Go For Grunge

Designers such as Dries Van Noten and Phillip Lim have caught on to one of the most reoccurring fashion trends from the nineties. "Grunge" as we call it, is all about slouchy denim, plaid, dark florals, dirty hair, band tees, and a carefree attitude to match. Grunge fashion can be somewhat androgynous, but designers have made it more feminine and wearable for today. Leave it to Phillip Lim to do just that. His spring collection was all about mixing prints such as florals and plaid, while bringing effortless cool to the modern woman. Trendsetters such as Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, and Courtney Love have all had their grunge days in the nineties, but today grunge is about a lifestyle, more than a trend. I think of it as designers are trying to portray a certain woman, who is non-conforming, independent, and a little bit of a hard-ass, but still keeping a hint of femininity. The grunge look has to be one of my favorites and many women, present and past have showed us that this look will be cool for many years to come. 

 

Acne

 

 

Dries Van Noten 

 

 

House of Holland

 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Images via Vogue

My Favorite Beauty Products for Under $20!

I'm a bit of a beauty junkie. One of my many guilty pleasures in life is going into a drugstore and purchasing nail polish, lipstick, bronzer etc. everything I always say I "need," but I really don't. However, these are some my favorite beauty products that I use on a daily basis and I swear by all of them!

EOS Lip balm- These pocket sized lip balms work wonders on your lips leaving them soft, smooth, and supple. I just recently discovered these when I moved to New York. I'm sure they have them at drugstores in Florida, but the weather in New York was pretty brutal my first couple weeks. I needed something to protect my lips and keep them from getting chapped. I chose EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit. They also have an array of flavors. In addition to, medicated and SPF lip balms. EOS products are all-natural and organic.

$4.29 at Walgreens or Duane Reade

Tanwise- This tanning lotion is the best self-tanner I have ever used. The color goes on right away and gradually gets darker. I simply do not tan, so spray tans are my go-to when I need instant color. I used to use the tanning mists, but the lotion is so much better. There is less mess! The only downside to this lotion is you need to wash your hands immediately after use. I use this lotion on my face and entire body. The lotion also nourishes your skin, it doesn't dry it out like some sprays do. This beauty product is a must-have for me!

$10.99 at Sally's

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer- Fit Me by Maybelline is really a fantastic collection of products. I love this concealer stick. It's perfect for those problem areas such as around the eyes, nose, and forehead. It blends nicely and hides my dark circles, which is a must! I also have very fair skin and the number 15  matches my color perfectly.

 

$4.29 at any drugstore, Target or Walmart

Andrea Strip Lashes- These lashes are perfect if you're in a pinch and need an instant pick-me-up. I think false lashes really open your eyes and make you look more awake. There is a natural way to wear them. You can either purchase the strip or apply individual lashes. I've tried both, but I like the strip lashes better. I always buy number 53, because it's the most natural looking. You can purchase a starter kit that comes with self adhesive glue, lashes, and a lash applicator. Or, you can purchase just the lashes if you already have the glue. I apply them with my fingers, but you can use the applicator or tweezers work just fine. 

$5.49 at Walgreens or Duane Reade

Sonia Kashuk Highlighting Stick-This highlighter stick is everything you need to achieve a youthful summer glow. I use this highlighter on my cheek bones, nose, and forehead. It provides a light shimmer to the most prominent areas of your face. I purchased mine in Sparkling Sand and I love wearing it on top of my bronzer. 

$10.99 at Target or Target.com

Elf Facial Whip- Bought this product in Lilac Petal. I use it on my face. Specifically, my cheek bones. However, you can use on your eyelids and lips as well. It illuminates the skin and creates a healthy sparkle. This product is almost identical to Benefit High Beam, but here is the kicker. These are only $1 at Target!!! How can you pass that up?

$1 at Target or Target.com

Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer- This product keeps my makeup on all day and leaves my skin silky soft. Primer is probably one of the most underused beauty products for women, but I think it's one of the most important. Not only did this product set my makeup, but it also reduced the appearance of pores and fine lines. 

$10.45 Target or Target.com

On the more expensive side...

YSL Touche Éclat- When I purchase a beauty product, I always check reviews. After researching YSL Touche Éclat, everywhere I looked it received 5 stars. I immediately went out and purchased it. I was so excited to try it, but I really did not see what all the fuss was about. Beware, it's not a concealer, it's a brightener, so use it sparingly. Apply it in the corner of your eyes, around your lips, and bridge of your nose. 

