My picks for Best Dressed at last night’s Academy Awards:

1. Sarah Jessica Parker, who made a daring yet timeless choice, and whose dress will be remembered for years to come (much like the black minidress she wore to her first Academy Awards, which was similarly controversial). Too much bronzer and kind of odd hair, but that dress made up for it.

2. Miley Cyrus, whose dress (and makeup) was beyond stunning. Yeah, she slouched, and I often question her clothing (and life) choices…but she’s 17 and she looked classy and lovely. Let’s give her a break.

3. Vera Farmiga (left), who I desperately want to look like, made possibly the night’s boldest choice. Not everyone will “get” it…but it’s the Oscars, and that is an Oscars dress if I’ve ever seen one.

4. Zoe Kravitz, whose understated gown was a great color, a beautiful shape, and perfectly suited for a young, trendy starlet not tasked with nominating or presenting.

5. Rachel McAdams, because she can do no wrong.

Who do you think did it best?

-Jordan Reid

Recently I was hired to be a guest speaker in Farmington, Connecticut, to talk about my signature style of creating casual luxury. I was joined by Lisa, my candle line business partner, and we were off to meet the ladies and enjoy a meal with them; my presentation was for after dinner. We left Westport around 5:00pm and as the sun set I noticed how difficult it was getting for me to read the street signs. Recently I also noticed I was having some difficulties reading the text on my iPhone. “Oh no!” I yell to Lisa, “It’s happening!” “What?” she replied. “My eyes are going, and it feels as if it happened overnight!” Turning 40 this year I had been told, “Just wait: once you’ve hit forty you’ll be needing readers,” but driving glasses—what gives?
Read more

Tanning beds could be headed for tigher regulations.  The F-D-A plans to hold a public hearing in late march to review the growing evidence linking UV radiation and skin cancer.

The agency is considering stricter regulations, including limits on u-v exposure from sun lamps and stronger warning labels.

While I am pretty much a sun-block person, I can appreciate the summer glow look with spray tans.

I do worry about looking oily or “fake.

Luckily, Anne from Parents TV found some alternative tanning methods –including great spray tans — to help us get in the warmer weather spirit. -L

MARIE CLAIRE COVER

In Tuesday’s show, Better shares how Marie Claire magazine is showcasing a women’s body without any retouching.

Jennifer Hawkins, who was crowned Miss Universe 2004 appears both naked and unretouched on the cover of Australia’s Marie Claire’s February issue.

The idea is to encourage positive attitudes toward body image.

Despite the goal of encouraging loving one’s body, some are criticizing the magazine’s effort, saying Hawkins does not represent the “real” women.

Some are saying putting a “thin” person on the cover just makes others feel worse about their bodies.

Isn’t it interesting that no one thinks it’s bad to be naked on the cover of a magazine anymore? I also think it is strange for anyone to say Ms. Hawkins isn’t a “real” women just because she’s lean. I commend the mag for not retouching the photo. Wouldn’t it be great if we could see everyone as they really are? 

It is funny how we want televisions to be in HD, showing every nook and cranny of a news-reporter, but magazines continue to alter photos with photo-editing.

Can we promote beauty without editing? Even when using make-up to cover up or improve, are we hypocrites? — L

Today I interviewed celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe of the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. I wasn’t sure what to expect, after watching the show, but she was really nice and fun and down to earth. She says what you see on the show is the real her – she doesn’t even notice the cameras half the time.
She had some fall fashion ideas, including:
* vest – especially fur or faux fur
* leggings, skinny jeans are still in style
* rocker boots (either ankle or knee)
* strong shoulders/shoulder pads (yes, the 80s are back!)
* lots of metal and studs and other 80s rocker style accessories
Look for her segment soon on Better TV!
Marianne

I love doing stories with DailyCandy.com so when their editor at large Dannielle Kyrillos asked me to go vintage shopping with her, how could I refuse? (You can watch the segment we shot here.)
In New York City we have a ton of great vintage shops at our disposal. But if you don’t have a good one near you, never fear. These days a ton of vintage shops are going online! For example, the store we featured in the segment, Olive’s Very Vintage, has an online shop here. They’re on the high end when it comes to pricing, but if you’re willing to spend, you may find a real treasure. On the opposite spectrum, if you want to save money, you can go to the new Goodwill Online auction site! And there’s plenty in-between, too. I personally like Vintage Trends.com, which has a large selection to choose from.
Of course shopping online for vintage clothing can be tricky. I found this guide from eHow.com giving some great things to keep in mind. (Sizing is very important, for example!)
Happy hunting!
MARIANNE

Yesterday, I coordinated a day of beauty for my friend Lisa, starting with a light lunch followed by what I like to call “hair repair”. We ended our day with some good old fashioned shoe shopping. A head to toe make over, literally! Lisa wanted a new look because she is getting ready for a 20-year high school reunion; I thought it was best to do some highlights followed by a new haircut to complement her face and skin tone. Something with low maintenance with a big impact. Read more

Hey ladies, Brooke here!  Are your hair products leaving you flat and style-less?  You have to try Mada.  Our very own hair stylist, Thad Grace created the line of hair products.  Named after his son, Adam.. backwards, his products are like skin care for your hair.   It gives straight hair a boost and tames frizzy hair waaaay down.  His protein spray strengthens healthy hair and brings damaged hair back to life.  Check it out on Better, or on our website. Ciao!

Finding the perfect pair of jeans is like the bane of my existence. I don’t know if my body’s weirdly shaped or something but I can never find a pair that fits right. And makes my butt look good. And is cozy/comfy to wear all day. And makes my thighs look slim.
Okay, maybe I’m asking too much…
ANYWAY, forgetting fit for a moment, as we go into summer there are some pretty interesting new trends in jeans. Like white. Yes, white. You will never catch me dead wearing a pair of white jeans, but there you go. Hey – they look good on the model at least!

Other trends:
* Skinny jeans
* Boyfriend jeans
* Distressed Jeans
* Trouser jeans
Sarah Bernard, Host of The Thread on Yahoo! Shine has some suggestions for how to scrimp or splurge on each of these styles.
It’s good to know that whether you wan to spend $30 or $300 – go skinny or wide, white or dark wash – this summer there’s a jean perfect for you.
Oh and as for me? My perfect pair came from the Gap. Love their dark rinse, straight leg jeans that fit me just right. I’m in jeans Heaven every time I slip them on.
What’s your fave style jeans? Would you dare to wear white?
MARIANNE

Hey everyone! Brooke here.  It seems like finding a job is not getting any easier and the competition is getting stiff.  If you’re looking for a job, we thought we’d help you out, starting… with your hair.   Let’s face it, you can’t just run a comb through your mane and call it good.  Our hair stylist Thad Grace gave us some great examples of hair that will help you get hired.   Watch Better, Tuesday (5/19) for his step-by-step instructions.