Stylish Sundays: Avant Garde

Avant Garde (From the French for Advance Guard) new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them.

Sweater: PacSun Trousers: H&M Shoes: Old Navy

Personally, I have always been a fan of pairing things in different ways from how you normally would. I've worn these pants with a graphic tee before and I loved it, but never did it again for some reason. I just started sticking to wearing them with a plain top because it was the easiest for me. However, by happy accident these two articles of clothing ended up hanging next to each other in my closet somehow and I thought they'd look cute.

I paired those two pieces with my cranberry ankle booties from Old Navy because I'm obsessed with ankle booties right now.

On My Face: Nars Sheer Glow In Siberia, Nars Deep Throat Blush, Marc Jacobs The Lolita Palette, Makeup Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara, Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner, Caudalie Lip Conditioner.

Hair: French Braided on one side and then hair twisted over and pinned to hide the end of the braid.

Nails: Sally Hansen Vampire Kisses Nail Strips.

Quick Review, these are really only good for Halloween night only, or if you only want to wear them for a weekend. These aren't the 10 day nail strips. These nail strips come off if you soak your nails in hot water, so if you shower, or wash your hands in hot water they will come off. You can stick them back on with a bit of base coat, but they don't last long and aren't worth the money in my opinion. Get the 10 day nail strips instead.

Stylish Sundays: Dark side

This outfit kinda happened by accident. I did not intend to wear all black two weeks in a row. Especially not after I just did a post for CGC Daily on Tricks For Wearing All Black. But sometimes your dark side just slips through. That said I love this outfit, and will be wearing it or some variation of it again.

Top: Ann Taylor Loft, Jacket: Nordstrom, Skirt: The Limited, Tights: Hue, Boots: Rebel Taos Moto Boots, Necklace: Gift, Nails: Lancome Flirty Red

I felt amazing in this outfit. Most of the time I like what I'm wearing, but I wouldn't say I loved it. This I loved. I realized I hadn't worn this skirt since Valentine's Day.  So I pulled it out and at the same time spotted my Rebels Taos Moto boots in the bottom of my closet and decided I wanted to wear those too. So then it became a game of how can I make this work? I just tried on random things until I was happy with the result.

I've had these boots for years now, and I love them. If you have them I do recommend insoles in them because until I put in the Dr. Schols for her for heels insoles they were really painful, but now they're the most comfortable shoes I have to walk in.

On My Face: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Marc Jacobs The Lolita Palette, Nars Deep Throat, Makeup Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter, Hourglass Liquid Rouge Rose, Covergirl Glossy Balm in Berry, Victoria's Secret Lipgloss in Violet Femme.

If you're wondering where today's title comes from, it's from Tim Minchin's Dark Side. I'm a bit obsessed with him lately. What have you been obsessed with lately?

Warby Parker Fall Collection

Warby Parker released their Fall Collection this week, and it's gorgeous! If you don't know, Warby Parker is an Eyewear company that has 4 locations in the U.S., but they're famous for their at home try-on service.  You choose 5 pairs, Warby Parker sends them to you for free and you keep them for 5 days to try them out. Then at the end of 5 days you send them back and if you loved any of the pairs you order it. If not then you can do another trial with 5 different pairs.

But that isn't the best part about Warby Parker. Nope, not at all. The best part is that for ever pair of glasses sold they donate a pair through their non-profit partners. And that's what has me so excited about them. You guys know by now how giddy socially conscience companies make me. I adore their company history. And the fact that they named their company after two literary characters.

From Warby Parker - "Personality is what makes a good pair of glasses great. Our Fall Collection is for those who own their style, exercise their wit, and add life to the party."

They've introduced 9 new shapes, updated 3 acetate frames with titanium temples and created 3 styles in crystal. With a few angular styles and 2 new hues : Striped Pacific and Petal Tortoise, there is something for everyone, and none of them are boring.

In honor of Warby Parker's Home Try-on Service, I thought I'd highlight my 5 favorite pairs.

The Annette in Petal Tortoise:

The Chandler Ti in Striped Pacific:

The Durand in Saddle Russet:

shown in whiskey tortoise

The Crane Ti in Newsprint Grey:

and Greenleaf in Woodgrain Tortoise:

I have actually ordered their 5 day, 5 pairs trial service and when they arrive I'll post pictures for everyone to vote on.

I'm completely in love with this collection and it's definitely not boring. I know most people prefer to wear contacts, but I've always rued the fact that I only need my glasses for reading. I can't wait until my 5 day trial gets here.

#MyCosmoStyle

The beauty of Las Vegas is that there is something for everyone, and The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas has something for everyone. So even though I left my partying behind in my early twenties, there's still plenty of amazing things to be done there. They have everything from a Casino, to shopping, to Lounges, P3 Studio, a couple pools and quite a few options for dining.

