Glowy Summer Makeup Look Tutorial (Guest Spot)

Aloha, Lover!

Fellow Hawaii/Pacific Island style blogger, Jessica of Frikken Duckie, invited me to guest post on her blog (Guest blog post HERE). I thought I’d do a tutorial on this makeup look (Posted about HERE:

thereafterish, makeup look, easy makeup, simple makeup how to, coral color

{ Kissed by Coral makeup look with coral colors for a healthy, spring glow }


thereafterish, makeup look, easy makeup, simple makeup how to, coral color
thereafterish, makeup look, easy makeup, simple makeup how to, coral color

Drop by Jessica’s blog to see how I achieved this glowy chic and easy summer makeup look with a video tutorial! <3 (I'll be posting this video later on this month for those of you who missed it.) Also, be sure to enter Jessica’s HUGE giveaway that includes ad spots, jewelry, giftcards (to Sephora and Starbucks!) and makeup goodies!

Rock on, Beauty Lovers!
Me ke aloha ~ With love + aloha,
Mae Xx


Find out how I earn cash back from 95% of my online shopping! Click here to learn more: http://bit.ly/YB8oHX


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Hair How To: Quick Messy Top Knot Bun

Ever wonder how to do a top knot bun, or a messy ballerina bun? That massive, mess of bird’s nest awesomeness that rests atop the crown of the head? Here is a 60 second hairstyle: a chic, quick messy top knot bun how-to that will show you how to get a cute bun or trendy messy hair look in less than a minute.

Hair How-To: Chic quick, messy top high bun

You dig?


Here’s the look from different angles.

Quick Messy High Bun, messy hair, Quick Bun Hair Style, Messy Top Knot Bun, how to do top knot bun, how to top bun
Quick Messy High Bun, messy hair, Quick Bun Hair Style, Messy Top Knot Bun, how to do top knot bun, how to top bun
QQuick Messy High Bun, messy hair, Quick Bun Hair Style, Messy Top Knot Bun, how to do top knot bun, how to top bun

Look how adorable this look is on the model. This is the most literally BRILLIANT messy high bun I’ve ever done.

QQuick Messy High Bun, messy hair, Quick Bun Hair Style, Messy Top Knot Bun, how to do top knot bun, how to top bun

Don’t forget to visit my YouTube channel and Subscribe and Comment!

See my previous bun hairstyle tutorial, the easy double chignon.

What do you think of this? Was it helpful? Do you think you’ll be doing this style?? Link me with your comments, if you do this simple style!


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AOAO – Lady in Red, Willowbrook Mill, Northport, MI

What to wear to a beautiful autumn wedding when Color Season is in full swing? Why not match the natural “decor” of the occasion and go in all red? Echo the beautiful flame, sunset, ochre and goldenrod hues by going in a scarlet dress and be the belle of the ball, only after the bride, of course.

{ Architecture of an Outfit } Autumn Wedding: The Lady in Red

Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Lady in Red Dress

As you may remember, about a month ago N and I went up north to Traverse City and Northport, Michigan to join in the festivities of the joyous wedding at the mill of our two dear friends, Jamie and Paris (or as we like to say “Jaris and Pamie”). Color Season was barely beginning, and wind, chill and the smell of apples and wood crackling in warm hearths was starting to tickle the air with their rich scents. Our friends are very outdoorsy, simple and reserved fashion types (think J. Crew autumn collection with a hint of New Balance, The North Face and Hunters Boots and the occasional deliciously polished Coach bag), but I didn’t want to blend in for the sake of not making a spectacle of myself for over-dressing.

Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Traverse City
Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, Traverse City, Michigan Travel
Willowbrook Mill, Northport Michigan
Paris and Jamie wedding, Northport Michigan, Willowbrook Mill

The gorgeously appointed Willowbrook Mill was the perfect setting for our friends. The natural setting had just enough glamour, but surrounded by sweetly flowing water with the creek under the entryway bridge, the gorgeous natural wood floors and softly filtering golden light from antique chandeliers…it was perfectly organic and chic for the happy couple. And the right setting to put on a bit of a diva ensemble without making a scene.

