Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Happy Last Day of 2013!
Tonight we bid farewell to 2013 and here's to going out with a bang! Hope you've got something epic going on for tonight and a sick look picked out for when it all goes down (if not, i've got you!). Thank you for a wonderful year, and we'll talk in more detail about saying adieu to the year in tomorrow's post. But for now, let's celebrate! XX
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Ask FOR #3: What to Wear for NYE
New year's eve is supposed to be a time of celebration and partying, however, it can often become more of a stressful mess than the former. Which is why the last thing you want to fuss over is your outfit: while you want to look nothing less than amazing, you should definitely not break out in hives at the thought of NEEDING to put together the most perfect festive look you've ever worn. All your attention should be focused on your plans: making them, enjoying them, figuring out the logistics of your night, being able to let loose and having the time of your life surrounded by people with the exact same intentions.
That said, what you are wearing is important and should not be an afterthought and I'm just here to make it a tad easier for you. I've devised eight different looks -- each with completely different vibes -- that you can draw inspiration from while you're reaching into your own closet. Surely you'll find something in there that is similar to some of the pieces below. And while it's too late to order anything online, you still have two days to run to the store and complete your "this is what I'll be ringing the new year in!" look. So read on, to break a few style rules: 'tis the season to shine, to be daring and to have fun, nothing below is for the faint of sparkle!
Ready? Ok. This first look is kind of flirty and dressy and I'm simply mad over those half cuff/half drop earrings, which are a show-stopper within themselves. Don't be afraid to mix your metals, this is the perfect time to do it: it adds another dimension to your getup and lets people know that you know what you're doing -- only rule followers abide by that silly archaic rule.
Next we have something a little more edgy, with a jumpsuit that is sure to turn heads. Mess your hair up a tad with some Bumble texture cream (we learned about that in my hair post) and give yourself a smokey eye to add glam. Paired with the strappiest of strappy shoes and a show-stopping leather bomber, you'll stand out wherever you go (in a good way).
People generally associate dark colors with eveningwear. And they're right - certainly you'll be seeing a lot of black everywhere you go (and tons of navy, burgundy, etc). So why not throw yourself (and your cohorts) a curveball and shine even brighter in pastels! You'll be giving yourself an accomplice wink every time you catch your reflection in a mirror, trust.
This look is for the rock 'n roll girl. Yes, it consists mainly of black, but it's all about the satin shirt creating all the sensual shine you need for a hardy party (or to party hardy, depending on how you look at it). Deep purple pout, fur and leather, nothing says effortless fête chic like these off-duty staples. Champagne, anyone?
Clearly, this next look is for those who are lucky to be celebrating in a warmer climate. It's a super fun twist on the black and white trend and it's everything sexy and playful.
This next look is for the girlie girl. Something flirty and fancy is always appropriate to watch the ball drop... And the perfect time to pull out your favorite dress is without a doubt the last day of the year. That crazy sparkly number you keep around "in case you ever get invited to a fancy cocktail dinner party"? THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR IT. Go crazy! Go nuts! Go big (or go home)! That satin turban you've been saving for a rainy day? The time is now! Add a cat eye an some major drop earrings for extra glam.
The next look also caters to the rock 'n roll girl, this option being more sequin-heavy. Emerald green is such a refreshing, luxurious color, it only feels natural to make it the focal point of the outfit. The only thing more luxe is a sultry nude lip. Oh, and snake print, of course.
Finally, we have a feminine preppy option that will certainly ensure jealous stares coming at you from every angle. You cannot go wrong with monochromatic shimmery pink to ring in the new year. You just can't.
Which one's the most "you"? Now with all that said and done, what are your plans for the 31st?
PS don't forget to send in your questions, they just might be the next #AskFOR subject! XX
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas!
