Wednesday, September 1, 2010

News - Kendall Jenner, 14, Models Skimpy Shorts - Style & Beauty - UsMagazine.com

What do you think? Is she too young to be wearing short shorts?


I think she looks professional, smart with some sass, and super fashionable. Do you think she needs to be more covered up? Would love to hear opinions.

Amanda

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

CFDA Awards - Great Fashion!

Let's talk FASHION!

Sarah Jessica looked GORGEOUS, with bright, blending colors of orange, pinks and purple. While prints are often unflattering, this print with the silhouette worked perfectly on her shape and with her coloring.
Photos - CFDA's Chicest Stars - Sarah Jessica Parker - UsMagazine.com

Jessica Biel, on the other hand, looks washed out and a bit too vintage for her. It didn't accentuate her body or look like anything other than a satin sheet from the '70s that was draped on her.
This, however, is vintage done right because it's cute and it's her style:

Rachel Weisz wore a complementing lipstick to her purple and black floral dress, which was so elegant and perfect with a slicked back hairstyle.

And check out Anna Wintour, who is usually spot on with her fashions. She might be wearing designer, but the length is just too long for her frame, and with the shoes, she looks like she's aging. As someone so high on the totem pole in fashion, that is a definite no no.

She model looks fabulous with her grungy casual chic style mixed with an elegance and sophistication:

Aaah - two of a kind:

Friday, April 16, 2010

Does POLE DANCING sound dirty or fun?

I tried a pole dancing class a few weeks ago. Yes, a pole dancing class...

I wasn't sure what to expect, and I did it with a group of women friends. It was fun, which I did expect, but it was SUCH great exercise! We were all SO sore the next day! For someone who exercises regularly, I don't get sore easily, but I felt it in my arms, my legs and my core for a few days after.

Before taking the class, I thought of pole dancing as a bit dirty but also as something that sounded like fun to do behind closed doors. I never thought I'd find myself thinking of it as exercise. And while everyone in the class had a great time, I found that after the class was finished, almost everyone was kind of embarrassed of taking the class and didn't want any pictures being posted on facebook or any other site that others would see them on a pole. 

So is it exercise, or is it still "dirty?"


Friday, April 2, 2010

SUICIDE BULLYING

I've heard and read about this topic every day this week, and I had to blog about it. Take a look at the latest article about it:
Bully Suicide NY Times Post

How do you feel about it? Do you think that the bullies should face murder charges, be expelled, suspended, or any other serious charge? Or do you think that they've gone through enough just knowing that they pushed someone to take her life?

I think we should start by teaching our kids to treat others with respect, even if you don't like someone or agree with their choices. We should teach them how serious telling someone to kill themselves truly is, and how cruel it is to say something like that.

The consequences, I'm not so sure of, but preventative measures are an absolute necessary,and that's something I'm sure of.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

NANO

CLICK: NANO NEWS

This is so scary! There should just be ONE company that is responsible for all food coming into and being sold in the US. What the heck is nano-food?! We want REAL food! Just REAL food!

I guess the positive is that it's being added to foods that we already shouldn't be eating, like packaged cake mixes, salad dressings, and diet soda. But...it's in ice cream too and ice cream is my one "bad" love that I can't give up! Oh no!

Why don't people take responsibility for their actions, but even more important, how can people go to sleep at night knowing that they are adding something that may cause cancer to our foods?

Sunday, March 21, 2010

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

I celebrated a birthday this weekend and could not go one more week without a post to all of you, thanking you for your dedication to making this world a better place, with healthier, more vibrant, happier people in it. The number of people who said "Happy Birthday" to me this weekend was enormous, and I appreciate every one of you.

I was able to enjoy the sunshine while playing at the park, and watch my child make friends and share toys.

I was able to ice skate in Central Park with my family, wearing only t-shirts and jeans, and it was so much fun! We weren't experts, but it was an experience none-the-less! And I was able to wave to my baby, who got excited each time I strode by. It was beautiful.

I was able to share in the experience of a first haircut, a first ride around the jungle gym, a shared dinner with loved ones, and many, many smiles. It was a wonderful weekend.

I hope all of you had an amazing weekend as well, and I will "speak" to you again soon!

Love,
Amanda

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

The Fall 2010 Runway Shows were just beautiful, with amazing details and rich clothing.
Shoulders continue to be the rage, but the legs were also a major focus.


