OSCARS 2011 Best Of!

We know "BLACK SWAN" star, Natalie Portman, won the Oscar for Best Actress. But she gets a BLACKswan Beauty thumbs up for her amazing off-the-shoulder Rodarte plum dress, Tiffany jewels and Jimmy Choo heels. Her look was simple, pretty and perfect for the mommy-to-be. Also loved Halle Berry's signature spiked coif and crystal Marchesa gown. She always showcases modern elegance.

BSB shout out to 14-year old Hailee Steinfeld, who won Best Supporting Actress for "TRUE GRIT." She co-designed the pale pink Marchesa frock (which was age appropriate).

My top picks for couples, the 40+ woman and, of course, the ladies in red are pictured. What was your favorite 2011 Academy Award look?

Couples: Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves

The Over 40 Woman: Helen Mirren

Red Hot Ladies: Jennifer Hudson, host Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Lawrence and Penelope Cruz.

(pix from oscars.movies.yahoo.com)

Best Oscar Red Carpet Looks

Countdown to The Academy Awards!

Who will have the best hair, makeup, dress? We'll have to wait and see tomorrow.

Some of my favorite looks from the past are:

Halle Berry/2002

Jennifer Lopez/2003

Gwenyth Paltrow 2007

Freida Pinto/2009

Cameron Diaz/2010

Looking forward to the vintage glam predicted for tomorrow's awards...

Skin Care Kit for Him

No doubt your guy takes grooming pretty seriously. But you can always acquaint him with something new. Introduce your honey to a great skin care kit tailored to his needs that's travel-friendly too!

MENSCIENCE TRAVEL & SKIN CARE KIT/$78

• Contains the brands most popular products. Free of fragrance, dyes and irritants.
• Is TSA approved! All products are under 3 oz and fit easily in quart-sized zip-lock bag (included).
• Contents include Daily Face Wash, Advanced Face Lotion, Advanced Shave Formula, Post Shave Repair, Daily Shampoo, Advanced Deodorant, Advanced Lip Protection, Night Sleep Mask and Advanced Ear Plugs all in a personalized travel bag.

Want to own it? Get it at www.menscience.com.

OSCARS 2011 Hair

Hair stylist to the stars, ORIBE, predicts a lot of old world glamour for hair at the 2011 Academy Awards (think "Mad Men.")

For red carpet events, his inspiration comes from a conversation with his celeb client before the gala or he simply creates after he sees the dress!

Watch the clip where he shares his style secrets for the biggest award show of the year.

@ Yahoo! Video
'>Video here:

Jennifer Aniston's New Cut

Known for her infamous haircut forEVER, JENNIFER ANISTON has moved on with a modern cropped "lob!" The softly layered and brighter blonde 'do first appeared at the "Just Go With It" premiere in Madrid. Was this new look to celebrate her recent b-day (Feb 11th)? She boasts that the change was long overdue. ANISTON's long time stylist, Chris McMillian agreed. He said the bob is "a sexy look." He wanted to create something completely opposite of the long, layered hairstyles that dominate the big screen and TV. Slightly shorter in the back and lighter highlights frame her face. Do you think sleek and chic was the way to go?

Check out more JA hairstyles here.

(photo from azcentral.com)

The Perfect Shade of Pink

Spring trends call for color. Pinks, oranges, reds, and berries for lips....I'm game to try them all. Product shopping with my client proved she's a bit more focused: set on the perfect pink. The list of "must have's" include a non-drying formula that won't have to be reapplied every hour. We tried pinks in variable tones, textures, finishes and shades.

Top brands included MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense/Satin Fuchsia. A creamy long-lasting pigment that deposits color in one stroke. And it's only $19! Next we tried the Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Unlimited at MAC COSMETICS, a muted dusty pink/$16. She wore this shade for awhile around the mall. At the GIORGIO ARMANI counter, she played with Armanisilk in Fuchsia #3/$27. This one wasn't quite right. The last stop was LANCOME...La Laque Fever Lipshine/$26.50 (pictured left) was the color of choice. This highly pearled, multi-dimensional lip shine boasts of an 8-hour wear but it was far too glittery. Glitter was everywhere when it was removed. But the color does last...it left behind a pretty pink stain.

