Ushering in the beginning of Sunday night’s Oscar coverage, a good pal sent me a text stating, simply, “RED CARPET!”

My friends know me so well.

Being an avid lover of cinema (a self-professed connoisseur even), I feel a bit silly admitting that the most exciting part of Oscar night for me is the unveiling of the various star-wielded accoutrements. But, hey, a gal’s gotta get her kicks somehow – and I’ve made it a tradition to sit on my comfy couch in a pair of old PJs year after year, noshing on various fatty foods (my jab at the fashionistas who starved themselves for weeks to squeeze into their gowns), a judgmental scowl plastered across my face.

After all, the Academy Awards are essentially a long-winded fashion show whose red carpet runway features Hollywood stars instead of models, and it’s always the best gauge by which to foresee upcoming trends for Spring. I’m all too happy to play Anna Wintour to the evening’s revelry. So without further ado, my picks for the best and worst looks that graced this year’s carpet.

THE BEST

Cameron Diaz

Clearly Cammy has the inside scoop on this Spring’s biggest trend: the ballerina-inspired look. The simple nude sheath is perfectly fitted and draped, and the color looks fantastic on her sun-kissed skin tone. Her hair would’ve looked much better swept back into a loose updo, to complete the ballet look. I’ll never understand why she’s such a fan of those straggly bangs!

Anne Hathaway

Red is her color, for sure. The hair, the make-up, the Grecian gown – the entire package is magic. Judging by the influx of scarlet hues gracing the carpet this year, it’s safe to say that it’s sure to be a large part of the upcoming season’s color palette.

Marion Cotillard

This mermaid-esque ivory gown (complete with beading and fish scale detailing) looks absolutely stunning on her flawless figure, hugging her curves in all the right spots. The side-swept curls and long necklace complete the old-school glamour look. A little sexpot here, a little flapper there – a lotta hotness!

Let’s face it – kids hate getting their hair cut. But what if it came complete with balloon artists, toys and face painters? We’re betting your kid would be running to the nearest hair salon. And now thanks to professional haircare and hair color company Matrix, that can now be possible.

Just make an appointment at the Matrix Global Academy between 10am-4pm on Sunday, March 2nd and not only will you get rid of your child’s unsightly shag, you’ll be doing a world of good. Matrix is hosting the first “Give Big” Cut-A-Thon, where your donations of a mere $20 will go to support the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. The Foundation works to prevent pediatric HIV infection through research, advocacy and both prevention and treatment programs.

At the event, a team of 20 talented Matrix stylists will trim and cut your kids’ hair to perfection. Each participant will receive a free VIP Matrix product gift bag. And as if that’s not enough, Matrix will match all donations and even provide an additional $20 per haircut to the Foundation. All in all? Definitely a cut above the rest.

WHAT: Matrix “Give Big” Cut-A-Thon
WHEN: Sunday, March 2nd,10am-4pm
WHERE: Matrix Global Academy, 435 Hudson Street (at Leroy Street), call 917-606-9500 to make an appointment

NYC beauty mavens joined actress Minnie Driver and The Body Shop last Wednesday evening to celebrate 21 years of its celebrated Community Trade program. Founded by Dame Anita Roddick (RIP), The Body Shop spends $11.5 million annually via the program buying ingredients and accessories from marginalized communities across the world, paying producers a fair price for goods and giving them access to the global market (for those not in the know, this is practically unheard of.) Huzzah!

The beauty retailer also announced their plans to increase the breadth of the program in the next two years. Today, 60% of The Body Shop products contain at least one Community Trade ingredient; by 2010 this figure will rise to 75%, with new suppliers, including Women in Business Development of the Polynesian islands of Samoa coming on board to produce high-grade ingredients like cold-pressed organic virgin coconut oil. The ingredients will be incorporated into existing Body Shop favorites like our beloved Coconut Body Butter, yum.

To learn more about the Community Trade program or to purchase The Body Shop products, visit The Body Shop, 154 Spring Street or www.thebodyshop.com.

