Sunglasses Go Retro-Chic This Summer

By Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com
If the new Paris runway shows are any indication of what’s to come …and you know they are :) - expect to see sunglasses crossing over from a protect-your-eyes necessity to a wow-fashion-statement for summer 2011.

Indeed, sunglasses completed the look for many major designers – and retro seemed to be the theme taking center stage. Styles headed to  our way in the upcoming season  ranged from Dior’s  Lucille Ball cat eye look of the 50’s, to  a return of the Gloria Steinem aviator of the 60’s from Dries Van Noten and Paul et Joe, to Rochas updated  John Lennon wire rounds of the 70’s –  also featured by Lanvin.

Pierre Cardin  went for the Sony 3D look, with futuristic styling  that oddly enough also had a kind of Jetson’s retro look, while  Stella McCartney took us back to those giant school-girl glasses of the 80’s – updated in bright solid colors – while Sonia Rykeil went Beach Blanket Bingo with large, round glasses with cookie cutter edges.

The one great thing about having all these different styles is that they are indeed different from one another. And that means  finding the style to suit your face shape will be easier than ever this season.

Here are a few tips when shopping for your fashion sun glass look this spring:

1. Round faces look best in squared glasses, while long faces look best in round glasses. Oval faces can wear any frame shape, while square and heart faces need the softer lines of aviator or round glasses.
2. Choosing a frame that’s too small for your head makes your face look larger and heavier – so when choosing a frame bigger really is better. Rule of thumb: The tip of the frame on either side should extend out from your head just a bit. If you can see the sides of your face peeking out from the edges of the glasses, the frame is too small.
3. Making sure the lenses are approved to filter out both UVA and UVB is a given. But also make sure that the lenses provide full coverage of your eyes and the area just underneath. That’s key to reducing your risk of wrinkles!
4. And finally, if you can only afford to buy one pair of sunglasses this season; pick a neutral color frame – like tortoise, black, or white – so they go with every outfit.  If you can afford two pair, get the second one in a flashy fashion color which this season will include pink, yellow, red and green.

Where To Buy: While we can’t say for sure yet which New York stores will feature which new designs, in general you can find Dior glasses at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, Dries Van Noten and Paul & Joe  at Barney’s New York, while you can nab a nifty pair of Stella McCartney sunglasses at Sunglass Hut, with shops located throughout Manhattan.

Colette Bouchez is the style director of CountryDutchess.com

Copyright by Elle Media  2011.
All Rights Reserved. In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license elements. The owners and contributors to this blog may or may not benefit from the products or services mentioned. - The original version of this article appeared in Examiner.com

Cubic Zirconia: 6 Tips For Buying CZ Jewelry

By Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – unless of course she has some fabulous CZ’s – cubic zirconia “diamonds” that can rival the look of expensive stones at a fraction of the price.

But…there are CZs and there are CZs. And when it comes to choosing your cubic zirconia jewelry, it pays to be choosy, as not all stones are alike. While some can truly rival the look of a diamond – making it difficult for even a jeweler to glance the stone and know if it’s real - others can be a dead give-away-fake even to the untrained eye.

So, what should you look for – and more importantly avoid – when buying cubic zirconia jewelry? Here are few tips that can help.

 

Cubic zirconia jewelry tip # 1: Don’t go over the rainbow.

While part of the charm of a cubic zirconia are those flashes of colored light that can emanate from a stone, the truth is, the more “color flashes” a stone gives off the less it looks like a diamond. The reason: Diamonds reflect only white light which is what gives them their brilliance. A top quality CZ will shine with mostly pure white or blue light – so if you’re going for the look of “real” go for stones with minimal color flashes.

Cubic zirconia jewelry tip # 2:Grades matter – and not just in school!

Like diamonds, cubic zirconias are graded from A – which represents the lowest quality – through to AAAAA, which represents the highest quality. So what’s the difference? The higher the quality, the harder the stone and the more white light the stone reflects – so the more it will look like a real diamond. Although most costume jewelry is made with AA or AAA cubic zirconia, there are some lines which do feature AAAA or even AAAAA. So, if you’re spending more than $50 on a piece, it’s worth asking the grade of the stone. Most jewelers, even online jewelers, should have the answer. Some online stores post the quality of their CZs on their home pages, information pages or product descriptions pages.

 

Cubic zirconia jewelry tip # 3: Clarity Counts

Like a diamond, when it comes to choosing a cubic zirconia, clarity counts. This is the measure of how clear a stone looks to the eye. Some manufacturing processes cloud the stone slightly which in turn reduces the sparkle, and gives the jewelry a slightly grey-toned appearance. If your CZ stone does not look white, if you can’t see down into the center of the stone, then the clarity has been compromised. That means it not only looks less real, it also means it may not last as long as you would like.

