May/June 2011 Issue

The Official Publication of The Elite Wellness Institue MAY / JUNE ISSUE

ON TREND: YOUR GUIDE TO SUMMER TRENDS HISTORY OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

JENNIFER O’NEIL DEFINING BEAUTY

The Man, the Exhibit the Gala, Celebrating a Fashion Icon Alexander McQueen. The Metropolitan Art Institute Savage Beauty Exhibit and Gala

Contents

Features Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is no less than a great artist. Expressing himself through fashion, McQueen was able to evoke

History of the Little Black Dress In 1926 legendary designer Coco Chanel created the very first Little Black Dress named “Chanel’s Ford” for an issue of Vogue

Jennifer O’neil Defining Beauty

I believe that beauty for women emulates from the inside out. I believe that’s a term you use in the campaign and I have used for years.

Editors Note

Page 5

Minnesota Vixen

Page 11

Top 2011 Sexiest Male Celebrities

Page 15

Update your hairstyle

Page 19

Real Women, Rejoice

Page 25

Coral

Page 29

Color Blocking

Page 30

Styles for women of all ages

Page 31

Jewels are a girls best friend

Page 35

The Test of Time

Page 36

First Lady Michelle Page 37 Obama Jennifer O’neil

Page 41

10 Ways to Wear a LBD

Page 47

Defining Beauty

Page 51

Alexander McQueen

Page 57

Problem Areas

Page 65

e

e t o n s ’ r o t di

One of the questions I receive the most is “how do you do it all?” My response is always the same: with the love and support of my family, friends and faith in myself. The old saying “when you love what you do, you wont work a day in your life” has never been more true for me. This magazine is a labor of love and my gift to you the reader. My passion for wellness and desire for fashion are culminated within these pages.

I hope you enjoy reading our magazine as much as we enjoy publishing.

Kind Regards Mishell R. Brookins

MINNESOTA VIXEN

Eve Simpson How did you become involved in the Vixen?

I learned about the Vixen several years ago, but had a young child at the time. I saw four players working out at Velocity Sports Performance in Champlin, talked to them, and less than a week later was on the team. I became a 40-year-old rookie.

What has been the most significant accomplishment in your life?

Each day is significant to me because I’m alive; I’ve been given the “present.” No matter what happened the day before, I survived and have been blessed with another opportunity that many will not have.

What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is something that we emanate.

It encompasses all cultures and is found universally. I think most people think of beauty in terms of attractiveness, which is determined by cultural norms that differ around the world.

If you could share one beauty/health tip for woman across the world what would that be? Smile. Everyone looks better with a smile because a smile puts a glow in your eyes, a lift to your lips, and cheeriness to your cheeks that makeup cannot copy.

The latest beauty events happening from coast-to-coast!

Our Assistant Editor meet up with a professional womens football team to find out what beauty means to them on and off the field!

Shérie Milosevic

Kristi Swift How did you become involved in the Vixen?

I played for the Vixen in 2000. That year I searched for women’s football and found this team. It was a short season that year, but I have always wanted to play again so I looked them up again!

What has been the most significant accomplishment in your life?

Competing as a figure competitor. Because How did you become involved in the Vixen? I am not very outgoing, it was a big step for me to be on stage in a bikini and 5 inch I was thinking about playing rugby for heels (I only wear tennis shoes) in front of the MN Valkyries, and was watching the a bunch of people I did not know. Now I am video on YouTube. I happened to stumble across some Independent Women’s Football hooked!! I love competing.

League videos and decided to try it out, as I What does beauty mean to you? knew more about football than rugby.

I love to work out and run, so to me beauty What has been the most significant accom- is to see myself change into what I like to see myself look like. plishment in your life?

My daughters! The joys of my life! SpecifiIf you could share one beauty/health tip cally giving birth, I did it drug free. for woman across the world what would that be? If you put your mind to a goal there What does beauty mean to you?

