Love. Waist. Drama.

Mag Notes! Disclaimer: (everybody knows...) I am pro-healthy eating habits and will always promote diversity in terms of body image (minus the heroin chic look). Moreover, I am in favor of promoting the bodies of 'real' women on my blog. So, it might come across as a bit hypocritical when I say that I'm in awe of Marion Cotillard's cover for W mag, the Dec 2012 issue. Sorry. I just can't deny how intrigued I am by [this] cover. It's H O T, from the fire engine color scheme to the unknown fingers—squeezing in on the gold-belted cinched waist. The concept is artsy as well as a tad futuristic, no?

Read the cover story.

Photo Credit: Facebook  |  Photography by Tim Walker; Style by Jacob K

Is American Apparel Asking For It?

Style Notes! British Vogue posted the above pic today with the following caption:

TODAY I'M WEARING an American Apparel Obama T-Shirt, a Kelly Wearstler top, a D&G skirt and Stuart Weitzman boots.

OK, cute outfit. But the statement on the t-shirt "Obama is the new black" is not sitting well with some folks. Honestly, I was taken aback when I first saw the shirt -- thinking to myself ... hm, well what does that mean exactly? (Brace yourselves, this is gonna get ugly.)

What do you think? Tell me on Twitter.

Little Girls and "Red" Lipstick

Photo Credit: instyle.com

Hot Topic! Yesterday InStyle magazine posted via Facebook: Do or don't: Let your child wear lipstick -- next to an image (left) of celebrity starlet, Suri Cruise. Several Facebook users LIKED InStyle's status, which is not exactly a clear indication of whether or not they are for or opposed to little girls wearing lipstick (people  L O V E to abuse that like button). Anyways, just as many folks actually commented on the status; I seen a lot of "Donts" and "Dislikes." And, there were a few individuals that thought the lipstick-wearing was not a big deal -- and considered it as harmless "dress up." Interesting.

Moreover, InStyle posted a pic caption underneath Suri's picture via its website that read, "Every girl needs the perfect red lipstick!" So, what's the message? In any event, I brought up the "little girls/lipstick" controversy last year, because I knew the convo would continue.  

Dove VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash: Trial But No Error

Photo Credit: savingaddiction.com

Beauty Notes | My skin is sensitive. I mean super sensitive.

My dermatologist recommended eons ago that I use Dove and/or Cetaphil skincare products -- and to stay away from brands that contain a heavy fragrance. Boring, right?

Anyways, despite the 2011 advertising controversy, I've been using Dove's: VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash. The product is lightly scented and literally locks in moisture instantly. Furthermore, the body wash assures, "softer, smoother skin in one week." I can attest to the fact that yes -- in addition to the romantic scent and lock-in moisturizer -- after just one week [my] skin felt as smooth as butter, as well as noticeably more appealing (meaning no redness, dry patches, or flakes!)

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Grab your pink shower puff and lather up! Shop 

Final Thoughts: By the way, personally, I thought the ad was perhaps a little culturally insensitive but definitely  harmless -- and unintentional.



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Are They Too Young?

Photo Credit: Zimbio

Hot Topic! I was browsing through photos and stopped and starred at the one above: Is Suri Cruise wearing lipstick? Because I know the red smear ain't Kool-Aide.

So check this out, and feel free to challenge me on what I am about to express: It is one thing for a young girl to "play dress up" around the house, but to incorporate getting her makeup done before she goes out in public -- is unsettling (no, disturbing.) The featured photo coupled with People magazine's latest cover story "Gone Too Far?" which discusses the Toddlers & Tiaras controversy makes me wanna punch something. 

Photo Credit: nikkistyle

Following are some thought-provoking 'research' questions as it relates to over beautifying young innocent girls: Are some parents going too far with beautification? Is it a form of negative exploitation? Are parents (and the general public) unintentionally defining beauty as having to cake-on makeup? What are the potential psychological implications of girls (younger than 11 years old) believing that beauty must correlate with wearing heavy amounts of makeup, red lipstick, gluing on false eyelashes, waxing body parts, and sewing-in hair extensions? 

Frankly, what constitutes "beautiful" or "cute" in the eyes of the media/general public is ridiculously out of whack, and the ignorance pushes my hot button. Look at the toddler on the right. I can't...

There's so much more to say! What do you think? Email your thoughts to nikki@nikkistyle.net, or @ reply me on Twitter. I just know this conversation will continue...