Links We Love: Bald Naomi, Waxy Kim & Blogging Lourdes

"Kim Kardashian is the latest star to get a wax figure, and she describes it as surreal. (Celeb Buzz)

Shake it up, baby. The Shake Weight, of infomercial fame, is holding a contest with a...
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Show Off Your Shoes With Cropped Pants

Show Off Your Shoes With Cropped Pants: "TREND: Cropped Pants

WHO'S WEARING IT: Kate Hudson, Katharine McPhee and Kylie Minogue


HOW TO WEAR IT: Have a fabulous pair of shoes you want everyone to see but...
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Digital Scorecard | Because Magazine

Because Magazine Screenshot | Source: Because

LONDON, United Kingdom — Fashion editorial has long been a powerful generator of purchasing intent for brands. But ‘intent generators’ like magazines often lose their fair share of sales revenue to ‘intent harvesters’ like retailers further down the purchasing path. Squeezed by shrinking ad sales, major publishers like Condé Nast have become increasingly aware of this missed opportunity — and more and more magazines have learnt to think like retailers, embracing e-commerce to open new revenue streams and monetise their content.

Now, digital start-ups like Because Magazine, created by the team at Tank, are building commerce directly into their business models from day one. Soft-launched back in September of 2009 and currently in public beta prior to a “full scale” launch at London Fashion Week in September, Because is a curated, daily selection of fashion, accessories, jewellery and beauty products that’s a digital storefront as much as an online magazine.

BoF spoke with Caroline Issa, editor-in-chief of Because, to find out more.

BoF: How would you describe Because?

CI: Because is a daily dose of fashion, fun and information. It’s glamourous dim sum, a selection of things to buy, see, listen to, and of course share.

BoF: Why did you decide to launch Because? Why now?

CI: We shop a lot online and what we noticed was that there was nowhere where fashion was editorialised and packaged in a way that best suited the medium. When you shop online, you spend as much time looking for stuff as you do looking at stuff. We wanted to create a curated list, brought to life in the best way possible. Something that was done creatively, with fun and humour, that was shopable there and then. Our aim was to engage people using moving images and inspire them to buy.

BoF: Is everything on Because shopable?

CI: Yes absolutely, even the songs that go with the videos. It’s one of our founding principles to make everything available, so that if you fancy something you click to buy there and then. The word magazine is actually rooted in an Arabic word al makhzan which means ’shop,’ so all magazines have been waiting for the technology to allow them to be the thing they were always meant to be — a shopfront! Of course, it isn’t a perfect world and a lot of cool stuff isn’t yet available to buy online, so we also pass our members on to the nearest physical retailer and work with retailers to put things aside for those who show an interest in an item that’s not available online.

BoF: Who curates the content on Because?

CI: I choose items, as does a full-time team of fashion editors. We have also invited a selection of editors who specialise in jewellery, accessories and beauty products to contribute. We don’t want too much information and too many perspectives, we just want the right information and opinions from the people I rate and trust.

BoF: How does Because make money?

CI: We have a multi-strand approach: lots of little streams that will join together to make a lovely river we hope. Advertising certainly will have a role, but the existing models around cost per click just don’t add up. We are looking at brand advertising and, of course, we are going to be very selective about the brands we will work with, just as we are in our print magazines. Affiliate sales are another stream, which is already working well. But more exciting is the idea of paid-for and tiered membership which brings with it layers of privileged information and support networks to find bargains and exclusive items, share tips and most importantly get advice on fashion and beauty.

BoF: What new features or iterations can we expect in the future?

CI: Because has been in development for two years and live for nearly one year. The current version is version 1.2. We are working hard for the next quantum leap forward in September with Because 2.0. The beauty of publishing online is the instant reaction you get and your ability to respond. Because 2.0 will be the culmination of one year of talking to and learning from users.

OUR THOUGHTS:

Expectations? We think consumers would love nothing more than to be able to shop directly from their favourite fashion magazines. And while we’ve seen some interesting experiments, we have long wondered why publishers have found it so difficult to operationalise and capitalise on shopable content, connecting their editorial (and not just their advertising) to online commerce. When we heard that Caroline Issa — who has a background in business strategy, as well as an impeccable sense of style — was working on a digital fashion magazine that was completely shopable, naturally, we were excited.

