"I am not afraid of walking down the street in something that people think is crazy. What I can't stand is looking like everyone else." ~ Mary Kate Olsen

Wednesday, June 30

Glitzy is Glam

I've been saving this outfit for awhile, meaning to post it. While it is not anything particularly edgy or out-of-the-box, I truly admire Carrie Underwood's style. It's well-tailored, classy, yet it still retains a bit of sexiness and surprise fun. From the top, the oufit seems typical: white v-neck, black blazer, and golden hoops. On the bottom, the gold theme is expanded upon with a sequined mini and pointy toe metallic booties. Hey, if you've got nice legs, flaunt them! Flowing blonde locks, a smoky eye, and pale pink glossy lips complete the classy yet glam ensemble.

To replicate this look, you'll need:
♥ A white v-neck tee
♥ A black blazer (preferably one that hits lower than the widest part of your hips)
♥ A gold sequined miniskirt
♥ Gold hoop earrings
♥ Metallic gold booties

Products to try:
1. Gold Sequin Mini Skirt, $29 at Hot Topic
2. Faux Leather Trimmed Strong Shoulder Jacket, $98 at Express
3. Perfect Slub-Knit Tee in Bright White, $10 at Old Navy
4. Dollhouse Fina in Gold, $50 at Shoes.com
5. 24k Gold over Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, $20 at Kmart


xx Chloe
Tell me what your go-to date night outfit is in the comments. Does it look like Underwood's outfit at all?

Sunday, June 27

Style Icon: Courtney Love

I suppose Love needs no introduction, but I'll write one regardless. The talented trainwreck who is the lead singer of Hole, an accomplished lyricist and guitar player, Kurt Cobain's widow, drug addict, serious actress, and an all-around badass riot grrrl has definitely left her imprint on the fashion world and music scene. Her smudgy red lips, crazy peroxide hair, tattered babydoll dresses, gritty lyrics and feral screams have shaped the whole grunge scene. Love her or hate her, you can't deny that she is a unique individual (and it shows with her style over the years). She's equal parts hot mess, diva, visionary, and grunge princess, though more shaken then stirred. Hole recently released an album earlier this year (their last album being Celebrity Skin in 1998) entitled Nobody's Daughter, and "Skinny Little Bitch" has made the rounds on my playlist. I just watched a fabulous documentary on her, so that inspired this post.














Alert! Style Copycat: Gossip Girl actress/The Pretty Reckless lead singer, Taylor Momsen


xx Chloe

Tell me in the comments if you have a favorite Hole song! Mine is "Violet."

Disclaimer: I don't condone any drug use or negligent parenting.

Thursday, June 24

Two Tone Hair: Yuck or Yay?

In recent years, two tone hair has been seeing a resurgance on our favorite celebs: Drew Barrymore rocked a blond bob with black tips at a Whip It! premiere, Rihanna (the hair chameleon) choose to add black streaks to her short blond cut earlier this year, and Alexa Chung usually has some variation of brown that fades to honey blonde. There are many variations to this trend that range from subtle to "OMG!?"

Of course, two tone hair is nothing new. I believe Blondie's lead singer and namesake, Debbie Harry, was the first to popularize the trend with her signature mane of peroxide blonde with dark brown underneath. (Correct me if I'm wrong!)

The culture vulture herself. I'm still sad disco is dead.

A more modern take on Harry's famed locks is beautifully done by Beyonce.

Her sleek honey blonde tresses give way to a chocolate brown in the under layers.

Another way to wear this trend is merely by lightening the ends to create a gradient of color. Depending on how you do it, it can look like you're growing out a dye job or have sun kissed hair.

I like Alexa Chung's suble take on the trend in this picture. I love how the walnut shade fades to caramel in a seamless way.

Cameron Diaz proves blondes can pull of the trend as well. Dark ash blonde transitions to a lighter shade. I think this look works especially well with curls.


