As I try to relaunch this thing and balance it with my other blog, I'm brainstorming some ideas for both. And right now, I'm asking for your help with one of them.
This idea occurred to me a few months back while shopping with my sister. She and I have pretty opposite tastes: she's Ralph Lauren, I'm Betsey Johnson. We both admired a few of the same garments, though, which got me thinking: style isn't so much about the actual clothes as it is how you wear them. My sister and I would buy the same dress but each style it completely differently.
So here's my idea: I'd like a stable of women I can consult. Each week I will send you a link to a product. A garment, accessory, something you can wear. I'll also give you a budget. Then you look around online and build an outfit around that product. You send me links to everything you'd pair with it, and I'll compile the results and post them here.
I think this will be a fun way to showcase how many different ways you can wear a simple dress or pair of shoes or whatever. It'll give us all a chance to see something through new eyes and maybe look at our own closets in a new way. If you're interested, drop me a comment here and we'll talk!
Showing posts with label fab on a budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fab on a budget. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
On Target: Tucker for Target images are online!
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| Dress $39.99 Reversible Vest $24.99 Camisole $22.99 |
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| Woven Tee $24.99 Shorts $34.99 |
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| Trench $59.99 Dress $39.99 Camisole Dress, $34.99 |
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| Dress $39.99 |
I'll definitely be hitting my local Target to check out the Tucker line next week! If I find any gems I'll post an update – and if any readers check it out, let me know!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A Potpourri of Quickies
Every now and then I look through my collection of bookmarked links and realize that I have plenty of things I want to share with no connecting thread to tie them together. Today is one of those days. So instead of sitting on them any longer, here's a round-up of some great style-related links for you:
• More on color trends for fall at Refinery 29.
• The Budget Fashionista recommends seven fall items you can buy right now.
• StyleList has some tips on transitioning your wardrobe from summer to early fall.
• Levi's has released a new denim line called Curve ID, designed to better fit women's bodies. But there's some controversy concerning the line's sizing and promotion.
• Today was 9/02/10! Celebrate 90210 Day with the original West Beverly High class and Go Fug Yourself.
• Yahoo's style page has some cute fall coats – all under $100!
Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll be back in full swing next week, so watch this space!
• More on color trends for fall at Refinery 29.
• The Budget Fashionista recommends seven fall items you can buy right now.
• StyleList has some tips on transitioning your wardrobe from summer to early fall.
• Levi's has released a new denim line called Curve ID, designed to better fit women's bodies. But there's some controversy concerning the line's sizing and promotion.
• Today was 9/02/10! Celebrate 90210 Day with the original West Beverly High class and Go Fug Yourself.
• Yahoo's style page has some cute fall coats – all under $100!
Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll be back in full swing next week, so watch this space!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Take a walk on the wild side this fall!
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| Cheetah Print Dress, $24.99 at Target.com |
Leopard is always a popular look. I love this cropped jacket – the shape has sort of a Mad Men feel, and you could just as easily wear it over jeans and a t-shirt as you could a little black dress and heels. It's the kind of piece that will instantly lift your basics into a more polished look. If you're feeling a little more adventurous, the same site also offers monochromatic leopard-print jeans.
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| Cropped leopard jacket, $21.99 at NewportNews.com |
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| Zebra print skirt, $19.99 at Target.com |
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| Snakeskin purse, $34.00 at NewportNews.com |
Liven up a solid dress or cinch the waist of a cardigan with a zebra-print belt, like this one, on sale for $29.99. (It also comes in leopard.) Or give just a hint of the wild with a leopard print watch.
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| "Feline Feisty" flat, $29.99 at ModCloth.com |
If you do choose an animal print, make it the focal point of the outfit – I love the look of a bold print with bright colors, but keep the shape and style of your other pieces simple. Print + ruffles or shoulder pads or any other kind of frippery can become too much really fast. To keep it classy, keep the focus on the print. Keep jewelry simple and makeup subdued (though a bold red lip and leopard print do make a classic bombshell combo). Definitely stay away from actual animal print makeup.
