Mass Market Shopping

"I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern - wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passe. It's a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together." -Alexander McQueen

Nordstrom, one of the most famous high-end department stores of all time, is a prime example of the growth in budget shopping. They opened their doors in 1901 and many years later created what we affectionately call "The Rack".  The Rack has been steadily climbing in popularity since it opened all while Nordstrom has been declining. Reasonably so, why would you purchase a Vince Camuto dress for $300 when you could wait three months and buy it at $100, or even less? There are now more Nordstrom Rack stores readily available to be shopped than actual Nordstrom's. Statistics show that this is what normal in the fashion world is now.

Bargain shopping and mass market retailers are what fashion is in America. There is less of an emphasis on the quality of clothes {with the exception of basics, but more on that later} and more importance is being placed on the lowest price we can purchase a piece for. Mass market shopping doesn't give you the quality or fit of high-end retailers, but this is often where stores like Nordstrom Rack play their vital role.

We recently opened a H&M at our local mall. Basically, it's the coolest thing since sliced bread at this point. European fashion at our fingertips for affordable prices? This is what it's all about! 

My friend Jessica and I rocking some awesome faux-fur hats!

Oh hey there mirror pic

Gone are the days when fashion was an unreachable luxury. Now virtually anyone can enjoy the imagination and creativity without having to choose between buying a new dress or groceries for the week.

Now the question is, will other types of retailers follow in the same pattern?

Full of Thanks

Every year my church puts on a fun Thanksgiving service to celebrate what God has done over the course of the year. It focuses on {surprise!} being thankful for all He has accomplished through each individual. Some people give testimonies of His goodness. Members from a local Hispanic church and African church present worship songs in their native tongues.

One of the best parts about this Thanksgiving tradition is that every year, each small group or family dress up as something different. Last year a group of people dressed up as fruit. The year before some dressed up as royalty. This year there were injured 80's people, crayons, 50's housewives, and my small group, which was super heroes. I was Captain Homemaker, aka Super Mom!

My roommate Jessica was the fabulous superhero Glitter Girl
Photo taken by Maria

I've been reminded this year of God's continued goodness. There is never a point in our lives where He isn't a faithful Father. I've been reminded of this quote by A.W. Tozer:

“The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us. ”

What are YOU thankful for this year??

Flashback Lipcolor

I'm sorry for being MIA for three weeks.

The good news is I'm back full force and ready to come at you with some awesome blog posts!

Today's post is in honor of a trend that I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon with: dark {oxblood} lips.

{Thank you instagram for the SWEET filter}

I know, I know. You're jealous of the clarity of picture my phone takes.

I have avoided the trend of dark lips since it started peaking its face out on the runway last year. It reminds me of when I would pretend to be Posh Spice from the Spice Girls and played with pogs at recess.  Who could forget the gloopy frosted brown or the gothic deep purple?

This look has been updated slightly by adding more deep red pigmentation to the lip color. The key to pulling this trend off is choosing the right color based on your complexion.

If you have a cool complexion, select dark colors that have purple and blue undertones, such as a berry or bordeaux.

For those who have a warm skin tone, look for gold and coral undertones, such as brick and golden red.

At this point you may be asking yourself, "I have no idea what my skin tone is." That's okay! I'm going to share with you a little trick: take a look at the veins of your inner wrist. If they appear blue you have a cool skin tone; green veins mean you're a warm.

One more vital step in successfully accomplishing this look: exfoliating! Get your lips damp, take a little bit of sugar and rub it on your lips for a minute. Wash off any excess and proceed with applying gorgeous dark color to your lips.

DIY Lip Plumper

Did you know that you loose 1 percent of collagen in your lips per year?

That's why your grandma had gorgeous Angelina Jolie lips when she was 20 years old and at 80 her lips are as thin as a model's waist.

The very first time I used lip plumper was when I was in middle school. I was at my friend Abbey's house and was looking through her beauty products {I've always been fascinated by cosmetics}. Seeing a roller tube of lip gloss I didn't recognize, I asked her about its contents. She told me that it made her eyes water because it hurt so bad. I tried it. My eyes watered. It reminded of of the time when I was six and got stung by a bee on my bottom lip.

