Mission Control- Luxury Shapewear Review

I have a love/hate relationship with shapewear.  And I'm sure my husband feels similarly.  Not because he wears it himself, but because shapewear isn't the sexiest thing I've ever worn.  I've joked that, while on a date, shapewear is false advertising just like a push-up bra.  Obviously my husband knows what I'm packing these days (see "plus-sized woman").  I'll be honest, I can't wear half the clothes in my closet without some type of shapewear on- It smooths out all of my lumps and bumps.  But let's face it, there is no sexy way to put on or peel yourself out of something that looks and feels like a sausage casing cleverly disguised as the 1940-esque girdle your grandmother wore.  My poor husband.

Needless to say I've been on the hunt for sexy shapewear for obvious reasons.  So when I stumbled across this beautiful lace bodysuit in June's InStyle Magazine, only to find out it was also shapewear, I had to look into it.  Others have tried to "dress up" shapewear, but none have mastered the balance of form and function quite like Mission Control.  Their products are less shapewear and more performance lingerie.  It's as beautiful as it is functional. And above all, affordable!

I put their products to the test on some of my friends and clients.  And their overall reaction?  W-O-W!  Some of my skinniest clients (aka- furthest from actually needing shapewear) said they would even be willing to wear shapewear if it looked as cute as this.  Now that's saying something.  My beautiful and very brave friend Amanda has graciously agreed to let me post photos of her wearing the product (because we want to see the stuff on real people, not just a model).  Pictured below are one piece from each of the Mission Control collections:

A-LIAS Sculpting Hi-Waist Brief. $38.
Notice how this "panty" easily pulls up towards her bra strap.  These babies don't roll down like others I have tried.  Only down side, and it's not necessarily a bad thing, is the they aren't exactly seamless.  To get the pretty stripes of color, they had to include seams.  However, when worn under this same black knit dress, you couldn't see them at all.

Exoskin Compression Tunic, $68
While this one is the prettiest of the three, it is really invaluable for those body con dresses.  What's great about this one is it allows you to wear your own bra.

















Body Boudoir Contour Cami, $52.
Isn't this lace beautiful?  Who wouldn't want to undress with the lights on in this hot number?  This cami comes from the same collection as the bodysuit I fell in love with in InStyle (see beginning of post).  It's so cute I don't want to hide it under my other clothes!  No one would guess that something this feminine and sexy is actually shapewear.  That's because it's not... it's performance lingerie. A+

Big thanks to Mission Control for letting me review their product, and to Amanda for being my amazing model :)

Images courtesy of InStyle Magazine, Mission Control and Jennifer Axcell

Guest Blogger Amanda Castro is "Jerseylicious"

I would like to introduce you to Amanda, accessory guru extraordinaire.  Here are her tips for ways you too can incorporate Jersey worthy bling into your wardrobe.

Amanda Castro

For some reason, I can’t get enough reality shows. So many guilty pleasures, so little time! My particular addiction however rests with those stations that really know how to play on my vices, fashion and gossip. Happily, Bravo and Style each serve up a decadent portrait on the stereotypical lifestyle of the rich, bitchy, and poorly dressed. The Real Housewives series, Kimora; Life in the Fab Lane, How Do I Look?, and new comer, Jerseylicious. The first time I selected it from the channel line-up, I was swimming in a sea of big hair, lacquered make-up, and animal print heaven! Where did this beautiful train wreck of a show come from and furthermore, when did reality TV get this good?! There’s something to be said for America’s recent captivation with the Garden State and I too have fallen for their strange flowers.

Jerseylicious stars several incredibly tan and fast talking stylists, a few of which enjoy a good fistpump or two. The ladies of the salon ooze a tasty, visual treat in skin tight clothing, shiny bronze skin, and acrylic nails to complete their cat-like quarrels. Sure there is one male stylist to help balance out the estrogen but let’s face it, we watch because we love the ladies! Who doesn’t want to be so seemingly free from judgement but quick to fight back? We can all relate to having a friend’s back when they needed it and then celebrating with some drinks and retail therapy.

