Thursday, July 31, 2008

Shauna's Daily Outfit

I wore this to run errands and get bubble tea with Katie!
Top: Estam
Shorts: Juicy Couture
Camisole: Nordstrom BP
Watch: Skagen
Necklace: Gift


Necklace Detail

As you may know by now, I am attracted to bright colors. I found this top in a boutique while on vacation in North Carolina. I was immediately drawn to it and my favorite part are the cut-outs on the sleeves. I found the necklace in a random store in L.A. about six or seven years ago. I didn't buy it, which I quickly regretted. Surprisingly, my grandma had my aunt purchase it as a present for me. It even comes with a key, also decorated with rhinestones.

As for the shoes, they aren't pictured because we were inside and took this last minute, though they really aren't that important. I wore Teva flip flops. They weren't the ideal shoes I wanted to wear, but I always seem to wear flip flops when it's raining.

Katie's FALL 2008 Couture Collection

ELIE SAAB


I love his work. Its always gorgeous. I think this collection was beautiful, with the deep colors layered with lace, and the pastel colors with sheer fabrics veiled beautifully over patterns. And, uhm, the bottom middle is DEF. my wedding dress. Now I need lots of money and a fiance. Maybe in a couple years...

(all pictures from style.com)

Shauna's Favorite Fall 2008 Couture Show

Christian Lacroix
I loved everything about this show, from the hair and makeup to the accessories and headpieces. Lacroix is never one to disappoint me or hold back on details and the middle photo is my favorite look from Fall 2008 Couture.

While Christian Lacroix is my favorite, I also enjoyed Dior, Givenchy, and Jean Paul Gaultier.


Photos from Style.com

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Been Kinda Busy!

Hey ladies and lads, it's Katie. I've been a little busy (trying to get me a job, yanno?) and haven't posted in a little bit, but I swear I'll get something good on here soon (I still need to do my M-Z review). So hang in there for a little, and maybe Shauna will get something up until I can post something new, maybe not... Wait and see!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Shauna's Favorite Fall 2008 RTW Shows M-Z

Monique Lhuillier
Moschino

Naeem Khan

Proenza Schouler

Zac Posen

photos from style.com

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Shauna's New Favorite Lipstick and Top

The other day, Katie went shopping with me and helped me pick out some lipstick. I've always thought I couldn't wear lipstick, but I have changed my mind. While I ended up getting three colors, my favorite is the red.

Makeup Details:
Lipstick: MAC Red
Eyeliner: MAC Fluidline
Mascara: Diorshow
Foundation, Concealer, and Powder: Chanel

Outfit Details:
Dress: BCBG Max Azria
Camisole: Nordstrom BP
Flower: Gift


Previously, at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I bought a beautiful Catherine Malandrino top. I wasn't sure how it was going to fit, so I didn't get my hopes up. I went in the dressing room, tried it on, fell in love, and started jumping for joy.

Outfit Details:
Top: Catherine Malandrino
Jeans: Seven For All Mankind
Clutch: H&M
Bracelet: Marc Jacobs

Shauna's Favorite Fall 2008 RTW Shows A-L

Like Katie, I also loved Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui, Christian Dior, Etro, Givenchy, and Karl Lagerfeld. To save you from seeing repetition, I am going to post my other favorites.

Christian Lacroix

Dsquared2


Eley Kishimoto

Elie Saab

Fendi

John Galliano


Lanvin

Luella

photos are from style.com

Katie's FALL 2008 RTW Review A - L

So, these are the collections, A through L, that I really liked and wanted to talk about. Below these are other collections I liked but either didn't have time/was too lazy to put pictures up, and below that is a list of collections I did not like and why. This is only half of it... Expect more within the next couple days...

Alexander McQueen


Alexander McQueen is never one to disappoint, and this collection is no exception. The immediate vibe is very witchy- there is almost a feeling of Sleepy Hollow throughout the first set. There are tattered dresses with asymmetrical shapes, and the hair carries the same feel as it also looks tattered and disheveled (which, as the first thing I see, I honestly did not care for). The collection then turns to a certain regality through the end. These pieces have a high society India feel, consisting of velvets and layered feather dresses with full skirts, and silks with intricate bead work. Needless to say, he has certainly outdone himself again.