You guys, it's the most joyful time of year, i hope you're surrounded by people you love, stuffing your face, giving and receiving a lot of presents and overloading on the bubbly. Tis the season! Big hugs!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Sparkle & Shine
Eeek, it's Christmas Eve -- can you feel the excitement in the air?!! Have you arrived at the destination where you'll be celebrating Christmas? Do you have your outfit all picked out? What about your jewelry and accessories? Let my contributing sparkling selection for the Chic Peek blog be an inspiration to complete your outfit. Or better yet, place your order now for your NYE celebrations. Wink!
Click to buy:
1. DIAMOND ART DECO NECKLACE 2. ROSALINE OPAL RING 3. ETERNITY NECKLACE 4. BOURGEOIS CHANDELIER EARRINGS 5. LUXE RING I 6. VICTORIAN EARRINGS 7. BEL AIR PAVE BRACELET 8. TWO OF HEARTS EARRINGS 9. LOVE BIRDS EARRINGS 10. PRINCESS DROP EARRINGS
Which one's your favorite?
Click to buy:
1. DIAMOND ART DECO NECKLACE 2. ROSALINE OPAL RING 3. ETERNITY NECKLACE 4. BOURGEOIS CHANDELIER EARRINGS 5. LUXE RING I 6. VICTORIAN EARRINGS 7. BEL AIR PAVE BRACELET 8. TWO OF HEARTS EARRINGS 9. LOVE BIRDS EARRINGS 10. PRINCESS DROP EARRINGS
Which one's your favorite?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Ask FOR #2: Holiday Lashes
This second installment of #AskFOR comes in right on time for the holidays and is a special request from one of my girl friends who also suffers from CES (Crappy Eyelash Syndrome). However, hear this my ladies: there is a way to rival false lashes, even if you don't think nature gave you the necessary tools. Are you a mascara and lash curler hoarder? Do you find yourself feeling envious of Daddy Long Legs instead of screaming for dear life when you spot them crawling up your wall? (ok that was gross, sorry.... but you get the point). I am going to show you how to get the longest, most luscious and luxurious eyelashes for all your upcoming holiday festivities. Caution: you may have to fend off a lot of jealous stares. Ok, i kid. Onward!
MYTH: You can't fake long voluminous eyelashes.
FACT: I always get a ton of compliments on my long voluminous eyelashes (seriously, even from my eye doctor).
FACT: I don't actually have long voluminous eyelashes. Or dark ones, for that matter. I have thin, flimsy, blond, poor excuses for lashes.
There you have it -- myth debunked. I suppose that through the years of trying to make up for what i lack in the lash department, I've become a pro at faking a bounty of luscious lid locks. The number of mascaras that have come and gone through my makeup case since I started experimenting is outrageous, but it's safe to say that all those trials have served me right: I will show you the ultimate way I have discovered to attain supreme lashes that will make you forget all about perusing the faux lash section at your local CVS. And it's a matter of 3 (disguised as 4) small, well worth it steps. Here is what we're working with, folks, the BEFORE shot. Scary!
Here's the breakdown:
STEP 1 -- Curl. You may think eyelash curlers are super 80s, or look too much like torture devices, but trust me, the eyelash curler is your best friend. I kind of think that this step is crucial in maximizing your length capacity, and it'll also set the foundation for opening up your entire face. I prefer the small plastic one as opposed to the more well-known metal clamp one because not only does it travel really well, but I find that it gives you more curl control. You can also use it on your lashes even you're already wearing mascara. I use (and loooove) the Japonesque Go Curl Pocket Eyelash Curler. This is what I recommend for your holiday lash look.
Step 2 -- Mascara #1. That's right -- if your eyes are gonna fake it 'til they make it, you're gonna need more than 1 wand. Skeptical? Allow me to explain: ever notice how different mascaras claim different things? That's because the brush and formula are expertly crafted for that specific attribute, whether it's for more volume, longer length, more definition, etc. Personally, what i look for is length and volume. For volume i use YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils in Noir Radical. It's AMAZING. The brush is plump and thick and the formula is so dense that it basically adds all the drama you could ever want. To me, it blows the ubiquitous Diorshow out of the water. It's THAT good. So i start by applying a VERY LIBERAL coat of this formula for volume, almost as a base. But let's not stop there.
