International Beauty Discoveries

Hey BeautySweetSpot readers!  This is Michelle, I’m a new contributer and am really looking forward to start posting. I love to travel and this past summer I decided to go on a group tour with total strangers from all over the world to 12 different countries in one month, which started in London and ended in Amsterdam.  As prepared I was with my travel beauty kit, I was able to compliment it with some great overseas discoveries. Here are my top three:

Germany, Basic Nagellack No. 29

Great things do come in small packages.  This 5ml nail polish is a great shade of charcoal gray which is a nice break from my typical black and navy blue. Now, every time I wear this color, everyone asks where I got it and I can’t find it anywhere!  Looks like I’ll have to go back to Germany to stock up.

 

Italy, Melipsan Labial

After walking for five hours in the hot sun in Rome I realized my lips were getting irritated.  I quickly ran into a small pharmacy and a pharmacist suggested Melipsan Labial.  A plant based cream for your lips that prevents irritation and cracking.  Some of the ingredients include shea butter, licorice, balm mint and rosemary extracts. After applying it, the following day my lips were back to normal and actually felt even softer.  I found this one online at an Italian pharmacy for about $13.

Greece, Carroten – Intensive Gel for Tanning

I’m from Greece and while I was there I went to an island called Corfu.  I wanted to enjoy every moment at the beach and ensure I didn’t lose my tan.  Here is where I discovered and fell in love with Carroten. It’s an extensive sun care line that has a variety of SPF products to protect yourself from the UVA/UVB rays but also carries complimenting gels to enhance your tan.   It consists of natural extracts along with Vitamins A and E and has a fabulous tropical scent.  It reminds me of the times I was sipping on Caprioskas at the beach, the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and of course the European men.  You can purchase it from a Greek pharmacy for about $15.50.

Do you have any fab International beauty discoveries?  Please share!

De-Stress Before Bed

Sometimes getting eight hours of sleep seems nearly impossible due to all of life's little demands.  The November issue of Allure reported that 76% of people who slept at least eight hours a night did not get sick from a cold virus.  Therefore, it may be time to put sleep on the top of your daily to-do list.  Here are some helpful hints on how to relax and actually get a good night's sleep.

  • Avoid technology an hour before bed.  It will help keep your mind from running and lessen anxiety.
  • De-stress with lavender scented candles or pillow mists.  I like Earth Therapeutics Anti-Stress Pillow Mist,$7.99.
  • Take a hot bath an hour and a half before bed.  It will reduce your body temperature making you feel tired. Enhance it with an aromatherapy bath product like Bath and Body Sleep Dream Bath, $16.50.
  • Keep a pen and notebook by your bed.  If you suddenly remember something you have to do or an idea for work the next day, just write it down so you won't have to worry about forgetting it.

Sweet Dreams!

Man of the Week

Ladies, meet Erk, a single, 24 year-old, hedge fund assurance provider from Queens, NY.  Trust me when I say looks are deceiving with this one... even though he may appear to be the stereotypical guy from the borough, (which I don't mind at all!) he's surprisingly a down to earth cutie.  Read on to find out for yourself.

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

I've got the basic stuff in there (toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, etc). But if you really want to start snooping around, you'll find way too many different kinds of hair products, Ammens powder for the gym, Kenneth Cole Black, Armani Code, hydrogen peroxide, a huge bottle of Tylenol (for when things get a little too rowdy with the boys) and some Banana Boat spf 4 dark tanning oil.
 
What product can’t you live without and why?

Got2b Glued from Schwarzkopf.  That stuff is amazing.  I play softball in the summer and football in the winter, and when I put a little bit of that in my hair, it really doesn't move.  It's also real good in the rain, which is pretty clutch.  It's one downfall is that it's a pain in the ass to get out, so I gotta wash it out as soon as I get home.  Trust me, my hair looks pretty ridiculous in the morning if I forget.
 
How would you describe your grooming habits?

Well, my friends would probably say I spend more time on my hair then a normal guy should, but I pay attention to detail, what can I say?  I shave about every other day, and tend the brows when needed. In regards to the rest, I don't touch my arms or my legs like other "men" apparently do, but everything else is as close to crispy clean as you can get.
 
Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?