Anna Sui


Anna Sui's collection is truly unique. She has veered a little off her punk-rock path and though keeping with the boldness she is known for, she took a different route. She drew from many inspirations in this collection... the pieces are a bit of Native American, a bit of Victorian, and a bit Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt. Bright, bold colors in eccentric patterns are seen, intertwined with darker pieces, but all very much incorporating all three influences. What will be next in Anna Sui's upcoming collections?

Christian Dior

At first glance, I thought I would hate this collection. I'm not one for Jackie O glamour, and that is exactly what this screams. But, the more I see, the more I love. I find the collection to be fun and humorous, in a 1960's wine-guzzling-Texas-mother sort of way. The hair is huge, and the lashes and makeup are over sized to match. Bright fun colors and bubble skirts, nostalgic prints and shapes... it all brings back a memory to those who were fortunate enough to live in that era. (Though I did not, I wish I had!). John Galliano will always find a way to shock you, and this is proof.

Etro

There is something so innovative about the line that makes me wonder why it is so overlooked. I always feel like the designs are so well put together. They are an oxymoron in a way, because they are so perfectly flawed... Everything works in a way that doesn't work. It's refreshing, and I just love it.

Givenchy

This collection reminds me of the weird girl at school that no one talked to, not because she was weird, but because she was crazy. The one that if you looked at her wrong, she would probably stab you. She had an older boyfriend that rode a motorcycle, and would pick her up half way through school... but even though she was crazy and weird, you still kinda wanted to be her, because she just didn't give a fuck. It's like Catholic School 'goth', but in the old sense of the word.

Karl Lagerfeld


Now I'm not a huge fan of Chanel, and I could do without most... BUT... I like Karl Lagerfeld. I feel this line, though in a way similar to Chanel, is much more laid back, and I like that about these designs. I mean I love Karl for the great designer he is, and some Chanel items I really adore, but the collection as a whole isn't as great as this one (just my opinion). I like clean lines, solid fabrics, the chic-ness of this line. Chanel, I feel, is too dainty for me. Yes, some of this collection looks redundant, but you have to look at the details. The stitch, the pleat, the shape... It really is all different. And I love that about Karl, it's not for one woman, it's for all women.

Other Collections worth remembering: Christian Lacroix - I liked just about everything. Hair, makeup, jackets, dresses, PRINTS... just great.
Dsquared2 - Dean and Dan, my loves. They make something old, new... and it just works.
Elie Saab - Oh, my wedding dress WILL be an Elie Saab piece (but from his couture line, of course!)... He makes the most beautiful dresses!
J. Mendel - Wouldn't say I LOOOVED it, but there were a few pieces I really liked. Sheer lacy numbers and the bow-loop looking pockets were nice.
Lanvin - I can't put my finger on it, but there is something I like about this collection...

Not Impressed with (and my reasons why): Derek Lam - I feel like he lost the female body in these pieces, and he usually knows the female body so well... And, I didn't see a cohesive collection, but rather bits and pieces strung together in no particular fashion. Disappointing as he is a favorite of mine.
Balenciaga - Seen it before. We get it, you do shapes, it's your thing. Strong shoulders and hips... Something new, please?
Dolce & Gabbana - France? Oklahoma? Prague? I just don't get it. It's a mish mash of confusion for me, but I'm never impressed by Dolce & Gabbana.
Junya Watanabe - Another designer I enjoy, usually. I feel like he took his idea too far, and it just got redundant. We'll see next time.


(all pictures from style.com)

Monday, July 21, 2008

Shauna's Daily Outfit

Last night, my boyfriend took me to see The Dark Knight (which was awesome by the way). After the movie, I made him stop to take pictures.

Dress: Bebe
T-Shirt: American Apparel
Shoes: Tory Burch
Bracelet: Marc Jacobs

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Katie's Summer Bag Must-Haves!

