Creative Fashion: Halloween is an excuse to dress sexy

From the Jersey Shore Snooki outfit to the Frankenstein costume, Oct. 31 is a night when anything goes.

- Farah Esmail

BOO!

Figuring out what to dress up as for Halloween is a conundrum for the sluggish or the keen. Conjuring up a costume around Halloween time can be difficult, as you don’t want to break your bank. Every year around this time we start to see photos of some pretty outrageous costumes and 2011 is all about experimenting with hair, boys and girls. Be bold, original and take risks!

Think about it, as far back as Cleopatra, people have become infamous for unique hair. Hair has been ever changing for thousands of years, which represented t he fashion, and the culture of the time period with wigs, hairpieces, dyed hair and hair accessories. Even now, you can’t think of certain celebrities without imagining the haircut or hairstyle that went along with them like Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Aniston or even Jessica Rabbit, Disney’s popular animated red-head are all well known personalities that had hair that was legendary. If you are trying to recreate a head turning look this Halloween, getting the hair look just right is going to be a critical part of your costume that will get-you-noticed. Remember when Katy Perry wore a bright blue wig to the 2010 MTV movie awards; she stated that she was paying homage to the Smurfs movie that she was starring in as, “Smurfette.”

Halloween offers a day of escape, fantasy and elation. Make sure you prepare yourself a week in advance at the least to let your mind get creative. Who wouldn’t want to dress up and be someone else, if just for one night? The idea of fantasy, where anything goes, is what sparks people’s interest. Being able to create a character that is not only believable, but one that you can personify, will bring you an ultimate sense of accomplishment, once you go through the process.

Enjoy attending a party with costume contests, haunted house, or go sightseeing the scariest decorated houses on the block. There is fun to be had, while in costume. Remember, although Halloween is a night to remember, stay safe with your friends in familiar neighbourhoods, always check your candy before indulging and please refrain from vandalizing someone’s home with toilet paper and egging – do you know how hard of a cleanup that is? All right, troopers – there you have it. Get your costumes ready and charge up your camera’s battery, as it’s time to rock this Halloween gig and take pictures to create memories!

Gen Art Fashion Show Fall 2011

REAL DESIGN STARS:

Meet The Fresh Faces At Gen Art - Farah Esmail

October 22, 2011, I marked my calendar and attended a grand fashion show in Los Angeles – Gen Art’s The Fresh Faces in Fashion presented by Moroccan Oil.

This season, Gen Art brings together 11 of the hottest emerging designers in L.A. for an unforgettable night hosted by Zoe Saldana, actress and co-founder of MyFDB.com.

Fresh Faces in Fashion is the breathtaking runway and accessory installation presentation that introduced the world to designers including Rami Kashou, Phillip Lim, CC Skye and dozens of others. Fresh Faces is the best showcase of up-and-coming West Coast talent and we saw offerings from Iman Toloui, Plomo, Sticks & Stones and Tom Tom, followed by a fashion show featuring the runway debut from women’s ready-to-wear designers 71 Stanton, Dear Creatures, Funktional, and Odylyne among others.

This stunning and fully packed show took place at Vibiana – a luxurious space with baroque inspired interiors and an expansive bush garden in the heart of Los Angeles. Everyone soaked up the show filled with inspirational designers and clothes that had us drooling for more.

The wonderful gift bags topped off the night and the complimentary cocktails that were provided made socializing a breeze and a great mingling tool for the after party.

The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Heads To Los Angeles

The Elizabeth Taylor Collection Heads To Los Angeles - Farah Esmail

Christie’s arranged a three-month tour of highlights from late legendary Hollywood film star and jewelry aficionado– Elizabeth Taylor’s Dazzling Jewelry Collection. The tour was set for Moscow, London, Dubai, Geneva, Paris, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

In commemoration of the extraordinary life of Elizabeth Taylor, Christies was honored to open the window into the public and private world of a true icon that defined sophistication

After viewing the traveling show at MOCA Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles with priority access, I understand why Andy Warhol once said, "It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor's finger." Taylor’s jewelry was reportedly worth $150 million so you can imagine how remarkable the collection is. The jewelry is considered one of the best private collections ever assembled! There are many stories behind the jewelry pieces and treasured possessions. Taylor said, "You can't cry on a diamond's shoulder, and diamonds won't keep you warm at night, but they're sure fun when the sun shines”. Many gems were gifts from the special men in Taylor's life. Audiences can drool over gems from husband numbers 5 & 6, Richard Burton — including the 33-carat "Elizabeth Taylor Diamond" ring.

