Elle Girl
ElleGirl- The 9.0-magnitude quake and tsunami devastating Japan may be one of the most costly disasters of all time, with economic tolls estimated at 122 billion dollars. The fashion world has responded to Japan’s dire need for monetary aid with several ways to contribute to relief abroad. See ways you can help after the jump.
Photo: Lady Gaga Official Store
Already raising over a quarter of a million dollars, Lady Gaga’s ‘We Pray for Japan’ wristband is currently available for $5 and can be purchased on her website. For the month of April, Josie Natori will donate 10% of all sales in to Red Cross. Garment drop boxes are currently installed in Theory stores for clothing donations. Donations to the Red Cross, Shelter Box, and Doctors without borders can be made through Bergdorf Goodman’s Facebook page. Designer Diane Von Furstenberg and the CFDA will be creating an online auction of fashion packages from various designers with proceeds going towards Japan relief. All website sales of Hanae Mori Parfums will be donated to the American Red Cross. Donations can also be made directly to the American Red Cross. Check out this week’s Wanted List for a round up of products that raise money for Japan relief.
Elle.Stardoll
Photo: Roxy
“The beach always reminds me of my wedding! After a day of water skiing together (me in a bikini and a veil) and a feast of lobsters and fries, I pulled my husband down to the beach as a plane flew overhead that read ‘You may now kiss the bride.’ They were the perfect nuptials for a couple of beach bums,” says Cynthia Rowley of her favorite beach memory. The designer has beach on the mind as she prepares to launch her latest collection for Roxy. This time around she thought of her laid back surfing customer, “When I go to the beach, I want to be paired down and carefree, but still well put-together,” Rowley said. Mission accomplished thanks to the faded color blocked wetsuit at left that sums up the whole collection.
- ElleGirl
Hilary Duff, Splash and courtesy of @HilaryDuff Bangs are a quick way to get out of a beauty rut, but when it comes to making or breaking a look, they can be merciless. Blunt and side-swept bangs on the Doo.Ri, Diesel, and Carlos Miele fall 2011 runways were inspirational for some celebrities (like Hilary Duff’s new twitter photo above) and been-there-done-that old news to others. We’ve rounded up a few stars who’ve braved the bang. Tell us if you think their bangs are rad or bad!
Anne Hathaway, Getty Images Anne Hathaway went for bangs that touched her eyelashes. Too low?
Rihanna, Getty Images The popstar likes her hair fiery nowadays, but those side bangs she rocked a few years ago were totally fierce. 
Kate Hudson, Splash We loved Kate with blunt bangs in Bride Wars. What do you think?
Jessica Alba, Getty Images Wispy bedhead bangs have never looked so elegant than on Jessica Alba. Do you like a sleeker look better on the actress? 
Nicole Richie, Getty Images Nicole is a chameleon when it comes to fashion and beauty and made her side-swept bangs her staple look. These days she’s less bang-friendly, but she’ll always reign as queen of the side-swept bang.
Lea Michele, Getty Images Which look is best on this Glee star?
Hayden Panettiere, Retna After getting a pixie cut, Hayden opted for side-swept bangs. Should short-hair chicks rock bangs? 
Selena Gomez, Splash Selena looks adorable with or without bangs. Which style do you think Justin Bieber prefers? 
Kim Kardashian, Retna This Kardashian has admitted that she loves clip-on bangs, but these look like the real deal. What do you think?
- ElleGirl
- The fall 2011 runways were all about different ways to rock elegant, crazy, and carefree hair. Braids, loose buns, and hair dye in an array of colors are just some of the looks that inspired us and we hope will inspire you on your big night. Check out what DIY hair looks you can re-create to turn the dance floor into your own runway! 1) The not-so-basic ballerina bun
Donna Karan, Imaxtree Sure, after watching Black Swan we all questioned our childhood dreams of becoming ballerinas, but at Donna Karan, ballerinas were fun again. Add some of your own fun to prom with accessories/hair pieces for your slick or loose bun—no tutu required.
Donna Karan, Imaxtree
Vivienne Tam, Imaxtree
Zang Toi, Imaxtree
Monique Lhuillier, Imaxtree 2) Do more with your side part
3.1 Phillip Lim, Imaxtree Sometimes an updo can be so predictable. Switch up your elegant look up with braids, buns, or flips focused on one side of your head.
Badgley Mischka, Imaxtree
Lela Rose, Imaxtree
Lela Rose, Imaxtree 3) Braids aren’t just for girl scouts
Rochas, Imaxtree
Unconventional braids can take your prom look from plain Jane to American rocker, Greek goddess, and everything unexpected.
Band Of Outsiders, Imaxtree
Andrew Gn, Imaxtree
Andrew Gn, Imaxtree
Y-3, Imaxtree
Rachel Roy, Imaxtree 4) Color me prom
Prabal Gurung, Imaxtree Because prom is just one big party. Adding a pop of color or full application to your hair are what make the memorable photos.
Fendi, Imaxtree
Tracy Reese, Imaxtree
Prabal Gurung, Imaxtree
- ElleGirl
Lacoste, Imaxtree Stemming from the menswear and tuxedo trends, a fringe trend that has popped up is the ladies necktie or bow tie. As a trompe l’oeil on the Lacoste runways or as a nod to the ascot at Moschino, this trend has mainly been seen on the red carpet as an androgynous suited look, or as the trademark style of the man repeller. While some of you might remember the neckties that Avril Lavigne wore in the early 2000s, the new necktie look is crisp and sleek in black and white as an androgynous look, or dapper when paired with feminine nudes and ruffles.
