A Newfound Love in Coco...after Chanel

By CoutureJive


This past weekend, after taking a break from mundane television programming I opted for a quiet afternoon to watch the incredible story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  This woman despite all odds against her, defied the confines a highly aristocratic French society, and cut through the ropes of an extreme social apartheid by establishing her powerful individuality and independence as a business woman.  Ultimately "Coco" elevated herself from the "rags" through hard work and determination...building a global empire that defined the modern woman of today.


The film was set in a stunning and picturesque Victorian era, the music mixed with the romantic tragedy of her story, captivates the spirit of the audience sending us into a compassionate trip of despair that at times, makes it quite difficult to believe anyone could overcome such adversity.  Audrey Tatou, the actress casted to fill the role of "Coco" does an excellent job of walking and living the elegant essence of Gabrielle Chanel.  Although born into a bloodline of humility, she proves to the world that money does not buy class...class and elegance is something inherent within us.  Tatou  delivers a top-notch performance and indeed no person could have been better casted for the role as her acting is stunningly natural and her looks are elegantly beautiful. 


It was interesting to see how Coco shamelessly defied the mandated etiquette for the women of her days, work was seen as something preposterous if women wanted to achieve any class, and indeed..Gabrielle Chanel was a revolutionary, a saint of fashion who through a personal style of anarchy against the tyranny of sexism, she transformed the role of women in society...by daring us to wear less "fluff"...and become more elegant.

John Ortved, Stick to Your Simpsons, Don't Tread on Our Culture, Fashion & Music.

By CoutureJive

During the CMJ Music Festival last month John Ortved from the New York Times wrote a bit of a blandish and not so nice article on Fashion, its influence in music and several of the bands participating in the event.  

After reading this piece, it sounds as if Mr. Ortved with his sarcastic tongue in check remarks complained of the role and influence of fashion in the musical lives of up and coming talent.  Without reading about him, or finding out who he is, the first thought in my head was: "this writer is a newbie to the music industry, he sounds inexperienced with his comments, he can't be a music or fashion journalist"

I was amazed he recently noticed the big role fashion has in the music industry.  Where has he been living?  

Mr. Ortverd free advice for the future of your career: fashion and music are both inseparable from one another.

Having a background and vast experience in the music business, packaging and creating artists into a marketable brand, talent can have a wonderful sound, incredible dance skills, or a voice to penetrate the hardest heart of steel (like Ortved's)...but if the look is off...well people like the services we offer here at CoutureJive are brought in for a fashion consultation that will ultimately lead in the artist having a better following.  Making the job of their marketing people easier since they can adequately identify and target their artist's demographic much better.

Ortved, a self proclaimed culture critic (which includes art, music, fashion and the Simpsons) sarcastically bashes and in a way makes fun of the music of these musicians who are hard at work... while also being keen on their creative versatility in vintage wear and wardrobe.  (Does he not know most of these kids are from low low income households who are struggling to get by?)  He felt fashion related conversations in the CMJ  belonged: "In Fashion Week" not at a music event.  

Mr. Ortvert, before you pick on these musicians, I kindly suggest you stick to your own cartoon adoring pieces who don't reflect much culture and add little value to our world's emotional intellect.  

A message to the New York Times editor who hired you: find a person who lives, reflects and breathes music, (not from someone that looks like a cast member from the Jersey shore and poses like Zoolander).   This journalist should write with the true intent of a critic, not a piece by a mean spirited individual looking to pick on the little guys of fashion...and I wouldn't be surprised if Ortvert as a teenager probably didn't make it into the band, reason why he resorts to being mean as can be.  

Whomever it is you hire Dear Editor--Make sure they can write about art and music not only from a cultural anthropology perspective, but also from a "real person perspective" that truly appreciates the difficult lifestyle and arduous effort these musicians put into their work...all for a dream that may never come true.  As a matter of fact, dear editor...hire me for his job.  

Also, Ortved, if you want to be a real "culture" critic, you need a make over that says "culture" and "style" not mean Guido.  Style session was going to be free but now that we read this mean article, we will charge you $250 for an hour of trying to make you look good, well acculturated with music and semi-smart.

You can find John's mean spirited article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/fashion/31CMJ.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y

The Eyes, Window To The Soul..Now, Ladies Loose the Excessive Eyeshadow!

By CoutureJive 

I have noticed a very interesting trend lately, and it seems to be in the age of 18-20, or worse, 30 plus.  


It is a fact that women are wearing way too much eyeshadow, perhaps they think it makes them look "famous" or more appealing to the opposite sex.  But...think about this scene...how sexy is it for a man to be passionately kissing you, he romantically caresses your face and shortly after you open your eyes from the passion and notice eyeshadow on his hands?  (cue scratched record sound here).


How about after a night of splendorous galas you lie together, and in the morning, your sweety is surprised when he wakes up next to a wicked road of eyeshadow trails all over his pillows and his hands...oh and a woman that looks more like she belongs on an episode of COPS after being in a bar brawl...resembling nothing like the prior evening.   

Not Sexy...at all. 


I don't know where Hollywood or the trend gods came up with the idea that pounding on dark eyeshadows that conceal eyes and make us look tired and older is something really functional for every day or even evening wear.  Try making eye contact with a cute guy on the train...will he really be able to fall in love with you at first sight while he's trying to figure out what color your eyes really are, or why in the world you are wearing a lump of coal around your eyes? 


Smoky eyes are tricksters, you have to take into consideration not only the shape of your eyes, but your hair and skin color.  If you have bangs and you create an exaggerated smokey eye look, there is a chance you will get lost and resemble cousin "It's" long lost cousin.


However, if you want to show off your natural assets with a bit of glamourous colors, here are a few tip photos for a clean and well done smoky eye look.


For darker skin with brown tones and brunette hair, use lighter eyeshadow on the inner lining of your eye.  Make sure to use earth tones with hints of greens so the natural color of your brassy eyes stand out.  


















Blue eyeliner is also wonderful to use but keep it light and make sure after applying you dab some concealer and powder to set your eyeliner and prevent it from spreading in case of perspiration.

For lighter skin shade, you may use hints of dark browns with hues of plum and navy blue.  Yet always remember that your lips must not be dark since you risk looking older and as the evening goes by, your eyes will look tired.  Keep a fresh look by adding a high gloss lip color with a hint of pink.  We also recommend Nars Mata Hari color, excellent color to keep a natural rosy look without piling on blush.


   I also want to remind you that cosmetics have a ton of oxidizing agents that are harmful to your skin when used excessively, so be gentle with yourself, purchase make up that is hypoallergenic, and use skin care that not only prevents skin damage but also promotes good health for your healthy skin.  We prefer, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser...actually the entire Fresh line is amazing and isn't too heavy or smelly for the skin.  At the end of the day, the best make up is that which is subtle, does not rub off on your clothes, or leave your struggling with removing caky mascara at night (like Christian Dior's awful sticky mascara guaranteed to stay on for five days-stay away from it).




I end this post with several quotes for your reflection:


"My eyes are an ocean in which my dreams are reflected"

"My eyes are the mirror of my soul"

"I can make a scene that's not supposed to be sexy.  It is a power you're born with, it isn't a physical thing, because it comes from the inside, and its only found in the eyes."

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes, rather it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, which is great worth in God's eyes.