Need diet & exercise motivation? Buy Oxygen magazine!!

I usually stick to the mainstream women's health/fitness magazines, like Women's Health & Self but they always felt lacking in the info I was really looking for, namely practical meal ideas & workouts that felt new. I had seen this magazine on the newstand before but since many of the women are so buff (& some are even bodybuilders) I got scared off. But after many reccomendations from gals on a Fitness board I post on, I picked up an issue. Wow! This is exactly what I've been looking for! Lots of workout moves, none of that "Try this new walking workout!". And they whole magazine is focused on "clean eating". And while I haven't committed myself to that diet, I do like the straight forward approach. (Maybe I'll try to work that in with my calorie counting (that way I can still feel like I can eat chocolate & desserts. I can't ban anything without getting bitchy. lol)
If you are bored by the same-old fitness magazines, pick up an issue of this. You won't be disappointed.

Magazine Review: Harper's Bazaar September 2010 - Jennifer Aniston

So far, this is my favorite September issue. I dog-earred a lot of pages & made a lot of notes.

Fashion: I love how Bazaar often pairs a photo shoot with a few paragraphs or even a page of writing about the fashions they have shown. Makes it more accessible somehow. Anyway, in this issue they have an Accessories Special featureing leopard, skins & the color red, an article titled Secrets of Efortless Style, The New Fashion Flock, Where Have All the Bras Gone? & Bringing Mystery Back. They also have a How to Wear It Guide (like pairing camel w/caramel accessories, olive with florals, etc) & How to Wear Pantsuits. There is a tribute to Daisy Fellowes, an interview of Marc Jacobs by Calvin Klein, and a 1 page write up about The Row. They have 2 pages of couture & a really cool fashion shoot with Rachel Zoe as the subject, posing with various big name designers. Zoe did a very good job & the pics are very artistic.
Nothing worth mentioning as far as beauty goes.

Get this issue!!

Magazine Review: Marie Claire September 2010 - Mary-Kate Olsen

This really is the Project Runway magazine isn't it? This issue they have an article about the PR casting call, Nina has a page titled Nina's Guide to Getting Dressed (I do love her books so my only complaint here is that it wasn't a longer article) & Gunn's Laws (comfort is overrated, be nice, etc). I'm surprised they didn't take Michael Kors from Glamour.
This wasn't my favorite issue for fashion. The Big Girl in a Skinny World column talks about her must-haves but other than that & Nina & Tims columns, I didn't make any other fashion related notes.
This issue did have more in the way of beauty. The Beauty Passport is on facialists secrets, Beauty Snoop is about Evan Rachel Wood, they have a bunch of makeup & hair product picks in their Lady & the Vamp section, the Foreign Beauty Report was on Bali (duh, seeing that Eat, Pray, Love is coming out soon) & there is a one page write up about a the makeup, etc in a French Cabaret.
Quite a few interesting articles, including how stay at home dads are the new status symbol for working women, a really infurating article about the backlog of untested rape kits & an article about What Women Eat in different parts of the world. It includes calorie counts, etc & lists the women's height & weight. Seems misleading though since often the calorie counts are quite high but the women are still quite slim. They should've included how much physical activity the women do since that would be a huge contributing factor. But I believe this was taken from a book on the subject so it was out of MC's hands. Funny thing, the American featured in the mag ate only fast food. lol.

If you are looking for fall fashion inspiration, I would keep looking. But if you want a few interesting articles to read, it might be worth it.

Magazine Review: Glamour September 2010 - J Lo

I didn't feel overly impressed with this issue but I wrote a full page of notes while reading so....

In Beauty, there were anti-aging tips in Read This & You'll Never Need Plastic Surgery, wavy hairstyles & the Glammy Awards, which are totally lame. All Great Lash & CG Cheekers blush.

For Fashion, What to Wear if You Love: Classics, Brights, Pants, Comfort, etc. 6 ways to wear a lace tee, Must Have: Messenger Bags, Bow Flats, Chain Purses, etc. A fashion photo shoot with Justin Bieber (why is that brat famous?). Also Dos & Don't of Fall Style from Michael Kors.

Articles: 5 Health Truths to Live By (don't trust your Dr blindly, getting dirty is good for you, your drink of choice should be water, etc), a long article about anxiety which talks about drugs, therapy & info about panic attacks. 12 Things I Wish I Knew About Love at 21 (be interesting, fine line between teasing & criticizing, don't compare your life to your friends...). Would You Be Friends with You? New Qs about Love & Sex (sexting, the difference between hot, beautiful & cute, group dates, etc). Also an article about popular celeb workouts, new school, such as TRX Suspension Trainer, & old school, like running & yoga.