It's hard for me to keep up with all of Hayley William's hair changes, but I was completely jealous of this auburn/cherry red gradient look. The color is bold, but the take on the trend is just as subtle as Diaz's or Chung's.

A more drastic take is the dipped ends look. This is a bit more dangerous, since your hair can either become punky or sloppy.

A buttery shade of blonde dipped in jet black? I'm on the fence with this one, merely because I know Drew has the personality to pull it off. It's still NOT my favorite look on her. I miss her red hair!
  
Lady Gaga's followed this trend numerous times (remember that blonde wig with the bright yellow ends at the Grammy's?), but this my favorite take. She proves you can have fun by dipping your hair in not-so-normal shades like lavender. Unlike Barrymore, there is more transition to the shade and isn't so abrupt.

Abbey Lee Kershaw rocked pink-dipped strands in a photo shoot. Brunettes are going to have to bleach their ends in order for the color to take hold. There are lots of temporary colorful dyes to choose from. I think brown hair looks super edgy when dipped in a more sophisticated red.

The two tone look also makes use of highlights. A major contrast is required from your natural hair color and the very visible streaks.

Rihanna's natural black was offset by majorly chunky and majorly blonde highlights. It looks punky and pretty on her, which is no small feat.

Joss Stone chose to work some thin raspberry streaks into her dark brown hair, concentrating the color in the front. I was in love with her hair when her "Introducing Joss Stone" album came out in 2008.


Back in Xtina's dirrrrty days, she was rocking this decidedly unglam (read: skunky) platinum blonde and black streaks combo hair.

What about Kristen Stewart's "Bella" hair color? Auburn was heavily streaked in a black base. It's a pretty and subtle take on the trend. Just remember to brush your hair or something, KStew!

My final verdict on the trend: YAY! I like to color outside the lines, if you will, and I find this trend can work on all lengths, textures, and colors. That's quite rare, isn't it? I would most like to attempt a look like Joss Stone's brown/raspberry combo or Hayley William's auburn/cherry red combo. I like the appearance of streaks as opposed to being dip-dyed. Once the dye fades, I think it'd be much harder to blend the ends into one tone if you get bored of the look. In Drew Barrymore's case, she may have had to chop off the black in order to get rid of it or dye all of her hair black to match. Too much fuss! Currently, I'm trying to grow out my hair and black dye I used to blend away my all-over blonde highlights. I'm too poor at the moment to buy hair dye, but I think I shall go redder my next dye job. Oh, and I think some burgundy streaks in it would be fun, right? I'm an incoming college freshman, so I think it's age-appropriate. 

xx Chloe

P.S. Post "Yuck" or "Yay" in a comment to let me know whether or not you're feeling the trend. It's okay to add plenty of qualifiers if you need to!

Wednesday, June 23

Beauty in Black

I suppose you can't go wrong with an LBD, but the look can get de rigeur, boring, and unimaginative. That's one reason why I particularly liked Jessica Alba's ensemble at the MTV Movie Awards. Aside from being able to see her bra through her tank, I liked the untraditional take on a nighttime classic. Alba wore a sheer black tank tucked into an asymmetrical Louise Goldin (fall 2010) skirt and sparkling leggings. Her accessories were equally black: Jimmy Choo tube clutch, a rope necklace, black open-toe heels, her belt, and her pedicure. In order to keep her look more modern than gothic, her makeup was light and natural with a nude color palette. You can't tell in this picture, but her hair was slicked back into a sort of French twist by a Frederik Fekkai stylist.

To replicate this look, you'll need:

♥ A black tank top
♥ An asymmetrical black skirt
♥ A black belt
♥ A black clutch with silver accents
♥ Black sparkly leggings
♥ Black open-toe heels

Products to Try:
1. Crochet-Trim Racerback Top in Black Jack, $10 at Old Navy
2. Michael Stars Raw Edge Asymmetrical Skirt in Black, $68 at Revolve Clothing
3. Wide Stretch Belt in Black, $30 at Express
4. Cut-Out Clutch in Pitch Black, $35 at Express
5. I'Miusa Glitter Sheer Leggings in Black, $14 at Yes Style
6. Fioni Isadora Back Zip Sandal in Black, $27 at Payless Shoe Source


Is Alba's outfit too trendy or special occassion perfect?

xx Chloe

Fashion Blogger Award!