 

Cubic zirconia jewelry tip # 4: Don't be fooled

Ads which call their CZ jewelry “synthetic diamonds.” are being somewhat deceptive. Creating a synthetic gem requires that the stone have the exact same physical and optical gemological properties as the real gem – but created in a lab instead of in a mine. Currently there are no synthetic diamonds available for widespread commercial sale, and if they are, they are priced on par with real diamonds. A cubic zirconia is not a synthetic diamond - it is a man-made stone that can look like a diamond, and that’s a big difference.

 

Cubic zirconia Jewelry Tip # 5: Harder is better -

While a diamond is the hardest gemstone there is – it rates 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the measurement of how hard a stone is. But, a good cubic zirconia can come close - up to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. That said, there are also cubic zirconia that rate lower – and when they do, they can scratch easily. That’s because sand and dirt rate a 6 on the Mohs scale – so a stone which rates a 6 or lower can easily be scratched via normal every day wear. While this usually doesn’t matter much in earrings, it is key for rings and bracelets, which are subject to more bumps and grinds in the course of daily living. Virtually all AAAA and AAAAA CZ stones are 8.5 in hardness, so again, look for the stone rating to get the best buy for your money and a stone that lasts.

To read more tips on buying cubic zirconia jewelry, click here.

To learn more about any of the earrings featured just click the picture!

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous! Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements. This article was originally published in Examiner.com

Tags: Cubic Zirconia; Cubic Zirconia Jewelry, CZ Jewelry, Cubic Zirconia Buying Tips, Colette Bouchez; CountryDutchess.com

Michael Maron On Oscar's Red Carpet

 CountryDutchess.com

The response to this guest blog was so huge, many of you wrote to tell us you could not access the story. So to make sure everyone gets a chance to read and download Michael Maron's Red Carpet Beauty Tips we are running this encore presentation.  ENJOY!

Who Rocked  Oscar's Red Carpet …
& Who Didn’t 

By Michael  Maron

When it comes to Oscar 2011, there was good news and bad news.

First the good news: Most everyone looked good.

Now the bad news: Most everyone looked good.

Maybe it’s just me, but I wanted more “wows,” and I also wanted some total train wrecks. Although glam was certainly abundant, I’m not certain anyone really rocked the carpet the way most of us expected.  I personally had  hoped for outfits that might even start a trend or at least be unforgettable. Perhaps the stylists have gotten it so right that they’re afraid to take too many risks. How I miss over-the-top hot messes. Don’t you?

What I liked: Sexy, body-revealing gowns, mermaid silhouettes and a return to sleeves, trains and a few bustles. Amongst a sea of neutrals, there was lots of color (especially plums, lavenders and reds), interesting metallics, big jewelry, soft hairstyles and subtle makeup.

But rather than bore you with an endless rundown of who wore what, I’ve narrowed down my picks to three hits and three misses.  All of them  encompass my personal choice for the  four essential elements of a total look: Fashion, Accessories, Hair and Makeup.

THE OSCAR RED CARPET HITS


Red Carpet Hit # 1:  Jennifer Hudson

Fashion: Oscar winner, Jennifer, showed off her newly svelte figure, but played up her curves in a show-stopping vibrant tangerine Atelier Versace halter gown, which revealed her great shoulders, hugged her bodice and flowed into a train of one-sided ruffles. Her plunging neckline screamed sexy but the fit needed a hint of tweaking at the bosom for a more flattering décolletage. Unexpected purple shoes gave the outfit a modern twist.

Accessories: Three Neil Lane platinum and diamond wide bracelets, a large diamond ring, and a pair of long diamond basket earrings added the perfect bling to the perfect outfit.

Hair: Sporting a classic and polished hairstyle, Jennifer’s off the face, high swept, uber shiny hair could not have complemented the outfit more.

Makeup: Jennifer’s skin looked flawless, although her foundation appeared a tinge too orange and needed some finessing at the hairline. Bronzer gave her a beautiful glow, and her brows were perfectly groomed. A neutral eye shadow with a sweep of black upper eyeliner (winged at the outer corner) achieved a clean look. Faux lashes added pop. A color-coordinated translucent lip color tied in beautifully with the dress.

Red Carpet Hit # 2:  Hailee Steinfeld

Fashion: Props to first-time Oscar nominee, Hailee, for her amazing blush-pink, tea-length princess dress, which she co-designed with Marchesa. At only fifteen, Hailee brought her “true grit” to fashion for her first walk on Oscar’s red carpet. The embroidered tulle, ballerina-esque dress, was eye-catching, yet age appropriate. Delicate embroidered crystals on an “illusion netting” around the neckline seamlessly twinkled from her pale skin. Champagne-colored Ferragamo peep-toe, platform shoes complemented the dress exquisitely.

