Wednesday, 18 January 2012

Best Dressed at the Golden Globes

Hey everyone!
So the 2012 Golden Globe Awards recently aired on television and I have to say that there were some amazing fashion choices made by many of the top celebrities. Major trends on the red carpet included bold colors and patterns, nude dresses, metallic, and mermaid dresses. These are the ones that I noticed the most while watching it.
So without further ado, let's go over my top choices for style at this year's awards!

Reese Witherspoon

Wow is all I have to say. Reese Witherspoon looked effortlessly flawless in this beautiful red Zac Posen gown. The strapless style really flattered her figure and I loved the bold red color in comparison to all the nude colors that were constantly coming up on the red carpet. Her hair was so perfectly beachy and undone. I absolutely loved it. She had minimal makeup on but still seemed to have this beautiful bronze glow about her. Deffinitely a 5 star look in my book! This look suited her perfectly.

Sofia Vergara

My favorite take of the night on the mermaid dress trend! This dress is stunning and looked great against her pretty tan skin and long straight hair. I love the navy color and the beautiful detail at the bottom of the dress. The fabric is beautiful and gives off such a rich texture. Vera Wang never ceases to amaze me! The dress suited Sofia's curvy shape beautifully.

Nicole Richie

I have admired Nicole Richie's style for a while now and this gorgeous gown is no exception. I loved her hair and makeup with this outfit. Her half-up half-down hair is so pretty with full bangs. I also loved the little clutch from House of Harlow that she was carrying; it went perfectly with the dress without overpowering it. This dress is the perfect take on the metallic trend and I love it! Call me predictable but I was in love with this sequin-y metallic number.

Angelina Jolie
She looked so glamorous that I just had to add her to my best dressed list! I love the chic red lips and pulled back hair. The gown is form fitting and has a nice flow to it at the same time. I love the red detailing as well as the clutch she wore to go along with it. The silky material makes her look glamorous and very chic.

Claire Danes

What appeared to be a simple clean cut dress deffinitely wasen't. When Claire Danes turned around I gasped. I absolutely adored the back of her J. Mendel dress and the detailing on the shoulders of it. Her hair looked beautiful in a simple updo. She certainly made clean cut look good. Loving it!

Charlize Theron

Talk about rocking the Dior! I love the crazy detail on this dress. The low v-cut is classy and gives her a beautiful feminine look without looking like too much skin is showing. I loved the giant ribbon coming down from the waist and the slit at her leg which flowed eloquently off to the side in a gorgeous train. The shoes were pretty simple but that's really what you need with this statement making dress. Headbands were deffinitely a trend I noticed a lot on the red carpet and she manages to pull it off effortlessly with such a formal gown!

Ella Macpherson

Beautiful glowing skin seemed to be a huge thing on the red carpet and Ella Macpherson was deffinitely sporting it! I love her effortless bombshell blowout as far as her hair goes and her dress was just as eye catching. The ruffles are beautiful and I love the many layers that the dress has. The detailing on the bust is eye catching and this mermaid style really suited her. Loved the accessories as well!

Emma Stone

This girl certainly knows how to dress. She has had an amazing year of fashion and this dress to ring in the new year is proof that this year will be no different. I love the plum color and the cut of the shoulders on this gown. The color suits her fair complexion and hair so well. Her makeup was a little bold for my taste and I did not really like the way she did it in relation to the dress she was wearing (however that's the only negative comment I have to make!). The dress looks flawless on her and Emma Stone is deffinitely a style star of this generation.

A few other notable mentions:


Evan Rachel Wood
(Although I'm not a huge fan of the halter neck, this dress is breathtaking. So much detail!)


Kate Beckingsale
(Simple and classic, this dress is the perfect red carpet number!)
Jessica Alba
(I LOVE LOVE LOVE this dress!)


Salma Hayek
(Loving all the detail and pattern on the dress!)


