"Perfect"

[People.com]

"I didn't expect this at all," the bride-to-be told People. "I was in such shock. I never thought it would happen at home, and I never thought now."


"In high school I went to Macy’s and bought this fake ring, my ‘perfect’ ring, and this is almost the exact same,” she says, staring down at the 20-plus-carat gem Humphries designed with jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, a longtime Kardashian friend..."


-Kim Kardashian, on her engagement to Kris Humphries




And there she is, beaming on the cover of People magazine, just days after the "surprise" proposal boasting her new 20.5 carat emerald-cut diamond ring.  Kim's desire to be married with children has been a prevalent theme on Keeping Up with the Kardashians for multiple seasons now.  Surprise?    They must have phoned People Magazine to set up the photo shoot within minutes of the proposal to make the weekly cover that's distributed every Wednesday.  


There's a difference between two people who belong together, and two people who feel like they should belong together.  This is a difficult topic for me to discuss and to express myself, because I want people to understand that I'm not speaking out against marriage in general. I'm speaking out about Fauxarriage.  


Is it just me, or do A LOT of people seem like they're getting married just to be married?  Because they feel they should be married.  To someone. ANYONE!!!  Why has it become so that people will say "yes" to marriage so willingly without actually being in love with the person?  Now, Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries may very well be deeply and genuinely in love. (eye roll).  Maybe they belong together (blah blah blah). I really don't want to judge them.  It just seems like she would have said an immediate YES! to any/the next guy who asks her that she's been dating for over a month.  She's been outspoken about wanting to be married and have children for years now - in interviews, on the shows, and from the surface this engagement reeks of desperation to me.  Is she really marrying him because she feels he is the one for her?  Or because she likes the look of a gigantic ring on her finger and desperately wants to have children?  Sham marriages in the public eye set such a bad example for others.  


You should only get married if you feel like it's your calling to be with this person. If  you couldn't imagine life without them because you love them so deeply.  Not because you feel like its the best thing to do, or because you're bored or want security in life.  And we question why the divorce rates are so high in this country?  I wrote a piece a while ago that I feel illustrates the Kim Kardashian syndrome very well.  Let me make this clear: I am not against marriage.  When two people are undeniably so perfect for each other, that their desire to become married is genuine and true, it's an unbelievably beautiful thing that I can only wish to have.  Its also very rare.  What are the chances that all these married people that surround us every day are actually soul mates and belong together, or just two shmucks that don't have too bad of fights and can withstand each other enough to endure a couple kids and 20 something years?  I'm going to go with the latter.


It really makes me appreciate true love, stories like this.  Maybe Kim and Kris are going to last.  Only time will tell.  When it comes to your marriage, however...don't do it just because you feel obligated.  True love reigns. 

Emerald-cut 20.5 carat ring, Lorraine Schwartz

Gaunt Versus Thin: The Debate Rages On

The issue of being too thin rages on.  


Leanne Rhimes has been attracting a decent amount of negative attention for how thin and frail people believe she has become.  Here is a recent picture of her on her honeymoon in Mexico.

When I see this picture, I do wince a little bit.  It just doesn't look natural.  I don't think its only because she's too thin, however.  Hear me out.  For someone like Leanne who has an athletic build to begin with, being this thin tends to make the body look contorted and freakish looking.  Her frame is on the wide side, and I can tell that she naturally has a bit of muscle and is "big boned".  Her being this thin only highlights the abnormalities of her frame and makes her look boyish.   It's not a healthy or attractive look.  However, not all women look like this when they are on the too thin side.  Take this model for example (the one in the middle):

She is extremely thin.  But her proportional and more feminine body type make it so that how thin she actually is doesn't look as gaunt and emaciated, as with Leanne.  I'm not saying that being this thin is healthy or recommended, but I do think it's a good example of the importance of being in tune with your body type and what works for you.  If you are naturally a bit thicker, bigger boned or more athletic, embrace it!  I'm not saying jump on the "curvy women rule" bandwagon and use it as an excuse to scarf down a bunch of fattening and unhealthy food.  However, I will say that some women do look really good very thin, and some women should be a bit on the larger size.  The thin look works on this model, but definitely not on Leanne.  On the model it looks natural, on Leanne it's obvious that she has most likely abused her body to become this thin. 


Listen to your body.  You have to find your personal ideal size and shape. Don't idealize someone who has a different body type than you do.  It is unhealthy and will only contribute to a skewed reality.  I appreciate and have lusted after the body types of Audrina Patridge and Megan Fox...and then it dawned on me one day that I'm never going to be as voluptuous and womanly as they both are with the size negative A breasts I have.  I have a different role model that I follow - one that is more suited for my willowy body type.