I’m stealing this from a friend, “Strong Is the is no better feeling than reaching that goal for yourself.

New Skinny.” Beauty is confidence in your abilities.

If you could share one beauty/health tip for woman across the world what would that be? Wash your face before bed and don’t sleep with your face in your pillow.

All the oils get rubbed around on your face causing clogged pores/zits.

Top 2011 Sexiest

Male Celebrities

{ { { In your 20’s you can you can be more daring with your hair. This is a time of self-expression and exploration. Now is the time to try all of the styles you’ve seen on television and in magazines. At this point in your life, you may also be working on your ultimate career path, so feel free to change up your look while still maintaining a professional appearance. When you’re in your 20’s short bangs like in Kirsten Dunst’s photo look flirty and feminine, but also emphasize a youthful complexion. You want to avoid mistakes like teasing and over styling, which will age you instantly. Soft waves and curls will make you look sophisticated but not uptight.

They say life gets better in your 30’s. So live up the newfound confidence and self- assurance.

Try shoulder length hair that can be pulled into a ponytail to chase after wayward toddlers.

Here’s a trick: if you choose a bob, take it a couple inches shorter in the back, leaving the front longer. This shape gives your profile an instant lift, and pulls the eye upward and away from the face.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to cut your hair short in your 40′s. At this point in your life, you are likely to be well established in your career and family life, and looking for a style that complements both. In your 40′s, you exude confidence and success; your hair should reflect just that. Long to medium length hair is perfect for you at this time and is going to give you just the edge you are looking for. Keep in mind if you’re going to have long hair, it should be layered. The layers will take off a significant amount of the weight, and layering around the face will open and broaden the face, making it look fresh and uplifted.

When do you know it’s time… to update your

A majority of women wear the same

{

Which style looked best?

{ Now for the more mature women who are in their 50’s and 60’s, you might be a grandma, but you don’t have to have a hairstyle that suggests you sit around in a rocking chair all day. Soft layers look good on most women, and coupling your layered look with a splash of color is a great way to complement your features. Anytime your hair is not one length it creates softness, distracting from wrinkles and fine lines. The key with layering is to focus on what you think makes you look more youthful and most importantly, feel more youthful!

Victoria Beckham

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r hairstyle that is?

Kate Beckinsale

e hairstyle for years!

Real women, rejoice!

A

swimsuit is enough to make many women literally run for cover. The thought of wearing something so revealing is a painful one, as it strips away all the walls we build for ourselves. This year, promise yourself that you will take the plunge, and rock a bathing suit that is quintessentially you. To help you, we’ve made this guide for women of every size and shape so you can find the swimwear that will help put you at ease on the beach this year.

Enhance your bustline

Curves Ahead

What do Marilyn Monroe, Gina Lollobrigida, and Anita Eckberg have in common? Along with being some of the most beautiful actresses and well-known fashion icons of all time, they were also gorgeous women who knew how to play up their curves.

Take their inspiration and look for retro-inspired swimwear, which is all the rage this season. The ruching and boning in many of these swimsuits will enhance your curves and give you the support you need, with thicker straps and underwire bra tops to help you feel confident. ModCloth.com is a great source for retro swimwear. Try the Beach Blanket Bingo one piece in black ($89.99), or go bold with the Bathing Beauty Two Piece in red (also $89.99). The best part? Both of these suits, and many others are also available in figure flattering plus sizes.

If you are insecure about your décolletage, there are many options to naturally enhance your figure, and give you the beach-bunny curves you’re looking for. Look for structured push-up bathing suit tops, with fun details to add interest to your bustline. Or for a more natural feeling, look for bandeau and balconet tops, which give a subtle lift to your figure.

Try Victoria’s Secret’s Firm Control Retro One Piece ($146.00), which features molded cups and ruching details to give a dramatic boost, or Lilly Pulitzer’s Keene Bandeau ($78.00) to subtly enhance your figure.