If you’re wondering what to wear to a fall wedding, just mirror the season and dress up as The Lady in Red.

Red Peplum Dress, H&M Leopard wrap, The Lady in Red
Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Lady in Red Dress

Keep it simple with unfussy accessories and unfussy hair. Keep it from being too scandalous or distracting (gotta keep attention on the Bride, right?) by breaking up the line with a peplum waist. If it’s cold, you can glam it up by wearing lace tights and shiny patent shoes rather than just traditional sheer or boring opaque black tights. If you need a bit of personality, throw on an animal print wrap–the rest of you is simple enough that you can spare the room to go a bit crazy without going insane. A matte thick material, as opposed to a shiny material like satin, is more forgiving and flattering and will keep your dress from oozing into the wrinkled bad prom dress territory.

Outfit Details
BB Dakota red peplum dress
[SIMILAR: McGinn red peplum cocktail dress (high end)]
[SIMILAR: Tibi bib neck peplum dress]
H&M Leopard print scarf as wrap.
[SIMILAR: leopard print viscose wrap (high end)]
[SIMILAR: Guess leopard scarf]
Falke Lace tights
[SIMILAR: J. Crew Rose Lace Tights]
J. Crew pearl & gold bib collar necklace.
[SIMILAR: Kate Spade Papillon Pearls Bib Necklace (high end)]
[SIMILAR: Joanna Laura Constantine pearl and gold cluster necklace]
Black patent strappy sandals (Michael Kors)
[SIMILAR: Christian Louboutin patent cage heels
[SIMILAR: Bebe black patent platform sandal
House of Harlow Gold Key Ring
Wendy Mink Gold filigree cuff
[SIMILAR: Gold Filigree cuff]

Then when all the ceremonial traditions are over, let loose and go crazy! Now that you know exactly what to wear to a fall wedding, GET DOWN ON IT! Dance the night away, because you look fab and fierce. I know I got down.

Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Lady in Red Dress
Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Lady in Red Dress
Paris and Jamie wedding, Willowbrook Mill, Lady in Red Dress

{ Are you attending any fall weddings? What are you planning on wearing?? }


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Guest Post: Simple, Easy Statement Pieces by In Honor of Design

I honestly can’t remember how I stumbled onto the sweet Anna of In Honor of Design. This lovely first grade educator and graphic designer used to run the most awesome e-store with breath-taking jewelry (she closed up shop recently to focus on her busy and fabulous life). However, it wasn’t just her artful accessory creations that had me taken in, but it was her eye for gorgeous interiors and design. While she only recently branched into featuring OOTD posts on her site, her eye for well-laid interiors and architecture naturally translates into her own wardrobe. Ie., she dresses pretty well, despite her protests that she’s just a jean shorts and flip flops kind of girl.

She’s also incredibly humble and down-to-earth, I feel like I’ve been reading her forever.

Excited to be here while Mae is enjoying Nova Scotia. :)

Whether its a scarf, skinny belt, or a killer cocktail ring, the mid range can be a fantastic way to make a fashion statement. Which would be your style of choice?

These were a few examples that had me swooning!
gold braided belt, statement cocktail ring
Gold braided belt and statement cocktail rings

ways to wear a scarf
Different ways to wear a scarf

Chiffon Bow Shorts
Chiffon bow shorts

Photo credits: (via Hello, Friend, Scout and Catalogue, Oui Petite)


My personal favorite are the shorts. Very different. And very girly. Very Mae.
Thanks for the drool-worthy picks, Anna!
xx,
Mae


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Guest Post: Wardrobe Remix by Her Waise Choice

Someone whose feminine, polished style I admire is Jen of Her Waise Choice (play on the word “Wise”). This fellow Canadienne always looks put-together, chic and polished from head to toe. Whatever she chooses, Jen always seems to evoke a graceful femininity, reminiscent of on-screen heroines of the 50s and 60s, but with a modern take. Don’t let her charm fool you, her sophisticated ensembles belie her youth! If only I were this stylish when I were 22, college and working after college might have been a whole different story!