For the #MyCosmoStyle challenge I've decided to show you some fictional outfits that I would wear if I were staying at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Were I going to Vegas I know I'd definitely want to visit the P3 Studio, where you have the choice to be a fly on the wall at an artist's studio, or you can get in on the fun yourself. But first I'd definitely need to have some brunch at The Wicked Spoon Buffet, because how awesome is that name? To dress appropriately for both activities I'd go for something like this.

The cranberry colored top from Topshop and skinny jeans from H&M are definitely on trend for autumn, but the lace on the top makes it interesting. I'd pair it with a quilted bag, simple arrow earrings, and ankle boots all from asos and a leaf ring from express . I'd top the whole outfit off with a floppy wool hat, because every since I cut my hair I feel like that style would really suit me. I absolutely love this outfit, it's simple and interesting at the same time. And the real bonus is none of the pieces are constricting in anyway. I could easily see myself running all over Las Vegas in those ankle booties.

However, come night time I'm much more interested in looking good, rather than being completely comfortable. I know I'd definitely be heading out to dinner to somewhere like STK with it's modern, trendy vibe. A restaurant that is already popular in New York, Maimi and LA definitely has to top my to try list. From there I'd be heading straight to Marquee where I would be searching for The Library. Because Books, Billiards, and a Bar?  That's exactly my kind of place.

I'd go for a leather look mini dress from Topshop and keep my hat and earrings from earlier, Mostly because by now I have hat hair. I'd switch the ring out for this simple chunky chain from Topshop and the quilted bag for this thin envelope bag from Asos. The smaller bag is super important, I don't want a clutch that I might put down and loose, but I don't want a bulky cross-body that will keep bumping into people. This bag has all the tininess of a clutch and the convenience of a cross-body. I'd finish the outfit with these cranberry colored Ankle Booties from Topshop that have chunky heels. This is the most important part of this outfit. First they're gorgeous, secondly since they have chunky heels and are a bootie, not only will they be more comfortable, but they also will be much easier to dance and walk in.

I'm so obsessed with both of these outfits. What would you wear for a day or night out in Las Vegas?

Stylish Sundays: Found

I did a post recently called Finding Me, and I mentioned that I had made some changes to my blog. I feel like at some point I pushed myself aside and tried to simultaneously be me and mainstream. It didn't work. Instead I felt like a hot mess and had a major existential crisis. I didn't like who I was, how I was dressing, what I was reading and who I was turning myself into. I felt like I lost my edge. That little bit that made me feel like a bad ass when I got up in the morning. The bit of myself that made me want to get up in the morning.  I'm working hard to get that bit back. And soon I'll be announcing something new.

Top: Ann Taylor, Pants: H&M, Shoes: Asos, Necklace: Gift

This outfit feels like me

This was taken at the end of the day, and my makeup was absolutely wrecked.  But I'm wearing Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Hourglass Blush, Marc Jacobs The Lolita Palette, Makeup Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara, YSL Lip Gloss in Grenade Peptide.

I adore this pen necklace. It's amazing, and it works, which is even better.

And this nail polish is definitely an amazing color for Autumn. It's Lancome's Flirty Red and it was from their Christmas Collection last year so I don't think it's available anymore, but it's a gorgeous blackened red that makes me feel amazing.

Which brings me to my shoes. I can't even with how much I adore these shoes. I got them forever ago, and I adore them.

What do you do when you feel like you've lost your edge? Have you ever been through that?

Interview: Maxwell Leclerc, Makeup Artist

I had the opportunity this weekend to make an appointment with and interview my friend Maxwell Leclerc.

For those of you that don't know, Maxwell is a makeup artist, who studied at the Art Academy of Cincinnati and he is a Beauty Adviser/Color Expert for Sephora in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. You can find Maxwell on Instagram here.

My questions will be in italics and all of his answers are his own words. We decided it would be amazing for him to do a makeup look on me, using his absolute must have products. There are pictures from that session, interspersed through the interview.

 How long have you been doing makeup, and what got you started?
I've been working in cosmetic medium for approximately 5 years, but I have spent my entire lifetime exploring the beauty and aesthetics of women since I can remember. I specifically remember seeing a Playboy at age 3, and that must be where the interest stems from. My grandfather was an artist and his home was filled with sculptures and paintings of the nude femme body. I was obsessed... The hair, the makeup, the flesh. I also recall my mother wearing incredibly stunning and dramatic makeup throughout most of my childhood and teens. I always just wanted to somehow capture and create work that represented my strong affection towards beauty and women. My primary work as an illustrator has always been faceted by strong ideals of beauty and sexuality, so it is entirely inherent that I became a makeup artist.