Yet the best part about Jerseylicious is their bling. The bigger the better and the more the merrier. All I can say is, Hallelujah! I thought I was alone in that sentiment. I’m sure not all of you share my enthusiasm for baubles but there is a way to let your Jersey style shine, without it going to the docks.

First things first, avoid matching sets, specifically earrings and necklace sets, regardless if they’re evening or day-time specific. Sure they’re cute and pretty when they’re packaged together on a hot-tempered Italian gal but the minute you put them on, you look like Betty Homemaker who has no sense of her own style. You can achieve more interesting looks by dividing them up and wearing them with other pieces or with pieces that are similar, like Rachel Zoe did here in the April 2010 Issue of InStyle magazine.

Also consider a matching set that spaces out the pieces more evenly among your body, like earring and ring sets as seen in this H. Stern ad in the new Harper’s Bazaar. This way, you eye moves around your look and doesn’t land on the fact you’re wearing matching pieces. In fact, most people probably won’t even notice, which is why this type of set is ideal. Of course to make it Jersey-ready, layer on a few more rings and bracelets and you’re golden.

If you’re into the trend of statement jewelry but are afraid to completely take the plunge, try layering several more delicate pieces instead. On your arms, stack thinner bangles for a funky take on chunky bracelets. Around your neck, drape a few or several chains of different weights and textures for an edgy but still girly effect.  In fact, most contemporary necklaces come with several smaller chains already attached for those of you who are still a little apprehensive. For your fingers, I recommend seeking out some thin, hammered, stackable bands, about 9 total. They are great if you’re a little bit nervous about trying to combine and stack rings from your own collection. Etsy.com is a great source. In your ears should be a fabulous pair of brilliant, sparkling diamond studs. And if you can’t find those, fake it. Cubic zirconia or glass will substitute just find. And if that’s too girly for you, have some fun with it by using vintage pieces or unexpected shapes, like lightning bolts and feathers.

Though I doubt the Jersey shore will be washing away from out television sets any time soon, I think we can all take a little time to appreciate the blinging brilliance those perpetually bronzed ladies have served us. More is more and don’t think you can’t do it too, aight?!

For more information about Amanda, click here.

Image courtesy of Google image search

How To Tie A Scarf

I love scarves, as do many other women.  But I get tired of wearing them the same way all the time.  Lucky for me, and now you, I found a great website with chic illustrations showing some great ways to incorporate scarves into more of your outfits.  Below are some of my favorites~

Butterfly Wrap

A beautiful way of tying a scarf, accenting the elegant you. Can be sported with any outfit in your wardrobe.

Step 1	Fold the scarf using the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it hang around your neck with roughly one third of the scarf on one side (A) and two-thirds on the other (B) and cross these as illustrated.
Step 3	Bring A upwards to make it pass through the cross so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	After tossing A underneath B, let it pass through a second loop again.
Step 5	Now when you pull one end firmly, you’ll get your butterfly wrap ready!

Casual

A lovely scarf tying style; ready in a manner of seconds. Suitable to be worn with any outfit; the minimum effort required to get this style ready is the cause of its immense popularity.

Step 1	Fold the scarf according to the basic fold 3.
Step 2	Let it dangle around your neck with one side (B) a bit shorter than the other (A).
Step 3	Take A and after crossing it over B let it pass from under B so that a sort of loop is formed.
Step 4	Bring A towards the neck again
Step 5	After letting A go around the neck, bring it down again and let it pass through the loop that was made before (in step 3).
Step 6	Your casual wrap is ready!

Crown Wrap

This is a relatively informal but stylish way to cover the head, named so because it creates a fabric crown over the head. An oblong scarf is needed for this wrap style. 

Step 1	Drape the rectangular scarf over the head off-centered so that one end hangs much farther down the body than the other.
Step 2	Gather the ends of the scarf at the nape of the neck and cross them behind the head.
Step 3	Form a rope by twisting the longer end; then lay along the front edge of the scarf approximately 1-2 inches from the edge (over the top of the head).
Step 4	Continue the twist around to meet the other, shorter, end of the scarf and knot the two ends together.
Step 5	The ends can be left loose to drape over or behind the shoulder, or may be guided along the back of the head and tucked under the scarf.

