Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Dita's Addiction: "Mad As a Hatter" , By OPI





     This Blog is dedicated to, as well as inspired by a fellow fashion blogger, Fashion Court, who featured this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" in her blog. This color is part of a collection, called Alice in Wonderland, by OPI. Here is the URL to her blog below: 


http://www.fashionxcourt.blogspot.com/2010/01/colors-of-alice-in-wonderland.html



The name of this nail color, "Mad as a Hatter" was inspired by actor Johnny Depp's character, "The Mad Hatter", in Lewis Carroll's classic, Alice in Wonderland. Just as the character is the first to encounter Alice, in the story, this nail polish is so noticeable, that it is probably the first thing you would notice about the wearer. This nail color, as is the character it was named after, is both showy, and eccentric. The faint of heart, or conservative need not apply. I describe this color as "as hyper as the Mad Hatter himself" because the color has bits of multi-colored glitter in it and seems to be "all over the place" since the colors are distributed evenly throughout the nail lacquer. 



 


 


     However, as fellow blogger FashionCourt warned, that this color doesn't have that much depth to it, so she suggests that you add a few more coats than you usually would. I also suggest that you find another nail color that would work underneath it. As my fabulous and wonderfully talented nail technician suggested for me, I chose the Russian Navy by OPI, to wear underneath the "Mad as a Hatter" to give it more depth. As you can see in the picture above, my nails almost look black, but with lots of shimmer! (Thanks to my dear friend Kawana, for the pictures.) It was difficult trying to show pics of how shimmery this nail color is.




BUY: If you would like to purchase this color, go to www.amazon.com, or www.amazingbeautynail.com. Visit your local nail salon, since most order the latest OPI nail color collections, to try "Mad as a Hatter" on for size.



Photos: (of "Mad as a Hatter", www.amazon.com) (of "Russian Navy", www.chemistdirect.co.uk)

    











Monday, February 1, 2010

Nicky Minaj & The "Barbie" Phenomenon

     I have a blue key chain with pink writing that reads: "I want to be like Barbie, the Bitch has everything".  I think to some degree every woman wants to channel her inner "Barbie". Just like the iconic doll, she's super sexy, ultra-feminine, and she has her own house, car, man, etc. (each sold separately). Although such stars as Pamela Anderson, Lil Kim, and Paris Hilton are known for their "Barbie"-like qualities, I think that Rapper Nicky Minaj has revamped this phenomena among urban women. I am not directing this observation towards any particular race or ethnic group, I am referring to women who live in the city, who stay on top of the latest trends, live a faster paced life, and are usually single (unmarried). Whereas most women who live in the suburbs are family-oriented.
(photo of Minaj, sitting: www.billboard.com)
     In, 2007 NYC's own Nicky Minaj posed as a Barbie doll on the cover of her mix tape, titled Playtime is Over (photo, shown above, www.images.google.com). In 2010 she has titled her latest work, Barbie World. What gives her Barbie-like qualities is her beauty, dangerous curves, her femininity, and sex appeal. She has been photo'd with pink hair, and pink clothing. For those who don't know, colors give off certain moods. Pink represents sensuality, femininity, and even innocence. So there is that element of Barbie, as we know her to be, both alluring and sexual, but also innocent and "girly". 
     Although a lot of us women are in the workforce, and we want to be taken seriously, I also think there is a part of us that wants to get in touch with our inner "Barbie" every now and then. I also think that Nicky Minaj portrays this fantasy that we may want to be a part of. Part sinner, part saint, innocent yet naughty, sensual, yet emotionless (I know I wish I can be robotic when it comes to certain situations)...like Barbie. She's an icon because of her timeless beauty, her possessions, but also her "plastic" nature to her surroundings..meaning..She doesn't let the outside world influence her, she influences the outside world.


