California Gurls

It's easy to recognize what will be the hot summer song.  It's that one tune that you'll listen to all summer and will forever associate with a particular vacation.  Whenever I hear Let's Get it Started I think of the summer I spent in my most tiny bikini in Tampa.  This year it's undoubtedly California Gurls by Katy Perry.  Love Katy Perry, love the song, love the music video, and love, love, love the makeup.  

The costumes, hair, and makeup were equally as insane, with a desirable sweetness.  They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so perhaps these candy inspired looks are the best way to pick up a beach hottie this summer.  Although I can't imagine myself strutting onto the beach with giant cupcakes on by bikini top, I would certainly consider some brightly colored extensions or candy colored lips and eyes.   Teen Vogue featured a shoot with colored extensions and Katy's sweet hair looks delicious.  Throughout the entire video Katy boats a fuchsia, bold lip.  I don't need to tell you that the bold lip is hot right now, and there's nothing that screams fun and summer more than a bright pink lip.  Bright pink cheeks were worn to match, and it looks so good with a lil' tan.  Her rosy glow was mainly concentrated on her cheek bones, as opposed to the customary apples of the cheek.

Best worn in Candy Land, like Katy, and not at the beach, thick liner, lashes, and glittery shadow were used generously.  The eyes matched the hair and outfit, contributing a little sanity to her wardrobe.  Katy is known for her favorable cat-eye liner, which was used throughout.  Huge false lashes were applied also, making her eyes super girly and daring.  In addition, the lids and crease were coated in gorgeous pink, green, and gold shadow.  And lastly, Katy's look would not be complete without her signature flawless skin,  Tanner than usual, her skin is gorgeous and fresh; the perfect canvas for this wild look. 

Inspiration can be easily found from Katy's fun, girly, sweet look.  Make sure you incorporate her style into your summer make up routine.  The finishing touch?  A sugary ice cream, a gorgeous beach, and most importantly a beach boyfriend. 

Go-go-girl

Scenario:  the guy you've been crushing on has just acknowedged your existance (insert excited scream) by asking you out.  The only problem is you have 15 minutes to get ready.  You are slightly behind on your laundry and have nothing to wear.  In addition, your hair is not cooperating and tears of happiness have ruined your makeup.  What do you do?!


Any girl with any sense would never be in this situation, not becasue she is extremely on-task with laundry, but becasue she has her emergency 'go-to' outfit.  A 'go to' outfit is the most practical and perfect outfit that is only worn in a crisis.  It's often best to have several, varying depending on how formal the date is.  For example I have a dinner date, club, and bowling outfit.  The bowling outfit is different from the others becasue I wear socks (cue rented bowling shoes) and pants.  Whereas a dinner date is a cutesy dress and a club outfit is a little more sparkly and fun.  These clothes must be super flattering, in style, and most importantly must be ready at the drop of a hat.

Also readily available must be makeup.  This would not be the time to try on the new lipstick that you bought.  Keep to what you know, moreover what you know is hot.  I'd keep it pretty natural, but show off your best feature, or note what the guy likes best about you.  A little side note; Dust a small amount of highlighter down the middle of your chest (for obvious reasons).  Act on the basis that you are having a bad hair day the day of your date, and opt for a up-do that will keep your hair under control.  It should be simple and only take a small amount of time to complete.  The finishing touch should be your favorite perfume.  Remember to be yourself and good luck! 

Trend Alert: Crochet

Crochet, in my opinion, is a very unlikely candidate for summer's must-haves, but nevertheless it is.  Perhaps it's like sushi; it seems wrong at first, but then some trendy celebrity starts swearing by it and you consequently become hooked.  Only we're not talking about dead fish, au contraire, this summers hot new trend.  Crochet is a natural southern belle look, but can be adapted to a variety of different looks and still look just as stunning and natural.  Bellow is a guide to help you alter this trend, and voilà.  Bohemian, sweet, or rocker, crochet is a wardrobe necessity.  So get 'em while their hot. 

This look is for an individual with a very girly sense of style.  Slightly southern inspired, it's perfect for warm summer night at barbecues or dinner dates. 

Proving to all you rockers out there you can look rockin' in crochet.  These looks would be ideal for a concert or out 'n' about in the city.

For me boho is all about the accessories, all of which are crochet above.  This look is fresh and clean, perfect for nights on the town, or breakfast at Tiffany. 

Roughing it!