First impressions? The content on the site is beautifully selected. With pieces by Hermione de Paula, Philip Treacy, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab, alongside some of the more playful offerings from established brands like Prada and Chanel, it’s clear that the product mix reflects a uniquely informed and well-articulated stylistic point of view.

Most potential? The site is nicely packaged for the way people consume content and shop online today. For time-poor professionals, with increasingly short attention spans, the fast, blog-like product stories and bite-sized 30-second fashion videos are ideal for quick bursts of “media snacking” during short and unpredictable moments of found time.

What’s missing? While Because neatly connects online commerce with digestible fashion content that’s curated by influential and opinionated tastemakers, the one thing that’s strikingly absent on the site is the voice of other shoppers. A ‘Like’ button next to each product makes the contents of the site easily sharable across Facebook, but there is no means of visualising and exploring the products other people have found most interesting.

Social shopping sites have proven that people love to see what other people are browsing and buying and that fellow consumers, alongside tastemakers, can be powerful “intent generators” who drive sales. Make no mistake, great fashion magazines are about giving people a stylistic point of view. Curation matters enormously. But as Because Magazine earns attention and grows its readership in advance of its September launch, a more transparent experience, where consumers can easily explore and be influenced by what others are doing and liking, could help the site drive engagement and build an active community of fans.

Vikram Alexei Kansara is Managing Editor of The Business of Fashion

The Best Dressed Guests: Week Of June 27th

Everyone knows that the best part about going out is getting dressed up, and the attendees at the parties Guest of a Guest covers usually do this with aplomb. Here are the people (and outfits) who made an impression on us this week…

First Place: Laurel Pantin At The Ferragamo Party

In a sea of cocktail dresses and Ferragamo's signature brown and gold, Teen Vogue's Laurel Pantin really stood out with her summery outfit. This isn't exactly the getup you'd expect to see at Le Bain (or anywhere above the third floor of The Standard), and that's why we like it so much: it's nice to see someone go casual without taking it to the opposite extreme. Pantin didn't wear a cocktail dress, but she also didn't wear a ripped tshirt, and it looks like she probably washed her hair. See? There IS a happy medium. This outfit looked really chic in person, and was reminiscent of Betty Draper's riding outfit (though we doubt that's what she was going for.)It's sexy minimal: a suit without being stiff, but most importantly, it (and she) is really pretty.

Go HERE for event write-up.

Go HERE for full gallery.

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Second Place: Lady Alice St Clair Erskine At The Ferragamo Party

Lady Alice St Clair Erskine (hopefully she won't mind if we call her Lady Alice for short) was dressed exactly how we'd imagine an aging aristocrat named Lady Alice would dress: a long skirt, a loose blouse, a scarf, a clutch. Except inside what would be a matronly outfit was a sprightly young girl who doesn't look a day over 18, which adds awesomeness to what would have already been an elegant outfit.

The truth is, thanks to Massimiliano Giornetti, the label really isn't matronly anymore; it's classic Italian Sportswear rediscovered by a new generation, and Lady Alice is a perfect example of the new Ferragamo Woman.

With her gamine haircut, strappy sandals, and breezy scarf, Lady Alice looks ready for her own Roman Holiday.

Go HERE for event write-up.

Go HERE for full gallery.

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Third Place: Anti-Aging precautions done right At Veuve Cliquot

This lovely woman

A) Probably won't get wrinkles when she's older.

B) Has enviable hair.

C) Is wearing a pretty shade of lipstick.

D) And also elegant earrings.

Perfect summer polo match look!

Go HERE for event write-up. Full Gallery HERE.

Honorable Mentions:

At The Polo Match

Even in a crowd shot….

We can spot a good hat.

The Best Of The Concert Wear

So many concerts this week! Samantha Swetra looked great at the Music Unites and Rolling Stone Fiery Furnaces concert, though mostly we're just obsessed with her hair. The girl at right looked comfortable but still fun in her shorts/printed shirt combo at the StyleCaster Beach Fossils concert.