Step 3 -- Mascara #2. LENGTH. Lengthy lashes will make you look more youthful, will make your eyes pop and will give you a more intense gaze without fail. On the daily, i would choose length over volume (but in a perfect world, i would have both at all times). Anyway, the winner in that department for me is -- drumroll, please -- Lancôme Hypnôse. Here is why: Not only is it incredibly lengthening (seriously, i don't know how they made that brush, but it really manages to trap every last piece of hair on your lash line), but it is also a very defining formula, i.e. it separates and declumps. I use the special Precious Cells formula because it conditions the lashes and makes them stronger (something i so desperately need, i assure you).
Here's a very important pointer: as you're taking the wand out of the tube, wiggle its tip onto the opening to get rid of the excess gunk and use the tip to brush your lashes individually; this will help separate them nicely and avoid clumps.
So at this point you've already applied your volume, and now you're adding length and definition. Get ready for your eyes to look wide open! I have to say, you have to be EXTREMELY liberal with your application. Once you've done that, go back to the volume formula to cake more on at the roots to add thickness. You have to make sure you act fast enough when you're going back and forth with your mascaras because you want to add as many coats as you can before it dries. Once the mascara dries, it's basically game over and the only thing you'll be doing is getting clumpy.
And more power to you if you don't even need mascara at all and you were genetically blessed with dark, thick, mile high lashes. I
For an in-depth look at my mascara application technique, click play below!
I'd love to know what mascaras you swear by or if you've tried any of the products I'm recommending!
And don't forget to send me your beauty and style questions by commenting below or by shooting me an email -- your topic may just be the subject of my next #AskFOR!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Party R&R In the City Where the Heat Is On
Today's post completes my Art Basel adventures (see my other posts here, here and here) and it's not really about the art anymore, but more about post Basel wellness, as the sign in the last picture states... Once the whole thing was over, we wasted no time heading to the beach for some well-deserved R&R at the Soho Beach House. Our activities there consisted of nothing more than filling our bellies with delicious, fresh food, lounging at a stone's throw of the ocean, drinks garnished with mini umbrellas in hand, while devouring a really good
The water was a perfect shade of aqua and the sky clear blue with nary a cloud in sight. It. Was. Paradise. And what would a trip to the beach be without a few pictures of my frolicking in the waves in my favorite ViX Paula Hermanny bikini? All said and done, it was such a memorable trip and I'm still dreaming of that view from the lounge chair...
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
More Basel Adventures
Hopefully you saw yesterday's post and liked it as much as I loved preparing it. Now it's time to move on to the second part of my journey in the city where the heat is on. My visit was actually split in half with a one-day jaunt to Key West, which was really incredible for a few reasons: 1) key lime pie is one of my favorite desserts 2) it was my first time sipping out of a fresh coconut 3) it is the land where roosters roam free, apparently 4) the architecture is just beautiful, with a perfect beach-town-meets-new-england vibe 5) I learned that it's a super laid-back, gay-friendly town 6) we visited the most mind-blowing tropical garden, other wise known as the Key West Garden Club 7) we were there to encourage our friends who were doing the triathlon (which, btw, confirmed that I would probably never partake in one) 8) outside of the Mardi Gras-reminiscent main drag, the place is all charm. Phew, that's a lot of reasons to love Key West right there! But as mentioned, we were only there for the day and got back to Miami right on time to hit some parties and see more artwork.
On Art Basel's last day, we made it to the Wynwood Walls during sunlight (we'd usually go there at nighttime, which is a completely different experience) and I was so moved to see an entire gallery space dedicated to women in street art. Major girl power. These women are incredible and so talented and make their mark in an industry that is not exactly considered to be dominated by females. We need girls like this! Below you will find the photos of the beautiful day spent at the southernmost point, as well as my last pics of the art I felt compelled to immortalize. And tomorrow? The R&R (read: beach) portion of my trip... Stay tuned.
Information about the artists:
Bambi
Lakwena
Faith47
Olek
Plant the Future
How and Nosm
Shepard Fairy
Maya Hayuk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)