$40 at Sephora 

Physicians Formula Mineral Correcting Powder- I love all the Physicians Formula products. Especially, the Mineral Correcting Powder. If you have an uneven complexion, this powder will be your best friend. It's perfect for red areas around your nose and acne marks that were left behind. Physicians Formula's products are made for those who have sensitive skin, like myself. 

 

$13.95 at Walmart

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lip Gloss in Brazen Berry- This is my go-to lip gloss. I first got this product in the Michael Kors for Estee Lauder collection during Christmas and I loved everything. Especially, the lipgloss. I used it up fairly quickly, so I then purchased it at Dillards. The gloss can be somewhat sticky, but it stays on for hours. 

$24 at Dillards

Looking for more? Check out an older post about some of my favorite beauty products seen here!

All Black Everything

All black everything. My motto exactly. Lately, I have been looking for classic pieces that will transition from season to season and I cannot help but buy everything in black! All black everything is really the "can't get it wrong" kind of outfit. Head-to-toe black is one of my favorite looks, as with anything monochromatic these days, but all black outfits are always sleek and effortless. I try to look to inspiration from all kids of outlets such as street style blogs, Pinterest and the most current runway shows. I find the majority of my inspiration from how clothes are worn on the streets. Here are some of my favorite all-black looks that you can wear every day. 

 

 

 

  

 

Images via Pinterest and Stochholm Streestyle

The Curvy Girl's Guide to Swimwear

Sultry celebs such as Sofia Vergara, Kim Kardashian and Christina Hendricks are showing everyone that curves are a hot commodity in Hollywood and swimwear lines are now catering to curvy girls everywhere. In past years, plus-size swimwear was never really fashion forward, but now that has all changed. Companies such as Torrid and Curvy Kate have created swimwear lines that are affordable, functional and fashionable. But, when it comes down to it, they have to fit right and support is probably the biggest factor when searching for the perfect swimsuit. Look for bra size tops that give you full support and lift. Finding a top that's your bra size will eliminate a lot of stress, considering you already know exactly what you need. Stay away from tops that have added fabrics such as ruffles or sequins. If tankinis are more your style, look for ones that have ruching on the belly or on the side. Ruching can be extremely flattering and will disguise any unsightly bulges. Tankinis can actually elongate your torso, while keeping everything in place. As for the bottoms, high-waisted are the way to go. They hide any tummy imperfections and the retro swim look is super sexy. Marilyn Monroe would definitely approve!

Compare & Contrast

Black and white have always been a classic combination, but this season it is all about strict stripes, dizzying checks and playful prints. Minimalism is no more when it comes to these two contrasting colors. As you can see, the black and white combo has dominated the spring runways and it is noted as the most influential spring trend. Designers such as Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang take black and white to a whole new level with laser cut-outs and clashing prints. While Nasty Gal emulated this spring trend in their 2013 look book. Black and white fusion is a trend that's here to stay, but beware, these graphic patterns will definitely have you seeing double. 

RUNWAY

Balmain

Alexander Wang

Givenchy

Louis Vuitton

Moschino

Narciso Rodriguez

Marc Jacobs

Michael Kors

REAL WAY

Images via Google, Vogue.com, Nasty Gal Spring 2013 lookbook via Fashiongonerogue

Rad Plaid

Plaid has become a new favorite print of mine. I love that it is a mixture of grunge and prep. You can wear this pattern with the always popular prints: leopard, florals or spots. Karl Lagerfeld's entire spring collection for Chanel was inspired by traditional Scottish fashion chock full of tweed, argyle and of course, plaid. The most universally flattering color in plaid is red. Hence, why we are seeing it pop up in collections from Chanel to Dior. You can create an effortless look with a shearling leather jacket, plaid button down, black skinnies and ankle boots. Or, add this print in accessories, with a plaid scarf layered over a cool denim jacket. I've found some runway inspiration from a few Pre-Fall collections. Gucci shows us how easily plaid can be dressed up, while Preen shows us how to dress your plaid down.  

Gucci 

Chanel

Preen

Christian Dior 

The Row

Model Streetstyle