The Fashion Industry Has A New Muse: Babies

After these past couple of depressing seasons for the fashion industry, it seems like designers are finally seeing the light. The creative juices are flowing again and there is some adventurous designs back on the runways.. And most noticeably the theme of youth seems to be resounding throughout the style world.

But have designers taken this idea and run too far with it? What seems to be the hot trend right now is well, pretty adolescent. Move over Naomi, newborns are the new muses to Fashion's hottest designers.

After the release of the bizarre denim diapers, it seems like everyone wants to "get chic in their pants".

But I mean who doesn't want to be fashionable and get away with pooping their pants at the same time?

So the burning question remains.. How do you please your picky fashionista infant?

When those generic brand-name bibs just aren't good enough, you can get your baby hooked up with Fendi to spit up on!

Silvia Venturini Fendi is currently overseeing the Roman house's latest launch of their upscale collection for kids. Fendi is in partnership with Italy's Simonetta Spa who also produces kids lines for Roberto Cavalli and Fay. The line is targeted towards newborns through twelve year olds.

And when your baby considers Elmo and Mickey Mouse "like, so faux pas" it is time to rethink who is designing your diapers..

If your baby is going for the more classic All-American look, then the Cynthia Rowley diaper line for Pampers is for you.

The well-respected fashion designer has designed eleven different styles of Pampers in a sweet pastel palette. The different styles include printed ruffles, stripes and madras patterns. The diaper line is available in Target starting mid-July..

In the meantime your kid can keep working that denim look and "poo in the blue."

(Images via Procter & Gamble, OC Register, PhotoCourtesy)

Fist Pumps A Ready! Jersey Shore 2 Trailer

Jersey Shore 2 is probably not the correct title for the sequel to last Summer's TV smash, considering our favorite guidos and guidettes are taking over idol Tony Montana's hood of Miami Beach, but, from the looks of the preview - we don't care if they aren't back in Joorseeh, we still cannot wait for July 29!

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Plenty of GTL, flying hair extensions, situations, fist pumping, drunken stumbling, and unfortunate grenades look in store for our-little-friends (sorry, couldn't help it).

Plus more inter-roommate hook-ups. Vinnie and Snookie. Vinnie and Angelina (yep she is back after realising the mistake she made by leaving a decent meal ticket last season). Ronnie and Sammi. Ronnie and JWoww. Ronnie and multiple girls. Situation and Grenades.

In the words of pickle loving bouffant haired Snooki: "Pretty much every night it's a party. You better buckle yourself in!"

"The Playground" Your Guide To What To Do This 4th of July Weekend…

It’s time to figure out where some of the best parties are this weekend. Below are our picks of tonight’s top events. And, as always, you can find the full details as well as more events on our Calendar Page.

Brooklyn Museum's First Satyurday Dance Party: The Factory 2010

When Sat, July 3,9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Where Brooklyn Museum

Why Celebrate America with a dance party [Details]

The BBQ: Weekly Summer Day Party at Highbar

When Sat, July 3,2:00 pm - 10:00 am

Where Highbar

Why What's more American? [Details]

Sunday July 4th - Diddys Pool Party at Harrahs Atlantic City

When Sun, July 4,10:00 pm - 4:00 am

Where Harrah's

Why This isn't a white party but that doesn't mean it won't be hot [Details]

Sunday Best 4th of July Backyard BBQ

When Sun, July 4,3:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where 119 Ingraham , Bushwick, Brooklyn,

Why The best way to spend a Sunday is grilling out [Details]

Statue Cruises July 4th Fireworks Cruise

When Sun, July 4,5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Where Battery Park

Why See the fireworks on the water [Details]

4th of July Macy's Fireworks Viewing Party at Hudson Terrace

When Sun, July 4,6:30 pm - 4:00 am

Where Hudson Terrace

Why Have the best view on land [Details]

Paulie D's Dance Party

When Sun, July 4,8:00 pm - 2:00 am

Where B.B. King Blues Club & Grill

Why Get down with the shore's best dj right here in the city [Details]

The Official 4th of July D.C. Party Guide!

