Do It Yourself Beauty: Dita Von Teese

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

June
15
2010

It's no secret that burlesque star Dita Von Teese is one of my favorite fashion and beauty icons.

From her gorgeous 1940's style wardrobe to her retro red lipstick, Dita's look is classic and always perfection.

But perhaps what I love most about her image is that it's completely self created.

In an age where Hollywood starlets are dressed by stylists and groomed by makeup artists, it's refreshing to see a knock out like Dita who has done all the work herself, even for a day of shopping (pictured left).

Born Heather Sweet, Dita was a natural blonde from Michigan, who, over the years, cultivated her image as a vampy, raven-locked beauty with a keen eye for vintage and glamour.

If you happen to see Dita at a press event or gala opening, you can bet she's curled her hair and applied her own lipstick just an hour before. I even love how she skips the salon and dies her own hair at home, posting on her Twitter page: "$8 box of black hair dye=new outlook on life today."

I find this idea of self-created glamour very inspiring. It's something that's accessible to your average gal, like me, and it doesn't take a fortune to achieve. I recommend watching the interview clip below where Dita talks more about her take on beauty and style.

P.S. Dita is to release her very own beauty book in the upcoming year, so stay tuned!!

How Dita Does Coachella

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

May
3
2010

Dita Von Teese, queen of burlesque and hot retro style, took in the sights and sounds of this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Dita spent the three-day event looking flawless in a variety of outfits that adapted retro glamour for life under a sunny desert sky.

(Left): I am in love with Dita's nautical-style, high-waisted trousers. Her updo is also rockin', managing a put-together look that is also casual.

(Above): From the mary jane wedges to the layers of bangles, this is Dita's awesome version of boho beauty. I love all the earthy tones on that tropical print dress!

(Above): Ladylike charm is what it's all about in this look. Soft satin ruffles, that polished hat and a pretty chain purse keep Dita looking elegant. Psssst, recognize that lovely lady with her? Yep, it's Katy Perry looking day-glo pretty.

What was your favorite Dita look?

More Pictures at Zimbo

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A Very Vintage Style Manicure

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

February
9
2010

For the retro gal who has already mastered the hair and makeup, a vintage-style manicure is your next best accessory.

Sported by the bold and stylish Dita Von Teese, retro nails of the 30's and 40's have a very distinct and glamorous look. Each nail is grown long in an oval shape that is filed to a point at the tip. Traditionally the moons and tips of the nail were left uncolored, but I like how Dita sports it with the moons filled in with contrasting white lacquer.

Try out the look at home. I love this tutorial from MsFaintlyMacabre's YouTube channel. Her nails look stunning at the finish!

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Hair Inspiration: Dita Von Teese

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
25
2010

I am in love with the seemingly effortless glamour and flirty waves of Dita Von Teese's hair style in the above pic. Inspired by hair of the 1940's, Dita has perfected this look on her own, which in turn, inspired me to give it a try.

Dita recently tweeted on her Twitter page that she uses "Hot rollers in small+med sizes," and sometimes "iron+clips" in order to set her hair into retro glam waves. I found the perfect YouTube tutorial which goes over how to style and set the rollers to achieve a similar look.

Now all I need are some good hot rollers. Any suggestions?

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Take a Bow

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
12
2010

Feminine, flirty and fun, bows are taking the spotlight when it comes to fashion accessories!

Move over Minnie Mouse -- this fun trend is no longer reserved for the girly girl, but for the girl with a unique, funky style. Tie 'em up in your hair, sport 'em as a pair of earrings or on a necklace, and you'll be the bow of the ball!

Get in on the trend here at your favorite bow-tique with our Bowdacious Earrings [sold out!], Bow-tie-ful Lady Necklace and Bow Peep Earrings in Ivory.

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Trend to Try: Retro Fascinators

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
6
2010

Retro style is making a comeback as girls of the 21st century look back to the days of Hollywood glam for inspiration. The hair and the makeup were always flawlessly and artfully done, and the accessories were ever present.

I love that I spotted a couple retro fascinators paired with cocktail dresses on New Year's Eve (myself included). :) Fascinators can be found in so many fun styles and colors, whether true vintage or just vintage-inspired. And if you need a little example of how to rock the look, Dita Von Teese never fails to impress. As a woman who lives and breathes vintage, she has got the look down.

Feeling inspired? Go ahead and give our Retro Reminisce Fascinator [sold out!] a try for the next time you want to stand out in a crowd.

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YouTube MakeUp Guru: Hollywood Noir Makeup

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
17
2009

On a typical Wednesday night, I found myself once again searching on YouTube for a cool vintage makeup tutorial. My goal was to find just the right retro look for those upcoming holiday parties.

