NADIA BJORLIN

This striking beauty is probably best known for her role on as Chloe Lane on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives; however, what fans may not know is that Nadia Bjorlin has worked in both music and film. Nadia began her music career at the age of 6 performing with two of her brothers in the Bjorlin Trio, according to Nadia-Bjorline.com. After high school she joined the cast of Days of Our Lives. In 2007 she starred in the independent film If I Had Known I was a Genius, which featured Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon Stone and Tara Reid. In addition, she also starred in the film Redline, with a cast the included Eddie Murphy and Nathan Phillips.

With several upcoming projects ranging from acting to writing to producing, it’s a wonder how Nadia even has time to keep up with the current fashion trends. But it seems she has come up with her own method of developing her fashion sense over the years, whether it is through her characters keeping up with the times on-screen, or by favoring designers whose fashion works for her body and personality.

Runway Magazine: What fashion trends have you seen evolve on Days of Our Lives since you filmed your first episode in November 1999?

Nadia Bjorlin: When I first started, it was cool to wear baby t-shirts, plaid miniskirts, bedazzled accessories, lots of hair ornaments, glitter lip gloss and knee length cardigans! Fashion has evolved on the show as it has in real life. I definitely think fashion is back to feminine, classic and timeless, and what we wear on the show reflects that now.

To read the rest of the interview check our Runway’s Summer 2010 Issue.

Swedish Princess Victoria’s Wedding Dress

The train Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden wore to her pre-wedding dinner was nothing compared to what she wore for the big day when she officially married her ex–personal trainer. Though the pre-wedding train was crustier and more like sea coral, it was only a fraction of the length of the sixteen-and-a-half-foot train she attached to her waist for the wedding, which required the devoted servitude of three bridesmaids to keep tidy. Rather than use the dress to wax the floors as she danced, she slung it over her arm.

The dress may have acted as a lint remover for the carpet on the aisle, but at least she was inside and not on grass, where she might have had to pull the ol’ secret foam flip-flops trick — no one knows, tee-hee! Not to be outdone, the groom wore tails and real shoes of his own.

The boyfriend Blazer

The boyfriend blazer is this seasons hottest trend. Not only is it a splash of sophistication added to any outfit, but it also looks absolutely fabulous.

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Lauren Conrad, and Blake Lively have made this trend a staple for any wardrobe.

You can wear the boyfriend blazer with almost every outfit. It looks best with either a mini dress, a long top with leggings, or skinny jeans. You should also roll up the sleeves to just about the elbow. Usually boyfriend blazers are lined with some sort of silk in the sleeves so that when you do roll them up, the silk and pattern is visible.

Although this look can work with most body types, you must be aware of the shape of the blazer.

If you purchase a boyfriend blazer that doesn’t look feminine, it can take away from your own curves. The blazer should be taken in at the waist without the use of a belt. Because its looser on the bottom, and usually has distinct shoulders, your waistline should be exaggerated and shown to be as small as it is.

The worst thing a woman can do to her body is hide her waistline or make it look bigger than it really is. Most women don’t even realize what great curves they have, regardless of their shape. Items like the boyfriend blazer can help accentuate your waistline.

10 Best Beauty Tips for Summer

Summer is a time that we all get our bodies pumped up and beach ready, by hitting the gym to get those killer abs to show off our remarkable tans that make our bodies shimmer and shine, while we relax and lounge at the pool or jet ski on the beach. Summer is the time where we find summer love, watch fireworks, barbecue and have the most lavish block parties where everyone is invited.

So in the summer it seems like it is a must to look you best, since we have all these exciting and enticing events going on. There are some tips that we should all follow in the summer to help us keep looking our best so we don’t have to worry about beauty and we can just bask in the wonderful sun.

Summer Beauty Tips

1. Wear Sunscreen: The number one rule of thumb when preparing for the hot sun is to lather up with sunscreen that has a SPF rating of 15 or higher to protect your beautiful skin from those treacherous sunrays

2. Use Bronzer: Tanning is out Bronzer is in, let’s face it in the summer the sun gives you all the heat you need, do you really want to be trapped in the tanning bed? They have a variety of bronzers and spray on tanners that will create the same look as a tanning salon, without breaking your wallets.

3. Makeup without Foundation: It is not recommended to wear foundation in the summer, if you do decide to wear foundation wear very light and subtle colors or opt for tinted moisturizers they are lighter and more gentle to the skin.

4. Color, color, color! It is all about color in the summer use vibrant colors like green, pink, gold and loud colors that reflect the summer time atmosphere.

