Blog Archives
The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny
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Like fine wine, the J Brand Black Skinny only gets better with age. Known for both comfort and style, J Brand (btw: ‘J’ stands for Jeff – Jeff Rudes owner) creates great basics that last. The J Brand Black Skinny is the only black skinny I may ever buy. No fading and no stretching – this classic should be a staple in every woman’s closet.
Bored of black denim? Reinvent your day-to-day classics. If you have exhausted all combinations in your closet – mix-it-up with a great shoe or accessory. Try a colorful or embellished flat or rugged ankle boot. However, if you are not six feet tall, ankle boots can be tricky. Paired with skinny jeans they can make you look stumpy. The key to wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans is to create a continuous line. This means wearing dark rinse blue jeans with black ankle boots, or black jeans with a dark gray pair of ankle boots. The colors do not have to match exactly, but should be close enough that there’s no significant break when one ends and the other begins.
Keep it classic and style your J Brand Skinnies with sophisticated black and white pieces. Always on trend and deceptively simple, the black and white combination looks polished and fresh.
When it comes to the classics, investing in great pieces makes a world of difference. These J Brand Skinnies will outlast the next three pairs of less expensive versions bought. Save yourself the time and headache and buy the best.
How To: Lips & Lashes
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Holiday parties are the perfect opportunity to take risks and add a little drama to your makeup look. My favorite festive look is sophisticated, classic and can be worn at any event. Lips & Lashes. By highlighting both of these features you will look instantly polished at any event this season.
LIPS: Prep your pout for mistletoe kisses. Go with classic red or a bold bordeaux. For those who are not used to wearing a bold lip, it’s time to get confident and try something new for your next holiday event.
For finding the best red for your skintone and how to apply the party-ready lip – check out these posts:
Four Favorites: Red Lipstick
How To: Perfect Red Lip
LASHES: If you have been wanting to experiment with false lashes, let this holiday season be your time to take the leap. Get fiercely flirty eyes in minutes using individual lashes.
Individual lashes are great for beginners. They look extremely natural, are comfortable to wear and easy to apply. Additionally, these lashes can also be placed wherever you need them. Add to the corners of the eyes for a bit of extra interest or to the center of the eye for an instant doe-like effect or all over for extra thickening and lengthening.
Individual false eyelashes come in two options: flares and singles. For a more dramatic look – try flares. I suggest getting them in small or medium (long… is really long). Flared lashes are available in two types: knotted and knot-free. Knotted have a knot at the top of the cluster to join the lashes. They provide extra surface area that make applying a little easier. However, knot-free look more natural.
NEED & RECOMMENDED:
♦ Lashes: Duralash Natural Knot-Free Medium Black
♦ Glue: Duo Eyelash Adhesive
♦ Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant
♦ Eyelash Curler: Kevyn Aucoin Beauty Eyelash Curler
♦ Mascara: Giorgio Armani ‘Eyes to Kill’ Mascara
HOW TO:
- Use tweezers to grasp the sprig of lashes as close to the base as possible.
- Place a dot of glue on a flat surface and dip the base of the sprig into the glue using a light touch.
- KEY TIP: Wait at least 10 seconds for the glue to get tacky before applying.
- Now, start on the outer corner and lay the lash behind your natural lash. Use a “picket-fence” approach when applying.
- Once the glue is dry, curl the lashes close to the base of your lashes, being careful not to press too hard. The faux lashes will curl much more than your natural lashes.
- Then, finish by applying mascara to “marry” the faux with your natural lashes.
Festive Frocks: LRD
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Get in the holiday spirit this season with a classic LRD. The blushing alternative to black, the little red dress combines a spirited color palette and holiday flare that will sizzle at any event this season.
When wearing red… think sophisticated not cheap. Look for sharp lines, great design and a fairly conservative cut. Pair with neutrals like black or nude and try not to over accessorize. Keep it simple, keep it chic.