To see all of the other scarf tying instructions, click here.

 




Image(s) courtesy of http://www.texeresilk.com/cms-scarf_tying_guide.html

Shield Sunglasses Like Jared Leto Of 30 Seconds To Mars

Getty Images; From top: Hot Topic ($9.99), Guess ($54.94).

Jared Leto's got some funky fashion sense, and we don't just mean his amazing Mohawk. Earlier this week, the 30 Seconds to Mars frontman wore some zebra-print shield shades to a press conference for the MTV World Stages in Mexico City. Now this is a fun way to wear animal print! Want to snag a similar pair? Try these Jungle Print Shield Sunglasses from Hot Topic for $9.99. If you like the shape but want to ditch the animal print for basic lenses, go for a pair by Guess ($54.94). It fits both guys and girls, and comes in various colors, like silver, gold, gunmetal or brown.

Taylor Momsen Ditched Her Black Eye Makeup For The Cover Of 'Sugar' Magazine

Spot the difference: Taylor on Sugar magazine; Taylor at MTV.com shoot in summer 2010.
Courtesy of Sugar; MTV.com

Taylor Momsen landed on a magazine cover! The Gossip Girl star and The Pretty Reckless lead singer is the cover model for the October issue of Sugar, a British magazine for teen girls, and she poses under the headline, "Trashy? Wild? Or secretly a bit like you?" Thought-provoking, eh? But that cover line isn't as surprising as the actual image of Taylor, in which her face is totally stripped of the black, charcoal, dark eye makeup that has become her signature. How surprising to see Taylor so fresh-faced, don't you think? What a difference!

SEE THE COVER LARGER BELOW ...

Katy Perry Knows How To Rock A Ballerina Tutu

Katy Perry in tutus on August 27 and July 30.

We're on HIGH ALERT for ballerina tutus this summer, and Katy Perry is proving to be quite the tulle collector. Her tutu love began earlier this summer, when she wore a white one on July 30 for her performance at the MTV World Stage Live in Malaysia. Then, just this morning, she wore a pink one for her performance on the Today show. But the best part? Katy not only knows how to rock a tutu ballerina-style, but she's sly enough to actually pair the look with BALLET flats, for a ballerina look from head to toe.

Bright Blue Eye Shadow Like Paramore’s Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams on August 18 performing in Chicago, Illinois with Paramore.

MTV just announced that Paramore is performing at the 2010 Video Music Awards! That means we'll get to see the band's stylish singer, Hayley Williams, decked out for a killer performance. For previous stage looks, she whipped out blue eye shadow, like when she stopped in Chicago last week on tour. Not only does the hue look awesome against her pale skin and bold hair color, she is also wearing it in a way that appears bright, without being overpowering. There are a few ways to try this look yourself. For a smoky blue eye, try the cosmic-inspired shadow named Deep Space by Too Faced ($19.50). For a blue with a bit more sparkle, try Ell-If-I-Know by Bare Escentuals ($13), a shimmery cobalt blue. And, to try the hue without splurging, swipe on Revlon’s Matte Eyeshadow in Venetian Blue ($4.99). And tune in to see Hayley and Paramore live at the VMAs on September 12! We wonder what she's going to wear for the big night.

3 Great Ideas For Light Jackets

Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin, Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead, Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style

It's almost fall, which means it's that tricky time of year we like to call In-Between Weather. So how do you suit up for a seasonal transition? We took to the style blogs to get some inspiration! There we found Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin, Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead, Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style who all show off great transitional jackets. See below to find out why they're the favorites of the week.

