Have a Nightcap with Goose!

Trends come and go... and then come back around again?  Who ever thought the psychedelic, hippie fads of the 70's would appear in our technology friendly world today?  The loose fitting tunics and feathery headbands somehow made their way back to the top of the fashion charts again.  And you don't see me complaining!  You can now get away with frumpy, t-shirt looking frocks and be considered stylish.  I love it!  Although these tunics and dresses are not necessarily form fitting, they are usually made of soft cotton or silk which cling to your sassy bod and can still be fun and flirty.

Since our economy is very unpredictable these days, we must watch what we purchase before sliding that sharp, shiny piece of plastic that we all know and love.  While shopping, it is important that you look for key items to fill your closet that are multi-functional.  I, myself did not truly understand the meaning of that word until closely analyzed.  When I say multi-functional, I don't mean buy a jacket that you can wear with anything.  I mean, buy something that you can wear often but looks different every time you wear it. 

Nightcap Clothing by Carisa Rene is affordable and super trendy-chic!  Her collection is filled with fun, flowy dresses and tops, perfect for any size and shape.  Each item can be worn so many different ways, which epitomizes my definition for 'multi-functional.'  

The black mini pictured above can be worn as a dress or top, can be paired with or without a belt, worn off the shoulder or on, and the list continues.  It also looks great with any accessory.  You can take the hippie route and wear a flowery headband and Golden Goose cropped cowboy boots or you can go Vogue and dress it up with some strappy stilettos, shiny jewels, and a curly coif.

Golden Goose is responsible for these amazingly adorable cowboy booties that look perfect with your 'multi-functional' look.  The cut-off boots are perfect for the upcoming summer weather.  Although a little pricey (just over $1200) and aren't necessarily consistent with my economically friendly look, they are the special item in your closet that you splurge on!

www.nightcapclothing.com

www.revolveclothing.com

www.shopbop.com

Bedazzle is Back with Balmain!

Move over Michael Jackson!  Christophe Decarnin's Balmain opened Paris Fashion Week with studded fireworks!  I can't help but love with the sparkles, punkified fabulousness, and bandage-wrap mini dresses.  If you're a fan of Christian Audigier, Balmain designs are a classier version and a bizillian steps up the fashion ladder.  If you are not a fan of the grungy, punk rock princess look then I suggest that you get over your haut couture ego and try something new.  It will bring out the rebellious side of you if you are lacking in that area.

The bling does not stop at the jackets but continues to bedazzle the teeny tiny tutu dresses that caress the runway.  During Fashion Week, many designers cover their models in elaborate, unthinkably gaudy fabrics with unending amounts of ruffles that the average person would not be able to wear walking down 5th Avenue on their weekly shopping binge.  Balmain offers everyone ready-to-wear masterpieces right off the catwalk.  

An even closer look at the runway model's shoes, I will introduce my favorite aspect of the Balmain collection.  My heart melts for these fancy, metal heavy stilettos.  If you haven't noticed, I am a softie when it comes to black, studded fabulocity.  Giuseppe Zanotti jumped on the rhinestone and leather bandwagon and took part in the footwear designs for Balmain.  His creative take added even more sexy spice to the collection.  I look forward to seeing more from the sassy Christophe Decarnin and I hope to see more of his collection in my closet!

www.balmain.com

What a Frump!

Stephanie: "Don't you feel like you have to stay in shape to live here?"

Lauren: "No, that's what baggy shirts are for." 

This is a direct quote taken from the cinematic masterpiece  of a reality TV show, The Hills.  Despite my mild sarcasm, I watch the show religiously.  It tends to fill my DVR on a regular basis.  Although I am slightly embarrassed to say I am a fan of the show I must admit that Lauren does have a valid point.  Baggy shirts and dresses are so in right now, by why?  They're frump, right?  WRONG!

 

I've lived in the O.C.  I know what it's like to be constantly worried about what I look like.  The "weight issue" has been a constant page turner in Hollywood blogs and tabloids for as long as I can remember.  There is absolutely no need for anyone to be that concerned with their weight (unless you're unhealthily thin or big).  Whether you are a size 2 or size 10, baggy shirts are your friend.  Did I just rhyme?  Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has their moment of "spare tire woes."  You may have a food baby from that Japanese steakhouse dinner you devoured in less that 5 minutes or it could be the wrong time of the month and the Midol isn't doing the job it was created to do.  No matter what the reason, at some point in your life you will discover a little extra pudge around the mid-section that is less than adored.  Hopefully this baby fat is only temporary and you won't let yourself go.  ANYWAY, there are tons of fabulous frumpy shirts and dresses out there to cover that little bit of extra lovin'.  Worn with some tights or skinny jeans, you will come out on top!  Or you could just forget your pants and wear your sassy tunic with your own legs.

Ok, so I wanted to cry, scream, jump, and vomit all at the same time when I discovered this purple Gucci tunic dress!  The colors are to die for!  The purple and red contrast is incredibly delicious!  Usually runway shows include a lot of attire that the common folk could not pull off.  However, this ensemble is the epitome of elegance and normalcy!  It's paired with sky high gladiator sandals and an oversized patent red bag.  

I feel that this look is not just a trend but a discovery that will last forever.  Women will always be aware of their belly and frumpy baggy tunics are the answer to your sorrows!

Roses Are Red...but that doesn't mean your lips should be too

So we all know Gwen Stefani can pull off a deep red lip.  She has that 50's pin-up girl look with the platinum hair and fair skin and top lid black liquid eye liner.  Just because Gwen can do it does NOT mean it should become a trend for everyone!  There are certain fads that everyone can take part in such as skinny jeans.  Even if you have a Kardashian booty they still make you look skinny.  Of course Dior and Chanel and Walgreen's for that matter will sell you a red gloss to make a sale but they won't tell you it looks like crap!

I hate to discriminate but I've noticed only the bright blondes and super dark browns can pull this look off.  I, myself, am a light brunette (naturally) and would not even think about putting any shade of red on my pout!  The contrast is just so awful!  People like Scarlett Johansson with her white locks and Megan Fox with her black coif could easily grasp this fad and receive complement after complement.  But when the tables are turned and people like Lauren Conrad and Mischa Barton try their new MAC LadyDanger, I think it is an instant disaster.

  Lauren Conrad, from The Hills, looks so fresh and glowing without the deep dark devil on her lips.  The nude pink brightens up the rest of her face and shows off her beautiful eyes.  Even for a formal event, I think the red is too much on us "in-between hair color chicks."

I am fully aware that many people may disagree with me on this subject, which is fine.  Everyone has a different opinion on everything.  However, I truly believe red lipstick was created for pin-ups and playboy models.  I hate to say it but in some cases it comes off as trashy, especially when the red shade starts turning into blackish red or purplish red.  Just because Vogue says red is "so hot" right now does not mean it's so hot on you!

Be daring but don't go overboard ladies!  You don't have to follow every single fashion fad ever created.  Now, I wouldn't end this post without some suggestions for the light browns and dirty blondes out there.  Go to the MACcosmetics.com and find Lollipop Loving, Bombshell, and Dreamy.  These perfectly pink shades are ideal for any skin color.  Dreamy also provides a sweet shimmer to make the rest of your beautiful face glow.

www.maccosmetics.com