NARS Beauty at 2010 Emmy Awards

Working with celebrity makeup artist Melanie Inglessis, the NARS team designed Lea Michele's (Glee) makeup for the 2010 Emmy Awards. Showcasing products from their new Fall collection, the look was playful yet classic.

Lea Michele of Glee wearing NARS makeup.

“My inspiration was the era of the 60’s. I thought of Raquel Welch and Bridget Bardot: the winged eye, the nude lip. The dress is so classic, so we wanted to be adventurous with her eyes – giving a dash of color with the new Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil – and kept the lip nude with Tashkent Pure Matte!” Inglessis explained.

Items used on Lea Michele:

·         PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base & Skin Smoothing Face Prep
·         Douceur Blush (NEW for Fall 2010)
·         Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow (Fall 2010)
·         Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil (Fall 2010)
·         Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick (Fall 2010)

NARS also collaborated with celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow to create a soft, natural look for Keri Russell.

Keri Russell wearing NARS 2010 Fall makeup.

“We wanted to give her look a classic feel to coincide with the vintage dress she’s wearing. Her warm skin tone and the coolness of the dress was the perfect combination for reflecting the same tones through her makeup: warm eyes, and a cool peachy matte lip. It’s flirty with a bit of sass.” Turnbow said.

Items used on Keri:

·         PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Skin Smoothing Face Prep
·         Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow
·         Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo
·         Douceur Blush topped with Desire Blush for a pop of color
·         Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick

The new Pure Matte Lipstick will be available on September 1st exclusively at Saks.com. 

Julia Roberts' Look for "Eat, Pray, Love" Premiere

Just for the Eat, Pray, Love fans: Lancôme Ambassador Julia Roberts rocked an elegant red carpet look last night at the film premiere. Celebrity makeup artist Genevieve Herr channeled a modern palette that played up Julia’s beautiful light brown eyes.

For a natural complexion, Genevieve used the new Lancome Teint Miracle Foundation, Laura Mercier Secret Concealer and Secret Brightening Powder. She followed with a plum cream blush on the apples of her cheeks.

Julia Roberts at the "Eat, Pray, Love" film premiere. (Image credit: WireImage)

Soft, smoky eyes were achieved with Le Crayon Khôl Black Ebony eyeliner and eyeshadow from the new French Coquettes French Touch Color Design Quad. Lashes were topped with Définicils Precious Cells Mascara in Black. Julia's neutral lip had Le Lipstique Lip Liner in Sheer Natural and Color Design Lipstick in Love It! A dab of Juicy Tubes in Spring Fling completed her charming photo-ready smile.

To purchase products: www.lancome-usa.com

The 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival (4/22-5/6)

If you're a film lover and you live in the SF Bay Area, the 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival is starting tomorrow (April 22 - May 6). The largest film event in SF, this year's festival program is showcasing 177 films over a span of fifteen days. I'm very excited to see that Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Micmacs" will be the opening night film. I'm also planning to see the romantic drama "Cairo Time" next week (starring Patricia Clarkson).

Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "Micmacs." Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

Here are a few picks for the festival:

"The Portuguese Nun" - The beautiful Lisbon scenes and moving fado music make this film worth seeing.  Julie (Leonor Baldaque), a young French actress working in the Portuguese capital, examines the many forms of love and happiness as she wanders around the city. Director Eugène Green has a unique way of evoking the same nostalgic yearning in each scene. You can feel it as fallen leaves swirl along the cobblestone sidewalk, on the ancient walls and even at desolate street corners. The actors adapt a strange, stilted dialogue and their way of looking directly at the camera is a bit startling, but it does work and you leave the theater with your own feelings of saudade.

A scene from Eugène Green's "The Portuguese Nun." Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

"Around a Small Mountain" - After accepting Kate's (Jane Birkin) invitation to see her family's circus performance, a wealthy Italian traveler (Sergio Castellano) is seduced by the nomadic circus life and postpones his Barcelona trip. As he follows the troupe from town to town, he finds his place on the stage and discovers Kate's melancholic past. The sleepy French countryside provides a calming counterpoint as we watch the heroine struggle to escape her inner demons.

