Nicki Minaj Marie Claire Cover: Rapper Finally Gets The Punk Trend Right (PHOTOS)

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Nicki Minaj definitely didn't get the memo about the Met Gala's punk theme, but she made up for it while striking a pose for Marie Claire's August 2013 issue.

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The outspoken rapper channels a polished punk in a tartan Fausto Puglisi dress for the magazine's cover, and then gets more edgy inside the glossy while rocking a faux-hawk and skin tight LaQuan Smith catsuit. These looks are a far cry from the toned down look she debuted on Elle earlier this year, but homegirl still looks good. We're just glad she stepped away from the pasties.

In fact, the 30-year-old star admitted to Marie Claire that her former over-the-top ensembles were the "craziest, weirdest, ugliest stuff" and simply an attempt to "keep up a mystique."

Well, we're glad she cleared that up -- since we shutter to think that Nicki thought this or that looked good.

The issue also boasts Nicki fielding a number of questions ranging from "will you ever do a video with your real, beautiful hair?" to "who is your secret man?" -- all inquires thought up by her nearly 17 million Twitter followers.

To read the full interview head over to Marie Claire and make sure to check out the video above for behind-the-scenes footage of Nicki's shoot.

Condiment: Summer Style Trend: Embroidery

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Embroidery is said to date back to the fifteenth century, and initially arrived in fashion as a means to repair and reinforce clothing with various stitching, string and yarn. If necessity is truly the mother of all invention, this handicraft is an example.

It's not a surprise that designers and crafters have taken it to the level they have since its early inception. Embroidery over the ages and decades has ranged from the elaborate to the very simple in design, adopted by royalty in kingdoms and castles over the centuries to pretty placement in everyday, modern world.

This season, it is back in a big way in both home and fashion style. With fashion, its a throwback to the timeless classic of embroidery on lightweight, easy and breezy fabrics such as cotton, gauze and linen. Stitching keeps an equal nod to the classic with bold red, yellow and royal blue on white materials, or white and light tone thread and yarns on soft pastels and other colors. A chic and loose fitting top in a comfortable, breathable cotton or gauze with effortless denim and city sandals plays on the trend with an updated vibe. Summer jackets, coats and shawls or wraps are also options. You'll find plenty of this style staple on accessories such as handbags, wallets, totes and even footwear this summer, as well.

In home, embroidery leaps off the usual tapestry, kitchen towel or table cloth to new areas and avenues that go beyond the common. Poufs and ottomans are turning up in home decor with embroidered detailing, ranging from stark contrast of red and white to more intricate combinations. Drapery and window dressings are also incorporating embroidery in, with soft white threads on crisp and clean sheer and lightweight fabrics. It creates enough coverage for privacy in homes and apartments but allows a little light in for a pretty look.

After a season of rich, heavy and thick fabrics and deep, dark tones, this is one trend that brightens up the coming summer months and the cool thing is, it can be had within virtually any budget and at any price point.

To see the rest of this week's edition of Condiment, visit www.getcondiment.com

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Wedding Dresses With Dramatic Backs: The #1 Trend For 2013 (PHOTOS)

By Kellee Khalil for Lover.ly

We're calling it: the #1 trend for wedding dresses for 2013 is dresses with elegant and dramatic backs. Intricate backs create a gorgeous, feminine look that we love for brides; slip into one of these wedding gowns and you can be sure that you'll look as gorgeous leaving the reception as you do when you walk down the aisle. Here are our favorite dresses in this style.

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The delicate pattern on the back of this dress is the most sophisticated heart we've ever seen. The prettiest lace wedding accessories Photo by: Sophie on Style Unveiled via Lover.ly

The pattern on the back of this dress gives it a modern, organic vibe. Gorgeous green wedding florals Photo by: St. Pucchi on Lover.ly

This dress is a modern take on the romantic floral trend. More floral-print fashions Photo by: Mi Belle Photography on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

The hints of color on the back of this dress -- and the bold cutout -- make it stand out from traditional wedding gowns. Light green and pink wedding details Photo by: Claire Pettibone on Lover.ly

The buttons going down the back of this ivory dress create a ladylike, vintage vibe. Our favorite Gatsby-inspired wedding looks Photo by: Badgley Mischka on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

This isn't your grandmother's lace dress! We love the daring back. Be on-on trend with one of these high-neck wedding dresses Photo by: Adam Trujill on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

Draw attention to a toned back with a low-V and a pretty bow. The most romantic wedding updos Photo by: Dido Bridal on Lover.ly

Appliques are another huge trend right now; this dress manages to pull it off without trying too hard. See more embroidered wedding gowns Photo by: Intuzuri on Society Bride via Lover.ly

An open back gives this sweet retro dress a modern twist. Find the perfect vintage wedding dress Photo by: Lilia on Inspired By This via Lover.ly

The metallic accents and simple silhouette make this dress so elegant Gold and silver wedding details Photo by: Segerius Bruce Photography on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

This dress allows you to go backless while still providing a bit of coverage; it would be gorgeous on a winter bride. The loveliest long-sleeved wedding gowns Photo by: Elizabeth Messina on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

An open back adds sass to a short white dress. Find your perfect short wedding dress Photo by: St. Pucchi on Lover.ly

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