Valentino: a story of love, fashion, pugs, and being tan

Since the entire fashion world (including us) have been anticipating the release of Valentino: The Last Emperor we had to check it out to evaluate if it lived up to the hype. Well...it did. The film follows Valentino and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti as they plan shows, create couture, and contemplate the future of the couture house.
Valentino's fashions are centered around classic glamour and he grew up dreaming of designing clothes for ladies of the silver screen. Viewers learn that Giancarlo is the brains behind the business side of Valentino. Their 50+ year relationship is incredible and a real highlight of the documentary. They work together, live together, and have somehow managed to stay with each other all these years. The banter between Giancarlo and Valentino is absolutely classic and keeps you smiling throughout. Keep your ears open for them calling each other fat and Giancarlo telling Valentino he's looking too tan. Lets also not forget Valentino's five pugs who were total scene sealers.
At the screening I attended the director, Matt Tyrnauer, showed up at the end to answer questions and give more of an insight into the creation of the film. Matt met Valentino when he was sent to Rome to write an article on the fashion mastermind for Vanity Fair. Matt dreaded this as he knew nothing about fashion, but was instead fascinated with Rome's rich history. While meeting with Valentino for he became associated with the dynamic relationship between him and Giancarlo. After the article was published headlines in Italy read: Valentino Is Gay. Not sure how that slipped by them, but they are a more conservative country. After all, right next to Rome is Vatican City.
Anyways, after completion of this assignment is when Matt got the idea of creating a film centered around Valentino. He and his crew spent time commuting back and forth between NY and Europe. Somedays they would go into to shoot and be told by Giancarlo that there would be "no movie today" because he and Valentino weren't speaking. Hence, why their bickering is so pivotal and fun to watch. As you'll learn in the film, Valentino is a hard headed individual who can be quite stubborn.
Giancarlo is the more levelheaded one of the two. He even had many ideas and opinions to offer up to the directing and producing of the film. Most of them didn't exactly make the cut, but one that did was of Giancarlo walking around in his snug swim shorts as their yacht docked in Venice. Genius! Actually, when it came to the final cut of the film Valentino and Giancarlo didn't get the documentary style and weren't exactly thrilled with the outcome. It took a few screenings for them to lighten up. Although, as you may have noticed by all of his recent US press, Valentino is all about being a movie star! Looks like he was born to do something else besides fashion after all.

Now Showing at Laemmle Susnset 5. Visit Valentinomovie.com for more details.
Images courtesy Acolyte Films and Check out The Most Fashionable Pug Contest

Happy Caffeine Month!

Happy National Caffeine Awareness Month!

If you voted yes on that non-diet soda the other day or are still recovering from a gay dance party and needed an extra shot in your latte, don't feel bad! It's all in honor of National Caffeine Awareness Month! OK OK...so they're more advocating that you be aware of caffeine and it's potential harmful effects, but whatever if you need a wake me up, then go for it! That's what my furry friend Coffee Cat told me.

In honor of the month DermaQuest hit me with their best shot literally, two of their top products have caffeine in them to wake up boring skin. I tried out the DermaFirm which is supposed to reduce the appearance of cellulite and firm the skin. When testing it out I noticed that it provides a cooling and calming sensation to the skin so you can feel it working. While primping for a night out I glazed on the C-Lipolic Lip Enhancer. The clear gloss makes my lips naturally brighter, although I didn't see as significant a change as the model lips pictured.

So go on and Caffeine it up!

DermaQuest products available at Pure Med Spa 8500 Beverly Blvd., Suite 798 Los Angeles, 90048

Time's running out for these chic Rock & Republic palettes

Are you ready to rock? I am, thanks to this awesome Rock & Republic limited edition lip gloss palette that I have in my purse. Yes, you should be jealous. Plus, it has the coolest packaging ever, which goes without saying when it comes to all R&R cosmetics. (Check out our previous review of their mascara and luxe gloss to remind you.)

