The Little Red Dress
May 4, 2010
This spring and summer is all about mixing nudes with a splash of color. The little black dress may be a classic but what about the little red one?
When the design is simple and classic, dare to add some bold color! The trick with color is to find a balance, you don’t want to over do it. Keep the contras in balance with soft natural tones and controlled splashes of color (as in this case, very light clean make up paired with a bold red dress and red lipstick to match).
The same could be done with a pink or yellow, only in the case of yellow keep your lipstick a peachy tone or play with a hot pink. Find your color and go for it with a classic design. This dress pictured here is a pleated tube dress from KENZI on yesstyle.com. You can view more styles from Kenzi on YES STYLE by clicking below.
A design so simple that stands out from color gives you a lot of options. On its own it is fabulous, but when you mix in accessories it becomes an entirely new look. This dress can be worn simple for the earlier afternoon, and then can be glamed out in the evening with some black tights, accessories, and an elegant updo. Of course, in all of these styling ideas you must maintain a balance.
For this look, I kept my make up simple with soft skin tones for a glowy and natural look. KATE has some great colors that leave a clean and flawless finish, but also goes on smoothly.
I just started using them recently and have been happy with the results. Sometimes eye shadows are flaky and don’t cover, or worse they cover too much and leave a mess. So far these have been treating me nicely, and it feels light on the skin which I like.
I am going to have to try their lipstick and lip glosses next. I wanted to start with the eye shadows to get a feel for quality and I am thrilled. Their mascara is really nice, too. I’ve been using it for a few weeks. It feels very silky, and though sweat-proof it is designed to come off gently with warm water. That’s something I am pretty cautious of, I don’t like anything too harsh. Even normal waterproof mascara is something I use only when I need to since it is rough on your eyelashes. We’ve got to keep them, soft, luscious, and long after all!
Loving The Fashion World: Make Up Inspirations
April 27, 2010
This past week has been nonstop and filled with fashion shoots, shows, and great cigar events. I only have a few photos I was able to sneak in, but as soon as the professional shots are sent to me I’ll be certain to update you with them.
These photos are of the make up done for an AVEDA hair show. (I didn’t even get to see the hair, they took the updo down right after the show and I didn’t get to look at the details. I can share a picture of the hair from a practice run through weeks previously. It was pretty great!). Sergio was my make up artist and wow is he amazing. I am in love with these lashes by the way, how wicked are they?
I love the eyebrows here, too- mine are covered so they cannot be seen, and then drawn in. Each girl for the show had a slight variation on the brow- whether a strait line going slightly up, longer line, and so on.
The red extensions placed in my hair went all the way down to my heels- it was heavy and haute! Loved it.
These eyes may be a bit crazy for a day to day look (you know I went to dinner with this make up afterward, lol), but there is definitely a lot of inspiration here. I love the tones of gold and purple used here, and the eyeliner isn’t too much of an exaggeration. There are definitely some possibilities here.
I know I will be playing around with some ideas, and I would love to see yours as well! Doll-like make up is my personal favorite!
Double The Lines For Glamorous Eyes
August 5, 2009
A color looks extra bold and brilliant when it is brushed up against a simple black line, double it and you have one strong and glamorous look. Add some sultry lashes and you have a lovely look!
I like to change my make-up look on a regular basis. Otherwise I get bored and it’s hard to get excited about things when you are feeling bored. So I’ll play with anything from classic to exotic. It varies from my mood, the season, and my outfits. If you’ve ever picked an outfit revolving around a shoe, I’m sure you’ve done the same with make up as well, lol.
I love this look, I invent it back into my style here and there. Sometimes I just forget until the idea strikes me again- you know? But I do love how elegant this look feels, and how incredibly simple it is to match with any outfit. It dresses up the casual wear and balances beautifully with the more formal styles. The flair finish of the blue eye shadow at the edges of the eye mean they have an attitude for anything!
