More than 100 guests showed up for the Metromix Oscars VIP Party at Theatres at Mall of America this past Sunday night. People were definitely dressed to impress and I saw tons of fabulous ensembles.  Doors opened at 6 p.m. with “paparazzi” snapping photos as guests made their entrance into this exclusive event. Hot on the “red carpet” were statement ruffles, caged heels and stunning embellishments.  Hues of black, red and white ruled the red carpet as well. Party-goers enjoyed watching the Oscars from plush seats, sorting through Oscar swag bags and first class dining service from the comfort of their seats.  It was a truly glamorous event– one made for the stars! See below for photos of our special Oscar-worthy models showing off dresses all found at Bloomingdale’s.

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On a recent search for a new mascara I stumbled across Imju Fiberwig ($24 at Sephora).  Fiberwig is a top selling mascara in Japan and claims to be ‘resilient to tears, sweat and oil’ while providing ‘false eyelash-like results’.  This product comes in one color (black), and upon application the ‘fibers’ coat the surface of each lash.  While this product does not flake or smudge (goodbye raccoon eyes!), I did find that it took several coats to lengthen and it doesn’t really seem to add volume at all.  It also would not hold the curl in my lashes (which were sticking straight out by lunch!). Overall a very average mascara. Beauty Blog Rating: C

Reality TV stars Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian will be releasing a new line at Bebe stores this month. The brunette sisters collaborated with Bebe to offer inspired pieces from their closets. The line consists of basic jersey knits, fitted blazers and leather separates. It’s sure to please fans that can now afford to copy the “Keeping up With the Kardashian” look. Check out the newly released line at the Bebe (Level 1, North).

Every year around this time, I reach a point when I look in the mirror and I can’t believe how pale and pasty I look (can you say March in Minnesota?).  After searching the internet for a winter vacation getaway, I reach for the ‘glow’.  There are some great glowly make-up options that can help get you through these winter months without looking like Casper’s twin sister.

Aveda Inner Light Shimmer Accents ($21.50 at Aveda, pictured left) – This is a liquid shimmer with natural pigments that help to create a luminous look (think J-Lo).  Slick a little over your foundation and blush and you’ll be left with a youthful, sun kissed look.

Nars The Multiple in South Beach ($37 at Sephora, pictured center) – This is a cult favorite that I have used off and on for years (I initially bought it because I read in a magazine that Julia Roberts used it!).  South Beach is a soft, shimmery apricot color.  Put this on over a little self tanner, and you’ll look like you just got back from South Beach.

MAC Iridescent/Loose Powder in Silver Dusk ($20 at MAC, pictured right) – This is a superfine loose powder that I use over my blush.  It adds a very subtle shimmer and just the right amount of pigment.

By:  Jenn
It’s time to finally stand up to those bullies at recess and represent.  Sporting the four-eyed look has never looked so chic with affordable styles like these from For Love 21 (Level 1, East).  They’ll run you about $5.95 a pair which is pretty cheap for some sweet revenge.  With bold prints, bright hues and oversized frames, the options to look both hot and smart are endless.  And, at this price, you can replace them if you sit on them or they get squashed in your purse (note: taping them back together is still not in style). 

Let’s hear it for the nerds! 

This is 1 of 4 color trend palettes for Spring and Summer 2010.
Check back soon for the next palette of color fun!

POPULAR APPEAL (1 of 4)

Alternatively chic and more wild.

 A woman-child with a retro look set in a Twin-Peaks universe. She looks like Mom and he looks like Granddad. A playful, girly mood juggling vintage patterns and faded 60’s and 70’s Americans colors creates a mundane atmosphere with a twisted angel.

Colors.

A cheerful, yet slightly faded range evoking 70’s colors, which seem to have been softened in the washing machine. Muffled tones: pale blue, faded beige, soft khaki. A range completed by more intense hues of yellow or violet with stronger accents of red or sky blue.

Silhouettes.

A blend of retro elegance à la Jackie O reworked more romantically with fitted, high-waisted, slim-bust jackets and tops with jewel-like embroidery worn with mid-knee length, slim pencil skirts or Capri pants … and the campus inspiration of worn denim mini blousons and high school tops paired with tulle tutus.

Men.

70’s style, composed of bell bottoms trousers, floral shirts and fitted jackets. A rock vintage spirit with military jackets and boot-cut jeans. Retro campus style with a polyamide blouson worn with a baseball T-shirt and bleached snow-colored jeans.

Fabrics.

They cultivate a vintage mood with cottons and wool being worked to seem used, faded, softer and suppler. In a 70’s, sporty mood, a range of relaxed fabrics: supple denims, thick canvases, casual fleece, washed out, checked yarn-dyes. A more sophisticated, Halston style of chiffons, crepes and satins for a femme fatale look.

Denim apparel is making a comeback this spring, however, with some of the new designs— denim leggings for women, jean shorts for men and head-to-toe denim outfits for both— is it pushing the revived trend too far? J. Crew and Banana Republic just recently introduced a denim collection that includes denim trench coats and shirt dresses. Simon Kneen, Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design at Gap Inc. said head-to-toe denim is,” a wonderful optimistic feeling of blue skies, springtime and feeling really positive and optimistic.” Keep it all in moderation and the denim trend is back in fashion for 2010!  

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to trade in those chunky winter boots for something just as comfortable and functional, but with a little more style. Featured on the runways of this year’s New York Fashion Week, boat shoes are making a statement. Not only do they play on the nautical trend we’re seeing right now, but they are the perfect shoes for any spring look – they combine sexy, sensible and sporty all in one!

 My favorite pair by Sperry Top-Sider® (Nordstrom — $79.95) has the double eyelet tie and comes in an oat color that matches both black and brown. They have leather foot beds and air mesh panels that give my feet the support they need and on top of that, they are water-friendly. Be sure to check out Sperry’s entire spring line; from tie dye to pink patent leather, there is a boat shoe out there for everyone. I can’t wait to throw on my own pair with some shorts and head to the lake. Boat sold separately.

On Friday, February 12 Sephora will host a Two Faced event at Mall of America from noon – 6 p.m.  Enjoy makeovers, samples and a two piece gift with purchase.  Call to book a consultation (952–854-1517).

day of the event.

Trade Secret at MOA seems to have quite a few items currently on sale including Kenra, Big Sexy Hair and select Liters.

For Love  21 has introduced their new beauty line Love and Beauty which features many items at very low prices.  Check out the$2.80 nail polishes, $1.80 lip glosses and $1.80 blotting papers.  I’m interested to try the Shimmer Brush for $3.50, a gigantic brush with shimmer that clicks in from an attachment.  At these prices you can pick up a pair of earrings to match!