Tall Beauty

1991 Versace Show - The Birth of the Supermodel

I blame Cindy Crawford for my new, punishing training regime.  I bought my housemate Nick a copy of ‘Playboy: Celebrities’ for his birthday and as we were flicking through the book at his party, we came across Cindy.  Amongst the many gorgeous women in the book, a handful of them stood out against the others and these were all women who had become famous in the 90’s or before.

Unfortunately, whilst reviewing the book  I happened to flippantly ask another friend (the Personal Trainer)  whether he could make my body look like Cindy Crawford’s. When he answered ‘Yes, if you do what I say’, I nearly choked on my mojito  and unfortunately agreed to start training with him three times a week.  I’ve also managed to drag a group of my friends into the torture too by arranging a circuit training class for us in a local park.  Now they are all coming up with celebrity bodies that they’d like to aim for – Sandra Bullock in her new film, ‘The Proposal’ has been a popular choice, as has Halle Berry (no doubt helped along by the infamous bikini scene in the Bond film ‘Die Another Day’).

Sandra Bullock in The Proposal

If you stop for a second and think about the  women my friends and I are holding up as perfect body role models, you’ll realise they all over 40. How bizarre is that? My friends and I are in our late 20’s or just turning 30 and the women we look up to as having desirable figures are all at least a decade older than us and well into a time in their lives when many women consider themselves to be less  attractive.

Maybe it’s something to do with my age and the images that influenced  me during my formative teenage years, but personally I’ve always seen the original Supermodels as the ideal aspirational bodies. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington are slim, yet curvaceous. They represent glamour, feminity and strength in a way that modern day actresses and models just can’t do. The desire to imitate the likes of of Kate Moss, Lily Cole and Mischa Barton has never occured to me.

It seems I’m not alone. Many of the original Supermodels are making waves in the world of lucrative beauty and luxury fashion advertising which has primarily featured actresses for the last few seasons – it’s goodbye to Uma Thurman or Scarlett Johanssen at Louis Vuitton and hello Naomi.

• Linda Evangelista fronted last season’s Prada Ad campaign and has been L’Oreal’s International Spokewoman for well over a year.

• Naomi Campbell was chosen to front Yves Saint Laurent’s latest campaign

• Christy Turlington fronted Escada’s campaign recently.

• Claudia Schiffer is back working for Salvatore Ferragamo and Chanel.

Even Vogue, who’ve had celebrities on the cover for the past 14 months, have Linda Evangelista as Covergirl on the August edition.  Maybe in times like these,  the professionalism of these women combined with their enduring appeal is what big brands want to kind of ‘play it safe’. Interestingly, L’Oreal has seen sales jump 20% since Linda started featuring in their campaigns. Now in a recession, that has to say something about how modern women feel about the Supermodels.

What’s more, they don’t fall out of nightclubs drunk, go to rehab for drug addictions or get prosecuted for drink driving. They’re  also candid about how the look good – yes, Linda had botox and Cindy admits she works out alot and watches her diet – no phoney ‘fast metabolism’ stories here.   It’s not only their figures which we should hold them up as role models for. I for one hope that they are here to stay.

Cindy Crawford in 2009 for Allure Magazine

P.S. of course I don’t really think I’m going to end up with Cindy Crawford’s body, but I’m sure as hell going to give it a good stab.  It’s going to be a long relationship between my Trainer, Cindy and I because for well over a decade to come (and into my 40’s! Eek!)  I’ll know that there are women my age who look amazing.

So, it’s August (finally!) and you are just a week away from your summer holiday. If you haven’t booked one yet, then there are some fabulous deals around at the moment to escape our British rain. Snap one up and then follow our 5 easy tips to feeling fabulous in your bikini..

1. BIKINI BODY

Avoid heavy, starchy foods. Don’t attempt to crash diet a week before your flight and expect to feel fab when you get there. We can’t all be Kelly Brook and you’re more likely to fill up on all of the “bad” holiday food as a “reward” and end up feeling sluggish and bloated in your bikini. The best thing to do is to just be careful with what you eat leading up to and on your holiday – eat more fruit and veg and less bread and cake. It’s a simple plan, but we always seem to forget it!