My mother has worked in a popular beauty salon in Queens ever since I can remember and I'm pretty proud to say I've never succumbed to getting a manicure or pedicure.  I don't even understand why this is a question. Do guys really do this on a regular basis?  Isn't that what nail clippers are for?  
 
If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why?  More importantly, what would you do?

I guess this is where I'm supposed to say "Yo, me, Megan Fox and a bottle of Dom P bro!"  Haha. Nope. I'll try to shake that Queens stereotype right here on the BeautySweetSpot.  It's pretty boring if I pick a male celebrity, so I think I'd go with Sarah Chalke (the blonde girl from Scrubs).  She just seems like a normal girl you went to high school with.  As far as what we would do, I'd try to keep it pretty low key.  I'd probably take her to a lounge on the lower east side. She'll have a Grey Goose tonic (I'm convinced every girl on the planet drinks vodka tonic btw) and I'll have an Amstel Light.  I'll crack a couple of stupid jokes, she'll hopefully laugh and we'll go from there.  I'm a simple man with simple tastes.
 
What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

The first thing I notice has got to be hair.  I'm a sucker for a brunette with long luminous hair.  It's definitely not a requirement, as I've showed some love to the blondes and even a red head here and there, but long flowing hair gets me every time.  If I can run my hands through it and it smells like some exotic tropical fruit that I don't even know about, that's even better.
 
Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?

I love the sweatpants and pony tail look.  If a girl has to wear make up to hang around her apartment, then she's either real insecure or she's desperately trying to hide something.  I like a girl who's confident in her own skin.  That being said, when I go out with a woman, I definitely notice and appreciate it if she went out of her way to look her best.  I think a little of both worlds is the way to go.
 
How about down there?  

Oh wow.  It's getting a little dicey in here.  Honestly, I gotta go with completely bare on this one.  I mean, if you're my girlfriend, I can understand a couple days in between. Sure. But, if we're "dating," and you know things are going to be getting a little frisky later and you don't take the time to make sure its clean, that's a huge turnoff.  I'm going out of the way to make sure things are clean for you.  I'd expect the same courtesy.

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

I think I've come to that point in my life where looks really aren't everything.  Shocker, I know. Don't get me wrong.  It's alot.  But, I think a girl that can laugh at herself and not take things too seriously is great.  I'm sarcastic as hell and I like to poke fun, so if she can take it, be feisty, and have enough sass to dish it right back, I think that's a beautiful thing.

 

 

Bronze the Right Way

Tis' the season of pale complexions.  It's time to embrace the cold, start layering your clothing and switch up your makeup routine, but that doesn't mean you still can't have a bronzed glow.

The trick to wearing bronzer in the fall and winter is making sure you get one that is one to two shades darker than your skin tone.  Many people make the mistake of wearing the same bronzer all year round, but since your skin tone is different in the summer months than the winter, it's important you change your bronzer accordingly.

I normally use MAC Bronzer in Golden, but realized it's time to go lighter and switched to the St. Tropez Bronzing Powder.  It has a subtle shimmer, and adds just enough color to my face to make me look like I have a healthy glow, not a fake tan.  For special events, I like to self tan and have been using the St. Tropez Radiance Mousse, because it's a little darker in color and the creamy consistency allows for a subtle sheen, enhancing the glow.

You can find St. Tropez products here.

 

 

 

Fashionable Skin Care

A brand new innovation in skin care caught my attention this week: SunSoul, an active wear line that contains a UPF of 50.  The florescent polymer fibers are woven together to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays while exercising outdoors.  

As compared to LED light, the shirts come in florescent yellow and blue, each also treating the skin in different ways. Like red infared light, the yellow SunSoul shirt helps with skin rejuvenation by allowing delivery of the sun's healthy rays to the skin.   The blue, helps clear acne on the chest and back.  

"The florescent technology changes the way the light is focused as it comes through the other side of the fabric, allowing for only the non-harmful rays to come through," states dermatologist, Dr. Brightman.  

Clinical studies have proven that acne and age spots have improved within four to six weeks of regularly wearing the workout gear outside.  Even though the shirts protect you from the UVA and UVB rays, be sure to cover any exposed areas with an SPF of 15 or higher.  