Hi, I’m Jen from Vancouver based personal style blog her waise choice.

Deciding to start a fashion blog has been one of the most rewarding things that I’ve ever done. One of the downsides of it though, for me at least, is the struggle with feeling like I constantly need to have something new and fresh to wear. I’ve come to realize that while shopping is fun, giving in to that feeling is not good for my wallet, my closet or my styling skills. As such, my year in blogging and dressing has become a continuous attempt in staying away from constant shopping; keeping track of how I’ve worn things differently gives me encouragement to stay on track! It’s a struggle sometimes to come up with new ways to wear something, but the results are satisfying in more ways than one.

Here are some pieces that I’ve worn in more than one way for the blog.
Her Waise Choice, Style Remix
Her Waise Choice, Remix Wardrobe
Her Waise Choice, Style Remix
For more, check out my Facebook page!

P.S. Mae, I hope you’re having a great, relaxing time in Nova Scotia. If anyone deserves it, it’s you!

Aw! Thanks, Jen!


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Guest Post: Circus Style How To, by sillygrrl

With the fun, artful way circus and performance art has infused into mainstream and high fashion, you, too can infuse circus style into your fashion.

circus style how to, stripes

As if my best friend sillygrrl needs any introduction…

theatre bizarre, circus style, aerialist

My bestie Sarah is an aerial ninja, AKA aerialist, and a third of a brilliant Aerial Circus Troupe, so naturally, the artsy, circus elements of performance art that go hand in hand with the indie art scene is something for which she has a knack. Let’s let her break it down.

—-

With my stripe obsession I end up looking a little circus-y more often than not, so I thought I’d share a few ways to add circus style to your wardrobe without looking like you stepped out of a sideshow.

circus style how to, how to wear bows
Put a bow on it: Big or little, bright or covered in sparkles, a hair bow or bow tie is the perfect circus accessory.

circus style how to, how to wear ruffles
Ruffles: Try a cute pair of bloomers under a full skirt (or wear them as shorts) or a ruffled collar.

circus style how to, how to wear stripes
Black & white stripes: This is my go-to style at least twice a week. I always feel ready to hop on my trapeze when I’m clad in stripes!

circus style how to, how to wear short skirts
Fitted tops with short full skirts: Keep it around mid-thigh (throw on a pair of bike shorts if you’re worried about showing your skivvies), the fuller the better, and balance it with a fitted top or tee.

circus style how to, how to wear knee high socks, knee high socks
Thigh high or knee high socks: love them with striped or bows and paired with Mary Janes or tall lace-up boots.
Also try…two-tone tights, lots of curls, a trapeze dress, wide colorful stripes, a tiny top hat, feathered fascinator or a ringmaster-style blazer.

Sources: Spilt Sugar, Theatre Bizarre via SillyGrrl, One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten

See? Trying to add a little drama by wearing a bit of circus style into your closet isn’t that hard now, is it?

Visit Sarah at her blog, SillyGrrl.com to see more of her fierce aerial skills, and her punky, feisty fashion posts.


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What to Wear for Air Travel: Cool Temps

Ever wonder what do I wear for air travel? Ever look at celebrities dressed in the most amazing, yet comfortable-looking gear and thinking, I would never pick that? Yeah, that’s basically ME. I’m ALWAYS CLUELESS what to wear to the airport. I want to be a smart traveler, but I also want to look nice, because, you know what? as I’ve gotten older I want to look like I take pride in my appearance wherever I go. For some reason, flipflops and jeans to me just screams “I don’t give a shit.” (Feet are nasty.) I can look put together AND be comfy, too.

I’m heading off to Nova Scotia as you read this, where, albeit summer, is already starting to feel autumnal and perfectly appropriate for all these crazy pre-fall fashion previews that have been released as temps were soaring to their highest heights. (What’s with that, anyway?)

