Seeing Stripes: Zimmerman Stripe Tank Dress

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Easy, breezy summertime fashion. Zimmerman’s Stripe Tank Dress is a great addition to end-of-summer ease.

Add some ankle boots for night and sandals for day. Transfer into fall with boots and a leather jacket or layer over your favorite leggings or skinnies.

Stripes are the perfect neutral for mixing prints. Add some leopard pumps, a floral scarf or colorful cardigan.

With summer coming to an end… sigh… purchase some great staples that will transition smoothly into fall.

Festive Finds: Jumpsuits

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An ultra-modern alternative to the classic cocktail dress are jumpsuits. Easy and versatile, the jumpsuit is a fashion-forward option for a holiday event or New Years Eve. From casual to chic, there are a  plethora of cool iterations to this playful piece.

Choose solid colors and sophisticated fabrics for an evening-appropriate aesthetic. Available in straight leg or wide leg, the jumpsuit is comfortable and figure-flattering. Show off your best feature by choosing between halter top, tube top or one-shoulder options. With so many variations of this classic ensemble, it might be hard to choose just one:

Here are a few of my favorites:

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Beaute Lace Jumpsuit: $248.00

Catherine Malandrino:  Favorite Jersey Jumpsuit: $395.00

Rachel Pally: Heathcliff Jumpsuit: $242.00

BCBG MAX AZRIA: Leeo Draped One-Shoulder Jumpsuit: $248.00

Rachel Zoe: Edith Shawl Collar Jumpsuit: $197.97 (sale)

Steller Styler: ghd Gloss Collection Limited Edition

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ghd, the global leader in professional hairstyling, introduces their new limited edition Gloss Collection. Available in two colors, red gloss or black gloss, the collection arrives just in time for the holidays.

Achieve a multitude of looks from gorgeous party curls to a sleek frizz-free straight style. This collection features ghd’s bestselling Classic 1″ Styler dressed in a gloss finish. It boasts breakthrough technologies such as an auto sleep mode, universal voltage and a signature rounded barrel. Styling plates are contoured with a high-gloss finish to glide through the hair effortlessly, while providing extra shine.

Available exclusively at ULTA, the Gloss is the best iron I have used. From curls, flicks and waves to sleek and straight style, this styler does it all. Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, creating new hairstyles have never been so easy.

 

Wardrobe Staple: Denim Jacket

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The denim jacket is an easy piece to grab on your way out the door. Versatile and basic, the denim jacket will transition from season to season with effortless style.

The denim jacket is no longer limited to different washes of blue denim. The trend has evolved into prints, colors, proportions and textures. Available in cropped, leather, tweed and jersey detailing, fur, moto style, western style, stud and spike embellishments, floral and leopard print the design elements are endless.

Pair your denim topper with everything from maxi dresses to leather pants. Or wear as a layering piece under a blazer or over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever style you choose from the basic blue to fancy floral, the denim jacket will always be a wardrobe staple.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Snap’ Stretch Denim Jacket: $274.00

Haute Hippie ~ Washed Floral Denim Jacket: $285.00

Rag and Bone ~ Leather Sleeve Jean Jacket: $495.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Silence & Noise Cropped Denim Moto Jacket: $79.00

By Zoe ~ Mickey Jacket: $172.00 (sale)

Second Skin: Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup

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After 8 years of research, Giorgio Armani has produced a new face-makeup category. Touted as a “complexion perfector” or “complexion enhancer,” Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup was created to fulfill the seemingly impossible duality of transparency and coverage.

Armani says that traditional foundations are usually emulsions containing water in oil with fillers; according to cosmetics experts, those fillers can produce a visible masking effect. Maestro Fusion Makeup is created with patented Fusion Technology, consisting of ultra-fine oil-pigments that “fuse” to the skin, blurring imperfections with a no-makeup feel.

Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup, was created with five distinct principles:

1. A water and powder-free base 

2. Totally non-comodogenic 

3. Five time-released oils evaporating gradually

4. Smart pigment technology

5. An easy, fast, fresh and flawless application

The product is dispensed through a dropper and has a very runny consistency. It feels extremely smooth and weightless on the skin. If you have ever used a dry oil, this is the feeling it resembles. The result is a light, whisper-thin formula that gently moisturizes the skin. The shades blend equisitly into the skin and might be the answer to those suffering with color-matching. The finish is extremely natural with a bit of luminosity that lasts all day.

Available in 12 shades, Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Makeup is a new generation of foundation. A “revolutionary complexion perfector” that looks and feels like second skin.

Utilitarian Style: The Transport Rucksack by Madewell

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Functional and fashionable, the backpack is making a comeback. Unlike the “mini backpack” trend of the early 90’s, today’s modern knapsack has more weight and structure.