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We all know D.C. knows how to party, but this 4th of July weekend will be epic. D.C.ers will be celebrating our nation's independence day in true form: BBQs, pool parties, and even a mechanical bull. You can't get much more patriotic than that. As always, check our calendar for even more events for your stars and stripes filled weekend.Friday, July 2nd

11th Annual Midtown Liberty Bar Tour

When: Fri, July 2,5:00 pm - 12:00 pm

Where: Start at Mackey's Pub 5-10 pm, 18th & L St NW

Why: Crawl until you fall, hop until you drop… or until it's time for the after-party.

DURKL & Palace 5ive Present: Bang It Out

When: Fri, July 2,7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: Palace 5ive, 2216 14th St NW

Why: First our Daily Style Phile Phavorites threw a Memorial Day party, now it's time for their 4th of July bash. They're just so patriotic!

I Love the 90's: Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival

When: Fri, July 2,8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Where: Gateway Park, 1300 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA

Why: If you're resting up your liver for the rest of the weekend, relax outside with Home Alone 2.

Saturday, July 3rd

Corcoran Gallery of Art Free Summer Saturdays

When: Sat, July 3,11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Where: 500 Seventeenth Street NW

Why: Get a little cultural this weekend with Chuck Close

BYT Summer Camp: Cowboy Camp

When: Sat, July 3,12:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Where: Capitol Skyline Hotel, 10 I St SW

Why: Get crazy with BYT at their cowboy camp and ride the mechanical bull… giddy up!

Dance With The Devil At Eden Rooftop

When: Sat, July 3,11:00 pm - 2:00 am

Where: Eden, 1716 I Street NW

Why: Remember that wild spring break in Acapulco? Yep, that devil will be here in D.C.

Sunday, July 4th

National 4th of July Parade

When: Sun, July 4,11:45 am - 3:00 pm

Where: Constitution Avenue, 7th to 17th Streets, NW

Why: We're in our nation's capital…it just seems apropos to go

The Uncle Sam Jam 2010

When: Sun, July 4,3:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Where: 800 Water Street SW

Why: Rock out for America's birthday

Boom With A View at the W Hotel

When: Sun, July 4,6:00 pm - 3:00 am

Where: W Hotel DC, 515 15th Street, NW

Why: Party hard with fireworks, Adrian Grenier, and the best view of D.C.

Hakaan takes ANDAM, Erdem’s accidental beauty, Luxe prices rise, Chinese in Tokyo, Forever 21’s big bet

And The ANDAM Winner Is… (Style.com)

“Turkish designer Hakaan Yildirim is the newest winner of ANDAM’s €220,000 prize… It was only last February, before his first London show, that English fashion scribes were wondering in print: ‘Who is Hakaan?’”

Erdem Moralioglu: A man for all seasons (Independent)

“His printing technique involves the designer playing around creatively on his computer for hours, digitally altering prints by blurring them or re-sizing them, painting over them and destroying them. ‘It’s always quite a lengthy, organic process and we never really know what the end result will be.’”

Price of luxury rises despite the recession (Telegraph)

“With the super-rich beginning to spend freely once more the prices of upmarket services and products have rallied for the first time since the financial crisis began.”

Japan Opens Doors to More Chinese Shoppers (WSJ)

“Swarms of Asian tourists disembark from a bus with tinted windows, snapping pictures and staring in awe at Japan’s capital city while a petite tour guide waving a flag shouts instructions—in Mandarin.”

Forever 21 Pursues Big-Store Branding (WSJ)

“Teens continue to swarm Forever 21’s piles of inexpensive, high-fashion-imitating party dresses and tank tops. But moving into cavernous spaces, like the 90,000-square-foot spot near 46th and Broadway, is forcing the chain into new categories… where its hold on consumers is less certain.”

First Person | Pamela Love

Pamela Love | Image by Jordan Sullivan

First Person, a new series on BoF, brings you business stories and lessons from real fashion entrepreneurs. First up, cult jewellery designer, Pamela Love.

NEW YORK, United States — For the past three years Brooklyn-born jewellery designer Pamela Love has set about crafting her business in the same way she shapes the hand-hewn gothic accessories she sells.