Moschino, Imaxtree
Photo: Courtesy of the Man Repeller
Photo: Retna
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Courtesy of Zimbio And as a flashback for all of you ’90s kids…
Photo: Retna What do you think of this fringe trend? Will you be trying out the necktie trend?
- ElleGirl
Versus, Imaxtree Forget slipping and sliding in vertiginous pumps. The wily woman of fall 2011 will be firmly locked into her timely but oh-so-practical ankle strap heels. Despite its distinct 30′s vibe, with some added inches and exotic skin this reinvented look can be anything but ladylike. Valentino’s traditional take featured retro candy colors like cream, peach, and mint with delicate black straps.
Valentino, Imaxtree Right out of a demure dream, Christian Louboutin for Marchesa was all about soft, bracelet-like reinforcements to match pin-thin talons.
Marchesa, Imaxtree Ever the populist, Lanvin designed a shoe for every girl—showing t-straps, double loops, and even a hardware cuff.
Lanvin, Imaxtree
Lanvin, Imaxtree Versus rocked the season’s platform with a chunky, bedazzled heel.
Versus, Imaxtree Made out of electric tinted python and suede with neon piping, Gucci turned up the vamp to erase every sign of yesteryear’s housewife.
Gucci, Imaxtree
Gucci, Imaxtree
- ElleGirl
Photo: Getty Images
Who: Katie Holmes
What: The MaxMara fall 2011 show in Milan
Wear: MaxMara jumpsuit
Katie Holmes sat front row at MaxMara’s fall 2011 show today in Milan. The brand, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, recognized Holmes as the Women in Film MaxMara ‘Face of the Future’ recipient for 2011 (the award has honored Zoe Saldana, Emily Blunt, and Elizabeth Banks in previous years). The style-savvy mom, who forayed into designing with her premium line Holmes & Yang in 2009, sported a brown Max Mara one-shouldered jumpsuit from the pre-fall 2011 collection. The asymmetrical jumpsuit reflected one of the season’s strongest trends: a daytime disco vibe reminiscent of Halston’s influence.
- ElleGirl
Who: Kirsten Dunst
What: Mulberry Fall 2011 After Party at Claridge’s, London
Wear: Mulberry metallic dress
After Mulberry’s fall 2011 show of English country classics-turned-trendy, the British brand continued the celebration well into the night with a star-studded after party at Claridge’s in London. Kirsten Dunst, looking fierce in a simple-yet-sparkling Mulberry dress, stepped out yesterday evening to celebrate the new collection with the likes of Gemma Arterton, Rosamund Pike, Clemence Posey, Janice Dickinson, and Yasmin Le Bon. The star toughened up her sparkles with sultry black eye makeup—a perfect to compliment to her dazzling charcoal dress.
Photo: Getty Images
- ElleGirl
- Even top designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have got a bad case of Bieber fever. For the past month, Bieber has, almost exclusively, sported some of the finest D&G ensembles. Both of the Italian designers have claimed Bieber to be “the epitome of a new generation of music.” Will JB be the next D&G spokesperson?
Photo: Retna What: The 2011 Golden Globe Awards Wear: D&G black tuxedo.
Photo: Retna What: BRIT Awards 2011 Wear: D&G black leather jacket, shirt and bowtie.
Photo: Retna What: 53rd Annual Grammy Awards Wear: D&G velvet, three piece, off-white Tuxedo, shirt and bow tie.
Photo: Retna What: Never Say Never London premiere. Wear: D&G vest, shirt and bow tie.
- ElleGirl
- No one can accuse Eviana Heartman of not being thorough. Bodkin’s environmentally-friendly designer combines style with (often-recycled) substance at her sustainable label season after season. Now, she’s teamed up with natural skincare line Tata Harper, M.A.C. Mineralize and ABBA organic hair care to bring eco-chic to the next level. Backstage, Heartman explained the significance of the whole-package collaboration: “It just seems like a no-brainer. The world of beauty is actually full of options. It’s something I’m quite loyal to, and with beauty I think the lines are much clearer [than in fashion]. With beauty, it’s literally being absorbed into the skin.”
Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra For Bodkin, that goes right down to the pores themselves. Rose and chamomile scents wafted as models were treated to Tata Harper facials before the show, leaving the girls dewy and prepped for makeup. Keeping with the minimalist aesthetic, M.A.C. Mineralize complemented the refreshed faces with a look that was all about the skin. The team added a Skinfinish powder for a bit of polish, soft Pink Swoon blush on the apples of the cheeks, a touch of Sweet Satisfaction eye shadow and classic black mascara feathered on with a brush. In a fun twist, the artists used a pencil in Painterly (available in June) to line the inside corners of the eyes, giving them a more casual look than the typical shiny white highlighter. The overall effect was an easy beauty that can be dressed-up or down, and that translates well from the runway to real life. Make-up director Nadine Luke assures that it’s a simple style to accomplish, and better yet, “The more it’s lived-in, the better it gets.”
Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra ABBA certainly got the “lived-in” memo: Their disheveled up-down ‘dos produced the perfect mix of princess and grunge. Stylists brushed dry hair with boar bristle, pulling it into a low and loose ponytail with a center part and keeping the band far back to accomplish an undone appearance. To create the illusion of being tucked into a jacket, pieces were then gently pulled from underneath and the side of the head. When replicating this technique at home, they advise a root lift for volume, texture cream to enhance the hair’s organic feeling and lots of firm hold hair spray. Despite the ethics, it wouldn’t be a fashion show without the glamour. Heartman confided, “The clothes are so much about reality and trying to make reality a little more special.” So although everything from the dresses to the moisturizer was natural, it never forgot to just be pretty and—like the plum lip stain on all the models—just a little bit different.
