Vieve's Verdict

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

A friend of mine recently asked my opinion on whether or not it is OK for a person to have pictures up and visible of themselves and their "ex" or someone with romantic ties if they are currently with someone new. I was also asked my opinion on this by another male friend a while back. And while this typically is in reference to Facebook, it goes for having pictures up in other locations as well.

My opinion: if the person you are currently with has an issue with seeing pictures up of you and your old flame, this is a RED FLAG, my friends! While I don't recommended keeping a framed picture of you and your ex boyfriend/girlfriend kissing on your nightstand, your new beau or beauty should be more or less content with coming across old pictures of you two together. If this sends them into a hissy fit, most likely there are many more hissy fits to come and early on is when you want to address this and decide if it is something that can be fixed or something that you are willing to put up with.

One of two things could be occurring here. Either:

a.) The person not OK with seeing the pictures up is overly jealous and is the one in the wrong

b.) The pictures are indecent/inappropriate and they should have never been up in the first place

If the pictures are lewd and inappropriate, then they never should have been made public in the first place, and the issue is with the now questionable one who to allowed them to be visible. This is now a RED FLAG with the person in the photos, and chances are you (the offended one) are now in over your head and should have realized this sooner in an ideal world. If they are skanky pictures, it's not the pictures you should be worried about its the fact that they were taken and posted in the first place!

If the pictures are generally tasteful, but they are of two people who used to be together, I say it is perfectly OK to let them stay up. If the new person cannot handle seeing them, this signifies underlying insecurity and jealously issues and in most cases will only continue to grow into a bigger beast with time. I say address the jealousy NOW and if it cannot be resolved, you might want to consider moving on.

Confidence is attractive, remember that. I'd even say it is the #1 most attractive thing about a person. There's nothing more repulsive to me than the memory of one of my old flame's jealous and insecure hissy fits over whatever it was he was upset about years and years ago. And, if you are the one being bothered by this, perhaps if you re-think whether or not you are being irrational you can save yourself a great deal of unecessary heartache. Ex's are ex's for a reason! Keep your head up and even fake it a little bit if you have to...don't ever let them see you sweat. You should be able to deal with the occasional picture or run-in with the ex, and your confidence will only boost your value in your new relationship.

Happy Monday!

xo,
Viva

[Old Pictures, Great Memories]

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Notable Golden Globe Mentions

My take on some of this year's best dresses and the more, ahem..."memorable" Golden Globe dresses as well.

[Emma Stone in Calvin Klein]

I'm a bit torn on this one. At first glance, I feel like the muted color and crepe-y texture of this fabric wash her out, and the dress is too plain Jane for an event like this. However, the more I stare the more I like. If the cut on the upper part of the gown was anything but that babydoll tshirt neckline and sleeve, say a one-shouldered asymetrical cut, this dress would go from a maybe to a yes. She has the right skin tone and hair color to make this fabric work.

[Olivia Wilde in Marchesa and Christian Louboutin]

This is absolutely one of my favorite dresses at this event, and also in recent years across numerous black tie affairs as well. I love the femininity of the rhinestones that are subdued by the nude and black background. A fine line is what separates rhinestones from being just right or too much - and this dress blends princess and rock star perfectly. I also like how the gold shoe adds an unexpected - borderline clashing - touch. The hair, however, is what makes this entire look a B+. I'd have preferred a swept back high pony or bun with bangs left to complete this bold look.

[Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs]

We've been seeing this sort of thing a lot lately from Ms. Klum - I don't know what is going on with her. Almost every look she's been putting together in recent history has been falling flat - and this is NO exception. The cut of this beach frock does nothing for her new mom body, and even a supermodel didn't make this look work. The fabric bunching/floral detailing at the waist takes any shape out of the picture, and her messy hair just completes this beach bum ensemble. Not to mention that it's completely inappropriate for a black tie affair. OH! And I just noticed those wooden bangles on BOTH wrists. Worst dressed nominee!

[Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad]

This was one of my favorite looks on the Red Carpet. I love everything about it - it's fresh, chic, fashion-forward, glamourous and unexpected. The hair, makeup and accessories accentuate this look and bring it all together impeccably. I don't expect a lot of people to like this look, because she is wearing a cape-like thing, but this is exactly what I look for in a show stopping, memorable ensemble. In addition, if it were any other color besides white it would have been just too much. You have to have the right attitude and aura to wear something like this or it will look silly - and JLo got it perfect. This diva earns an A+ from me.

[Megan Fox in Armani Prive]

This is another one that was not my favorite. It reminds me of a bad Bebe dress. Now don't get me wrong, I own many pieces from Bebe that I love, but anyone who's familiar with Bebe knows that their looks are very hit or miss, and when they're missing - it's usually in a cheap, stripper-glam kind of a way. In addition, I felt like her eyebrows are penciled inwards too much, which gave her a unibrowish look in some of the pictures, although it is not too evident here. I'll give this look a 6 out of 10, but considering how smoking hot she is, on anyone else this would have been a 3.

[Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta]

Either she doesn't have it, or the dress doesn't have it. But this look is falling flat for some reason? I'd have liked to see this dress in a deep jewel tone. In addition, she and it looks too stiff. A good dress in theory for an event like this, but it just didn't come together and wow. The fabric reminds me of hotel curtains. I'd have liked to see this on an older woman. It's a lot of dress for a lotta woman, and this chick doesn't have it.

[Anne Hathaway in Armani]

Another A+. This dress was lenthening, flattering and completely movie star glam. The nude sequins bring it from eye-catching to showstopping. The bare back adds just the right unexpected twist at the end, and her dark hair draped across her shoulders adds just the right amount of contrast against the nude shimmer. Best dressed nominee!

[Christina Aguliera in Zuhair Murad]

What would be the drug comparable to what Meth does to a person, but in the opposite way: turning them into a disheveled mess? Weed? Booze? Whatever it is, Xtina is on it. When my man friend saw this picture, he actually and honestly thought this was Snookie. I can't say enough bad things about her look here. She somehow managed to make this GORGEOUS dress look completely terrible! The fit is all wrong, her chest seems to be levitating in the corset but at the same time she has no cleavage? Her hair looks like unwashed yellow straw and that middle part...SMH. Horrid. WORST dressed nominee...and let me repeat: THIS DRESS IS BEAUTIFUL!!! I'd have loved to see it on...Mila Kunis. A complete shame. Get it together Christina...I don't know what is going on with her this year.

[Michelle Williams in Valentino]

I am absolutely devastated to see that this dress is Valentino. I love Valentino. There is nothing about this dress that can be construed as attractive. I think Joan Rivers said it perfectly "This dress is actually more effective than an IUD for birth control!" This is so bad, on so many levels...I can't even think of one scenario that this would be appropriate besides my 12th birthday party in 1996? I heard one critic say this should have been worn to a party in the Hamptons in the summer and not the Red Carpet. Even still, I'd think this dress was heinous, silly and burn-worthy if I saw this at a summer beach party. Worst dressed, no question. And the pixie hair brings it from terrible to... I don't even know. Fail.

[Leighton Meester in Burberry]

I'm torn. Is it "sister wife" or "androgynous chic"? Maybe its the Amish cut paired with the clay-sand color...but something is not working here. The dress has potential. Imagine it on Giselle with a sleek ponytail. Meeser missed the mark.

[Eva Longoria in Zac Posen]

A crowd pleaser. She looks good. The classic, voluptuous Latina look done well. Not the most exciting gown of the evening...but it gets the job done. Would have liked to see it in a better color...perhaps aubergine or cream.

[Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf]

I feel like everyone is quick to love this on her because it is kind of her year, with Black Swan and the baby and all...but imagine if it wasn't her year and she wore this. Would we like it as much then? The rose is silly, and there are too many red accents going on. She looks pretty, but this dress gets more irritating every time I see it.

[Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham]

I didn't even recognize that this is Sandra Bullock when I first saw this - she looks substantially younger here to me. While this is a good thing...in this particular situation it is also a double edged sword. The look in its entirety comes off a little silly, with the bangs and the whimsical dress and all. But hey....I guess motherhood is agreeing with her! Girl looks hot, even still. I'd have liked to see this dress on Leighton Meester...not that Amish frock.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Worst Dressed:

Michelle Williams

My Best Dressed:

Anne Hathaway

xo and happy fashions...

Viva

Monday, January 17, 2011

Someone Had to Say It

Remember the "Court Jester" shoe?:

On 50% sale - just like I predicted:

http://vievesverdict.blogspot.com/2010/09/just-say-no.html

Boom. Listen to The Verdict!!!!!!!! Love you all.

xo,
Viva

Ps. you can find the sale link here but don't you dare buy them!!! ;-P

http://www.shopbop.com/holt-platform-high-heeled-pump/vp/v=1/845524441877622.htm?folderID=2534374302038454&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Faux vs. Fabulous

Looking at this just gives me the heebie-jeebies

[Counterfeit Goods]

The last few decades or so have been laden with an onslaught of faux replica everything. The Chinese (among others) have turned making counterfeit copy goods - or "copy copy" as they say in China - into a mega worldwide industry. Evidently, there are a plethora of individuals that have no problem jumping on board the counterfeit boat. Let's hope that ship is the real thing and doesn't end up plummeting to the bottom of the ocean floor with all fake plastic purses in tow!

So, real or fake? Which do you prefer? I say: don't ever do counterfeit. I really don't have an issue with the crimes, morals and ethics of buying fake - I take issue with the fashion crime behind the purchase. The item loses its value when you go fake - it is no longer special or exceptional in any way. It's gotten so bad, that the once traditional and classic brown "LV" print is now cheap and tacky looking, even if it is real - due to all the faux replica bags that exist in the same brown print. The decision between real and fake is also a "how much do you respect yourself" issue, and - it's tacky. Are you tacky? Are you comfortable describing yourself with the word tacky? My guess is no - so don't disrespect yourself by spending $250 on a fake plastic Louis Vuitton - put that money in a savings fund or spend that money on a spa day to give yourself the TLC you deserve.

Newsflash - anyone who's going to notice your designer item in the first place (real or fake) and knows anything about fashion will be able to spot that it's a fake every time, and aren't those the people you're trying to impress with your counterfeit bag that's screaming LV LV LV LV all over it? Let's be real. I don't care how "good" the fake is, it is never going to be as good as the real thing. The product that you're getting when you buy counterfeit is going to be of low quality and will end up falling apart after only a short while, so you're better off spending your money on an item that is of better quality and not trying to be something it isn't. Spend your money on well-made "noname" handbag that will last you years, instead of a cheap, polyurethane fake designer bag that is going to fall apart within months.

Some of my friends are constantly trying to convince me otherwise on this, and every single time, the item they're praising falls short in some way: either it smells like Chinese plastic, or the print is off, the stitching starts unraveling within a couple months, or it's just plain tacky... there's always some issue with the piece and I can always tell it's fake. In addition, I've noticed that my friends who do like counterfeit goods end up buying a myriad of fake items that collect and collect all over the house. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather have one really nice item than 50 junky items that are going to end up in the recycling bin.

The whole point of spending a large amount of money on a handbag (or whatever item it may be), for me, is that the item is worth the money that I spent on it. I'm proud to carry that bag every day, something that I worked towards buying. If you're not the kind of person to drop that much on a bag in the first place, why are you trying to pretend like you are? In theory, wouldn't you be more likely to save your money and spend it on something else entirely? People who disagree with the notion of spending a large amount of money on a luxury item in the first place will usually not give a darn about a designer bag one way or another, and that's something that I can respect. A lot of people feel that luxury items are a waste of money - and rightfully so. That's an idea I can get behind, much more than the thought process that goes into spending money on a bunch of fake junk. Spending $$$$ on designer goods is just not something that a lot of people can understand - in the same way that I'll never understand how some people can waste a ton of money on Superbowl tickets or a top of the line flat screen television to watch football on - it's just not my thing.