As always, make sure you are getting enough nutrition. If you seem to be perpetually 5 or 10 pounds heavier because of this, so what.  It is SO worth it to be healthy.  Long term lack of nutrition is one of the number one things that will age you and give you various sorts of developmental disorders as you get older. PLENTY of fresh vegetables, lean protein, healthy fats and water.  A good food based vitamin and probiotics work miracles as well.


xo,
Viva

Cannes 2011

Vanessa Hudgens in Fendi

Frumpy fabric and a frumpy cut = a frumpy Hudgens.  Cute for an innocent, younger look....maybe thats why she chose it.  To stray away from her XXX antics in recent history.

Bar Rafeli in Roberto Cavalli

This is the definition of sex appeal.  The dress hugs her curves unbelievably, and I love the deep sea blue color as a fresh look opposed to black, which is what I'd expect to see this dress as.  The cutouts are at interesting locations, giving just the right amount of tasteful curiosity combined with sexuality.   Additionally, her swept back hair adds the perfect polished touch to this look. 

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace 

I wish Angelina Jolie would take more risks in fashion.  There's something to be said for classic beauty, but most of the pieces she wears are so safe and generically "good" - and this gown is no exception.  There's nothing about this look that makes it memorable or showstopping.  And taffeta is never a favorite of mine.  Is it just me or is her hair bed-headish and in no way Cannesworthy?  

Brooke Shields in Roberto Cavalli

This is matronly, unflattering and reminds me of a moo-moo.  Also, what does the huge printed flower resemble?  Yea.

Gwen Stefani in Lanvin

This was my favorite look at Cannes.  It's bold, classic, yet non-traditional.  I love the gold belt, and the swept back hair is perfect for the heaviness that this dress brings.  YES.

Gwen Stefani in Armani Prive

Compared to the previous dress we just visited, this one falls short in a big way.  The bodice does not fit her ribcage well and is hovering away from her body, giving her that dreaded "flat chested gap" that is never attractive.  Additionally, the eye makeup is piled on too thick, which ages her in my opinion.

Penelope Cruz in Marchesa

I love this gown on her.  Its light, refreshing and ethereal...perfect for spring.  It is a good accompaniment to Depp's ice-white sportscoat.  And, I love the nude look it provides with certain parts of her skin peeking through without being too revealing.

Kirstin Dunst in Chanel

This is the BEST I've seen Kirstin Dunst in a long time.  I wish she would choose to dress like this more often and stray away from her ironic hipster look.  She looks beautiful here!  Well done.

In Chanel

This is another surprisingly great look from Dunst.  A bit similar to the other dress, but hey I'll take it.  The only thing I'd change are the non-matching shoes.  Good job!

Mischa Barton in ?

Very happy to see Mischa Barton looking cleaned up.  She's really becoming our generation's Courtney Love, I think.  She looks cute and girly here.  She's a pretty girl underneath the grunge.  I'm glad she opted to wear nylons, as we wouldn't want another dreaded reveal.  It is imperative to always wear proper undergarments, wardrobe tape, ect. to make sure your look is polished, not seedy.  Nude fishnets are one of my favorite go-to's instead of nude pantyhose.  They give you the coverage that you want and look chic, unlike traditional skin colored nylons that resemble tap dancer show tights or early 90's corporate wear.

 Rachel McAdams in Marchesa

This dress reminds me of the spring '10 Givenchy line.  Good on the runway, confusing in person on most people.  Too artistic for most women to pull off, and as no exception, I'm not loving the dress on her.  The dress itself is intricate and wonderfully detailed, but I think she's just the wrong person to carry a dress like this.  Someone like Gwen Stefani or Dita Von Teese would have rocked it.  Sorry to say, but Rachel McAdams just doesn't have enough presence or drama to work this.

Salma Hayek in Gucci

This dress is not a favorite of mine.  It looks waxy and stiff, and the heavy feather bolero is drag queen reminiscent.  And, the matte brick red color (with the matching shoes) is too muted and takes away from her natural beauty.

 Sarah Jessica Parker in Elie Saab

This would have worked better on a younger woman.  The colors and the pattern come off as a bit aged.

Tilda Swinton in ? and Roger Vivier Heels

I really love this look.  It's perfect for a formal affair during the daytime.  It's professional, feminine yet still powerful at the same time.  I'd love to rock this outfit at work any day of the year!

Uma Thurman in Versace

I absolutely LOVE this.  Refreshing, whimsical and mercurial in the way it moves.  It accents her body very well.  It definitely makes the grand entrance that you want when arriving at Cannes!

Something Every Girl Can Love: A Good Lip Gloss!

Ladies, I know it's been a while since I've posted and I will again soon, however in the meantime I just wanted to turn you onto my long-time favorite lip gloss that I've gone back to again and again over the years:



MAC Lipglass in C-Thru

It's the perfect combination of rich shine, a hint of nude and a minuscule amount of glimmer.  It makes your lips look luscious and works particularly well if you dress up your eyes as the main focal point on your face, as with heavy eye makeup you never want to pair with a bold lip, but it's nice to have something on your lips or it might end up looking a bit unfinished.