“Just like I learn new techniques for making jewellery as I go along,” she says, “I learn more and more about how to run a business. In the beginning I didn’t know anything, and every season I am like, ‘oh, right, I should have insurance, my employees should be on payroll.’ Every season we’ve become more and more of a proper business.”

Alongside her Autumn 2010 collection — always supplemented by a trans-seasonal “classic collection” of signature pieces the designer maintains and updates regularly — Love has recently done a series of collaborations, creating a limited edition Mammoth cuff with Black Sheep & Prodigal Sons and a line inspired by the Spike Jonze film Where the Wild Things Are with Opening Ceremony, as well as re-teaming with frequent co-conspirator Frank Tell on accents for his Autumn/Winter 2010 line. Ms. Love is ambitious, hoping to lead her brand into housewares, wallpaper, handbags and shoe design. But her talent took flight when the former New York University film student trained it on her first love: jewellery.

While working as an assistant to painter Francesco Clemente and styling fashion shoots, Love found herself drawn to on her symbol-laden metal- and crystal-work. “I just stopped spending my time on other things,” she says. “I was trying to learn as much as I could. I didn’t study jewellery design in school so I had to apprentice and learn through experimentation. Once I had a product that was saleable, it was very organic. It wasn’t like, ‘oh, I have a business plan and I have this much money to invest.’ It was more like, ‘I made this stuff, now let me try to sell it.’ And I did.”

Pamela Love Jewellery | Courtesy of Pamela Love

Colette carried her first collection. Opening Ceremony — whose showroom now also handles all the brand’s sales — carried her second. Now her work can be found at retailers in over 30 cities worldwide, including big names like Browns, Bergdorf’s, Bendel’s, Barney’s, and Fred Segal. But her PR program — if you can call it that — was entirely organic.

“I happened to be a stylist — not a very established one, but I knew some people, and they were wearing the jewellery. I knew models who wore the jewellery to shoots and stylists asked them to keep the jewellery on [for the shoots] and a couple of friends of mine who were editors were like, ‘well, let’s write some stories about it.’”

Requests came in to carry the product before the line was even properly established, putting Love in an enviable position. “My philosophy was to never chase after anybody and let everybody come to you,” she says. “I feel like you are going to get more support and love from people who reach out to you and really want to work with you.”

Indeed, the business seems to have grown quite naturally, based mostly on word of mouth. “A store would be interested in me and I would work with them and then another store would be interested as a result or we would get some press and we would work with them.”

But even if well-positioned contacts had proved fortuitous in placing the pieces in editorials and, ultimately, in storefronts, Love says her early work as a stylist helped little to prepare her for the reality of establishing a viable business. “When you start a business your mind changes, your way of thinking about money and scheduling changes.”

But it’s by keeping her business as intimate and unique as one of her eagle talon cuffs that Love — who currently does not have outside investment — has found her way. As she describes it, keeping it tight is the key. “We don’t produce anything in factories in Asia. Because of that our production is a little slower and more expensive. For that reason we don’t really sit on stock. When a store places an order, that is usually when we go into production. As we’ve grown we’ve learned, ok, these are really popular, maybe we should make a certain amount of extra in addition to our orders.”

So what’s the hardest lesson Love has had to learn along the way? “The idea that you have to spend money to make money. The idea that you have to hire more people, get a bigger office space, shell out money for a website was so difficult for me. For a really long time I was kind of hoarding what I had for the jewellery, but you have to realise that it’s all related — if I spend a bunch of money on my website, it’s worth it.”

Looking back, as orders continue to pile in, Love has some good advice for aspiring jewellery designers on the make. “Know as much as you can,” she says. “Be able to make everything yourself before you start mass producing something or sending it out for someone else to make. I think you have a much greater appreciation for and understanding of something if you’ve made it with your hands.”

The same might be said of a business.

Chris Wallace is an editor and writer based in New York. His work has appeared in Dossier Journal, i-D, Interview and T.

BoF Daily Digest | UK bans Diesel ads, India’s luxe kids, Fashionable shorts, Shulman honoured, Facebook fatigue?