I've decided that anyone who's OK with buying a fake has never experienced the real thing. Once you have you will not go back. There is nobody who has bought a real item and will tell you that they like the counterfeit version better. It's not happening. So ladies and gentlemen...if you can't justify spending a load of cash on the real thing, maybe it's just not for you in the first place. I guarantee you will be better off and happier spending that money on something else entirely or saving it. Do yourself a favor, be *real* with yourself and stay away from the faux! You're worth it.

Here are some tips to spotting a fake handbag:

1. The print.

Usually, the bags that are counterfeitted the most are the most inexpensive designer bags - the bags that scream their designer label the loudest. Take the "G" Gucci print or the "LV" print - those are the easiest to counterfeit because they are often made out of canvas and not high quality leather. And with the print, you can usually tell a bag is fake when the print is off-center, or cut off at the seam.

2. The smell.

You know "the smell" I'm referring to - the plasticy, "newish" smell that radiates from polyurethane. If you can detect this smell within a few inches of the suspected fake bag - you've definitely got yourself a faux.

3. The leather.

This usually applies to Louis Vuitton bags only: the leather trim of any L.V. bag is going to darken in color from a pale, soft pink-ish hue into a deep, amber color with age. So, if you see a bag that looks worn, but the leather trim is still light in color, it is most definitely a fake.

4. The hardware.

Often times you can spot a fake in the detailed hardware on a bag - good quality hardware is not cheap, and it will show when skimped on. Look for fine detailing in the hardware, and if you spot any peeling chrome - you've got yourself a fake.

5. The website.

When looking for a designer bag online, I'd say to only purchase from the company themselves or a large reputable store brand such as Nordstroms or Bergdorf Goodman. Any other sketchy website selling seemingly authentic bags are most likely trying to fool you. If the price seems too good to be true, it is. Also, keep in mind that you are turning over your personal financial information when you buy online - and lots of counterfeit bag producers are connected with criminal activity in other arenas as well... i.e. - identity theft. And if you're going used - make sure to only purchase from a trusted website and seller with near-perfect feedback on a website such as Ebay who will reimburse you if the bag is fake - don't go with a seller on craigslist...it's too risky. You'll most likely be able to tell if a website is trustworthy or not, with websites such as Saks.com, Niemanmarcus.com, Net-a-porter.com and Shopbop.com all being trustworthy - but if it seems shady, it most likely is.

Xo,
Genevieve

Ps. If you'd like to experience the real thing before taking the plunge - take a look at this website : bagborrowsteal.com - you can "rent" a handbag without buying it. Then you can decide whether or not you love it enough to pull the trigger!

A beauty bag like this proves my point - you just can't - and shouldn't - counterfeit this!

[Louis Vuitton Alma handbag in Rose Florentin]

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Way to do it Right

I appreciate Natalie Portman. She is one of my favorite up and coming actresses, and I think she deserves to be A-list and not B-list. I think she's on her way! If you haven't seen Black Swan, do yourself a favor (whether you're a man or woman) - this movie was one of the best I've seen in years.

And, I'd like to note, this is the way to endorse a perfume with taste, unlike most of the other celebrities who "create" their own perfume that they slap their name on, as I mentioned in one of my previous posts.

Side note: Miss Dior Cherie is a lovely perfume, however it can be overwhelmingly sweet. One spray will last hours, as it is a potent blend, so be careful not to load it on too heavily or it will be overwhelming. And, I'd say it's best in spring and summer only.