2. SUPER SKIN

Drink lots of water to flush out toxins and leave your skin looking healthy and refreshed all over. It’s that old chestnut, but water really is the best thing that you can put in your body to feel awake, alert and healthy. Avoid lots of caffeine and sugary products as they can dry out your skin. Also use a good exfoliator before and during your holiday. The healthier your skin is, the less likely it is to peel. Don’t be worried about scrubbing your tan off. If your skin is healthy, it won’t come off! Stay moisturised too, which will keep your skin from drying out in hot weather. SPF15 is really the minimum that you should be using in the sun. It is also recommended that you use a separate sun cream for your face, as the skin is more sensitive and always exposed. Opt for a higher SPF if you are pale and ALWAYS use after sun lotion to cool down your skin and prolong your tan.

3. HEAVENLY HAIR

If you are looking after your body and your skin, all of those tips should come in useful for your hair too. However, you can do more. Make sure that you use a moisturising conditioner to keep your hair from drying out. Ideally leave it on for a few minutes in the shower, whilst you are shaving your legs or exfoliating, so that it has time to really treat your hair. Another great idea is to use an intensive hair mask a couple of times a week to really make it shine. If you are a sun bunny, don’t forget to protect your hair too! Either wear a stylish hat (there are many in this season!) or use a protective sun spray to prevent drying.

4. TANTALISING TALONS

A DIY manicure isn’t as difficult as you may think. And in these credit-crunching times, many women are opting for a home remedy to costly salon prices. File your nails down so that they are all the same length going from the outside to the middle in one direction from both sides of the nail. Then apply a cuticle cream or oil to your cuticles and leave to work for a few minutes, before pushing the cuticle down into the nail bed. Rinse your hands and apply a base coat, 2 coats of your chosen colour before sealing it with a top coat, waiting for each to dry in between. Colours for this summer include corals and neons. If you really want to be ahead of the pack, opt for green as it’s what we will all be wearing for AW09. Finally use a good moisturizer and avoid washing up!

5. PERFECT PEDICURE

Don’t forget about your tootsies because you don’t want them to let you down this holiday, given all of the effort that you’ve put in above! First use a foot file to get rid of any dry skin, then soak your feet for a good half and hour before drying and applying cuticle cream/oil and pushing the cuticles back, file your toenails to smooth, then apply base coat, colour and top coat. Finally, once your polish is dry apply an intensive foot cream and slip on a pair of socks overnight to really let it soak in. Your feet will look perfect in some on-trend gladiators whilst out sight-seeing or a pair of cool flip-flops by the pool.

Look out for a holiday fashion and accessories blog, coming soon!

…if only!!

Firstly apologies to all those tall girls who thought all their Christmases had come at once reading that title. If I were Prime Minister, it’d be the first law I’d pass.

Now, I know I’m not the only tall woman to think there is a problem… What’s the deal with you half-grown, fairy-sized women taking all the big boys??   Why do you see so many tall men (I’m classifying this as 6ft3 and over for my purposes) dating short women?

Today I saw the latest pictures of Christina Ricci with her comedian fiance, Owen Benjamin, who, at 6ft6, saying he towers over her is a tad of an understatement.  Obviously, they are madly in love and well done them for finding each other in this cynical, transient world. However, it does also leave me furiously wracking my brains wondering why so often the phenomenon of massive–him/mini-her.

If you see almost any picture of a US NBA star with their wife (such as Kevin Garnett or Kobe Bryant, pictured here), they always seem to tower metres above.  Even our English rugby stars are the same – just take a look at Simon Shaw!

Kevin Garnett & Wife

As a tall woman you notice the same everyday in the street. Why is this? What is it that makes many very tall men date women so much shorter than themselves?  Aidan and Carrie – yes, it may be TV fiction but it’s everyday reality for us amazonian girls.

Kobe Bryant & Wife

Do petite women somehow make men feel more masculine?

