Fame

Eva Mendes may be one of the world’s most beautiful people, but that doesn’t mean she’s a diva when it comes to her fashion choices. The star, who is showing off her bouncy locks as the new face of Pantene, says she loves to incorporate comfort into her daily look. “I’m all about little house dresses,” she tells PEOPLE of the most comfortable outfit in her wardrobe. “I have so many. If I run out to grab a coffee or something I’m usually in … some kind of little dress,” which she says she loves because it reminds her of what her mom used to wear. “I [even] have a couple that were my mother’s.” But when it comes to what truly makes Mendes feel sexy, less is more. “I feel most beautiful when I start the day,” she tells PEOPLE. “I feel most beautiful in bed, in the morning, tousled hair and a blanket.” Read more from Mendes in this week’s PEOPLE, on newsstands tomorrow! –Kim Peiffer, with reporting by Pamela Edwards-Christiani

SEE MORE STAR STYLE IN LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?

Dave Allocca/Startraks

Eva Mendes is a pro at glamming it up on the red carpet, but admits to PEOPLE that despite her ability to turn heads, she’s had a few fashion mishaps over the years. “I did this big movie about four years ago. It’s with Nicolas Cage and we had our New York premiere and it was kind of a crazy long day, and by the time the premiere came it was snowing in N.Y.C. and I just threw this dress on,” she explains. “My team and I just got me ready and threw me out the door. Needless to say, it just did not work.” And when it comes to what, specifically, made the look (left) so disastrous, the star says everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. “It was a total disaster. It was a pink strapless dress with this weird braid hairstyle,” she recalls. “At least I was ahead of the curve with the braid. [But] none of it worked.” It wasn’t the first time the star says she’d been the victim of a fashion crime — this one just happened to leave a mark. “I’ve had a few [fashion disasters] but this look has haunted me just because I should have known better.” Tell us: What’s been your biggest fashion blunder? –Kim Peiffer, with reporting by Pamela Edwards-Christiani

SOUND OFF ON A-LIST STYLE IN ‘HIT OR MISS?’

Courtesy Thierry Mugler

Is it just us, or is Eva Mendes glowing? The actress, first announced as the face of Thierry Mugler Angel perfume in March, radiates light in a figure-hugging, custom Thierry Mugler dress as she poses in a newly released image from the ad campaign, shot in New York City by Dutch fashion photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The Other Guys star follows in the footsteps of the French brand’s most recent spokeswoman, Naomi Watts, who’d served as the face of the scent since 2008. But Mendes is no stranger to sharing her sex appeal: prior to her stint with Thierry Mugler, the actress was taunting the world with her revealing ads for Calvin Klein jeans. She’s also crossing paths with former Angel girl Watts in another campaign — both are showing off their lovely locks as the new faces of Pantene. Mendes’s ads for Angel break in October magazines.  Tell us: What do you think of Mendes’s ethereal ad? –Kim Peiffer

SHOP STARS’ SIGNATURE SCENTS

Courtesy Thierry Mugler

She acts, she models, she sings? Eva Mendes is not just the stunning face of Thierry Mugler Angel parfum and eau de toilette, she’s the voice of it as well, which makes it her most personal collaboration to date! Mendes tells PEOPLE of her work with Angel, “It’s felt like a very true partnership. Whether it’s working with the designs, the concept … I sing in the commercial which is something very new for me as far as doing it professionally. From beginning to end, it’s been unbelievable.” She also raves of filming the commercial with director Baillie Walsh, who shot the stunning actress in Prague, a city she describes as “very romantic.” Mendes explains, “I was taken by its intense but kind of subtle beauty. It’s not in-your-face, it’s just there, it’s so gorgeous. And super romantic.” A perfect setting for a commercial that sees Mendes dreaming away in a sleek train car, with visions of herself flying gracefully through the air floating through her mind. And while she coos away above the images, the actress actually has no dialogue in the commercial, which suits her just fine. “That’s actually my favorite. I’m probably the anti-actress in the sense that I always go to my directors and ask, ‘Can we lose this line?’ We have too much dialogue at times so conveying something with your body language, and your eyes, and your behavior to me that’s really exciting so it’s like a nice, fun acting exercise.” Look for Mendes’s commercial for Angel (with her debut vocals!) to break digitally in mid-September, but in the meantime, go behind the scenes of her film and print campaigns here. –Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

SHOP STARS’ SIGNATURE SCENTS!

