Interviewing cognitive researchers, Howard delves into the science behind beauty and what makes us perceive each other as such. I won’t ruin the video below, but it’s all about ratios and proportions, with a few tips on how to make us all more attractive.

A very interesting watch. 

You can follow Jacqueline and more of her reporting at @JHnLA and The Huffington Post.

Seeing Avatar in 2009 undoubtedly blew my mind – so much so that I saw it three times and watched every possible “behind the scenes,” or “making of” special I could. Gone were the days of basic Toy Story computer animation; motion-action completely altered my view on the “animation” genre and made me excited for more. However, since then, few have caught my attention or crossed over being made solely for kids: Shrek Forever After, Madagascar, Ice Age? I get the appeal, but not for me. When Sade invited me to cover Chris Benz’s EPIC Unveiling on behalf of Icon Concierge, I must admit, I was definitely lured by the unveiling of the Chris Benz dress versus the Epic movie. I definitely did not know what was in store for me.

From the creators of Ice Age and Rio, Epic is a CG 3D film that tells the story of a natural world, just beyond our scope of vision. When a teenage girl is magically transported to that world, she naturally (ha, get it?) joins the battle between good and evil to save the forest from those trying to destroy it. Standard bad vs. good story, but what is truly epic is not only the cast – Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Ferrell, Amanda Seyfried, Steven Tyler, Christoph Waltz, to name some– but the minutiae that went into creating the costumes for these animated characters, which piqued my fashion girl interests.

After previewing scenes from the upcoming movie, we were treated to a talk with Epic art director, Mike Knapp. From the costume design of the Leaf Men in the film, whose Samurai inspired armour drew from the natural patterns & exoskeletons of grasshoppers and beetle shells to Steven Tyler’s caterpillar character, Nim, and his silk smoking jacket pulling from the mosaic patterns of the butterfly, I truly felt as though I was privy to how the most amazing designer collection was created, 3 ½ years in the making – designers, take notes!

We then welcomed designer Chris Benz who unveiled his Epic-inspired dress. “The easier and breezier the better is how I felt” said the designer, known for the West Coast vibe his collections often channel due to his Seattle upbringing. Friends with Fox execs, the natural elements of Epic really appealed to Benz for whom when designing season after season “green becomes this neutral.” The Epic dress, re-imagined from Benz’s Spring 2013 collection was a velvet and chiffon emerald green gown with a floral lining that could be worn on the outside pulling from the visually stunning rich and luscious landscapes seen in the movie.

Chris Benz’s epic dress was no doubt stunning, and it is always a pleasure to hear about the design process from a renowned designer, but the real treat of the night was Mike Knapp’s designs. I can’t wait to see the movie in it’s entirety, and maybe amp up the florals in my spring/ summer wardrobe!

After rising to fame as a GUESS girl and dancing in various viral YouTube rap videos, Upton, who has undergone scrutiny for her weight, seems to have finally arrived. With a fan base that spans both men and women, the young blond starlet who was formerly only known as a swimsuit model has successfully crossed over to high-fashion. Will she be starring in any Chanel ads soon? Probably not. However, I do think we’re going to start seeing a lot more of her on the catwalks at New York Fashion Week.

Because as Vogue bills her, she’s America’s favorite Bombshell.

I’m a fragrance enthusiast. I’ve teared up a few eyes and been asked on more than one occasion to wear less scent by co-workers and schoolmates. However, I always forge ahead regardless of who I offend, and most of the time I get stopped in the street for info on my personal mixes. And I never wear just one scent. I always mix it up. Creating my own personal scent bar from beautiful bottles and various designers. 

That’s why I was so thrilled to discover Gucci Guilty Black. The newest fragrance from Italian powerhouse Gucci. An intense oriental floral fragrance with notes of red fruits (forbidden love anyone) and pink flowers, Black is sexier, more daring and a bit naughtier than other offerings of this line.

Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini remarks: “Our protagonist is young, sexy, and slightly dangerous.”

And that’s exactly how I feel when wearing it. The scent is strong, but not overpowering and blends perfectly with my skin’s chemistry. What I love most is that I don’t have to mix it with any of my other favorites in order to achieve my desired smell, plus it lasts all day. Even my husband remarked how sensual and beautiful it smells. And it’s light enough to wear now that the weather is heating up. 

