San Francisco International Film Festival. The 15-day extravaganza will not only present nearly 200 films from 49 countries, but it will also feature the work of 39 women directors. Opening on April 24 with Catherine Breillat's "The Last Mistress," the festival will close May 8 with the West Coast premiere of "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson." Award honorees include Maria Bello of "The Yellow Handkerchief" (Peter J. Owens Award), Jason Lee, and Rose McGowan (both for Midnight Awards).


    Here are a few select reviews from the festival:

    "Shadows in the Palace" (Korea) is part lavish historical drama, part murder mystery set during Korea’s Chosun era. Totally entertaining with non-stop plot twists (for the squeamish folks, there will be a few gory torture scenes), the film is a solid rendition of Korean palace intrigue and the complex power struggles amongst the court maids, imperial concubine and the empress.

    Shadows_in_the_Palace.jpg

    The smell of constant fear permeates the palace in everyone's effort to win the emperor's favor. Rigid court rules strip off the spirit of the maids as they work within the thick confines of the palace. After one of the maids is found dead, female court doctor Chun-ryung suspects foul play and decides to expose the murderer. Risking her position and her life, she soon digs up an ugly mess of deception as the battle for ultimate power unfolds. The acting is well done, as well as the costume research and set design, but the special effects are a bit too dramatic for Western viewers.


    "In the City of Sylvia" (Spain) presents the idea of possible romance as a young romantic (Xavier Lafitte) searches for Sylvia, the would-be lover he met from several years before. Beautifully set in Strasbourg with gorgeous-looking stars, Lafitte resembles a version of Gael Garcia Bernal, while gamine Pilar López de Ayala steals the limelight. The film is a simple pleasure to gaze at. Director José Luis Guerín encourages the viewer to engage themselves to sound and light, paring down the dialogue significantly. The sense of city life is heightened, with the everyday sound of locals strolling, students chatting, and the sound of a tram ambling around the winding streets.

    In_the_City_of_Sylvia.jpg

    "Glasses" (Japan) is a zen jewel of a story, about an uptight teacher visiting an idyllic island retreat. Upon arrival at the Hamada Inn, Taeko (Satomo Kobayashi) is subjected to the peculiar business habits of the owner (Ken Mitsuishi) because he doesn't want too many guests. Fellow guest Sakura (Masako Motai) leads the townspeople through daily “merci exercises” and all the guests practice 'twilighting' in the evenings.

    glasses.jpg


    Through the seemingly strange practices of the local inhabitants, Taeko learns to let go literally and figuratively, changing in small degrees with each passing day at the beach. Western audiences might not be used to the quiet pace of Naoko Ogigami's direction, but this is a great example of how in slowing down one's life, one might actually see the gems within.


    More film reviews to come - stay tuned!


    For tickets and information: go to www.sffs.org or call 925.866.9559


    See you at the film fest!

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, Film, Film Festival, Film Stars, international, movie, San Francisco, San Francisco event

    feteafete.com

    April 18, 2008

    My Blueberry Nights

    Wong Kar Wai is one of my favorite directors, and with good reason. The visionary is a regular on the Cannes circuit, and his "In the Mood for Love" has set a new standard in international cinema. He has an inimitable gift of letting each frame ooze with glamorous sensuality. It's a luxe quality that isn't found in many films today, and I can't get enough of it.


    MY_BLUEBERRY_NIGHTS.jpg


    Shifting his focus to a Western landscape, he returns with "My Blueberry Nights." It's a debut for Wong in many ways. It's his first English language feature, and the lead actress (singer Norah Jones) is a fresh visage on the silver screen. It's also one of the rare instances that Christopher Doyle isn't present for this project, welcoming instead cinematographer Darius Khondji. The result is a beautifully tailored dance of color, light, music, and passion that lingers within you long after you leave the theatre.