5. Your Hairstyle: Let’s face it hair seems to get oily, sweaty and greasy in the summer due to the humid temperatures, so instead of creating a ultra chic look, summer is the time where you can be playful and stylish while you wear your hair loose in a wet in wavy style or very loose ponytails for a girlish look.

6. Body Scrubs: Scrub & exfoliate your face daily to keep it looking fresh and to give you a feeling of renewal.

7. Waterproof Mascara: If you plan to be near the beach/water or any outdoor activity use waterproof make up and mascara so your make up won’t smear all over.

8. Frizzy Hair: Deep condition hair weekly since the humid weather can cause frizziness to your hair.

9. Avoid Blow Dryer: Avoid using the blow dryer in the summer, the sun gives you enough heat already instead use an alcohol free texturizer to do the trick.

10. Accessories: Summer is a time for fun in the sun, if you want to look fashionable the must have accessories that look good and also protect you are a nice straw hat that blocks the sun from your face and beautiful sunglasses designer or faux will do the trick and you will be already for fun in the sun.

Ankle Bracelets for Summer

Adornment to the body dates back to the earliest of times. Rings, necklaces, and bracelets, arrayed on the body, from the ears to the ankles and everywhere in between, have been used as decorations by both sexes. Jewelry like the ankle bracelet may be merely for beautification and decoration or it may take on specific cultural and societal implications and meanings.

In this modern day and age, the wearing of jewelry is much more commonly associated with women, though men are known to outfit themselves with many types of jewelry as well. Popular jewelry can range from the simple, delicate chain, to the outlandish and rare pieces, and can adorn just about any part of the body. The anklet is a piece of jewelry that while has been around for thousands of years, is making a popular comeback.

Ankles are not necessarily the first spot a person thinks to adorn themselves when they begin to put on jewelry. However, the ankle is a perfect location for bracelets, as the foot provides a nice barrier to keep the jewelry in place. One might even say the ankle is like the wrist of the lower half of the body and as such deserves as much embellishment.

Bracelets around the ankle is very common in numerous Eastern cultures. One site, in what used to be part of the great Persian empire, many anklets were found along with all sorts of other trinkets. India is a country whose people are often associated with this piece of jewelry. While both men and women wear them, they are more often associated with women, especially new brides. Anklets are a practical and thoughtful gift for Indian brides and the tinkling sound of small bells on the ankle bracelet usually announces the arrival of the bride to her husbands home.

In the US, dressing up the ankle is a much more contemporary idea of fashion. In the 1950’s, as women began to wear shorter skirts and roll down their socks, small chains could often be seen decorating their ankles. While bare feet and ankles were more acceptable in Eastern cultures before the turn of the 20th century, such was not the case in Western cultures like the US or England. Since the skirts of women generally covered their ankles, there was little need for accessories below their skirts. So in some ways, the anklet may be associated with the liberation of women and their espousal of a freer fashion for women. Now as legs are often as exposed as the arms, women find the need to adorn them as well.

Like other jewelry, these bracelets come in an array of types and forms. Ranging from strings, straps, and chains to intricate pieces with precious stones and metals, the anklet is a piece that draws attention to the foot whether it is by itself or one of many. In India, small bells often tinkle from around the ankle, while in the US many choose to adorn theirs with charms. With the ankle, anything goes.

Jewelry is an expression of the person wearing it. How they wear it is an extension of their personality. Many see the ankle as a trendy or popular area for younger people or those who have a more hippie lifestyle. It is easy to see how the ankle may be forgotten, even though it can be quite alluring. The ankle bracelet is a piece of jewelry that can really liven up an ankle or foot, be elegant or outrageous, and stand the test of time.

Fall Accessory Trends from Neiman Marcus

New York – When Neiman Marcus compiles their list of the season’s best trends, it’s time to sit up and take some style notes. Whether or not your fall budget can accommodate a new pair of leopard print Louboutin stilettos, the key is knowing to buy animal print-anything. It’s as essential in your wardrobe as a little black dress.

Here’s a few more important Fall 2010 trends highlighted at Neiman Marcus’ latest accessories preview on Thursday, May 13 in New York:

Military influences. From army green to epaulettes, brass buttons and chunky boots with camouflage prints, tough military details are still going strong.

Fur. A controversial material, yet designers can’t seem to get enough of it. Go for the faux if your conscience and your wallet preclude purchasing the real thing. Look for fur-trimmed booties, curly astrakhan-style fur purses and “Nanook of the North” fur vests.

Lace. Leave it to the European designers to give us the best takes on lace, whether it’s a spectacular lace print rubber rain boot by Valentino (could soggy weather be more fashionable?) or a delicate Victorian-esque lace bootie by Dior.