Mastectomy Swimwear

Finding swimwear that makes you feel confident and sexy can seem much harder for women who have undergone a mastectomy, but there are many brands that cater specifically to women with these concerns.

These brands offer styles with higher bustlines and armholes, as well as underwire bras tops with prosthesis pockets. Lands’ End is a particularly good source for these suits, as they offer much of their swimwear with mastectomy options. Try the Beach Living Dot Scoop Tankini Swimsuit Top ($54.50) for a preppy, feminine option, which plays up your figure while keeping your unique needs in mind.

Feeling Hippy?

So many women have a love-hate relationship with their hips, and

this comes to the foreground during swimwear season. This year, look for skirted ruched bottoms to add an exotic allure to your figure. These skirted bottoms add a subtle sexiness to your figure by suggesting the shape of your silhouette without being as revealing as some of their skimpier counterparts. Try Victoria’s Secret’s Forever Sexy skirted bottom ($38.00).

Most Importantly

Remember that the sexiest accessory any woman can have is a strong sense of confidence.

If you’re wearing a swimsuit there’s a good chance that wherever you are, you’re there to have fun. Don’t let your insecurities get in the way of your ability to have a good time, and don’t ever let yourself feel like you aren’t good enough to flaunt your figure!

Runaway Island Jacket $478.00 nanettelepore.com

STYLES FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES

For a fresh spin on your classic sun dress, seek out bold and drastic floral prints. Contrasting colors mixed with differentiating pedaled shapes create a print versatile enough for several unique looks. These dresses are often very adaptable and can be taken from the office to a cocktail party with a simple change of bag and shoes. Women of any age can accessorize these same dresses with youthful purses and unique jewelry for weekend afternoon event. Our own First Lady Michelle Obama was central to bringing back to A- line skirt style, which is now being shown everywhere. Diverse styles allow you to wear them as a casual party dresses, or as sophisticated, professional attire. Seek out new, more colorful patterns and abstract designs spice up your closet!

BLAZERS AND WHITE BUTTON DOWN DRESS SHIRT for it for a

Milly Justene Plisse Border Print Dress Saved by my-wardrobe.com

UNIQUE SUN DRESSES

a

to

This go-to office look has much more potential that just the typical 9-5 wear time. Young adults and women alike are mixing blazers with airy tops and sleek jeans a trendy put together outfit. Throw a Bohemian spin on with the addition of a scarf, large bag, and hair accessories. A crisp white button down can be the starting piece hundreds of unique and invigorating styles. Whether you dress it up with a blazer and jeans or dress it down with a thin cardigan, necklace, and scarf, adults find this predominate look for several occasions

MIXED BLOCK COLORS

Possibly the hottest trend this spring is color blocking. This phenomenon involves creating a puzzle-like appearance, by mixing blocks of two to four solid colored pieces together.

A key aspect to this style is picking the right color pallet.

Start with a primary color, and from there move to a secondary color like green, purple and orange. Accessories can make or break your look, so shoes and jewelry must feature at least one block color in the color scheme. Bold, chunky jewelry fits right in with this style so don’t be afraid to try it out. Also remember the angle of the different colors cuts your body, which if worn correctly, can create a slimming look. Prada and Stella McCartney are great collections to look though for inspiration if you’re looking for pieces to add to your wardrobe. If you’re not fully convinced of the entire block look, start by purchasing contemporary colorful purses or unusual bright jewelry to spice up traditional outfits.

STRIPES AND MIXED PATTERNS

ALL NEUTRAL HEAD TO TOE

This season all white is the way to go. Michael Coors, Calvin Klein, and Alexander Wang had collections featuring all white jackets, flowing skirts, and flaring dresses of varying lengths. Take these simple pieces and polish them up with a bright purse that pops, or intricate colorful jewelry. Try mixing some creamy colors neutral sheer, add suede shoes and shiny jewelry to complete the look. Stash away all that black and bring in the cream, add lace for an even more elegant style. Put on one of springs sheer silk dresses with a deep-V neckline to flaunt a new necklace. This easy fix has you looking trendy and ready to go within minutes.