Their limited edition palettes reflect R&R's trademark combination of rebellious style and sophisticated femininity to make you embrace your inner femme fatale. Got a hot date, these colors will leave him speechless! Plus, these limited edition palettes are encased in super-chic black compacts embossed with the Rock & Republic insignia. I just love pulling mine out when I need to reapply, "Oh don't mind me and my super cool makeup!"

The limited edition palettes include the afore mentioned gloss in shades called "Confession" and "Conspiracy," an essential eye liner, and two different variations of an eye color trio.

Want to get your Pretty hands on some? I don't blame you, but you really do need to hurry because of the whole "limited edition" part of it. So run yourself over to Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom before the end of March and nab yourself one (or all!) of these sexy palettes. In not time, you'll be looking as badass and this furry little rocker below:



March Makeup Madness!

What about the CAT???

Flying cat alert! Kenley Collins, most known for her pretty feather headwear and being the one PR contestant who could get under Tim Gunn's skin, was just involved in a domestic dispute. The victim? Her (we hope, ex) fiance Zak Penley, the man with the scared, frozen smile in the picture below:

Apparently, she woke him up by throwing their cat in his face (alert PETA!!!) and then she switched to throwing a laptop at him. After falling to the floor, he tried to crawl away, and that's when Kenley slammed a door on his head and then began pelting him with apples. Oh, and lest we forget, she also poured water on him. The poor guy called 911 and she was promptly jailed.

According to The Celebrity New Examiner, she was released. But what about the cat??? Hopefully TMZ's reporters are on the case!

Cat image via Tubcat.

Models making monkeys

Supermodel Coco Rocha is primarily known for her stage presence and striking look. But, according to her blog did you also know that she loves to doodle? Yes! She is a stellar artist who can sketch out everything from houses to monkeys.
















Courtesy of Oh So Coco

Lush helping to Save Our Seals

Sorry to manipulate your emotions with the dangerously cute picture above, but we had to talk about Canadian Commercial Seal Hunt, the largest mass slaughter of marine animals in the world. More than 275, 000 seals will be killed this year, most of which are only a couple of weeks old and with no means to defend themselves or escape. Although 69% of Canadians and 80% of Americans disapprove, the "hunt" continues, and Lush is doing what it can to stop it with their Save Our Seals Campaign.

Their new bubble bar in the shape of a baby seal, created especially for the campaign, was named "First Swim" because many of the seals that are killed are so young that they have yet to go into the water. A full 100% of the proceeds from the bar are going to Sea Shepherd, an organization that directly intervenes on the high seas to stop sealers from killing baby harp seals. Furthermore, you can stop into any Lush and sign a postcard declaring that you're against the seal hunt - Lush will be sending them directly to Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper. You can even add your name to the online petition here.

Lush Cosmetics, 312 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills.

Cavalli likes it doggy style

Roberto Cavalli is introducing Roberto Cavalli Pets and gave W Magazine the inside scoop on his new litter. Animals are uber-important to him and his wife, they parent quite the hodge podge of pets. W wrote, "The couple have two monkeys, seven parrots, three cats, one iguana and more horses than they care to count. They also have a Saint Bernard and two bichons frises. Eva’s animal instincts inspired her husband’s latest endeavor, Roberto Cavalli Pets."

The collection is for small and medium sized pooches. The looks will entail a velour tracksuit for those errand running, but don't feel like getting dressed up kind of days. Also, satin-trimmed bathrobes, printed silk shorts, and puffer and shearling jackets. Accessories include quilted dog carriers and patent-leather collars and leashes. Just what the doggy ordered!

I wonder if Valentino will want to buy these for his pugs which tend to steal the spotlight?

Source: W

Hair on a budget with John Frieda

This morning I was all about the inexpensive makeup, and this afternoon, I'm all about the inexpensive hair products thanks to John Frieda. I saw a commercial for their brand-spanking new Root Awakening line last night and fell in love with the fact that each product is under $7! How's that for Not in this Economy living?? Designed to purify and nourish your roots and scalp, the shampoo, conditioner and detangling spray are all formulated with natural Eucalyptus. So that's why koalas have such nice hair!

