Trendy Report - Pre-Grammy Festivities

Music impresario Clive Davis hosted a Pre-Grammy bash in Los Angeles over the weekend. And there was an impressive roster of celebs that stopped by to the Pre-Grammy festivities. Some obviously looked better than others. The younger stars seemed to outshine their older counterparts with the exception of Mary J. Blige who can do no wrong in my book. It's nice to see Natalie Cole on her feet and looking well but that dress is certainly not the right way to make a comeback. She is way to young and classy to settle for that ensemble. And Gayle King, Oprah's better half better be grateful she is part of the Talk Queen's entourage because she would not be eligible for any star treatment in that disastrous frock. But Rihanna looks absolutely stunning as she rocks her mod-fab confection. And the rest of the chickadees are also gorgeously decked out. Can't wait to see what the Grammy's have in store for us. Stay tuned!

Serena Claims Her 12th Grand Slam Title

It was supposed to be a much hailed comeback for Justine Henin who had been in retirement for 20 months. But she had the misfortune of having the unrelenting Serena Williams as her challenger and that pretty much sealed her deal. Williams walked away with the title but she humbly acknowledged her opponent and warned the world of tennis of Henin's admirable attributes and sportmanship. Stating, " I think it could have gone either way and I definitely think she's back so all you guys back there definitely have a lot to cheer for". It was a close one for Serena Williams who had to stay on her toes especially during the third set which proved that Henin was a worthy adversary. The Belgian native admitted that her comeback has been an emotional journey but she hopes to be back in full force next year. Cheers to both players!!

H & M - Back in Business

It looks like the world economy is steadily on its way to recovery. A lot of major retailers are trying to pick up the pieces after enduring almost two years of declining sales and less than impressive profits. But Hennes & Mauritz AB, the store famously known as H & M has risen above the ashes and recorded a 20.9 percent jump in net profit, surpassing all expectations. It could also have something to do with the unbeatable combo of better quality and a reasonable pricing scale. Word on the street is that the chain is now thinking of expanding by opening stores in Asia, targeting China, South Korea and Japan. Sales in Asia were far more impressive in 2009 than they were in Europe so that might explain the recent interest in trying to dominate the former's market. There are also plans for an online market in the UK and stores in Israel. Back in Business and Looking Good!

Your Serene Hotness!

Paris born Nigerian model, David Agbodji has become a trailblazer in the world of modeling. He is sizzling up the Runways from Paris to Milan. He made his stunning debut opening and closing the Calvin Klein show in Milan during Fashion Week, and proved that the diversity is IN while bland is OUT. Looking at him it's not hard to imagine what all the fuss is about. He is signed with the prestigious Request Model Management in New York and so far has had 2 major editorial layouts in the spring issue of GQ magazine, photographed by famed photographer, Chad Pitman. There is more to come and appreciate from this fine specimen and we can't wait to take it all in!

Trendy Fashion Report - The Golden Globes

So, the best part of this award season is the FASHION. There were plenty of gorgeous looks on the red carpet despite the unrelenting rain. There were also a few disappointments but thats what adds to the fun! For the most part the theme of the night seemed to echo the The People's Choice Awards by once again drawing attention to the beauty of the female form. A lot of soft palette body hugging gowns were showcased actresses like Drew Barrymore in a nude embellished gown by Atelier Versace, Marion Cotillard in an amazing teal Christian Dior gown and Jennifer Garner looking stunning in her shimmery Versace dress. Maggie Gylenhaal finally stepped up to the plate and showed what she is made of by donning a one of a kind number by RM by Roland Mouret. Other standouts included the Queen of the Night, Sandra Bullock in an airy purple almost "plastic - looking" dress that despite the description seemed appropriate for the rainy night. Avatar's Zoe Saldana went the romantic route in her burgundy ruffled confection by Louis Vuitton and Cameron Diaz knows how to do her body some good with her bright red lips highlighting her hot red number by Alexander McGueen. Unfortunately Julia Roberts did not quite measure up in the glam department in her ill-fitting black vintage Yves Saint Laurent. Chloe Sevigny is normally the one risk taker who gets it right but she failed in this overwhelmingly ruffled Valentino gown. Fashion 101 - You should Always Wear The Dress and never vice versa. And finally Tina Fey who normally plays it safe did a lot of damage on the red carpet in this weirdly shaped gown. Sorry gals! Better luck next time!

The Globes!

The Golden Globes took center stage in LA yesterday despite a consistent downpour that threatened to stall the night's festivities. But the show did go on. And it was a pretty standard night of affairs. There were not very many surprises except maybe Robert Downey Jr. nabbing the Best Actor nod in the Motion Picture, Comedy category for Sherlock Holmes. Michael C. Hall from Dexter was finally rewarded for his flawless protrayal of the title character. Sandra Bullock, who rarely is in the Awards spotlight has finally proven her acting prowess by being recognized for her unforgettable performance in The Blind Side, with her Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama win. One of my favorite shows, United States of Tara got put on the map with a Best Actress in a Televison Series, Comedy win by Toni Collette and Chole Sevigny did good by Big Love by securing the Best Supporting Actress in a Series nod. The new madness on TV - Glee, gave 30 Rock a run for its money by garnering the Best Televison Series, Comedy or Musical Award, but Alec Baldwin maintained his winning streak by once again winning Best Actor in a Televsion Series, Comedy or Musical. Mo'Nique who gave a startling performance in the critically acclaimed Precious got her much deserved Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion picture, beating out an impressive group of women. HBO's Grey Gardens cleaned house with a Best Miniseries win and Best Actress in a Miniseries win for Drew Barrymore. Up In the Air, won for Best Screenplay. Christolph Walz took the Best Supporting Actor award for his innovative role in Inglorious Bastards. Famed director, Martin Scorcese, was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his impressive contribution to the film industry. James Cameron closed the night with wins in major categories, Best Director and Best Motion Picture, Drama for his incredible masterpiece, Avatar . It was an entertaining night with startegically funny moments courtesy of funny man host Ricky Gervais. Check out the Hollywood Reporter online for a full list of the Golden Globe winners.