Muy delicioso!


xo,
Viva

MET Gala, 2011

Rihanna in Stella McCartney

I know this sounds vulgar, but her hair here reminds me of a log of doo-doo.  And, her ends are looking dry and split.  And, Her body doesn't look that hott in the dress.  I see stuff I shouldn't be seeing.  Additionally, the side cutout is too high, or at a weird angle...it looks strange. Cute shoes though. 

Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney

Just how far along is she?!  It seems like she just announced her pregnancy 2 weeks ago!  In any case, she is radiating the classic pregnancy glow.  She looks very pretty.  Her hair is perfect for this dress, too. 

Joy Bryant in Missoni

OK....we've got another Heidi Klum situation on our hands here.  (Third picture down: http://vievesverdict.blogspot.com/2011/01/notable-golden-globe-mentions_19.html)  

She looks comfy, cozy and totally awkward and inappropriate for the MET GALA.  Why did she choose an oversized sweater to wear??? Terrible!  And, it's too loose! This would be nice for....a baby shower.  This looks like she put no effort whatsoever into her look.  Shudder.

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

I'm going to take one for the team here and voice what we're all feeling; since she might throw something at anyone who speaks up..... she looks like THE CAT GOT TO HER.  There's nothing attractive about this, and she's slumping on top of it which makes the whole look even worse.

Kirsten Dunst in Chanel Haute Couture 

I'm curious about what goes through her head when she chooses dresses like this.  "I'm going to go against the Hollywood grain and dress like a hipster!"  She looks terrible.  Like a grandmother.  I don't think she'll ever get it right.  She's a natural beauty, but she doesn't do dress up well.  AT ALL.  

 Hailee Steinfeld in Stella McCartney

I'm digging this dress.  It has a Native American / Victorian feel to it which is an interesting combination.  Her atypical beauty compliments the quirky vibe of this whole look and gives it the finishing touch to tie it all together.  It was a risk, but it worked.  She always looks pristine.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney

Alright alright, she looks very good but let me say that she is totally stealing Anne Hathaway's look at the Golden Globes earlier this year.  Something about Gweneth Paltrow annoys me, all around.  Like she'd be a Debbie Downer in real life or something. I do like how she's the focus of the picture as opposed to camera hog Lea Michele in the background.  Something about that makes me smile.

Emma Roberts in Michael Kors

This was one of my favorites.  Very 80's power woman / bold.  I love it.  The side cutout completes it.

 Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

This was the only dress that wowed me.  I am loving long sleeves this season.  And, the barely there open toed shoes add a sleek lining to the look as well.  I'd like to see a close up of the intricate detailing on the top part.  From far away it looks like metal sequins?  Very whimsical.

Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung

I'm guessing she was inspired by the hat craze at the Royal Wedding, but this is HORRIBLE.  She looks like an old cruella de ville.  Why on Earth would you pair 1.  That atrocious hat with ANYTHING 2. An especially loud and flamboyant dress?  This seems like a no-brainer to me.  She had to have known she looks terrible walking out the door and did it anyways for attention?  Sigh.  Not to mention she's got the crazy eyes going in this picture as well.

 Christina Ricci in Emilio Pucci

One word: Arachnophobia.  Leaves me feeling creepy.  And, that smug pouty look is getting old.

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci

This is a great example of a dress that is well-suited for its wearer.  This looks very fierce on Beyonce against her dark complexion.  Throw this on...lets say...Michelle Williams (or any other white girl for that matter) and it goes from intricate detailing and bold lines to H.O.T. M.E.S.S.  She did it well.  However, she does look a bit stuffed.  Too stiff.

 Blake Lively in Chanel Haute Couture 

This is interesting...kind of...but it's a bit costumey.  It doesn't offend me, but it's not something you wear to feel beautiful and womanly.  Its like appreciating artwork.  Additionally, it does kind of look like she added a sheet to a pretty dress underneath.  I'm not a the biggest fan.  Also, its Chanel...and she just recently became the new face of Chanel...so we all know she only wore this to get paid. I'm underwhelmed.  And I feel like spanakopita now too.

 Eva Mendes-Stella McCartney

Why must certain startlets constantly make that squinty, dazed, pouty face when posing for pictures?  *Eye roll*  Anyhow, this is a great example of choosing the wrong accessories and ruining a look.  This belt has no reason to be up in there.  It's random, eye catching in a negative way, and does not provide any kind of complimentary contrast to her or the dress whatsoever.  It looks like an old belt found in a harried rush, thrown on at the last minute.  It's all my eyes are drawn to when I look at the picture.

Ashley Olsen in Vintage Dior

It could be avante garde...but it ends up looking clownish.  This is very often a trend with the Olsens.  And everything is always too big for them, even down to their shoes (I often notice that they wear shoes visibly too big for their feet?)  But hey - they do their own thing, against the grain all the time, and I can respect that.  I love their line Elizabeth and James.




xo,
Viva