Spotted: Jessica Alba, Paris

While Jessica Alba's style may not always move mountains, I love her simple, chic look for the Paris shows.  Not to mention, I'm all about her hairstyle right now.  My hair grew and grew and grew while I was pregnant.  Fast forward to now and what I'm left with is an out of control rat's nest that's typically in an elegant chignon a pretty sloppy bun.  Appealing!  Thus, I'm slowly considering a shorter, more polished look for 2011.  What do we think?

via vogue diaries

Kate, Photoshopped??

OK.  So she's not really photoshopped, in the traditional sense.  No brow lifts, fine lines smoothed, thighs trimmed or lips enhanced...YET.  This is my very first project on my new Photoshop and let it be known, it will not be my last!  The only thing I photoshopped was her name, but that was no small feat.  The hardest part was actually installing CS5.  I'm hoping that learning Photoshop will be easier.  If anyone has any tips, good websites for tutorials, please let me know!  My goal is to move beyond text boxes soon...{or by 2012?}

xo

photo from nathaniel brown

Apothica Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is sponsored by Apothica, home to an incredible selection of beauty & skincare products.  They carry all of my favorite beauty brands including: Bobbi Brown, Christian Dior, YSL, NARS, Perricone MD & most recently, Mustela (for the babe).  The lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card to be used at any of the three sites: Apothica, SkincareRx or SkinBotanica.  I have to say, there's something for everyone on these three sites!

If I won that prize, I think I'd treat myself to some lipcolor...
1. Bobbi Brown creamy lip colors are incredible for everyday wear {above}

2. Chanel, Lover
Voted among the best red lip colors by ELLE

3. NARS, Positano lip gloss
Beauty fanatics agree on NARS as the best lip gloss.  This cinnamon-rose color is stunning!

How to play:

One entry for leaving a comment {must be a follower of TBF}
Also choose at least one of the following, extra entries for more than one:

Option 1: Facebook

1.    Visit Apothica.com

2.   Write on Apothica’s Facebook wall about what you think of Apothica

Bonus Entry: Opt in to Apothica’s Newsletter

Option 2: Twitter

1.    Visit Apothica.com

2.   Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account

Bonus Entry: Retweet Apothica’s tweet about this giveaway

Option 3: Blog

1.    Visit Apothica.com

2.   Write something on your blog about what you think of Apothica

Bonus Entry: Write about the brand I highlighted and link it to Apothica

The winner will be picked in two weeks...so stay tuned!

¡Buena suerte!

The Girl is Crafty {Like Ice Is Cold}

This spring's designer handmade trends scream DIY.
Who wants to host the crafting party?
I'll bring the faux Chanel logos if you promise you won't tell...

{chanel, reed krakoff, roberto cavalli, jimmy choo}

title via Adrock, MCA & Mike D; photos via style.com

Snow On Amsterdam: Perspective

Oh, Amsterdam. You're the crazy kind of place you typically visit as a red-eyed student in college. However, we first met when I was 14, merely a freshman in high school. In the summer of 1994 I was formally introduced to city staples like Amstel light and the red light {district}. We stayed on a house boat, I learned to drive stick in a parking lot and we posed for pictures in giant, wooden clogs. 

While the entire experience was etched into my mind, my most vivid and powerful memory took place far away from the wild sites in the city. As soon as I set foot in the apartment in which Anne Frank hid for over two years, my life and perspective was changed forever. I was so moved that I went on to write my college entrance essay about visiting her hiding place. If you've never learned about Anne Frank or haven't read her diary, I promise you'll be touched. And on this snowy day in New York, I look out my window wondering how many times she must have watched snow fall over canals, hoping to play in it, once again.