A lot of people shy away from animal prints because they think they're hard to wear. But really you can tailor them to your own style with the amount and type that you choose. You don't have to look like someone out of Married to the Mob.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Quickie: Shopping Vintage Online
If you love vintage clothes but find it overwhelming to comb the web yourself looking for quality pieces, check out Zuburbia. Every day Zuburbia features a "VOPD" (Vintage Piece of the Day), and the site gives a weekly round-up of some of the best vintage buys on eBay.
From the site owner's mission statement:
From the site owner's mission statement:
I hope to share tips, hints, info and vintage shopping adventures in addition to bringing you my Vintage Pick of the Day (VPOD)—a vintage item I spied on one of the gazillions of vintage clothing sites that populate the Internet.If you prefer shopping for yourself, try Vintage Vixen or Vintageous. Both sites offer a great selection from a variety of eras and detailed descriptions of each item's condition and sizing. I've found the prices more reasonable at Vintage Vixen, but Vintageous tends to have more designer and ornate items.
Every day I’ll be visiting sites and looking for unique, eye-catching, I-gotta-have-it pieces in all price ranges.
If you’re new to vintage, I hope these items will whet your appetite. If you’re already a vintage lover, perhaps you’ll end up acquiring an item you’ll wear with pride.
Just think of me as your own personal vintage shopper!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
$30 jeans and other sale items at Gap
Over at The Budget Fashionista, you can find five pairs of Gap jeans for under $30!
I love Gap jeans. My favorite go-to jeans are Gap Long and Leans. I usually buy one pair and wear them to death over the course of a couple of years since they run on the pricey side for non-designer denim, but Gap also has great sales like this where you can get their terrific jeans for less. They have plenty of other great deals right now too, like this great menswear-style shirt for $17.99:
They also have some pieces you can use to transition your summer clothes into fall like this cardigan that comes in four colors and starts at $14.99:
I find that Gap's tops and tees tend to run a little roomy and I usually don't need to worry about going a size up like I do some places. The fit of their jeans tends to depend on the cut and style, so you may want to try them on in-store. But if you can't get to the mall, don't be afraid to order online: Gap has a very generous return policy and takes online returns in-store.
If falling into the Gap isn't your cup of tea, check out some other denim options under $40.
All images courtesy of Gap.com.
I love Gap jeans. My favorite go-to jeans are Gap Long and Leans. I usually buy one pair and wear them to death over the course of a couple of years since they run on the pricey side for non-designer denim, but Gap also has great sales like this where you can get their terrific jeans for less. They have plenty of other great deals right now too, like this great menswear-style shirt for $17.99:
They also have some pieces you can use to transition your summer clothes into fall like this cardigan that comes in four colors and starts at $14.99:
I find that Gap's tops and tees tend to run a little roomy and I usually don't need to worry about going a size up like I do some places. The fit of their jeans tends to depend on the cut and style, so you may want to try them on in-store. But if you can't get to the mall, don't be afraid to order online: Gap has a very generous return policy and takes online returns in-store.
If falling into the Gap isn't your cup of tea, check out some other denim options under $40.
All images courtesy of Gap.com.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Make your own cooling skin mist
After an hour or two out in the hot sun, skin can become parched and starving for moisture. There are plenty of products on the market now to refresh your skin on the go: The Body Shop makes a facial mist with vitamin E, and Juice Beauty offers one with natural oils and extracts. Or if you want to just waste some money you can always buy an aerosol can of plain old water for $10.
But if you want a refreshing, cooling facial mist and cash in your pocket, make your own at home using this easy recipe from the July issue of InStyle:
Brew and steep plain green tea (you can find Bigelow tea bags in most grocery stores) and cool. Pour over ice in a spray bottle and voila! A cool, refreshing skin mist. And the antioxidants in the tea will help repair sun damage. You can make this in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, too. And if you make too much you can always drink what's left over since green tea has plenty of health benefits. For extra cooling power, find a spray bottle with a fan like this one:
You can always experiment with adding extra components if you want, like aloe vera juice or vitamin e oil. Just keep in mind that once you get into mixing things you need to think about spoilage. So it's probably safest to keep the tea on its own and mix in any additional ingredients on a per-use basis instead of storing it.