    MBN03083.jpg


    The story opens up with Elizabeth (Jones), a heartbroken young woman drowning in the sorrows of her recent breakup. She befriends cafe owner Jeremy (Jude Law), eating blueberry pie and taking refuge in his romantic outlook. With the pain so close to home, she takes off on a long journey across America, trying to forget her past.

    Along the way she witnesses other troubled souls battling their own relationship demons. In Memphis she gets caught up with a forlorn alcoholic cop (David Strathairn) and his hot-headed estranged wife (Rachel Weisz), then ends up with a flirty, fast-talkin', double-your-money-back-or-bust gambler (Natalie Portman) in Nevada. These characters are somewhat of a mirror image to her loneliness within her long inner journey.


    MBN08072.jpg


    For a first timer, Jones is valiant in her attempt to convey her emotional range, but it comes off a bit awkward. Portman's spunky performance provided the sizzle the film needed, and it's a darn shame she didn't have more screen time.

    The soundtrack, as usual, is a work of art in itself with Wong at the helm. His extremely deliberate choice in music heightens the entire experience, and sometimes the tracks themselves do enough emoting for everyone and beyond. With Ry Cooder (Buena Vista Social Club) scoring, you get to cozy up to sultry croons from Norah Jones, Cat Power, Otis Redding, and the like. For "In the Mood for Love" fans, you will find a treat here - a harmonica version of "Yumeji's Theme."


    www.weinsteinco.com


    -Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, Film, Film Stars, movie, movie soundtrack

    feteafete.com

    April 17, 2008

    Armani Caffe Collection & Vétiver Babylone

    With true Italian sophistication, Giorgio Armani Beauty brings rich coffee shades to the lips this Spring/Summer. The new black of this season is lacquered brown, and his new Caffè Collection is a bold statement ranging from transparent mochas to deep noble browns.

    GIRL_CAFF%C3%89_PRESSE.jpg


    The ArmaniSilk Caffè lipsticks have a special new formula to perfect the balance between high color and long lasting comfort. Available in eight easy to wear brown-beige shades, I liked the No. 59 Caffè Granita - a frosty mocha that can be worn alone or with a gloss. The star shade, No. 62 Ristretto, is a bit too dramatic for me, so I toned it down with Lip Shimmer No. 45 - a beautiful shimmery bronze that is also great for a nude lip.

    PACK%20CAFFE%20COLLECTION_SP.jpg


    A tribute to the historical origins of perfume, the new Armani Prive – Les Eaux collection is inspired by the legendary gardens of the world. Rare and exquisite, the notes are selected with great care. Vétiver Babylone is a lavish interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's love for his wife Amytis, who dedicated the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to his beloved.


    Vetiver%20Babylone.jpg


    The perfume opens up with bright bergamot and citron notes, blending with juicy mandarin. Spicy green cardamom, coriander and pink pepper excite the senses, echoing the primal energy and heat of the desert. Earthy patchouli rounds out the base note, reminiscent of the intermittent shade within the sparse trees. It's a sexy fragrance that is mysterious, seducing you into the lush gardens of paradise.


    Available at: Select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Barneys and www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com


    -Tami

    feteafete.com

    April 9, 2008

    Three Custom Color Specialists

    Three Custom Color Specialists teamed up with celebrity makeup artist James Vincent to create a look inspired by the golden glamour of Miami's international style. The new shades are: Peacock Eye Shadow, a festive teal flecked with glittery shimmer and Poppy Lip and Cheek Stain, a bright warm coral.