So if you’re in the market for a new summer fragrance, have accomplished something particularly noteworthy in your life or just want to treat yourself to the good life, check out Gucci Guilty Black. You won’t be disappointed, and your life will instantly be more interesting. Well, at least your fragrance tray.

Plus ladies, it’s also available for your men.

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK WOMEN

Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.0 fl. oz. $56.00
Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 fl. oz. $75.00
Eau de Toilette Spray, 2.5 fl. oz. $95.00

GUCCI GUILTY BLACK MEN

Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 fl. oz. $62.00
Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.0 fl. oz. $80.00

Gucci Guilty and Gucci Guilty Intense have been heralded as the scents of 21st Century seduction. In these audacious, globally award-winning perfumes, today’s guiltless young men and women have discovered the scent of provocation that has proved utterly addictive. Thrill seekers the world over have been seduced into indulging in guilty pleasures. Now, in the dark and mysterious Gucci Guilty Black, the story becomes still more compelling, giving it a new, more passionate and more daring edge. A sequel and a new chapter. Visit youtube.com/gucciparfums to learn more.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gucci via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gucci.

The first Black actress to be the star in the a prime time show, Washington’s career is on an all-time high. Her film Django Unchained was nominated for an Oscar earlier this year, and she has become a red-carpet favorite along with the help of her top Hollywood stylist, Erin Walsh.

If you’re not a ‘Gladiator’ yet—the term used to describe fans of Scandal—you better suit up and become one quickly. This leading lady is making her mark on the TV and film industries.

However, since anyone who’s anybody now lives downtown, it’s no surprise that punk fashion is making a mainstream debut with the stamp of approval from Vogue. This year’s Costume Institute Exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is called Punk: Chaos to Couture; last night’s MET Ball—the Oscars of the East Coast—was its kickoff event. 

This year’s main sponsor, luxury e-commerce site Moda Operandi, decided to join the chaos a few days early, however, with a carefully curated selection of punk-inspired pieces that dropped last Thursday. Featuring designers like Balmain, Preen, Prabal Gurung, Givenchy and Vivenne Westwood—to name only a handful—Moda Operandi is diving head first into the punk movement with an exclusive collection that is so naughty it might have caught the Marquis de Sade’s attention.

With one-of-a-kind, exclusive and rare vintage finds all up for grabs, it seems as if nothing was off limits to designers as they contributed their versions of punk to Moda Operandi. Prices range from $100 to $13,000 and highlights include a fully hand-studded tee, graffiti pieces and a collection of delectable black pieces by Givenchy.

In addition to their ‘Punk Shop,’ Moda Operandi also live streamed the MET Gala red-carpet on their site tonight, and is making some of the dresses worn by celebrities available for immediate purchase (more on that in an upcoming post).

There’s no mistaking it, punk has fully inserted itself into the luxury and mainstream markets.

Images via WWD

Curator Andrew Bolton said in an exclusive interview to WWD, “Everyone has an idea about punk. I think that’s what is so difficult to negotiate. In a way, we never set out to do a comprehensive history of punk. It was always a very specific, very conceptual take on punk.”

Conceptual is one way to characterize this sudden marrying of punk fashion—a movement from the 90s that saw the likes of Courtney Love as its unofficial spokesperson—and high fashion, however, I suspect it has something to do with Hedi Slimane’s reintroduction of the concept through the newly branded Saint Laurent line.

On display at the Met museum visitors can expect to find authentic replicas of CBGB (a famous downtown club, where supposedly a lot of punk-y stuff happened) memorabilia such as a toilet, alongside originals from Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture. DIY pieces reminiscent of Elizabeth Hurley’s safety-pin Versace moment and more modern pieces like a selection from Gareth Pugh’s Fall 2013 collection. Altered (read: ripped, true punk) pieces from Chanel and Dutch designers Viktor & Rolf are also on display.