After debating about the best color and texture, she chose the MAC Unlimited available at www.maccosmetics.com. Ms. Jones wants to keep the focus on her pretty pout. The look tomorrow will include her new lip topped with a sheer ESTEE LAUDER gloss, a soft shadow and loads of L'OREAL VOLUMINOUS Carbon Black Mascara!

What's New at Clinique?

We'll start with the men first since "Friday is for the Fellas!"

CLINIQUE has great reviews for a recent launch of skincare products for you gents. Skin Supplies for Men Age Defense for Eyes/$24.00 and Age Defense Hydrator SPF 15/30.00. The Age Defense Hydrator is a light non-greasy formula that contains peptides, vitamin C and glucosamine to keep skin fresh. It also targets lines and wrinkles and replenishes moisture lost from shaving with sun protection to boot. Reviews claim it's "the best all-in-one for men!" The Defense for Eyes works to reduce dark circles and puffiness. It hydrates the delicate tissue around the eye and brightens dull skin. The tube makes for easy application too.

Ladies, there's something for you too. CLINIQUE teams up with Michelle Smith, MILLY designer and Glamour Magazine at Bloomingdales Friday evening. She will be showcasing her Spring 2011 Collection and giving fashion advice along with a Glamour stylist. Get a personal consultation and take home a MILLY cosmetic bag with spring must-haves with a $25+ purchase.

WHERE: Clinique Counter @ Bloomingdales 59th Street/NYC

TIME: 6:00 to 8:00 pm

(Thanks to TJ for the heads up about the gift-with-purchase!)

Fashion Week/Sachika Fall Collection 2011

So one of my dearest friends invited me to the SACHIKA Fall 2011 show, "The Awakening of a Swan." I'm not sure if it was because of the "swan" connection or what, but I'm glad he did.

The introduction showcased a beautiful swan-inspired performance from The New York City Ballet dancers. The show itself was inspired by the movie, "The Black Swan" and Kanye's film "Runaway." The designs were beautiful featuring strong accent colors and of course, feathers! Tailored jackets in muted shades with shoulder pads, flowy dresses and metallic tunics. The coats were a hit as well! Sophisticated pieces in fall colors with a mix of textures and silhouettes -- very feminine and lady-like.

The brand celebrates women who are strong, independent and ambitious. Probably what most of us aspire to be.

At the end of it all, I ran into another friend who makes yummy treats...All Big Apple babes, you NEED to hit up Tonnie's Minis...The red velvet cupcakes are divine!

I'm really glad I was able to attend. Check out more photos here (I'm in row 9!)

A Real NARSissist

The NARS 2011 Spring Collection consists of metallic neutrals and vibrant pops of color that mimic the upcoming season.

Though I am impressed with all eleven pieces, I really like the lip glosses, especially the new shade, Nana, a sheer black grape. (Yes, deep berries are still trending for Spring.) Angelika is the pink with silver and gold flecks, and Super Orgasm, a glittery peachy pink. Each are $24.

See anything you like? You can preview and purchase all of the product at NARS counters, the flapship store in NYC or http://www.narscosmetics.com/.

Love & Marraige: BHLDN Wedding Collection

For all the lovers planning their wedding, BHLDN launched something special today. BHLDN (pronounced BEHOLDEN) is an online wedding collection from Urban Outfitters. It's old-world heirloom theme includes gowns, bridesmaids and special occassion dresses, hair pieces, jewelry, invites and even lingerie.