Camilla and Marc Twilight belted silk and wool-blend dress $690 - net-a-porter.com

Stripes have been popular for a while, but this season look to mix up the way you wear them by combining other patterns to your look. Keep an eye out for pieces with different widths and colors of stripes and wear them together!

Keep one of the colors neutral and go for a bright accent for the other to produce an eye catching ensemble. The easiest way to mix prints is to find forms which feature similar colors or forms with a lot of contrast, never both. Have a top and jacket, or shirt and skirt, with a bolder pattern and contrast it with a neutral piece, this allows for a very stylish yet chic look.

Weekend by maxmara bags BROWN $325 matchesfashion.com

Anton Heunis Multi Chain Necklace In Gold and Silver

This multi chain necklace dresses up any evening gown with no effort. Its bold, dramatic, and tasteful. For an even more dramatic look, match this with a short cream-colored dress. $570

Sandra Dini Three Stone Ring This 12k ring made in Italy with red coral, ruby, and opal stones, is the optimal ring to go with bold color block styles! This over the top ring is sure catch the eye.

Add some chunks bangles to complete your look. $795

Hermes leather bracelets

Jewels Are A Girls Best Friend

This Kelly Double Tour bracelet is the perfect accessory for a casual look.

Match it with a blazer or loose top. The simple brown twisted band puts a classy yet earthy twist on everyday clothing. $420

Lanvin Chain Link Bracelet This brass-chain-link bracelet with crystal-embellished links is a wonderful accessory to add to neutral looks. This beautiful and dramatic piece will add the extra charm to make your outfit complete. $695

Paradis This beautiful necklace combines several unique elements for a one of a kind piece. This necklace would be the perfect compliment to a simple, white airy dress. $945

Double Loop Earrings in Yellow Gold with Dark Blue African Trade Beads

This delicate pair of earrings will match well with certain sundresses, or a blazer and skirt. They can also be mixed and matched with other patterns. $510

First lady Michelle Obama is known for more than her stance on childhood obesity Americans have taken note of her elegant, effortless style. Not since Jackie Kennedy, wife of the 35th President, John F. Kennedy, has America experienced a First Lady with such classic and effortless fashion taste. Both ladies exude grace, beauty, poise and confidence. Evidently Michelle’s style reflects her confidence and charm.

O

ne of Michelle’s most memorable pieces was a chunky necklace that she wore for the 2009 Governor’s Dinner. It was a simply dazzling piece chosen from Tom Bin’s collection. Although Michelle’s style status has been compared to that of Jackie Kennedy, Michelle also has a unique style all her own. At only forty-seven Michelle has already appeared on the cover of Vogue Magazine in 2007, and was listed as one of Vanity Fair Magazine’s “10 of the World’s Best Dressed People.”.

What solidified her as a style icon was the white, on-shoulder Jason Wu gown she wore in 2009 to the presidential inauguration. Her casual style exudes the same elegance as that of her evening wear. She tends to wear clothes by chic designers such as Donna Ricco, Maria Pinto, Calvin Klein, Isabel Toledo, and Oscar de la Renta.

Although first ladies may come and go, it is clear that Michelle Obama has carved out her place in history as not only the first African American First Lady, but also as a style icon to which all future first ladies will be measured.

How would you define beauty?

An inner spirit, I believe that beauty for women emulates from the inside out. I believe that’s a term you use in the campaign and I have used for years.

Finding true self esteem is essential. Really finding out the fundamentals of what a true woman is, from the inside out. Having come from a world of superficial recognition, I have found over the years being 63 it runs far deeper. A woman’s design is unique and is beautiful as they are. Be healthy, prosperous, and giving, but there is a fundamental acceptance of what God gives us as he does because we are unique. As we know everyone excepts we are unique in our DNA, we all have an individual thumb print, embracing our uniqueness is at the core of coming out of the superficial look of who we are and enjoying what we have been given. My idea from beauty comes from beginning middle and end. God and through God’s grace; by our nature we are designed to nature and care for and that is a define beauty.