Perspective.

via pia jane bijkerk

Gucci Pre Fall 2011

I don't know about you, but I think the 70s was the most glamorous, sexiest & most memorable decade.  Not that I'd know personally, I was a child of the 80s.  However, I strongly believe I would have really thrived with all the glitz: oversized hats, over-the-top furs, extra tall boots & fabulously shiny hair.  Oh, I SO would have made that decade my own.  Good thing Gucci and every other designer has decided to bring it back for next season.  Who's going back to Studio 54 with me and Mick Jaggs?  All we need now is a vintage Rolls & some frosty pink lips...

via fgr

this library belongs to:

{Rod Stewart}

{Karl Lagerfeld}

{Woody Allen}

Three questions:

Which library is your favorite for a long, quiet read?

Would you mind if the owner joined?

What would you read?

Go read a book today & if you have children, make sure to read to them, too!

via flavorwire

Trending Topic: #FullSkirts

In a welcome break from the all too body conscious skirts of yesteryear, the new skirts for spring are full, fun and quite fabulous.  You all remember the circle skirts with the Mad Men silhouette by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton last year {if not, check it out here but do come right back}.  I wouldn't mind making room for these in my ever shrinking closet:

{Modcloth, $59.99}

{forever 21, $24.80}

{urban outfitters, $59}

{planet blue, $154}

{top shop, $80}

{bcbg, the missing piece online, $48}
*readers can use the code FRIEND for a 10% discount sitewide at the missing piece!*

So keep on carb loading this winter, ladies.  We all know you want to.  These full skirts have a strict "don't ask, don't tell policy."  And we won't.

top photo via fashionologie

Cable Knit Sweater Weather

I had to post this photo because every time I looked at it, I just got happy.  Living in New York, you really experience four true seasons.  This year, we went from an uncomfortably hot summer to the deep freeze of winter, seemingly in the blink of an eye.  When I think about my favorite time of the year, I'm able to pinpoint it quite precisely.  Here goes: having to wear a sweater & pants while not having to wear a jacket, yet.  That's my favorite kind of day.

What's yours?

via slumber designs

Trend Spotting: Spring Necklaces

Allow me to play trend forecaster for spring/summer.  Creative layering with funky statement jewels.  Ladies, I urge you to plunder your mom's jewelry boxes and your own if you were a child of the 70s or 80s.  If you haven't already air-kissed that statement necklace goodbye, toss it in a pile in the back of your closet and embrace the freedom to layer aimlessly.  Pick a neutral backdrop like a crisp, white shirt tucked into high waisted trousers or mega flare jeans.  If you're artistically inclined, try DIY: draw whimsical inspiration from your childhood and pair it with glam.  Wear it confidently and you really can't go wrong.

ps: I threw my hat in the ring to be Refinery 29's "Next Big Style Blogger."
If you love TBF, vote for me here:
Lisi
xoxo

via She Breathes (Little Lucia), Saucy Glossie

And two equals three...

This photo pretty much sums up what I aspire to be:

a fashionable, easy-breezy, tot-toting, lipstick & sunglass wearing mama.

The bleach blonde hair on my son is totally optional.

What are your style aspirations for 2011?

via splash news

Hail to the Chief: Alt's List

Emmanuelle Alt's Top Ten Fashion Must-Haves (via Magazine 20 Ans, the 1990s)

1. Black plastic flip flops, easy, chic, and sexy.

2. Black stockings by Wolford (because of the sublime campaign by Newton).

3. Black trousers by Helmut Lang, because they are timeless and low waisted, loose fitting but not too loose.

4. I don’t wear them [skirts] but from time to time a black Ann Demeulemeester skirt cut perfectly, barefoot, and the legs must be tan.

5. Black coat by Costume National, tiny cut, totally modern.

6. Glossies bra by Gossard, amazing, in either black or beige, like tights, seamless.

7. Black short-sleeved t-shirt by APC, because it is small, it looks like a t-shirt from the 1970s and it ages well.

8. Black sunglasses by Armani, like Bono of U2.

9. Air King watch by Rolex because they do not make one better.

10. Long black dress by Galliano, chic without being granny, sexy, pure with Manolo Blahnik heels.

info via: I want to be a Roitfeld, photo via monoxious

Picture This: Kate Moss & Golden Globes Roundup

Even when the models are fully clothed, Terry manages to make his photos ultra provocative.  "Over to the left a teeny bit.  Nope, just over to the right, a half a step.  And a little bit more...ok...got it!"  And there we have it: the sun setting in between Kate's legs.  Brilliant.