Courtesy Pantene

Eva Mendes and Naomi Watts are making us think that movie-star hair is just a shower away in their just-revealed ads for Pantene. The actresses, announced as the new faces of the brand in May, represent Pantene’s “breakage to strength” and “flat to volume” collections, respectively. “The amount of torture I put my hair through with flat irons, blow dryers and curling irons leaves my hair extremely damaged,” Mendes said in May. “With Pantene I can use all of these tools and still keep my hair healthy.” Watts, whose campaign will depict her without extensions or chemically altered hair, said she’s sticking up for women with fine tresses. “I want to let [them] know that achieving beautiful, voluminous hair is possible without damaging [it],” she added. The stars’ ads will hit print and TV markets in July and August; stay tuned to Pantene’s Facebook page for more behind-the-scenes information, too. Tell us: What do you think of the ads?

VOTE ON STAR HAIR CHANGES!

Berliner; Courtesy Dr. Hauschka; Courtesy Nars; Courtesy Maybelline; Courtesy Laura Mercier

Eva Mendes is envied by women everywhere for her glowing skin, coveted curves and silky hair. But behind every beautiful woman is an essential set of beauty tools, and the Thierry Mugler muse says she counts on some tried-and-true favorites to give her an all-over glow. First up? Blush. “I like … cream-based products and NARS does really fun blush and bronzer,” Mendes tells Style.com. “I like to mix those.” And while she may be drawing attention to the apples of her cheeks, she’s trying to draw attention away from other areas. “Dark circles are hereditary in my family, which can be useful when doing a role when I’m supposed to be tired and depressed,” she jokes. “But in my everyday life, I try to minimize that” by using Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, she says. To keep her skin clear and healthy, Mendes swipes on Dr. Hauschka facial toner, because “it’s so clean and so simple,” she shares. “It’s not drying in any way.” For nails, she counts on Essie polish in ‘Mucho Dinero.’ “It’s so elegant,” she says, laughing at the name. “What about this says mucho dinero?” Luckily, she doesn’t have to spend mucho dinero on her shampoo and conditioner, both from the Pantene Pro-V Medium-Thick Solutions line (she’s a spoksemodel for the company). “It’s classic and you can get it anywhere in the world,” she says of the brand. “I tried to cheat and go more expensive, but I came running back with my tail between my legs.” Tell us: What are your beauty must-haves? –Kim Peiffer, with Justine Harman
SHOP OUR EDITORS’ BEAUTY PICKS

Lionsgate

Just because she’s considered a bombshell (and dates Ryan Gosling) doesn’t mean Eva Mendes feels the need to be glamorous — especially in her new film, Girl in Progress.

In the movie (which hits select theaters May 11), Mendes plays a single mom who balances work, bills — and an affair with a married man. “Before each take I kept asking [director Patricia Riggen] ‘Do I look bad enough?!’” Mendes told PEOPLE Wednesday during a press event in L.A.. “I tell my daughter in the movie, ‘I’m tired baby.’ So I better look exhausted, you know?”

To get that tired look, the actress had a simple secret: “You know how you’re never supposed to rub your eyes if you have black liner or mascara on? I’d get in there and [motions rubbing her eyes] get a real nice tired look,” she revealed.

Mendes said her off-set beauty regimen is similar to that of her low-maintenance character. “I’m actually really simple,” she admitted. “If you catch a paparazzi shot of me, I’m never done up to go to the mall. I’m not one of those people going through LAX wearing the full outfit.”

And though she dubs herself as “not a glam kind of girl,” she does know there is a time and place to get dolled up. “I’m going to the Met Ball this Monday, and I will be having some fashion fun,” she promised. “But otherwise this is it!”

–Jennifer Cress, with reporting by Melody Chiu

STUDY UP ON STAR BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS

INF, Limelight, AKM-GSI, Splash News Online

Any shape!

For the past few summers there was always one style of sunnies that dominated Hollywood (last year it was Wayfarers, and before that oversize everything). But as Eva Mendes, Miley Cyrus, Miranda Kerr and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley prove, there are several ‘It’ frames to choose from right now.

Which is your favorite? Which are you wearing this summer? Vote in our poll below!

SHOP FOR SHADES IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY … SUNGLASSES!’

