Girl Crush: Gigi Hadid

Gigi Hadid: The Queen

From @gighadid on Instagram. This is Gigi's Coachella 2015 Day 2 Look. Body chain from Guess.

Gigi is one of the most beautiful women on the planet, in my opinion. I love her style. It's risky. It's sexy, effortless, trendy while also timeless.

Favorite Outfit: On The Carpet

The dress is custom Diane Von Furstenberg, shoes are Louboutin with Lorraine Schwartz rings.

This outfit is from the Met Gala in 2015. It's simple, elegant and sexy. The dress itself is nothing special but everything comes together in a uniquely effortless way. Wearing her hair down makes this look because red is such a powerful color to wear and with her hair up, she would have looked too intense. Her beloved makeup artist (@patrickta) is extremely talented and known for working with many of the most beautiful celebrities. The makeup is simple and soft and gives a put together look a sense of ease. Clearly, Gigi and her team are talented.

Favorite Outfit: Off Duty

Pictured with ex Cody Simpson, the white dress is a top by GUESS

I love that this look is so minimalistic. Many festival looks are very busy and over the top but with an average amount of jewelry and a simple belt, Gigi created a bohemian styled look without it being too crazy. The fact that she chose to wear no shoes makes the look casual and hippy-like.The luxury of not having to wear shoes is between the lines. My favorite part is the DIY aspect. The white top had long sleeves which were cut off and then it was worn as a dress.

Best Moment

A video was done by W Magazine, joking about runway walking is something I discovered while researching this post. The humor is very dry and, without watching her whole W Magazine interview, you may never know she was joking. It's borderline ridiculous and plays on the over the top connotation of fashion runways. Seriously, watch it.

Favorite Instagram Picture

From @gigihadid. Captioned "I'll be your Minnie ;)".

I wanted to find a picture that showed Gigi's goofy side. She lives her life and smiles a lot. I love that. Also, that casual outfit looks fantastic on her. A jeans and t-shirt never looked so good.

Check Out This!

Recently featured in Calvin Harris's How Deep Is Your Love music video, Gigi plays a lost woman, looking to find her way through a stereotypical and plastic Hollywood-esc world. It's a very beautiful video and showcases Gigi's beauty.

Respect This Chick.

Gigi is so brilliant because she is so selective with her contracts. In a video by CNNMoney on Youtube, they say that she was offered 35 contracts in 2015 and chose only 5. It amazes me that someone so young, only 2 years older than myself, has curated a specific brand. Having a famous family may have given her a slight edge but someone that beautiful would have become a model anyway. Using social media is the new tool of models and that is, in part, because of Gigi Hadid, the social media superstar.

Paper Towns Review

Paper Towns

Let me preface this with the fact that I did read the book and am an extremely dedicated John Green fan. I've been looking forward for this movie for a long time and think my expectations may have been a little too high. Overall the movie was really funny and entertaining but my expectations were not met. I firmly believe that the reason the movie is not successful is because it imagines teenagers as more complex, complicated and forward thinking than adults like to think they are. Its another of the many sad truths of today's society.

The Casting/Acting

I thought the acting was really on point. The outside opinions of the movie include very mixed reviews on the acting so I was't sure what to think. Specifically the three boys: Nat Wolff, playing Q, Austin Abrams who plays Ben, and especially Justice Smith as Radar.  The chemistry was much stronger between the friends than any of the romantic relationships. Justice Smith is going to be a big star. I called it, you remember that. The version that Nat plays of Q came off too confident for me. He didn't seem to have the cringe-worthly awkward, un-extraordinary qualities that book-Q possessed. This could have been a directing choice or scripting as well but it seems appropriate to include here. Cara Delevingne's first real endeavour as a leading lady, Margo, was about as good as one could be. Her American accent was rough for several words, noticeably during the scene she says 'car' over and over. Sadly, the best, funniest and most entertaining parts of the movie were those not including Margo on screen. Margo seems to be a better character when unseen. An opinion expressed in the video below is that the movie should have been written into more of a road trip movie. I agree completely, although I respect their attempt to stay true to the book. If they hadn't stayed true to the book, I would have been even more upset.

Cinematography

The movie came off very beautiful. There wasn't anything that clearly stood out except for the super cheesy map. I wish it didn't seem so fake and animated. Because the movie was so beautiful, it almost seemed like it took itself too seriously. Someone needed to tell the director to calm down with the sun flairs and with the shots that made Cara/Margo look like an angel. It was a little much at times. A scene that sticks out in my mind is Margo and Q driving around downtown Orlando. It was a several different shots of Margo with her head out the window while Q stares at her. I can't exactly put my finger on why I didn't like it. It just felt too good and too Hollywood for a movie and book that are supposedly down to earth.