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| Evian Mineral Water Spray, $10 at Sephora.com |
But if you want a refreshing, cooling facial mist and cash in your pocket, make your own at home using this easy recipe from the July issue of InStyle:
Brew and steep plain green tea (you can find Bigelow tea bags in most grocery stores) and cool. Pour over ice in a spray bottle and voila! A cool, refreshing skin mist. And the antioxidants in the tea will help repair sun damage. You can make this in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, too. And if you make too much you can always drink what's left over since green tea has plenty of health benefits. For extra cooling power, find a spray bottle with a fan like this one:
You can always experiment with adding extra components if you want, like aloe vera juice or vitamin e oil. Just keep in mind that once you get into mixing things you need to think about spoilage. So it's probably safest to keep the tea on its own and mix in any additional ingredients on a per-use basis instead of storing it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Freebie Quickies!
Today I've got a couple of freebies for you!
If you have curly hair, you can sign uphere to be a hair model for Ouidad. Ouidad salons and products are targeted to curly hair and they use models to train stylists in their cutting technique. That means there is a risk since you'll be sort of a training model, but if you're willing to try it out you get a consultation (which means you get a say in what they do!), a cut, and possibly a deep conditioning treatment. You can check the Salon Locator to see if there's a Ouidad salon in your area.
Origins is offering free mini facials at their retail locations. (The online ad says 7/8-7/11, but I just got this promoted in an e-mail today, so call your store to find out if this is still a valid offer.)
If you have curly hair, you can sign uphere to be a hair model for Ouidad. Ouidad salons and products are targeted to curly hair and they use models to train stylists in their cutting technique. That means there is a risk since you'll be sort of a training model, but if you're willing to try it out you get a consultation (which means you get a say in what they do!), a cut, and possibly a deep conditioning treatment. You can check the Salon Locator to see if there's a Ouidad salon in your area.
Origins is offering free mini facials at their retail locations. (The online ad says 7/8-7/11, but I just got this promoted in an e-mail today, so call your store to find out if this is still a valid offer.)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Summer-proof your beauty routine
It's hot out there!
Summer means a lot of time outdoors. And while I know plenty of women blessed with gorgeous skin and coloring that requires no makeup, I am not one of them. That means that when summer comes I start worrying about raccoon eyes from melted mascara, unintentional smokey eyes from smudged eyeliner, creasing shadow, and oily skin. That means adjusting my routine to accommodate the heat and humidity as well as the increased oil my skin produces when it's warm.
Summer means a lot of time outdoors. And while I know plenty of women blessed with gorgeous skin and coloring that requires no makeup, I am not one of them. That means that when summer comes I start worrying about raccoon eyes from melted mascara, unintentional smokey eyes from smudged eyeliner, creasing shadow, and oily skin. That means adjusting my routine to accommodate the heat and humidity as well as the increased oil my skin produces when it's warm.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Weekend Quickie: Hit the Sales!
It's a big sale weekend, so if you have the time, hit the stores for some great deals.
I just got this dress at New York & Company for $19.99, reduced from $56.95:
It's smocked under the bust which creates a flattering line, and it's super comfortable. Plus the halter top let's you adjust the strap length.
Other retailers having big sales this weekend:
• Bath and Body Works – Up to 75% off bath and body products, perfumes, and cosmetics.
• Victoria's Secret – Get deals on lingerie, clothing, and beauty products (though the clothing is only available online).
• Gap – I saw better deals in-store than online, so check out the store in person for additional discounts if you can.
• Payless – Select styles as low as $7!
There are plenty more that I've missed, so hit your local mall if you have the time for some great summer deals.
I just got this dress at New York & Company for $19.99, reduced from $56.95:
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| Image courtesy of NewYorkandCompany.com |
It's smocked under the bust which creates a flattering line, and it's super comfortable. Plus the halter top let's you adjust the strap length.
Other retailers having big sales this weekend:
• Bath and Body Works – Up to 75% off bath and body products, perfumes, and cosmetics.