"La Peregrina," a ruby and diamond necklace which features a 16th century pearl once owned by King Phillip 2 of Spain; and the "Taj Majal Diamond," on a gold and ruby chain by Cartier, which was a 40th birthday present.

From Mike Todd (husband 3), there is the "Mike Todd Diamond Tiara;" given to Taylor in 1957 and the "Cartier Ruby Suite" which Todd gave her while she was swimming in their pool in St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Can you say, lucky lady?

In keeping with Elizabeth Taylor’s life-long dedication to charitable causes, Christies was happy to declare that a portion of the monies generated by exhibition tickets, publications and events related to the sales will be donated to The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). Taylor always planned to put her jewelry up for auction expecting that the next owners would "give them a really good home."

Shoe Porn:

Return of the classic shoe –

The Oxford Trend - Farah Esmail

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-oxfords

The oft-noted challenge is that Americans and British folks use the same terms to imply different things. The balmoral shoe is also known as an Oxford in Europe and is meant to be plain in its design and detail, making it a classy choice to wear with a business suit. Like many other fashion trends of this millennium, Oxford shoe styles were created made for men; however, they have been easily transitioned into women's wear with different fabrics and textures. We love how there are always changes in fashion and style, don’t you? Girls and boys, we suggest you should grab yourself a pair of the comfortable and ever so versatile shoe.

Girly Oxfords:

Why just stick to the classic old-school style? Embrace the nerdy shoe trend! Slip yourself into some colorful, floral or blinged-out oxfords to sparkle up any of your looks. These need something to contrast their masculinity. Pair these with skinny jeans, tights, a feminine skirt and a throw on your favorite cardigan. You can surprisingly wear them with many things but remember, keep the overall look simple and chic.

Manly Oxfords:

Think of dark colors, leather and canvas. Try an oxford with classic cuts and a shape reminiscent of the men's oxfords. You don’t have to look for delicate details and intricate designs only - be daring and unique. Pair them with dark or light colored skinny jeans or a slim tailored suit for that masculine edge.

Pink Is Always In Fashion

Think blush–hued items for

Breast Cancer Month! --- Share beauty & spread hope

- Farah Esmail

1) Panera Bread Honors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Pink Ribbon Bagels. http:// www.panerabread.com

Panera Bread is a symbol of welcome and warmth. This welcoming bakery serves fresh baked, handcrafted artisan breads, sweet and savory baked goods. This October, Panera Bread is helping in the fight against Breast cancer. They are featuring a special pink ribbon bagel made with cherry chips, dried cherries and cranberries, vanilla, honey and brown sugar. Throughout October, your donation of the proceeds from each Pink Ribbon Bagel goes to benefit breast cancer charities. Lets find a cure!

2) Enell sports bras are making a difference! http://www.enell.com

Enell (Oprah’s favorite) cares about women and they strive to make a difference. The patented design and construction - a balance of compression and encapsulation makes it outperform any other bra and is a must have. They donate 10% of Hope (Pink) Enell Sports Bra and Hope (Pink) Enell Light Bra Sales to FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. Treasure the “BREAST” things in life.

3) The Philosophy hope in jar facial moisturizer has a limited edition pink package to show its hope a cure will be found. http://www.philosophy.com

Five dollars from every purchase of hope in a jar will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Another way to help is by purchasing Philosophy’s shower for the cure shower gel. One hundred percent of these profits go will go to the Women’s Cancer Research Fund. Now you can look and feel beautiful!

4) Think Pink! Clinique Moisturizing Lotion has a great skin, great cause product going on for the month of October. http://www.clinique.com

Clinique has a limited-edition dramatically different moisturizing lotion. $20.00 from your purchase helps support the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This moisturizer comes with a mini photo frame key chain and a breast cancer awareness charm – all in pretty pink. Support a cause and look great while doing it.

5) Fergie designs the “Fergie Footwear” limited edition pink heel for Breast Cancer Awareness. http://www.fergieshoes.com

In association with the launch, Brown Shoe Company is donating $20,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, which is the biggest source of non-profit funds devoted to the battle against breast cancer. Look glitzy for a night out with a Fergalicious 4-inch heel and burst of color!

Pink: Always in fashion!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year 25 years of awareness, education and empowerment is being celebrated. Colin Megaro, LLC wants to encourage each of you to take appropriate measures as early detection and prevention are key. Please remember

to conduct self exams and schedule a yearly mammogram. Take a few minutes out of your schedule

Here are a few facts about Breast Cancer:

1: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women.

2: Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer.

3: Diet and exercise do make a difference.

Please remember to give back when you can. Whether it's donating to the Susan G. Komen Fund or volunteering at an awareness walk we can all help make a difference.