A big, fat kiss to Tayebug, the lovely lady who gave me this honor! She always comments religiously on my posts, and I have a special place in her blog roll. She's super awesome, and I adore her blog. Where else can I find yummy recipes in addition to posts about style?

(Sorry I haven't been on Blogger lately...I've been cramming for college placement exams I need to take before my orientation next Wednesday. I've taken my French one and tested out of three semesters' worth of classes, but I have yet to take my math one. Eep!)

The Rules

1. Give your best style advice
Don't dress specifically to be trendy; dress to flatter your figure first!

2. Show us your "go to" outfit
I'm usually always in dresses and skirts if I'm not sick or working out. I suppose my favorite outfit that is casual yet stylish would be a graphic white tee, a plum a-line skirt that hits at the knee, pink pointy-toe flats with a bow accent, a pair of great silver chandelier earrings, a stack of silver bangles, and my ankh necklace. (I'm always wearing one or two rings as well, and I never take off my Eye of Horus ring!) If it's chilly I'll wear a sequined black scarf with it, but if I'm having a bad hair day I'll wear my purple sequined beret.

My camera's dead, so no pictures. :(

3. Show us what you can't live without right now (fashion wise)
My perfect summer shoes are these Stella Gladiator Sandals I got at Payless (BOGO sale!). They are uber comfy, add extra pizazz to even the most ho-hum outfit, and are a steal.


4. Pass this on to 5 other fashion bloggers

xx Chloe

Sunday, June 20

Tee Hee Hee

I'll admit it: I've sometimes just bought some cosmetics if it has a funny/interesting/naughty name. There has to be a reason why NARS' best selling product is called "Orgasm"! Am I right? Here are some products that have made me giggle or raise an eyebrow or two.

Nail Polish
1. O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in I'm Not Really a Waitress, $8 at Drugstore.com
2. Essie Nail Polish in Pillow Talk, $8 at Essie
3. Essie Nail Polish in After Sex, $6 at Discount Beauty Center
4. Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer in Makin' Whoopee, $16 at Neiman Marcus
5. ULTA Professional Nail Lacquer in Last Fling, Before Ring, $8 at Ulta


Eyeliner
1. Too Faced Starry-Eyed Liquid Eyeliner in Drunk Dial, $18 at Sephora
2. Kat Von D Autograph Pencil in Eyegasm, $18 at Sephora
3. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Lapdance, $18 at Sephora
4. Too Faced Metal Eyed Liquid Shimmer Eyeliner in Get Lucky, $18 at Sephora
5. The Balm Pick-Up Liners II in Ladies Man, Lover Boy, and Sugar Daddy, $19 at Sephora


Eye Shadow
1. Too Faced Cosmetics Eyeshadow Duo in Boy Toy, $17 at Sephora
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in S&M, $17 at Urban Decay
3. NARS Eye Shadow Duo in Rated R, $32 at Nordstrom
4. MAC Eye Shadow in Romp, $15 at MAC
5. Illamasqua Powder Eye Shadow in Moan, $20 at Sephora


Lip Color
1. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Lickable, $14 at MAC
2. Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in Nude, $10 at Target
3. Plump Your Pucker Lip Gloss in Bing My Cherry, $15 at Drugsore.com
4. Benefit Silky-Finish Lipstick in Nice Knickers, $18 at Sephora
5. NARS Lipstick in Fire Down Below, $24 at Nordstrom


Blush
1. NARS Blush in Deep Throat, $26 at Sephora
2. Urban Decay Afterglow Blush in Quickie, $17 at Ulta
3. Too Faced Brigtening Blush in Papa Don't Preach, $20 at Ulta
4. Flirt! Peek-A-Blush in Urge, $12 at Kohl's
5. TheBalm Down Boy, $21 at Sephora