Who has been your greatest influence in defining your beauty?

If I am speaking of people/woman I would want to emulate it would be such as is Audrey Hepburn and Eleanor Roosevelt. There are woman with such a range of impact on the world from mother Teresa to someone’s mom that makes a difference in our lives. Those are beautiful woman to me. She is exquisite in her appearance. But I do understand that she did a lot of work for children around the world. She was amazing actress and beautiful woman, look at the impact that she had for woman for ppl internationally forever.

How do you think women can start embracing themselves and start to love everything about them?

Smile, and to not take yourself too serious. I have a new book coming out, God’s Grace has allowed me to do the work that I do and smile; as I am a person that is an achiever and could earn everything. If I got straight A’s my parents would recognize me. When I was doing all the movies everyone assumed a strong embrace about my beauty, and that was not so. Most often women are quite insecure. I was very insecure even though I was on magazine covers. It’s important to learn how to have a good sense of humor and understand a source of where all things come from. Also it is equally important to take care of yourself because you are given one body. If you feel good, and move through life with a stride, everything falls into place during your day! Life is full of issues, but finds a place where you are spiritually strong and focused and balanced then you will not be thrown.

What do you think is one main thing you are known for, like your trademark?

Spokesmodle: I am so grateful that I was a cover girl. The campaign was one that suited a presentation that resonated for me. It was easy breezy and everything that they said in the campaign but I liked what it was presenting. I remembered in the thirty years when I was a cover girl, were a great group of people. It was a little team of people and it felt like a family, but I really enjoyed what their presentation was. Good clean wholesome look, a great opportunity for me.

What would you say is your beauty/lifestyle secret?

Great question. Life is about priorities. For me I put god first. Everything falls in order. I’ve been married for fifteen years; I’m in ministry and writing books and etc. Whatever the priorities may be, a woman needs to find in her own heart that balance that worked for her. I have always been a working mom, so I applaud and adore moms that stay home. Everyone has their own schedule to fill and I believe the most important issue is to prioritize. Hugs and holds and deep breath, those experiences are there to sharpen our edge and not only to hold but to pass along.

What message regarding beauty do you think the media should communicate to women?

Since I was a little girl I was looking for love in all the wrong places. I was trying to be affirmed who I was by how people responded to me. Being good and getting straight A’s, it was an empty journey. I certainly tried.

One of the few things I like was to never give up. I had to survive myself and when I found the lover of my soul, Jesus Christ I began to realize no one is responsible for my happiness and it is mine to hold. If you have that solid foundation then you became able to survive myself and share that good news. I am the most blessed person to chat with woman, make my heart beat. I am creating a community of hope and healing. I have been in ministry for fifteen years but we’re coming out the gate with a lot of issues that girls are having.

We want to encourage girls to really look at true self esteem and not the mirror image, to embrace the gifts we have been given and a community of support.

Bravo for you and I support you. Health comes in different flavors. Define the combination of those together is what one strives for. But let’s pass the button to what is attainable and realistic.

Their circumstances are not to regulate their beauty or value. No one can rob that center essence if you can get your arms around it. The yardstick of self-esteem in magazines and unattainable image and lack of communication where girls are suppose to fit into a slot. They will see that they are unique and amazing worth waiting for worth respecting. None will respect you unless you respect yourself. Realize what you are in control of and move forward to emulate better impact on others.

Health wholeness and healing, we do have an ability to make a difference and to understand the real true yardstick for beauty. Which is you already have it, unless you don’t accept. You can’t have what you don’t receive. Take what you have been given receive it with a grateful heart and taking responsibility for that and then give it. That’s why we are here and that is what we should be communicating to others.

Tell Us About Your Book. What is it about?