 

 

Tried and True

Now, you can kiss those irritating pout plumpers good-bye. L’Oréal recently added a new gloss to their Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss line, which promises to enhance your pout and give you rich color. The Infallible Never Fail Plumping Lip Gloss comes in eight shades and claims to last up to six hours.  That'll take you through dinner, drinks and dancing with that special someone.

I was skeptical about trying it at first since in the past I’ve tried similar products that worked, but felt a slightly painful tingle and somewhat of a numbing sensation that was... uncomfortable to say the least.   However, to my surprise when I swiped this new gloss on, I felt a very slight tingle for a couple of seconds without any further irritations.  The color stained my lips, so I was committed to it for the night, but I did have to reapply it before six hours to keep up the glossy shine.

I really like the petal shape applicator. It allows for easier application when on the go because it follows my lips. Blush is my color of choice since it’s a subtle shade with the specs of gold that capture the light. 

You can find it here for $9.99.   

Girls Night Out at DEX New York

If you're a New Yorker then you already know how to start off your Thursday nights... it all begins with happy hour.  Yes, it may be a little premature being that you still have one day of work ahead of you until the weekend, but we're all guilty of it.  Ladies, I found a new destination where happy hour becomes your happiest hours (seriously it goes until 11!) and you can get primped at the same time so your ready for late night festivities. Don't worry, you can thank me later.

DEX New York has extended their hours until 11 pm on Thursday nights for Ladies Night.  Unwind with a glass of chardonnay, munch on horderves, enjoy the music and get a blowout.  Makeup applications are complimentary with a hair service or with the purchase of any DEX New York cosmetic.

They just started doing "Psychic Blowouts," in which you get a scalp massage, tarot card reading and blow out. Seriously, the stylist who does them, Scott is so dead on it's freaky.  Make sure you call ahead to make an appointment for services, but bring your girlfriends along.

 

Man of the Week

Ladies, meet Joe, a former Cosmopolitan Bachelor.  Leave it to the editors of Cosmo to find such a sexy stud from Brookings, South Dakota.  Who would have thought? This single, 28 year old model is also graphic design and sculpture student.  

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

Old Spice deodorant in many different sniffs, SensoGuard Canker Sore Relief, Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol, Floss, Tweezers, Fingernail Clippers, hand mirror, Hair Clipper Set, QTips, Gillette M3Power, Edge Shave Gel, Listerine Whitening, Smelly Stuff like Curve, Givenchy's Very Irresistible, MK High Intensity, MK Domain, Old Spice Fresh and lets not forget Gold Bond Tripple Action Powder for my homies downstairs.

What product can’t you live without and why?

Not so much a product but my Hair Clipper Set. I have only paid for 1 hair cut in my life, Prom 99, biggest mistake of my life... $30 and I ended up doing it over myself later that day. Been cutting my own hair for 12 years and no longer even need a mirror. I am lucky enough to look good bald so if I mess it up, its time for the short look.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

I often do wild things that most people wouldn't consider by the time they have reached my age, but I do it for a reason. I do strange things like grow my hair shaggy and sport a Fu-Manchu mustache, not because I think it looks good...but because I know it looks bad. In the times after a break up, I tend to let my appearance flounder because I want "the next girl" to fall for me because of my sparkling personality and razor sharp wit, not because it will make their X jealous. I occasionally will have people say, "Joe your such a handsome guy, and you clean up so nice...what are you doing?" Well, basically I don't want to date someone that is just interested in dating a hot guy. Looks will always fade, but its nice to surprise someone by looking better than when you started dating them.

Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?

Nope, oddly enough for all the construction labor I have done and manual labor I do in the summer, my hands stay kinda girly. Feet are a different story, I put in somewhere between 10-15 hours a week playing basketball so I tend to get callused up, but the good ole heal trimmer works like a charm.

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?

Here is where you will question "How dumb could this guy be?" While I would LOVE to say that I would spend a night with Megan Fox and the only reason to leave the bedroom would be to explore other rooms, that would have to be my #2 choice...Do I get two choices? Rather, I would spend the night with Colin Farrell because he just happens to have the same sort of who cares, this is me, take it or leave it and fu<# off (in my sexy Irish accent) attitude.