Ideally, if traveling during my preferred times of the year (September-May), I’d wear this:

Mae Lu's Travels

How to dress for Air Travel: LAYERS
Air travel demands smart layering skills. I’m skinny. I’m little. I get cold easily and could never wear a dress and heels on a plane. I dress like I’m going to Iceland (I would die to go to Iceland at any time of the year, honestly), because that recycled air in the plane blasts down on poor, hapless passengers like a gale-force ice wind. It bites down to my bones. So a funky T, leggings as pants, drape-y cardigan, beanie, and fun accessories (that you don after security) complete the outfit. Funky boots you can slip on and off add to the edge of the ensemble. The scarf is not only for smart accessorizing, but also to provide further warmth in the arctic fuselage. If you get too warm, you can use it as a pillow.

No outfit would be complete without tech, though, being the techno-junkie I am. This will be my first trip without my trusty computer. It bugs me. But I’ll have an iPad and my iPhone which I’ll be playing endless amounts of Final Fantasy III (not the US III version).

Here are some examples of outfits I’ve worn while traveling.
how to dress for travel, what to wear for air travel
how to dress for travel, what to wear for air travel
how to dress for travel, what to wear for air travel
how to dress for travel, what to wear for air travel

As I said, the smartest thing to do when trying to decide what to wear for air travel is just to think about layering strategically. Especially on planes. Or in Iceland, and England. Once we move to Hawaii in December, though, dressing for eternal summer will be a whole other monster I’m not prepared to face.

What do you wear when you travel?


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Inspired: Harry Potter & Hogwarts Fly High with High Fashion!

I’m not big on reposting too much, but after I saw this glossy, editorial-like high-fashion shoot inspired by Harry Potter, I knew I had to tell people about it.

Celebrity and Editorial fashion stylist Chriselle Lim created a playful, more feminine wardrobe collection (with the exception of Bellatrix LeStrange) with a softer palette in light, breezy fabrics, with an emphasis on clean lines, shapes and accessories. Although Chriselle, a former model, is a high-fashion stylist, she incorporated mostly affordable pieces into the collection from trendy high street stores such as Urban Outfitter, Forever 21, H&M, Zara and ASOS.com.

Pulling elements and trademarks of key Harry Potter characters like Hermoine, Luna Lovegood, Bellatrix LeStrange and even Harry himself(!), Chriselle created an rich, enviable wardrobe that I would be charmed to own.

Doesn’t this tutorial cast a spell on you?

Here are some of my favorite photos from her post:

Bellatrix

Harry Potter Inspired Fashion - Bellatrix Lestrange

Luna Lovegood

Harry Potter Inspired Fashion - Luna Lovegood
Harry Potter Inspired Fashion - Luna Lovegood

Harry Potter

Harry Potter Inspired Fashion - Harry Potter

Chriselle and Michelle Phan concocted the perfect high fashion potion for a truly inspired wardrobe that’ll have your heart floating as if it’d been Wingardium Leviosa’d right through the roof.

See the full Harry Potter Inspired Fashion Tutorial at Chriselle’s site, along with the clothing info and cute outtake photos of Ms. Lim and Phan getting their Hogwarts on. Be sure to give her a huge LIKE on her official Chriselle Lim Facebook Page, and if you leave a comment, let her know I sent you! Xx

Video and Image credit: Chriselle Lim of The Chriselle Factor


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E-Style You: What to Wear for Engagement Photos?

What do I wear for an engagement photo shoot? I’m a pretty casual girl, and I’ve got a big chest.

This is a good question. Let me try to e-style you. I can tell you what to wear, how to fix your problem areas and play up your best, and beautiful features so that you can feel appropriate, stylish, and most importantly, confident! When you’re confident, you have better posture, which naturally gives your ensemble a more polished, put-together edge.

How to Dress for large chest bra size

Things to keep in mind: My philosophy is that it is better to be faulted for being “over dressed” rather than under. But this is the tricky part; you don’t want to be so over-dressed that you’re uncomfortable, stiff and don’t feel like yourself! It’s a bit of a delicate balance. My rule of thumb is that you should be able to feel like you can move in it, but you still look put-together, tall, gorgeous and happy. So, keep it polished and simple with standout shoes and nice makeup.