Do you have a guilty pleasure beauty product?

xx Chloe

June is National Rose Month

I don't know if you knew this, but the rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. For some reason, that romantic flower gets its own month too. Roses are widely held to be symbols of passion and love, but the meaning depends on the hue of the flower in question. In one Arabic legend of the rose, it was said that roses were originally white. A nightengale met one of the white roses and fell in love, and he was inspired to sing (whereas before his type of bird only croaked and chirped). Eventually his love was such that he pressed his little feathery body into the flower, but the thorns pierced his heart and colored the rose forever red. I think that story is quite poignant. On a different note, I've found some fun products that will help you enjoy roses to their fullest!

Beauty Products
1. Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora
2. Aromatherapy Classics Stress Relief Body Wash in Sandalwood Rose, $13 at Bath & Body Works
3. Moroccan Rose Body Mist, $13 at The Body Shop
4. Milani Lip Color in Rose Hip, $4 at Drugstore.com
5. L'Oreal Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumped Rose, $10 at Walgreens

Clothes
1. Floral Pearl Trim Cardigan in Cream/Rose, $28 at Forever21
2. Rose Print Dress, $27 at Wet Seal
3. Falling Roses Dress in Black, $39 at Forever21
4. Sequin Roses Embellished Graphic Tee in True White, $20 at Express

Shoes and Accessories
1. Floral T-strap Sandals in Pink Rose, $30 at GAP
2. Sterling Silver Rose Ring, $40 at Target
3. Pink Satin Double Rose Clutch, $45 at White House|Black Market
4. Fuschia Seude Open Toe Rose T-strap Dress Sandal Heel, $31 at Ami Clubwear


xx Chloe

Thursday, June 17

Wearable Watercolors

Is it just me, or did Olivia Palermo become incredibly stunning once she gave up the bottle blonde? If you need more proof that brunette is beautiful, check out this post. Her chocolate tresses were curled with what looks like a large barrel curling iron, and her middle part was left in tact. Her bags were pinned back, which is an ultra-pretty way to let your face be the focal point. Her makeup was very subdued and Audrey Hepburn-esque: neutral contoured shadows, black liquid liner slightly extended past the eye, shiny light pink lips, and some blue-toned pink blush. The slightly darker than candy red nails are a sophisticated finishing touch.

Let's talk about this outfit she wore at the Institute for Civic Leadership benefit in the Big Apple. I love her use of color, pattern, and proportion. Her floaty top is balanced by crisp, well-tailored shorts. Her cardigan has a very small print, yet the floral print on her blouse is much larger. In order to keep a lean silhouette, she belted her blouse right beneath her breasts with a complimentary braided belt. The shoes are an unexpected twist, but the coral peep-toe T-strap heels synch with the rest of her ensemble. I would have never thought of that! The purple and yellow in her blouse are warm colors, so they gel with the coral hue. Style lesson: Stay in the same color temperature to avoid clashing!

To replicate her look, you'll need:
♥  A neutral 3/4 sleeve sequined cardigan
♥  A watercolor white tank
♥  White short-shorts
♥  A neutral braided belt (similar color as cardigan)
♥  Coral/peach peep-toe T-strap heels
♥  A matching deep red mani/pedi

Products to Try:
1. Michael Antonio Harpo Wedge Sandal in Orange, $30 at DSW
2. Sequin Falls Cardigan in Fawn, $80 at J.Crew
3. Butterfly Watercolor Floral Tank, $10 at Crazy 8
4. AE Skinny Braided Belt in Chalk, $20 at American Eagle Outfitters
5. AE White Denim Shorties, $35 at American Eagle Outfitters
6. L'Oreal Paris Pro Manicure Nail Polish in Dozen Red Roses, $5 at Drugstore.com


xx Chloe

Award-Winning Favorites

I've compiled some reader favorites from the following magazines: Cosmopolitan (American and British editions), Allure, Glamour, Self, and Teen Vogue. Next time you're out shopping for an essential, try picking up one of these babies.