    Poppy%20and%20Peacock%20300.jpg


    To get the look:

    Use Peacock Eye Shadow wet as an eye liner and buff the edges for a smoky gradated look. A soft smudge of Peacock Eye Shadow can also be added along the lower lash line. Use a bronze shadow to blend int the crease for contouring. Add a dash of Poppy Lip & Cheek Stain on the center of the eyelid. Apply a navy liner on the inner rim of the eye to define and finish with black mascara on the upper lashes.

    f_peacock_lrg.jpg


    For lips & cheeks, blend the Poppy Lip & Cheek Stain onto the cheekbones and dab onto the lips. For added glamour, finish with a lip gloss for a sparkling accent.


    www.threecustom.com


    -Tami

    Tagged as: blush, cosmetics, eye color, eyeshadow, lip color, makeup, Makeup Artists

    feteafete.com

    March 24, 2008

    Cigarettes & Gasoline

    Since the launch of Emerson Hart's solo debut Cigarettes & Gasoline, the pop-rock album is still making waves with his stirring lyrics. The former lead singer of Tonic mines his painful past for inspiration and it shows. A couple songs I like are the accoustic "Green Hills Race for California," "Friend to a Stranger," and the title track "Cigarettes and Gasoline." Great lyrics in his work - all Tonic fans need to add this to their collection.

    cover.jpg


    www.emersonhart.com


    -Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, vocals

    feteafete.com

    March 17, 2008

    Nigella Express

    The Domestic Goddess strikes again! Trust Nigella Lawson to deliver another sassy cookbook for the busy home cook. With time-saving shortcuts, the Food Network celeb's latest title, Nigella Express, will provide inspiring menu ideas for every night of the week. The gorgeous photos will have you drooling as you run to the kitchen to try out all 130 recipes.

    NigellaExpress.jpg


    Craving Italiano? Just flip to the Hey Presto section and you'll find lightning-fast and yummy recipes for Pollo Alla Cacciatora, Black Pasta with Red Mullet, and Budino Di Cioccolato. Feeling Frazzled? Head to the Instant Calmer chapter for Cheddar Cheese Risotto or Rapid Ragu. Unexpected guests? Not a problem - just make the Curry in a Hurry from the Storecupboard SOS chapter. Check out the Scallops and Chorizo recipe below - it's a pretty crowd pleaser.


    Scallops and Chorizo

    I’ve long been a fan of scallops and bacon and scallops with chile, and this is my combination of the two, using chorizo — the sausage, not the salami — to ooze its paprika-hot orange oil over the sweet, white scallops. It’s quicker than the speed of light to make and quite as dazzling.

    scallops%26chorizo2.jpg


    4oz chorizo sausage
    1lb small scallops (halve them to make 2 thinner discs if they are very fat)
    juice of half a lemon
    1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley


    Slice the chorizo into rounds no thicker than 1/8 inch.

    Put a pan on the stove to get hot and then dry-fry (the chorizo will give out plenty of its own oil) the chorizo rounds until crisped on either side; this should take no more than 2 minutes.

    Remove the chorizo to a bowl and fry the scallops in the chorizo oil for about a minute a side.

    Return the chorizo to the pan with the scallops, add the lemon juice, and let bubble for a few seconds before arranging on a serving plate and sprinkling with lots of parsley.

    Serves 4 as a main course with the chickpeas and arugula that follow; would be fine with just a little leafage for 8 as a starter.

    Recipe printed with permission from Hyperion.


    www.nigella.com

    See you in the kitchen!

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, chef, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, dessert, dinner, food, food & drink, recipes

    feteafete.com

    March 10, 2008

    Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

    Another lush and ethereal release by glam electonica duo Goldfrapp, the fourth release Seventh Tree is quite a departure from the signature synth beats. Nevertheless, Alison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory show off their music chops by reinventing themselves with slower, sensual, and accoustic melodies.

    seventh%20tree.jpg

    As they take us through another euphoric adventure, the listener finds him/herself dancing through Alison's dreamily hushed vocals. Dashed with hints of electronica, the mood is upbeat, to the point where you wonder if you should be frolicking through some meadows as you listen to "Caravan Girl." "Happiness" rocks with their tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and the hypnotic "Cologne Cerrone Houdini" is a nice reminder of earlier work in Felt Mountain.