The Script

The dialog kept fairly close to the book. An upsetting but justified change was the omission of SeaWorld. I wish that they could have kept in the hilarity of the scene from the book, adjusting it slightly to not include the horrifying acts of the park. The mystery of Margo was nearly all gone. It's hard to imagine that Margo 'wanted to make sure he knew she was fine' when she left him an address to a creepy old strip mall (which had a much bigger sense of wonder in the book). If she wanted to leave him a message, she could have done just that. I get why they couldn't show all the clues she left for him because it takes him so long to solve it but maybe make it more believable.

Conclusions

Overall, I enjoyed the movie. I cried. I laughed. I still fully support John Green and his future movies and novels. If you like teen movies or coming of age movies, rent it if you've got the time. If not, maybe catch it when it goes on Netflix.

A video review that I watch that was both hilarious and accurate.

Amazing Makeup Deals!

How To Find Cheap, High End Beauty Products:

I've spent my life finding sale and reduced high street makeup and skin care. 

TJ MAXX

If you're unaware, TJ Maxx is a store that purchases overstocked or clothing that isn't being sold at department stores. The prices are much more reasonable and, although it sometimes takes some digging, I've found seriously amazing purchases.

One of my absolute favorite products of the past few months has been my Elizabeth Arden Overnight Success Skin Renewal Serum. Full price for this one oz container is nearly $50. I found mine on the sale rack in a corner of the local TJ for $10!!! Like what? (Bonus: It's on SALE on Amazon right now for over 60% off)

Another tip I recommend is, why pay for full price nail polish when there is always a bowl of cheap Essie and OPI colors in TJ? Also the hair products are really amazing and often come is really large sizes. I seriously cannot suggest TJ more.

Nordstrom Rack

Similar to TJ, Nordstrom Rack has the surplus from Nordstrom stores. Today I wandered in and found a Lorac Royal Eyeshadow 3 Piece Palette for 50% off! Also a lot of NYX products but the area around those was really messy so I honestly didn't think twice. That's why cleanliness is important! I did see a lot of hair products but nothing that I was looking for. Several high end brands had stands full of giant shampoo and conditioner bottles as well as sprays and styling products for heavily reduced prices! If there isn't a store near you, it may just be worth a little drive.

Another reason I love Nordstrom Rack is for formal clothing. I had a wedding to go to and couldn't find anything appropriate at my normal clothing stores that fit my style. After combing through several racks (get it?) I found a great dress that I still wear all the time! Make sure you look through everything because sometimes the good things are hard to find.

Amazon

Like I said above, the Elizabeth Arden serum is currently 62% off. There is certainly a lot of good sales on specifically Amazon all the time. Nail polish and skin care is really popular. Just now I saw that OPI has reduced the price of several colors and polishes.

Another thing I love about Amazon is the Korean Beauty products that you always here about on blogs or YouTube could possibly be sold under a special tab. Its amazing and I'm so excited to have discovered that. A lot of the products even ship via Prime so instead of ordering off a sketchy website translated from Korean for something that takes weeks to arrive, whatever you want can arrive in less than 2 days!!

A word of advice is to be sure you are ordering from the brand themselves or that the order is fulfilled by Amazon. That way you can be sure the right product will be shipped in a reasonable amount of time. We've all heard Internet shopping horror stories.

Ulta

Now Ulta may not be the safest place for makeup loves who can't spend a lot of money at the moment. I know I've walked out with way more than I bargained for once or twice. Over the years I have expertly developed the Ulta Game Plan to avoid the awkward moment at the cashier when you pay the last dollar is quarters. 

Follow my lead:

Get the ad. 

Use the coupon. 

Check the sale rack. 

Buy everything you need from the drugstore side. 

Once there is nothing else to look for, allow oneself a longing gaze over the high street products.

I believe on Black Friday, or possibly the day after Christmas, I made a mission for myself to leave the store with a great product: A Bare Minerals Foundation Starter Kit. Originally $37 for only $20. I'm proud of that purchase. I use the brushed to this day. 

Other General Tips

Check reviews of products!! Especially if you are spending money on something big, even in stores, look up the product on Amazon. The reviews may not always indicate your personal opinion of a product but it always good to be informed!

When making a high end purchase, always check online for a comparable dupe in drugstore products. It may even be worth it just to try the color a few times before spending a little more for an amazing formulation.