We would probably hit some early bars and talk about how he got into the business and if he had any tips. Hit another few bars and migrate from beers to mixers. Discuss the women we've loved and lost, the women we've pretended to love and then tossed (just kidding), the ones that got away and the ones that blew us off, and how sweet it is/would be to see their face when you make it to the big time and they were too uptight to give you a chance. Of course then we'd hit the late night bars (are you sensing a theme here) and switch to shots before getting into a fight with Tom Cruise and Ryan Sheckler lol, and to top it all of ending the night by just happening to hit up the same club that Megan Fox was at and having had just enough to get the balls to ask for her number.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

I usually notice her physique. After years of being a college high jumper I am a huge fan of an athletically toned body. Anyone can be skinny, just knock off the cheese burgers...but it takes work ethic to be fit. Once I scoop my jaw off the floor and put my tongue back in my mouth I just about melt over a combination of light eyes and dark curly hair but it is definitely not a requirement. I have dated 6'2" curly blonds, and 5'1" strait haired brunettes...it's all in how you work what you were given.

Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?

I much more prefer au naturel. Any day of the week. Sweats and a t-shirt with no make up shows confidence. I like it that way for the same reason I get shaggy hair and grow a mustache. If I find her naturally beautiful, its jaw dropping to see her done up on special occasions.

How about down there?

Well now we are getting a little more personal. Down there...in all honesty...shave it, wax it, short landing strip or just burn it off...anything to keep it out of my mouth. I fancy myself a cunning linguist, it's one of my favorite things to do and do often, but if you want to receive the treat, you gotta make sure and clean the table.

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

Beauty is only skin deep. Every year it will fade, age gracefully. I want a woman that is proud of how great she looks now but has a work ethic to stay youthful, rather than a pocketbook big enough to look forever young. I like a woman with a strong sense of self, that isn't begging for compliments or approval. Someone that can take constructive criticism when they ask for honesty. Someone that isn't going to try and change parts of my personality or lifestyle, however obscure it might seem. Someone that can take a joke and dish it back. Oh yeah, and did I mention light eyes, dark curly hair and an athletic physique?


DIY Halloween Costume

Whether you plan on being a sexy vampire, seductive kitty, innocent girl scout or fairy princess this weekend, make sure you don't leave home without looking fierce. There's still time to pull some items from your own closet and put together a killer costume.  These beauty products can help bring your look from a 6 to a 10.  

Now dish, what are you being for Halloween?

A Ten Handed Massage

Imagine having five people massage you at once?  Seems like a dream full of guilty pleasures, but it can be your reality if you visit the Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars in Atlantic City, NJ.  I first heard about this fifty-fingered massage on Urban Daddy, but thought it was too good to be true so I had to investigate for myself.  

The treatment, called the Deici Mani, is much more than what Urban Daddy makes it out to be.  (Those dirty boys!)  For three and a half hours four massage therapists and one esthetician are on hand to perform a series of spa treatments including a massage, vichy shower and facial.

The massage does occupy most of the time... so I had to ask... can you request five men?  The answer: Almost.  You can have four male massage therapists, but most of their esthetician are woman so there would have to be a women involved.  I guess we can't be too greedy!

As part of the package, you also receive a $1,000 credit towards any of the stores in the Caesar's Pier Shops including Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, personalized robe and slippers and basket of fine products.

The treatment costs a whopping $5,000, but that three and a half hours of pleasure and pampering may be well worth it.  If you hit it big on the craps table, maybe you'll consider treating yourself.  Appointments need to be made 24 hours in advance, but if you're requesting four guys, give them a little more time to rally up the troops!

 

 

 

Pepper Pastor Branches Out

After working on the salon floor for over 12 years (the latest being Paul Labrecque), styling countless ad and editorial spreads for national magazines and models for the hottest runway shows including Oscar de la Renta and Philip Lim, Pepper Pastor took her expertise to another level by opening her own salon.

Her partner, Joel Sonkin, was formerly in finance and a customer of Pepper's at Paul Labrecque.  “We discussed the possibility of opening a salon together, and all of a sudden a light just went on in our heads where we realized we would be great business partners... the timing was just right,” he says.

The Pepper Pastor Salon is tucked away in Manhattan's South Street Seaport.  I went to the grand opening party last week to check it out for myself and was immediately impressed by the decor and thought that went into the space. The inspiration in the creation was "classic hollywood with a dash of modern noir." With only four salon chairs, each customer is treated with undivided attention.

