Archive for the ‘fashion’ Category

Top knot

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

 

Lately, a top knot with a splash of leopard and a hint of fuchsia is all that seems to please me. The beauty of a bun is the ease in making it look imperfect.

Too tight top knots = too serious.

Messy, soft top knots = approachable, lady-like.

Above are some of my favorite top knots. I love how each one is a variation on a theme. Add a braid. Pull out a tendril. Flip it upside down. Twist the sides.

Just lovely. What is your favorite top knot look?

Lip Service

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
photos courtesy Exude Lipstick
You can imagine the elation I felt upon hearing that Rachel Zoe was fronting the brand new, chic lipstick line: Exude. Not only is she my style idol but I ♥ lipstick and makeup in general. {hello, I love my job!} Ask me any question in your arsenal about lip products and I will answer it. In fact, I carry no less than 10 lip products in my bag at any given time. And yes, I use them all with tender lovin’ care. They can transform a look in minutes. They can make a weary face brighten instantly. And let’s face it…lipstick = hot lips! Don’t even get me started on the perfecto packaging.
Read my lips: you’re gonna want to run out and buy Exude lipstick, pronto! My favorite is the Cranberry.
Buy ‘em here for $29! Mega moisture and mega muah’s comin’ your way…

October: Think Pink

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

October’s just begun and there are a myriad of breast cancer products on the market that benefit the cause. Not only can you get amazing deals on limited edition items ranging from fashion to beauty to artwork but more importantly, each company above {and many more!} donates a percentage of their proceeds to their charity partner. Think Susan G. Komen and Y-ME.

As a woman who has loved and lost several family members from breast cancer…I can’t think of a better reason to hit the streets and go shopping. Just this weekend I purchased Jo Malone’s Red Red Roses. Think Pink!

  1. Tote
  2. Artwork
  3. Bath Oil
  4. Hand Lotion
  5. Beauty Blender
  6. Lip Gloss
  7. Cartier Bracelet

Fierce Fall Beauty

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Saturday, I had the privilege to attend the Nordstrom Cosmetics Trend Show with Ashleigh. So fun, even if we had to be in line by 7am, it was well worth it. I learned so much and it was a lively event…filled with giveaways, raffles, discounts, a lot of whooping & hollaring and red carpet worthy looks. The tickets were $15 which could be applied to any purchase in their cosmetic and beauty department. You don’t have to twist my arm….

 So…my learnings…well, Fall beauty is all about 3 things:

  1. luminous skin
  2. metallics
  3. bold, red lips

Here are some of my favorite pics from the event taken by Ashleigh {thanks m’lady for sharing these great snaps!!}

What did we walk away with? Well, we both had different wish lists. Ashleigh was looking for fab skincare with retinol ingredients that would make her already flawless face even more “luminous.” Me? I wanted bold, dark raspberry lips for Fall but I had very specific parameters. I wanted to splurge on a fab lipstick so the lipstick had to:

1. be from Dior, Chanel or YSL

2. be matte

3. not be red

4. not be sheer

5. not slide off my lips or bleed.

Thanks to Heath, the amazing talent behind the Chanel counter, I settled on Coco Rouge “rivoli” and it was just right. Goldilocks’ famous last words… Oh, and of course I needed a blush to match so I walked away with the Chanel tweed blush.

All in all – a success! I highly recommend attending their next show. It’s a photographer’s dream and major blogger eye candy!

Nailing a trend.

Monday, September 12th, 2011

People always recommend steering clear of trends and sticking with the classics. And while that may work for some, it’s never stuck with me. And since this post deals with nail art as the latest trend to sweep the beauty world right off its feet…I say, go with your big bad self and be trendy! There’s no better or cheaper way to do it than with your nails for these two reasons alone: 1. they always fit, even when you indulge on the weekend and 2. once you get bored, you can just remove the nail art. Talk about avoiding buyer’s remorse!

Here are some of my favorite looks:

I never met a metallic I didn’t like. Gold nails scream “fierce.” Like Beyonce. All you need is a monochromatic outfit like all black and you can rock this look from day into night!

Mint is really big right now and so are polka dots. While I know this nail art wouldn’t last as long as a regular manicure; it’s fun and cheery. This is the perfect look for a GNO or vacation when you are easiest on your hands {read: no typing or cooking}

If you know anything about me; you know that I love cupcakes. And even though this “trend” is out and donuts are in “in” – you won’t win this girl over. I am a cupcake girl through and through. Not only are these nails my favorite of all the images but they are truly a work of art. Look at the workmanship! Do you think they can do this in a no-chip?

I said it before and I’ll say it again – polka dots are HOT! You could really wear this nail art in any color combo…it never gets old. I love this look equally for its retro glamour and for it’s lady like appearance. Pencil skirt anyone?

And here’s a handy-dandy little “how to” for y’all. {If only my nails were in this great of shape on the reg}

What’s your go-to design? Are you into nail art?

Read my lips.

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Take a Risk!