Read Ulta and Sephora ads! Most of the time, the coupons are so worth it! I highly recommend it.

Watch out for codes from your favorite youtubers and bloggers to secure optimal savings as well as supporting your favorite people!

Shop long and prosper!

-THECITYANDSTYLE

MMVA's Fashion Review

Much Music Video Awards

~Fashion and Music Reviews~

Lights

I wanted to start with her because she deserves more recognition than she gets. You've probably never heard her pop techno blend unless you've spent a lot of time in PacSun and her even more amazing acoustic album is especially obscure. Seriously, look Lights up. You won't be disappointed. Now onto her fashion, which I normally love so much! It's not overtly trending but still very sexy. This outfit is average. In fact, the cage is a little awkward on her and the shoes are weird. I won't sin the all black because I love it on her. The smile, the makeup and the hair almost take away from the slightly off styling. And again, look up her music now!!

Bella Thorne

I've seen a lot of positive responses to Bella's outfit. Not to play devil's advocate but I do not like this. The biggest problem I have is the tailoring. It's significantly too big on her hips. The extra fabric makes Bella look like she is drowning. Even the sleeves are way too long and way too long for her arms. It doesn't help that the embroidering details are heavily placed along her hips and not very heavy on her chest. I'd like it much more if it was evenly placed Now this may seem like nitpicking but the zipper is a cool detail, I just wish it went a few inches further down. Another detail I've noticed is the sheer placement seems awkward.

Hailee Steinfeld

This is a tragic mis-step. Hailee may be young but she shouldn't be dressing like she's going to the Homecoming Dance on the red carpet. Hair and makeup is on point but Zebra print? This isn't Jersey. It's Toronto. Let's class it up a little. Maybe if it stayed the funky geometric pattern from the top stayed through out, it could have been okay. The shoes bother me but I have a feeling it is just the angle and that they don't photograph well. Next time, go more mature.

Sarah Hyland

I love everything about this. Her hair is my goal hair. It is luscious and voluminous and I want it now please. Of all of the current women in the spotlight, she consistently makes the best decisions with fashion and with her career, in my opinion. I cannot say enough positive things about Sarah and I can barely find any critiques of her outfit. This is is perfect.

Gigi Hadid

Now, Gigi has amazing style. Rarely anything wareable but always amazing. I have so much respect for such a trend setter. Now, the jacket is amazing. Without it, this would have been an easily passed over ensemble. If you haven't seen the back, it is amazing.

LOOK AT THAT MAKEUP. HOLY SHIIIIIIT.

#HADID

When Bae Learns... Geography!!

Geography!!

One of my biggest pet peeve is people who don't know basic geography. Especially those who claim to love travel but can't point to Brazil. If you can't tell me where Portugal is, we are done. I consider this half a life guide to seeming less like an idiot and half a rant. To be honest, this is very much in response to a friend I had that said something like "Spain? Isn't that in the Middle East?".

According to a Kent State Study:

Professors John Dunlosky and Katherine Rawson asked 671 college students in 2012 the same 300 questions as Thomas Nelson and Louis Narens back in 1980. Guess what? We got stupider for the most part. Here are the geography related ones. See the article in Forbes for more details (http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmarshallcrotty/2013/09/10/10-questions-that-most-college-students-cant-answer-but-you-probably-can/)

• 30% of College Students thought Baghdad was the capital of Afghanistan. (BTW Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and the capitol of Afghanistan is Kabul.) I wonder how many of those students have strong opinions on the US presence in the Middle East.
• 12% thought that Mount Everest was in the Appalachians.
• 6% of College students thought that Nairobi was the capital of Africa, the continent. NAIROBI?? Not even the country of which Nairobi is the capital, Kenya??
• 21% thought that Budapest (of Hungary) was the capital of India (whose actual capital is New Delhi).

Some Quite Ridiculous Common Confusions To Get Right:

• China may be the biggest country by population, but Russia is the biggest by land mass.
• This one needs to be said...

  

  South America

  
  

  

  Africa

• New England is still not a state. It is a region. The states in the region are just too small to warrant football teams of their own, hence the New England Patriots.
• The Middle East: If you've got opinions on the government, Al Queda and ISIS, know where Iraq and Syria are on a map. Also note that Kuwait is a country, not a city.
  

Thank you for reading what definitely sounded more bitter than I meant to. 

Top TV Shows

My Favorite TV Shows

First I must mention two things:

Firstly, this list is notably missing very well-known and respected shows because I have yet to watch them. That includes Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Empire, Transparent, Orange is the New Black (this one I've just yet to finish so I feel inadequate to judge), Daredevil and The Flash.