AKM-GSI; INF

When Beyoncé wears something, everyone takes note. But when Beyoncé and Eva Mendes wear the same thing? We call that the start of a trend. Exhibit A: In just one week, both of the stars were caught sporting bright billowy pants.

Beyoncé was spotted taking over the streets of Paris with husband Jay-Z and baby Blue Ivy in a boho-inspired zig-zag printed Carven top, pointy-toe pale pink Christian Louboutin pumps and breezy electric-pink Vionnet pants.

While catching a flight with beau Ryan Gosling, Mendes rocked similar pants — hers were electric green by Alice + Olivia — teamed with a simple white T-shirt, ivory cardigan and a neutral oversized bag.

Our final verdict on the bold bottom trend? We can’t get enough of it! It’s a fun, fresh take on a summer pant. You can dress them up with a pair of killer heels and cropped blazer, or team them with cute summer sandals and a T-shirt.

What do you think of the crazy-colored pant trend? Would you wear them? Vote below!

–Jennifer Cress

SOUND OFF ON MORE STAR STYLE IN ‘WOULD YOU WEAR THESE TRENDS?’

Startraks; Splash News Online

When your dog’s gotta go, your dog’s gotta go … no matter what you’re wearing. But some stars just happen to look extra fabulous when tackling pooch patrol.

Take Lady Gaga (above, left), who wore an off-the-shoulder sweatshirt, leather leggings, black heels and a hat while toting her pup through Vienna last week. Then there’s Amanda Seyfried (above, right), who went straight from a New York workout to a walk with Finn while wearing her gym clothes.

Eva Mendes (below, left) made the work look effortless in West Hollywood recently, stylishly leading her pup through the city streets. Olivia Wilde (below, center) melded her airport and dog-walking style, accompanying pal Paco to LAX in jeans, a jacket and tee. And Katrina Bowden (below, right) kept her look summer-appropriate, opting for a tank, shorts and sandals while carrying her pooch in N.Y.C.

Broadimage; Ramey; Startraks

All of the ladies look just about as good as one can when walking a dog, but who looks the best? Vote in our poll below; your response could appear in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE!

SEE MORE STARS AND THEIR POOCHES OVER AT PEOPLE PETS!

Pacific Coast News

Summer is slipping away, but this weekend’s forecast calls for sunshine, seasonal temperatures … and style!

To help you figure out what to wear while you’re out on Saturday and Sunday, we’ve taken a page from Eva Mendes, who caught our eyes this week with her deceptively dressy look.

The actress’s T-shirt and skirt — which she wore to walk her pup through Los Angeles — are casual, basic pieces you might have in your closet, too. But what really brings the outfit together are the star’s smart accessories: the neutral belt, wedges and cross-body bag, plus her bright shades. (Her sweet updo helps, too.) Though nothing she’s wearing is so super-fancy, the accessories make what could be a schlumpy outfit somewhat upscale.

If you want to wear something similar this weekend (click here to peruse our looks for less), be sure to at least wear a belt, and go for some semi-fancy footwear — no flip-flops allowed! Then Tweet your outfit to us @StyleWatchMag; we’d love to see the results. Tell us: What are your weekend plans? 

FIND MORE AFFORDABLE OUTFIT INSPIRATION HERE!

FameFlynet

We thought perms were a thing of the past (we’re not the only ones who tried the treatment in the ’90s, right?). But Eva Mendes is bringing back the style … at least for her latest role.

She plays a woman with seriously tight curls in the HBO film Clear History (also starring Kate Hudson and Jon Hamm). The somewhat wild ringlets are seemingly highlighted, hitting the star at her shoulders. And when we spotted this shot of her on location in Rockport, Mass., we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves.

The curly look is a major departure from Mendes’s usual soft and feminine hairstyle, which she either wears wavy and voluminous or straightened. And while the actress probably doesn’t need us to tell her, we just want to go on record saying that as soon as she’s done shooting, she should go back to her natural hair. Tell us: What do you think of Mendes’s ultra-curly ‘do?

–Jennifer Cress

PHOTOS: SEE STAR HAIRSTYLES FROM EVERY ANGLE

Matt Baron/BEImages; Stacie McChesney/NBC/AP

No, Ryan Gosling didn’t bring girlfriend Eva Mendes as his date to the Gangster Squad premiere in Los Angeles Monday night, but he did bring his mom … who was wearing Mendes’s clothes. No, really.