 
(photo:www.heromachine.com)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Dita Digs Shoe Designer Nicholas Kirkwood










     British shoe designer, Nicholas Kirkwood launched his fabulous shoe collection in 2005. His shoes exude futurism, are truly innovative, and resemble architectural design. As a shoe designer Kirkwood has proven himself as a trendsetter who is a leader of the pack rather than a follower. His designs are a prelude to what footwear would evolve into, in the future. Kirkwood represents designer footwear of the new decade, as well as years to come.







     I think he is to shoe fashion right now, what designer Andre Courreges was to the 1960s with his "Moon Girl Collection": ahead of his time. If I had to describe the type of women who would wear his shoes, I'd say "she is daring, sets her own trends rather than follows them; She's flashy, and prefers standing out from the crowd rather than blending in with it; She's sexy, powerful, and stands tall with confidence, just as a beautiful and natural piece of architectural design, just like the footwear of genius Nicholas Kirkwood". 

(Photos: www.geekshoes.com; www.4.bp.blogspot.com; www.butterboom.com)














Monday, January 25, 2010

What a Man Should Have in His Closet

     I think a man's wardrobe should look quite different than it did when he was a boy growing up, because being a man requires more. His status in life has changed (or should have); He has more of an established career and should have an idea by now what he wants out of life. Therefore, he should have the means to make better choices in attire, and have acquired more sophisticated tastes in fashion than he had when he was in high school. (This is not true for some, to much disappointment, because I've noticed some men who still dress like they are sophomores in high school). Anyhow, here is a list of staples I believe should be in an adult male's closet.


1. A Suit. Oooooh, I love a man in a suit. There is nothing sexier than a man in a suit. He exudes power, confidence, prestige, and sophistication. Aside from that, there are certain events that men will attend that will require that he wears a suit (not to mention that it is very professional for a man to wear one to a job interview). Also, formal occasions may arise, such as a Christmas dinner party held at the Westin Hotel by the company he works for, a black-tie charity event  a wedding, funeral, church, etc.




2. Blazer. These are essential because they are staples to a man's wardrobe, as it is for a woman's wardrobe. It can be worn at work, or paired with denim for a casual yet sophisticated look when a man is on a date, out with friends, or at a function where suits aren't required, but looking "classy" is. (It sickens me to see men dressing like teenage boys (sagging or torn jeans, over-sized clothing, tight clothing, etc). Is it because he trying to hang on to his childhood, or "keep it real"? If a man wants to be taken seriously ( as a man) he needs to look the part.

3. Crisp button-up shirts. I think men should have these on-hand, not only for work, but also for the same reasons he would have a suit or blazers. There are some events that a man would be required to attend, that would call for a nice shirt and tie. A button-up shirt is simple, classic, and can be interchanged with a suit, or dressed casually with pants/denim, and a blazer. Sophistication is the key!!!







4. A great pair of Denim.  ( A great pair that fits, please!! Baggy and saggy is unattractive, unkempt, and shows lack of self-confidence; I also think "skinny" is not a good look on men, either! Oh no she didn't, OH YES I DID).
I think great denim serves the same purpose for men as it does women. Seven For All Mankind, Rock & Republic, and Rockawear make some very flattering denim for men. As I've stated to the women, "if you look good you will feel good".









5. Dress shoes.Just as there are certain types of clothing a man should wear for a given occasion, the same goes for footwear. Wing-tipped, square-toed, oxfords, loafers, gators (oh my!), or whatever style men prefer. It is important that a man's look is appropriate from head-to-toe.

6. Polo shirts. They are very simple, and casual, but more sophisticated than wearing a t-shirt.

7. Tie. I cannot say this enough; There are some events in a man's life that will demand he dress a certain way.

8. T-Shirts. These are excellent for layering and are a basis to just about any wardrobe (can be worn under a button-up shirt worn with a suit, or under a blazer and some trousers).

9. Trousers. Most jobs don't allow employees to wear pants, and trousers are casual and not as fancy as dress pants, or pants that are part of a suit. Even if a job allows a man to wear denim at work, at least try not to look like your 15-year-old nephew when you are wearing them.

