Latina.com Blog

Hello Pretties! Happy Friday! I hope you all have fun, fabulous plans for this weekend. I’m on my way to Miami this evening for a beauty event on Saturday at the Miami International Mall. And–if you read this week’s blog entry about my little eye-poking incident–because my peepers are still sore, I’ll be boarding the plan in my ‘smart’ glasses (you know, the black plastic hipster variety). In my overnight bag, I’ve also stashed Wei East Intensive Herbal Eye Treatment. I’m going to slide the fresh, cool patches of cloth over each closed lid and just chill. ‘Cause momma needs a little soothing and pampering tonight. Till next week! – Angelique

Ow. Ladies, I’m in pain. I’m sitting here at my office desk testing mascaras for our May issue (where we’ll feature the most lash-tastic wands ever!), and I have literally poked my left eye out. Well, okay, not out out, but badly enough that I am still unable to open it after 10 minutes. I’m envisioning in my mind’s eye (the one that’s still working) how I’ll look in a pirate’s patch; should I go for the solid black variety (always chic) or bedazzle it in fabulous pink rhinestones? These shallow thoughts are swirling in my head as tears continue to stream down my left cheek. Little by little, I’m opening it. I can see…slowly…in the mirror…my eye! And to my wonderment, the first thing I notice after the painful waterworks have passed is that my mascara has not run. So, though it’s injured me terribly (my fault, I know), I have to give props to Maybelline’s Waterproof Define-a-Lash Lengthening Mascara. Ow. Wow – I mean wow! - Angelique

My love for bags has become a hobby, but my friends refer to it as an obsession. Still, when I told a couple of them about Freddy & Ma handbags (freddyandma.com), their cheeky comments suddenly changed. Freddy & Ma lets you become a “handbag designer,” which is something my friends now brag about among themselves. This website lets you design everything from shoulder bags to clutches. You pick the frame (style of purse), fabric, color or print, and voila! You’re on your way to a unique bag that no one else will have. Plus, Freddy & Ma offers home decorations from plates to pillows–the PERFECT gifts for a friend “who has everything.”
-Melissa Rodriguez

Hello, ladies! It’s been a minute since I’ve spoken with you all. I hope you’re doing beautifully! I’m afraid I’ve caught myself a bit of a cold. And it could be due to the fact that I tend to run around the snow-dusted Manhattan streets in bare legs and dresses. I’m not always in the mood to wear tights, see, and I’d rather shiver a little in a skirt than put on pants everyday. Now my stubbornness has come back to bite me in the ass – er – lungs. But, when the mercury inches its way up just a little higher, my gams are back in the game. And I’ll cover them with Bathina Body So Fine by Benefit. You glide some of the solid cream over legs and it leaves a soft, sheer, ever-so-slightly shiny coating. Your stems will look so good you’ll be tempted to strut them down Main street in all their bare naked glory. But better wait until Spring. - Angelique

Major embarrassing moment: I was recently at a photo shoot for one of our fabulous beauty stories (which you’ll see in the February issue now on sale!) where a co-worker came up to me and said “Hey, I’ve been wanting to do this all day,” and then proceeded to rub my cheek raw with her fingertips. “You need to blend,” she said, redistributing my cream blush over my skin. I almost died. How I managed not to evenly blend my makeup that morning…well, I’ll just blame it on the fact that I was running late (as always). But the embarrassment has not worn off in the least. So I thought I’d share a little trick on how to blend your blush into your cheeks so it looks natural – a trick I apparently skipped that day. I first apply a healthy dose of rosy cream blush to my cheeks; then I put some oil-free moisturizer on my fingers (I like Neutrogena) and rub it over the blush. This helps distribute the color and blend it into your skin; it also gives cheeks a moist, dewy glow. Total bonus.

So I once put yogurt in my hair. Full-fat, vanilla-flavored, store-bought yogurt (the market was out of plain). But hey, it was all for the greater good; I was testing an idea for a hair story. And guess what? I liked it! The thick, milky mixture actually conditioned my hair and left it soft and silky. Good to remember when you’re out of regular conditioner…and happen to have yogurt in your fridge. - Angelique

When these earrings by ALEX WOO came in to Latina’s fashion closet for a recent photo shoot – I said outloud “I Just found my new purchase!” I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with these earrings because they are lightweight and have the “Where did you get those earrings” factor. They will definitely have women do a double take on the fabulous earrings you are wearing. They can go from a casual look to a night out to the most exclusive club with your girls. From Alex Woo’s Narissa collection – which is inspired by the weightlessness of the ocean – these earrings are a must-have in any fashionistas jewelry box. Available in silver ($278), gold ($298) or gold with diamonds ($1578), the pendant version has been worn by Joss Stone and Debra Messing. Visit alexwoo.com for more information and where to buy.

