Moving (really this time!)

We've moved, and check out our sweet new layout!

http://wastemylifepretending.onsugar.com/

Seriously?

Ok... we are ALL going to miss Gossip Girl over the summer (I've already started watching all the season 2 I've had recorded) but seriously? American network Bravo have decided to play their hand at easing our withdraw symptoms with their brand new reality show NYC prep that "chronicles the lives of a group of privileged teenagers who are key players in Manhattan's elite high school scene. (sounding familiar?) Students who travel in packs (girls on the steps?)

"Camille takes her studies seriously, balancing rigorous exams... studying for her SATS... and the college application process with aplomb... Always armed with acid-tounged opinions and witty retorts." Blair Waldorf anyone?

Ok. Blair Waldorf/ Leightom Meeter does her hair better, has better clothes and looks less dweeby. 

In the cast you also have Jesse (who's blond I might add, just like Jenny Humphry) who also wants a career as a fashionista. PC (what a name!) is a guy with a scarf. (Chuck Bass anyone?) And there's Sebastian, another Chuck, who "is known among his circle of friends as the guy who constantly hooks up with the hottest girls." 

I mean seriously? I thought the television networks in the UK were desperate when they repeated my show... But what's with all these reality shows sprinting up out of hit shows? I can't believe the Real Housewives (based on Desperate Housewives) is still running... 

Same Stylist?

I have become, not wore than ever aware of the art of a cliche, especially girl bands all dressing the same. Not the same as each other; but the same as other girl bands. 

Image: Daily Mail

Cue The Saturdays. In all their music videos they seemed to have this jelling colour thing going on. It was cool, unique. I liked it. In their first video; 'If This Is Love' they had black dresses and coloured tights. In 'Up' they had black tights and the same colour as their tights had been in 'If This Is Love' dresses. In 'Issues' it was umbrellas. In their most recent video which I can't even remember the name of at the moment they seemed to have given up on all that coordination. And maybe thats a good thing. 

Cue the Wonder Girls. 

Image: MTV

In case you hadn't head of them Wonder Girls are one of the biggest girl groups in South Korea, and their releasing 'Nobody' as their first US ingle this month. Who knows if they'll catch on in the UK? I'm thinking they will, as most unfortunately, they're opening for the Jonas Brothers on their upcoming US tour. 

Split Ends...

Photo: Raquel Reed

Photographic Inspiration...

Celebrity photographs by David LaChapplle...

Candy Cakes...

Photo love form Lipstick Royalty featured, UK alternative model Ulorin Vex... 

Shoot for Maya Hanson corsets, photography by Marcelo Aquilio. 

Also check out this behind the scene video from the shoot! 

Handbag Love...

I have just discovered one of the coolest handbag, clutch and wallet designer on the planet - Matt & Nat. (Their UK based too!)  All the designs are, according to their site "Luxury, Eco Friendly & Vegan" as well and super cool, stylish and stunningly beautiful! 

Check out this super stylish magenta handbag... I'm in love! It comes in loads of different colours too! 

Incoming Starship...

MTV Exclusive sneak preview of the "Good Girls Go Bad" music video by Cobra Starship and Leighton Meester... 

Freebies!!!

To celebrate the launch of their new online store, up and coming label ALEX&RA are running a competition for one lucky lady to win a custom-made ALEX&RA skirt! 

Scuttle along to their website now to enter for your chance to win!

Look out for an exclusive interview with ALEX&RA in the next issue of Lipstick Royalty Magazine! 

The Veronicas: Healthy Dose of Reality?

I'm not really a fan of reality tv shows. (Ok I hate them!) Except for Britiains/ America's Got Talent or American Idol/X Factor (which are so funny!) I can't stand them... thought I'm into fashion Project Runway and Project Catwalk are so boring, no one seems to get that everything you see on Next Top Model is fake. 

Problem is I've never come across a reality TV show featuring people I actually like. Cue the Aussie singing sensation The Veronicas, and the reports they'll both soon be staring in their own reality show on MTV, which have recently been confirmed by Jessica, one of the Veronica sisters. 

I'm really worried about this you see, though I'm against most forms of reality television (cue Living Lohan), I'll have to watch it because I'm a Veronica's fan. But will I still love them as much as their music once I've seen them air their dirty laundry on their own reality show. They're not exactly shy pansies either; the pair have had their fair share  broken engagements, AWOL boyfriends, leaked nude photos and rumored lesbian relationships... 