And if you're a color-treated Pretty like me, you're probably putting off your next salon color (err...or my next purchase of box color). Luckily John Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze is there to pump up my color between dyeing. For under $10 a bottle, it leaves your hair with a just-walked-out-of-the-salon shine and a glossy finish. This is second-fave type of glaze (doughnuts will always come in first).

Nordstrom's shoe sale - friend or foe?

Need a little retail therapy? Well, Nordstrom is having a shoe clearance! I know this is very difficult, our minds are screaming "Not in this economy!" while our feet and eyes are going gaga over some strapped styles.

But, watch out because it is a total money trap! One of those times where you'll go "I'll just browse," but spend way too much and try to make excuses for your purchases.

Proceed at your own risk!

Dog products so good, you'll want them for yourself

We LA Pretties also want nothing but the best for our furry friends. So we're happy to see some of our fave companies offering wonderful products for our pooches.

With Kiehls, you always get quality so you can trust that their pet products including the Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo and Conditioner are fabulous. The shampoo is suitable for all fur-types and the soap-free pH-balances formula is gentle on their face and skin and will leave them with a refreshing lavender scent. Then leave your pooch's coat with a glossy sheen and soft feel with their conditioner. It's formulated with chamomile flower extract - nature's own hair and skin conditioner - along with palm kernel.

The ultra-cool grooming product and accessories line Pet Head is also a great place to not only find the coolest leashes anywhere, but also pick up some products for your pooch. As you can probably decipher from the packaging style, they are indeed from the same cool folks at Bed Head. We especially love the Life's an Itch anti-irritation shampoo and my dog will especially love Quickie, the quick rinsing shampoo. They also offer a fur de-tangling spray, a deodorizing spray and even a dry shampoo for those "I will NOT get in that tub!" kind of dogs.

I saved my personal fave for last: Mrs. Meyer's Pet Clean Day Freshening Spray is so delicious smelling that I use it as an air-freshener all the time just because. I couldn't find the pet products on the Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day website, so get this ASAP before they disappear (I picked up mine at Cost Plus). This spray has the most delicious scent that it just makes you so happy when it's in the air. They call it "Clary Sage Chamomile," I call it perfection. Made from all natural essential oils, it's also supposed to be soothing and calming for your pet. Well I don't know about my doggie, but it sure calms me down!

Top pic of Sparky via CuteOverload.

Wherein I become Tim Gunn for the dog show ladies

While it's freezing cold (by LA standards) this Pretty is tucking herself into bed with her trusty laptop and catching up on the Westminster Dog Show. I was so giddy after seeing all the dogs (especially the intoxicating, delightful Frenchies!) but I couldn't help but be distracted by the deplorable outfits I saw loping around the show ring.

Source
Source
Just because it's expected that dog handlers be frumpy, doesn't make it right. I saw many a male handler sashaying around the ring (if you get my meaning) in impeccable suits, looking just as refined and well-groomed as the dogs they were leading. So why isn't it the same for the female handlers? After all, if you're going to be in Madison Square Garden in front of thousands of people and on TV in front of millions, why wear a frumpy suit and unspeakably awful flats?!

Intense internet research (for about 10 minutes until I lost interest) has led me to find out that there are certain customary obligations when it comes to handler dress. It's pretty much the same dress code for going to church. This I understand (though I do find it funny that the female judges wear the most inappropriately overdressed sequined gowns, but I digress). You want to dress modestly, professionally, and not too flamboyantly in case you distract from the true star: the dog.

So I would like to offer these women a very simple, very easy solution: the pantsuit. This Calvin Klein number is not only chic and professional, it's also suitable for all body-types.

Doesn't this look better than those knee-length skirts with grandma hose and dowdy flats? In this ensemble you can get on your knees, run around the ring, bend over, and do all the things you dog handlers need to do with finesse while you're in front of tons of people without worrying about your outfit. Plus, it looks way better to wear flats with pants than with a skirt. And speaking of shoes, oh god, their choices in shoes...