I’ve seen casual engagement photo shoots, and I’ve seen creative, dressy photo shoots that looked like fashion magazines, and I’ve seen bizarre, quirky and over-the-top shoots. Dressing casual for a engagement shoot is touchy. I would advise against jeans unless you’re doing something very urban, rugged or rural. The reason is that you don’t want to look back on it and think, why didn’t I dress up a bit more? It is, after all, your engagement photos. That being said, though, if you feel most yourself and most comfy in jeans, and you’d feel absolutely stiff and unhappy in other clothes, that’s probably the choice you should make.

Summer Engagement Photos, Dressy

Engagement Photoshoot, jeans

If you’re going to go with jeans or casual slacks, here are some guidelines:

  • Keep it simple — no embellishments.
  • Keep it slim–boot cuts, flair styles don’t flatter most people, and trouser styles will be too hot for the summer.

Dress or Skirt:

  • A pencil skirt offers nice alternative to jeans or pants that you can dress up or dress down.
  • A dress is a good dressy casual option–with a V neckline to draw the eyes up, will minimize “the girls” and also dress the smallest part of your body: your gorgeous waistline.

Tops:

  • Button downs, Deep Vs and fitted tops are your friends.
  • Scoop necks and crew necks with a high neckline will make you look like a shelf.

Stay away from anything too voluminous which will add bulk to your frame!

Shoes:
Wedge heels are your friends. Easy to walk and romp in, but still sexy, flirtatious and slimming.

If you’re in doubt, remember to throw on a few accessories like earrings and bangles. They’re a quick way to add extra oomph to your ensemble without trying too hard.

Here are more options I made just for you: what to wear engagement photos, polyvore collection, girl with large breasts :)

Lastly, have fun and stand up straight! Nothing ruins pictures more than a sulky-bear who looks like she’s wilting! Good posture and a radiant smile makes any outfit — and any photo — worth a MILLION words!


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Quick and Easy Hair: How to Use Spin Pins Double Messy Low Bun

Heat is here. This quick and easy summer hair style will keep you cool. It’s sleek and super fast using Spin Pins by Goody–a secret weapon. Double Messy Low Buns! You can get a quick and messy hair style that’s bang-on trend and totally chic.

When you’ve got to get to the lake or beach, the last thing you want to do is spend precious minutes in front of the mirror trying to do your hair. You want a simple, quick summer hair style that you can get done in seconds! This style is fast, chic and will keep your hair out of your face so you can enjoy the sand, surf and sun without stopping to brush your precious locks out of your eyes. Win!

Watch and learn!
Super Chic and Easy Summer Hair Style, Double Messy Low Bun and Spin Pins by Goody

Spin Pins by Goody
The Secret Weapon, Spin Pins by Goody

How to Use Spiral Hair Pins (Goody Spin Pins)

  • Separate your hair into two sections from ear to ear.
  • Section off the top part and clip.
  • Angle off the bottom section toward one ear, and begin twisting toward the face.
  • Twist it into a bun, and secure with a small spiral pin at an angle from the top, screwing it securely into place.
  • Screw in a second spin pin at the base of the bun to secure the entire bun.
  • Twist the top section directly over the first bun, twisting away from the face.
  • Use two spiral pins to secure the top bun both at the top and base of the bun.
  • Secure any “wispies” or loose tendrils with bobby pins.
  • Pull some face-framing pieces near your face for a more natural look.
  • Lightly hairspray non-aerosol (better for the environment!).
  • Now go out the door, you’re done!

The Final Look:
messy hair style, messy bun, goody spin pins, double chignon

Or
messy hair style, messy bun, goody spin pins, double chignon

Mandy, the gorgeous ginger bombshell in this video was kind enough to let me use her head as a guinea pig. Thanks, babe!

You can buy Spin Pins at Target (or any drugstore in the US–not sure about international availability). They retail about $6.00USD for a pair of two long ones, or three short spirals.