A very simple look that takes very little time. Gotta love that. When I have my eyes dressed up in a bold fashion, I like to keep the rest of my face simple. Just a touch of blush or bronze on the cheeks- like a subtle sun kissed look, and then either nude or glossed lips.
It’s all warm and sunny outside today, so I’m going with the lip gloss look. A nice, simple shine. Maybe later in the evening if I want to be more dramatic in this look, I’ll wear a nude shade of lipstick. That will really make the eyes stand out.
A Black Fitted Jacket With A Sexy Look
July 26, 2009
I’m having an editorial fashion mood today, and the inspiration comes from a new piece in my wardrobe. It reminds me of a style of jacket that I have been seeking out for some time now- if you will remember my post on the Armani 09 Single Button Jacket, it is still on my wishlist.
But in the meantime I have a beautiful inspiration, this is a jacket from “Black Queen” which can be found from yesstyle.com. It comes in various colors- black, white, blue, and a light green, but I felt I had to go with the classic black.
This one buttoned jacket is a beautiful design- nice lines and a great silhouette, modern but very chic and classic. I think it’s just on the line of edgy and runway-like on its own, though I’ll probably explore either a white, nude, or black tank top underneath it for practical purposes. A collar shirt (maybe white, blue or even silver) could really bring a new level to this piece as well. Great design though, I’m really loving the possibilities with this one!
I have an old vintage green pencil skirt that is the same shade as the green jacket they offer from this same line, so I am tempted to order another for that outfit alone. I think it would look gorgeous together. I went with the black just because I can get more use out of it- with shorts, a skirt, or even jeans it will look fabulous.
Now, I was in an edgy mood this morning so I decided to have fun with my make up and brought out my turquoise eyeliner. When I wear all black I am usually tempted to add a color somewhere in my look to make it really pop out, whether it be my nails, lipstick, shoes, or eyeshadow. In this case, it was the eyes.
I am having fun with the look today. Normally when I do my eyes in this fashion, it is with a copper liquid eyeliner which gives it that metallic look. I haven’t been able to find any lately so I went with the color I had on hand, turquoise. No complaints though, it gives it a beautiful rich color that feeds nicely with the black.
I think this jacket and I are going to have some great and unique looks in our future- definitely looking forward to it! xx
Eyes That Sparkle, A “ShowStoppers”Preview
July 5, 2009
Sparkle, sparkle- I’ll admit it, if it has a certain shine to it there is a good chance I’ll buy it. I’m not ashamed of my love with pretty sparkly things- it’s part of the appeal of diamonds after all, isn’t it? And might I add, with a name like “SHOWSTOPPERS” this had to be mine!
It’s the sparkle that first caught my attention while I was shopping, in Target naturally. Sonia Kashuk already made my follow list with her coral brush set I featured some time ago, in two parts. Because of this I tend to keep on eye on what she has to bring out next.
My last two purchases from her are pictured above, the “Razzle Dazzle -22″ which you can just see beneath the glittering set above, it’s nice and simple and great for blending- very subtle and not the interesting focus of this post. The second item I purchased is though- the “showstoppers-01″ eyeshadow from Sonia Kashuk. Just look at that glimmer, makes my eyes get wide with excitement!
I wanted to share it with you first! I’m still just playing with what it can do. So far I’ve kept it very subtle, I like the quiet hint of shine that glimmers when the light hits you just right. I think it is memorizing.
From what I can tell so far, the black shade actually does apply very dark, which is nice for smokey eyes. The brown is not as obvious, it is in the medium range when it come to hue and definitely on the more subtle side with the first application. I find that the top two colors, the champagne and white shades, can be applied very lightly with just the slightest hint of color. Though if you wanted to, a heavier application does present a more obvious hue. I am still playing with it so I will update more as I experiment.
I don’t know that the camera captures the shimmer as well as natural movement and sunlight would, but that will have to be part of the further experimentation! In the mean time, if you want to play on your own you can find this eye shadow at Target. Yes, dresses, accessories, make up… they’ve got it all it seems!