Feeling a little on the wild side? Every girl does every once in awhile, so what better way to show it off then with some animal print? A little leopard never hurt anybody! With this season’s wide variety of tops, bottoms, and accessories printed with these wild patterns, there’s no excuse not to own them. Leopard, giraffe, zebra, and snake prints, take your pick! If you want a more conservative look, but still want to sport the trend, you can pair one item that has animal print on it with a solid color. You can try a cheetah print tunic, like this one (above left) available at Forever 21 ($17.80) with jeans or a black dress. You can also try wearing printed accessories if you think wearing animal print is just too much. Printed shoes are one of my favorite ways to wear the trend. A zebra-print flat can make a simple outfit pop. An animal-print bag can also do the same. If you’re feeling extra wild, you can sport an oversized leopard bag like J.Lo (see above, right) did for instant glam. Try on accessories like bangles or headbands to play it safe. If you want to make more of a statement with your animal print, wear a bright color, like red, with it to make you stand out even more. Just make sure you don’t over do it! Don’t mix prints or wear head to toe animal print. Remember, a little goes a long way!

After a hella-long pause, our favorite Bravo show is back. This week is a fun one for the designers—they’re charged with using items from the Hershey’s store to create their designs in just 13 hours. Yup, yet another crazy-blatant product placement challenge. But I have to admit that it worked—I caught a crazy craving for Twizzlers watching them dash around the store. While working on a dress that she described as “Macabre Gretel,” Elisa revealed a possible source of her nuttiness: She was hit by a Porsche a few years ago and sustained severe head injuries. That sincere revelation didn’t stop Christian (or me, apparently) from being catty: “Her dress was just a hot mess,” he said. Jillian picked licorice as her material and had a hell of a time keeping it from falling apart, while Sweet P had a difficult time finishing on time, per her usual. She actually changed her design partway through. Why? Think about it this way—her first garment was so crazy that Chris (he of the costumes and parade floats) even questioned her taste. Meanwhile, we got the random Christian quote of the week: “I tried to count, but I got dizzy. My table’s so dirty. Ah, I’m gonna cry.” Back on the runway, Zac Posen was the guest judge. Ricky, Christian, Kit and Kevin were the safe ones. Left on the runway:Rami created a gorgeous dress out of

York peppermint patty wrapping paper and a vinyl Twizzlers pillow. It was very pop and very well constructed. MK said, “His girl came out and I smiled. He used the materials in an interesting way, and it fit beautifully.” Posen loved it, “He did excellent!” he said. Elisa used a Hershey’s pillow to create an ugly, sad dress. It was so bad it made MK ask, “Where’s the joy?” and call the sleeves “silver shower caps.” Nina said, “This was very disappointing, this dress.” MK agreed, “If she wants to be avant garde, then don’t send a sad, brown dress out that’s boring. I don’t think that dress was avant garde.” Jillian’s red licorice dress, complete with a bustier and short flapper-inspired skirt, went over well. After a lot of difficultly keeping it together in the workroom, it held up and the judges thought the design was sexy and playful. Nina said, “The hard work shows. It was really well done.” MK summed it up best, “It’s deliciously chic.” He appreciated that she was the only one who actually created an edible garment. Victorya’s ruffled dress was made of a York pillowcase. It was more catwalk than mall, and the judges picked up on it immediately—and the odd “Ice Queen” pose she made her model strike didn’t help. MK came right out with it: “I didn’t think it was wearable or fanciful.” He then said the model looks like she works at Dairy Queen. Ouch. Zac put the nail in the coffin, “I don’t’ think she really worked with the material or the assignment.” Oh, but did they love Chris’s chocolate wrapper tube dress. MK was ecstatic, “We got nervous that you were going to go totally berserk! I think that this is a really smart editing choice it’s also made well, and she looks great in it.” Zac wanted to see him do more, but MK made him slow his roll, “Sometimes we question his taste level,” he said, “but Chris’s was very sophisticated.” Nina said the model was set to stroll right into the studio for an Elle photo shoot. Sweet P’s silver bodice was attached to a simple circle skirt (one that Tim had previously cautioned her looked like a maxi pad, eesh). Heidi immediately called it boring. Nina concurred, “It looks like it was very easy. It just looks sad.” MK took it a step further, “It has no sense of smile or joy to it to me. Talk about yet another look that had no effort, no imagination.” Nina wondered aloud if Sweet P’s original garment was better. No, Nina, not really. My boy Rami won, though I wonder how long it will be before the judges tire of his beautiful little dresses. I’d love to see him challenge himself and apply his considerable skills to some different pieces. It came down to Sweet P and Elisa standing in the twin spotlights. Elisa was aufed. But, seriously, I think she was the most gracious loser this show—or any other reality show—has ever seen. She simply gave a beatific smile, blessed Sweet P with an “Ahshe” and thanked everyone before she left the stage. She actually had me beaming like an idiot over here. Elisa, you will be missed. So, no tears this episode, but the preview of next week’s show showed Ricky spouting—I can’t wait! But I guess I have to. Until then, I am… —Kenrya M. Rankin

Dominican-born fashion designer José Ramón Réyes, founder of Réyes ready-to-wear clothing, has just been awarded the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award, reports WWD. One of seven winners who will receive $25,000 toward the presentations of their new collections during next month’s New York Fashion Week, Réyes, beat out over 100 entries. “The success of the foundation is undoubtedly the result of the commitment and dedication of our judging panel, who year after year capture the future of fashion,” said Patrick Coyle, marketing director for Ecco Domani wines. In winning this award, Reyes joins a long list of notable new designers, including the designers of Proenza Schouler, Peter Som, Zac Posen, Derek Lam and more. To see Reyes’ style, visit rarechic.com.