The Samsung article in this issue is about the people's favorite leading ladies (Meryl Streep, Kate Winslet) & What if the characters were real, who would you want to have as your BFFs? (SATC) Who would you want as your boss? (Liz Lemon)

Again, not a bad issue but I didn't really love it. Not sure what I'm looking for but I haven't found it yet.

Magazine Review: Lucky September 2010 - Jessica Simpson

Finally!! The start of the September issues! Gotta love the fresh feel of starting a new season. Plus I'm sick of dealing with it being 100 degrees every day.

The most interesting thing about this issue were the ads. Apparently GAP has a new black pant collection coming out that looks really great. There are also some great looking items at KMart, the military jacket in particular has caught my attention. Also, there is a Samsung ad that I've noticed in a few of the September issues that is made to look like a magazine article & is actually worth reading. In this issue its on the big fashion inspirations seen in movies & music.

Anyway, onto the Fashion in this issue. Mini trends are red & black together, ruffles, layered lace. Capes are back (I think they're classic & very chic is done right - think Carrie in SATC in the Fleet Week episode). This issue also has the Fall Shoe Guide (styles include lots of different kinds of boots, girly flats, strappy heels, etc). Photo spreads on Retro Modern (some very cute looks) & Uniformly Chic (juxiposition of hard & soft, masculine & feminine).
For Beauty, they had a very nice article on red lipstick & recommended shades in categories such as matte, classic reds, liquid, sheer, etc.

Overall, its an ok issue. Don't think this will make my must-buy list

Magazines: The August 2010 issues worth getting

Sorry I'm so late with everything this month. Having a newborn & trying to potty-train a toddler takes up a lot of time! lol
I narrowed it down to 4 issues that would most likely be worth your money:Lucky w/Ali Larter. This seemed to have the best fashion inspiration for right now, for when you're in the mood for fall but its still *way* too hot to wear most fall clothes.

Allure w/Eva Mendes. Hair articles were in every issue I read this month but Allure had the best coverage & ideas by far.

Harper's Bazaar w/Cameron Diaz. This issue had the best fall fashion inspiration (although if you want to wait a few weeks all the Sept issues will be out)
People StyleWatch w/Beyonce. You know I always consider this a must-get (my other usual must-get, InStyle, disappointed me this month so that's why it didn't make the list).

GET THEM BEFORE THEY ARE GONE!!!

Magazine Review: InStyle August 2010 - Courteney Cox

This issue felt a little lacking. I didn't really make many notes about it. Just mainly who was featured in in the monthly columns, etc. Nothing worth noting for beauty.
~Secrets of Style w/Jason Wu
~Her 10 Best Ever! Marion Cotillard
~Signature Style: Julianne Moore
~Fall Shoes (pointy heels, biker boots, bright suedes, fring & tassels, black & strappy, nude hues)
~10 New Style Statements (cluthces for day, socks w/skirts, mismatched prints, denim on denim, etc)

Overall, eh for InStyle but still better than some of the other magazines out this month.

Magazine Review: Elle August 2010 - Drew Barrymore

Lets start with the most interesting part of this issue: the article They Like It Like That?, which is about the sexual fantasy life of men. It's gross, the phrase "flesh Slinky" was even used. lol. Disturbing but worth reading.
Other articles included The Choice (about selective reduction in pregnancies of multiples) and Secrets & Lies (about whether you should share relationship details w/other people).
In Fashion, Style A to Zee is on Faux Fur and has anyone else noticed that leopard seems to be bigger this year than usual? Yes, I know its back every fall but it seems more hyped up this year.
In Beauty, there is the required-for-August hair section. This time the focus is on bangs (Nicole Ritchie inspiration), pixie (Halle Berry), long, straight (Reese Witherspoon), and waves (Kim K). And, duh, Jennifer Aniston has the most requested color (pretty sure her cut is the more requested too). There is also the Beauty Editors beauty picks.

Another thing worth noting is that in the Drew interview she mentions there possibly being a Charlie's Angels tv show. Could be interesting. Love Drew, BTW.

Overall, not bad. Try to read the article I mentioned above but there weren't many other standouts.