I've seen some of your paintings on Instagram and they're gorgeous, how long have you been painting?
I have been painting since I was a child. The Little Mermaid was my first dose of inspiration. All my stick figures had red hair! In High School I won a national Scholastic award for a series of 27 illustrations I did from Thomas Hardy's Tess of the d'urbervilles, and then attended the Art Academy for 4 years. Once I realized I wanted to do makeup full time I dropped out right before graduation and my true pursuit of  beauty began to blossom.

What other Artists are you inspired by?So many! I've always been inspired by the work of Alberto Vargas, Aubrey Beardsley, Eduard Manet, Halston, and McQueen of course... These artists' aesthetic of beauty have gravely influenced how I've shaped my own.

As a Makeup Artist, what are some of your must have products?
Must haves: Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, Make Up For Ever Smokey Extravagent Mascara, Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes shadow pencil in ME-54, urban decay Naked 3, Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade, Nars contour Bronzer Duo in Olympia, Hourglass femme rouge velvet cream lipstick, makeupforever aqua lip liner, and Marc Jacobs Lust for Lacquer lip gloss.

Products shown and used: Nars Radiance Enhancing Pro Prime, Nars Sheer Glow in Siberia, Makeup Forever Aqua Matic in ME54, Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Eyeliner in Jazzberry, Urban Decay Naked Three Palette the colors:Strange, Buzz and Trick, Darkside, Marc Jacobs Full Coverage Creamy Concealer in Awake, Makeup Forever HD Setting Powder in Translucent, Nars Blush in Unlawful, Nars Bronzer in Olympia, Nars Highlighter in Albatross, Makeup Forever Rouge Artist in #22 Pink Peach, Marc Jacobs Lust for Laquer in 306 Sweet Escape, Makeup Forever Smokey Extravagant Mascara in Black[/caption]



Of course, since this is a Fashion Blog at heart, what is your go to outfit for when you're running late?
When I'm running late I like to combine something comfortable with something chic. An easy look is best to relieve anxiety of already being late so I like to wear a wife-beater with a cool blazer and a pair of jeans or running sweats.

And finally I know you're a movie buff, what is your must watch movie list?
Melancholia, Under the Skin, Nymphomaniac and Matilda


And here's the final look:

and outside in the daylight:

I plan to buy everyone of the products that he used that I don't currently have. They're amazing. And a very sincere thank you to Maxwell for agreeing to this crazy interview. It's rare you get to work with someone who's not only talented, but incredibly intelligent as well.

Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers died at 81 years old today. I'd like to say that I'm completely fine, because she was a celebrity and I never met her, but I'm not. I'm absolutely devastated.

Joan Rivers was a comedic and fashion icon, known most recently for the Fashion Police where no one was spared from her biting wit. While she may have been cruel at times, she was a true feminist, who paved the way for women in comedy today.  Her red carpet reviews left no one untouched. She voiced her opinions on everything from politics to fashion and did so bluntly and honestly.

Whether you loved her or hated her, Joan Rivers made a lasting impact with everything she did. I know I will dearly miss seeing her on the Fashion Police each week. My condolences to her family at this time.

 

 

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is the unofficial end of Summer/beginning of Autumn.  Which needs to be celebrated in style. Usually Nautically.  So I did.

Sweater: Ann Taylor Jeans: Gap Necklace: Kate Spade Sunglasses: Madewell

I figured if I was going to be hanging around boats all day, that I should probably wear this Anchor Sweater that I got from Ann Taylor. It's really cute and really cozy, but even though it was 78 degrees Fahrenheit I wasn't at all overheated (thankfully).

And I wore a ton of Makeup to make it look like I wasn't wearing hardly any at all : Nars Tinted Moisturizer, Nars Creamy Concealer, Hourglass Hidden Concealer, The Balm Hot Mama Blush, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter, Marc Jacobs The Lolita Palette, Urban Decay Bourbon Eyeliner, Covergirl Bombshell Chocolate Kiss Eyeliner, YSL Shocking Mascara, Nyx Tea Rose Lipstick, YSL Gloss Volupte #15 Grenade Pepite.

And what Nautical Adventure is complete without a bit of Topsiding? There aren't any.

And speaking of there not being any, there also was no actual Nautical Adventure and anyone looking forward to there being a picture of me on a boat will be disappointed. I can't swim, and I don't like boats. Which is actually why I have boat shoes, if I ever have to be on a wet dock for any reason I don't slip and fall in. The only shoes I trust to keep me on the dock and not in over my head are Sperry's. And my sweater has an anchor because I like nautical motifs on clothing, anchors, boats, lobsters, fish.

There's a gated community near where I live that has a really beautiful lake, some walking trails, with really beautiful scenery and a sports bar overlooking it all that makes the best hamburgers ever. Which is where we went for dinner to celebrate Labor Day. The closest I got to any boat was standing on the dock to take a picture of my shoes. Because I matched, and it was a really gorgeous place to take pictures.

How did you celebrate Labor Day?