ALBERTA FERRETTI


http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/(view)/1/(imageIndex)/33

Just look at these shoes:
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/(view)/1/(imageIndex)/2

These were shown in a variety of gorgeous colors:
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/(view)/1/(imageIndex)/4

Don't the details just make this perfect?
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/(view)/1/(imageIndex)/38

The fur detail...
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/ALBERTA-FERRETTI/(view)/1/(imageIndex)/40


BLUMARINE

The fringe:

BOTTEGA VENETA

Fishnets are back!

D&G

Fur boots and bows...just make everything more fun!

C'N'C COSTUME NATIONAL

Shearling and more fur!

DSQUARED2

Strong model walks, stronger statements. Leather, vinyl, beaded shoulders...so beautiful I recommend you watch the entire video:

Thursday, February 18, 2010

WOMEN'S FASHION WEEK PART II - FEB. '10

More fashion!!!

Marchesa, Marchesa, Marchesa...could you be any more devine?
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,3

With the perfectly placed ruffles and the variety of necklines and colors, it was just AMAZING. What young thing wouldn't look good in this dress?
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,11

And while this color wouldn't look great on many skin tones, the dress itself is perfection:
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,14

Can we say "Reese Witherspoon" when we see this dress?
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,17

And of course I want every pair of shoes that walked on that runway!
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,18

But this one just has to be my favorite look from the entire week:
http://www.fabsugar.com/2010-Fall-New-York-Marchesa-7447675?page=0,0,28

I am usually a HUGE fan of Marc Jacobs, but this time, he just didn't grab me. I get the whole "vintage" feel he was going for, but I didn't find any of the style that remarkable or creative. What did you think?
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/marc-jacobs-rtw-fall-2010-2480478?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2480478/2480594/new-york

Oscar de le Renta, on the other hand, was true OSCAR. Glamour, richness, and creativity were all present:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/oscar-de-le-renta-rtw-fall-2010-2488626?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2488626/2488627/new-york

http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/oscar-de-le-renta-rtw-fall-2010-2488626?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2488626/2488682/new-york

The color palette truly represented the "fall colors."
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/oscar-de-le-renta-rtw-fall-2010-2488626?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2488626/2488682/new-york

With a bit of an '80's feel in the hair and makeup, he gave us clothing that women young and old will want to wear.
I will just call it GENIUS, pure GENIUS, and I have a feeling we might be seeing this one at an awards show this year:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/oscar-de-le-renta-rtw-fall-2010-2488626?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2488626/2488732/new-york

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

WOMEN'S FASHION WEEK - FEB. '10

Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Peter Som...It's FASHION WEEK!
Who DOESN'T love the fashion walking down the runways right now?!

The simplistic, yet gorgeous, jackets and pants of Zac Posen remind me of wrapping up in a blanket and sipping hot cocoa with tiny marshmellows. But it's more luxe than that. It's AMAZING. Check it out:
Though the collection's color palette is not flattering to all skin tones, it does follow the neutral nude tone of the majority of designers for Fall 2010. With weird fabric patch placements on some pieces, I wouldn't call all beautiful fashion, but certain outfits are perfect:

What do you think of all of the fur booties to match the fur jackets? Too much or just right?

Everything Carolina Herrera showed was glamorous and tailored, and though not all flattering, with wide leg, pleated pants and oversized clothing, it shows the strength of a woman. Carolina Herrera RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com
This is something I would wear: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/carolina-herrera-rtw-fall-2010-2477076?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2477076/2477176/new-york
How about you?


I'm not used to Monique Lhuillier RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com being anything other than wedding dresses, but these slim dresses show the uniqueness and detail that she's known for. I especially love this green mini:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/monique-lhuillier-rtw-fall-2010-2478038?city=new-york/highlights#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2478038/2478348/new-york


Donna Karan didn't disapoint: Donna Karan RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com with extremely flattering black pants, glamorous gloves and lace details, structure, and a bit of a futuristic theme. This is one of my favorite outfits: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/donna-karan-rtw-fall-2010-2478384?city=new-york/recent#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2478384/2478468/new-york
The entire collection looked rich, with pieces you could own forever (though not "classic"). If someone can do this with basically one color (black), that is true talent. I would like half of the collection please!


Betsey Johnson's quirky and fun spirit came through! Betsey Johnson RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com
The green and khaki neutrals didn't seem to work as well as the brights:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/betsey-johnson-rtw-fall-2010-2475023?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2475023/2475139/new-york
Something I definitely have to point out is the variety of body types in her show. The model casting was obviously not just for the skinny mini's, but for models with some curves as well. It was so nice seeing something that all designers should do.