What are your opinions on reality television? 

Source: MTV Buzz, Nine MSN    Image Source: Teen Hollywood 411

Ten Questions With Sassy Divas!

There are loads of cool people I come across who don't really fit into the concept of Lipstick Royaty... In the first in hopefully many interviews I caught up with Shawanda, one half of the husband a wife team behind the up and coming clothing line Sassy Divas! 

How did you and your husband come to found Sassy Divas?

As a little girl, I  was always sketching and drawing designs.  Instead of reading school books, I was always leafing through the latest issue of Vogue or Cosmopolitan or the latest book on fashion.  After a small detour in obtaining my Masters Degree in Business Administration, I decided that fashion was much more fulfilling than crunching numbers.  Sassy Divas was founded in 2007, to pursue a lifelong dream of being a fashion designer.

Where did the name Sassy Diva's come from?

My husband Tom and I were kicking around names and ideas.  Tom came up with Sassy because when thinking of his wife who has a wicked, but fun streak, Sassy came to mind.  When we looked at our target customer, we envisioned a sophisticated, hard working woman, who knows what she wants.  Sassy Divas encompasses the idea that fashion should be uncomplicated, stylish,  and for the Diva that resides in every woman.

What inspires your designs?

At this point everything, I am inspired by music, art, and films but my biggest inspiration stems from traveling, classic movies, to influential designers. The summer 2009 collection was inspired by childhood experiences, thing that was sweet and innocent but not forgotten. I try to design with the idea that a women does not have to follow trends to be stylish. Therefore, I am inspired by making classic staple pieces, that is well defined, but relaxed and fun.

How do you develop the theme for each collection?

I take elements of each piece and infuse them into one modern perspective. This could be from similar attributes within the design phase, to color combinations, to fabric and prints.  But, I always try to infuse the Sassy Divas philosophy and principle behind each piece within the collection.    

Who makes your designs, and where?

I design each collection personally through digital base programs.  I use Adobe Illustrator to create the line drawing and illustrate the technical aspect of each piece.  Also, I have a WACOM tablet, that I use to sketch the designs and then import it into Adobe Photoshop for the final revisions to incorporate colors and fabric prints.   I scour the country for fabrics and prints that will compliment the upcoming collection.   The actual pattern, samples, and production are manufactured in Las Vegas.

How did it feel, making your first sale?

Ecstatic. Fulfillment of a lifelong dream. I hope to build momentum and a strong customer based; that way each sale feels like the first sale every time.

How do you think your background in finance help you build "a strong base for the company?"

Strangely, a degree in accounting and business administration does prepare you with getting together a “business plan” and forecasting sales, but in reality and in my opinion,  a distraction to the creative process of designing.  That is why my husband handles the day to day operations and finances.  Having a strong business acumen is important in running a successful company, but I have learned that having a concise and focused vision is just as important.

You've thought about designing since you were a little kid. When was the moment when you decided 'I want to b a fashion designer', and you started Sassy Divas?

By trade, I was a banker.  However, when I came home every night to relax, I would sketch and draw the designs that were seared in my head.  After a certain point, wanting to be a designer is a far more satisfying  experience than looking at spreadsheets and balance statements.  My revelation came to me in early 2007- that I loved what I was doing in the evening (and not what I was doing during the day) and I simply decided to start my own Fashion Design Company.

Where can we buy "Sassy Divas"?

Each season’s collection will be available on our web site – http://www.sassydivas.com.  Wholesale inquiries, please contact us at 702-324-3856, sales@sassydivas.com, or our sales agent- Stephanie Camputaro at 678.781.5205.

What's next for you, and your line?

We are in the process of releasing our Fall/Winter 2009 collection which be ready for release in mid June. Currently, we are starting the initial phase of our Spring/Summer 2010 collection, with the anticipated release for October this year. We will definitely will keep you posted on any upcoming events and samples sales!    

Video Madness...

THIS is an example of what a music video should be... it tells a story and its a pic of artwork...

Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

That got me thinking onto other music videos that tell a story like this and I came up with a few others of my other favorites... I think I really like music videos that have meaning... 

Wake Up Call (Directors Cut) - Maroon 5

Its My Life (Directors Cut) - No Doubt

With Love - Hilary Duff

 

And finally... 

She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5