I'm all about big, full, gorgeous lips. Good lip plumper can cost a fortune, {my absolute FAVORITE lip plumper, and in my opinion, the best working one, is this one} and having worked in cosmetics and having tried at least twenty, I know a lot of them don't actually work very well.

I was doing some research on lip plumpers and discovered something interesting: they all have similar ingredients for agitation. Not only do most lip plumpers have at lease one of these ingredients, they're also common household spices. Peppermint oil, cinnamon, and ginger have all been used to effectively plump that pout.

I tried a little experiment and I've been very pleased with it.

What you need:

• 2-quart pot
• Pyrex glass container
• Lip balm or chap stick (I used Burt's Bees beeswax lip balm)
• Cayenne Pepper
• Cinnamon

              

Create a double-boiler effect by filling the pot with water and placing the Pyrex in the water on Medium heat. Scrape the lip balm or chap stick out of the container and wait for it to melt. 

Measure out 1/16 of a teaspoon of Cayenne pepper and 1/16 of a teaspoon of Cinnamon.

Stir ingredients together until mixed throughly. This may depend on the product you use, but I mixed it for around three minutes.

Pour the contents back in the original container, and voila! Let sit on counter for 10 minutes or place in refrigerator for 3 minutes.

If you don't want much of a sting, I highly recommend putting less cayenne pepper in the mixture. If you have peppermint oil feel free to add four or five drops instead of cinnamon.

Have YOU ever tried using lip plumper? What were your experiences with it?



{Song of Solomon 4:3}

Mini Lesson: How to Take a Good Picture

Have you ever looked at yourself in a picture and thought, "either that is the most unflattering angle or I'm the least attractive person alive."? I am SO guilty of thinking this on occasion. I'll leave the house thinking, "I look really cute today!" and I'll see a picture of myself later and the camera is all, "LOL, no."

I read Psalm 96:6 today and it said this: "Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary." ESV

I've been thinking a lot lately about how the presence of the Lord is where I am made beautiful, regardless of how I feel. I'm no stranger to feeling ugly. Thoughts of my weight or imperfect skin or facial structure often plague me. Truthfully, I encounter it daily.

But it's not how I feel that matters. It's the fact. This is what the Bible tells me is factual: "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11 NIV

Enthralled, huh?

Yeah, that's right. Because nothing the Lord makes is mediocre. Least of all, His beloved children whom He made in His image.

Back to posing. The most important part of any photo is the woman. When the woman {or women} looks good, everyone and everything else in the picture look good. Research has showed that the most attractive side of your face is the left side. This is because the left side of your face {which is controlled more by the creative right side of your brain} shows more emotion.

Right side vs. Left side

Full height poses are incredibly difficult to pull off unless you are tall and have an athletic body shape. Instead of standing straight, position your body in an "S" shape with all your weight on one foot and your hip and shoulder going two different ways.

Slight "S" shape pose

If you are facing the camera and can't move, slightly bend your right knee and move it half way in front of your left knee. Bend forward slightly and tilt your head a shade.

"Planking" pose ;)

Tell me about your awkward/awesome posing experiences!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy Birthday to the best mom in the entire world! {okay, I may be a little biased}

Mom I love you so much and am so blessed to have you as my mom. I know I often take your life experiences for granted but I want you to know that I really think everything you've done in your life is truly incredible.

Mommy and me circa 1992

Thanksgiving 2009

You have offered the world so much. Your admirable work ethic and work/home balance amazes me. I hope some day to be a mom like you.

There is much to be said about someone who is as accomplished as you--your ability to cook fantastic meals, clean spotlessly, sew and quilt like a master, be an affectionate wife and mother, follow Jesus, change our city for the better with the influence that you have through work and find a way to work out in the midst of all that blows me away.

I love you so much, mom. Happy Birthday!! xoxoxo

{P.S. If you were wondering, she's the one I got my style from! :)}



The below images are courtesy of EMZ Photography

Confessions of a Brand Snob

I have a confession.

I'm a brand snob.

Don't get me wrong. I love a good bargain. And if there were two identical products next to each other that did exactly the same thing but were at two very different prices, I would choose the less expensive one.