Sarah Hyland
(Despite a wardrobe malfunction, this dress really stunned! Love the texture and the beautiful lace waist)

Lea Michele
(Sequins...need I say more? Although this dress is really revealing, I think she pulled it off really well and I have to admit that I am completely in love with all that metallic detailing around the bust and the waist)


As always, with the fabulous and the beautiful comes the not so great outfit choices. Here are a few of the celebrities who's outfit choices made me cringe a little. These guys are at the top of my list as far as worst dressed goes:



Zooey Deschanel, Natalie Portman (suprisingly!), Madonna, Jodie Foster, Amanda Peet, Kelly Osborne, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Sorry ladies, but you all get a thumbs down in this blogger's books!

So what was your favorite look from The Golden Globes?
Which lady had the most beautiful gown?
What was your favorite hair and makeup look?
Let me know at genfaveblogger@hotmail.com
Love hearing from you guys!
xox
- Gen


Monday, 9 January 2012

Got dry, damaged hair? Look no further!

Hey guys!
So I know that seasonal changes and winter can be pretty brutal on our hair. I know my hair gets unruly and dehydrated especially in the winter so I try to use the right products to help keep it looking full of life and full of shine. Our hair also gets a ton of damage from the tools we use on it and the things we do to it (I recently added a ton of new highlights to my hair so I know aaaall about this!) Today I wanted to show you guys my absolute favorite products for dry and damaged hair. I've got a ton of favorites because for a long time I had very damaged hair. I dyed it, I constantly tried new things with it, and I did not take care of it properly. So to help you guys avoid all of the dehydration mistakes I have made in the past I bring you....My top products for dry, damaged hair.

Moroccan Oil
This has got to be the most amazing product on the market. I am in love with this stuff and have been using it for years ever since I used to work in a hair salon. It is quite pricey but well worth the cost I can promise you that. You only need a very small amount and it deffinitely goes a long way. This is my all time favorite hair product because it gives my hair incredible shine and lots of much needed moisture. I use this on my damp hair almost everytime I get out of the shower. I promise you will not regret this incredible purchase! It is a miracle product. Macadamia Oil is another product that is similar and makes your hair soft and shiny!  Both can be purchased at places like Trade Secrets or at salons near you.

Herbal Essenses Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner
These are two great drugstore products that have an amazing price and give great results. They smell so good that you feel as though you just left a tropical beach. They really hydrate your hair and keep the moisture locked in. It's rich and creamy and does not leave your hair feeling dry and brittle once you get out of the shower. For approximately 4$ a bottle, you really can't go wrong with this one!

Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle
This is a great mask for dry and damaged hair. It is inexpensive and properly gives your hair that extra moisture it needs. It is made to be a moisture treatment and deffinitely does what it claims to do. It leaves your hair looking soft and shiny. This is one of my favorite deep conditioners and deffinitely the best one that you will find at a drugstore.

Schwarzkopf BC Moisture Kick Spray
This is my favorite leave-in conditioner. I just spray a little all around in my hair after I am done my shower and before I use a wide-tooth comb to brush out my hair. It is great for detangling and leaves your hair feeling healthy and strong.  If you don't believe me, check out these great Makeup Alley reviews on it! http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=86127/Moisture-Kick/Schwarzkopf/Conditioner

It's a Ten Miracle Leave-In Product
This product claims to do 10 different things and wow it certainly does. It is a great leave in product that leaves your hair less dry and feeling more healthy. Your hair feels so silky after you use this! Once you start using it you will never want to stop! It makes your hair shiny and takes away any frizz you might have since it conditions the hair so well. It also says that it protects your hair and locks in your color which I do believe that it does. This product seriously does what it claims to do and I can't get enough of it! It may seem pricey at first but trust me you will not regret it!

Macadamia Oil Mask
This is such a nice intense hydrating mask. It locks in moisture and really restores your hair. It smells yummy and I love it for when my hair really needs an intensive treatment. This is perfect for anyone with really damaged hair (especially chemical damage!). It's not heavy on your hair and it leaves your hair feeling light and silky. Deffinitely a must-try!

