Blog Posts by Julie Pereira, Thread Blogger

Dear Prince: U Got The Look | Photos courtesy of Larry Busacca/Getty Images / Stuart Wilson/Getty ImagesTrick question: obviously, he's both. The Artist Formerly (and currently) Known as Prince is slated to receive the Billboard Music Icon Award on Sunday, May 19, an honor he shares with past recipients Stevie Wonder and Neil Diamond. And while we could listen to "1999," "Little Red Corvette," and "When Doves Cry" all day long--that's not even a hyperbole--what we love most about the diminutive singer is his groundbreaking sense of style. From purple velour to hooded suits, Prince has been setting and defying trends since he burst onto the scene in the late '70s and early '80s. Herewith, five reasons why we love the iconic singer.

#1.) Frilly shirts - More than Seinfeld and "Pirates of Penzance," the frilly shirt belongs to Prince. What other man could so effortlessly and unironically rock a puffy, be-ruffled blouse and still exude sex appeal? No one but Prince, that's who. Well, and Jimi Hendrix, who he was definitely influenced by…

#2.) Statement necklaces - Long before Carrie Bradshaw

Read More »from Prince: Billboard Music Icon or Fashion Icon?

Madonna accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996 | Photo courtesy of STR/Getty ImagesIt's hard to imagine a time when Madonna isn't making headlines. Which is why it is so absurd that almost 20 years ago, the then-37-year-old singer got a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1996 Billboard Music Awards. Lourdes knows (GET IT?!) the singer wasn't anywhere near done being a performer, provocateur, and all-around pop culture icon. Sure, it's a testament to her ability and success as a performer that she was raking in awards usually reserved for older honorees at such a young age, but Madge ain't finished quite yet. When accepting her award in 1996, Madonna told the audience she was returning home immediately to be with her newborn baby. Here's a (somewhat comprehensive) list of the things Madonna has achieved in since then. Say what you will about her, but you can't accuse her of being lazy.

1996: Set new Guinness World Record for most costume changes--85 in all--in one movie for her role in "Evita," She trumped the previous record-holder, Elizabeth Taylor (who had a measly

Read More »from Madonna: Too Many Achievements For Just One Lifetime

The Billboard Music Awards' Top Artist category features some steep competition Come May 19, the five most successful artists in the biz will be pitted against each other for the top honor. Obviously we're interested in these talented musicians, but we're perhaps even more excited to see what these stars are wearing. We're ranking them from least to most stylish. Who are you rooting for? Baby, baby, baby: NOO! | Photo courtesy of Jim Dyson/Getty Images

#5.) Justin Bieber – Yes, he's a talented, popular young man, but you guys: those pants he insists on wearing all the time are SO bad. Like bad for humanity bad. And remember that one time he wore a gas mask while walking around in London? We just...we can't. Doesn't he have family and/or a management team that loves him? Shouldn't they be putting a stop to this kind of thing? It's just too bad the 19-year-old isn't setting a better fashion example for his legions of young fans. #StopTheMadness.





#4.) One Direction - These guys, on the other hand. By our standards, the young Brits just narrowly edge out

Read More »from Billboard's Top Artist Nominees Compete for Style Cred

The problem: Frizz

If only Kate had reached for Frederic Fekkai's Smooth Sailing Anti-Frizz Cream, a fishtail comb, some no-snag elastics, and a couple bobbi pins, this whole thing could have been avoided. | Photo courtesy of Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Cambridge (known aliases: Kate Middleton, Princess Shinylocks) may normally be known for her immaculately polished waves, but even she knows there's no greater summer annoyance than spending time and effort on your look only to let nature have it's way with it once you step outside. While visiting the tropical climate of the Solomon Islands last year, the royal experienced what I can only assume is her very first case of the summer frizzies. She still looked better than most mortal women, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that this frazzled event could have been avoided. If our dearest mom-to-be had opted for an updo instead of her signature cascading, soft curls she might have dodged the frizz entirely.
Beginners to the left, advanced hair queens to the right! | Photos courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images and Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Learn from HRH's rare misstep and go for a no-fuss braided style this summer. A braided crown like Hayden Panettiere's keeps hair tamed and in place all day long. Bonus! You don't even need to blow dry! You can achieve this style with Read More »from Summer-ize Your Hair Routine With Braids

Ah, summertime. If ever there was a time of year for all things that glitter and shimmer, this is it. You've already got a goddess glow from all that time you've (safely!) spent in the sun, so why not complement that gorgeous skin of yours with our favorite metallic--classic gold. It's an unexpected shade for nails and eye makeup, and we've got the best ways to wear it!

Set eyes to "smoulder." | Photos courtesy of Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/Jason Merritt/Getty ImagesAll over shimmer - With "The Great Gatsby" coming out, we've all caught a touch of flapper fever. "Shameless" star Emmy Rossum is no different. Copy her '20s-esque makeup look with a wash of shimmery gold eyeshadow from lash line to brow bone. Keep a light touch when it comes to your eyeliner and mascara (or skip the liner altogether), and opt for a dainty pink pout to add a touch of color. Now you've got a look that Daisy Buchanan herself would envy.

Molten eyes - Do like Taylor Swift and add a new level of smoulder to a smoky eye with golden highlights. A swipe of gold liner along the lower lash line makes any eye color

Read More »from Golden Summer: Beauty Trends That Shimmer and Shine

This is the belt we're thinking of. | Photo courtesy of Material GirlThey don't call her a "Material Girl" for nothing! Since the '80s, Madonna has been known as much for her fashion sense as she has been for her music. On Thursday, April 25th, the superstar can add a new notch to her impressive belt of achievements (in our minds this belt is a literal one, and it says "BOY TOY" right in the middle) with the launch of her first ever "Fashion Evolution" pop-up showcase. Macy's has collaborated with Madge herself as well as her successful junior's clothing line, Material Girl, to bring the most iconic pieces of her wardrobe to the Century City Macy's for a one-day exhibit. Mark your calendars!

Garments on display include the infamous Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra/corset from the Blonde Ambition Tour, her “Like A Virgin” wedding dress, and other instantly-recognizable pieces from designers like Christian Lacroix. For one day, these fashion artifacts will be showcased to the public so fans to get up close and personal (well, as personal as one can get with a

Read More »from Madonna Pop-Up Exhibit Showcases Iconic Outfits

Selena Vs. Katy: Who will come out on top? | Photo courtesy of Michael Buckner/Getty Images / Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

While Coachella and SXSW are very different festivals in many ways, it appears that the two events had at least one thing in common this year: a floral Dolce & Gabbana bustier top. "California Gurl" Katy Perry showed up for Day 1 of this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in an outfit that recalled the playfulness of her early career while staying true to her more mature current style. The singer looked quite retro with cat's eye sunglasses, a deep side part with Veronica Lake waves, and a D&G skirt with matching bustier.

We saw a very similar look in March when Selena Gomez (and Texas native--looks like these girls are repping their home state music festivals!) walked the red carpet during the SXSW premiere of her controversial film "Spring Breakers." Gomez also brought some vintage flair to her getup with the same deep side part and chocolate brown waves and matched her lips with her coral, high-waisted pencil skirt.

In all honesty, both of these girls rocked it. Perry'sRead More »from Who Wore It Best: Katy Perry vs. Selena Gomez

Heavy metal. | Photo courtesy of Ariel Rivera for The Thread Read More »from Oooh, Shiny: Coachella's Metallic Mini Trend