• Victoria's Secret – Get deals on lingerie, clothing, and beauty products (though the clothing is only available online).
• Gap – I saw better deals in-store than online, so check out the store in person for additional discounts if you can.
• Payless – Select styles as low as $7!
There are plenty more that I've missed, so hit your local mall if you have the time for some great summer deals.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
DIY Quickie: The 1-Hour Dress
Summer is the time for dresses! And if you like making your own clothes, check out this 1-hour dress at CraftStylish:
There's some argument in the comments about whether this dress can actually be made in an hour. (I don't sew, so I can't say how accurate those comments are.) But they include a detailed list of what you'll need and diagrams to help you along your way and the instructions were easy enough for a non-sewer like me to understand. I love that the silhouette is simple enough that you can make it in stretch jersey and have a comfortable day dress, or bring up the hemline and use a fabric with metallic threading for a cute cocktail look.
If anyone makes this dress at home, let me know! I'd love to post your pictures and hear how well this pattern actually works.
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| Image courtesy of CraftStylish.com |
There's some argument in the comments about whether this dress can actually be made in an hour. (I don't sew, so I can't say how accurate those comments are.) But they include a detailed list of what you'll need and diagrams to help you along your way and the instructions were easy enough for a non-sewer like me to understand. I love that the silhouette is simple enough that you can make it in stretch jersey and have a comfortable day dress, or bring up the hemline and use a fabric with metallic threading for a cute cocktail look.
If anyone makes this dress at home, let me know! I'd love to post your pictures and hear how well this pattern actually works.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Go get yourself some cheap sunglasses...
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| Christina Aguilera in two-tone sunglasses. (Image courtesy of CelebritySunglassesFinder.com) |
Time to break out the shades, people! (Actually, eye doctors recommend you wear sunglasses year-round. But spring and summer are when the new styles seem to come out anyway.) There's no need to pay for a designer price tag when you're looking for eye protection. Plenty of lower-priced sunglasses will do the same thing and look just as good.
According to EyeDoctorGuide.com you just need to keep a few things in mind:
• Look for a pair of sun glasses that provides UVA and UVB protection. Most glasses providing this protection have a label that designates them as UV safe. If they do not, do not assume that the glasses will protect you from UV radiation. Just because eye glasses are tinted does not mean they will provide you with ample protection from UV rays.
• Look for glasses that are dark enough they will help reduce sun reflection and glare, but not glasses that are so dark you have difficulty distinguishing traffic lights or signs.
• Find a pair of glasses that covers your eyes and line of site entirely.
• If buying children's sunglasses, be sure they also protect against UV radiation.
• Make sure eyeglasses do not obscure your line of site.
This year's sunglasses trends are very retro – oversized Jackie O. shades, the wayfarers look of the 1980s, and 1950s cat-eye shades are all hot right now. Brightly-colored two-tone frames (as seen on Christina above) are also popular. As someone who loves color (the more and brighter the better!), I love the two-tone look. It feels fresh and summery. But the more standard tortoiseshell or black shades are a perennial classic. The most important thing is to find a shape and color with which you're happy – if you're not comfortable, you won't wear them. And no matter how much of a deal you got, no bargain find is really a bargain if it doesn't get worn.
My current pair of sunglasses cost me $8 on sale at Target (my trusty shopping friend). You can see some of their current sunglasses here, but they have a lot more in-store.
GirlProps.com has a few different color options for only $9.99 if you like the two-tone look. (They have plenty of other styles too.) House of Sunglasses has a lot of options, from the classic to the crazy, all for just $9.99. If you want to imitate a celebrity look, try CelebritySunglassesFinder.com - just be aware that anything you find there will probably be expensive. I recommend using this site for ideas and finding a less pricey option elsewhere.
Keep in mind if you buy sunglasses online that you still want to look for that UV protection. Without it you may actually do more damage, since your pupils will dilate from the dark lenses but won't be protected from the sun's harmful rays. And remember – no trend is as important as your confidence! Find a look that fits comfortably and flatters your face and you can't go wrong.