What makes it even worse is when they handle small dogs like my beloved French Bulldog wearing the most awful shoes. It's all I can see because the dogs only come up to mid-shin. While the camera is zooming in on those wonderful canines as they're prance, prance, prancing around the ring, the terrible shoes also get a ton of camera time. Really sometimes, the ugliness of the shoes has the opposite effect of "dressing for success" in handling terms as it clearly distracts from the wonderful dog. This chick below has it right:

Source

I don't know if she's showing for sure, but her shoes are classy enough to share a frame with this beautiful creature. Apparently dog handler shoes need to have low to no heel, be indoor and outdoor friendly, and be comfortable enough to run around the ring in. Okay, less than 5 minutes of browsing on Zappos.com gives me these:
Get them here.
Get them here.
Get them here.

Those last ones may ruffle some feathers (Egads! They're turquoise and have flair!), but they were too cute not to post. Okay ladies, now get to shopping!

xx,
N

Pinkberry Puppy Scandal!

We at LA Pretty love our furry friends and know where our little buddies are and are not permitted. During a post-dinner snack at Pinkberry I noticed two pooches in the dining area.

One was being held by its owners in the corner and seemed very well behaved. However, my Partner in Pretty informed me that it's actually not permitted have dogs on your lap in dinning establishments, they must be on the ground. Well, these LA mavens didn't get the memo, and their pooch was practically on the table licking Pinkberry remnants (which probably isn't good for Fido). Here's an incognito image taken of the little Maltese below. I assure you that's not a purse, it's a pup.
The second pooch was a lone wanderer in the shop. He was originally near the other doggy, but left to peruse around the entrance. This little guy had no collar, tags, or leash on. The dog was naked of all identity and wandered in and out of the store for at least 10 minutes. Some customers stop to give him a little pat, while others completely ignored him. I found it very odd that the owner was no where in sight and employees didn't seem to care at all. Fellow customers found it odd as well because I could hear them talking about it. Well finally a large not-so-friendly looking woman came in and picked up the little pooch. She took him to the back and didn't come out again. Thus, I'm assuming that this was the location's manager or supervisor.


Now, as most of us know animals are not allowed inside restaurants. So, how is someone that works inside Pinkberry able to bring their pet into the building? Does she have a note from her therapist like the crazy lady in our building who takes her Yorkie everywhere? This obviously is not a seeing eye dog either.

This poor little guy wandered in and out of the store and a few more steps could've been out on the busy street. Why was there no identification on the dog either? Are people really that stupid and obvious? Well, apparently yes and apparently they hang out at Pinkberry.

Pinkberry has always hit the sweet spot for all of us in LA. But with the economy's doom and gloom taking its toll on everyone; they should be putting effort into the locations and people they want to keep. The shop does always has friendly service and staff with a smile, but seriously if some dog is just wandering around the entrance maybe employees should do something about it? Lets not forget the popularity of frozen yogurt is on the decline, so it's time to up the customer experience. It's hard to enjoy my swirly goodness, while I'm worried about a lonely dog.

xx,
Amy

Fuck You, Penguin

Hi Pretties!

Yes, it's Friday and we have a hilarious website for you to check out during your last few hours at "work." Fuck You, Penguin is our Pretty Pick of the Week and you can see why. We can't stop laughing at the author's ability to chew out obnoxiously cute and clever animals.

For Instance:

A quote from a recent post titled, "What conceited meerkats really want to do is direct":

"Oh my God, you little highly social jerk off. It's not enough that you get your OWN FUCKING SHOW, you have to be Ansel fucking Adams with the camera. But this is exactly what happens when animals get too popular, it all goes to their heads and they start to think they should be running the show."

Another fantastic post is, "Iguanas are living in the past":

"Not to be a dick or anything, Iguana, but you're not a fucking dinosaur. I know you roam around showing off your scaly skin, beady little eyes, and your nose holes. And yes, I've seen your tongue. But let me ask you a few questions. Can I ride you? Do you have answering machine messages from Steven Spielberg? WERE YOU ON MY SHOES WHEN I WAS EIGHT???

So don't waddle or slither or whatever you do over here and pretend that you rule the earth. WELCOME TO THE QUATERNARY PERIOD, IGUANA."