Feathers. Manolo Blahnik’s sophisticated d’Orsay sandals flutter with feathers, while ostrich plumes look luxe on everything from a Lanvin handbag to an exclusive-to-Neiman’s feather stole by Ilana Wolf.

A wardrobe of boots. That’s right, not a pair, but a full wardrobe of boots are necessary for fall. Why? Because there are too many fantastic pairs to choose from, from tall wedge boots by Chanel and Marni to Alexander Wang’s anything-but-boring flat boots with a killer sculptured heel. And Givenchy is still making splurge-worthy buckled booties that are guaranteed to be on every fashion editor’s must-have list for fall.

The structured handbag. Bulky hobo bags are banished and sleek is chic with these proper purses.

Pearls. Conservative, boring pearls are a thing of the past with chunky, layered designs by Vera Wang, Alexis Bittar and Lanvin. But the best pearls, mixing edgy black chain links with the pale glossy baubles, are Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel, though any mixed-media pearl concoction can work, too.

Beauty Tips and Secrets of Seductive French Women

French Women’s Look;

The rule of a French woman is to make an effort at all times to lookattractive and appealing to others. She feels a real need to groom herself from her head all the way down to her toes (‘soignée.’) In fact, letting yourself physically go is considered by the French as a sign that you can’t keep things together mentally. It’s no wonder then, that French women are almost obsessed with beauty and are renowned to always look seductive!

French Women’s Restraint;

Again, ‘less is more’ when it comes to the French woman look. It’s also one of their main beauty tips and secrets. Being naturally sexy and appealing is much preferred than having the look of a woman who piles on the makeup and applies too much hair product. French women have a soignée restraint in these particular matters! They believe that makeup was designed to enhance a woman’s face subtly, not cover up or camouflage her face completely.

French Women’s Beauty Philosophy;

Remember too that; prevention is far better than a cure! The French woman (who truly believes in this wise philosophy,) sticks to a rather scrupulous and preventative skin/ body care routine. This means that she has weekly facials, regular lymphatic drainage massage/treatment (great for removing cellulite,) and religiously takes her makeup off each night.

To stay beautiful, a French woman tries to eat a balanced diet that will include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables – as well as organic produce from the market. Hydration is also an important key to a French woman’s beauty, so she makes sure to drink quite a lot of water – at least 6-8 glasses a day.

Always remember doves, that the healthiest feminine glow always comes from within, so to achieve this most fetching inner-glow, treat your body like you would the most prestigious car – put only the very best food and liquids into it (fuel!) The bonus of following this ‘preventative’ philosophy is that you probably won’t ever get acne and you won’t have to wear as much makeup either!

French Women’s Skincare;

French women are also renowned for their meticulous skincare regimes and believe that skin care is more of a necessity than cosmetics. It’s only natural that they purchase far more skin care products than cosmetics and a re quite happy to spend their money on reputable skin-care products for their daily skin-care rituals.

French women religiously exfoliate their skin and are also loyal users of ‘miracle’ anti-aging potions, bust-firming lotions, as well as anti-cellulite creams. There’s a certain philosophy that French women have; skin care lasts a lifetime, while makeup lasts just eight measly hours!

When it comes to tanning, French women aren’t huge fans of fake tanning products or bronzers, but are very careful to apply sunscreen every single day. They generally accept their natural shades of skin too, though a little regular dose of sunshine can give a lovely sun-kissed glow. However, they’re definitely not into that deeply tanned ‘lizard-skin’ look!

More French woman beauty tips and secrets; a French woman uses a daily blast of icy cold water in the shower to really get her circulation going, as well as to help tighten up the pores of her skin! Once she’s finished showering (or bathing,) she liberally applies a rich moisturizer – and sometimes will reapply it throughout the day.

If she works in an air-conditioned office or lives in an apartment with central heating, she may use an air humidifier to combat dehydration of her skin.

French Women’s Makeup;

A French woman’s makeup is always kept minimal and understated. And, she doesn’t carry a whole bunch of it around in her purse either! At the start of the day she’ll apply a quick slick of signature lip-gloss or a light pat of stay-put lipstick for day time (or a heavier coat of red lipstick for night,) with perhaps a tiny application of concealer and an expert flick of water-proof mascara. And, then she’s done – a ‘natural’ beauty!

French Women’s Hair;

When washing her hair, a French woman likes to rinse away the shampoo with a mixture of cold water and apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice.) This actually gives her hair a lustrous shine. Once she’s done that, she applies the hair conditioner.

