Bold Berry Lips

The key to the bold lips is to keep the eyes more understated- perhaps with a matte brown eyeshadow, liner, and some mascara.  For a moderately bold berry lip, try MAC’s Captive lipstick, which is a semi-sheer plum berry shade with a pink tone to it. For a deeper raspberry shade, try Benefit’s full-finish lipstick in Wanna.

Natural

Along with the vintage 70s trends seen on the runway we saw a resurgence of natural-looking makeup. Since it suits women of all ages, it is no wonder it keeps returning. All that is necessary is a touch of blush, light mascara, and perhaps a light lipcolor. Try Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey for a brightening lip tint that remains subtle and consistent with the rest of the look. If this seems too basic add a luminizer like High Beam by Benefit to the inner corners of the eyes and cheekbones.

Violet eyes and nails

Jason Wu, Chris Benz, Monique Lhuillier, Rag & Bone, and Victoria Beckham, all featured this trend on their runways for spring. Get the look with MAC Crème de Violet eyeshadow and Lancome Violet Groove nailpolish (a new product especially for spring)

Lady Gaga, Born This Way

As previously reported by NICHE, the hype surrounding Lady Gaga’s upcoming album has been a phenomenon. The lead single is set for release on February 13, the best Valentine’s gift a true Gaga fan could ask for. The full-length album is set for a May 23 release. While certainly relishing in the anticipation of fans, Gaga is ready for the album’s unveiling. In an interview she proclaimed “It came so quickly. I’ve been working on it for months, and I feel very strongly that it’s finished right now. Some artists take years. I don’t. I write music every day.”

Radiohead, TBA

Mystery has surrounded the 2011 Radiohead album nearly as much as Gaga’s. After being criticized for ambiguous answers, Jonny Greenwood posted on the Radiohead website, “I think this Italian writer has, either thorough over-enthusiasm, or frustration at all my non-committal answers, mistranslated me a little….in fact we haven’t quite finished the album – in the studio at the moment – nor have we yet considered any touring. The plan is to have no plan until the record is finished….hope that’s a little clearer!”

Coldplay, TBA

After 2008’s Viva La Vida, Coldplay has revealed they want their upcoming fifth studio album to be “more acoustic” and “more intimate” The album was set to be released inlate 2009 as a but was postponed to 2011 since the album had much to be worked on as they finished their Viva La Vida tour. They have been recording in a North London church, working with producer Brian Eno, who was one of several producers involved with the wildly successful Viva La Vida.

The Strokes, Angles

Set for a March 21 release, The Strokes’ fourth studio album has created a hullabaloo amongst fans. Self-produced and recorded at Albert Hammons Jr.’s home, this album comes after a long gap from 2006’s First Impressions of the Earth. Described by the band as “a return to the basics”, it has been suggested that the songs will be a of similar style to their first album, Is This It. Rolling Stone has praised the upcoming album, saying it is the best since the band’s first.

As with any major awards ceremony, the fashion conscious pay just as much attention (perhaps more) to who-wore-what than to who-won-what. Here are some sartorial highlights from the 17^th annual Screen Actors’ Guild Awards.

THE BEST

Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen with Cartier jewels

Mila shines in this red layered chiffon beauty by Alexander McQueen. She masters the technique of the colorful statement dress, with understated jewelry, loose, soft flowing hair, and a subtle smokey eye with just enough drama for the red carpet, keeping the attention on the gown.

Nicole Kidman, in Nina Ricci with Fred Leighton jewels

Nicole Kidman has mastered the intricate art of demure sans frumpy- she looks sleek and elegant in a smooth black Nina Ricci gown with black detailing around the neckline and back, accompanied by an eye-catching choker of jewels.

Sofia Vergara, in Roberto Cavallli, with Chopard jewels

Sofia Vergara, known for being outwardly sexy, lives up to this expectation but keeps the look exceptionally classy in a cobalt blue figure-embracing Roberto Cavalli number.

Tina Fey, in Oscar de la Renta with Lorraine Schwartz jewels

It’s hard to believe Tina has convincingly portrayed so many kooky roles in her stunning red Oscar de la Renta gown. A classic silhouette, the flower detailing gives it a fresh take on an old favorite.

THE WORST

Jamie Bochert, accompanying Michael Pitt, in a frumpy, black sack of questionable fabric content, with (presumably) her grandmother’s shoes.

Hailee Steinfeld, clearly an SAG newcomer in a Prada dress that resembled nothing other than a mermaid-style bathing suit cover up.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Hilary Swank, looking more elegant than ever in an understated Grecian Versace gown

Natalie Portman, for managing to be swoon-worthy while showcasing her baby bump in a glitter-detailed strapless Azzaro

Some of the most anticipated wide-release films of 2011

Water for Elephants

Based on the bestselling Sara Gruen novel, Water for Elephants showcases Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon as the leads. Set in the early great depression,it follows a veterinary student just shy of a degree who is put in charge of caring for “The Most Spectacular Show on Earth’s” menagerie. The director, Francis Lawrence, is most known for directing popular music videos, and the film seems to rely heavily on its visual appeal.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Self-explanatory- the final installment of the Harry Potter phenomenon is the most highly anticipated film of 2011. The end of an era will marked as we see Harry, Ron, and Hermione through the end of the classic series.

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Considering Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Viggo Mortensen were originally being considered for the main role, audiences are compelled to see how Daniel Craig will do with the part. The director David Fincher is known for his darker styled films,  such as Seven, Fight Club, and Zodiac, as well as more thoughtful productions such as for his Academy Award nominations for his more thoughtful films, The Curious Case of Benjamin  Button and The Social Network. Audiences are intrigued to see these methods blend into a new interpretation of the beloved novel and the previous Swedish version of the film.

Tree of Life

Written and directed by critically acclaimed Terrence Malick, the upcoming sci-fi drama stars Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain. A 1950s period piece, the film maintains an aura of mystery due to the lack of details given out during production or through the trailer. The official released description of the film is “the tale of a Texan boy’s journey from the innocence of childhood to his disillusioned adult years as a ‘lost soul in the modern world’ and his quest to regain meaning in life.” The film is also highly anticipated for its aesthetic appeal- visual effects artist Mike Fink revealed that he worked on scenes of prehistoric earth for the film.

Red Riding Hood

An upcoming horror movie starring Amanda Seyfried and produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, it is based on the age old folk tale of the same name. Set in the medieval village of Daggerhorn, Seyfried’s character falls in love with an orphaned wood cutter, but is haunted by a werewolf.

Feminine details, ladylike silhouettes, and vintage inspired pieces balance out a resurgence of 1970s attire on the spring runways

Lace

While certainly nothing groundbreaking, new takes on incorporating lace were all over the spring runways. Dolce and Gabbana incorporated needlepoint into their designs, while Christopher Kane’s lacy spring collection stood out in neon colors. Antique-style fabrics were a common theme.

Light colors

Even Alexander Wang, characteristically known for his love of black, featured no dark colors in his spring ready-to-wear collection and instead turned to a white and soft pastel based collection.

1970s

Considering skinny jeans are now so common they cease to make a statement, it seems fitting that the fashion world would turn to a sharp contrast- bell bottoms, flares, and wide leg pants. Also seen on the runways was an abundance of crochet, neckline-baring jumpsuits, lame halter dresses, loose sweaters, and metallics.

Vintage Glamour

In the accessories department, we saw a resurgence of 50s and 60s glamour with cat-eye and oversize sunglasses, vintage-inspired jewelry, and retro footwear, especially pointy-toed kitten heels.