The Transport Rucksack by Madewell has a traditional, utilitarian style with simple gold details. Durable and lightweight, this backpack is perfect for travel, school or simple daytime activities. Carry all of your essentials effortlessly, hands and hassel-free.

The English Saddle color makes this a practical choice for everyday. The softly worn leather will only get better with time. These items look best with a little wear and tear.

Backpacks are most known and worn for their function rather than aethestic. However, with modern options and designs that serve both purposes –  the backpack is now more wearable than ever.

5 under $50: Summer Shorts

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Stock up on summer shorts now. Available on the cheap everywhere, great sales and deals makes this easy. Here are 5 under $50.00:

J.Crew ~ Stretch Twill Shorts: $49.50

Delias ~ Garden Flower Shorts: $29.50

Quiksilver ~ Chambray Stripe Shorts: $39.60

Old Navy ~ Twill Cut-off Shorts: $18.97

Topshop ~ Floral Texture Runner Shorts: $36.00

Lip Lacquer: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres (Glossy Stain)

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Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres (Glossy Stain) is a unique hybrid of a lip stain and gloss without the dryness of a stain and the stickiness of a gloss.

The Glossy Stain is available in 19 beautiful shades. The pigmentation is rich and true to color. One layer provides a perfect wash of color and two, reaches full opacity. It stains the lips for a long-lasting finish that will not transfer.

The doe-foot applicator makes for easy and precise application. The soft-slanted tip is controllable and accurate. The texture is a gel-like formula that feels comfortable, cooling and hydrating on the lips. The thick consistency plumps the lips and exudes incredible shine with absolutely no glitter or sparkly bits.

This is one of the most inventive lip products I have tried. It is like nail polish for the lips, lacquered and glossy. This is the type of product that you must branch-out and try an extraordinary shade. Skip the neutrals and go directly towards the bold and vibrant shades. My current favorite is #12 Corail Fauve – a pinky-coral shade that looks like sweet watermelon on the lips. However, I have my eye on the perfect red for fall –  #20 Rouge Enamel (Sephora Exclusive) as well as a bold orange – #8 Orange de Chine, my out-of-comfort-zone shade.

GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

How To: The Bend

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Perfectly – un-perfect hair is the only way to describe The Bend. Messy… “this is what I look like when I wake up” hair, that appears effortless, but takes a little work.

This look can be done simply with a flat iron, however, flat iron waves are tricky to master and never look uniform. The following technique is easy and controllable.

NEEDED:

‣ Styling Cream

‣ Heat Protectant

‣ 1 – 1.5 inch Curling Iron

‣ Flat Iron

‣ Texturizing Spray or Hair Spray

HOW TO:

‣ On second day hair, apply a styling cream to add some grip to the hair. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Cream

‣ Next apply some sort of heat protectant to the hair; spray/oil/cream. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Argan Oil

‣ With the curling iron, begin curling 3 inches down from the roots. Haphazardly curl entire head rotating the iron inward than outward. Don’t worry too much about shape of the curl – it will be fixed in a moment.

‣ Once hair is curled and cooled, take flat iron and straighten the ends of the all curls – at least 2 inches from bottom.

‣ If happy with the results, no need to go any further. If, however, some of the curls are “too curly/prom curls” – run the flat iron gently over them. This will remove the curly-ness and result in The Bend.

‣ Finish off the hair with a texturizing spray or hair spray. TRY: Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

OPTION:

The model in the picture is wearing extensions. This look is easier to achieve with some length. If you want to add some extensions, try these: SKR Hair. In a set of SKR Extensions you will receive ten wefts. One of the wefts in the set is an ingenious Quad Weft (4 strips of hair sewn-on to one strip). This piece can be worn with the other wefts or on it’s own. It is extremely comfortable and instantly adds length, volume and body.

Weekend Ensemble: Club Monaco

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This weekend, take less time packing and more time enjoying yourself. Go from day-to-night effortlessly with Club Monaco’s Abagail Linen Crochet Dress.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Ashling

Ray-Ban ~ Aviator: $155.00, Missoni ~ MMD 3511: $350.00, Isabel Marant ~ Dicker Boot: $580.00, Club Monaco ~ Abagail Linen Crochet Dress: $179.50, Winter Kate ~ Flying Fox Bed Jacket: $229.00, House of Harlow 1960 ~ Hayden Fringe Clutch: $245.00, Diane von Furstenberg ~ Opal Crisscross Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Tried & Tested: Susan Posnick COLORFLO

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Susan Posnick COLORFLO

One of the first mineral foundations ever created is Susan Posnick’s COLORFLO. After she was diagnosed with skin cancer, Susan Posnick (celebrity makeup artist) developed a mineral foundation with natural sun protection. She wanted a foundation that had coverage but felt invisible on the skin.