It seems that imperfect will be perfect next season as the 'Rough Edge' rolls in next season.  Tattered, un-tailored, and creases are main features in Fall/Winter '10.  Calvin Klein, Prada, YSL, and Jil Sander have all sported this trend and it can look super amazing.  This trend doesn't mean you have to look casual, as dress jackets can still look smart and stylish with these imperfections.  It's like the messy bun of fashion.  To accurately portray this look, wear anything cut-out, torn, un-hemmed, or raw.  Soon you'll have the guys torn to you......

Warning: mini dresses, heels, and grass don't got together!

Last weekend, I broke my pocket book once again.  Need I explain?  Shoe shopping!  I found one pair of heels that cost me a weekend getaway, but I had to have them because they were gorgeous and the sales guy was soooo cute (and not gay might I add).  They were six inch, open-toe, nude, snakeskin, and completely fabulous.  I had to exhibit the latest edition to my unnecessary collection at the next possible event; so I wore them to my younger cousin's high school graduation.  I knew there would be little walking, grass, or dancing involved, so I wore my little green dress too.  I looked hot, even though I say so myself.  So they day was upon us and to make the ten meter journey from my door to the car required me to be very crafty.  I had to avoid dirt, grass, holes, and getting in the car without  flashing anyone.  It was a beautiful day with sun and temperatures of 90 degrees; which is probably why the school made the last minute decision to hold the ceremony on the green.  Crap.  I would be outside in the heat with my new heels sinking into the grass every time I took a step.  To make matters worse, my five hour walk across the lawn to my seat (which I spent badly attempting not to get stuck) had meant I was one of the last to arrive and there were no more seats.  I looked around for a cute guy that would give me his seat, but the crowd was overwhelmed with weeping grandmothers and small children.  I had two choices; stand and risk the possibility of my shoes being engulfed by the lawn, or sit on the ground and pray the grass didn't make any stains.  I sat for the sake of my babies.  The heat got unbearable and my legs had pins and needles.  Just when I thought my life couldn't be any worse, my day-dream was interrupted by the sound of my name being called.  I tried to locate the voice, but only when they repeated it again, I knew where it was coming from.  The principle at the podium (who's name I have already forgotten) was calling my name and gesturing that I come and join him.  I could suddenly feel four hundred eyes staring at me.  If I though getting into the car was hard, this was another thing entirely.  My mini-dress and heels had made it impossible for me to get off the floor with any grace what-so-ever.  Once my rise was complete, I had to walk down the grass aisle to reach the podium.  I tried to walk on the balls of my feet, but honestly it didn't work, and I could feel everyone was silently pissing themselves with laughter.  As I walked up the skinny steps of the podium, I came face to face with my newly discovered nemesis.  It turns out my cousin had conveniently forgot to tell me that he had volunteered that I do a speech about college in front of all the guests.  Luckily I was an expert on the subject, and managed to make the five minutes go by relatively painlessly.  But then again, anything wold have been less cringe-worthy than my decent down the aisle.

A Look into the Life of....

Anna Wintour.  Why start anywhere but the top?  Since 1988, Anna has been editor in chief of American Vogue.  Before, she worked at multiple magazines after dropping out of school at aged 16.  She holds what is recognized as the most powerful position in the fashion industry, selling at least 400,000 copies of Vogue per issue.  In addition to being extremely successful in the editorial world, Ana is a style icon in her own right.  She can be identified by her pageboy bob, large sunglasses, and front row ticket to the hottest fashion shows. 


Anna was born November 1949.  It's hard to imagine a more fabulous time to be brought up in than fashionistas, 60's Britain'; time of mini skirts, boots, and hot sunglasses.  During this time a huge change in fashion occurred, and I'm sure Anna fell in love with not only the fashion, but the power and influence it had on young women.  The majority of her family was in publishing, including her father who was an editor of  the evening standard. So from a young Anna was exposed to the writing industry.  After leaving school at 16, she dated frivolously with older men while attending a fashion school in London.  Soon after, she began her semester there, she withdrew from the school, stating, "You either know fashion, or you don't."  She also worked for Harrods, the legendary department store in London.  Following, she worked for magazines Harper's and Queen, Harper's Bazzaar, Viva, Savvy, English Vogue, and finally New York Vogue. 