Is is that us tall girls emasculate men? Or Intimidate them? If you’re a tall woman you will be told on an almost daily basis that you are ‘scary’ or ‘intimidating’ by some (usually male) stranger.  Quite why people feel this way, and also feel bold enough to tell me, confounds me.  Surely a very tall man is not intimidated by a tall woman? It’s not as though we are taller than them! (Generally!)

Well,  if this is the reason then you tall girls have to be thankful that you are not stuck with these way too metro-sexual, insecure boys. Quite frankly, any man who feels less masculine in my presence can remove himself from the vicinity and take some therapy.  I like my men to be secure in their themselves and their masculinity.

Maybe it’s simply that smaller women are easier to throw around the bedroom?

At 6ft2, I admit that there are not many men who have managed to throw me around the room in a moment of passion (some, but not many ) and considering I have often dated professional sportsmen, that’s saying something. However,  one of my male friends (6ft3) is adamant that tall men and very short women do not, ergonomically.. er… work either.

Is it some kind of subconcious, genetic correction in the mind of these short women that makes them pursue tall men?

Perhaps some short women, either conciously or subconciously, actively seek out and pursue these hero-sized men in a basic biological attempt to ‘improve’ their offspring ? (What man really resists when it comes to a woman being single-minded enough to get them?) With tall people being perceived as more successful, intelligent and earning more than their shorter colleagues, wouldn’t you want to increase your children’s potential by ..er.. marrying up?

On this point, I think a strong factor could be the determination of many a shorter-than-average woman. Many girls I meet who are more ‘shortie’ than ‘supermodel’ in their proportions are polished in the skills used to get what they want in many areas of life. Therefore maybe they are just using their feminine whiles to get those big boys.

Or could it be that tall women draw attention away from tall men?

Personally, this would be the reason I probably agree with most. Think about it. If you’re a very tall man or woman, then everywhere you go you attract attention. People are drawn to look at you. Now, if you have a very tall man and very tall woman together, I reckon the very tall woman would gain more attention since it is further from the ‘norm’.  Therefore, if a tall man dates a tall woman, he has to relinquish some of the attention that he is used to getting.

Whatever the reason, I wish some politician would pass a law stopping these altitudious, alpha men being snapped up by all those diminutive divas. Otherwise I’m going to have to admit defeat, marry a short man and have wedding photo’s that will look just plain ridiculous!

Stuck what to wear on Valentines Day? Or do you suspect that your other half is still a little clueless as to what to surprise you with? Never fear, because here at Amazona, we have come up with a few pointers for the perfect Valentines’ accessories and a few hint-worthy treasures!

First things first, don’t be afraid to whack out your favourite red and pink accessories. Valentines is about over-the-top gushing romance, so keep your trusty LBD until next time (Check out the SATC girls!). However, here are a few guidelines to ensure that you don’t end up looking like a) a sugar-plum fairy or b) a big red devil! Keep that look for the glint in your eye!

1.    Don’t over-accessorise! If you can’t bear to part from your LBD, then match your shoes, bags and jewellery to the red/pink theme, but pick one colour, stick to it and remember that less is more!
2.    If you do branch out and wear a fabulous red number (such as , keep accessories plain and don’t mix too many colours.
3.    Dress for the occasion. Anything with a pink tutu, no matter how cute, will not look right in an expensive restaurant. If you don’t know where you’re going, then keep it neutral!

And as for the gifts? If you’re not the kind of girl that enjoys the traditional flowers and chocolate gestures, then here are a couple of ideas that you could drop into the next conversation with your guy! If you’re in a pretty serious relationship, then try this ‘Commitment’ necklace. Though if it’s a pretty new thing that you’re looking to heat up, then get straight to the point with this ‘SEX’ cherry necklace. Both available from Amazona Style.

photo credits: eonline.com

This year’s Golden Globes generally went as predicted: a sea of recession-friendly, bland and boring outfits sauntered down the red carpet last night in LA. When it comes to Hollywood’s award ceremonies, the Golden Globes have historically been where stars could take more fashion risks which may .. or may not work out for them (remember Lara Flynn Boyle in that tutu and lace-up ballet pump number in 2003?). So what is there to bitch about this year? Precisely that! The lack of love/hate anything!