After a horrible intern experience with her years ago, I didn't ever think I'd be writing something positive about Jill Stuart Jill Stuart RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com, but I will say I love this one outfit:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/jill-stuart-rtw-fall-2010-2476745?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2476745/2477795/new-york
She has several designers working for her anyway, so I would love to give them the compliment.


I am IN LOVE with the glasses (Yes, I want them!), and the realization that I could see Victoria Beckham in each and every one of these pieces.
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/victoria-beckham-rtw-fall-2010-2471953?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2471953/2471982/new-york
Did I love every single piece? Yes, every SINGLE piece. http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/victoria-beckham-rtw-fall-2010-2471953?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2471953/2472001/new-york
I am a bit saddened at the super skinny model choices, but the designs were beautiful.


Diane von Furstenberg's neutral palette was perfect for the solids and prints of flowy and structured items for the young, modern urbanite.
Diane von Furstenberg RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/diane-von-furstenberg-rtw-fall-2010-2473484?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2473484/2473520/new-york



http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/diane-von-furstenberg-rtw-fall-2010-2473484?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2473484/2473540/new-york


Strong shoulders and fresh-faced, youthful models made Alice + Olivia's fashion collection perfect.
Alice + Olivia RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com
Glamour, with fur stoles, and old-time menswear sex appeal, Alice In Wonderland hats, beige and black neutrals, Alice + Olivia should be set with the celebrities wearing the latest styles!


Peter Som did it right. Peter Som RTW Fall 2010 - WWD.com
With beautiful fall color combinations, like plum, bright green and eggplant, made it stand out amongst the pack of neutrals. The dark goth lipstick and stick straight hair added to the beautiful styling:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/review/peter-som-rtw-fall-2010-2468806?city=new-york#/slideshow/microsite/fall-ready-to-wear-2010/2468806/2468849/new-york


Those of my favs from fashion week. Which were yours?

Monday, February 8, 2010

LOVE IT!

Study in Singapore Links Sugary Soft Drinks and Pancreatic Cancer - AOL News

Just another study proving how horrible soda is for your health...click above!

That's just something I HAD to post for all of you, but I really wanted to write about the experience I had tonight at a new fitness studio in Manhattan. It's called NIMBLE FITNESS. When I saw a fusion yoga/dance class on lifebooker.com, I decided to purchase a class and go down to the Union Square area. The class was more pilates with upbeat music in the background, but it was still great!

I ended up getting a private lesson, so the teacher was able to move my body by tiny increments, making each positions exactly right. The teacher's name was Rachel, and she was friendly, knowledgeable, easygoing, and just plain fun. We worked with a pilates leg circle movement that I've never done before (I've done circles to the ceiling but never to the side.), and I can honestly say that I have never felt a move work my butt muscles so well! For that alone, I would recommend taking her class. The class was relaxing, fun and unique to the many other exercise classes I've taken.

I was also able to meet all three of the owners, and they were so nice! I've been to many studios in NYC and it's rare that you find all owners there working with genuine smiles on their faces.

Nimble Fitness only recently opened, but the place was very busy when I got there and when I left.
Check out the web site:


Monday, February 1, 2010

GRAMMY'S 2010!

Of course I had to cover another fashion event since this is the best month of awards shows! I'd love to hear your opinions as well!

Nude was definitely a main color of the night for the ladies! http://www.popsugar.com/7235250
Beyonce's dress was GORGEOUS, but I would've preferred it on someone with less curves since the lines in the dress would give someone with a straighter body more curves.
Katy Perry was glowing, but who else thought she needed a bra (or a better one)?
http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,52

Sheryl Crow looked blah. I mean, she looked pretty, but this is the Grammy's, a chance to dress a bit funky and have fun with it! http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,7

Carrie Underwood looked pretty in gold. http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,2
Her first dress, however, didn't do anything for her body, and frankly, I didn't love her wearing white after just getting engaged. Let your man wait for the wedding to see you in a long white dress!
http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,2

Aaay...come on J Lo! http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,3

Chris O'Donnel was perfection, just how a man should look, in all black with fine details. http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,8

I'm undecided about PINK. I think I would've liked the mermaid look better if she had done her hair differently. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,57 What's your opinion? http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,10

Fergie's makeup was gorgeous, more toned down than usual. http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,24 In photos, her dress didn't look that great, but on TV, it was so pretty and unique.
http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,90

Taylor Swift had her signature curly hairstyle, swept off to the side, and a very pretty dress, but I would've preferred a smoky eye rather than a red lip with the "bright" dress. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,87

I am really getting frustrated about Rihanna because I always loved her style, but lately, it's just a bit much and just not that cool. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,93

I feel badly for Britney Spears because it was obvious that she was trying to wear something similar to what she wore years ago, when she was on top of the world. But it didn't work this time. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,111 It's not the '90's anymore, and it's just not cute.