(Thanks to ZZ Top for the post title.)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
20 Summer Dresses Under $50
The temperature is going up, which means it's time to break out the breezy dresses! I love the way a good dress is an instant no-work outfit that looks put together and fab. After the jump, 20 dresses for your summer wardrobe under $50...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Two Quickies for the Price of One!
I'm updating a little slow this week. The truth is most of my brain power is going to mulling over the series finale of Lost. (Even fashionistas can be huge nerds.) But don't forget me! I'm still working on keeping you up to date with fashion and beauty fun and news!
For today, here's a couple of quick shots for you:
Allure Magazine has published its 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. Every year the magazine surveys readers for their favorite drugstore and designer products and compiles a list of the best. So if you want to know what works for real people instead of what beauty editors want you to buy, this is the list for you.
ModCloth is a popular site for shoppers who want a unique look with vintage flair. Their prices can be a bit high, so I usually stick to checking out what's on sale. I got a great pair of black and white tweed t-strap heels there that get compliments every time I wear them! I haven't tried their clothes, but their accessories and shoes are adorable and you can get some great deals when they have a sale.
For today, here's a couple of quick shots for you:
Allure Magazine has published its 2010 Readers' Choice Awards. Every year the magazine surveys readers for their favorite drugstore and designer products and compiles a list of the best. So if you want to know what works for real people instead of what beauty editors want you to buy, this is the list for you.
ModCloth is a popular site for shoppers who want a unique look with vintage flair. Their prices can be a bit high, so I usually stick to checking out what's on sale. I got a great pair of black and white tweed t-strap heels there that get compliments every time I wear them! I haven't tried their clothes, but their accessories and shoes are adorable and you can get some great deals when they have a sale.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Quickie: Cover Girl's color match
Looking to shave some costs off your makeup budget? Check out Cover Girl's website where you can compare your favorite designer shades to the CG product line and look for a match.
The selection is a little limited – for instance, the only Nars products you can match are lip glosses. But every penny counts when you're on a budget. If you can get a $7 Cover Girl gloss instead of a $24 Nars gloss, why not? With the difference you can get a Liberty of London dress on sale at Target!
The selection is a little limited – for instance, the only Nars products you can match are lip glosses. But every penny counts when you're on a budget. If you can get a $7 Cover Girl gloss instead of a $24 Nars gloss, why not? With the difference you can get a Liberty of London dress on sale at Target!
Monday, May 17, 2010
On Target: Liberty of London on Sale
Target has become the new place to be for big-name designers looking for a budget audience. Most of these collections (like the current Zac Posen for Target line) are geared toward younger shoppers. They're made in juniors' sizes and tend to feature sky-high hemlines and young looks. (I remain a tad bitter that Isaac Mizrahi left Target for Liz Claiborne since his line for Target was filled with gorgeous clothes that were beautifully fitted for women, but I digress...)
What's great about these lines is that they give the average consumer a chance to own some designer looks. But you have to be careful: not all the prices are actually very budget-conscious, and some of the fabrics that have been used for capsule collections look and feel very cheap in person. (Jean-Paul Gaultier, I'm looking at you.) The long and short of it is that you're better off checking out any designer collection in-store instead of buying online. You can find some real treasures sometimes.
With that in mind I hit my local Target this weekend to check out the Zac Posen line (which didn't wow me) and was pleasantly surprised to find the Liberty of London capsule collection on clearance. This sale seems to be in-store only since items on Target.com are still listed at their full prices, so if you see anything you like hit the stores!
I picked up this cute halter-top dress for $14.98:
The LoL line features home decor, women's and children's clothes, swimwear, and even a bicycle in one of LoL's signature bright prints. Oh yes, I said prints. The LoL brand is known for their colorful and flamboyant prints. I love this, but it's not for everybody.
One word of advice: if you're shopping the dresses in this collection, try going a size down. They run on the large side. I usually wear around a size 10 or 12, and the size 12 dresses I tried on were swimming on me. (Which actually wound up being handy, since I could only afford to buy one thing, and if all the adorable dresses I tried on had fit me I would have had a tough decision on my hands.)