COLORFLO Mineral Foundation is made with all natural ingredients. It lets skin breath and won’t clog pores or irritate skin. It feels weightless on the skin and creates flawless radiant skin.

This sheer coverage foundation is buildable. By layering the product, one can create a medium coverage foundation or use directly as a concealer. COLORFLO provides powerful and natural sun protection and is extremely gentle on the skin.

Packaging is easy and simplified with a built-in application brush. The self-dispensing brush is perfect for on-the-go touchups and fits nicely in any bag.

Drugstore Find: Goody Spin Pins

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Goody Spin Pins

These clever little styling tools are quick and easy. Marketed to “do the work of 20 bobby-pins,” Goody Spin Pins help create simple up-dos in seconds.

Simply gather hair into a high or low bun and spin pins through the hair to secure. It’s that easy. The hold is tight and secure and easy to take out (just spin pin in opposite direction).

After a stylist informed me of a substantial amount of breakage at the crown area, due to securing hair in high-ponytail with elastic while sleeping, I thought I would give these a try. They keep hair out of my face all night and in the morning, I wake up with nice wavy hair.

Try out these little inexpensive hair savers for yourself.

Weekend Ensemble: Adidas by Stella McCartney

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This Father’s Day Weekend, golf is on the menu.

In 2004, Stella McCartney launched a joint-venture with Adidas. The line of sports performance-wear is uber-stylish, comfortable and my pick for sports attire.

This black polo dress from Adidas by Stella McCartney is my go-to outfit. Simple and easy, this dress can be worn on any golf course. Long enough for strict courses but stylish enough for any occasion. The Vauhti Golf Shoe is classic and clean. With a removable kiltie, this shoe feels like a sneaker but performs like a golf-shoe. Of course one must accessorize any outfit. Paired with a matching sun visor and retro golf glove, I am ready to hit the greens. FORE!

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Ashling

Fine Line: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Gel-based eyeliners provide the look of liquid-liner but apply with the ease and control of a gel formula.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners are my pick in this category. They are extremely pliable, long-wearing, water-resistant and are available in an array of 14 beautiful colors.

This award-winning liner feels light and silky on the skin. The texture is smooth, slippery and glides on the eyelid gracefully. This liner lasts all day, no flaking and stays put.

Like most gel-liners, packaging comes in a pot-form. This product does not dry-out as fast as others and will last a very long time because only the tiniest amount is needed. Use with any brush that you are most comfortable with. I prefer Chanel’s Pinceau 13 ultra fine eyeliner brush, it provides ultimate control and accuracy.

This product is truly in a league-of-its-own and once you have tried this eyeliner, it will seem very hard to use anything else.

Makeup Eraser: Jane Iredale Dot the i Makeup Remover Swabs

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Jane Iredale Dot the i Makeup Remover Swabs

Jane Iredale Dot the i Makeup Remover Swabs erase all signs of makeup mishaps quick and easy. The botanical formula is gentle, alcohol-free and safe around the eye area.

These unique cotton swabs are pre-measured with makeup remover and with a simple snap the cotton is fully absorbed. With one swipe, whisk away raccoon eyes, eyeshadow fallout, or bleeding lipsticks.

These cotton swabs can also be used to perfect a look. Achieve a “cat eye,” winged-liner look, by simply sweeping the swab at the outer-corner to perfect the edge. Or finish off a red lip, by gliding swab under the outline of the lip, to prevent color from bleeding.

Formulated with organic extracts including Lavender Flower Water-calms and soothes, Algae Extract-nourishes and hydrates and Aloe Leaf Extract-protects and conditions, these swabs feel fresh on the skin and leave no trace of residue.

Jane Iredale Dot the i Makeup Remover Swabs are great for on-the-go, travel or whenever needed.

 

How To: Modern Ballerina Bun

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A modern twist on a classic bun, this hairstyle is not only easy but chic. A high disheveled hair bun is a quick way to add a bit of refinement to your look. Add texture in the hair or a dainty accessory to finish-off this stylish updo.

How to:

✒ Apply styling product to dry hair for hold.

✒With a boar-bristle brush, sweep hair back into a high ponytail. Fasten.

✒Add texture and volume to hair by teasing the ponytail gently and spray with texturizing hair spray.

✒Coil ends of ponytail around the base and pin haphazardly in place.

✒Tug at bun to position and pin back any short layers around the bun. Hairspray to hold.

✒If needed, add accessory, headbands, bows and flowers look especially adorable.

Look Complete!