Also, weekly deep conditioning hair treatments are a must to preserve a French woman’s crowning glory. These usually contain hair protein such as keratin.

A French woman’s hair is kept very low-maintenance – in an uncomplicated style and a natural looking color. Any hair style with anatural-looking texture that showcases her own unique beauty is good. And, when she’s short on time, she’ll arrange her locks into some kind of attractive bun or French twist – or will wrap her hair into a simple, yet elegant chignon.

To the French, ‘blow-dries’ and daily hair straightening are so NOT in! Also, completely bleached blond dos aren’t a French look at all, but are in fact considered to be totally ‘American.’

But the piece-y tousled look and gathering the hair into a relaxed and sexy up-do IS very popular in France; in fact some coquettish French women look like they haven’t properly used a comb in days! And, interestingly, men all over the world happen to find this lived-in and ‘bed-head’ look very sexy 😉

French Women’s Nails;

A French woman has a weekly manicure and pedicure. She knows that classic French nails with a translucent pink or beige base and pure white nail tips will never go out of style – the epitome of well-groomed glamor! French tips also happen to look very clean, polished, elegant and attractive.

French Women’s Hair Removal;

A French woman loves smooth skin, so instead of shaving her under arms or legs, she usually prefers to wax them instead. By the time she’s 35-40 the hair stops coming back 😉 She also regularly visits the ‘épilateur’ for permanent hair removal treatments.

French Women’s Little Pleasures;

The French are a pleasure-loving people, and even though a French woman doesn’t like to use a lot of makeup/cosmetics, she loves to indulge in a luxurious bath (and use lots of bubble bath or bath oil while she’s at it.) She adores lovely-scented soaps, body lotions, gorgeous smelling perfumes etc.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte Collection

Louis Vuitton introduced the Louis Vuitton Monogram Empreinte Collection to the press in Paris last month. The new permanent line will be launched alongside the Fall 2010 collection. ‘Luxury with an edge’ defines this amazing new line of bags and accessories. The Louis Vuitton Monogram is reinvented, this time embossed on grained leather which has never been made before. It’s the successor to the Monogram Mat, Glace and Embossed lines. The rich grained leather is paired with a shiny gold hardware, featuring a string of leather. The line offers a hobo, very practical tote bags with additional shoulder straps, handbags, wallets and some very appealing clutches . The Louis Vuitton Empreinte line will be available in five colors: Blue, Taupe, Bordeaux, Navy Blue (false black) and Off-White.

Prices:

Tote GM 1700 euro, Tote PM 1350 euro, Artsy MM 1450 euro, Bowling 1100 euro, Clutch 800 euro, Portefeuille Long 500 euro, Portefeuille compact 430 euro.

Prices are subject to change.

Trend Report – Striped Dresses

Looking into the cute summer dress, you know, the one thats owe so comfortable. Check out Neiman Marcus , ShopBob.com or Net A Porter for the your next fashion statement.

While the Nautical Trend returns every summer, this striped trend is more nautical-inspired than nautical itself. The striped look is elegant with a dash of sporty chic.

Fabrics are comfortable and have great choices in material such as silk, jersey or cotton. Feel free to wear these bold stripes to the office, out on the weekend, or to special events. The look is perfect for a summer garden party!

Pair colourful bold striped dresses with nude/neutral sandals or pumps, which is a very hot trend this summer, but if you opt for black & white stripes, I highly recommend a splash of major colour to your footwear.

Twilight Star Ashley Greene is New Face of Avons Mark

The youth-focused boutique brand of Avon announced that it has signed Hollywood’s “it girl” of the moment,Ashley Greene, as the spokesmodel replacement for Lauren Conrad — whose contract just ended.

“Mark has been on my radar not only because of their great fashion and beauty products, but because the brand inspires young women to feel beautiful inside and out. Through this partnership, I’m looking forward to empowering young women to feel confident, pursue their dreams and make their mark in the world, just like I’m making mine,” said Greene.

Fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier will shoot the “Twilight” star for print and online advertising that will debut this fall, and Greene will also appear in the brand’s philanthropic campaigns on ending dating and domestic violence against young women.

Word is, the 23 year-old actress was tapped in part due to her own charity work empowering young women through organizations like DonateMyDress.org, which encourages girls to donate their dresses to others who can’t afford a gown for milestone events such as proms, sweet sixteens and quinceañeras.

But playing makeup cover girl isn’t the only thing the busy actress has on her plate.

Greene is set to star in up to six films through 2011, with the June 30th premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” first up. Other projects include a lead spot in Warner Bros’ “The Apparition,” the comedy “Butter,” an indie flick “Skateland,” and yet another notch in the series that made her famous, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.”