I hope this gave you guys a good little peak into some incredible moisturizing products for your hair!
Now I know you will all have fabulous soft and silky hair!
xoxo
- Gen

P.S Your favorite blogger is heading to NYC this weekend and I want to know your absolute favorite stores there! I will check out your shop recommendations and will come back to you guys with all of my favorites. I will be writing a post of my top fashion and beauty stores in NYC so look out for that and send any recommendations my way at genfaveblogger@hotmail.com 







Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Spring/Summer 2012 Trends!

Hey guys!
Long time no post, I know!
I hope everyone is having wonderful holidays and I am very excited to begin posting frequently now since I will be A LOT less busy!
On that note, today I wanted to share my favorite spring/summer 2012 trends so that you know what to look for in the months to come. Remember: You do not have to follow trends to the T. I personally just use them for inspiration and incorporate the ones that I like into my own personal style. Not every trend is going to be right for you and you will not like every trend that pops up. So keep that in mind and remember to stay true to what YOU like to wear!
That being said, here are my faves!

Candy Colors
This was huge on the runways as far as both fashion and beauty goes! Some models even sported magenta hair. Pastels are HUGE and all over the place for Spring fashion. Deffinitely check out the beautiful lilac and peach colored items!




1920's
Think Mad Men! The 20's are what's in this season and I absolutely love it. Seen on runways like Marc Jacobs. Think fringe, flapper, beads, curve-hugging materials, silk, pajama dressing, feathers, and sequins.





Bold Prints, Tribal Prints, Animal Prints and Bold Floral
This is such a fun trend that you can do so much with! There are so many crazy textures and fun bold prints seen on the runways. Eye catching floral, animal, and tribal prints were everywhere. Just remember to keep the rest of your outfit low key so you dont have too much print going on!









Oranges, Whites and Bright Neon Colors
Color blocking is still really big and was deffinitely included in conjunction with these crazy brights for Spring/Summer 2012. Different degrees of orange were seen everywhere and white was deffinitely a popular pick as well. Neon colors make any outfit pop and they are deffinitely a lot of fun when mixed together.





Leather
Skirts, shorts, and vests, oh my! Leather is making a landing into Spring and Summer fashion! Leather makes a bold statement during the season and looked very grungy and edgy against normal summer styles. Challenge yourself and incorporate this into your S/S 2012 wardrobe! I'm dying to find one of those cute leather-looking dresses.





Metallic is still huge as well by the way! I'm loving it. It will also be seen EVERYWHERE this coming season. Check out my post (my very first post here actually!) completely dedicated to it at http://favemagazine.blogspot.com/2011/10/big-heavy-metal-welcome.html*

I hope you guys enjoying this comprehensive guide to my favorite spring/summer 2012 trends!
Have fun with it and let me know what you think.

P.S.  I'm working on a very exciting new backround for the blog! Get ready cause it's going to be just as exciting as the blog itself is!!! Keep your eyes peeled. It's coming soon.

xoxoxo
- Gen

Thursday, 15 December 2011

Holiday Gift Guide: The Beauty Lover

Hey everyone!
And so begins my Holiday gift guide....
I will be posting guides to give you some ideas on what to get various types of people in your life for the Holidays. Today's gift guide is for the beauty lover! Don't know what to get your makeup obsessed friend? Worried over which gift set to choose at Sephora? Just want to get yourself a little something to beautify yourself during the Holidays? Look no further! Here is a gift guide for the beauty lover!

The Beauty Lover

Benefit's Project Flawless Set:
You get this great set for the price of a single Benefit blush alone! The kit comes with the popular bella bamba blush, a mini bad gal lash mascara, a mini girl meets pearl luminizer, and a full size lip gloss. I love this set! It has some great products in it and is an awesome value. Bad gal lash is a famous mascara and the bella bamba blush really adds a pretty dimension to your cheeks.  Check out my full review on this set here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0OWqUH9BOs&list=UUAuRBEubXvZL2-9TxEpUQ_A&index=2&feature=plcp

Sephora Favorites Holiday Perfume Set:
This is a great gift to give to someone you are close to that loves perfumes and wants to try some new ones! It comes with 10 different perfume samples in cute little mini versions of the full size bottles. It also comes with a coupon that is redeemable for a FULL SIZE of any of the perfumes from the kit! So your friend can try out the perfumes, see which one she likes best, get the full size of it, and still have a bunch of cute mini perfumes to keep! It's a great gift and perfect for someone who likes trying new things when it comes to beauty.