The selection was already pretty limited when I shopped on Friday, so if you see anything online that you love you'll want to hit your local Target ASAP to get the sale price.
What's great about these lines is that they give the average consumer a chance to own some designer looks. But you have to be careful: not all the prices are actually very budget-conscious, and some of the fabrics that have been used for capsule collections look and feel very cheap in person. (Jean-Paul Gaultier, I'm looking at you.) The long and short of it is that you're better off checking out any designer collection in-store instead of buying online. You can find some real treasures sometimes.
With that in mind I hit my local Target this weekend to check out the Zac Posen line (which didn't wow me) and was pleasantly surprised to find the Liberty of London capsule collection on clearance. This sale seems to be in-store only since items on Target.com are still listed at their full prices, so if you see anything you like hit the stores!
I picked up this cute halter-top dress for $14.98:
The LoL line features home decor, women's and children's clothes, swimwear, and even a bicycle in one of LoL's signature bright prints. Oh yes, I said prints. The LoL brand is known for their colorful and flamboyant prints. I love this, but it's not for everybody.
One word of advice: if you're shopping the dresses in this collection, try going a size down. They run on the large side. I usually wear around a size 10 or 12, and the size 12 dresses I tried on were swimming on me. (Which actually wound up being handy, since I could only afford to buy one thing, and if all the adorable dresses I tried on had fit me I would have had a tough decision on my hands.)
The selection was already pretty limited when I shopped on Friday, so if you see anything online that you love you'll want to hit your local Target ASAP to get the sale price.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Quickie: The Beauty Brains
The Beauty Brains is a blog written by a group of cosmetic chemists who let you behind the curtain of the beauty industry to reveal what really works (and why) and what's a load of bunk. Their website has a forum where readers can exchange ideas and ask questions, and they update daily with posts that can help you shop smarter when choosing beauty products.
Yesterday's feature on TBB: Seven ways you waste money buying beauty products.
Yesterday's feature on TBB: Seven ways you waste money buying beauty products.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Beauty Buy: The Sephora Color Play 5-in-1 Palette
This is my new favorite toy:
[caption id="attachment_107" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Sephora\'s 5-in-1 palette"]
[/caption]
It's Sephora's Color Play 5-in-1 color palette and it includes 50 eye shadows, 10 lip glosses, and 5 blushes all divided into five color stories:
• Dinner in Paris: Grays and blacks
• Coffee in New York: Browns
• Shopping in Milan: Purples and pinks, green
• Tango in Buenos Aires: Blues and greens
• Clubbing in Tokyo: Baby blues, pinks, and yellows
Each color story pops out of the large compact and can be popped into a smaller compact that's included so you can take it with you for touch-ups. It's basically five full makeup kits in one big set for only $29.50. $29.50! You couldn't buy the same amount of makeup in drug store brands for that price!
And the really good news is that the makeup in this set is worth it. I have oily eyelids that cause even the most carefully applied eyeshadow to crease and smudge, and these shadows lasted on me all day. The color stood up to being outside on a hot day and even looked perfect after I took a nap with my makeup on (but don't be like me – sleeping with makeup on is bad for your skin, and I always wash my face before bed!). The colors are buildable so that you can wear them sheer or layer them for a more dramatic effect, which makes this kit work whether you like to play with bright colorful looks or prefer a more subtle effect.
I bought this kit partially because I swear by Sephora's house brand cosmetics. I have allergy-sensitive skin and it's hard to find makeup that won't irritate me and still wears well and comes in a variety of shades. Sephora fits this bill beautifully. This kit in particular is a lot of fun for me because I have so many colors to explore and try.
The only downside is that the kit doesn't come with any brushes. I picked up this kit at CVS for $9.99, which comes with a travel case and four eye brushes. I've been using the eyeliner brush with some of the darker shades in the kit to trace my upper and lower lash lines in place of wearing actual eyeliner on humid days when makeup tends to smudge and run. The shadows in the Sephora kit lend themselves to that really well and glide on smoothly with no mess.
If you like makeup and playing with color, this kit is a lot of fun and a great value. I highly recommend it. (And gents, if you know a woman who loves makeup, keep this in mind as a gift!)