Stephanie Pratt Summer 2010

From The Palisades to The Hills, Stephanie Pratt has grown up a California girl. No longer recognized solely as the little sister of an antagonistic brother, she has admittedly come into her own over the past nine months. Now at 24-years-old, she finds comfort in optimism and believing her life isn’t defined by situations, but rather by how she handles them.

Runway met Pratt on a Saturday morning at her photo shoot, around the corner from her FIDM stomping grounds. A friendly easy-going girl successfully finding her way through the Hollywood maze, she remarkably still seems a little uneasy with all the attention.

Chatting about the comfort of Steve Madden heels, Pratt slips on some breathtaking YSL platforms and is off to shoot her first look. On her way, she lists some go-to fashion favorites: “Silk tops from Yana K, Myne and Rory Beca, Chloé lace-up wedges, Tsubi jeans and anything Marchesa for evening.”

When fashion director Nolé Marin calls out for ‘a sexy look,’ Pratt laughs, adjusts her stance, shrugs her shoulders and says, “I only know how to smile.”

She is attracted to bright colors that reflect her mood. “I can’t help it, I’m so L.A. – I love shorts, dresses and ripped jeans.” When it comes to summer fashion Pratt plans “to hit up the Splendid store on Robertson – It’s all about nautical stripes … super-thin cardigans and military pieces that’ll carry over through fall.”

Recalling October as a turning point, Pratt’s done playing into the judgment that being on a reality show can elicit. “I think about what the next page will be – you can either spiral down or grow up,” she says. Referencing some recent media negativity, she’s confident she can get through anything by believing in herself. “Then I’m like, ‘Hey, it’s over and I’m OK,’” she explains.

After finishing school at the American Academy in Paris, working as a P.A. on ABC’s Lost set in Hawaii, attending the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM), then being plucked from class when cameras followed Lauren Conrad in one day (“It was so not staged, seriously the most gigantic coincidence ever!”), Pratt fell into The Hills without planning to do so.

And she’s grateful she did. Airing its final episode this month, Pratt is ready to move on and immerse herself in new projects.

Always an avid collector of handbags, she reminisces back to when she was a 7th grader who hung handbags instead of N*SYNC posters in her bedroom, spent all her allowance from chores on Kate Spade purses, and kept her own sketch book of designs for “when the day would come.”

The, the day finally came. For years, Pratt was looking without luck for a local leather manufacturer to realize her designs. Finally, help arrived and she was handed the scribbled phone number of a manufacturer just outside Los Angeles – the happiest day of her life.

Fast-forward to spending all her savings on product samples, where Pratt reveals these designer dreams to her new publicist. And like any great publicist, an immediate introduction was produced. Enter Simone: Pratt’s eventual collaborator and “greatest blessing.” Now, having just seen the first samples, Pratt beams as she envisions their launch this fall. Want a sneak peak? Expect multiple colors, non-exotic leather, studs, optional long straps and functional pockets.

When it comes to beauty, especially on the go, Pratt has some staples of her own that include Bare Escentuals bronzer, multiple mascaras, and turquoise Kitty eyeliner from NARS (that she asserts no makeup artist has ever condoned).

Another project recently spawned when she was approached by one of her favorite designers, Yana Khromova, to appear in the Yana K holiday look book. Already elated, Pratt was floored when Khromova invited her to design pieces for the Spring 2011 collection.

On style icons, Pratt is quick to say, “Jennifer Lopez always kills it” on the red carpet – then laments a bit about her struggles growing up idolizing supermodels. A fan of the indissoluble Kate Moss, she fell in love with the self-assured model and her relaxed mix-and-match style off-camera. Yeah, we get it.

Growing up around dogs and riding horses, Pratt is equally passionate about defending animals. She’s proud to be in PETA’s “Be Nice to Bunnies” iPhone shopping application, enabling consumers to verify cruelty-free products before purchasing.

Like many living in the City of Angels, she finds herself often disappointed when meeting celebrities and professional athletes. Maybe she’ll marry, maybe she won’t. Pratt is hesitant to declare any long-term goals, living by the motto – “I’ve been told when we make plans, God laughs at us.” Pensively she declares hopes to maintain designing, but finally replies, “If I have a hand in putting an end to puppy mills, I think I’ll have done my job.”

Relaxing on the couch with her Uggs and a Danish pastry after the shoot, she engages naturally with the Runway editor-in-chief and staff. It’s safe to say, Stephanie Pratt is capable of more than just a smile.