Champagne Eyes With A Touch Of Smoke
May 17, 2009
Because sometimes I like just a hint of smoke on my eyes and I adore the color champagne. This particular “champagne” is from smashbox, I love how it has the right amount of shimmer in balance with the color making for a lovely smooth look.
The smoke is subtle- strongest on the ends and fading towards the center for a soft and delicate look. And I add just a soft stroke beneath the eyes to bring the bold lines together. I love this look for the day as full on smokey eyes can be so intense. With this look, it has just the right amount that can even continue on into the evening.
I used three shades in this one, the “champagne” and and shadow colors from smashbox and a third bronze-medium brown/tan shade to blend the two together. I kept things simple because I think a little bit goes a long way. The shadow and champagne are so contrasting that not much is needed.
It is an elegant and chic look that can be worn for any occasion and feels fabulous on.
Sultry Silver Smoky Eyes
March 27, 2009
After playing with brilliant bold colors (like coral and gold), I am ready for a more sultry elegant look- and for me silver is just the color. There are endless possibilities, and this morning I decided to lean on the bolder side of silver. Nothing too out there, just a subtle hint through some dramatic eyes in my makeup.
And so I played with my make up to do a classic look with a silver glow. A nice touch of eyeliner to elongate the eyes and really make them pop combined with the classic smoky eye make up- only with more of a silver presence to make the look all the more dramatic and glamorous.
My lashes are pretty long to begin with naturally, but when you add the Le 2 Mascara from Guerlain it maximizes the volume and length like nothing else (I love it).
It is more about the silver faded into the hint of dark gray that collects at the ends of the eyes- one side with a fine eyeliner and the other with the rich smoky finish.
The finished look is simple but quite bold- a little can go a long way. It doesn’t take long to do but the results last the entire day and feel flawless. This is a fun look to do and a great way to get excited about the day.
I did mine with silver and gray colors- however if you’re looking for even more, go for the gold. Use a nice bronze or gold and mix it into a darker shade of brown- definitely rich and glamorous as well. Even a dark purple could prove to be royal and luxurious.
Play around and make it your own, simple is key as a little goes a long way. Its the details that count.
A Line Above The Lash
March 7, 2009
A little can go a long way, and sometimes I like to let my lashes speak for themselves. Long lashes look beautiful on their own and make an otherwise clean natural look really pop.
But then sometimes I want an extra little flair to keep the look playful and interesting.
Eyeliner comes first to mind- there are so many possibilities that come with it, colors included. Since I am going for a natural clean look I chose to use black eyeliner and use it very sparingly.
To keep it natural I don’t even want to line the entire eye- the look is bold and fun but not minimal enough for what I am looking for. So I play around with the end and add just a simple extension from my natural line, filling it in until it returns meeting the rest of my eye, leaving two thirds of the top line of my eye lashes completely untouched.
Very simple, very delicate and the look is beautiful. I love it.
I keep everything else simple to complete the look as well- only a slight brush of bronze on my cheeks, revealing only a hint of color, and some light pink gloss for a little shine.
I think there is something elegant about keeping it simple from time to time, letting features speak for themselves.
And this tiny little line does just the trick- beautiful, simple, and elegant.
From Runway To Reality Eyes
December 23, 2008
Who doesn’t love the fantasy and glamor of make up from the Runway. It is playful and bold- and it hast to be for it to really be noticed. Creativity is allowed to push the line as, after all- it is a show.
But that doesn’t mean all is lost or that it cannot be translated into reality. It should inspire us and give us new ideas for colors and lines.
One fashion show look can translate into five looks for the real life girl. Maybe its the use of blush, the placement of color on the lips contrasted against the eyes, maybe it is just the eyes alone.
There is always something that can be taken and used in your own beauty. Sometimes, even more subtle than we may realize.
After being dolled up for the Orangia fashion show, and quite literally “dolled” up- the dresses she designs are like goddess dolls, absolutely gorgeous yet comfortable and perfect for parties. Anyway- I adored the make up, it was so fun and doll like. I wanted to use it but in an actual wearable way.