Bolton also made note of the display space that the punk pieces are housed in, which includes over-sized LED-screens and moldings fashioned out of trash, saying, “We wanted to have this real grandeur because we are treating the subject and the punks themselves are these heroic figures in terms of fashion.”

While some in the fashion space are already questioning if NYC’s highbrowed and society-minded set can or will truly embrace punk, its display at the Met and seal of approval from the likes of Anna Wintour should be a strong indication. Luxury e-commerce site, Moda Operandi (who is the main sponsor this year) already has a curated 100-piece collection from 12 designers (including Givenchy and Vivienne Westwood) featuring their interpretation of punk up for sale.

Whether this exhibition will be a success like the 2011 Alexander McQueen one, or a flop like the 2012 Schiaparelli and Prada one is yet to be seen, however, I predict a lot of people who live downtown, will be travelling uptown.

If you’re in NYC and happen to stop by the exhibition, which runs until August 14, please tweet me a pic. I will have full coverage of the Met Ball red-carpet up on Tuesday morning and will be live-tweeting during tonight’s event. 

Imperial Necklace. Cream bamboo sea coral, red agate slices and stainless steel links.

Tribal, like punk, is having a moment now in fashion. From vibrant prints on pants, to Proenza Schouler’s new checkered offerings, Tribal pieces are the new leopard prints. However, in order to have staying power, and avoid being just an on-trend brand, designs need substance in addition to style, and great craftsmanship. Purple Aura Jewels has all of the above.

Founded by a corporate attorney and CPA, respectively Cynthia and Natara, Purple Aura Jewels is their passion child. Meant to capture the various personalities of today’s power women who regularly lean in and do have it all, their pieces embody the modern woman and represent her style. With the color purple standing for royalty, I bet it won’t be long before these women rocket to the top of fashion royalty.

In order to give you all a better look at what Purple Aura Jewels is about and a better insight into the minds of the power designers behind this brand, Cynthia and Natara were kind enough to sit down with me for a quick interview.

Mythic Gold Necklace. Red agate beads, 18k plated brass chain.

ICON: What made you start your jewelry business?

C&N: We have always been inspired by fashion, art and jewelry. Although we have been in corporate America for many years (Natara as a corporate lawyer and Cynthia as a certified public accountant) we are both very creative and connected with our mutual love of jewelry. Cynthia has been making jewelry for years in her spare time and Natara has always been the fashion and accessories “go-to” person and informal stylist for her family and friends.  In 2010 we decided to merge our different yet complementary aesthetics to design jewelry collections that personify ourselves and the women we design for: edgy, eclectic and bold jewelry with a distinctive look. This resulted in the creation of Purple Aura Jewels.

Paragon Earrings. Amethyst beads, 18k gold-plated brass chain and 14k gold-filled ear hooks.

ICON: Where do you draw inspiration from?

C&N: We draw inspiration from many things, including art, nature, patterns and prints and various mythological and historical characters.  We are also inspired by other creative minds in fashion such as Alexander McQueen, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Alexander Wang, Peter Pilotto and similar avant garde designers who challenge us to bring our dreams and whimsical fantasies to reality. In the same way we want to inspire women who wear our jewelry to challenge fashion notions and be individualistic. One of the reasons every one of our necklaces and bracelets has a purple gemstone is to remind women that a woman with a purple aura has a unique, confident and intangible quality that is true to herself.

ICON: What type of girl wears Purple Aura jewels?

C&N: The type of woman who wears Purple Aura Jewels is a risk taker who exudes charisma with a touch of elusiveness.  She has a downtown style that ranges from edgy feminine to tomboy chic.  Our jewelry allows a woman to be a fashion chameleon: she can be an elegant and sophisticated lady who lunches one day and a chic woman who radiates rock and roll glamour the next.  A Purple Aura Jewels woman refuses to blend in with the masses and is unique, authentic and one of a kind…just like our jewelry.

Indigo Reign Necklace. Faceted black agate beads, blue agate & crystal infused slices and lapis lazuli drop beads.

ICON: What is it like leaving the corporate world for the creative one? 