Jingle G
Harajuku Lovers Jingle G Perfume:
This cute little ornament is a mini version of the popular Harajuku Lovers G perfume and is such a fun festive gift! It's inexpensive and the scent is incredible. It is great for someone who likes fruity scents!

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Travel Size Set of Five - Electric
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil Travel Set:
This comes with 5 waterproof eyeliners! These liners are very nice. They are highly pigmented and last for a long time. I use the black one almost everyday for my own makeup! This is deffinitely a great kit to get someone who loves eye liner.

Lashstash ($133 Value)
Sephora Favorites LashStash:
Don't know what to get your mascara obsessed friend or family member? This is the perfect solution! This set features 10 extremely popular mascaras. It includes 2 full size mascaras and 8 sample sized ones plus a makeup remover by Clinique! This is deffinitely the perfect gift for a mascara lover.
MAC Dazzlesphere:
Do you have a lip gloss lover out there to shop for? Get them a MAC lipgloss dazzlesphere! The 3 lip sets each come with 2 mini dazzleglasses and 2 mini cremesheen glosses. Each one retails at $38.50 Canadian.

Sweet Kisses & Merry Wishes™ Set ($70 Value)
Philosophy "Sweet Kisses and Merry Wishes" Set:
This yummy set is perfect for the bath lover! It comes with four travel size shampoo/body wash/bubble bath flavours. It also comes with four yummy smelling lip shines. Each product has a festive scent such as peppermint bark and eggnog. They all smell incredible and will leave your friend smelling delicious!  Any product from Philosophy at this time of the year is to die for. Deffinitely recommend all of their Holiday products.
Lush "Best Wishes" Bath Set:
I absolutely love Lush and think that their products make great gifts, especially for bath lovers. This particular one is only 20$ and it includes two great holiday bath bombs and one bubble bar! You just pop the bath bombs into your bath and watch them fizz away. As for the bubble far, you crumble it under your bath water and watch it create delicious smelling big frothy bubbles! This is a cute little set that comes already wrapped and would be a nice little gift for someone near and dear to your heart. Check out the other Lush gift sets for more fun mixes of their various products! I promise you will love them all. I have been a Lush fan for a while now and have adored every single product I've tried from them so far.

THANN "Blissful Holiday" Set:
This looks like such a nice Holiday gift. It includes an Aromatic wood shampoo, an Aromatic wood soap bar and a Shiso hair mask. Perfect for a friend that likes to pamper themselves and likes warm musky scents. Give your friend the gift of relaxation and lovely smelling products. Check out the THANN store in Ottawa for more incredible products like this! http://www.thann.ca/

I hope this helped to give you a few ideas on what to get someone that is beauty product obsessed!
What kind of beauty items are you wishing for this holiday season?
xo
- Gen


Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Requests and Holiday fun!

Hey everyone,
I just wanted to remind you all that I am always taking requests at genfaveblogger@hotmail.com.
You can send me an e-mail anytime at that e-mail and let me know of any posts you'd be interested in seeing on the blog.
Also, I wanted to let you know that I have a ton of fun holiday posts coming up including a holiday gift guide, holiday outfit ideas, hairstyle ideas, and great makeup tips and products for the holiday season! 

Brand new post coming tomorrow so get excited! It's a really good one! 

Lots of love from your favorite blogger!
xo
- Gen

Tuesday, 6 December 2011

10 Questions with Adrian Wu


Photo by: Alcides Munoz

"Adrian Wu is quite possibly one of the youngest designers to hit the Canadian design scene in years.

At just 20 years young, age proves to be but a number when he has already racked up a long list of fashion accreditations in just the last year alone.

Wu taught himself to sew and managed to create 50 gowns in time to show for Vancouver Fashion Week 2010, as well as for a slew of charity events....