Except for the basic bag essentials like my phone, keys, and wallet, there are a few things that I find necessary for the summer.
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Totally Turn-lock Quinn in Mouse Gray. I need a big bag, and this is definitely big enough for all of my crap!
2. Summer Hat - Pink hat I got from BP. in Nordstrom. It was $14.99 or so and I got it in Royal Blue also. Can't find the blue one, though... I think a hat in the summer is ESSENTIAL. Being a cosmetologist, although I want my hair to look perfect at all times, I want my hair to stay healthy and one way is to wear a hat to somewhat protect it from the sun. I have a ton of hats.
3. Sunnies - Protect those eyes from the damaging sun rays! I got these at For Love 21, the Forever 21 accessories store.
4. M.A.C. Charged Water - OMG. It gets so ridiculously hot out, so best way to stay cool is to spritz yourself. Keep this in the fridge overnight and take before you leave the house. When you're hot and need a temporary cool-down, SPRAY! If at the beach with a cooler - pop it in the ice and spray when needed. Because lets be honest, we don't always go for the water... ;)
5. Daisy by Marc Jacobs - I love the fresh floral scent of this, and your man will too. The heat will make it linger!
6. Headband - If you're anything like me, and human, you get hot in the summer sun. I use a headband to push my hair back when its just too unbearable to wear down. This one has elastic laced through to help it hold better.
7. M.A.C. Dazzleglass in Baby Sparks - The glitter in this gloss will set that pout aflame and cause those lips to look plump!
8. M.A.C. Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Fresh Green Mix - This duo is fun and perfect for summer, and what's better than getting 2 great colors in one easy to carry compact?
9. M.A.C. Strobe Cream - I love shimmery skin, and this face cream gives you that, without looking greasy or like you fell into a pool of glitter.
10. Sephora Express Smily Lips - I love this lip conditioner that I got in Barcelona, but unfortunately they only have it in European Sephora stores. It moisturizes and leaves the lips sooo soft. If you're in the US like us, I suggest Burt's Bee's Beeswax Lip Balm.
11. Visine Eye Drops - If you get red itchy eyes or your eyes water a lot (or are very dry), Visine makes so many different formulas that work and leave eyes feeling like new.
12. Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara - I have a ton of lashes that are already really curly (I know, why should I complain?) but they are so short and light that it doesn't even matter, so I use this mascara to plump them and make them more noticeable.
13. Arizona Lemonade - Summer = Lemonade, in my opinion, so I loooove Arizona's Lemonade. There is NOTHING better than the taste of fresh squeeze lemonade on a hot day, but when I don't have lemons handy (which is always, haha) I grab a can of this to quench my thirst. But, there is still is nothing that beats the fresh squeezed stuff, especially from state fairs! Yummmm!

Polish Your Look!

I love the look of perfectly polished nails, and this summer, neon and bright colors are in. A lot of companies have a bright collection out now, like OPI's Mod About Brights. These 6 bright colors are fun, but not too bright that they'll burn your retinas. They retail for about $8 at most Ulta's and other salon retail stores.

Top: DATING A ROYAL, GREEN-WICH VILLAGE, THAT'S HOT! PINK.
Bottom: BRIGHTS POWER, THE “IT” COLOR, MOD-ERN GIRL.

Another great collection is The Neon Collection by Essie. This collection has 4 great neon shades that will add a great summer punch to any outfit. These colors retail for $8/each or $18 for a pack of 4 mini polishes and can be found here!

L to R: BERMUDA SHORTS, MINI SHORTS, SHORT SHORTS, SHORTY PANTS.

One more great collection out is China Glaze's Ink. This collection of 12 bright colors has every color imaginable, making it easy to find a perfect color for whatever outfit you are wearing. They retail for $3.75 at Sally Beauty with their discount card (And, if you don't have one, get one! I promise it's worth it).

Looking into the fall, a color that is subtle but chic, is Grey. Many companies have great greys out there, and it is a must-have for fall! I personally think the perfect grey is China Glaze's Recycle. This matte grey is perfect, and inexpensive!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Summer Bags

Another fun way to spruce up a basic summer outfit is to add a fabulous handbag. While I love colorful bags year round, I also feel they are easier to wear during the summer. Here are some of my favorite bags for summer.

1. Dooney & Bourke 'Small Chiara' retails for $295 and is also available in turquoise, yellow, and white.
2. See by Chloe 'Full on Small Reversible Tote' retails for $495 and can be turned inside out to reveal plain red leather.
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Dr. Q Lil Riz' retails for $428 and is also available in black and tan. If purple is more your color, a very, very similar version (the 'Dr. Q Grace') is available exclusively on eLuxury and retails for the same price.
4. Tory Burch 'Tory' retails for $250 and is also available in pink and white.
5. Maxx New York 'Bridle Degrade' retails for $168.
6. Foley + Corinna Linen 'City' Clutch retails for $175 and is also available in coral and royal blue.
7. Rebecca Minkoff 'Nikki' retails for $600 and is also available in sea green and grey.
8. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Dr. Q Groovee' retails for $498 and is also available in purple and black.
9. Betsey Johnson 'Bebop Betsey' retails for $425 and also comes in black with black and silver studs.