C&N: We are both still part of the corporate world. Natara still practices law and Cynthia is a CPA. However, as our creative world is expanding every day through Purple Aura Jewels, we are excited and looking forward to the future as we pursue our dreams in the aspirational world of jewelry design and of making Purple Aura Jewel a notorious and respected brand.

www.purpleaurajewels.com

It’s no secret that us fashion bloggers like to shop. We got into the business because of our passion for clothes, accessories and of course, shoes. However, the bigger our blogs get the more pressure we can feel to have the latest fashion gadget (read: hottest bag), and the more our readers look to us as style guides.

Luckily, the more popular a blogger gets the more gifts we also receive from our favorite brands. However, while we may get the newest denim or jewelry, for most of us, Chanel and Celine are not sending us gifts daily. For me the balance between shopping smart and investing in key and classic pieces rather than on-trend fashion is paramount to my business and bank account. 

I’m a bag gal. Always have been, probably always will be. The bulk of my disposable income is put towards nice purses (think Proenza Schouler PS1, Celine Luggage Tote, Prada, etc.) a bit towards shoes and my favorite indulgence: blazers. Some women, like my mother, are all about shoes, which while cheaper, tend to add up quickly if you like  a wide variety, or collect them as art. Other women favor straight and simple clothes.

While I would love the rush, thrill and luxury of popping by Barneys NY every month for a new designer purse, it’s just not a reality. However, a smart bag, can take you places. From Coach to Business class, from class to your first important job and from low-key to notice-me-now. It’s the ultimate piece, and a smart investment item if you’re looking to build your wardrobe. While I do advocate buying a real-leather purse from a mid to high level designer, this item doesn’t have to break your bank; and I also always advocate only using your debit card (never credit) for big purchases. From Rebecca Minkoff who offers a great variety of leather totes starting at $300 to Prada who offers sensible bags that will last a lifetime, if you’re going to make one investment in your closet and fashion this year, make it a good purse.

Next up in looking polished are shoes. Remember in the movie Silence of the Lambs when Hannibal Lecter taunts Jodie Foster’s character about her cheap shoes? Even a sadistic serial murderer knows that accessories, and more specifically, shoes and bags, can make or break a woman. A few good options will take you far though, and again these don’t have to break the bank. One mid-height heel in a patent black leather and one or two classic ballet flats in a nude or black hue are really all you need. And if you’re having a particularly good year, go ahead and treat yourself to one colorful pump. If you work in a corporate or even creative field these shoes can be your savior. Ditch splurging on the laced up and fussy shoes, really how many times will you them? Invest in classic pairs, and you’ll always look polished and be prepared for any situation.

Lastly, the clothes and jewelry. Clothes are tricky. Yes, you can see and feel the difference between a Gucci suit and something from our fashion fashion favorites like ZARA. However, many of these less expensive retail stores are so mainstream now that they really do invest in the overall quality of their pieces. If you’re going to splurge on one or two items make it a classic suit for interviews and a straight pencil dress for events, preferably in black. It’ll always be in style, and you’ll feel good knowing that you’re wearing a quality piece. For the rest stick to the high-street ladies. ZARA, Topshop, H&M and even Forever21 have great basics and on-trend pieces that will keep you stylish and your bank account sane.

So those are my tips for shopping smart, staying fashionable and still having enough left over to start contributing to your 401k.

What are your tips? How do you save? Would love to hear your tips!

There to help you. That’s getting to a better State.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by State Farm via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of State Farm.

Actress Carey Mulligan, the star of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby stars on the May 2013 cover of Vogue magazine. With a wardrobe from Prada’s Miuccia Prada, and a slew endorsements from fashion brands like Tiffany & Co. and Brooks Brothers, it’s no surprise that Mulligan, who plays the lead female role of Daisy Buchanan, would be featured on the cover of fashion’s bible.

With photography from Mario Testino, Mulligan wears designers like Alexander McQueen, MiuMiu, Chanel and of course Prada inside the pages, and recounts her adventures and emotions throughout the film that co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio.

If you’ve been lucky enough to catch a preview of this film, which was shot in 3D, then you probably know what a treat we’re all in for this upcoming Friday. For the rest of us, Mulligan’s new film opens up nationwide this Friday (5/10), and the May 2013 issue of Vogue is on newsstands now.