Diesel Advert | Source: Diesel

Diesel banned from using ‘offensive’ ads (Reuters)

“Fashion label Diesel has been banned from using two adverts showing young women which a standards watchdog said were likely to cause serious offence.”

Global brands widening product portfolio in kids segment (Economic Times)

“Kids are getting spoilt more than ever before with busy parents trying to make up for lack of time and presence through luxury goodies, triggering a march of global kid’s fashion brands… into the country.“

Fashionable Shorts | These Movies Have Credits (T Magazine)

“In a time when the iPad has eclipsed the September issue, and editorial channels are growing while advertising page numbers are shrinking, luxury labels have to promote their collections somehow. The result? A fashion film movement, in full swing.”

Alexandra Shulman awarded Honorary degree by UCA (Telegraph)

“British Vogue’s Alexandra Shulman, was yesterday awarded a Master of Arts by The University for the Creative Arts. The MA acknowledges Shulman’s outstanding contribution to the fashion industry.”

Teens losing interest in Facebook (Biz Report)

“Of late there has been much speculation that Facebook is becoming a bit passé. New research from online gaming site Roiworld claims to illustrate clear signs of ‘Facebook Fatigue’ among teens.”

BoF Daily Digest | Yohji’s Dear Bomb, Ferragamo’s good year, Office for sale, Couture’s RTW influences, Kirkwood for Pilotto

Yohji Yamamoto | Source: Coolspotters

The Yohji Yamamoto story (Telegraph)

“Yohji Yamamoto, the charismatic and mysterious Japanese designer, is allowing the first-ever published biography about his life to be published. The book, entitled (enigmatically, of course) ‘My Dear Bomb’, will be released worldwide in October.”

Ferragamo Sees ‘Very Good’ 2010 (Bloomberg)

“Salvatore Ferragamo, the Italian shoemaker, expects ‘a very good’ 2010 as the weaker euro boosts sales and margins, and consumers return to pay full price for luxury footwear and accessories, Chief Executive Officer Michele Norsa said.”

Best foot forward as Office seeks buyer (FT)

“Office, the fashion-forward high street shoe retailer owned by Sir Tom Hunter, has put itself up for sale with a price tag of £170m. The chain was bought… in 2003 for about £16m. It has since expanded from 21 stores, mainly in London, to a national presence of 125 outlets.”

Ready-to-wear trends to impact on July’s haute couture (Relaxnews)

“Even if most designers would say there are no trends in haute couture, some of the previews of the collections obtained by Relaxnews hint at the opposite.”

Kirkwood For Pilotto (Vogue.com)

“Peter Pilotto and British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood have announced a new footwear collaboration. The capsule collection will make its debut at Pilotto’s show at London Fashion Week in September.”

Fashion News Roundup: RCA Honors McDowell and Temperley, The U.K. Doesn’t Take Kindly To Stupid, And Proenza Schouler Makes Ill-Timed “Oil Slick” Jewe

Fashion News Roundup: RCA Honors McDowell and Temperley, The U.K. Doesn’t Take Kindly To Stupid, And Proenza Schouler Makes Ill-Timed “Oil Slick” Jewelry: "

Proenza Schouler's Triple Chain 'Oil Slick' Bracelet

Model Behavior: Modelinia polls some of their favorite models about their plans for this holiday weekend… and many of them aren’t as glamorous as you might think. {Modelinia}

A Slick New Look: Proenza Schouler drops its latest web-exclusives– an “oil slick” necklace and bracelet. Too bad it reminds us of the state of the Gulf….Poor timing? {Proenza Schouler}

Stupid Is As Stupid Does: Diesel’s “Be Stupid” ads got a lot of attention when they debuted in the U.S. back in March, but it seems the U.K. is not a fan. The campaign has been banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for indecency and for fear they could “be seen by children and might encourage bad behavior.” Ok, U.K., you hold on to your “Keep Calm And Carry On”; we’ll keep our “Be Stupid.” {The Huffington Post}