The feeling of an expensive lotion on your skin. The intense pigmentation and smooth application of a high-end eyeshadow. The perfect, creamy blendability of a pricey foundation. There is nothing like it.

For all you guys that might be rolling your eyes at me, let me just tell you a lot of the time expensive products do make a difference. The ingredients are more concentrated and richer in consistency. The results are often seen sooner. There are some decent drugstore brands. Probably half of my beauty products are drugstore brands. But there's one thing that I haven't budged on for years. Up until a few weeks ago I refused to buy cheap hair products {with the exception of Tresseme hairspray. That stuff is bomb.com}. One time I even came upon a sample of this stuff. 

As of recently I haven't had the budget to spend oodles of money. The things on my beauty regime were the first to get cut. So I went to the grocery store and bought this stuff:

Blew. My. Mind. $6 each for a huge bottle that gets my hair shiny and creates an effect similar to getting highlights?? Could it get any better?! Point of this story is that Jesus loves me. And the less important point of the story is that this pair will make it feel like you spent some serious Benjamin's at the salon. Prepare to feel like a million bucks, people!

Fall Trending part Trois

Suits:

We're starting to get a little fancy-schmancy again with fashion. Think Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby. Rarely were there a pair of jeans spotted on the Fall 2012 runways for men. Fall suits were shown mostly in navy, beige, and grey in pinstripe or plaid. There was an occasional suit of red or yellow.

Michael Bastian Fall 2012

Jeans were affectionately replaced by corduroy's, khakis, and yes, dress pants. They were dressed down by Charlie Brown sweaters (ha) and 70's inspired plaids and vests.

Michael Bastian Fall 2012

Brocade:

It's time to raid your great-grandmother's closet!

Brocade is typically used on rich fabrics, such as silk, and woven with a raised pattern. This versatile print took over the fall runway adorning pants, coats, blouses, dresses, shoes and collars.

Left to Right: Christian Dior, Marchesa, Gucci Fall 2012

Left to Right: Rag and Bone, Salvator Ferragamo, Dolce and Gabbana Fall 2012

Velvet:

If you're not fully convinced of this trend, you don't have to jump into a velvet full-body suit just yet. You can ease into this trend with a pair of velvet flats.

Or with whatever you have left from your 90's wardrobe stash (I know I have a few things...in children's sizes).

If you're feeling daring, try wearing velvet with a burgundy lip. Eau so chic!

Left to Right: Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Burberry Prosum

My friend S and I had our nails done last Thursday with shallac gel polish. TOTALLY WORTH IT. I haven't had to repaint my nails all week (and the pretty color plus the money I spent on them has kept me from biting them--oh yeah!) and they're still super shiny! Here here to looking "polished" all week!

Also, remember this post about my dad's coat? I went over to their house yesterday and was able to snap a few pics of him wearing it. He is obvi ready for winter with his shorts and Birkenstocks on! Love you dad!

Have a fabUlous weekend!

Fall Trending Part Deux

Gru Silhouettes:

If you've ever wanted little yellow minions, now is the time to join the Gru trend. It's all about looking tough and manly...don't forget to leave the house without your football pads underneath! LOL. Totally kidding.

Thom Browne Fall 2012

...enough with the creepy fashion. What I really meant was this:

Retro Hair:

If you're looking to update your hair, retro is all the rage!

PS. I've also been seeing a lot of this style for Spring/Summer 2013 as well. Bravo to all my friends who already have this style!

Emporio Armani Fall 2012

Peplum.

I haven't been this excited about a trend since I got my first choker "tattoo" necklace. Okay, that's an exaggeration. A few months ago at a clothing store I saw a peplum top and rolled my eyes {oh great, another article of clothing that only looks good on skinny girls and will make my hips look 4 sizes larger than they are. Awesome.}. I purposefully try things on that won't look good on me so I can see how they fit and what they will look like on other people. Reluctantly trying it on, I looked at myself in the mirror and instantly fell in love with it.

Peplum is essentially a short, flared piece of fabric attached at the waist of a jacket, blouse, or dress.