MAC for Europe

MAC is going to expand its global appeal by taking Europe by storm. The cosmetic giant is looking to open more stores in Europe, they already have about three in Italy. During MAC's first press conference, the brand's senior vice president, Karen Buglisi, confirmed the news, stating, "Our strategy is to open freestanding stores, and we are currently looking for opportunities to open in Europe". MAC, which is under thr Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. brand also showcased its tribal inspired spring-summer collection which was appropriately unveiled in one of the most strikingly stores in Milan. Its been revealed that the next MAC cosmetic presentation will be in Paris in next year. Even though MAC has done a phenomenal job reaching all the essential markets, there is still room for improvement according to Jean-Guillaume Trottier, MAC vice president. Freestanding stores are the standard for MAC especially in malls where the ability to reach an impressive number of customers is high. MAC plans to strategize when it comes to hooking in the European market by customizing their color palettes to suit their potential buyers and also working closely with their global team in New York and directors of artistry in in all the top cities in Europe including London and Paris. Something tells me that wherever MAC sets up shop people will follow.

The Sweeter the Berry

Halle Berry's much anticipated fragrance is here! Pure Orchid has officially arrived and the buzz surrounding it is pretty delicious. Its delightfully floral and seductively inviting. The concoction is a winning combo of cactus flower, lemon, blackberry creme, and masdevallia orchid to name a few. The 15ml Eau de Parfum retails for $16 and you can sample it at any of the Walmart stores in your area. Anything that gets us closer to the "Halle Berry" experience is worth a try!

Your body Is A Wonderland

It seems that cosmetic companies want in on the action when it comes to promoting potential blockbusters. And now that the New Near is underway, the race is on to start getting consumers inspired and excited about what's to come on the big screen. Director Tim Burton's coming attraction, "Alice In Wonderland" is gathering steam and Urban Decay along with OPI Products have agreed to help use their products to interpret Burton's trademark magical but edgy storytelling. The eye shadow palettes featured by Urban Decay are a display of hues that match the theme of Burton's anticipated screen gem. The colors are beautiful and functional but also dark and unpredictable at the same time. This limited edition kit retails for $52. OPI have also come out with a startling array of nail lacquers that capture the vision of Burton's film perfectly. The four appropriately named hues are: Absolutely Alice, a blue glitter mixture, Thanks So Muchness and Off With Her Red both celebrate the power and richness of the beloved color RED, and Mad As A Hatter, a highly glittery black confection. They each retail for $8.50. You can join the irresistible world of make believe and pick these up at any Sephora or Macy's store near you.

The People Have Spoken!

The Award season has officially started and how appropriate it is for the People's Choice Awards hosted by the usually gracious Queen Latifah, to help jump start the festivities. The Red Carpet featured a bevy of lovelies and the theme of the night seemed to hinge on soft supple colors and celebrating the female form. Even mom-to-be actress Paula Patton had no qualms showing off her growing bump in a sexy black mini dress while rocking some serious heels. I Can Do Bad All By Myselfactress Taraji P. Henson looked near perfection in her Alberta Ferretti lavender gown that displayed her enviable waistline. The color is fab on her and heightens her already flawless complexion. Mary J. Blige is stunning in her Gucci ensemble and her shoes are to die for! Her hair and makeup enhance her look. Niecy Nash, star of the Style Network'sClean House, cleans up nicely in her Tadashi Shoji asymmetrical gown complimented by her long flowing locks. And actress Dania Ramirez who most recently joined the Covergirl family as a spokesmodel is simmering in her fuschia mini dress. Check out those legs! But I have to say that Jessica Alba is one HOT MAMA in her ultra minidress by Antonio Berradi. This dress is constructed perfectly to accommodate Alba's amazing physique and the loose curls and smokey eyes bring it all together for the grand finale. If this is a preview of what is to come, the Red Carpet is definitley going to be sizzling this Award Season. Stay tuned!

The People Do Not Approve!

We could not resist pointing out the stars that failed to live up to the hype. Nicole Scherzinger in her slinky David Meister gown was not a sight to behold. The fit is unflattering and the makeup and hair just blah! Another unimpressive entrance was made by sultry actress Sofia Vergara. The Modern Family actress tried to downplay her sexiness with her uninspiring gown by The Row. She almost succeeded but thanks to that goddess figure and gorgeous face she still managed to heat things up. Actress/singer Katie Cassidy is a complete disaster in this champagne-colored confection by Talbot Runhof. Some dresses are meant to be seen not worn and this artsy number is way to distracting for the young and hip Cassidy. Her hair also does nothing to redeem her overall look. And finally Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford is lovely enough in her glittering Jenny Packham gown but she must have been confused about which award show she was showing up for. She's a tad bit over dressed and the cleavage detail is a bit desperate. These ladies need to review their style manuals. Better luck next time!