“My mother’s wearing all my girlfriend’s clothes,” Gosling confirmed to E! News of his mom’s ruched dress, paisley trench and statement necklace. “I’m wearing Eva Mendes,” Donna reiterated, adding, “She let me raid her closet.”

Upon close inspection, we can totally see Mendes’s influence in Donna’s outfit. The short, sexy ruched gray dress is something the actress would totally wear, and we wouldn’t be surprised if we’d spotted her in those classic strappy black sandals before.

Gosling and Mendes, who clicked while filming The Place Beyond the Pines together in 2011, were first spotted holding hands in September of that year on a low-key date at Disneyland. Since then, they’ve taken their romance to New York, Los Angeles, Gosling’s native Canada and Paris, with Mendes first meeting Gosling’s mom on a movie date in N.Y.C. last January.

The stars have managed to remain pretty quiet about their relationship to this point, making Gosling’s use of the word “girlfriend” last night all the more poignant. Tell us: Would you ever lend your partner’s mom your clothes? 

–Kate Hogan

PHOTOS: SEE MORE GLAM RED CARPET LOOKS IN ‘LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT?’

This Sunday we’ll be busy making our own best-dressed list for the Golden Globes, but recently, we turned the tables and asked celebs to tell us which stars they think are the most fashionable in Hollywood.

We started with Modern Family‘s Sofia Vergara and she said that she’s currently style crushing on Jennifer Lopez. Watch the video to find out which other stars made Vergara’s list (one of them might really surprise you!).

While it was Charlize Theron and Eva Mendes whom Vergara named, fashionista Rachel Bilson had very different picks. As you heard in the video, she’s all about the envelope-pushing trendsetters. “Ashley Olsen, I love her style,” Bilson said, adding, “Alexa Chung — very cool. Sienna Miller.”

But it’s Giuliana Rancic who truly surprised us, choosing not a red carpet veteran, but rather a teenager who’s still pretty new to the scene: Chloë Moretz. “She’s about 15 years old, but she wears these incredible designers. [She] keeps it young and age-appropriate.”

However, not everyone we spoke to is impressed with the current crop of stars. “I really miss those days of seeing what Cher was going to turn up in,” Cat Deeley admitted. “Or Björk or Lara Flynn Boyle.” And we have to agree: Those ladies sure knew how to keep a carpet interesting. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen a lady in a swan dress at an awards show.

Be sure to watch the entire video to find out which pregnant style icon Glee‘s Chris Colfer loves, who named Gwyneth Paltrow the best-dressed star and more celeb-on-celeb fashion dirt!

–Jennifer Cress

PHOTOS: SEE THE LATEST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

Pacific Coast News

–The latest actress expanding her resumé: Eva Mendes. The star will create a line for New York & Co. and is the brand’s new ambassador [WWD]

–Taylor Swift plays dress-up in the new issue of ELLE — and we think she looks haute! [MTV Style]

–Hot on of the heels of her second Sports Illustrated cover, Kate Upton lands yet another gig [Huffington Post]

–You’ll never guess the latest A-lister to slip into a custom Lanvin creation. (No, it’s not Emma Stone!) [Fashionista]

–Zac Posen dishes some Oscar style dirt, revealing which of his own designs he hopes will make a red carpet appearance [InStyle]

If your weekend is shaping up to be anything like ours, you’ll need a party-ready outfit, a low-key look for when you’re headed for waffles the morning after and something to make your Monday morning move a little faster. We’ve got an easy Gwyneth Paltrow-approved Saturday night ensemble, an lazy-chic Sunday morning jeans outfit courtesy of Eva Mendes and something to spice up your work uniform inspired by Stacy Keibler.

Xposure

Saturday night: If you’ve been following our trend advice, you’ve already got Gwyneth Paltrow‘s whole outfit in your closet, just waiting to be worn on a fun night out. But if you still need a few of the pieces, try these $36 Topshop faux-leather leggings and these B Brian Atwood booties (a steal for the designer at $191 — and a close match to her pricey Nicholas Kirkwood pair).

INF

Sunday afternoon: Eva Mendes has totally mastered the art of looking completely casual — but totally put-together. The takeaway: It’s all about the accessories. Toss on your cozy boyfriend-inspired cardi and jeans, then add a little polish with a chic headwrap (use a silk scarf or try a headband like these from Ban.do) and sleek booties (this Nine West pair is on sale for $78).

