Wrap it up

Few accessories are as versatile as a scarf (as columnist Kiley Brown shared in a previous issue of FACE). And I do love a good scarf – although in these hot summer months it's hard to put anything around my neck other than a cool towel.

But, I am tempted to risk the neck sweat for the look Diane Kruger is working in the picture above.

One of my favorite things to do is to discover a new a way to turn a regular T-shirt into a chic look with a few pieces (usually a vest and too many necklaces) and clearly this hippie-inspired scarf takes a fitted tee from boring to boho in an instant.

Guess I'll just have to find one made of an airy fabric and risk the warm neck.

Spanx move north

Today I learned that the famed booty smoother Spanx is conquering another region of the female landscape with a new bra.

While visiting Brother's on the Boulevard this afternoon, I found the newest incarnation of Spanx – the Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Front Closure Bra.

Like the panties from Spanx that work to smooth the bumps of the bottom while remaining invisible, the new bra gives a smooth look under tops. The front closure means the back is free to be one long piece of stretchy fabric made to refrain from riding up and to minimize that dreaded back fat.

I have yet to test drive the new model, but if looks are any indicator and based on the reputation of Spanx panties, I'd say give this bra a try.

A Golden Girl passes away

Estelle Getty died today at the age of 84. I loved her. I love the Golden Girls. I always kind of thought of them as the Sex and the City: Seniors gone wild in Florida edition.

Before there was Sex and the City, my friends and I would compare ourselves to this dynamic foursome – we also did it with Designing Women as well. (I was always Dorothy, which both insulted and complimented me I think.)

It is a sad day indeed. I still catch the reruns of the show and can't help but laugh out loud. And I always marvel at how edgy some of the topics really were, especially for a group of older women.

I'm about to hit search on my DVR to find an episode to watch tonight in honor of Sophia.

A beauty we love to love

After watching The Dark Knight this weekend I decided to crown Maggie Gyllenhaal the thinking woman's beauty queen.
There are beautiful women we love to hate (Denise Richards) and then the ones we love in spite of our own jealousy like Maggie. (Her ridiculously precious brother doesn't hurt either.)

The movie was pretty fantastic (much better than Batman Begins, which I watched for the first time shortly thereafter watching Knight).

I have pictured above a movie still from Knight where Maggie is wearing one of my favorite wardrobe pieces – a vest. She rocks it with a trouser and button up top. A great reminder that a masculine piece can look superbly sexy.

The other photo is of her and Dark Knight love interest Aaron Eckhart at a fundraiser. Her flutter-sleeve dress and soft, low updo are soft, sexy and old school glam.

Belt it

I am a huge fan of belts and admit that I don't wear them nearly often enough. Watching the ESPYS (against my will) last night I was inspired by the use of belts in some ensembles that may seem unlikely paired with a waist cincher.

I love Sofia Bush's utility-inspired belt contrasting her grecian gown. Danica Patrick's yellow reptile belt is fabulous with her charcoal dress. She finishes the look with some yellow pumps, which for me are the new red. And then there is the gorgeous Adriana Lima (one of my favorite models) in her little black dress with belt and fierce shoes.

FYI, besides the fashion, the awards were certainly worthwhile thanks to Justin Timberlake's superb hosting skills. (And of course any event David Beckham attends is worth at least a glance.)

Just for the Gossip Girl lovers

I feel compelled to post these delicious photos of the Gossip Girl crew and other hot new young faces from Vanity Fair including Leighton and my absolute favorite new fashion muse Blake Lively.
I am in love with her Serena style (thrown together and utterly perfect) from the show and that hair!

OMG I'm too old for this

Lucky Magazine (truly a favorite in my list of favorite fashion magazines) has Leighton Meester on the cover this month looking free, fresh and vibrant. It's a fantastic contrast to her uptight Blair on Gossip Girl.

I know I'm too old for Gossip Girl. I can't help it. It's my guilty pleasure. But, before you judge, I recommend you check out a few episodes. And if you love fashion like me you'll find it worth the watch to see what duds these little fashionistas are going to don next. (It really is extraordinary that an NYC Upper East Side prep school has such a liberal dress code. Who knew plaid could look so fierce?)

The show is a delicious look at New York and fashion with a sexy edge. Think of it as Sex and the City: Juniors Edition.

Grüezi to Project Runway! (that's hello in German)

As a lover of fashion it is only natural that I love Project Runway with all my heart (or at least a nice little chunk of it).

The Season 5 premiere is but a day away and I am waiting with bated breath to see what this new crop of designers have to offer, the input of the fabulous panel of guest judges (some real legends this season – Brooke Shields, Diane von Fürstenberg, Cynthia Rowley and Calvin Klein creative director Francisco Costa) and of course Heidi in all her gorgeous German goddessness. (See picture above if there's any doubt that Heidi has lost any of her luster.)

Perhaps my favorite thing about Project Runway (aside from Heidi's precious comments like "that looks home sewn") is how inspired I am by the show. Within the first few episodes my designer within starts to rear her odd little head. I start saying fierce more often and pair strange items together in the name of upping my fashion quotient.

Maybe this season I'll actually take my sewing machine out of the closet.

When the swan outdoes herself

Anne Hathaway is one of those Hollywood "ugly ducklings" who was always a swan in my opinion – even in the first part of Princess Diaries. But, now this swan has turned into ... what's hotter than a swan?

I saw her kick some butt last week in Get Smart. It was very Jennifer Garner in Alias. Then I picked up In Style with her on the cover. She has one of those great Old Hollywood faces that can pull off matte red lips, of which I am always jealous.

Watching Hathaway go from ugly duckling in Princess Diaries to swan was a treat. And she pulled off that same feat again in The Devil Wears Prada. In Get Smart she was fierce swan from beginning to end.

I wonder if we'll ever see the ugly duckling again or has she permanently transformed?

More FACE

Hello readers! As the July 4th weekend winds down, I hope you grab an issue of FACE July and check out some beautiful fashion and inspiring women.

So, this second issue didn't include a big launch party like the inaugural issue. But, that didn't make it any less thrilling to see it in print. Or any less special. It must be because, once again, I was able to share the story of an incredible Lafayette woman. That's something that is to always be treasured.

There may not have been a public celebration, but there certainly was one in my head and heart.

You can check out the issue in print all about town and online at www.facelafayette.com where you can download the entire publication and enter our contest for a precious vase.