Jane Birkin and Sergio Castellano in Jacques Rivette's "Around A Small Mountain." Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

"Woman on Fire Looks for Water" - Yearning and regret are the major themes in this meditative look at life in a Malaysian fishing village. Sensing the approach of death, the elder Ah-kau attempts to rekindle a lost love while his son Ah-fei navigates his first romantic relationship. Ah-fei's love interest refuses to marry him until he earns a solid income, bringing us the age-old struggles of attaining economic power and social status. Director Woo Ming-jin shows a lot of promise with this tender and quietly resonating film.

Woo Ming-jin's "Woman on Fire Looks for Water." Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

"Littlerock" - Embarking on their first U.S. road trip, a Japanese brother and sister get stranded in a California desert town. Despite the language barrier Atsuko is enchanted with the small town and decides to spend a few days with the local youths. She soon gets caught in a love triangle while Rintaro discovers the not-so-pleasant side of the Golden State. 

Mike Ott's "Littlerock." Courtesy of SFFS.

"Empire of Silver" - Christina Yao's film debut is a visual treat in many ways. Set in China's Shanxi province, this epic tale of the powerful Kang family deals with war, love and succession within their vast banking empire. Sharing a small but important part of Chinese history, Yao's style is reminiscent of the Chinese Fifth Generation filmmakers. Fans of Hong Kong pop star Aaron Kwok will be thrilled to see him in the role of Third Master. Jennifer Tilly also appears in a supporting role.

Aaron Kwok and Hao Lei in Christina Yao's "Empire of Silver." Courtesy of San Francisco Film Society.

For more info and to purchase tickets, go to: fest10.sffs.org/

The Bird and the Bee: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates

The Bird and the Bee is back with a cool new album! For those who are nostalgic for the 70s and 80s, their new release, Interpreting the Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates, is a loving homage to Hall & Oates' greatest hits.

Get ready to bop along with these reinvented songs. As the title indicates, these are not plain old covers. With Inara George's pretty airy vocals and Greg Kurstin's pop electronica arrangements, these two spun out an honest and personal interpretation of the music legends.

I thought "I Can't Go For That" was really well done. Same thing goes for "Private Eyes" and "Kiss On My List." Their version of "Maneater" isn't nearly as intense as the original version, but as a treat for Garbage fans they got Shirley Manson to perform backup vocals.

There is one original track from The Bird and the Bee, which is also the opening track ("Heard It On The Radio"). The peppy pop song does a perfect job of introducing the younger generations to Hall & Oates' awesome songwriting.

Photo Credit: Brigitte Sires

Alas, vocalist Inara George is about to have a baby any day now, so it will be a while before they perform again. Their concerts are fun - their backup singers put on these cute dance moves and the fans love to sing along with the duo.

For more info on them, head over to thebirdandthebee.com and bluenote.com.

Meaghan Smith - The Cricket's Orchestra

Maybe it's the swing dancer in me, but I just adore Meaghan Smith's charmingly timeless voice. Her full length debut album, The Cricket's Orchestra, brings you back to the era of big band orchestras.

Describing her style as 'modern vintage,' Smith's pretty looks remind me of Zooey Deschanel. Her "Heartbroken" track makes me wanna jump up for a dance. My other favorites are "If You Asked Me," "A Little Love," "I Know" and "You Got Out." There's a touch of country in "Drifted Apart" and "Poor" shows off her modern songwriting ability.

Her music videos are real adorable, with Technicolor backdrops and animated cartoon characters. Check this one out for "A Little Love."

Smith also has a fun cover video of the Pixies song "Here Comes Your Man." This was featured in the film (500) Days of Summer.

You can also listen to her lovely vocals here and at www.meaghansmith.com.

Norah Jones The Fall

I've always admired the highly talented Norah Jones. Even if her debut performance in My Blueberry Nights wasn't exactly Oscar-worthy, it's still a great first appearance on celluloid. Seriously, who could turn down a chance to work with Wong Kar Wai? I also loved her collaboration with Q-Tip on "Life is Better" - it's a playful departure from her signature sound.