1. Balenciaga 'Giant Work' retails for $1,725 and also comes in many other colors, including electric turquoise, electric yellow, thyme green, and sky blue. For more colors and hardware choices not available online, call or visit your nearest Balenciaga store or other store carrying Balenciaga. Please note that Balenciaga.com only ships within the US at the moment.
2. Botkier 'Vixen' retails at $600.
3. Fendi Medium 'Baguette' retails for $995 and is also available in black. If you're looking for more colors, eLuxury has this bag available in yellow, red, silver, sky blue, light pink, and gold.
4. Mulberry 'Poppy' retails for $1,195.
5. Balenciaga 'Giant Day' retails for $1,245 and, like the other Balenciaga bags pictured, comes in a variety of colors, including bubble gum pink, sky blue, and thyme green. Contact Balenciaga or Balenciaga carriers for more colors and hardware choices.
6. Marc Jacobs Patent Leather 'Blake' retails for $1,195 and is also available in black.
7. Marc Jacobs 'Stam' retails for $1,350 and is also available in black.
8. Prada 'Vitello Daino' Tote retails for $1,095 and also comes in black.
9. Fendi 'B Bag' retails for $1,860.
10. Balenciaga 'Giant City' retails for $1,595 and the same goes for other colors/hardwares available for the City as the other pictured Balenciaga bags.
11. Botkier 'Isis' retails for $625 and is also available in black.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Summertime

The thing I love most about summer fashion is the colors. In my opinion, the brighter, the better. When it's hot outside, most people will resort to shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. It's understandable to want to just throw something on and get out to enjoy the summer days. However, putting on shorts and a t-shirt everyday can get boring real fast. Adding some colorful basics can completely change an outfit. Here are four of my summer favorites from American Apparel.


1. The Unisex Big Tank
Coming in a variety of colors, including fluorescent orange (shown) and fluorescent green, this tank is perfect for summer. It can be worn over a bathing suit when you're going to the beach or the pool, over your favorite pair of shorts, with a pair of leggings or tights if it's long enough on you, or even a pair of pants if it's a cooler summer day. For a different look, add a belt. While it only comes in one size, a second tank top or t-shirt worn underneath might be necessary (I suggest it be another color instead of opting for black or white).







2. Unisex Nylon Spandex Micro-Mesh T-Shirt
Another great choice for a hot summer day spent at the beach. The see-through mesh will feel light and allow you to feel the breeze. Perfect over a swimsuit, this shirt can be worn with shorts or skirts. While it only comes in four colors (fluorescent pink [top layer], pop purple [bottom layer], frost blue, and black), it's still a fun summer option to the basic t-shirt. Wear two at a time (as shown) to give yourself more color options or wear over your regular shirts and tank tops.






3. Unisex Solid Rib Vest
One of the easiest ways to spruce up an outfit is by adding a vest. If you're not big into color, this is the perfect way to add just a touch. This vest can be worn over plain, patterned, or printed shirts and tanks. Buttoned or unbuttoned, it will still add a nice pop of color and for more options, add a belt.









4. Polyester Micro-Fiber Tulip Skirt
The last item on my listen from American Apparel and my favorite. While shorts are comfortable, they can get boring after a while. Maybe it's just me, but when it's really hot out, i don't want denim wrapping around my legs. To me, summer is a time to feel girly. When I think of summer, I think of skirts and dresses. I think that some people avoid them for fear of being too dressy. While I love to get all fancy every once in a while, I love a casual look when wearing skirts. This skirt can be worn with all the basics: t-shirts, tank tops, even a leotard (which American Apparel also sells). To change the look a bit, add a pair of tights, leggings, or knee high socks.



The best way to figure out what colors work well together is to go to your nearest American Apparel and either try them on together or hold them up next to each other. You'd be surprised at what color combinations you never thought about trying. Next time, instead of reaching for that white t-shirt, opt for that green or purple one.