Kaleigha Martin of Kramey Martin
Blog: krameymartin.com. Twitter: @krameymartin.
Kaleigha Martin showed off her Deni bomber jacket from Anthropologie, which is we picked for its details: double-breasted military-style buttons, puffy sleeves, and two front pockets (which are perfect for stashing your keys and cell phone). It also looks great with her outfit — a navy blue dress, brown belt, and matching brown boots. This girl is ready for fall.

Andrea Kerbuski of Blonde Bedhead
Blog: blonde-bedhead.blogspot.com. Twitter: @andreakerbuski.
Michigan-based blogger Andrea Kerbuski picked up one of the biggest trends for fall: Army green. Her cropped three-quarter length jacket by Ecote is a great neutral element for any type of outfit, which is why it pairs perfectly with her accessories, from the cream bag to the leopard scarf to the aviator shades to the Jeffrey Campbell boots. Cheers all around for this one.

Caylee Willett of If You Seek Style
Blog: ifyouseekstyle.com. Twitter: @cayleem.
Caylee Willett gave us a great idea for incorporating bleached denim into our cool-weather wardrobes. The Forever 21 jacket looks great with a black-and-white tribal mini from H&M and tons of jewelry — bracelets, rings, and even a silver ear cuff! The jacket sets the tone for the whole eighties-inspired outfit, which has a downtown vibe we totally want to steal.

Jared Leto Wear Face Paint Better Than Ke$ha

Photo: Getty Images/PictureGroup

30 Seconds To Mars performed at the Lowlands Festival in the Netherlands on Monday, and frontman Jared Leto showed off a cool new look — face paint! He swooshed three white stripes across his cheeks and forehead, and dabbed pink color above his eyebrows. His mohawk was at full spike altitude. You know who also loves colorful painted faces? KE$HA! But the real question is: Who wears their face paint better — Jared or Ke$ha? We'll leave that one up to you.

Day 14: EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT on Shellac manicure in the San Francisco-Bay Area

So here they are, DAY 14.... see any chips?  NO.  Among regular wear and tear, these shellaced puppies survived two weeks of work, two airports and the hand washing dishes, CHIP FREE.

You can tell it's been a couple of weeks.  Look at that grow out.

 Surprisingly, this hard-to-chip hybrid polish is really easy to remove as well.

Step 1-Soak in Acetone

Step 2-Scratch off Shellac with an orange stick (cuticle pusher)

Soak and repeat as needed. DONE!

The best part of this whole process (other than the fact that the Shellac lasts at least 14 days) is that is causes no damage to your natural nail.  There's no "prepping" of the nail or abrasive filing.  Just soak and scratch off.  Simple.  I was also really please to see that there was no staining of my nails like you find with traditional red nail lacquer.

Finally, for the part you've all been waiting for......  I am so excited to announce that The Sanctuary Spa in the Marin Bay Club has agreed to offer my readers a $10 DISCOUNT on their Shellac manicure.  All you have to do is mention this blog post!  Hurry, the promotion only lasts until September 15th.  Book your appointment with Sarah before it goes back to full price.

Image(s) courtesy of Sanctuary Spa Marin Bay Club

Fashionable Movies: "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe

I love old movies, and one of my favorites is "How to Marry a Millionaire" with Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Betty Grable.  Marilyn didn't make many bad movies, and this certainly isn't one of those.  Without giving anything about the movie away (I'm hoping you'll want to see it for yourself), I've included a short synopsis (after the jump):

Not wanting her date to see her glasses (she's blind without them), Monroe inspects her outfit in the ladies room

Three New York models, Shatze, Pola and Loco set-up in an exclusive appartment with a plan: tired of cheap men and a lack of money they intend to use all their talents to trap and marry three millionaires. The trouble is that's it's not so easy to tell the rich men from the huxters and even when they can, is the money really worth it?

During the hunt for their millionaire husbands,  the three models rent an upscale, furnished apartment, and live off of the sale of its furnishings.  I have to assume that a good portion of that money goes to their incredible wardrobes!

Outfits worn during the fashion show scene

This movie was made during a time when women's curves were celebrated and accentuated.  My, how times have changed- Marilyn was a size 12/14, and that was a good thing.  But I digress...  The point is, this movie is a vintage-loving-fashionista's fantasy. 

