There was a time, in the not so distant past, when the crazy get-ups some celebs (remember Cher’s Bob Mackie heyday or Björk’s infamous swan dress?) wore on the red carpet were as much a part of the Oscars as the actual awards. Then stylists came on the scene to educate the stars and elevate their fashion IQs. Enter ubiquitous paparazzi broadcasting candid shots of every fashion ‘don’t’. Enter ubiquitous paparazzi broadcasting candid shots of every fashion ‘don’t’. Today’s starlets live and breathe beauty and style 24/7 and these savvy stylistas have taken full advantage by turning their signature looks into signature product lines infusing everyday life with a little glitz and glamour. Now ‘real’ women can get a taste of star treatment, with beautiful clothes and accessories that flatter a variety of figures (especially curvaceous figures, naturally).
Sofía by Sofía Vergara
Sofía’s Modern Family alter ego, Gloria comes into our homes once a week and she feels like a member of the family—yes, an impossibly beautiful one—but she still seems real, and her debut line for Kmart reflects that causal, comfortable, cool vibe. These clothes are affordable (all under $60), easy to wear, and sexy enough to make moms feel sassy without showing too much skin. Ms. Vergara told InStyle.com “This is for any size, any ethnicity, any woman who wants to look cute and be comfortable and sexy at the same time, without spending a lot of money.” Mission accomplished!
Jennifer Lopez for Kohl’s
JLo is well on her way to building an entire lifestyle brand with apparel, accessories, and home products. And like the woman herself, these clothes are easy, flowy, and ladylike with a dash of Ms. Lopez’s signature 70’s glam. Featuring interesting tailoring and luxurious textures, these pieces also are cut to flatter every figure and highlight those luscious curves. This lady takes it uptown with fur (faux, of course) accents and sequin embellishments, but her roots are still 100-percent Jenny from the Block.
Zoe Saldana • MyFDB
Fashionista extraordinaire, Zoe Saldana has taken a unique approach to the fashion biz. With her start-up MyFDB.com, she aims to “standardize the fashion credit system” by making the industry side of fashion more accessible to established insiders, but especially to up-and-coming freelancers, including makeup artists and photographers who are often unrecognized for their work. So how does this benefit those of us who are merely style voyeurs? Besides the newsy blog and the incredibly gorgeous images, MyFDB is a fashion library where you can find iconic campaigns from the past, reference the makeup artist from a look you love, or research trends. It’s rather addictive and absolutely free!
Nuance by Salma Hayek
The lovely, seemingly ageless, and avowedly plastic-surgery-free Salma Hayek is sharing her beauty secrets with us. Nuance, her line of skincare, hair care, and cosmetics for CVS was influenced by her Mexican grandmother who used to mix her own creams using local plants and herbs. Salma’s goal was to create a line of affordable products to help busy women enhance their natural beauty without having to spend a fortune. “Inspired by my grandmother, my products are designed to help every woman enhance the nuances that define her individual beauty.” Pretty irresistible.
Fergie Footwear
Fergie knows how to shake what her mama gave her, and we know she loves her shoes: “Every woman has an emotional attachment to shoes. We remember that one moment we were wearing those shoes on a special date, a night out with the girls, or even just kickin’ back. They were memories. We remember where we wore those shoes.” This very affordable collection is true to her edgy, sexy, sensibility, but toned down enough for everyday. While platforms, and heels dominate, there are a few dainty flats and some cool, rugged boots.
Nicole Richie • House of Harlow 1960 & Winter Kate
When you’re looking for something a little luxe, Nicole Richie’s shoe, bag, and accessory line, House of Harlow 1960, and her ready-to-wear line, Winter Kate, have a lovely vintage, flower child feel. Inspired by her mother’s style and a childhood spent surrounded by fabulous stage costumes and Hollywood royalty, Nicole’s eclectic style comes through in her whimsical, slightly decadent designs. Although a bit pricier than some of the other collections, these pieces have a timeless quality that makes them worth the investment.
Gisele Bündchen • Sejaa Pure Skincare
How much would you pay for Gisele Bündchen’s skin? This pared down line—consisting of a day cream, night cream, and mud mask—is cruelty-free, 100 percent natural, and eco-friendly (from the manufacturing to the ink on the packaging, every aspect is designed to make as little an environmental impact as possible). The products range from $56-$70 for a two-month supply, which isn’t wildly decadent but certainly more than you’d pay for Neutrogena® at your local drug store. However Sejaa’s green credentials and the promise of skin like Gisele’s take some of the sting out of the price tag.
Camila Alves • Muxo
These stunning boho-chic, handcrafted leather bags designed by Camila Alves and her mother Fatima, are investment pieces for sure. But if you have a few hundred dollars to spend on a beautiful bag that looks equally at home on the beach in Rio or bustling down a busy Manhattan street, these are worth the splurge. And a mother/daughter collabo is hard to resist.