As an official lip gloss expert – I feel it my duty to try a new brand or color each and every month. I figure I owe that to you guys. This blog isn’t named “Confessions of a Lipgloss Junkie” for nothing…

Onward! I recently received a trio of Haughty Cosmetics’ lip glosses on my door step. And as fortune would have it…they did not disappoint! I love the description: “Wear it when you need to feel gorgeous.” Isn’t that every day? I think so. My favorite was entitled “Take a Risk” which I found highly appropriate since I am a firm believer of life being too short to ever take the conservative route. True to it’s alias, this gloss exudes mega shine and a bright, rose pink pout that is sure to make your pearly whites appear even more pearly! The best part – the gloss glides on smoothly unlike some of its tackier competitors.

And because the fashion industry has adopted the trend of a bold lip – I say rock it in the day time AND the night time. As I join the work force full time again, I need my prospects to pay attention to every word that comes out of my mouth so that I can come home and feed the little mouth perched in her swing.

It’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiney day…

Saturday, February 26th, 2011

If there’s one designer that withstands the test of time, it’s Marc Jacobs for me. Above are images from his Spring/Summer 2011 shows. Mr. Jacobs has defined an entire season of fashion for the industry and its buyers like you and me. Forecast reads…bring on the brights. Coral, tangerine, plum, orchid and saffron are the hallmarks of this Spring’s fashion and it’s made it’s way over to the cosmetic counter, too. Coral is indeed the hottest trend to touch your lips and nails.

And this trend doesn’t have to break your bank, either. Major mass brands such as Revlon and Loreal are stocking their shelves and dishing out full page ads featuring their models in coral lips and sun-kissed skin. If coral lips seem too bold, transfer the trend to your digits and you’ll still be ahead of the curve. Even brands like J.Crew are featuring models in coral lips via their catalogs!

And if you’re not buying into the whole cosmetic trend right now or don’t want to risk the chance of bringing home a tube of lipstick that looks scary in your bathroom mirror…incorporate it into your wardrobe via a fun coral clutch, strappy sandals or blazer. Be sure to check out retailers such as H&M, Topshop, Forever21 and Nordstrom’s Rack for inexpensive, realistic finds that won’t send you into a tizzy of regret once the trend changes next season. Really, you can’t go wrong and it’s sure to brighten your mood and everyone’s around you. My 10-day forecast reads: warm temps and sunshiney days!

Can we talk?

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Spring gets my fashion motor running only this Spring, things are a little different…proportionally for me. I feel like Topshop is toying with my emotions thus I wanted to list my favorite, new finds and then I want someone to go buy them and send me a picture of how they styled it. Yeah…that would make me feel better. You guys ok with that?

Petite Yellow Sun Spot Pussybow Blouse

 

Woven Tassle Wedges by Unique**

 

Cream Lace Panel Dress

 

SUGAR Camel Patent Mary Jane Platform Shoes

 

Rose Seventies Wide Leg Trousers

 

Knotted Bandeau Dress by Rare Opulence**

All found here!

 In other news, people have been telling me to kiss my high heels good-bye from now to eternity because moms don’t wear heels. You know what I think? I think that’s a bunch of hooey. Sure…at the halfway mark…I get safety over trend. But when this small lilliputian decides to make an appearance; all bets are off. And since we are on the subject, no…I refuse to get a minivan. And yes, I will consider the suburbs but you aren’t going to sell me on the features of minivans and how easy access they are for the kids. {no offense minivan owners} You have my word.

This blog post is dedicated to a super, hip stylin’ mama who never succumbed to how moms are supposed to look or dress. My hero, CB.

Work out prettier

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Gap Fit Body yoga pants

Gap Fit Body ruched razor back tank

For me, working out is rather a drag. I rarely enjoy it unless with a friend and unfortunately, those opportunities are few and far between. Life is busy for everyone! And with an impending baby-moon around the corner that happens to be in one of the sexiest cities in the world – Hello Rio! – discontinuing my tread routine is not an option. As I grow outward, my old college tees and shorts no longer fit the bill and frankly, isn’t it time to ditch those anyway?

I bought a pair of Gap Fit Body yoga pants last summer and live in them for pilates. They are snug enough without being uncomfortable and are a fraction of the cost of popular brands such as Lucy and Lululemon. Last week I popped in a Gap before  a meeting and was pleased to see new, Spring colors and styles. Innovative designs, check. Sophisticated colors, check. {think lavenders, cerulean blues and slate grays} Flattering shapes, check. Half of the collection would be great to simply lounge in or even better yet, travel in.

Thumbs up to Gap and I highly recommend checking out the Fit Body line. Your college tees will thank you.

Golden Globe Glow

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Nicole Kidman

Jane Krakowski

Natalie Portman

The 2011 Golden Globes quickly acquired a new theme – it’s the year of the “mama”. Stars sporting bumps and doing it fashionably. Gotta love that! Despite the harsh reviews, I loved Natalie’s look. I thought her hair may have been a bit severe but the dress was a winner in my book and followed the ballet color palette she became famous for this year. This is her year!

Nicole became a mama, too in December 2010. They say she had a gestational carrier but I’ve been noticing a baby{ish} bump as of late. Maybe she finally indulged around the holidays like the rest of us! Although her dress is safe, I am a sucker for sparkly, tailored formal wear.

And our dear Jane. 42 and very pregnant. I love it. I think she looks the best she’s ever looked, seriously. That color with her blonde waves is gorge and I thought her hair balanced the whole one shoulder dress lovely.

Who were your faves?

PS – if you want to meet Natalie’s stylist, read about her here!