Kate Moss by Terry Richardson


Who watched the GG's last night?  Who did we love?  Who did we not love?
I couldn't get over Natalie's bold Viktor & Rolf choice and of course, her genuinely funny acceptance speech.  Lots & lots of fashion.  My favorite overall looks included: January Jones in teeny, tiny, red hot Versace, Mila Kunis in phenom green Vera Wang, Anne Hathaway in Armani {totally was betting on Valentino for her}, Angelina in green Versace, Lea Michele in understated Oscar de la Renta.


You can check out photos on my tumblr:
The Beauty File Tumbles

top via this or that, second via here

Proenza Schouler Pre Spring/Summer Accessories '11

While I have to admit, the clothes of this collection weren't really my style (sorry Man Repeller, Leandra), I wouldn't say "no" to any of the following, in no particular order:

1. top left two tone bag

2. gorgeous necklace

3. fifth row clutch

4. last row bags

Items, consider you on my wish list!!

via who what wear blog

Louis Vuitton Cruise Catalogue 2011

I'm always in love with the Vuitton catalogues, most especially because of the accessories.  How heavenly are the leather driving gloves, sunglasses, scarves, sandals & hats?  And how much do I wish I could wear any of these in the freezing tundra that is New York right now?  Here's a helpful little tidbit: my friend Amanda recently told me that if you bring any LV wallet {or bag, we think} to the LV store, they will monogram the inside with your initials within minutes.  I'm totally doing it to my wallet that I got from my mother-in-law a few years back.  I'd love to think that in fifty years from now my granddaughter will look inside her wallet and see my initials.  Classic.

the stars were aligned...

And everyone looked STUNNING this week!

Who: Blake Lively

What: wore a Marchesa dress, Burberry Prorsum pumps

When: 1.12.11

Where: NYC

Why: National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Awards Gala

Who: Natalie Portman

What: wore a silk Vionnet dress, Cartier earrings, Dior heels

 When: 1.10.11

Where: Palm Springs

Why: The Palm Springs International Film Awards Gala

Who: Rachel McAdams

What: wore a Geren Ford dress with Michael Kors sandals

When: 1.14.11

Where: Madrid

Why: Morning Glory Press Event

I am so excited for the stars to come out this Sunday for the Globes! I'll be making my traditional baked ziti in the afternoon and live tweeting the fashion on the red carpet.  Join the party!

Follow @thebeautyfile

photos via InStyle

Maison Martin Margiela at Les Sources de Caudalie

This unbelievable hideaway, designed by Martin Margiela, sits atop stilts at the luxurious Caudalie spa in Bordeaux. His elegant taste coupled with his superior eye for design lead to this unique pairing of calfskin rugs, rough edged mirrors & antique furniture. Avant-garde meets uncluttered design. AND you can get a red wine bath or grape-seed oil massage. The ultimate spa experience in what might be the most heavenly atmosphere? I am sooooo there.

{the lips are a replica of Salvador Dali's Mae West sofa, 1936}

images via Nowness

Birkin?

If it looks like a Birkin...

These $35, unapologetically non-Hermès bags by Thursday Friday have me smitten as a kitten...purrrrrr. While you may wait 5 years to get your hands on the real thing, you'll also be out over $10K, and really, who's spending like that these days? Every single color is on back order until late February so get your name on their list now & have it for your mid-winter jaunt to the islands. And for the price of one authentic Birkin, you can buy 285.7 of these.  You do the math.

via T magazine, photos from Thursday Friday