Au revoir,
Viva

Monday, January 10, 2011

To Loub or not to Loub

I've never been a big expensive shoe girl. I've always felt like shoes are a frivolous expense, because the life of a well worn shoe is not 20 years like a handbag, but 5 years tops. Simply because shoes live in the mucky swamp land of the roads we travel - coming into contact with all sorts of goodies - water, gum, dirt, spit, trash, human excrement ... the list goes on (shudder). If I spent $600 on a pair of shoes and woke up the next morning to find a wad of gum with other peoples' hairs stuck to the side of my creamy Louboutin leather...I think I'd actually cry. This is why I've never pulled the trigger on a pair of expensive shoes. In a way, I think making the decision to buy your first pair of expensive heels should be somewhat of a right of passage into womanhood. Something that is saved for a time in your life when you're finally over the late night club crawls, have grown up and matured, and are finally able to take proper care of your investment. Similar to how a mother waits until her little girl is mature enough to not lose the pair of heritage diamond earrings she's been waiting to pass down. It's symbolic for growing up, in a way, no? At least to me it is...sadly...I see it all too often: a poor, disheveled and unfortunate young girl being dragged out of an establishment, purse lost, eyes rolled back...and her gorgeous Yves Saint Lauren shoes completely trashed. Not me, not ever. I couldn't bear the heartbreak, or the walletbreak.

I'm loving these shoes...could these finally be "The Ones" - my first pair of Louboutins?

This is a good example of a versatile heel that will work all year long. If you're going to spend mega cash on a pair of shoes, they should fall into the "staple" category - something that can be paired with at least 20 outfits that pop into your head in under a minute. Something that will still be wearable in 5 years. You should not have to struggle to find ways to wear them. And when you do purchase them, make sure to take them to a TRUSTED shoe repair first, and have a protective rubber sole put on to preserve the integrity of the original sole (only on the sole - not up onto the shank...you want to show off that glazed red!) and if the shoe in question is a pair of boots - have a toe tap put in to preserve the boots' life.

I'd wear these with a bare leg in the summer, with black tights in the winter, with dresses, leggings...they can go many ways. Hmm....decisions decisions! If I get these, I'm going to commit to sacrificing something else...like "no dining out for 2 months" or "no cheese for 6 months" - something to really make me consider whether or not these shoes are worth the money, and sacrifice.

xo,
Viva

Monday, January 3, 2011

Spring Tryst

The Christmas tree is on it's way out, and the ornaments have been packed up. Pretty soon we'll all be feeling the winter blues.

Hark! What's that, you say? Spring is in sight!! It is time to look forward to in coming months, the thawing out of ice-d over landscape and embrace what is to come: sunshine, crisp air and SPRING FASHION! Now, I am NOT a fashion expert by any means. However, I'd like to share my own random personal picks for my spring fashion this year:

1. White velvet accents. Think white velvet bows, a white velvet bodysuit paired with a tulip skirt, or a little white velvet clutch on a night out.

2. Pastels + grey. This can work in all types of situations and works great with fabrics such as chiffon, lace and silk as well. For the rather feminine ladies out there, be careful not to go overboard with pastels paired with other particularly feminine accents such as pearls, lace or too much pink. Subdued yet suggestive. Something to get you started: http://www.barneys.com/Pleated-One-Shoulder-Dress/500828892,default,pd.html

3. This one is residual from winter, and I am not ashamed to admit I will be rocking it come spring as well: lace. I am envisioning an outfit that combines white or nude lace, velvet and some kind of pewter/grey hardware. It will come...just wait!

4. Nude nude nude...with EVERYTHING. Nude with diamonds, nude with black, nude shoes, nude lipstick...you name it. I'll let you in on a secret, my favorite nude lipstick: Mac lipstick in creme d' nude. Nude is another alternative to black that keeps a look fresh, fashion forward and unexpected. This color surprisingly works very well with bright red, too. Here's an example to get you excited (note the dusty gold): http://www.barneys.com/Brandaplato/500985972,default,pd.html?utm_source=shopstyle&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=shopstyle08&source=shopstyle

5. Bright, confetti-like neon/citrus colors paired with black and white accessories. Think: bright yellow bandage skirt + black and white snakeskin shoes. Yes. I love how the black and white keep the sharp, loud elements of confetti tamed down and give it an 80's feel. Think intrigue, not demand.