Jim Smeal/BEImages

Monday morning: Your job may require you to wear a suit, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it. Add a few fashionable touches (while still looking über-professional) by buttoning a bright top all the way up and plaiting your hair into a pretty fishtail braid, as seen on Stacy Keibler. J. Crew’s silk Blythe blouse is a reliable staple — and is on sale starting at $79.99.

Tell us: Which outfit is your favorite?

–Alex Apatoff

PHOTOS: GET MORE WARDROBE INSPIRATION FROM THE STARS!

Courtesy Danskin

–Wonder how Giuliana Rancic stays in such great shape? Her just-released ads for Danskin may give a clue [Danskin]

–Uh-oh: A California judge has filed an injunction against the Kardashians‘ makeup line, Khroma [The Cut]

–Wanna see something pretty? Eva Mendes’s new ads for Vogue Eyewear are out [WWD]

–We’re breaking our leases and moving into Louise Roe’s amazing closet (shh, don’t tell her!) [StyleList]

–Speaking of things you must see, Karl “The Kaiser” Lagerfeld (of Chanel and Fendi fame) sits down with Harper’s Bazaar‘s Laura Brown. And he talks about Choupette, the “most famous cat in the world” [Harper's Bazaar]

Courtesy Danskin

–Want to shop in Gwyneth Paltrow‘s closet? It’s your lucky day — she’s selling some pretty sweet pieces to benefit her favorite charities [Huffington Post Style]

–We’re loving these Eva Mendes shots for Vogue Eyewear. Très chic! [InStyle]

–Speaking of celeb ad campaigns, here’s Kate Moss posing for motorcycle brand Matchless [WWD]

–Somebody is already planning her Met Gala outfit. Yes, Allison Williams, we’re giving you the side-eye [Fashionista]

–Fashion “It Guy” Patrick Robinson is ready to stage his big comeback, with the help of Kickstarter [PopSugar]

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP; Startraks

Eva Mendes is one of the most reliably stylish stars on the red carpet these days, but she admits even she would like to burn certain outfits from her past.

“I really am the first one to laugh at myself and point out what a horrible fashion choice I made or point out an unflattering photo,” she says in an interview, noting in particular the 2007 Ghostrider premiere.

“I had my dress on but I had to finish my hair and makeup in the back of an SUV,” she continues. “It was a beautiful dress, but the way I put everything together, it was a Princess Jasmine gone wrong. The strapless, purple dress with necklaces and a hair in a really high braid. It’s not a good look.”

RELATED PHOTOS: Vote on more questionable star style in Obsessed or Hot Mess?

Nowadays, she rarely gets it wrong — which is why she’s the face of New York & Company (for which she’s also designing) and Vogue Eyewear. But that still doesn’t mean she feels pressure to look all done up every time she leaves the house.

“That’s a pressure I would never put on myself because I wouldn’t want other women to feel that pressure,” she says. “We all have our good days and our bad days … Usually when you see my hair up in [a] scarf it’s really not going for a look, it’s going for function because I didn’t have time to wash my hair.”

Tell us: Do you think Eva Mendes’s red carpet look is so bad?

Felipe Ramales/Pacific Coast News

Who: Eva Mendes

Where: Visiting N.Y.C.’s Museum of Modern Art

Diagnosis: Major accessories OD. When done right, a jumpsuit can be fun and sexy. When bogged down with a wide belt, shiny booties and a quilted clutch — all in clashing shades — the look is D.O.A. If someone as gorgeous as Eva Mendes can’t resuscitate this ensemble, it’s clear that it desperately needs a style surgeon.

RELATED PHOTOS: Vote on questionable star style in “Obsessed or Hot Mess?”

Prognosis: Keep the jumpsuit but excise all the accessories. Because the jumpsuit is busy enough on its own, pull hair into a ponytail to eliminate visual clutter. Add barely-there strappy sandals (like this $99 Guess pair), a slim but interesting belt (we love this studded Gorjana style) and streamline that clutch (maybe a simple gold number, like this $100 Kate Spade New York?) for a look that’s turning heads for the right reasons.

–Alex Apatoff

Tell us: How would you “cure” Mendes’s outfit?