HAIR
Shampoo
1. Redken All Soft Shampoo, $12 at Walgreens
2. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Shampoo, $6 at Walmart
3. Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo, $5 at Walmart
4. Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Shampoo, $7 at Walgreens
5. Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Shampoo, $5 at CVS


Conditioner
1. Pantene Pro-V Always Smooth Conditioner, $10 at Walmart
2. Garnier Fructis Shine Burst Fortifying Cream Conditioner, $7 at Amazon
3. Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Conditioner, $5 at Overstock Drugstore
4. Matrix Sleek.look Smoothing Conditioner, $17 at Drugstore.com
5. Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner, $5 at Walmart

 
Hair Spray
1. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray, $4 at CVS
2. Tresemme 24-Hour Body Finishing Spray, $5 at Walgreens
3. Umberto Beverly Hills Regular Hold Hairspray, $9 for 2 at Target
4. L'Oreal Professionnel Texture Expert Infinium 4 Extreme Hold Finishing Spray, $24 at Amazon
5. Garnier Fructis Style Full Control Hair Spray, $4 at CVS


LIPS
Lipstick
1. MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, $14 at MAC
2. MAC Lustre Lipstick in Lustering, $14 at MAC
3. L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche in Mica, $9 at Walgreens
4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Shine Lipstick in Shiny Cinnamon, $7 at Walgreens
5. Dior Addict Lipcolor in Decadent Plum, $26 at Neiman Marcus

 
Lip Gloss
1. CoverGirl WetSlicks Fruit Spritzers in Guava, $5 at Drugstore.com
2. Lancome Juicy Tubes Smoothie in Cherry Burst, $18 at Nordstrom
3. YSL Gloss Volupte Sheer Sensual Gloss Stick in Frozen Cherry, $30 at Nordstrom
4. Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz, 2/$12 at Victoria's Secret
5. L'Oréal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipgloss in Sangria, $10 at Drugstore.com


EYES
Eyeliner
1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero, $17 at Sephora
2. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, $15 at MAC
3. MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy, $15 at MAC
4. Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner in Black, $9 for 2 at Walmart
5. Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink, $21 at Nordstrom


Mascara
1. Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara in Very Black, $5 at Walgreens
2. Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Kohl Black, $24 at Sephora
3. Cover Girl LashBlast in Black, $7 at Walmart
4. Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Black, $30 at Saks Fifth Avenue
5. Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express in Glam Black, $6 at Target


Eye Shadow
1. MAC Eye Shadow in Shroom, $15 at MAC
2. Chanel Ombre Essentialle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Cinnamon, $29 at Nordstrom
3. Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Midnight Cowboy, $17 at Sephora
4. Revlon 12-Hour ColorStay Eyeshadow Quad in Coffee Bean, $5 at Target
5. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Lili Marlene, $22 at Saks Fifth Avenue


FACE
Blush
1. Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Natural Twinkle, $4 at Drugstore.com
2. NARS Blush in Orgasm, $26 at Sephora
3. Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in Soft Plum, $6 at Target
4. CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Plumberry Glow, $4 at Drugstore.com
5. NARS The Multiple in Portofino, $38 at Sephora


NAILS
Nail polish
1. Essie Nail Polish in Naked Truth, $5 at Beauty Basic Supply
2. OPI Nail Lacquer in Lincoln After Dark, $7 at Discount Beauty Center
3. CND Nail Polish in Raspberry, $8 at Amazon
4. OPI Nail Lacquer in Russian Navy, $5 at Amazon
5. Sally Hansen No Chip 10 Day Nail Color in Infinite Natural, $2 at Ebay


If you have any time, I'd love for you to list your favorites. Eventually I hope to do a post on the favorites of all the To-The-Niners. I'll probably do an in-depth post on all of my favorite hair, body, face, and makeup products shortly!

xx Chloe
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