If you liked this tutorial, don’t forget to Stumble, Digg or Like this post on Facebook below, or Thumbs Up on YouTube! Thanks! Xx


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How to Dress Big Breasts Fashionably, Part 1

{ How to Dress for Big Boobs / Large Chest / Big Breasts stylishly }

I’m working on an e-style article, but in the mean time, here is some advice from one of my favorite stylists (style yoda), Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network’s popular fashion show “How Do I Look?“. Here she gives ampled-bosomed girls like myself (and the curvy goddesses with boobs much larger than mine) some simple tips on how to avoid looking like a porn movie hopeful, or a frumpy, stumpy mess. Easy, how to shop tips on what silhouettes and shapes to look at to feature The Girls and highlighting other areas to look polished and put together.

I totally heart Jeannie Mai. She kind of reminds me of me in a way… sans blue hair–I gave that up in college.


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{ Architecture of Beauty / FOTD } Summer Coral & Pinks

Click the photos for larger views.

Coral and Pinks for summer are wearable, even for yellow/medium toned Asian girls like me. The trick is to keep it simple, light, with a more coppery coral than a red, ruddy, pinky coral. If you go for super pinky coral, or ruddy reds, your eye lids could end up looking like the weird color of sickness, without the swelling.

Keep it natural, light and simple. A little bit of shimmer, but not too much.

  1. Blend the shadow with a fluffy brush into the socket line (or crease).[L'Oreal Desert Sunrise Eye Quad]
  2. Line your eyes with a dark brown, black or navy blue liner and wing out the ends, aiming the end of the cat eye toward the ends of your eyebrows. [NYX Felt Liquid Liner Pen in jet black]
  3. Line your water line with a flesh colored pencil. [Pixie Eye Bright Inner Rim Liner]
  4. Curl, curl, curl those lashes to further open up your eyes. [Tarte Cosmetics Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler]
  5. Use a coat of a lengthening mascara, and get it to the roots of your lashes, and wiggle it up, zig-zagging it back and forth to the tips of your lashes. [NYX Cosmetics Doll Eye Mascara]
  6. Follow it up with a second coat of a volumizing formula mascara to enhance and fan the lashes out. [Urban Decay Skyscraper Multi-benefit Mascara in Jet Black]
  7. Apply Bronzer on the high points of your face: cheekbones, above the temples, a little on your forehead and down the chin. Also apply on your neck… since your face might be darker than your neck. [Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light]
  8. Fill in your brows very naturally–make sure there are no visible lines.[NYX Cosmetics Eyebrow Cake Powder in Brunette]
  9. Apply a creamy but matte bright pink to your lips (not hot pink). [NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip lipstick in Milan]

Pretty, right? And so !@#$-in’ easy!

If you try this look, be sure to comment back and let me know!

See the rest of my FOTD beauty posts.

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1]


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{ Building the Outfit Architecture } Summer Yellows

When building an outfit architecture, I often construct the architecture around a singular element.

Today, with the gusty winds and torrential downpour, I decided that Vivienne Westwood Anglomania x Melissa jelly shoes’ combo of yellow and plastic would be perfect for the wet pavements drearily reflecting the dull grey expanses of sky [recently seen HERE, HERE, and HERE]. Such a saturated hue of shoe calls for similarly eye-catching hues in the same color family elsewhere in the outfit.



Instinctively, I reached for the yellow and grey lace top and then everything else kind of just fell into place. Gold/brass-ish buttons? Gold & brassy eco-friendly bracelets and boyfriend watch. Capiz shell earrings I found for $1 at H&M. Brass buckled “leather” belt. Grey lace? Grey pants. Bad hair? Big, big, messy Princess Bunhead top knot.

Different elements come together to combine for a sweet summer Outfit Architecture which just the right amount of girly and bright to combat the fatigue-inducing ugliness we call Great Lakes Weather [i.e., it not always "great"].

Full Architecture tomorrow.