It is nearly impossible to compare Brooklyn-based band The National to any others out there – to attempt such contrasts would do them a disservice. Simply stated: they create mood music for almost any disposition a person might find themselves entrenched in.

It’s rare for me to fall in love with a band at first song. It’s even rarer for a full album to be so satisfying after only the first play. When a friend included “Fake Empire” (the single off the band’s 2007 critically-acclaimed release, Boxer) on a mix CD, I immediately bought the record. After that, I was firmly hooked.

Cincinnati, Ohio natives-turned Brooklyn relocates, Matt Berninger (vocals), Scott Devendorf (guitar, bass), Devendorf’s brother Bryan (drums) and twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner (guitar, bass) are enormously gifted individually, but as a combined unit, they’re magnetic.
People pick their musical poisons for any number of reasons. I’m a lyrics girl, first and foremost. Though the entire group showcases their innumerable talents (no Ringo Starr complex here, folks), Berninger’s unique, throaty vocals and impossibly intuitive lyrics are what keep me coming back for more. His words make it clear that he is a perfect-o combination of dorky, intelligent, introspective and sensitive. I like that in a front man.

So when I learned in January that my newfound obsession was playing a homecoming concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (after many weeks overseas on the road promoting Boxer), I made it my personal plight to secure tickets. It was no easy task – the show had been sold out for weeks.

This Saturday, March 1st, all of Laura Gellar’s best-selling cosmetics and brushes will be sold at 30% off and all skincare items at 15% off at the Laura Gellar Makeup Studio. Stock up on your favorite Laura Geller products, like the Spackle makeup primer or the Chalk concealer, and check out her Spring Baked Collection at a fraction of the price. Also, Laura Geller’s top makeup artists will be on hand to offer spring color advice and application tips.

Laura Gellar Makeup Studio

This sale only happens once a year, so you’d better hop to it. You don’t want to wait another 365 and you won’t find this kind of Laura Gellar sale anywhere else.

WHAT: Annual Laura Gellar Makeup Sale
WHEN: Saturday, March 1st, 10am-6:30pm
WHERE: Laura Geller Makeup Studio, 1044 Lexington Avenue (between 74th and 75th Sts.), 212.570.LIPS

It’s pretty plain to see that we at BN love the French (exhibit A) so when MAC announced their collaboration with French graffiti artist Fafi, we were sufficiently psyched. Fafi’s colorful world of curvaceous cuties bring an instant smile to our faces and MAC’s interpretation of her signature chick-a-boom girls on the compact, gloss and lipstick packaging in the collection is both fun and empowering.

We were lucky enough to meet Fafi herself (er, and some of the afore mentioned chick-a-boom girls, below) at the February 13 launch event at Henri Bendel.

For the exclusive BN VIDEO interview with Fafi…

(All information and photos courtesy of The Human Society of the United States)

In the wake of the recall of 143 million pounds of beef – the largest in the nation’s history by far – The Humane Society of the United States is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Congress to take immediate steps to enact more stringent laws to prevent a recurrence of the abuses documented at a southern California slaughter plant.

An investigation by The Humane Society at a cattle slaughterhouse documented animals too sick or injured to stand or walk – called “downers” by industry – being kicked, beaten, dragged with chains, shocked with electric prods, sprayed in the face with hoses, and rammed by forklifts in efforts to get them to their feet to pass USDA inspection.

Watch the video -
https://community.hsus.org/
Warning: Contains very graphic content

This unacceptable cruelty potentially puts the food supply at risk – at least 12 of the 15 identified cases of mad cow disease in North America to date have reportedly been downers. Despite claims that downers were being eliminated from the food supply downed animals may be falling through the cracks as a result of poor oversight, enforcement, and a loophole created by inconsistent agency regulations.

TAKE ACTION!
Demand that the USDA eliminate this dangerous loophole and immediately ban all downers. Go to the Humane Society website to take action and get more information www.HSUS.org

Or click on this link to find out more about their Factory Farming Campaign
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/CA_2008_investigation?qp_source=gaba89

To own a boutique and have an eponymous clothing line sold at that boutique is the dream of many a fashion-obsessed. Anya Ponorovskaya has made it her reality (all while being a single mom). With two GirlCat Boutiques up, running and successful in NoLita, Anya moved on to conquer new territory late last year – this time in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill.