He also welcomed a new position as Much Music’s fashion correspondent, consulting on air for the latest trends in fashion, holding mini spot shows, and interviewing

Toronto’s top personalities during the F/W LG Fashion Week. Wu was also accepted into the coveted Instituto Marangoni, school of Fashion in London England for this fall as one of only 20 annual applicants who are chosen, but deferred the opportunity to instead open up his own self titled store in Burlington, ON."
[from the Adrian Wu Fan Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Adrian-Wu/159414277404680]

Adrian Wu recently showed his Holiday collection here in Ottawa at the Ottawa Convention Centre. This young designer is crazy talented and has a unique perspective when it comes to what he does. I recently got the chance to ask him a few questions and here is what came out of it! Adrian is honest in his answers and shows that he is way beyond his years. He has a unique take on art and the fashion industry. He truly is an artist and a visionary. Check out his intelligent answers to my questions below:

1- Around what age did your interest in fashion begin?
My interest in fashion really started at age 18 years old about 3 years ago. I have come to think that there is a fine line difference between fashion and ascetics. I see ascetics as simply the creation of beautiful things. I think and know that is a certain science behind this idea of what is beautiful. And I say this because fashion isn't just about the clothes, it doesn't have to be. I have always had an interest in beautiful things as a child, It just took me a while to realize what things I'm good at... making beautiful.

2- How did you know that fashion is what you wanted to go into?
I find that it is a coincidence that people started calling me a designer and therefore lead me fashion. I really didn't want to go into it, and I still resent the idea. Fashion to me is very much a convenient way to define my abilities. Art is what I went into in my head, the performative and consumer controlled aspects of the whole job is definitely giving me headaches.

3- Did you ever go to school in fashion or are you self-taught?
I am a self-taught designer. This industry cannot be compared to system of academic achievement. I think its ridiculous that people think the only road to anything is institutionalize education. Education is flawed within our society and the last thing I need is people telling what I can and can't do. All you need in this industry is - a portfolio, money, and connections.

4- Tell us a little about your personal style.
It changes everyday. I get bored. Life is boring. Repetitiveness is boring. It's funny cause 'style' or 'your style' is a little ironic to me. You should never have a style, your style should always be different. Right now, its jeans and a t-shirt.

5- What do you think is a staple piece in every man and woman's wardrobe? What is the one piece you yourself cannot live without?
It's subjective. Yes, I can tell you that every guy needs a pair of skinny jean and a women should always have a little black dress, but that isn't my job. In my eyes, my job is to make you think. My job is to make you re-think your ideas about fashion. I'm a designer that cares very little about people. In all respect, maybe ask that to a stylist.

6- Tell us a little more about your most recent collection and what inspired you when it came to it's creation.
My most recent collection was inspired by minimalism and maximalism - this as a philosophical and fine art reference. I think youth today are brainwashed by pop culture and by doing so are persuading them to think education is boring. My work is sort of my way of re-education.

7- What is your favorite thing about fashion?
That there are no rules, but ironically there is. There is a paradox about the whole industry and I love it.

8- What do you think is a good thing about being apart of the Canadian fashion market? And how is it to be so popular in it at such a young age?
There is nothing good about being apart of the canadian fashion market except that I am apart of it. That may sound arrogant but I think people need to be realistic about the idea. Our consumers do not buy Canadian, that is a fact because the majority and the dominant market is the european market. So yes, popularity may be a nice instant gratification here and there but I know I need to be somewhere else, when you talk about 'the business of fashion'.

9- What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself and your brand 5 years from now?

I don't expect or think my brand will be anywhere in 5 years because my goal is design for a historic brand like Burberry or Chanel. I see being successful in this business like finding love. It doesn't really matter if you die alone, but if you find someone that tags along for the ride, well thats the bonus.

10- Is there anything you'd like to say to our Fave readers? Do research. Learn, read, and make mistakes. Stop with this ego you all have, no seriously. I try my best to remember everyday that I am just a person, no more or less than anyone else. Always make room for new ideas.



Thank you so much to Adrian for doing this interview!
Stay tuned for a more in depth VIDEO interview with him soon!
What do you think of this young designer?
Please check out his website at  http://www.adrianwu.com/ for more info on him and his collections :)
- Gen

Photo by: Matthew Treacy