Magazine Review: Harper's Bazaar August 2010 - Cameron Diaz

I want to start by saying that I'm loving the lady-like looks & the 70s inspiration. With my lifestyle I probably won't be able to work the cute dresses but flare jeans, camel coats, shearling bombers? Bring them on!
Fashion: In this issue they have a handbag special & a really nice article about What to Buy & How to Wear It (camel coats, leopard accents, menswear tailoring, feminine blouses, etc).
Beauty: Not much here, just 2 pages on the requisite August magazine topic, hair.
Articles: Eat, Shop, Love (by Simon Doonan. I didn't really like the encouragement for women to shop to feel better but I guess its appropriate for a fashion magazine), Two Moms & a Baby (the inspiration behind the movie The Kids Are All Right), Mistaken for the Nanny (about having mixed race kids).
The A Fashionable Life section is something I normally skip but this month its on the Hilfigers & all I can say is, damn. Every picture of the wife was so OTT & posed. Ridiculous.

Not tons of great content but I did feel inspired for fall.

Magazine Review: Self August 2010 - Bridget Moynahan

This seems to be the Look Younger issue. Several articles on that topic, such as Look Younger in 28 Days (tips like wear sunscreen, get lots of sleep, etc), 12 Secrets to Staying Young (checklist of BMI, fiber intake, blood pressure, etc), superfoods to eat (such as curry, coffee, pumpkin seed, watermelon, etc. Includes a one week diet plan following a 1600 calorie diet).
My fave parts of the magazine were part of the Beauty section. The 1st is Hair Bliss 101: Style Like a Pro which gives instructions for how to do an updo for curls, curls that last, add volume & do a bouncy blowout. Also shows the individual models after they styled their hair themselves with the pro's tips. The 2nd beauty article was Your Kind of Beautiful, which shows trends for different looks (Natural/Girl, Sexy Date, Casual Chic). The trends for Casual Chic were petal pink lips, neutral nails, gilded eyes & messy updos, which product recs for each. Not really new info but it was still appealing.
Since this is Self magazine, there were a few workouts, including Sweat with Your Pet & an pool workout.
They also had a page with info on acai, since apparently there has been some controversy recently (I don't really follow all those "hot, new superfoods" since they change so frequently), an article titled Are You Having Enough Sex? & some really cute bags & shoes.

I liked this mainly for the beauty articles since the Look Younger part seemed to be all old news & I don't have a pet or a pool.

Magazine Review: Marie Claire August 2010 - Dakota Fanning

I don't usually like seeing young teenagers on magazines for women but I didn't mind seeing Dakota Fanning on this issue. I guess she's never really seemed all that young or immature, which could be the difference.
I will start by talking about the Articles in this issue, since they were a little more interesting. In Love/Sex they talked about mistresses for hire & how men like tans lines (which sucks because I find them horribly tacky & can't tan. I'm pretty sure I've come across actual tan-line porn. Um. Yeah. lol). In the Bulletin they tal about the rise of asexuals (more popular among women than men). 1 Girl, 2 Guys & a Baby is about a women having & raising a child w/her 2 gay BFFs. The Big Bang is about how to pump up your sex life using various aids. There is also an article about honor killings in America & how they usually don't get much press since they often fall under the category of domestic abuse-type situations.
For Fashion, I 1st want to say that I'm not super fond of the individual pieces layout in the 101 Ideas section. They way its set up makes it kinda difficult to see the (usually super expensive) items. This issue's Designer Dossier is on Fendi, & the Big Girl, Skinny World feature is on accessories. Towards the back of the issue they also have a photo shoot with head-to-toe designer looks, summing up that designers look of the season (Fendi, Valentino, Michael Kors, etc).
In Beauty, they have a blurb about what they are calling Grunge 2.0 (which I'm kinda excited about - for unknown reasons), Beauty Snoop is on Christina Hendricks. They also have a section on makeup to complement your haircolor & a page saying how having sex can make you more attractive. Duh. lol

Overall, this issue was kind of boring. Skip it.

Magazine Review: Allure August 2010 - Eva Mendes

I had forgotten about their big giveaway in August until I got this issue. Don't think I'm going to bother to sign up for anything this year since last year I set my alarm for over half of the items & didn't get a single one.
On the subject of Beauty, they have an article about the return of blush (& in it acknowledge that bright blush can look amazing on pale girls as long as applied with a light hand - something most mags tell you to avoid), a Sugar & Spice article about makeup looks inspired by princesses & villans, & Skin Deep, skincare for your skincolor/ethnicity.
This issue also has a Hair Special. Topics include: The Hottest Cuts (shoulder-length, bob, cropped, long & layered with celeb examples & exactly what to ask your stylist for to get their looks), Tools of the Trade for each cut, 13 Hairstyling Shortcuts, and a few words on Brigette Bardot and how she had the "most enduring hairstyle ever" & pics of all the different ways it has been interpreted. Also Wild Things, which features wild, roughed-up, matte hair & how to get that look.
They also had a blurb about the cult-y Chanel nailpolishes, from Vamp to Jade to this season's Paradoxal. I've never owned a Chanel nailpolish but I have knockoffs of every single on of those shades.
Overall, it's a pretty good issue. Worth picking up.

