In this Ask Elle post, searching for Beyonce's "Diva" glasses, the dry skin blues, the necessity of eye cream and what to wear to a March wedding in Houston...
Hi Elle,I read your post about some fashions Beyonce wore in a photoshoot. It impressed me that you knew the designers, prices and websites. Do you happen to know who made those metal-fringed sunglasses in the Diva music video? I thought maybe Bless did. But I don't know where to find them. Thanks for your time.
Best, Karen
Bless Fringed Glasses S/S 09Hi Karen darling! Ah yes, Beyonce's infamous metal fringed glasses. People either love them or loathe them, no? The entire "Diva" video is chock full of high fashion, aka ish that you wouldn't catch the average person in their right mind wearing. Her ultra avant-garde looks are straight off the Gareth Pugh runway, but in terms of her fun fringed glasses, you are correct in that they are largely thought to be by Bless. Bless is a Dutch-bred, Paris-based design duo who debuted metal fringe sunglasses at Paris Fashion Week last fall. The Bless S/S 2009 clothing/accessory collection featured a bunch of interestingly draped glasses...they are more like facial art than fashion accessory! Although Bless is sold in select stores in America, unfortch you are not likely to find Beyonce's pair in stores. Althought I haven't spotted any yet, your best best is to wait around for a good copy to debut (think Urban Outfitters, Topshop, or Canal Street this Spring). Until then, if you're totally jonesing for some metal fringe in your life, check out this necklace by ASOS...
Good luck!
Elle,
OMG this Chicago winter has my skin looking dry and lifeless. Any suggestions? I need it to brighten up!
C.
Hey C-luv! I'm so glad you asked, as this is problem that sooo many of us face. Cold dry air wreaks havoc on our skin! In terms of your gorgeous mug, let me suggest Elle's At Home Spa Facial, which should have your face glowing in no time. Most importantly, make sure you're using a creamy face cleanser, rather than something alcohol-based that will only exacerbate dryness. For your body, use the three-step moisture trick that I swear by during the winter months. 1. Start with a cream-based body cleanser with added moisture (my current fave is St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash). Stay away from bar soaps that can strip your skin of much needed moisture! 2. Après bath, while you're still a tad damp, slather on some body oil. Body oil is my favorite winter skin solution, because nothing will get your thirsty skin glowing faster. Right now I'm using Nivea Smooth Sensation Body Oil, but you can also check out a post I did on some of my other favorite body oils, here. Finally, after you're cleansed and lubed, top it off with a ultra-moisturing lotion or body butter. Check out this list of the Best Products for Dry Winter Skin, which should point you in the right direction. Happy glowing! And don't worry, Spring will be here before we know it.
Hi Elle!
How do you feel about eye cream? Are we too young for eye cream? One of my friends mentioned it to me and now I'm obsessing. She said it would be a good idea to start using it now so it would prevent any issues in the future.
Danielle
Glad you asked! I used to use eye cream religiously when I was 27...for some reason that age just screamed eye cream to me. Since then I got over it and moved on to other unhealthy obsessions, but now that I'm turning 30 (clutch pearls here), it seems to be the perfect time to get back on the eye cream bandwagon. Eye cream protects and moisturizes the delicate area around our eyes, and many women would say that you are never too young to start an eye care regimen. I don't know if I would go that far, but since it is a preventative measure, it certainly wouldn't hurt to start now. Just remember that you don't need to spend a your savings on super expensive lotions and potions, there are plenty of affordable options out there.
If you are already noticing wrinkles or dark circles, you may want to go with a more pricey cream. Many women swear by Shiseido's Benefiance Eye Cream, $50 and Shiseido Skincare Eye Revitalizer, $40. They won't eliminate wrinkles, but will help to firm up fine lines. If you wear eye makeup during the day, try MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, $28.50, which has caffeine for puffiness and silica to absorb oil and keep shadow in place. I've also heard good things about Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum, $18.99. And since there's essentially no difference between the skin around your eyes and the rest or your face, you can always use your face lotion as an eye cream. Essential Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 15 With Antioxidants for Normal to Dry Skin made by Paula's Choice, $12.95, is a great face lotion that can double as an eye cream. Finally, get eight hours of rest every night and drink water religiously. Simple, but true.
I need some suggestions. I'm going to a wedding in March. It was brought to my attention that this event is black tie. The actually wedding is March 14, which technically is still winter, but the wedding is in Houston, Texas so it might be Springish there. What do you think I should wear?
Hey missy poo! So from what I hear, March is one of Houston's nicest months, with weather ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. Nice! That's the perfect weather for dressing up without breaking too much of a sweat. So for women, black tie means that either a floor-length gown or a super dressy cocktail dress is in order. Beading, sparkle and glam accessories are also totally appropriate. This is a great opportunity to pull out that bridesmaid's dress that you actually liked or to wear that sequin cocktail dress that you've never found the appropriate venue for. But if you don't think there's anything lurking in your closet (always start there first), I have a few suggestions.
Suzi Chin Dress $88.90
You'll look sensationally seasonal in a berry-colored dress like those pictured above, and paired with a metallic clutch and heels, you'll be black tie beautiful!
Thanks to all for writing!
Check out all my previous Ask Elle columns, here!