10. Trench Coat. Simple, yet sophisticated. It can be worn to work, or to a formal function. The good thing about a trench coat, as well as the many other items on this list, is that it serves many functions and can be worn more than once. Most importantly, it can be cost-effective to have pieces that can be incorporated in more than one type of wardrobe.








Stores:  Brooks Brothers, Macys, H&M, Marshalls, Filene's Basement, Men's Wearhouse, Banana Republic

Photos: (Hugo Boss suit) www.italiancart.com ;(shirts) www.m80im.com ; (Rock & Republic denim) www.bombayharbor.com ;(Burberry trench coat) www.ecx.images-amazon.com
 


 

Friday, January 22, 2010

Dita's Addiction: Lash Blast Length Mascara By Covergirl


When it comes to cosmetics, I will try just about anything once. But when I find a certain brand that is proven effective, I will stick to it like glue. Lash Blast Length is affordable (CVS, $9.49), and actually does as advertised, and works as well as a luxury mascara does. As the name states, it does add length that makes a noticeable difference.I also think that this mascara is easy to apply, because the bristles on the applicator are spread far enough to avoid clumping, adding volume and length to one's natural eye lash, length.


Photo: www.amazon.com

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Swagger Like...Victoria Beckham





       First of all I have to say that some of the most stylish and most fabulous fashionistas in the "game" are British, and Victoria Beckham is at the forefront. She has gallivanted her way from being known as 1/5 of the UK Pop group "The Spice Girls" to being a celeb fashion designer, entrepreneur, and trend setter. She has also added author to her list of accomplishments, with a book titled That Extra Half an Inch. It is a must read! In her book, she covers various topics from denim, heels, and lingerie, to hair and makeup, and how to look fabulous during and after pregnancy. She also gives practical tips on where to shop on a budget.
     Some critics may think that she does not have what it takes to write a book, and own her own clothing and perfume line, but I beg to differ. She is very fashion forward and sets her own trends, barely enlisting the help of a personal stylist to help her put together her outfits! What better fashion advice can one get than from a globe-trotting trendsetter? She's worldly, has access to many designers and celebrities, and is married to one of the sexiest and most successful soccer players in the world. So her swagger and devil-may-care attitude makes her confident enough to know that she can contribute to the fashion industry in many ways as possible, and this is someone whom I'd take advice from; Someone who is already where I want to be can give the most valuable advice.
     Mrs. Beckham is nobody's "trophy wife"-she has her own luxury denim (dVb), clothing (Victoria Beckham), and perfume lines (Beckham Signature), and as I've stated before, a book title under her belt. Also, she is a doting mother. Said British designer Matthew Williamson, "Victoria clearly loves fashion, and her style is watched and copied by many. It's interesting to me to look at how her personal style has evolved over the years". And some may wonder, "why should I read a book by a former Spice Girl?" She is more than that. She can relate to the average woman more so than a supermodel or an actress could,  because "I am not a six-foot-tall model, nor am I a pin-up model for men, and, for this book, that's my strength, because I am a girls' girl".



























Suggested Reading: That Extra Half an Inch, By Victoria Beckham

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Dita's Addiction: Fruits and Passion Rollerballs Pink & Mango Evasion


(Picture: http://www.stvitalcentre.com/)









     In my opinion, the Fruits and Passion retailer is Canada's answer to the US's Bath and Body Works, or maybe even better. I scored some of their products on a visit to Toronto for Caribana last August, and I fell deeply in love with two fragrances: Pink, and Mango Evasion. They both have a sweet smell and I find that they are still strong enough to last you throughout the day without being overwhelming. I purchased the rollerballs, which are portable and easy to reapply while on the run, at $16.00 each (Canadian currency). I did hear recently that Fruits and Passions are launching some US stores, which I am excited about. In the meantime, I suggest you log on to www.fruits-passion.com to view and order some of their products.