Brides can embrace their own unique style with this brand. Expect fresh non-traditional silhouettes, floppy oversized bows, and pretty fabrics. This collection is for the bride who wants to get married on the beach or the penthouse suite. She makes her own traditions. The site offers personalized services too: a "couture" feature where live models show you every detail of the gown, stylists have a Q&A session with each bride, true sizing (size 8 IS a size 8), next day shipping and "no-hassle" 30 day returns (really????)

Prices for brides go up to $4,000 while cocktail dresses max out at $600. If you're not inclined to order online for your special day, Southern brides can look for a flagship store opening sometime this Spring. The store is set to feature candelabras, cake toppers and more. For more details, check out their press release here.

You can preview the collection at www.bhldn.com.

Bringing Sexy Back

Trainers say we tend to forget about toning our bottoms, backs and legs because women focus on what they see in the mirror without turning around. We know others are peeking at our rear view. With these exercise tips, you can look better from behind.

Getting back to basics, try these exercises for:

1. A BOOTY BOOST: Hip extensions are a classic move that target the glutes. On all fours as pictured (right), raise leg with sole of foot facing ceiling. Don't arch the back, keep abs tight and neck straight. Lower leg back down and repeat 10 times before switching.

2. A SLEEK & SEXY BACK: Stand with feet apart holding two dumbbells. Bend forward at your hips with slightly bended knees/back straight. Pull weights up to your sides, bending elbows. Only move your arms and squeeze shoulder blades together as you lift. Slowly lower weights and keep your back straight. Repeat one to two sets/15 reps each. (Works entire back and strengthens core muscles.)

3. STRONG CALVES: Stand with heels together and toes turned out, arms at your side and palms facing out. Holding a 3 lb to 5 lb weight, bend knees (like a ballerina's plie). Straighten legs and lift onto tip toes as you sweep arms out and up overhead. Remain on toes as you lower arms to sides at shoulder height, return to start position. Do two sets of 15.

In my quest for a sexy exit, I'm going down on all fours right now. And one. And two...

Get more info at www.shape.com!

(Picture from Glamour 10/10)

Boy! I Love That Pink

Pink is more popular than ever. Selecting a sweet pink is easy with so many options....bright, blush, nude, or shimmery. Like the new CHANEL Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Boy. A rosy pink with micro flecks of glitter, a vanilla taste and a

light rosy scent (not big on the smell). The flirty shade is available for a 4-day presale Feb 10th -- Feb 14th (ahead of the collection's scheduled launch of April 2011 -- 25 lipsticks in all). And the name comes with a love story: Boy, is Arthur Capel, the love of CoCo Chanel's life!

Find it at select CHANEL counters like Nordstrom or you can add your name to the wait list at https://secure.chanel.com/en_US/customer-service/boy-waitlist/ /$32.

TIP: If you have a full lips, a bold opaque color will look pretty on you. The pop of color will be the focus for sure. Keep the rest of your makeup palette soft with complementary tones. If you have thin lips, there's no need for liner. Choose a light glossy pink which will make lips appear bigger. This Boy may be perfect for you!

ZARA Spring Collection 2011 for Men

ZARA is one of my favorite shops...chic finds at a cheap prices. Even for men, whether your look is casual and comfortable or takes on a refined style, ZARA probably has something for you guys. My friend at Flawless Crowns reminded me with his recent post. One stop shopping for outerwear, sweaters, slacks, shoes and more. Looks that caught my eye are pictured:

Preview more online at www.zara.com and stop in for sales items.

NARS in New York

Francois Nars is celebrating the launch of his flagship boutique, NARS, in the West Village next week. On February 10th, doors open at 413 Bleeker Street to exclusive products, NARSaholic favs and inspirations to all makeup artists and Big Apple beauties. The black and white logo featured on one of the first lipstick launches, Jungle Red Lipstick, will be the color scheme for the interior decor. Can't wait to see the makeup treats instore.

Plans on going? Make a list of your favorite NARS products from NARS.com or www.sephora.com.