Services include hair cuts, color and styles, makeup applications with Young Blood cosmetics, brow shaping and bridal.  The prices are very reasonable for a chic NYC salon too.   Check out the menu.

 

New Reality Series

A new web reality series called To Be A Star was filmed late this summer featuring six aspiring models.  My good friend Kimmie, Founder of  Kitten Lounge, starred in an episode as a Style Mentor and yours truly makes an appearance as well. The six girls spent a whole day in NYC with her full of surprises.  The episode is going to air in a few weeks, but for now, check out the trailer.

 

Do Halloween the MAC Way

If you're anything like me, you still don't know what you're being for Halloween next weekend.  Well don't worry, MAC has the answer.

The brilliant makeup artists created over 20 of their top Halloween looks and uploaded them on their Facebook page with step-by-step tutorials on how to create each one.  They also provided a list of products needed to go with the looks.  

Some more complicated than others, the makeup says it all.  From exotic animals to creative masks, disturbing art, geometric shapes and flirty creations MAC covered it all.  

This year, I'm going to experiment with makeup for my costume and then the rest is easy.  What are you going to be?

Cold Weather Fixes

The weather's getting colder and the ice is going to move in before we know it. Of course it's time to start using heavier moisturizers, but there's nothing more aggravating than dealing with problem areas. You know, the ones that need a little extra TLC?   These finds can fix any kind of harsh weather blunder.

First Aid Beauty Healing Stick, $14, sephora.com

A multi-purpose balm with hydrocortisone that soothes itchy and irritated skin anywhere on your body on the spot.  Bug bite? Dry elbows? Rash?  No problem.

 

 

 

 

DERMAdoctor Handy Manum, $27, dermadoctor.com

Thanks to the hydrocortisone in this serum, it relieves and softens any cracks and really dry, hard areas on your hands and feet.

 

 

 

 

Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner, $3.99, drugstore.com

A blend of ingredients makes this chap stick a winter must-have. Oatmeal soothes, jojoba oil prevents inflammation (so your pucker won't look awkwardly puffy) and besides the moisture, it has an SPF 15, which is needed all year round.

 

 

 

Man of the Week

This week's Man of the Week is definitely something special.  Ladies, meet Timothy from Orlando, Fl.  A single, 27 year old ice hockey player who works in law enforcement and previously a promotional ad advisor for Whats2Hot.com. Read on, I bet there's something about Tim that drives you wild...

What’s in your medicine cabinet?

First and foremost ibuprofen, for those long evenings. I use Nivea mens facial products, outstanding results! Oral B Cross-action Electric Toothbrush, Prewash listerine, toothpaste, and then Listerine, and YES, Tweezers (just incase eyebrows get a little rough) and Gillette Fusion Razor for the sideburns. Men's Degree also rocks!

What product can’t you live without and why?

My best friend, the Braun Series 7 self-cleaning electric razor. The greatest tool for a man on the go, so catch me if you can. It costs quite the penny but worth more. This thing can shave a sheep if it had to. Regular Razors just make me dig into my face and irritate. As active as I am in the gym or playing ice hockey, regular razors bring a razor burn from Hell.

How would you describe your grooming habits?

Somewhat addicted to grooming. I have great hygiene, and hate dirty feet. My haircuts and hairlines are precise (sideburns, ears, rear neck). At least once every other month i will go with a full body shave. I slack sometimes on chest shave, but still shave arms. Otherwise "all else" is Well taken care of.

Have you ever gotten a manicure or pedicure? Why or why not?

Yea, i probably get a manicure 5 or 6 times a year just to keep it clean, I also would do anything for the amazing hand massage that accompanies it. Never have done a pedicure though... someday I guess, probably wouldn’t make it a habit though.

If you could have one night with any celebrity who would it be and why? More importantly, what would you do?

I mean, I'm gonna play it safe and stay off the whole Megan Fox deal, its just so played out, yea yea we all know she wins. It doesn’t even have to be a female, it could be Johnny Depp, Jay Z, Dwayne Wade, Kanye West, very opinionated and successful men... BUT SINCE I HAVE THE OPTION haha. I would go with possibly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, other than Catherine Zeta Jones, the woman of my dreams, actress Monica Bellucci. Just a sexy latin (Italian) woman drives me insane. I love beautiful black hair with light, exotic, intoxicating eyes, and beautiful full lips. I would want the most romantic dinner possible, high overlooking the NYC skyline, or Miami Beach maybe. Black skinny dress for her and all black suit for me. With roses on her plate as an appetizer, Champagne, and a light dinner of her favorite. No one else in the room but soft sexy jazz music playing, maybe a little Sinatra as I hold her body close to mine and only release to gently spin her beautiful body around. A couple gentle giggles, and then disappear off into the night.