Under Anna's rein at Vogue, she altered the magazine radically.  Firstly, she took photo-shoots on location, rather than a studio, so covers were taken in the natural light.  She also incorporated low-end designers as well as high-end fashion, allowing real women to feel they could relate to the magazine.  This not only opened the magazine to a new audience, it also produced a base, in which women of that time were taught to love fashion.  Perhaps without that base fashion might not be so popular today.  Also Anna promoted Grace Coddington to Creative Director.  Grace is considered one of the best stylists in history.  Furthermore, Anna is constantly establishing relationships with new designers, and trying to promote their designs.  She has discovered many young designers and models, such as Thakoon.  Lastly, she created more acknowledgment for photographers, stylists, and makeup artists.  


With the high publicity, has come lots of criticism.  Anna's harsh personality was revealed with the publication of The Devil Wears Prada, a novel by Lauren Weisberger.  In it, the author exposed her horrible experience of being Anna's assistant.  Anna was apparently cruel, excessively bitter, and emotionally distant.  The New York Times has described her as the 'Nuclear Wintour' multiple occasions.  Also there has been a lot of controversy around her passion for fur.  Fur has been featured in Vogue many times, something that was unheard of in the past late century. 


In addition to beginning countless trends, Anna has a signature style too.  She is rarely caught without her big, black, sunglasses, worn to most events, including indoor fashion shows.  Her page-boy blond bob is also well-known and also unique.  Anna rarely wears pants, but instead wears different styled dresses, which are always well accessorized with expensive, étourdissement shoes, jewelry, or coats.  Surprisingly, Ana is rarely photographed with a bag.  Even when editors and fashionistas at fashion shows are pulling out pencils, paper, and laptops, Anna sits with her legs crossed, and never writes anything.


It's been well established that Anna is the créme de la créme of fashion and publishing.  For me, she is empowering and inspiring.  I can only dream I will one day be as successful as her.   

Funk...

This week Glee did a Funk episode.  It was obviously fabulous because it's Glee, but this week was extra groovy.  Funk is American music that combines R&B, Soul, and Jazz into one sensational  genre.  It's all about power and psyche, something Glee can pull off anytime.  Their costumes were also amazing; a kind of Beyoncé, military theme that included cargo pants, military jackets, military hats, army pants, leather, and long socks.  It was also very sporty with baseball hats, mini-shorts, and neon tanks.  It seems Glee is on top of the latest trends this summer, but have also altered it to make it Glee.  Very hot!  So take your inspiration from Glee this season, and you know you will be stylish!

Rachel breaks out of her usual preppy sophistication into short-shorts and military style in the number Give Up The Funk.  

This look is completely Brittany.  Wild, fun, totally unconventional, and now with a little funk.

Mercedes always dresses with a little more glam, so it's no wonder she more a be-dazzled jacket with her sweats and sneakers, with a matching military cap.

Quinn had a major part in this week's episode, and so I saved best till last.  Cargo pants are hot right now, and paired with a military jacket is steaming hot.  I can't believe she gas a baby bump and can still rock red.  She looks amazing!

Vibrating Mascaras

Mascara is my ultimate indulgence for many reasons.  The first being that my lashes are one of my best physical features, because they are naturally long, thick, and curled.  Another reason is that lashes are the ultimate feminine attribute.  Long lashes are flirty and open your eyes for all to see your soul.  And mascara can only improve this.  The latest trend it seems to be is vibrating mascara.  These mascaras can be terrifying, as they substitute as a weapon.  Elle Fowler (all that glitters 21) beauty guru on utube, described Givenchy Phenomen mascara as a 'tourture ball'.  I'm certain she would agree that this is much worse.  On the positive side, vibrating mascaras produce long, think, and most importantly, separated lashes.  Makeup artists recommend that you wiggle a mascara wand when you are applying, however a vibrating mascara does this for you.  It's made a huge hit and I love them.  My first was Ôscillation by Lacome ($34) and next was the Maybeline Pulse Perfection ($15).  Originally adopted by designer brands, the vibrating mascara is now a part of the Maybeline family. Honestly, you pay for what you get.  Ôscillation is a lot better.  I feel Maybeline's formula clumps easier and is also harder to remove.  Also the packaging isn't as durable or fancy.  Lacome creates longer, separated lashes.  Additionally the bush is more flexible, allowing the brush to access all areas of your eye.  One strange observation I have made is that it also makes my lashes shiny - it's odd but attractive.  Result: even though I can buy two Maybelines and OPI I'de still splurge on an Ôscillation mascara!