Here are a few of my favorite festive frocks:
Splendid ~ Washed-Crepe Shirt Dress: $110.00
Alice + Olivia ~ Peplum Knit Dress: $264.00
Three Floor ~ Bad Girl Dress: $308.00
Black Halo ~ Jackie Belted Gabardine Sheath Dress: $345.00
Miu Miu ~ Flared Stretch-Jersey Dress: $595.00
Four Favorites: Red Lipstick
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As the seasons change, the reach for a red lipstick grows closer. Unfortunately, many women are scared of scarlet. I believe there is a simple adjustment period or rite of passage, when wearing a bright lip. Just like anything else, to diverge from our comfort zone is an uncomfortable feeling. Try this: When home alone, cleaning house, reading a book, watching television – apply your bright lip and test-drive for the day. Let your eyes adjust to the unfamiliar look and I promise it won’t be so shocking next time.
Tips on Application: HOW TO: PERFECT RED LIPS
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Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle: My all-time favorite. A bright blue-based red with glossy sheen. The Rouge Cocos’ are extremely moisturizing and allow you to wear both a sheer or heavy red lip.
NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red: NARS best-seller, Jungle Red is bright and bold. If you want to commit to a “Gwen Stefani/Rita Hayworth” red lip – this one’s for you.
YSL Rouge Volupt in #18 Red Taboo: Cool-toned red with a hint of raspberry. The Rouge Volupt lipsticks are comfortable and light on the lips. Extremely pigmented, long-lasting, uber-creamy and incredibly glossy.
Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge: The classic brick red. For those still uncomfortable wearing the bright lip – this is your training wheels. Deep and luxurious – the color is beautiful and sophisticated – the formula is hydrating and long-lasting.
How To: Glitter
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Sparkle this holiday season with a little glitter.
Application of glitter can go terribly wrong… fast. It is messy and can look too theatrical if not careful. To make glitter appear chic and sophisticated, use only a small amount in a concentrated area.
Start with product. The Illusion D’Ombre Eyeshadows by Chanel are by far my favorite. They have intense pigmentation and provide a classic shimmering effect with one easy-to-use swipe. They can be used with fingers or a very dense brush for perfect application. If actual glitter is desired, loose pigments/glitter are best. Make Up Forever Glitters are soft, concentrated and finely-milled for super sparkle.
How To Apply Glitter:
➺ On clean eyelids, apply eyeshadow primer from lash line to brow bone. (Favorite: Urban Decay Primer Potion)
➺ The glitter will need something to adhere to, apply a cream eyeshadow to the lid. This can be nude or a color that compliments the glitter. (Favorite: MAC Paint Pot)
➺ Using a small synthetic brush, dip into the glitter. Tap off excess.
➺ Press the glitter onto the lid in a dabbing motion. Do not sweep.
➺ Mist a setting spray gently on the eyes and wait to dry. (Favorite: Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray)
✴ If this technique is still too messy, on the back of hand or artist’s palette, mix cream eyeshadow and glitter together and apply to the lid. With glitter application, fallout is expected. Make sure to do eye makeup first and face makeup second. Dab the fallout with scotch tape to clean any loose particles.
Fringe Benefits: L*SPACE Miss Mohave Stardust
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L*SPACE Miss Mohave Stardust
L*SPACE by Monica Wise sets the trend each season in swimwear. From sexy to sophisticated this brand delivers high-quality, body-conscious silhouettes.
The Miss Mohave Stardust one-piece is fun and fanciful. The plunging neckline drenched in white fringe is the focal point to this piece, an L*SPACE signature. The ethnic-inspired print is colorful and vivid with geometric shapes placed perfectly to accentuate the body.
The Miss Mojave Stardust one-piece can be worn on its own, or coupled with a maxi skirt creating an entire ensemble. Wear this suit as a top, paired with jeans/jean shorts, the possibities are endless.
Check out the L*SPACE website to find your perfect suit. L*SPACE offers a wide variety of mix and match options, suit-able for everyone.
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!
Glow-T 