When little girls (in their late 20’s) dream of being able to wear the dress of their dreams to strut that red carpet, is beige your first thought? Is it a simple back dress ? HELL NO!
For the most part, the dresses this year were dull, dull, dull. Beyonce enevitably added some bling to the evening and Angelina Jolie wore a silver potato sack and looked liked she needed a good meal.

One-shoulder numbers and strapless dresses were a favourite in 2009 but there was a lack of colour. Of course the girls looks elegant and well-groomed in their nude/beige/blush, such as Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth banks and Amanda Seyfried (to name but a few), and the girls in their safe little black numbers (yes, we mean you Ms Winslet) looks safe and sophisticated. But, we want to go WOW! Even if it is followed by a cackle at the hideous nature of the gown. There was very little of that this year but here’s our favourites  - both good and bad.

Jennifer Lopez took the Golden Globes slightly too literally this year and covered her own ‘globes’ in gold.  It wasn’t flattering and smacked slightly of a ‘I’m still sexy even though I’m a mother now!’ but at least it wasn’t boring.

Renee Zellweger in Carolina Herrera missed the mark by …oh about 4000 miles with this number. She strayed from her usual sleek hair and fitted strapless numbers she has worn in previous years and seemed to seek inspiration from a BBC period drama. Hideous!

Marisa Tomei seemed to be angling for a part in the next Pirates of the Caribbean film with this complete mis-match. The Fashion Police wouldn’t know where to start with this look.

Drew Barrymore has split the Amazona girls with her baby blue Galliano number. She looked like a 50’s Hollywood starlet with a mischevous glint in her eye as she played around on the red carpet. Drew worked the look which is why we voted this as a ‘Yes!’ in the end.

Cameron Diaz - hit or miss? Well it is fun and colourful so she definitely gets points for that but what’s with the hair Cam? Not loving the shoes with this outfit either but we’ll give it a ‘Hit’ for livening up what was a dull year for fashion at the Globes.

Jennifer Morrison (from ‘House’) rocked the red carpet with this bright blue Oscar de la Renta gown. Me, me, me!!! I want this gown!!

Eva Mendes is 90% there with this white Dior dress but it’s mainly for the colour with that bold turquoise collar necklace. What is that bow thing though?

And the winner is…. Eva Longoria Parker was red-hot in this spray-on Reem Acra number. The hair, the diamond star earrings, the make-up and the gown… or maybe it was the whole package including Eva’s ‘Blissfully-Newly-Wed-Glow’. When I grow up I want to look like this!

Our US correspondent, Laurin, highlights the celebrity trends on the other side of the pond:

I love a good celebrity trend as much as anyone, but I am personally not a fan of this new big bang trend I keep seeing. More and more stars like Paris Hilton, Iman, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Alba are showing up wearing not just bangs, but really big bangs. (n.b from the editor: To all the readersoutside the US, bangs = fringe!)

Case in point, Jessica Alba. I think Jessica Alba is stunning, but I don’t like her new look. You can’t see her beautiful face at all. It actually looks a little bizarre to me. I totally get that she’s filming a movie right now and this is part of her look, but there simply has to be another way to style her bangs when she’s not filming.

Much like checking yourself in a full length mirror before you hit the red carpet, here’s another little thing you can do. If you blink your eyes and your bangs move, they’re too long. And don’t get me started on Christina Aguilera. I haven’t had hair that big since, well 1982 to 1989.

Are you going to cut your bangs back like it’s 1989?

As the doom mongers continue to squawk about failing economy women everywhere are reaching for their own personal pick me up.  The IT Bags of the early noughties have been relegated to the back of the wardrobe and now the chic way to put a smile on your face is to paint one on with some good old fashioned lipstick.

Estee Lauder has reported a 41% rise in sales of lipstick as women look for a boost in these gloomy times.  The FT call it the lipstick index, when sales are down, but beauty is up, you know where the market is heading. A close runner up in ‘pick up purchases’ is tights, which provide an instant revamp of your usual look.  At Amazona, we say there’s still nothing that beats a pair of hot red lips.

What’s your pick me up tip?