Summer blues getting you down? Why not throw a pale yellow into the mix?
One of my favorite color combinations this summer seems to be taking a rich shade of blue, and pairing it with a soft, muted yellow.
Try combining a navy striped sweater like this one from H&M, coupled with a yellow-patterned Rachel Comey skirt.
Or for a more delicate look, try a yellow calico floral print dress, like the one above by Anna Sui, and accessorize with ocean blue accessories.
As springtime inches closer, and my closet refuses to share another sweater or heavy jacket, I start to get excited knowing that it's time for my favorite part of the season: spring dresses.
And this season doesn't have to be all about pastels. Sometimes, it's good to foreshadow fall by donning chocolate browns and honeyed yellows in the early spring months.
I found my way to an online-based boutique, Ruche, that offers some of the world's most darling vintage-inspired dresses. The best part are the prices!
Check out two of these cuties, and enjoy carefree spring days without breaking the bank:
While 80's punk bands helped to popularize the trend of adding studs to clothing and accessories, it's the fall 2009 runway that has aided in resurrecting it. Designers like Balmain, Alexander Wang, and Marc Jacobs have given voice to the resurgence of studded garments, inspiring mainstream stores to open their doors to the stud-loving public with a rebel yell.
And while some studded accessories carried by some stars (a la Mary-Kate Olsen) might be a bit out of your budget, or cause people to think you're a bit out of your mind, there are some more cost-efficient, and slightly more feminine alternatives. (Don't worry: you'll still feel like a modern day Joan Jett.)
Alexander McQueen for Target, $20
Once in a blue moon, one color stands out as a theme for an entire season. As I'm gearing up for the seasonal changes, and flipping through the latest issue of Marie Claire, all I can see is blue everywhere!
Typically, I associate blue with the oceans of summer, but the fashion world seems to be pushing for shades of blue for spring. And I, for one, am not complaining.
My picks below, will help you gear up for spring and get you feeling a bit blue...in a good way!
Alexander McQueen for Target, $80
There is something about denim that I absolutely adore. Maybe it's because I'm simply stuck in the 80's. Whatever the case may be, I'm noticing a lot of denim this spring -- a staple mostly reserved for the summer -- and this time, it's taking a form in short, denim dresses.
Charlotte Ronson, $184
Marc by Marc Jacobs, $428
Forever 21, $23
As a twenty-something, I grew up during what I consider the 'Golden Era of Disney.' I don't know if that's actually the case, that the 90's were the golden era, but the most glorious decade for pop culture, in my opinion, did produce a fashion icon in Princess Jasmine from Aladdin.
Granted, harem pants were around long before Disney decided to play up inaccurate Middle Eastern stereotypes, but Princess Jasmine's blue pair of harem pants brought this style to the forefront of my mind, and I had always wanted a pair.
Of course, now that I'm older, and I see harem pants hitting the runway in living color, I'm not quite sure what to make of them. And even though harem pants tried making their transition to the Western World circa 2007, it's the 2009 runway that seems to be embracing the Persian/Arabic fashions.
Exhibit A:
For those of us dealing with the insufferable sludge and the tremendous cold, spring seems very far away. However, as I'm watching the calendar pages flip by, I'm realizing that spring really is just around the corner...a relief, because my closet is begging to be stocked with sundresses and pastels. (Very soon, dear Closet. Very soon.)
Fortunately, to feed my springtime optimism, I received an email from TOMS Shoes in regards to their 'perfect for sunny days' shoes. And they are darling!
As always, for every pair of TOMS you purchase, they will donate a pair to a child in need.
Do some good for others AND your feet.
Gossip Girl's Little J may have abandoned her smokey eye, but in real life, Taylor Momsen's smokey eye is going strong. In fact, she attended the F/W 2009 Marchesa and Anna Sui shows this Fashion Week in NARS cosmetics. NARS Makeup Artist, Sharon Brown, recreated Taylor's now-signature look for these events.
Here's a step-by-step guide to making over your face a la Ms. Momsen:
Skin:
· Mix NARS Firming Foundation in Deauville and NARSskin brightening serum to create an even base with a subtle glow ["She certainly doesn't need the firming benefits of the foundation, but I love the texture," explained Sharon]
· Apply NARS Duo Concealer in Custard/Ginger as needed
· Blend NARS Cream Blush in Penny Lane into cheeks
· Highlight cheekbones with a soft blend of NARS Blush Duo in Hungry Heart
Eyes:
· Line the top and bottom lashes with NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
· Smudge Black Moon over entire lid ["For Taylor's eye makeup, the darker the better," said Sharon.]
· Apply slate blue side of NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Underworld for a pop of color
· Layer NARS Single Eyeshadow in Night Flight, using cobalt blue pearls to accentuate Underworld
· Top with a light dusting of NARS Single Eyeshadow in Cyprus
· Highlight brow bone with NARS Single Eyeshadow in Aybssinia
Lips
· Line lips with NARS Lip Liner Pencil in Tonga (Summer 2009)
· Apply NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge for sheer color (Spring 2009)
All NARS Cosmetics are available at www.narscosmetics.com
If you've read my blog for some time, you know I love Natalie Portman. She's flawless, she's intelligent, and she is so [insert expletive to be used as adjective here] talented. I love her.
So, when I saw the typically chic, but usually predictably dressed Ms. Portman grace the red carpet in a bubblegum pink Rodarte gown, I nearly squealed. (OK, I did squeal!) Yes, she's been donning pink quite often these days, but I can't help feel awed by her choice for the Oscar's. Her hair, her makeup, her gown: sheer perfection.
