Glamorous Eccentric: Gwen Stefani

I thought I would start off with an easy one: Gwen Stefani. Gwen Stefani came onto the fashion scene with the acclaim of her band No Doubt's third studio album: Tragic Kingdom. Her astonishing beauty and deep Southern California style was a breath of fresh air to the rock community, let alone the fashion community. With a penchant for the pin-up styles of Vargas, Gwen Stephani did her own hair, makeup and wardrobe for her shows for years. Here is what I could find of her original style:




I heard in an interview once that the bindi she wore was a direct influence on her by her ex boyfriend and bandmate Tony Kanal's mother who was Indian and wore one. Gwen thought it was so funny that the bindi caught on like wildfire, and became a fashion statement.

As Gwen got more famous and had more money, she started to delve into higher fashion, though usually with a vintage flair:




But it wasn't until she released her first solo album that she went a little kookoo. Using the Harajuku girls of Japan as inspiration, she began to wear crazy outfits that were a little bit Heidi, a little bit vaudville and a lot of haute couture.




In the past few years her crazy has become more subtle and she seems to be exploring her roots again. This could be due to running after two toddler boys, or it could be because she is back on tour with No Doubt. Either way, Gwen looks amazing when out on town running errands or playing with her boys.



Gwen Stefani inspired me, as a mother, to try and glam myself up a bit. I was pregnant around the same time as her and I thought she always looked so put together and stylish while lugging around her giant belly. I admired that she put the effort into something I could barely deal with.

I would also like to point out Gwen's makeup and hair. Like I mentioned earlier, Gwen did all of her own hair and makeup for years, and I imagine she still does it often. She is rarely without her signature red lips, and she comes up with hair frivolity the likes of which I have never seen before her, but often copy after.

What I love the most about Gwen Stefani is her dedication to fashion and the fact that she dances to the beat of her own drummer. She got a lot of crap for her Harajuku outfits, but that is what was inspiring her at the time and that is what she wanted to wear. Don't get me wrong- I HATED her style during her solo albums, but I admired her for not listening to the haters and wearing what she felt comfortable in.

Art Smart: August Ugallery Picks

I am always amazed by the talent of the emerging artists available from Ugallery. This month, I have decided to highlight more great summer and travel inspired art. Enjoy!

Eastern Shore Hayfield 6/14/05 2:30pm, 2007, oil on canvas, Caroline Hajjar, Pratt Institute, $400

Riverside, CA, 2007, acrylic on canvas, Toni Silber-Delerive, Philadelphia College of Art, $2000

Roma, 2009, oil on canvas, Case Jernigan, The College of William and Mary, $500

Sound, 2008, oil on canvas, Saule Piktys, Santa Monica College, $3000

Steam Heat, 2009, photography, Hannah Colclazier, University of Oklahoma, $125

True Colors of Summer, 2009, oil on canvas, Katie Puenner, Columbia College Chicago, $475

Middle Path, 2009, photography, Laura Bomar, Kenyan College, $70

Purple and Blue Tree I, 2009, acrylic on canvas, Colette Wirz, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, $1400

Top Artwork: Fish Line II, 2009, oil on canvas, Sarah Beth Goncarova, Virginia Commonwealth University, $1800

Blue Dress And Bumpitz

When I was in Texas I found those bumpits that are advertised on TV for sale at the grocery store. I had to have one and today was the first day I actually tried it. What do you dolls think?






And now you know I have a tattoo!

Here is a picture of the whole outfit:



My husband loved the dress but hated the hair. I think the 'bump' was too high. I liked it, but felt like a Dallas debutante. I have been saving hair to make a rat, but my hair is so thin and fine it is taking much longer then I thought it would to create my own 'bumpit'.

Theme Of The Week: Glamorous Eccentrics

It must be Sunday because I am unveiling this week's theme: Glamorous Eccentrics. Throughout the ages there has been a small but elite group of women who throw caution to the wind and do whatever they damn well please, which includes dressing for themselves- haters be damned! I have picked my top five glamorous eccentrics and will be profiling one a day. Oh, everyone I picked is alive and well except one who recently died an untimely death (and no it isn't Michael Jackson). Here are a few that DIDN'T make the list:






Do you have women who inspire you with their crazy fashion? If so, who are they and why do they inspire you.

Please buy this dress

It is a smidge too big for me, but if it was my size I would be snatching this up in a second.

Then I would add these shoes:


and this hat.


How amazing would that outfit be?

Interesting Fruit Salad Recipes

Frozen Grape Popsicles (Raw Food Crafting Blog)
I found this eye-catching grape idea and image at the Raw Food Crafting Blog. Can you imagine what kids will say when they are handed one of these frozen fruity kebabs? They will be an instant hit! I know grapes don't technically qualify as a fruit salad but they look so good (and would taste so good) that they just had to go first today.




Frozen Fruit Salad (Every Day Food)
This is such a simple but clever idea that kids and adults will both love. Frozen bananas and grapes make a great healthy sweet treat for summer.




Herby Fruit Salad (Antony Worrall Thompson)
Enjoy this unusual fruit salad with healthy creaminess courtesy of reduced fat coconut milk and sublime sweetness from honey, pineapples and bananas.




Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing (Whole Foods Market)
With an abundance of popular and tasty fruits, this salad is then drizzled with a wonderful dressing of honey, poppy seeds, fruits, cinnamon and ginger.




Thai Fruit Salad (Ed Baines)
Star fruits make this the prettiest of the pretty fruit salads. There is also chilli powder, limes and freshly grated ginger. A true taste bud delight!




Winter Fruit Salad with Sweet Tofu Cream (Delicious Magazine)
This salad would be delicious eaten warm or cold, any season. The dried fruits are accompanied by vanilla, cinnamon and a zesty tofu derived cream.
Photo by: Ben Dearnley


Where to View Fruit Salad Recipe Details

• Frozen Grape Popsicles - Raw Food Crafting
• Frozen Fruit Salad - Martha Stewart
• Herby Fruit Salad - Good Food, UK TV Food
• Fruit Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing - Whole Foods Market
• Thai Fruit Salad - Good Food, UK TV Food
• Winter Fruit Salad - Taste Australia

My London Travel Guide in the New Issue of Coco Eco Magazine

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you know the new issue of Coco Eco magazine is out now which is especially exciting for me for two reasons. Firstly, Issue 6 is the first annual resort issue and is overflowing with gorgeous swimsuit fashion, summer beauty ideas and much more eco loveliness!

This is also the first issue featuring one of my articles! I am now working as the Travel Editor at Coco Eco and have written a green guide to London that covers all the best and most stylish places to shop, eat, indulge and sleep. I would love you to check out the magazine (and my article). You'll be ready to be a true green goddess this summer after reading Coco Eco's Resort Issue!

I look forward to sharing with you my next green travel guide to another must-visit city soon.

Thank you everyone for visiting Green Lashes and Fashion each day and for liking it enough to subscribe. I truly appreciate your support!

Best wishes and have a great August!

Tara


View the new issue and eco-chic travel guide to London - Coco Eco - Issue 6