Magazine Review: People StyleWatch August 2010 - Beyonce

This is one of my favorite magazines but it's so difficult to review since it doesn't really have defined articles, just a lot of pictures, with topics that might only last for 1 page. Overall, just get it every month. You won't be disappointed.
One of the longer articles was 15 Hot Fall Trends (military, lace up booties, vibrant eyeshadow, clogs, etc). The military look really shouldn't be considered a trend anymore since it's pretty much seen every season. Can we just say it's classic & move on?
Comment: Why the hell do they have Jersey Shore's The Situation giving his POV on women's outfits? Does anyone really want to attract a guy like that?

Magazine Review: Cosmo August 2010 - Britney Spears

I want to start by saying that Britney looks awful on this cover. Why on earth didn't they photoshop her more or do her makeup differently? Poor thing.
Anyway, I did enjoy this issue. Light (of course), fun articles, quizzes, etc. Also found out that there are 2 Jackie O & 1 Marilyn Monroe movie coming out. For the Jackie O movies, one will ve on the History Channel & Jackie will be played by Katie Holmes & one on the big screen w/Jackie played by Rachel Weisz. The Marilyn Monroe movie is titled Blonde, w/Marilyn played by Naomi Watts.
On to the rest of the issue...
For Articles, Would You Have a Baster Baby?, Sex Survey (notes are made when married guy's answers differed from the answers of singles guys. Kinda interesting. For example, after sex 71% of single guys want to cuddle & 21% want to watch tv. But for married guys, 32% would prefer to watch tv. lol). In other sex related topics, Period Sex & John Mayer's G-Spot Geometry (lol, I know. WTH?) & Sex Tape Tips (how to adjust lighting, postions, etc to obscure your identity). In a more relationship-y vein, The 5 Smartest Tips We've Heard This Year; things like talking to your SO about what you might want to change in your relationship, cheatproof by confiding mostly in each other, try dirty flirting (aimed at people in long-term relationships).
For Beauty articles, Beauty Cheat Sheet: Keep a Zit Covered for Hours (actually looks like newer, decent advice) & a photo spread on different nail trends (lace-covered, etc).
The main standout for Fashion was a Wear Now, Wear Later photo shoot (w/anouraks, sequin leggins, leather mini) & a photo shoot w/Jersey Shore's The Situation & Pauly D in the background acting like their womanizer selves. lol

Overall, I liked this issue. Good for a poolside read

Magazine Review: Glamour August 2010 - Vanessa Hudgens

This issue was ok. A few good articles.
In the Beauty section they have articled titled Model Trends You Can Do (not too inspiring for me - tips included extreme eyeshadow, big curls, etc), Damaged Hair Fixes, 4 Beauty Tricks from Carmindy & The Haircut That Will Change Your Life (textured bob, modern shag, etc. How to get the cut, how to style, celeb examples).
This is the Denim issue (think Lucky also has a denim issue this month). I will need to buy new jeans after I lose a bit more weight but wasn't all that inspired by what I saw in this issue since I pretty much know what works for me & what doesn't. But anyway, on the denim topic they have ways to wear (preppy, rocker, etc), rules from Armani, 10 stylish women wearing their fave jeans, best jeans for your body type (tall = no capris, hourglass = bootcut, short legs = skinny, pear = flare).
There were two standout articles in this issue. One was We Dated Our Way Across America, advice included "men do want to be in relationships" & "Mr Wrong may be friends with Mr Right". The second article was The Cave Woman's Guide to Good Health, a common sense kind of guide to diet & exercise, things like move, eat real food, connect with others in person, get ZZZs & get healthy downtime.
Overall, a decent issue.

Magazine Review: Lucky August 2010 - Ali Larter

Wasn't able to find a pic of the cover online. Sorry

The staff at Lucky managed to strike the perfect balance of fall-feel but able-to-wear-now in all of the fashion pieces they chose to feature. Too often, magazines are filled with fur coats & dark makeup in the middle of summer. And while its nice to plan ahead (it is what the stores & designers are doing) it can be difficult to get excited over heavy coats, boots, etc while sitting next to the pool in your bikini. But this issue has the best pieces for the next few months that don't make you sweat just thinking about them.
These next few comments seem to conflict what I just wrote above. lol. They have a page on short-sleeve blazers, something that seems very easy to get horribly wrong. Also, Getting It Right: Pantsuits & Sandals. Um, yeah. The people at Lucky didn't get it right either. The Accessory Report is on chain mail (jewelry, accents, etc). In general I don't like it since it can look very cheap but they did have a few cute pieces on the models. The Now & Later editorial had some very cute looks.
The Lucky Denim Guide is pretty much only for those of you that can wear skinnies, since it seemed like (other than the Flared category) all of the others were skinny styles (but in Patched, Cargo, Trouser, etc categories).
The only Beauty standout was I Want Her Haircolor. Shades like sun-dappled brown, dark & glossy, cali blonde, etc & for each they had shade tips, how to maintain & product recs.