{ What’s your Outfit Building style? }

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1]


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{ Architecture of an Outfit } Color Blocking, can we try that again? With a Butt Illusion Trick?

I’m not very good at color blocking, because my entire wardrobe consists of neutrals like beige/taupe/tan, grey, cream, navy and black, black and yet more black, or black with stripes. So when I used a $100 gift certificate I won from Rebecca @ The Clothes Horse to Shop Ruche, and I spotted this chartreuse pencil skirt with the weird “fin-like” and folded detail pockets, I snatched it up immediately. Being a petite (5’2″ & size xs/2 or s/3), I thought the skirt would be a perfect fit. Instead, it is probably one of the most skimpy skirts I own, simply based on the fact that the fit is unforgivingly snug. If you look closely in some of these photos, I have un-disguisable Muffin Top, only further “enhanced” [shall we say?] by the horizontal wide stripes of my H&M tissue tee. Not really sure if this counts as color blocking, but I’m trying!

But the color, oh god, the color! It reminds me of a washed out Lomo photograph of an early spring morning. Saturated and ready for hot weather.

And the stitching of the lines… The scallop shape of the fin pockets and the central panel give an illusion of curvature to my spindly legs. A direly needed deception I welcome wholeheartedly. The added benefit is that the lines and snugness give me the appearance of having an ass as well. For someone who has suffered the life-long syndrome of Ironing Board Backside, this is another welcome misapprehension. I would wear this skirt to death, if I didn’t actually need to eat whole meals two to three times a day.

I wore this with a newly acquired (shopping ban was lifted for the month of my birth, but it’s back on now, I’ll have you know) H&M tissue boxy tee. The sheerness and the nautical stripes make it perfect for the disgustingly sweltering, sticky summers here in Michigan. And the boxy cut of the shirt not only makes for good draping, but also provides the perfect curtain to cloak a full belly bloat after lunches. That is, unless you wear it this way as I did here, half tucked.

I did this because otherwise the fin pockets would have been concealed, and also, I would have lost a bit of my shape. So I tucked in more than I usually would to give more definition to my waist, and to lengthen my center line. With the nude heels, I look taller and more poised. In addition, the solid skirt gives more counterbalance to the white stripe contrast up top.

What are pieces that give you things you wish you had (ie., an ASS)?

Don’t forget to enter my $300 GUCCI/NYX COSMETICS/THE BODY SHOP/BLUE LAGOON SKINCARE/ORIGINS/CLINIQUE/DR. HAUSCHKA/CHANEL GIVEAWAY BONANZA! [ends July 1] So far, only, like 14 people have entered, and it’s making me sad!

{Outfit Architecture}
H&M Shirt & yellow tank (layering)
Shop Ruche fin pocket pencil skirt
Jeffrey Campbell ruffle T-strap platform nude heels
Marc by Marc Jacobs heart locket watch
Kenneth Cole waffle gold cuff
Madewell mixed metal fringe bib necklace
Alex & Ani recycled / repurposed gold and silver spike bangles


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{ FOTD / Architecture of Beauty } Spring Green Sea Shimmer



Eyes:
Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows in Stone (light, natural brown) on lid
Bobbi Brown Cream Shadows in Sandy Gold (pale gold beige) on brow bone
Laura Mercier Sateen Powder Shadow in St. Germain (Sea Foam metallic green) on inner corner to highlight
NYX Eyebrow Cake in Brunette
Tarte Cosmetics Eyelash Curler
Decay Skyscraper Multi Benefit Mascara
NYX pencil liner in Dark Brown

Face:
Bobbi Brown Corrector (under eyes) in Light Peach
Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick foundation in Natural (4)
Urban Decay Surreal Skin mineral powder foundation in Nirvana
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Golden Light
MAC Powder Blush in Fever

Lips:
Burts Bees Tinted Lip Balm in Red Dahlia

If you try this luminous, natural look, I want to see pictures!!


Enter my GIVEAWAY!

Vinyl Record Vintage notebook or $20 GIFTCARD CODE from Reware Vintage! Ends May 6th!


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