What are you waiting for? Add Fuck You, Penguin to your bookmarks now!

Donna Karan is no longer a "bunny butcher"

Donna Karan has officially gone fur free thanks to a collaborative effort from Tim Gunn and PETA. The duo made a video showcasing the horrible truth about the fur trade industry urging designers Karan and Armani to stop using animal hair. PETA also created a now offline and not-so-friendly website, DonnaKaranBunnyButcher.com.


It looks like these guerrilla tactics worked and makes for some happy bunnies in the world. However, something tells us that the Armani crew won't be such an easy win.

We all know that bunnies are born to be wild and these furry friends are celebrating this win in style!



Story via ecorazzi;
bunny photo source

New trend in eco-fashion: salmon skin

Something that's caught our Pretty eye is bag and accessories company One October. Sure, their designs are both edgy while timeless (like their Joanna clutch above), but they're also eco-savvy. While most exotic leathers are obtained from the skins of endangered species, LA-based One October opts for using salmon skin.

"Whuh?" this salmon is surely thinking.

Salmon skin is only an industrial residue from the farmed salmon industry, yet it is considered "exotic" leather. So by using salmon skin, One October aims to give us high fashion in an environmentally sustainable way.

And the EU agrees:
In many ways, salmon skins are highly suitable for tanning – they are relatively large and thick and are very flexible, and, most importantly, are inexpensive. Coupled to this, the salmon industry is very stable, so fish factories can offer a regular supply of skins.

We love how One October is helping us still stay trendy and hip without wasting precious environmental materials. Their Valentine collection includes the same clutch from above in pink and this pretty pink number called Barbara below:

Available online or at Satine; 8117 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles.

The Prettiest Pretty at the Globes

It's time we announce our Pretty Pick from last night's Golden Globes! While lots of ladies where fetching in purple, the actress who stood out as the Prettiest was the gorgeous Jenna Fischer (Pam from The Office).

Image via JustJared.

We loved her bohemian-chic Zuhair Murad number, but what really took us aback was her exquisite makeup. We didn't even recognize her at first since we usually only see her in character as makeup-less, but still super cute Pam.

Our Pretty Pick was expertly dolled up for the occasion by makeup artist Brett Freedman. Read on for his tools and tips:

Foundation: LORAC Oil Free Powder Foundation in #02 (light)

Loose Powder: * magic by Prescriptives in Deep Translucent. "It has a gorgeous light reflective quality with a hint of bronze and photographs beautifully."

Concealer: Cle De Peau Concealer in Beige.

Blush: Almay Smart Shade Blush in Natural, topped with LORAC Oil Free Illuminating Powder in Luminous on apples of the cheeks.

Eyeshadow: RIMMEL Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadow in #330 Azure, applied wet and swept over lids and blended down to a sheer finish.

Liquid Liner: LANCOME Laque Liner in Pure Black. "Applied a line across the top lash line, thickening and extending out and upward for a dramatic look."

Brow Highlight Shadow: LOREAL HiP pigment powder in Restless. "I love to have a bright, crisp browbone. This champagne hued shadow looks natural yet packs a punch."

Mascara: VANITYMARK 'the LASH' in Blackest. "Three coats were applied to really amp up the top lashline. One full coat on the bottom to give eyes definition without overpowering the top lash line."

Faux Lashes: Kre-At Beauty individual lashes. "A mix of the short (on the inner eye) and the long (for outer) in black were used to give an alluring sweep."

Body Bronzer: VANITYMARK Summerskin, "applied first to 'tone down' the tawny shade so Jenna would have a healthy glow without being too tan. When you're showing that much flesh it's good to have a nice lift of color."

Lips: BENEFIT Pocket Pal in Benetint.

We absolutely love how Brett mixed high-end with low-cost cosmetics showing that you don't have spend a Pretty penny to look stunning. The results? Perfection!

Image courtesy of Wire Image.

P.S.

We Pretties also love Jenna for her work with LA's Kitten Rescue where a couple of our own furry friends came from. Check out her funny video promoting their annual Fur Ball here.