Finding love that last. Autobiography; Revisit my story and put the third act on. It’s not that I think I’m interesting but traveling through some issues and finding that value and true self esteem, is something that seems to resonate. I do a lot of conferences from age 7-70 that were all so similar at our core. The idea that women need to know they are not alone in their struggles and they can embrace their true beauty. It is an interesting time, because it’s the 40th anniversary for Summer of 42. It’s a fun time to reflect and embrace where we are and most importantly talk to woman and put together a community of hope healing. Speak talk and exchange their feeling and have fellowship to laugh cry and grow.

10 Ways to Wear A In 1926 legendary designer Coco Chanel created the very first Little Black Dress, “Chanel’s Ford,” for an issue of Vogue magazine. This innovative dress became a fashion must-have, worn by women of every decade, including those of today. The little black dress proves to be one of the most versatile frocks in any woman’s closet.

Jacket or Blazer: Throw on a modern looking jacket or a tight fit blazer for an easy put together look. This is great for the office, or even your first interview.

Wear a Belt and Dramatic Heels: It’s easy to make a simple dress look fancy just by putting on the right shoes. Be daring - pick out heals with a color that really pops. This is your chance to buy those heals you loved, but didn’t know quite what they would go with. Also, putting a tight belt around your waist is a perfectly easy way to accessorize.

Glam Night:

Wear it Plain with a Clutch: Your little black dress is pretty in itself. Let it show by wearing it plain and accessorizing with a small fancy clutch.

Flowing Shawl: If you’re going out for the evening or to a formal event, bring an elegant, lace shawl. It’s a perfect addition to your outfit, and will keep you warm during those chilly spring nights.

Bold Jewelry: Whether it is pearls and pretty lipstick, or chunky bangles with shiny silver chains, jewelry is an easy way to glam up your dress. This sophisticated look is perfect for any night out.

Little Black Dress Add Colored Tights: This is a fresh way to add a pop of color to your black dress. Pick a pair of bright colorful tights to wear! This surprisingly cute accessory is a great way to add personality to your outfit.

Add Print: Don’t be afraid to add a little print into the mix.

Try a floral or leopard print cardigan or even printed heels to spice up your look.

Flats and Sweater: Make you dress comfortable for wear during the day and add a soft knit sweater or cardigan in a neutral color. Pair it with a set of flats and your ready to go in minutes.

Casual scarf and boots: For an afternoon of running errands this outfit is adorable and easy. Wear your dress with your choice of a delicate scarf, and set of your favorite boots. You can’t go wrong with this look, and there are endless possibilities for colors and styles.

Allow your own personal style and creativity flow with your little black dress. There are endless possibilities on how to accessorize, wear it, and make it work for any occasion.

Casual Day:

Build it up with Layers: Put on a ruffled shirt under your little black dress or put on a tweed jacket over it for an adorable daytime look. Perfect for the office, this put together look is easy and stylish.

In 2002 Christina Aguilera graced the world with the unexpected single “Beautiful”, about the strength and perseverance women. This song was critically acclaimed everywhere as one of the most empowering and uplifting songs of the billboard top 100. Most songs trail off after a few months; however, Beautiful is still played and requested quite often on the radio, and there is no doubt as to why.

As a society we are forced to think of beauty as a gorgeous woman, someone who has a certain feature that we feel we lack ourselves. Beauty is equally, if not more, present on the inside as on the outside.

In the dictionary the primary definition of beauty is “the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind.” Nowhere in this meaning does it define beauty as the perfection of certain features. It seems like we have it all backwards. Only in the secondary definition does it mention a visibly beautiful person. Then again it uses the actual word beauty within the definition. Now that does not help much, does it? Beauty can never be perfectly defined, and certainly not by a dictionary.

Beauty is a gift that never fades which makes it one in itself, a word completely unique from pretty. Beauty is not just looking in the mirror and judging what we think others will perceive.