What’s the first thing you notice about a woman?

With all due respect, weight. Some guys like large, some like really skinny, I like curvy.

Do you prefer a woman au naturel or all made up?

I prefer as natural as possible. There is nothing wrong with every step of makeup until it is just humanly agreeable that there's just too much. But I keep it fair, if i was all natural I would have a beard and no product in my hair, so technically, to be fair, I am a little made up myself.

How about down there?

Lets face it, its not the 80's, even a fair share of women I have spoken to about the subject agree to hate having any at all. So I would prefer bare, but i guess a light "landing strip" wouldn't be so bad either, lets just not go wild with it.

When it comes to a woman’s beauty what’s your sweet spot?

I start at the eyes and travel outward from there, I can get lost in beautiful eyes forever. But the whole body of a woman hits my sweet spot. From her head to her toes, a woman's body is amazingly seductive and intoxicating.


Rimmel London's New Muses

Move over Kate Moss, Rimmel London just signed two new leading ladies! Models Georgia May Jagger (yes, Mick Jagger's daughter) and Coco Rocha will be the new brand ambassadors for 2010.

At only 17 years old, Jagger is already an accomplished model.  The tall blonde can be found in ad campaigns for Hudson Jeans.

Canadian supermodel, Rocha has been the face of many ads and the muse to many photographers.  Recently, she signed to star in Zac Posen's new ads for Fanzine 137.



 

NARS Turns 15 in Style

NARS is celebrating their 15th birthday this month and in honor, Founder Francois Nars, used his photography skills to photograph his favorite celebs and designers in "situations inspired by the names of his products," states the New York Times blog.  

(I can't help but to wonder who got to act out Orgasm, my fave blush!)

There will be 15 photos in total bound in a limited edition book that will go on sale starting November 12th for $80.  Proceeds will go to charity. 

Marc Jacobs (pictured above wearing Dovima nail polish), Daphne Guiness and Shalom Harlow are some of the fabulous people to included.

I definitely want to grab a copy.  Check out the "15x15" here.   

SJP Reaches to Carrie for New Fragrance

The girls are back, dominating the streets of Manhattan in their Manolos for Sex and the City 2, which is set to release in May.  I remember seeing the first movie with two of my best girl friends the night it came out and the theater was filled with SATC fans dressed to the nines for ladies night.  There was a little bit of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and yes, even Miranda in all of us.

This time, WWD reports that Sarah Jessica Parker will be launching a new fragrance in conjunction with the films release called SJP NYC, which is influenced by Carrie.  "A large part of the inspiration was what I understood to be people's impressions of seeing Carrie Bradshaw walk down the street," Parker told WWD.

SJP NYC, $25, is a fruity floral, and gives off a fresh, young vibe.  Top notes include Italian mandarin, white osmanthus and strawberry layered by gardenia, honeysuckle, rose and mimosa, and dried down with sandalwood, vanilla, rum and musk.

 

Fired for Being Too Fat

The disturbing image of the photo shopped Ralph Lauren ad featuring Filippa Hamilton at left was the reason the 23 year old, French model was fired.  

After modeling for Ralph Lauren print ads since 2002, she received the axe simply because she "didn't fit into their clothes anymore."

The LA Times Blog reports that at 5'10" and 120 lbs., Lauren considered her fat.  

"They fired me because they said I was overweight and I couldn't fit into their clothes anymore.  I'm very proud of what I look like and think a role model should look healthy," Hamilton commented on the Today Show.  Check out the video footage from the show below.

If print ads continue to be photoshopped to this severity and a gorgeously healthy model gets axed for not being stick thin, how does the fashion world expect real women to accept themselves for who they are.  Unfortunately, thanks to designers like Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld I don't believe that creating these illusions of the ideal woman are going to end any time soon.

What do you think?

 

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