Also, this list is obviously only including TV shows of the past few years. I'm aware that I need to watch some older shows and I have several favorites from the 90s but I felt this list was better suited for new shows.

1. Sherlock

No other TV show in recent history has been so expertly written, directed, acted, and even scored. Every single person that put any effort into the show has extreme talent. I refuse to even compare this to other film or television adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. Nothing even comes close. It has won multiple awards in almost every category.  Anything less than perfection would make 3 90 minute episodes a way to short season to garner as much attention and acclaim.
Favorite Episode: The Reichenbach Fall
Why: I think it might be too hard to explain without spoiling but if you've seen the series, you'll know.

2. Gilmore Girls

I was so addicted to this show that it only took me less than a month to watch. The writing is the best I've ever seen. Every quip and every touching moment was timed and written perfectly. My plan is to model my mothering after Lorelei: she is a realistic balance between friend and mother. Some TV shows will have you crying at the season finale but this will have you crying every other episodes.
Favorite Episode: Raincoats and Recipes
Why: I don't recommend just watching this episode because it'll spoil it for you and you won't get the same feelings as someone who knows and loves the characters. This is one of the most touching episodes of television I've ever seen. I think about it a lot, months after first viewing it. That's how much I love this episode.

3. Gossip Girl

I put this show on here mainly for the plot twists and the intensity. If a page turner book was a TV show, it'd be this TV show. I started this show one morning and continued to watch it for the next 24 hours without sleep. It's pretty inappropriate but that fades into the background with the kind of plots that develop around all the drugs and sex. They also get a lot of flack for the way they handle sex but I found it very realistic (can't stay the same for the way they handle alcohol). Don't even bother picking a favorite character because no one is who they seem.
Favorite Episode: G.G.
Why: If you're going to put a show on the list for twists, you'd better have a real game changer episode to mention as well.

4. Parks And Recreation

The absolute funniest show I've ever seen. I'd recommend being able to pause and rewind because if you laugh too much at one line, you'll miss the next joke. The characters are on the very edge of being relatable and being way too over the top. It makes every episode heartwarming, for at least one moment. Because the 7th season isn't on Netflix, I haven't actually seen it. I've heard very positive things about the finale and can't wait to see it.
Favorite Episode: Jerry's Painting
Why: This is the moment I fell in love with Chris Pratt.

5. Scandal

I can only speak for the first two seasons. Every single episode feels like a season finale. The best thing about the show is that it feels like the cliff hanger at the end of each episode is going to be followed by a long wait but, if you're watching on Netflix, its just 10 seconds away. The characters are on point in every aspect. Kerry Washington's Olivia Pope is the new feminist hero of our generation, only behind Emma Watson. Thank you, Shonda Rhimes, for making the most powerful people in D.C. women. You go, girl.
Favorite Episode: Seven Fifty-Two
Why: Huck is absolutely my favorite character behind Olivia. His backstory is also the best.

Met Gala Fashion Review

Met Gala

So the Met Gala was a few days ago and there were some crazy fashion risks taken and some of those who played it a little too safe. As a result, I have some opinions to share with you!

Kim Kardashian in Roberto Cavali and Kanye West

The first of several unsurprising choices. I am disappointed in them. I had higher expectations for her stylist and Kanye to tell her to wear something better. I've seen more fashion forward looks at my prom. At least try something new when you know you'll be forgiven. So many missed opportunities.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Philip Treacy

She took some risks and dressed to the theme so I respect that. Her makeup made her look older than it should and I don't get why she feels that headpieces are the only way to take risks because she does it so often. Maybe her agent thinks that becoming a meme is a marketing tactic? Despite what Sarah thinks, the most important part of the outfit is the dress. This dress is a failed attempt at recycling old fabric, which is an idea I like, but I also value execution. This gown looks like something from a tragic Sex and The City episode.

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy (and Justin Long)

I didn't actually know that she was with Justin Long but I love it. I have nothing but positive things to say about her outfit. The different textures balance well, being the same color. The flowers that extend out don't go too far out. It's interesting and different but not overtly crazy. It isn't Met Gala crazy but Amanda Seyfried isn't one to take fashion risks so this is interesting for her.

Emily Blunt in Prada

She dressed well to the theme. It's not obvious and simply elegant. Emily looks like a queen. It may not be a risk but its perfect for her. Although she suffers from the most common fashion faux pas of a too long dress, everything else is perfectly tailored.