There is nothing I love more than feminine trends, and this one takes the cake. This style looks spectacular on most body shapes.

PS: The pencil skirt is also really prominent in this season's silhouettes. 

PPS: Peplum doesn't have to be worn with only pencil skirts -- it looks really chic when paired with skinnies as well.

Left to Right: Tory Burch, Peter Som, Zac Posen Fall 2012

Collars:

From basic to peter pan collars, this trend is not only showing itself on blouses but also in jewelry. The beauty of this trend is that it is fashion's first move towards modesty in a long time. Huzzah! 

Left to Right: Marni, Jason Wu, Rodarte, Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012

Friday will be the last post in my Fall Trending mini series. So excited!

Fall trending Part Un

This is the first of a three-part mini series on a few of my favorite fall 2012 trends. Parts two and three will be posted on Wednesday and Friday.

One point that I really want to get across right from the beginning has to do with runway fashions. Most runway outfits are not intended to be worn out in public. I have been asked multiple times why designers make their outfits look so outrageous and they question if designers think people actually dress like that.

The answer {with some exclusions} is no.

This is an extreme comparison, but imagine trying to fit every individual article of clothing from H&M onto one runway show. You would be there for hours. And the clothes wouldn't stand out to the buyers in the audience. Hence the reason for the extravagant and incredibly imaginative displays the fashion industry produces. They compile the work of their entire collection and they aim to bring attention to their products.

Now, on to fall fashion trends.

Men:

Oversized Overcoats.
Hey dad! Remember that oversized camel colored coat that you've had for twenty years that Becki and I always poke fun at? Well, you were right, it did come back in style! And you will look super handsome in it this fall.

Mulberry fall 2012

Women:

Leather.
I'm a sucker for black, so having extra detail of some sort is ideal. There are a few leather items that I have on my list for this fall (leather skinnies being at the top) that I'm looking forward to trying out.

Whistles fall 2012

Oxblood:
The perfect blend of brown and red. Oxblood, in a nutshell, is maroon. Or burgundy. Or wine. But for fall 2012, the correct name is oxblood. Since the fashion world is constantly trying to reinvent itself, they reuse (but slightly modernize and change) colors and silhouettes but often rename them. This color is a tribute to the 40's and 90's.

Left to Right: Peter Som, Rodarte, DKNY

Spring 2013 trend update: The ikat/tribal print is making another go around next spring so don't thrift your items with that print just yet! If you don't own anything that is ikat or tribal, a very stylish (and usually inexpensive) way to update your wardrobe with this style is a scarf. You can buy one from here, here, or here.

Six Hundred Dollar Shoes

Sorry about all the cheesy poses. I'm new at this, okay?

Blazer: Forever 21, Studded Shirt: Forever 21, Undershirt: Thrifted, Jeans: American Eagle,  Earrings: gifted, Bracelet: Forever 21, Shoes: Thrifted

A few weeks ago I went shopping with a newlywed couple that are good friends of mine. We decided to go to a discount shoe store to look for {can you guess??} new shoes for T. C and I were browsing the sale shoe items when she pointed out a pair of insanely expensive black Guiseppe Zanotti flats that had been marked down. 

It was love at first sight.

The immaculate matte leather exterior was smooth to the touch. The beautifully crafted hand stitched bows on the front added the perfect not-too-small but not-too-large detailing. The insides and soles of the shoes had the most perfect beige leather I've ever seen. Not too yellow and not too pink. Perfection at its finest. And I've always loved the smell of Italian leather.

Even being half off their original price plus eighty percent off that was too much for my poor jobless bank account. 

We were about to leave and I was mentally wishing my precious babies goodbye when C grabbed the shoes and looked at me.

"A birthday gift from T and I." She said. 

And that, my friends, is a story of one BLESSED woman. God is so faithful to take care of even the silliest desires we have. 

Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him." <3

Well Rounded

Shirt: Thrifted, Belt: Old Navy, Pants: Forever 21, Shoes: Gifted, Bracelets: Gifted, Watch: Betsey Johnson

I recently went to a job interview for a position that I don't have a lot of experience in. It was probably the most insightful interview I've ever had. While the man was asking me questions trying to figure out my personality, he asked where I saw myself in 10 years. "Proper" interview etiquette flashed through my mind.  What you're supposed to say when they ask you a question like that is your plan to grow the company, save the world, etc, etc, etc.