[caption id="attachment_107" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Sephora\'s 5-in-1 palette"]
[/caption]It's Sephora's Color Play 5-in-1 color palette and it includes 50 eye shadows, 10 lip glosses, and 5 blushes all divided into five color stories:
• Dinner in Paris: Grays and blacks
• Coffee in New York: Browns
• Shopping in Milan: Purples and pinks, green
• Tango in Buenos Aires: Blues and greens
• Clubbing in Tokyo: Baby blues, pinks, and yellows
Each color story pops out of the large compact and can be popped into a smaller compact that's included so you can take it with you for touch-ups. It's basically five full makeup kits in one big set for only $29.50. $29.50! You couldn't buy the same amount of makeup in drug store brands for that price!
And the really good news is that the makeup in this set is worth it. I have oily eyelids that cause even the most carefully applied eyeshadow to crease and smudge, and these shadows lasted on me all day. The color stood up to being outside on a hot day and even looked perfect after I took a nap with my makeup on (but don't be like me – sleeping with makeup on is bad for your skin, and I always wash my face before bed!). The colors are buildable so that you can wear them sheer or layer them for a more dramatic effect, which makes this kit work whether you like to play with bright colorful looks or prefer a more subtle effect.
I bought this kit partially because I swear by Sephora's house brand cosmetics. I have allergy-sensitive skin and it's hard to find makeup that won't irritate me and still wears well and comes in a variety of shades. Sephora fits this bill beautifully. This kit in particular is a lot of fun for me because I have so many colors to explore and try.
The only downside is that the kit doesn't come with any brushes. I picked up this kit at CVS for $9.99, which comes with a travel case and four eye brushes. I've been using the eyeliner brush with some of the darker shades in the kit to trace my upper and lower lash lines in place of wearing actual eyeliner on humid days when makeup tends to smudge and run. The shadows in the Sephora kit lend themselves to that really well and glide on smoothly with no mess.
If you like makeup and playing with color, this kit is a lot of fun and a great value. I highly recommend it. (And gents, if you know a woman who loves makeup, keep this in mind as a gift!)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Spring Color Trends
If you work in art or publishing, you know Pantone. Graphic designers and printers depend on Pantone's consistent color palette to translate ideas into reality. We spend hours comparing chips or varying shades, looking for just the right one to apply to our work. We count on their consistency, knowing that the chip we show a client will be the same color as the finished product. In the fashion world, Pantone is better known for seasonal reports on trending colors. Twice a year they produce a Fashion Color Report on what shades are going to be hot from the runway to the street.
Spring 2010's FCR (you can download a free PDF at the link) forecasts sunny brights offset with light neutrals will be the big look for spring and summer. I know – brights and neutrals for spring! Groundbreaking! (Next they'll tell us that red lipstick is hot!) But cynicism aside, there's a reason this season's palette is taking the safe road: money. This season's report was tailored to the current economic climate and the fact that consumers have less cash to spend on new clothes:
The inclusion of basic colors most women own (like khaki and tomato red) makes it easier for fashionistas on a budget to update our look without spending a ton of cash. A basic pair of khakis or blue jeans and a white shirt look instantly fresh when given a pop of color with a pair of yellow sneakers or
red sandals.
Accessories like scarves and jewelry are an inexpensive (and low-commitment) way to embrace the newest color trends without overhauling your closet. They're also a great way to work in colors you don't normally feel comfortable wearing – a necklace of bright yellow beads is much less intimidating than a bright yellow dress. If you're looking for an update but wary of committing to a garment in a new hue try starting with baby steps. A bright pair of earrings, a new bag, a bright skinny belt at the waist of your favorite dress or sweater.
If you want to get a little more bold, try a belted t-shirt dress like this one from Old Navy (only $15!). A dress like this is great because of it's versatility: on cool spring days you can wear it with a cardigan and boots, then carry it into summer with a chunky necklace and sandals. I would pair the blue version of this with accessories in Pantone's turquoise or aurora yellow (my taste tends toward the bright and the bold), but it would also look sharp with bright white, khaki, or grey. The turquoise version would look great accessorized with Pantone's fusion coral or pink champagne shades to create a beachy summer look.