Working with new musicians, her recent release The Fall heads into angst territory. It's not as warm and fuzzy, with a strong leaning on guitar and less on the piano.

The first song, the catchy "Chasing Pirates," is something we expect of Jones. My favorite of the album is the last track, "Man of the Hour." Her vocals just shine through and the lyrics are so cute. "Even Though" is a sultry piece filled with longing while "Young Blood" is another pretty song to groove to as you work.

To promote the new album, Norah Jones is embarking on a four-month international concert tour this year. For more info on tour dates and other music news, go to www.norahjones.com and www.myspace.com/norahjones.

For editorial consideration, a review album was provided for this review.

Pink Martini Splendor In The Grass

One of my all-time favorite groups, Pink Martini, recently came out with their fourth album, Splendor in the Grass. With nine original songs and four covers, I'm happy to say it's another strong collection for their fans. If you don't know who this awesome 12-piece orchestra is, you need to run out today and buy all four albums.

There are so many great songs in this release. I adore the French cha-cha "Où Est Ma Tête?" It's très charmant, I tell you. You can't help but smile and sing along with this track. I'm a total romantic so "Over the Valley" is another favorite of mine. As usual, China Forbes did an amazing job on the acoustic reprise of "Ninna Nanna."

This album is packed with guest stars. Courtney Taylor-Taylor of the Dandy Warhols plays the electric guitar on "Splendor in the Grass" and Emilio Delgado, aka "Luis" on Sesame Street, sings the Spanish parts of "Sing." And, to my delight, NPR Justice Correspondent Ari Shapiro's sexy vocals are debuted on the fun and catchy "But Now I'm Back."

These guys are so much fun, you have to catch them live in concert. I've seen them several times and it's always a grand time. For concert tour dates and more info go to: pinkmartini.com

Squirrel Nuts Zippers Lost at Sea

All you swing lovers, listen up. After a nine-year break from recording music, the beloved Squirrel Nut Zippers are back with a new album!

Their brand-spankin' live release, "Lost at Sea," is a must-have for any SNZ fanatic. Even if you're not a fan, it will do you some good to get this aural gem. It features all the popular hits from the band, and it's all performed with a fresh and zingy feel. With snazzy vocals from Jim 'Jimbo' Mathus and Katherine Whalen, the highly spirited band will transport you back to a 1920's speakeasy.

Some of my favorites are the charming "Prince Nez," the foot-stomping "Suits Are Picking Up The Bill," and the old-timey "Good Enough For Granddad." And, just in time for Halloween, no one can resist the spooky and fun "Ghost of Stephen Foster" and the ever-dramatic "Hell."

If you can't make it to their live shows, this album is the next best thing. It will turn any joint into the hottest party around. They also plan to release a new album sometime next year, so stay tuned. In the meantime, get your dancing shoes on...the Zippers are back!