    alison%20goldfrapp.jpg

    Some fans might dismiss this album as it's clearly not Supernature Part II. But it will grow on you, as this is another brilliant evolution from a group that refuses to conform to commercial pop formulas.


    www.goldfrapp.com

    -Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review, vocals

    feteafete.com

    March 4, 2008

    Mrs. Pettigrew Lives For A Day

    Academy Award winner Frances McDormand and Academy Award nominee Amy Adams are on a mission to find true love - all in one day! In "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day," the charming comedy promises lots of glamour, elegant fun, and snappy dialogue between the two leading ladies.

    mrs%20pettigrew.jpg


    Set in 1939 London, Miss Guinevere Pettigrew (Ms. McDormand) is a middle aged governess who finds herself unfairly dismissed from her job. Seizing an opportunity, she intercepts an assignment as “social secretary.” Miss Pettigrew is soon thrown into the glamorous and chaotic life of American actress Delysia Lafosse (Ms. Adams). Swept into a heady dream world of high-society, Mrs. Pettigrew helps Delysia navigate a love life and career, both of which are complicated by the three men in Delysia’s orbit.

    mrs%20pettigrew2.jpg



    Opens Friday, March 7th, 2008 (in select cities); Starring Frances McDormand, Amy Adams, Lee Pace, Ciarán Hinds, Shirley Henderson, Mark Strong


    www.focusfeatures.com

    See you at the movies!

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, film, Film Stars, movie, movie soundtrack

    feteafete.com

    February 12, 2008

    The Rise & Fall of Ruby Woo

    Seriously sassy and full of glam, The Puppini Sisters' brand new CD The Rise and Fall of Ruby Woo is pure toe-tapping fun with their famous retro harmonies, pop, and swing. These gorgeous ladies sure know how to put on a show, and what a blast this sophomore release is from Verve Records.

    Puppini_Cover.jpg


    Named after their favorite lipstick, this album includes amazing versions of The Bangles' “Walk Like and Egyptian” and Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love”. The lovely trio (Marcella Puppini, Kate Mullins, and Stephanie O’Brien) also wrote some original tracks as well, including “I Can’t Believe I’m Not A Millionaire” and “Jilted". I just loved their rendition of “It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)". I wanted to pop up and jitterbug across my hallway.

    puppini%20sisters.jpg


    Listen to: “Crazy in Love” verve.edgeboss.net/qtime/verve/puppini/ruby_woo/audio/10_crazy_in_love.mov


    www.thepuppinisisters.com


    See ya on the dance floor,

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, entertainment, music, music review

    feteafete.com

    February 8, 2008

    Lancôme Lipstick Debuts at Thakoon NY Fashion Week Show

    Starting today, the fourth color in the Lancôme Pout-à-Porter lipstick series makes its anticipated debut on lancome-usa.com. Previous colors were created for fashion designers Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, and Peter Som.

    pixel%20pink.JPG

    The Color Fever Shine Lipstick in Pixel Pink is a pretty sheer raspberry shade created by emerging designer Thakoon and celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman for his Fall 2008 show at New York Fashion Week. Get it while it's available on lancome-usa.com or on March 1st at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Lancôme’s five U.S. boutiques.

    thakoon.JPG

    -Tami

    Tagged as: clothing, cosmetics, fashion, fashion design, fashion designer, fashion show, makeup, Makeup Artists, special events

    feteafete.com

    January 22, 2008

    The Kin - Rise & Fall Tour

    My friends have raved about The Kin for a while, and I finally got to listen to their recent album release 'Rise & Fall'. Not only are the Koren brothers (Isaac and Thorry) enticing eye candy, their gorgeous vocals blend rather perfectly within each song. I especially liked the catchy 'Romeo', along with the lovely storytelling behind 'Abraham'. I tend to be drawn towards the non-epic songs, since they really highlight the beautiful songwriting and amazing melodies. In a world filled with overplayed commecial acts, this is an indie group to keep an eye on.