Another versatile piece that can add a quick hit of color (and get you through spring's chilly days and evenings) is a great cardigan. This Merona sweater from Target brings in spring's violet and yellow shades and works as well over a shift dress at the office as it does with a tank top and jeans on the weekend. Old Navy's lightweight pointelle cardigan comes in shades resembling Pantone's fusion coral, aurora yellow, and pink champagne.
Pantone's Fashion Color Report is a great resource for knowing where the seasonal trends are headed, and they provide a variety so that almost anyone can find something to embrace. No matter what the trend – color, print, style – the most important thing is finding your comfort zone and working within it. Just because Pantone says yellow and coral will be hot this season doesn't mean you need to embrace them if you hate those colors or just don't feel your best in them. The key is finding a way to make the trend work for you. Real style isn't about following trends, anyway. It's about seeing the trends and deciding for yourself how you'll apply them (or ignore them). And more than anything color is about confidence. The right color can lift your mood and make you feel invincible just as the wrong color can make you feel drab and out of place. Because who cares if your outfit is in style if you hate it?
[slideshow]
Spring 2010's FCR (you can download a free PDF at the link) forecasts sunny brights offset with light neutrals will be the big look for spring and summer. I know – brights and neutrals for spring! Groundbreaking! (Next they'll tell us that red lipstick is hot!) But cynicism aside, there's a reason this season's palette is taking the safe road: money. This season's report was tailored to the current economic climate and the fact that consumers have less cash to spend on new clothes:
Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010. Vibrant brights add a sense of excitement to the color palette, while practical neutrals provide a safety net for cautious consumers.
“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”
The inclusion of basic colors most women own (like khaki and tomato red) makes it easier for fashionistas on a budget to update our look without spending a ton of cash. A basic pair of khakis or blue jeans and a white shirt look instantly fresh when given a pop of color with a pair of yellow sneakers or
red sandals.
Accessories like scarves and jewelry are an inexpensive (and low-commitment) way to embrace the newest color trends without overhauling your closet. They're also a great way to work in colors you don't normally feel comfortable wearing – a necklace of bright yellow beads is much less intimidating than a bright yellow dress. If you're looking for an update but wary of committing to a garment in a new hue try starting with baby steps. A bright pair of earrings, a new bag, a bright skinny belt at the waist of your favorite dress or sweater.
If you want to get a little more bold, try a belted t-shirt dress like this one from Old Navy (only $15!). A dress like this is great because of it's versatility: on cool spring days you can wear it with a cardigan and boots, then carry it into summer with a chunky necklace and sandals. I would pair the blue version of this with accessories in Pantone's turquoise or aurora yellow (my taste tends toward the bright and the bold), but it would also look sharp with bright white, khaki, or grey. The turquoise version would look great accessorized with Pantone's fusion coral or pink champagne shades to create a beachy summer look.
Another versatile piece that can add a quick hit of color (and get you through spring's chilly days and evenings) is a great cardigan. This Merona sweater from Target brings in spring's violet and yellow shades and works as well over a shift dress at the office as it does with a tank top and jeans on the weekend. Old Navy's lightweight pointelle cardigan comes in shades resembling Pantone's fusion coral, aurora yellow, and pink champagne.
Pantone's Fashion Color Report is a great resource for knowing where the seasonal trends are headed, and they provide a variety so that almost anyone can find something to embrace. No matter what the trend – color, print, style – the most important thing is finding your comfort zone and working within it. Just because Pantone says yellow and coral will be hot this season doesn't mean you need to embrace them if you hate those colors or just don't feel your best in them. The key is finding a way to make the trend work for you. Real style isn't about following trends, anyway. It's about seeing the trends and deciding for yourself how you'll apply them (or ignore them). And more than anything color is about confidence. The right color can lift your mood and make you feel invincible just as the wrong color can make you feel drab and out of place. Because who cares if your outfit is in style if you hate it?
[slideshow]
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