www.snzippers.com

52nd SF International Film Festival

I always get excited when the annual SF International Film Festival rolls around. This year marks SFIFF's 52nd year, and the selections are as exciting as ever. This year's star-studded appearances include Robert Redford, Francis Ford Coppola, Evan Rachel Wood, and Elijah Wood. I'm looking forward to watching 500 Days of Summer (starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, Rudo Y Cursi (Gael García Bernal - drool!), and La Mission (with Benjamin Bratt). Here are a few films to check out: Versailles (France) - Versailles is a heartbreaking look at 'les marginaux' in France. Damien (Guillaume Depardieu) is a homeless man living in the woods caring for Enzo, a five-year-old child left behind by his mother. This is one of Depardieu's last performances, and it's one you shouldn't miss. I liked how director Pierre Schoeller refused to show sentiment between man and child, and instead hones in on the brutal hardships of extreme poverty. Fighting cold, illness, and hunger, the two form a bond that's as real as a father-son bond. Despite the grave nature of the film, it's also an uplifting look of survival. Guillaume Depardieu and Max Baissette de Malglaive in Versailles 35 Shots of Rum (France) - Claire Denis's finely wrought narrative of a small circle of Parisian friends is a thoughtful mediation on the many different forms of love. This tight 'family' of friends and relatives center around Lionel (Alex Descas), a train engineer, who lives with his daughter Jo (Mati Diop). A taxi driver (Nicole Dogué) lives in the same building, along with Noe, a brooding young man. It's not obvious in the beginning, but we get to piece each relationship together as the film goes along. I love how the small moments (Descas's strong, silent gazes are so elegant and deliver such power) create such an emotional impact on the overall feel of the film. Agnés Godard’s delicate cinematography is meant to enjoyed slowly and thoroughly. Mati Diop and Alex Descas in 35 Shots of Rum Artemisia (Taiwan) - First-time director Chiang Hsiu Chiung worked with New Wave master Hou Hsiao-hsien, and her gentle and leisurely paced film is centered around a conservative widow coming to terms with her son's homosexuality and her daughter's out-of-wedlock child. Actress Pan Li Li's performance is a solid portrayal of an older generation trying to understand the modern realities of their children. Pan Li Li and Mo Tzu-Yi in Artemisia French Girl (France/Morocco) - National and self identities are deeply questioned for young French-born Sofia in Souad El-Bouhati’s wonderful first feature. After her father loses his job, the entire family relocates back to their homeland of Morocco. Trying to retain her proud Gallic origins, Sofia toils away in her university studies while her traditional parents try to reign in her headstrong personality. Longing to return to her beloved France, she declares “If I stay here, I’ll die.” César Award–winning actress Hafsia Herzi lends the character of Sofia a passionate and maturity to the character, making this film thoroughly enjoyable. Hafsia Herzi in French Girl The SFIFF runs April 23 to May 7. Tickets are on sale at: fest09.sffs.org/info/box_office.php.

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IFB Links a la Mode March 19

Spring Fever: Are harem pants a passing phase? Check out what reLYME has to say...Practice your smokey eye as The Coveted gets tips from Benefit Cosmetics! Also, it might be a good time to spring clean your make up kit with What the Pros Do; If you're short on cash, Retro Chick give 5 tips to have fun anyway, and if you Do have cash, Consume or Consumed delves into her habits.

The full version of Links à la Mode is here in the forums - lots of great posts there too.

A Few Goody GumDrop If you are coming apart at the seems then enter to win torn leggings from LnA! Breakfast at Saks - Still sifting through Paris Fashion Week shows? Be sure to make time for Ann Demeulemeester F/W 09.10 Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - Check, Please! Consume or Consumed - Consume or Consumed Sees Double and Triple: On Buying Multiples Couture Cult - CoutureCult.com: Alison Lewis (formerly of Mooka Kinney), Spring/Summer 09 Debutante Clothing - Missoni is Inspired By Vintage Modernist Necklaces Dogmom's Dish - Desperately Seeking Orla Fashion Daydream - What your didn’t see at Fashion Week: A behind the scenes look into fashion week, fashionistas en route to the shows and models being made up. Fashion Pulse Daily - reports on the latest colors for fall 2009 Felicia Sullivan - beauty & styling products that work for curly, coarse hair, really work. part 1: frederic fekkai fete a fete - Larkspur & Hawk's GORGEOUS antique and vintage inspired Independent Fashion Bloggers - Burnout Aversion Tips From Bloggers reLYME - An analysis of the Persian-inspired trend that's hitting the runway Retro Chick - Top 5 Ways to have fun with no money Shopping and Info - Gossip Girl scarves bags and jewelry oh my! Solo Lisa - Sunny fashion picks inspired by Freida Pinto's character in Slumdog Studio Purpura Fashion Blog - Shopping Hops in the Far & South East Asia! Style Symmetry - Interview with Jennine of The Coveted! Style With Anna - Fashion for Guys: How to Dress Like David Beckham THE COVETED - Exclusive Video Preview & Tutorial: Benefit Smokin'; Eyes the musings of ondo lady - Get ready for a retro prequel of Gossip Girl which is about the trials and tribulations of a teenage Lily van der Woodsen what the pros do - Spring Clean Your Makeup Kit!

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