It is not trying to change our personality or our style to fit in with the norm.

Experimenting with fashion and cosmetics is enjoyable, but is this necessarily encompassing beauty entirely? Working out, eating well, and constantly concerning ourselves with our image is only a tiny aspect of beauty.

Beauty is knowing your self-worth, and loving yourself for the person that you are. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Pretty is something you’re born with, but beautiful, that’s an equal opportunity adjective.” Everyone has beauty within him or her. We have the opportunity to spread this beauty to everyone and anything around us.

Beauty is almost philosophical. It is always surrounding us, and it is even present in the most unusual things. Beauty is piece of mind, intelligence, and creativity. Beauty is your child’s middle school art project, and the love and thought they put into it. No matter what it looks like, they are convinced it is the prettiest painting on earth.

Beauty is your child’s middle school art project.

It is the love and thought they put into it. No matter what it looks like, they are convinced it is the prettiest painting on earth.

Beauty is present in the nurse who is working a late night shift. They are there to comfort a lonely patient who does not have another person left in this world to tell he/she they care for him/ her. Beauty is giving to others the care, pleasure, and satisfaction we hope to receive ourselves.

On another level, beauty is diversity and the immersion into culture. Think of certain societies where, to the women, beauty is just natural. You are not judged based on your size or shape, or if you have worn the same dress twice. Beauty to them is maintaining their culture, keeping their language alive, teaching traditional dance, and educating their children to follow in their customs.

Beauty for them is strength and prosperity, but found through living in the simplest way of life. In the United States we have such a diverse culture that is unmatched by anywhere else in the world. How beautiful is it that we have this opportunity to be immersed in this lifestyle where we can learn so much just from our neighbors? More importantly, we need to remember to grasp and to hold this beauty to keep it alive. It should never be overshadowed by the insignificant definition society sometimes tends to give beauty. Beauty is wellness and freedom of the mind, knowing we are able to constantly challenge and improve ourselves. We have the ability to change the world, choose our lifestyle, and utilize our freedom. We are able to discover ourselves and realize our place in life through traveling the world and seeing the natural beauty of the Earth. Beauty can sometimes present itself in difficult forms and hard situations. However, no matter what the situation, it is important to know that there is always at least a small glimpse of beauty somewhere within.

Beauty can be held within someone’s secret that they are willing to share with the world.

Imagine fashion designers, they work tirelessly to communicate a certain message though their designs. Each single piece of their collection is created with particular innovation and care. Their work is beautiful, powerful, and admirable. They are sharing their knowledge and talent for anyone to see and that in itself is beautiful. The designs and trends may change over time but the creativity and ethic used is timeless. We may never have a perfect way to explain it but the one thing we do know is that beauty is something that is with us forever.

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is no less than a great artist. Expressing himself through fashion, McQueen was able to evoke emotion, amaze, and inspire with his designs. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is celebrating this extraordinary work with its Spring 2011 Costume Institute exhibition, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty.

The exhibit follows McQueen’s progression as a fashion designer and features an accompanying book, written by Andrew Bolton, that follows his journey as an artist. The exhibit unfolds like the chapters of a gothic fairy tale, focusing on reoccurring themes of “The Romantic Mind.”

Each room has a different mood and tells a different story, illustrated by McQueen’s collections. The exhibit not only includes original designs, but also imagery from some of McQueen’s most memorable fashion shows. Audio guides are also included to guide viewers through the gallery, and feature narration from Andrew Bolton, Sarah Burton, Philip Treacy, and Naomi Campbell.

“There is no way back for me now.

I am going to take you on journeys you’ve never dreamed were possible.” – Alexander McQueen With its avant-garde design, Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty is a must-see. Great art is supposed to challenge us, and McQueen’s collections do just that.