And what can I really say about Lady Gaga...well, I think I won't say anything and we'll leave it at that! This was definitely the place for her to express herself! http://www.popsugar.com/7243100?page=0,0,23
I think she seems like such a nice person, but if she keeps having these hairstyles and tons of makeup, she will keep getting the questions about her gender. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,36

And lastly, I tried to skip her, but I just couldn't since she stood out so much. Ciarra thought she looked cute, but it didn't work. http://www.popsugar.com/7235250?page=0,0,104 She said that her favorite part of the outfit was the jacket, and she was right. The jacket was gorgeous, so she should've made that the focal point of the outfit and kept the rest simple, showing a bit more skin. She's a beautiful young woman, so dress the part!

Okay, I feel better now. Yes, this was the Grammy's, and it was full of super fun fashion, but it was also full of people who needed better stylists (wink wink). To the next fashion event!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

FOOD LABEL MYTHS

What do your food labels really mean? 'Free-range,' 'natural,' 'non-toxic,' and other myths

For someone who's major in college included Marketing, I am disgusted by the marketing health schemes that are going on in food stores across the country. Why don't we just help each other instead of trying to scheme people into eating foods that we want to gain a profit from? I understand trying to make sales, but why can't we focus on the actual benefits of the product instead of trying to make them seem better than they are by using confusing words?

You'll see me post this time and time again: The best choice is always real food that is USDA organic. Knowing that it's free of most preservatives, pesticides, hormones, artificial flavorings, and added sugar and salt will make you feel and look your best.

Click on the link above for a great article on de-coding the "Organic" and "Reduced Fat" labels.

Monday, January 25, 2010

SPANX is no longer just an undergarment brand!

Slaves to Fashion Fashion: glamour.com


This might be the most exciting news ever! While there may be a few months before bathing suit season, it'll be here before we know it.
Ladies, Spanx is launching a swimwear, and the styles are super stylish! Some actually remind me of Herve Leger designs. While the prices are a bit steep for most these days, if you decide to buy one, just remember that you'll feel fabulous and you really only need one.


Do you plan on buying the bathing suits?

Sunday, January 24, 2010

YAY FOR SAG AWARD FASHIONS!

Anybody watch the awards last night? It doesn't matter as long as you checked out the fierce fashion!!! 


Drew, Drew Drew...You've been on my "Best Dressed List" for months now, and you're still on! The color, the detail...beautiful! I would've preferred a different hairstyle and some more dramatic makeup, but the focus on the dress instead of adding on accessories was a great styling choice:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/photos/sag-awards-2010231/6494


Diane Kruger was glamorous, beautiful and unique with her long, off-the-shoulder, tangerine-colored dress, sleek hair and red lipstick:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/photos/sag-awards-2010231/6488


This is a good example of dressing for your body type. While Sandra Bullock doesn't always choose the best dresses for her body at awards shows, she definitely did this time! The bright blue drew attention to her top, while the fitted black bottom looked amazing. I love when people surprise us in a good way!
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/photos/sag-awards-2010231/6499


Do we like? Kate Hudson wore white, once again, and while she looked much more stylish and "for her personality" than she did at last week's Golden Globes Awards, do we think the dresses mean more? Recent breakup...white at both awards shows right after, even during the winter season? I hope she is dealing with her breakup in healthy ways and am wishing her my best:
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/photos/sag-awards-2010231/6496



To see my favs from last week's awards, check them out here!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

FIRST POST!

Hello to all of my clients, friends, family and those of you I have yet to meet!
I am so excited to write my first blog post! The A+ Plan blog will soon be filled with modified recipes, inspiring quotes, thoughts about life, and fashion ideas, critiques, and many "LOVE!" exclamations.


Peace, love, happiness to all,
Amanda Winters
FOUNDER and CEO of the A+ Plan
Nutrition and Style Consultant