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

♥ Brooklyn Blonde

♥ 9 to 5 Chic

♥ The Beauty Sanctum

♥ Diary of a Shopaholic Material Girl

♥ *Viva La Fashion*

xx Chloe

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

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

Celebrity Lipstick Favorites

Kate Winslet: Lancome Color Fever Lipstick in Rose Defile, $25 at Nordstrom

Zoey Deschanel: Stila Lip Rouge in Smooch, $20 at Stila Cosmetics

Katy Perry: MAC Amplified Lipstick in Girl About Town, $10 at Amazon

Karolina Kurkova: VS Very Sexy Perfect Lipstick in Whisper, $12 at Victoria's Secret 

Salma Hayek: NARS Lipstick in Gipsy, $24 at Sephora

Jennifer Garner: Neutrogena MoistureShine Lipstick in Think Pink, $10 at CVS

Kristin Cavallari: MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth, $14 at MAC

Gwen Stefani: MAC Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $14 at MAC

Gwyneth Paltrow: Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Colour in Italian Rose, $22 at Nordstrom

Charlize Theron: Dior Addict High Shine Lip Color in Nude Silhouette, $26 at Sephora

Kim Kardashian: NARS Lipstick in Belle De Jour, $24 at Sephora

Angelina Jolie: Urban Apothecary Kiss & Tell Lipstick in Charmed, $18 at Urban Apothecary 

Lady Gaga: MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam Gaga, $14 at Nordstrom

Cameron Diaz: Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Pale Pink, $22 at Nordstrom

Christina Aguilera: MAC Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger, $14 at MAC

Scarlett Johansson: Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Dahlia, $30 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Elizabeth Hurley: Estee Lauder Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink, $22 at Nordstrom

Whitney Port: NYX Black Label Lipstick in Opium, $7 at Brighton Beauty Supply 

Lauren Conrad: Mark Dew Drenched Lip Color in Juicy, $6 at Mark

Julia Roberts: Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Coquette, $29 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Elle MacPherson: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $14 at Sephora

Claudia Schiffer: Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Toast of New York, $6 at Walmart

Meg Ryan: Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Brown, $22 at Macy's

Heather Locklear: Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Beige, $22 at Macy's

Neve Campbell: MAC Satin Lipstick in Mocha, $14 at MAC

Melissa Joan Hart: MAC Glaze Lipstick in Pervette, $14 at MAC

Alyssa Milano: NARS Lipstick in Hot Voodoo, $24 at Sephora

Madonna: MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red, $14 at MAC

It seems that stars favor neutral shades and their brand of choice is MAC. Of course, NARS and Bobbi Brown lipsticks seemed to be close seconds. While the overwhelming majority were nudes, browns, and light pinks there were some ultra bold reds thrown in the mix as well. Have you tried any of these shades?

xx Chloe