It was then that I came across one of the best Dita Von Teese inspired tutorials I have ever seen by makeup artist and writer, Ashley, known on YouTube as HollywoodNoirMakeup.

Ashley's vids are so wonderful because you know you're seeing professional quality work brought to you in an everyday, understandable language. Ashley uses her creativity and makeup artistry experience to teach her viewers anything from how to get the perfect red lip, to how to shape your brows, to more artistic and edgy makeup looks for those looking for a little something different. She is truly a makeup wizard with a MAC brush as her wand.

Here is the Dita Von Teese look I found. Give it a view, and watch the glamorous transformation begin!

Don't forget to subscripe to HollywoodNoirMakeup for more great tutorials!!

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Fashion in Flight

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
11
2009

Ahhhh, the holidays. 'Tis the season for families to reunite and exchange hugs and gifts. Long-lost sons and daughters will be returning home from college or out of town to enjoy a much appreciated home-cooked meal. This may be you, and this may mean you'll be hopping on a plane in the weeks to come.

But what to wear?

The dress code for flying has changed over the years. Flying was once a special occasion that required formal attire. But with the stress of holiday travel, airport security, flight delays and cramped cabin seating, those high heels and nylons may loose their appeal when you start to blister and itch.

Courtesy of People Stylewatch, we've got some great pics of celebs who, though having to travel frequently, manage to maintain their star quality and style when everything's up in the air.

Above, I like how Ashlee Simpson's look is so basic yet still a statement by topping it all off with a chic hat. Meanwhile, New Moon cutie Ashley Greene pairs an elegant faux fur jacket with skinny blue jeans for a warm and casual look. Rihanna keeps her cool with a stylin' black cap and funky work boots.

Taking hints from all these styles, my most put-together outfit for air travel would have to be: an oversized top, like the Euclidean Space Top by Brandy Melville [sold out!], skinny Kill City Jeans with stylish detailing, and a cute ladies fedora to top it all off. All this paired with shades will have you fightin' off the paparazzi like a star.

Now if you want to take flight the old-fashioned way, just take a look at Mad Men star John Hamm and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. These two take the cake when it comes to style. Go them!

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Get Glowing, Gorgeous Skin

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
17
2009

Beautiful skin with a healthy glow never goes out of style.

Below are pics of celebrities that I absolutely admire for the radiance of their skin. From the flawless luminescence of Dita Von Teese, to the sun-kissed glow of Jessica Alba and the dewiness of Liv Tyler, there is much evidence to show that a soft, candlelight glow can go a long way in enhancing your look.

Step One: Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Water refreshes the skin and keeps it hydrated and dewy. Have a glass first thing in the morning to wake up your complexion.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: Nothing dulls down your skin like sleep depravation. Get enough rest each night and your skin will be ready to rise and shine.
EAT SMART: This one is a no brainer. Your skin needs to be nourished from the inside out. Cut back on refined sugars and starches while stocking up on whole grains, fruits, veggies, and stomach friendly probiotics like yogurt and kefir. All will keep your digestion system running efficiently while delivering nutrients to the skin.

Step Two: Adopt a Pro-Active Skin Care Regimen

EXFOLIATE: Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will remove dead skin cells, allowing younger skin to shine through. It will also help your foundation glide on smoother. Try the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser by Yes to Carrots or Biore's Refresh Daily Cleansing Cloths if your skin is more delicate.
WASH BEFORE BED: Never, never, ever go to bed with a day's worth of makeup on. Your foundation and eye makeup will cake, smear and clog pores. Get into the habit of washing your face before bed, even if it's a late night. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
HYDRATE: If you're in the market for skin care products, moisturizer is the thing you want to spend your money on. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and use it twice a day. It will plump your skin and seal in moisture. My favorite moisturizers of all time: Mario Badescu's Buttermilk Moisturizer and Kinerase's Clear Skin Moisture Light.

Step Three: Try These Makeup Bag Tricks

Get a luminescent glow by dusting your face with a sheer, light reflecting powder to set your foundation or light up bare skin. One such powder that is gaining much popularity is Make Up For Ever's HD Micro Finish Powder. If it's made to make you look flawless in HD, then just imagine what it can do for a day at class or work.
Apply a highlighter to places where light reflects naturally on your face. I like to press Stila's Eyeshadow in Starlight on the tops of the cheekbones, down the nose, at the cupid's bow of the lip, and at the brow bone for a radiant lift.
if you're skin is starting to dull by mid-day, boost your completion with a spritz of hydration. I love love love Mario Badescu's Facial Spray It will give your skin a dose of dewy while putting new life back into your foundation.