"To be completely honest, I see myself being self employed. I want to be a clothing stylist with my own company."

He looked at me, not mockingly, but with a kind smile in his eyes. "You chose an interesting school major. Your previous jobs don't coincide particularly well." {I have a bachelor's in Theology...er, Biblical Studies}

"I want to be a well rounded person. When I get old I want to be wise in a lot of areas and have a lot to relate to with a large pool of people."

I'm young, single, childless, debtless...the whole world is at my feet. And I plan to take it.

Party Wear

Happy Labor Day friends!

Since I am between jobs I get to celebrate YOU today!! I'm hoping everyone has a fun and restful holiday.

On another note, I recently attended a semi-formal party in a friend's backyard.

Okay, okay. The party was mine.

I'm a total sucker for dressing up, and I use any excuse to do so ("Oh! We're going to Target? Let me put on my stilettos." Totally kidding--I'm not THAT extreme). If I could, I would probably wear a ball gown every day of my life.

A few people wanted clarification on the exact attire of the event, so I thought I would take the opportunity to dive into descriptions on other attire clarifications as well.

Informal Attire

Casual Attire:
Men: the classic jeans and a t-shirt is perfectly acceptable. Don't wear sweats or pajama bottoms. Style your hair as you normally would.
Women: sundresses, cotton skirts, jeans, t-shirts are all possibilities. Wear makeup. Casual hairstyles (low buns, ponytails, straight, curly...it all works. Just don't make it look like you're going to the Oscars).



Informal Attire:
Men: above casual attire, this is around the lines of 'business attire' or 'business casual'. Jeans and a nice shirt (button down, not a t-shirt) paired with a sport coat and close-toed shoes are acceptable. No tennis shoes. Suits are also very acceptable.
Women: Slacks, tailored suits. Business appropriate dresses and skirts. No t-shirts. No sandals. Heels preferred, dressy flats welcome.

Semi-formal or Cocktail Attire

Festive Attire: (specifically referring to the holiday season)
Men & Women: See below to Semi-formal/Cocktail Attire. However, add something festive like a red button down for men or a sparkly accessory  for women.



Semi-formal/Cocktail Attire:
Men: Slacks and a sport coat or a suit. Ties optional. Button down shirt. If the event is in the morning or afternoon you are welcome to wear a light colored suit.
Women: Dresses or a nice pantsuit are acceptable. Do not wear a dress or skirt that goes below your calves, even if it's a maxi dress. Dressy shoes.

White Tie Attire (sorry for the poor quality)

Black Tie Optional or Black Tie:
Men: Suits required. Vest optional.
Women: Long or short dress acceptable. Dressy evening separates are acceptable as well.



White Tie:
Men: Black dress coat or tail coat with matching trousers. White shirt, white vest, white bow tie, white waistcoat or vest all required. Black shoes.
Women: Full length dress required, typically in white or black. Dresses are more modest. Long gloves or shawls perfectly acceptable. Hair in an elegant updo. Any jewelry worn must be authentic. No cubic zirconia or fake gems.



Hopefully this is helpful to decode your next party dress code.

Happy Monday!

Dreaming

I've been dreaming today.

It all started with watching this video:

The British fashion house Burberry has been creating the perfect trench since 1880. Since I was 13, I've dreamed about owning one. Unfortunately, the price is a little too steep for me at this point of my life. 

If I had an unlimited budget for clothes, these are a few of the things I would buy:

This Burberry trench.

This Hermes belt.

This pair of sky high Louboutin shoes.

 

This quilted Chanel bag.

What would YOU buy if you didn't have a budget??

Fashion Friday

Happy Friday!

Last week a couple of friends and I went downtown and did a mock photo shoot. If you are a human being and enjoy imagination in both portrait and landscape photography, you'll like this guy's stuff.

Here's a brief glance of our sesh:

To see more pictures from this particular session and others that just might blow your mind click here.

Have a safe and happy weekend lovlies!