6. Valentino. I am loving his line as of late. The nude + lace details on some of his shoes and shawls from this winter's season will work wonderfully into the spring as well, this is why (in my opinion) Valentino is widely regarded as "classic" - his looks translate into all seasons and can be worn all across the board. Now, if only I could afford it....

7. Grey + Neon. As an alternative to grey + pastels (that I mentioned earlier), this is a look that looks smokin' on a warm spring/summer night. It POPS against tan skin, as well.

8. Dusty gold. This is a nice alternative to Khaki without the safari-feel. It works well on eyelids, in leathers..and with jewelry as well.

9. Abalone and gunmetal accents. Accessories only. This will pair nicely with pastels + shades of grey, nudes, neons, white velvet...the options are vast.

10. A trend for this spring is going to be 60's inspired high waisted bell bottom blue jeans. I'd like to forwarn that this is a look that can be GREAT, but has to be perfect or else it will look unflattering. Devote time and money into finding the perfect pair, or else they're just going to look like soccer mom jeans and flatten your butt. And, sad but true: you might end up just not have the right body type to pull this look off. I suspect we will be seeing a lot of unfortunate soccermom asses this spring because of this trend...so keep that in mind if you decide to jump on board with this one.

Make sure to start this season bright by touching up your roots as well, nothing can bring a look from fresh to drab like a reminder of winter's dark days: cold, dark roots.

Now is the time to start perusing the interwebs for some good deals on airfair and hotels for a spring trip somewhere...like Scottsdale, San Diego, Miami, Honolulu, Las Vegas or Austin. Somewhere that will be warm and will re-light that fire that has been dampened from the cold. Strut it.

Cheers!

xo,
Viva

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Resolutions, Shmesolutions? Not this year!

Typically, I've never really believed in New Year resolutions, due to the fact that they're so commonly associated with failure and disappointment. I've always figured: if you want to change something about yourself, why wait? Every day is a new beginning. New Year resolutions are loaded with pressure and expectations, so perhaps it's better to make a concerted effort all year long to improve yourself?

However, I find myself at a place where I'd like make some positive changes, and since it coincidentally happens to be the beginning of a new year, I am going to jump on the bandwagon and make some "resolutions" for myself.

1. Be less fussy. By "fussy" I mean: short-tempered, high maintenance, irritable. I'd like to try to let things slide off my back more and prevent exerting my frustrations with my own personal situations on other people around me. I tend to get myself "in a tizzy" at times, and I think its important to keep it to myself and spare my friends and family the frustration and burden of my irritable mood. In addition, I'd actually like to work towards being more calm and at peace with things, as opposed to letting the small stuff get to me. "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson is a great book that helped me immensely a few years back-perhaps it's time to give it a re-read!

2. Keep my house more organized! This one has been a big challenge for me. I do make a small daily attempt to tidy up and organize my belongings, however there is definitely room for improvement, as I have a tiny little studio that is bursting at the seams with clothes and other belongings. This is why I've decided to hire a cleaning service to come in and do a power-cleaning once a month. Financially, it works out to be about $25 a week, which is money very WELL spent in my opinion. If that's what it takes for me to achieve a cleaner home and a cleaner mind, I am definitely in agreement! In addition, I'd like to continue to make a daily effort to clean and tidy a small amount every day, to avoid everything piling up and becoming a daunting and overwhelming task. As Shayne Lamas says: "A chore a day keeps the cellulite away!". ;-) If that's not an inspiring little motivator for women I'm not sure what is.

3. I'd like to communicate with my friends and close ones over the phone (in conversation) and in person more often, and reduce the amount of communication via text message. This will work towards strengthening my bond with my loved ones in real-life and not just in tech-land. I do love to text, but I've realized a real life conversation can never be replaced with words on a screen.

Happy New Year, and I wish you all well on whatever goals and aspirations you have for yourselves in 2011.

[American Apparel stretch lace dress, Paolo Iantorno snakeskin boots, MAC glitter pigment]