Accessories: Hailee’s Fred Leighton platinum and diamond narrow headband was the perfect finishing touch to complement her outfit and proved that less can be more. A feminine Fred Leighton platinum and diamond ring and a silver satin Ferragamo envelope clutch completed her look.
Hair: Hailee wore her hair pulled back in a high, twisted bun, which brought out her face, elongated her neck and created a ballerina effect. It was the perfect choice for her statement headband.

Makeup: Inspired by the pink tone of her dress, Hailee’s eye shadow consisted of soft pinks, beiges and a hint of plum. A daub of gold liner was placed under her lower lid. Pink was also used on her cheeks. A pinky-rose lipstick with a hint of shimmer in the center of her lower lip was her finishing touch.

Red Carpet Hit # 3:  Halle Berry

Fashion: Oscar winner Halle  rarely disappoints when it come to showing off her smoking hot body. Her dazzling nude-colored, strapless Marchesa corset gown with a crystal-encrusted bodice accented her curves, emphasized her signature shoulders and complemented her skin tone. She seemed to glide along the Red Carpet with a billowy, ruffled organza and silk tulle train. She donned Louboutin peep-toe heels. And all of it worked incredibly well together.

Accessories: Sans necklace or bracelets, Halle kept it simple with a delicate pair of Neil Lane platinum diamond drop earrings and a platinum and colored diamond ring.  Good choices for her outfit.

Hair: Halle’s short and piece-y, pixie-style hair brought focus to her extraordinary face.

Makeup: Her skin was glowing, her eyes were smoky and her brows were meticulously manicured – all of which help bring attention to  her beautiful face. Brown eye shadow with black inner eyeliner brought out her exquisite eyes and a nude, glossy mouth complemented the dress while keeping Halle’s look soft and modern.

THE OSCAR RED CARPET MISSES


Red Carpet Miss # 1:  Cate Blanchett

Fashion: This Oscar winning star was fashion forward, but Cate’s gown was simply odd. Typically an award winning stunner, this time  graceful Cate may have walked the Red Carpet but she sure  didn’t rock it. She chose a pale lilac, pleated chiffon Givenchy Couture gown with structured action-hero shoulders and an armor-like front with accents of neon yellow near the neck. The same neon yellow is repeated in a huge crisscross on the back. At the chest, the dress has a large unadorned circle, surrounded by an embellishment of pearls, in a design reminiscent of a bakery cake decoration. The overall detail felt much  like a confusing Rorschach test –  it could either be an ornate lobster bib or the back of a Louis XIV chair – can’t quite decide.

Accessories: Cate kept it simple with a pair of gold and diamond earrings and a single yellow and gold tassel bracelet by Van Cleef & Arpels.  That worked.

Hair: Her short and straight, parted do was simple and chic.

Makeup: Understated, clean-looking makeup with taupe and gray shimmery eye shadows and nude lipstick harmonized beautifully with the color of her dress.

Red Carpet Miss # 2: Scarlett Johansson

Fashion: Scarlett wore a Dolce & Gabbana plum-colored, lace floral column gown. The high neck, sleeveless frock bordered on being boring, dated and aging for the otherwise  sexy Scarlett we have come to expect. If the lace had been more see-through and delicate perhaps she would not have appeared to be wearing a doily tablecloth.

Accessories: Scarlett’s jewelry was kept minimal with an Anna Hu cocktail ring. It was her only piece of jewelry and a fun statement for the ensemble.

Hair: Her hair may have been edgy, but the new shag came off as looking  messy and unkempt for the Oscars.

Makeup: Scarlett’s smoldering copper and gold eye shadow paired with a pink-toned lip color was movie star modern and good look.


Red Carpet Miss # 3: Helena Bonham Carter

Fashion: Oscar nominee, Helena, dressed outside the box, but also outside the century. She wore a black velvet and taffeta bustle gown by costume designer Colleen Atwood. The 18^th Century style  goth –esque  corseted dress was certainly a lovely homage to the costume designer, but it would have been a nice change of pace for the beautiful star to have raised a few brows by wearing something current. At least something from this century.

Accessories: Helena wore Solange Azegury-Partridge jewels – but then  chose a ten-dollar accessory for her hair that’s usually  used to decorate flip-flops. What’s up with that?  She added a British Union Jack garter and toted a Lulu Guinness fan-shaped clutch to complete the ensemble – neither one great choices.

Hair: Helena’s hair was very curled, very high and very tendrilled. 

Makeup: With everything else going on, Helena’s makeup was actually sedate and quite good. She wore warm-toned eye shadow, brown liner and individual lashes. That, along with a pinky-beige mouth, looked contemporary, which fortunately and unfortunately didn’t relate to her period hair and attire. With that said, you can’t help but love her originality and zest for fashion and beauty. She’s a one of a kind …and we’ re lucky to have her!

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous!

 Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011.
All Rights Reserved. In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license elements. The owners and contributors to this blog may or may not benefit from the products or services mentioned.  -