    RiseandFall.jpg

    Check out their upcoming tour dates below:

    Feb 11 – Club Infinity in Buffalo, NY
    Feb 12 – Harper’s Ferry in Boston, MA
    Feb 13 – Highline Ballroom in New York, NY
    Feb 14 – State Theatre in Falls Church, VA
    Feb 15 – The Khyber in Philadelphia, PA
    Feb 16 – 8 x 10 Club in Baltimore, MD

    www.thekin.com
    www.myspace.com/thekin


    -Tami

    Tagged as: album, concert, music, music review, performance

    feteafete.com

    January 14, 2008

    Mad Money Preview

    Here's a fun sneak preview from the new movie Mad Money, opening this Friday the 18th. Starring Diane Keaton, Katie Holmes and Queen Latifah, it's a madcap caper involving three sassy women, money and the law. A comedy about ordinary women who decide to do something extraordinary (rob one of the most secure banks in the world), this is a guaranteed fun ride.


    See you at the movies!

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, film, movie

    feteafete.com

    January 4, 2008

    Golden Globe Awards Coverage with TV Guide

    Get the latest updates on the Golden Globe Awards coverage from TV Guide! The 65th annual awards show will be abuzz with celebrity fashion, gossip, and much more, so check out the video below...



    See you at the awards show,

    Tami

    Tagged as: celebrity, fashion, film, Film Stars, show, Television

    feteafete.com

    June 4, 2006

    Love! Passion! and much more at SF International Film Fest - Fashiontribes.com film blog

    I love movies. And being a huge fan of foreign films, I naturally had to check out this year's San Francisco International Film Festival selections. With over 100 entries, I really had to narrow it down and choose a couple great entries from Asia that are worth a gander (in my humble opinion of course).

    The opening night film, "Perhaps Love," was one of the most highly anticipated musicals from Hong Kong director Peter Chan (My favorite cinematographer Christopher Doyle also worked on this ambitious project, so that's always a BIG plus). With Bollywood choreography, it's sure to entertain even the most skeptical moviegoer. Frankly, I'm just proud of the fact that this is the first HK film to be chosen for this year's festival opening night.

    Perhaps_love_zhou_2

    Set in Shanghai and Beijing, the story is your basic doomed love triangle plot, but with the stellar international cast (Takeshi Kaneshiro (so cute), Zhou Xun, Jacky Cheung and Ji Jin-Hee) and the strong vocals of HK pop megastar Jacky Cheung, you can't help but be enthralled by the whole performance.

    Perhaps_love_cheungzhou_2

    Already garnering a few awards, this will attract every hopeless romantic out there, and then some. Be forewarned - while many folks will compare this to "Moulin Rouge," this is more of a realistic portrayal of the many facets and emotions of love, especially the complicated, bittersweet and nasty parts (y'all know what I'm talking about).

    Takeshi_perhapslove_1



    Another festival favorite, "House of Himiko," is a dramedy by Isshin Inudo. A young Saori (Kou Shibasaki) is forced to come to terms with her past after a handsome Haruhiko (Joe Odagiri) offers her a high-paying job at a seaside gay retirement home.

    House_of_himiko_01_2

    Run by her dying estranged gay father (Min Tanaka), a former Ginza transvetite bar owner, she quickly falls into the zany lifestyles of the aging queens. Struggling to resolve her abandoment issues with her stoic father and overcoming her homophobia, Saori soon learns to accept and love each resident's eccentric personalities.


    House_of_himiko_02_1

    With Ruby the pink-haired queen leading the pack, the residents are the gems that shine throughout the entire film. Presented with a quirky comedic touch, it's an interesting look at Japan's aging gay community and how this resilient culture deals with this societal reality.


    House_of_himiko_05_1

    See you at the theatres!

    Tagged as: fashiontribes.com, Film, Film Festival, Film Stars, Hong Kong, International, Japan, Music, San Francisco, Special Events

    feteafete.com