Beyonce in Givenchy (and Jay Z)

I thought this dress was a typical Beyonce move. It didn't surprise me in the slightest. Givenchy isn't a new designer to the Met Gala and definitely knows how to dress a woman with curves. Her hair style was obviously an effort to do something different which doesn't doesn't do much for her facial structure or head shape. This whole "I'm showing a lot of skin so I'm sexy" look needs to stop. It's much more sexy to show less skin (see Kendall Jenner below). Also Jay Z was there.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

I loved this dress but I was disappointed in how little risk she took. As a co-chair, I understand why she didn't want to wear something too crazy but at least do something different! I wish I could have worn this dress to prom. Not to the Met Gala, to prom. That's saying something. On a positive note, its perfectly tailored.

And then you see her after-party dress and think daaaym!! She looked really hot and effortless. It wouldn't have been enough to wear on the carpet but neither was the dress she chose to wear.

Selena Gomez in Vera Wang

This look was different but beautiful on her. Tell them fat-shaming haters to suck it because her body was rocking. The only thing was that I wish it was a little better tailored. I also don't like the earrings but that is just nit-picking. She looks gorgeous. I can understand why all the boys want to hit that.

Zoe Kravitz

She is the bomb. I love this dress. It could be shorter but its chain mail so I'm sure that hemming it would be more trouble than its worth. With the see-through legs, having the high neckline made it classy. I love how effortlessly punk she is. Unlike some of those who try so desperately to seem as at ease as her (see Miley Cyrus), she actual looks like she is true to her own style. Also accessories and makeup is on point.

FKA Twigs in Christopher Kane

This is exactly how you should do the Met Gala. I'm not saying you should wear a penis on your thigh but do something unexpected. Wear art. I don't always love her style but she never does something you'd think. The shoes don't make her seem any taller so she could have chosen a different one. I do love her jewelry especially the engagement ring. (Robert Pattinson and Twigs seemed really in love as well).

Zendaya in Fausto Puglisi

Nailed the theme and nailed the perfect amount of sexy. I can't even believe we are the same age! This is the perfect way to transition from Disney to legit: slowly and with your own sense of style. I love how different she is. 

Cara Delevigne in Stella McCartney

PANTS! The perfect way to stand out! I love that she is highlighting the beauty of tattoos and letting the theme of the night shine. Honestly she was my favorite of the night. She did something never done before and rocked it with her own touch. There is something about the group of up and coming models that can do no wrong.

Miley Cyrus in Alexander Wang

I don't know if its her or if its me but I don't like it. Her hair looks greasy and that makes her whole body look gross to me. The waist cut outs go to low on her hips for my liking. It just made her look sleazy. I hate people who hold their head up high like they're better than everyone else. Also, she needs to stop over lining her lips.

Kendall Jenner is Calvin Klein

So chic and simple. I love it. It was barely a risk but I guess it was risky in terms of nip-slips. Her makeup and hair was typical model: clean and perfect. With a high neckline and high back, the side cut out allows a small amount of tasteful side boob. Can I just be her already?

Katy Perry in Jeremy Scott

Shoulders up= Kris Jenner. Shoulders down=The side of a building in downtown Detroit. I hate it. Enough Said.

Rihanna in Guo Pei

This dress is insanely beautiful. Rihanna was one of the few to truly push the boundaries of fashion. I think of yellow and China together often so I'm glad many women used tonight to wear yellow because on any other night, yellow would never be encouraged. This was the simplest take on the theme of China: actually wearing a designer popular in Chinese couture. To me, she doesn't look like a pizza or an omelet. She looks like she is dripping in gold.

Anne Hathaway in Ralph Lauren

After reading about the creation of this gown, I understand why I get the feeling of China from such a simple dress. It is inspired by a statue of the Buddha. I know that Buddha isn't a strictly Chinese character but I do tend to see them together often. My only real problem with the dress is how it wrinkles along the seams. Perhaps another fabric would have created a more polished look instead of what almost seems like the execution of a fashion class project.

Solange in Giles Deacon

I get the origami reference. Its a little too literal for my liking. What could have made this look much more photograph friendly is a different pattern. I'm sure in person the trippy, holographic pattern was interesting but from the other side of a computer screen, it looks kind of silly.

Kris Jenner

Sorry but she is wearing way too much. Perhaps without the earrings or the crazy, funky fake lashes, she may have been able to get away with wearing an over draped mess of a dress. The strap across her ankle made her seem short. The earrings brought too much of the attention to her face which looked like she had some botched face lifts added on top of her other botched face lifts.