More information about the exhibition, including additional related programs can be found at www.metmuseum.org/alexandermcqueen

2011 MET Gala:

Savage Beauty A Celebration of Alexander McQueen

Summer Toning

1.Squat with Sidekick

Stand with feet hip-width apart and squat, keeping back straight, abs in and knees behind your toes. Let your butt out slowly as if sitting in a chair position and squeeze butt to stand up. While coming up from the squat position lift one knee up then slowly kicking to the side, controlling the movement, bend knee and bring it back to the body then to the floor for another squat. Don’t forget to alternate kicks.

2.Stability Ball Peck Fly

Lie on the ball with shoulder and head supported by the ball, and keep your hips up and abs/ gluts contracted. Raise dumbbells to the side of your head so that your arms create a 90 degree angle. Press the dumbbells upward and bring the weights above your chest.

3.Abdominal Exercise with Ball

Start out with the ball in between your ankles. Slowly drop your legs to the floor while tightening your abs and keeping your back flat on the floor. Bring your legs back up and pass the ball from your legs to your hands, again slowly.

4.Over Shoulder Press

Stand with feet hip width apart. Contract the abdomen. Keep a slight bend in the knee and tilt the pelvis. Raise arms so that they are parallel to the floor. Push up toward the ceiling.

5. Tricep Pushup

Tthis exercise is your basic pushup, but with your hands positioned close together. As you lower your body down, make sure to keep your elbows in to keep all the tension on the tricep muscle. Push up to the starting position while keeping your elbows in during the entire range of the movement.

6. Isolated Bicep Curls

Begin by sitting on a bench or ball. Grab a dumbbell that you think you can do 8 repetitions with. Rest the back of your lower arm/elbow on the inner part of your thigh. Begin raising the weight, complete repetitions and switch arms.

7. Calf Raises

Slowly, rise up on your toes. Your body should make a straight line from your ankles, to your knees, to your hips, to your shoulders. Slowly, lower yourself back down. Make each movement count. Spend the last 15-20 minutes doing you’re the last part of your cardio workout on the treadmill/ elliptical/ Stairmaster or any cardio equipment of your choice. Make sure to put all your effort into this last part of the workout.

Spend the last 15-20 minutes doing you’re the last part of your cardio workout on the treadmill/ elliptical/ Stairmaster or any cardio equipment of your choice. Make sure to put all your effort into this last part of the workout.

Index Page 15 & 16: Djimon http://www.janicekinjo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/djimon-hounsou-011.jpg Enrique http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/uu321/jonas4ever/Enrique_Iglesias.jpg Matthew Cohen: http://aidmyprofile.com/myspacegraphics/images/Male%20Celebrities/Matthew%20McConaughey/ActorMatthew_Cohen_14997888.jpg Brad Pitt: http://www.celebrific.com/topics/celebrities/brad-pitt-celebrities/ George Clooney: http://www.iwatchstuff.com/2008/09/george_clooney_playing_lone_ra.php Colin Farrell: http://screencrave.com/tag/colin-farrell/ Johnny Depp: http://www.pynkcelebrity.com/archives/1574 David Beckham: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/David-Beckham/pictures/ Tom Cruise: http://indexofwallpapers.com/tom-cruise-wallpapers/tom-cruise-wallpaper-9.html Robbie Williams: http://lyrics.wikia.com/Robbie_Williams Page 18 & 19: (left to right) 1. http://www.myhairstyle.org/kirsten-dunst-hairstyle-and-kirsten-dunst-haircust.html 2. http://purba-java.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html 3. http://gadogadoblogpics.blogspot.com/ 4. http://topbollywood2011.blogspot.com/2010/12/hairstyle-2010.html Kate Beckinsale: http://www.celebrities-hairstyles.com/kate-beckinsale-hairstyles/ Victoria Beckham: http://www.easy-hairstyles.com/994/victoria-beckham-hairstyles/victoria-beckham-hairstyles/ Page 32: http://www.stylebistro.com/Celebrity+Clothes/articles/ckYo8X8rTsJ/ Michelle+Obama+Clothing+Choices