More outfits from the fashion show scene (why can't we shop like this any more?)

Bacall's trying not to fall for the "gas pump jockey", but keeps answering his calls.

When her millionaire comes back, Bacall realizes she won't have to sell off any more furniture.

I have to say this last outfit (above) is my favorite.  You can't see it as well here, but Bacall is sporting a huge poet sleeved blouse under a simple gray shift dress.  But you don't have to buy vintage to make this outfit work for you today.  To update this look for the 21st century, try this blouse and this dress.  Keep the hemline above/at the knee, and keep the accessories simple.

Impractical green/yellow skiing outfit, but oh-so-fabulous (best seen in color version of film).

What are you fashionable movie favorites?

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

Day 7 of Shellac Manicure

 7 DAYS, NO SIGNS OF ANY CHIPS!  Shellac is amazing!

The Best 14-Day-Chip-Free Manicure Ever: Get your hands on "Shellac" at The Sanctuary Spa Marin

It's been all over the magazines, including the September issue of .  I first heard about the "14-day no-chip hybrid gel nail polish" from my manicurist, Sarah, at the Sanctuary Spa at the Marin Bay Club.  I trust Sarah with my nails because she is a meticulous perfectionist, which is an important quality in a manicurist.  So when I found out that her perfect manicure could last a full 14 days without the slightest chip, I was sold.

This gift to all women who are disillusioned by traditional nail lacquer and its incessant chipping, comes from salon brand CND- Introducing Shellac.

To show you how easy, and frankly similar it is to a regular manicure, I took photos of my latest application.  I'm not usually a red nail person, but for the purpose of showing you guys what this stuff is capable of, I went bold to make sure everything (even any flaws) show up through the process.

Base coat of Shellac being applied (comes out of a regular looking polish bottle and everything).

After curing the gel under the UV lamp, first coat of the color is applied.

UV lamp (2 minutes max depending)

Final top coat being applied.

The end result?  Perfect red nails that won't chip for two weeks!

Removal process is simply to soak the gel in acetone and gently scrape off.  None of the hard removal of acrylic or traditional gel nails.  I've been told that you can do this at home, but most salons will tell you that you need to have a professional remove to protect your natural nail.

Word is spreading and now this stuff is hard to come by.  In fact, it's causing quite a bit of uproar because salons are having a hard time getting their hands on product (forgive the pun).  I consider myself very lucky that the spa manager at Sanctuary was able to get her hands on some for her clients... and for the small additional cost of $10 to a regular manicure.  Two weeks chip-free, even though you have to have it professionally removed... well worth it!!  A-

Make sure to book your appointment, by calling (415) 945-3030.

Image(s) courtesy of CND and Sanctuary Spa

Movies That Inspired Fashion- Or is it the other way around?

A fellow fashion blogger posted a great top ten list of fashionable movies.  I have loved many of these films (especially anything with Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe).  I previously blogged about how much I loved watching the 40's fashion in the movie Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.  Dare I add it to the list at #11?

1. Sabrina (1954) Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard

3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Jane Russel, Marilyn Monroe

4. Rear Window (1954) Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly

5. Annie Hall (1977) Dianne Keaton, Woody Allen

6. Saturday Night Fever (1977) John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney

7. Grease (1978) John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

8. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow

9. Devil Wears Prada (2006) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway

10. Sex and the City (2008) Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall

Side note: In case you love Audrey as much as I do, you can now own a piece of history.  Three years ago Audrey's Breakfast at Tiffany's gown (below) sold for a whopping £410,000.  Now more iconic pieces from Audrey Hepburn's amazing wardrobe are up on the block.  Fifty per cent of the proceeds will be donated go to The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. Highlights from the sale will be show at Sotheby's New York, November 21-22 and at Sotheby's Paris, December 1-2. Visit Kerry Taylor Auctions for more information: http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com.

Bottom image and auction info courtesy of http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2009/11/audrey_hepburns_1.html