As a whole, it's ok. I lean more towards liking it because of what I wrote at the beginning of this review.

Magazine Review: Elle July 2010 - Rihanna

This issue is all inspired by musicans. Unfortunately for me, thats not something that appeals to me at all. I can appreciate fashion & beauty trends started by influential people in the music industry but as a theme, it leaves me feeling very... eh.
The only notes I ended up making were about Beauty & the Articles.
For Beauty, they had a short writeup on the popularity of blue eyeshadow (not 80s baby blue but bright teals, turquoises, etc), the Beauty Insider column was on Beyonce (guess she does her own makeup quite frequently), how long bangs (ala Zooey Dechanel) are the rock n roll hairstyle of choice & several hit musicians' beauty picks.
In Articles, Afternoon Delight (about sex hotels) & Turn On, Tune In & Drop Out (tv addiction) both stood out.
Again all of the Fashion articles/photo spreads were music inspired & themed.
Overall, it was a good issue but if you are very inspired by music, it might be a must-get.

Magazine Review: Women's Health July/August 2010 - Ashley Greene

I can't wait until I can actually start working out again. I doubt I'll stick with it long since I tend to be lazy but at least I can try. lol
Let's start with the Workouts in this issue. They have a plyometric (jumping/quick movements) workout, Master That Move: Chin Up, the 15 Minute Workout: Get Hot Legs & Reshape Your Body in Record Time (requires resistance band, stability ball, dumbbells & body bar).
For Food, Giada has a few light summer dessert recipes & there are several summer cocktail recipes along w/10 Things You Can Do with a Tomato (stuffed, granita, etc).
In the Articles, they have a page on popular supplements & how to decide if you need to take it, Label Fables (serving size misconceptions), Dry Your Eyes, Guys!, Slow Down for Hotter Sex, Escape Any Sticky Situation (taken from book by Jane Buckingham), Survive Your Doctor (how busy doctors might overlook serious concerns since women in mid 20-30s aren't a high-risk group) & Is Fidelity Obsolete?
In Beauty & Fashion, they have a page on products to even your skintone, several twisted & braided hairstyles tot ry & fashion bloggers wearing white buttondown shirts their way.

Overall, I'm on the fence about this issue. None of the workouts stood out to me (I prefer to not have to buy a lot of equiptment & I'm in a 2nd floor apt so I can't really jump around while I workout) but I did like the Twisted Sisters hair article, Label Fables & Is Fidelity Obsolete?

Magazine Review: InStyle July 2010 - Cameron Diaz

Not as good as I have come to expect from InStyle but I guess its still worth getting. The highlights:
Fashion - Her 10 Best Ever! Megan Fox, Man of Style Stephen Moyer, cute random pieces & looks
Beauty - Heat & Humidity-proof makeup, Hot & Not Bothered(summer beauty issues like sand sticking to sunscreened skin, blotchy self-tanner, etc)
Other - 101 Reasons to Smile This Summer (wedges, teal eyeshadow/liner, the World Cup, 3 cocktail recipes, Angelina Jolie in Salt, bright lipgloss, etc) & Summer Party ice cream (twists on homemade ice cream sandwiches, gourmet sundaes).

Magazine Review: Self July 2010 - Anna Paquin

I'm surprised Anna Paquin hasn't been on more magazine covers. This is the 3rd season of True Blood & its quite a popular show. Her interview was interesting. She comes across as down to earth as you think she would be.
For other Articles, they have Steal His Mojo (men's attitudes towards sex, like expecting to have an O every time & getting busy even when pissed off) & Who Controls Childbirth? (talking about one women's bad hospital experience & how she's looking for alternatives for when she has her next baby).
The only two things worth mentioning for Beauty were instructions on how to do a fishtail braid & nailpolish for your star sign (I'm Taurus & they suggested a red).
For Workouts, the pullout cards were for a beach volleyball inspired with plyometric moves. Also Bikini-Ready Now (w/Vanessa Minnillo) which focused on cardio->strength->abs.
There was also the Self Healthy Food Awards. Even though I normally love those kind of articles I didn't find a single item to check out. ???

Pretty boring issue overall