I was just thinking about it recently and broke it down to its most simple element- the eyes. What makes this look so fabulous is the simplicity of the strong lines on the eyes (with bold lashes of course) and the well placed bright pink blush.
Well, why not just do a simple line, and keep the rest of the face clean? Mascara of course to lengthen and enhance the eye lashes, but really keep it simple.
And so I did; I kept the lips glossed but otherwise nude. Just some subtle shadow on the eye lids, but really emphasized the line of the eye with some eye liner.
I kept the line long and slightly upwards on the ends to keep it feminine and pretty. Using my Guerlain Mascara, I completed the look from the line outward and with a bit of color to make it pop even more.
It is subtle, but clean, elegant, and pretty. And of course, completely wearable in reality.
Honestly, I think it looks fine like this, but you could even add a hint of a bright pink blush on the cheeks to make the look more doll-like and still pull it off just fine.
It only takes a moment to do and I love the results.
Adorable With Bright and Bold Color
December 7, 2008
Because sometimes you want to just play with color and feel adorable. I still love to wear pigtails from time to time- I do. It is simple and when done right can be absolutely adorable and lovable.
Add some bright color and now we are very much talking playful- and it is still pretty and fabulous when you are loving what you are wearing.
This is a look I like to do from time to time when I am going out with friends for some drinks at a club or bar- I keep my wardrobe simple, usually playing around with the different silhouettes cocktail dresses offer these days. I don’t like to do too much- overwhelming is no fun at all. Just enough to add a bit of spice and pizazz to an otherwise simple outfit. The pigtails add another level to a dresses silhouette as well.
When wearing bold colors, such as this blue eye shadow or hot pink lipstick- you have to be comfortable and love it, otherwise there isn’t a point in it! No sense in being awkward, believe in what you like and like what you like- actually enjoy it. It is up to you to make a look your own.
Purple On Purple Beauty
November 29, 2008
Sometimes I feel like playing with a bit of color, but I don’t want something heavy and too dramatic. I will want something that is soft, delicate, but still has a bit of a pop to it.
Pastels usually end up being the direction I go in, but this time I wanted to to go full color- all with purple. All purple would normally mean various purple shades in a dramatic smoky eye look, but this time I played it soft and gently.
I used a little eye liner to dress it up a bit, too- make it more unique and interesting. It is very subtle but when you have purple most intense on the edge of the eye meeting purple mascara- it definitely pops!
Matching my eye shadow to my mascara is something different that I look forward to experimenting with a bit more. It isn’t too dramatic or over the top at all- it is very subtle. Only it certain glimpses of sunlight does it really make itself known, too- which I kind of like. The mascara appears to be nearly a black purple, maybe an eggplant, but only in certain lights does it appear extremely vibrant.
Make Me Up In Golden Beauty
August 19, 2008
I am feeling a bit gold today, it is such a radiant and rich look. Doesn’t take too much which is nice- subtle touches of the right hues in the right places is all.
I had been in a lingerie fashion show where the theme was wild animals. I was assigned the leopard (much to my pleasing) and simply loved the make up Morgan, the make up artist, had created.
Above and beside are photos of her work (it was a late show and some champagne and enjoying the evening afterwards makes one a bit tired- even so I think the make up held up quite alright).
Anyway, remembering this look, I allowed it to inspire one of my own. Though the side bronze is quite beautiful and great for show- it is a bit much for day to day.
So Instead I thought to make it softer with some bronzed gold coloring just covering the lids and underlining below. Gives it a bit of a bold pop- but then a soft finish so it works for the day.
For the lips I used a favorite of mine- a gold lipstick that is slightly sheer and more than anything gives a complimenting golden shimmer to the natural lip color. The make-up I use is Guerlain, they have some wonderful bronzes and golds that work beautifully together.
I love a little gold indulgence. Much love.