Owner Anya Ponorovskaya

Atlantic Avenue lay still and devoid of sufficient lighting on the crisp Thursday night. Wondering where all the street lamps had gone, I scampered along, eager to find myself among other clothes feigns thirsty for, not only the always anticipated free wine, but the chance to snag an Anya original with the promotional 15 percent deduction in celebration of the opening of GirlCat Brooklyn (380 Atlantic Avenue, 718.643.3863) and the release of her line.

With imperfect wood floors and couches that look second hand polished, the space is charming and inviting. Fur clutches, leather belts and jewelry are showcased on shelves like trophies. Heels, booties and bags are strewn across a wooden table that resembles an old bureau. And silk dresses and corset waist wool coats all hang on mannequin forms and collapsible racks.

I feel like a guest in Anya’s home rather than her store, so I pick up the shrimp tail that accidentally falls out of my napkin. I would have probably just let it go in Urban.

Although I leave with nothing but a stomach full of shrimp, my friend Lauren has much more to show for the night – a skinny brown leather belt made from the skin of a Honduran calf that she says she will wear forever. It may sound like an overstatement, but that can also be said of most of Anya’s tailored looks. In addition to her own line, the boutique carries other emerging and established labels. Go see for yourself.

In 1939, Glamour of Hollywood debuted on magazine shelves and disclosed the secrets of how to get that movie star look to women everywhere. Honoring its roots, Glamour magazine released its “Hollywood” issue February 11th to celebrate women at the top of the entertainment industry with fashion/beauty, entertainment and news coverage. Get the goods, such as “Success Secrets From the Women Who Run Hollywood” and red carpet beauty advice, in this issue.

The issue features a cover story interview with Naomi Watts.

In conjunction with the March issue release, Avon is teaming up with Glamour to launch Glamourfilmfest.tv. For over 120 years, Avon has been beautifying women inside and out and here female filmmakers get the chance to showcase their amazing work on a national level.

Everyday, the film fest site will host four new short films, one of each in the categories of U.S. Cinema, Animation, Documentary and International, through March 7th. Each week, an independent film darling (so far, Christina Ricci, Elizabeth Banks and Maria Bello will participate) will pick her favorite movie. Also, each week starting on Fridays, be one of the first 500 visitors to the site and you will receive an Avon gift basket full of great products.

Lather up and dive in to the sophisticated world of eShave (999-B First Avenue, 212.838.0807). This tiny shop is filled with inviting shaving creams and aesthetic-conscious accessories that make you want to rip off your clothes and shave every part of your body. Okay, maybe it’s not that extreme, but I couldn’t wait to use the lavender shaving cream. It smells heavenly.

The Lavender Collection includes (from left to right) After Shave Soother ($22), Shaving Cream ($20), Shaving Soap with Bowl ($28) and Pre-Shave Oil ($19)

The eShave collection was originally founded in 1996. eShave founder Danielle Malka recently opened the petite New York store reminiscent of an art gallery, bathed in white with high ceilings. Jars of shaving cream and lotion are stacked with colorful labels and come in scents such as white tea, floral, citrus, lavender, almond and cucumber. Shelves line the walls with the artistic shaving stands, razors and brushes in various styles and colors.

The C Stand Shaving Set in Purple ($205)

eShave attracts both male and female clientele. One female customer said she already has a shaving brush with her initials on it and seemed glad to find a place to fuel her wet shave obsession. Get your own in the store or at the online store, www.eShave.com.

Malka’s background as a professional artist and her experience as a marketing consultant in the toiletries business gives eShave a leg up. She personally designs the handmade shaving stands, brushes and razors. The shaving creams, soaps and oils are also Malka’s baby, but you won’t find sandalwood, says Malka. “Why would I want to get close to a man and have him smell like my father?” she said.