Honor Roll: Today the Royal College of Art will be honoring Alice Temperley and Colin McDowell as Honorary Fellow and Senior Fellow, respectively. The prestigious award is given to leading figures in arts, design, fashion, and culture each year. {Vogue}

Fashion For The Younger Set: Fendi partners up with Simonette SpA to present a children’s line for kids up to 12-years-old. Oh well, it was bound to happen sooner or later. {The Cut}

Street Style: Madisyn Keeps It Plain and Tall

Street Style: Madisyn Keeps It Plain and Tall: "

Name: Madisyn

Age: 21

Occupation: Model

Agency: Women

What is your current favorite song? Good Harbor by Paper Birds

How do you take your coffee? A splash of skim or soy milk, cinnamon, and Honey



What is your favorite place in NYC? The Big Library across from Bryant Park

Do you prefer heels or flats on your days off? Flats

What are your go to flats? Black ballerina flats

Describe your style: Plain, with simple clean lines

What is your favorite food? Blackberries



Where are you headed now? A casting and then to the movies, to see Grown Ups

Where is your skirt from? Uniqlo

How about your boots? They are DKNY

Best Dressed: Julianne is Elegant in Erdem while Kirsten and Camilla Sport Sweet Sundresses

Best Dressed: Julianne is Elegant in Erdem while Kirsten and Camilla Sport Sweet Sundresses: "

This week, the beautiful Julianne Moore wore a gorgeous Erdem gown while Camilla Belle kept it short and sweet in Dior. Kirsten Dunst took a casual stroll through SoHo in an awesome Miu Miu dress while another blond rocked the red carpet in blue Rodarte. Freida Pinto can’t not look gorgeous, but this Oscar de la Renta number certainly doesn’t hurt.

Salma Hayek on Getting Motivated for ‘Grown Ups’

Salma Hayek on Getting Motivated for ‘Grown Ups’: "

Salma Hayek plays a fashion designer juggling marriage, motherhood and career in 'Grown Ups.'

While the trailer for the new comedy Grown Ups features the immature antics of five childhood friends who reunite for a weekend getaway at a lakeside house, we discovered there’s more to the movie than frat-boy humor. Not only is it about family, marriage and parenthood, but three women we love — Salma Hayek, Maria Bello and Maya Rudolph — play essential roles.

“Anybody who is a parent knows this world and the emotion of it and the complication and the joy — and the drag of it all,” laughs Bello, who plays Kevin James’ wife. Hayek agrees: “I think women are going to love this one because they’re going to identify with us and our conflicts in our own marriages and our relationships with our children,” she says.

Continuing her run of comedic roles on Ugly Betty and 30 Rock, Hayek, 43, plays a glamorous fashion designer and mother of three married to Adam Sandler’s hotshot Hollywood agent. Wed in real life to French tycoon François-Henri Pinault, Hayek brought her 2-year-old daughter, Valentina, to the Massachusetts location last summer. “Adam makes it the dream environment to bring children. They are so highly entertained that you’re nervous when you get back home. How are you going to entertain your child? They have all kinds of toys and things for them to play,” she reports.

“Having a son and being on the set with all these families and kids added to the whole intimacy of the film and what you see on the screen,” adds Bello, 43, whose 9-year-old son, Jack, played basketball with guys in the cast and crew while she worked. Four years ago, the actress decided to work less during his school year, but the summer production fit both their schedules perfectly.

Rudolph, the real-life mother of two who was pregnant while filming her part as Chris Rock’s wife in the movie, felt right at home in both her role and with the improvisational approach to comedy of her fellow Saturday Night Live alum. “We speak the same language,” says Rudolph, 37, who is quite comfortable in the boys’ club. “I just felt very at home with them. Maybe it’s from having an older brother. I was always trying to make him and his friends laugh.”

Rudolph compares playing pregnant to Robert De Niro’s legendary weight gain for a role. “It’s like a Raging Bull experience. I can eat more to prepare,” she cracked. Hayek, on the other hand, watched what she ate and exercised more, thanks to a poolside scene. “Having to wear a bathing suit in front of the camera and thousands of extras definitely motivates you to work out a little bit,” she says.

What motivates you to get in shape?

Photo credit: Sony Pictures

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