Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Velveteen Rabbit

I love this book.
But that isn't what this post will be about. Although it does have to do with velvet. 
Which could actually make the title of this really twisted, because it is about a velvet rabbit. But I'm not saying you need to take the velvet from a velveteen rabbit to wear.
I'll get back to that.
All this holiday cheer is putting me in the mood for a holiday wardrobe. With as much family as I have, I wear multiple outfits from Christmas Eve, Day, and New Years. There definitely is a certain kind of dress code depending on what you're doing. But I'll leave that up to you to determine what is suitable.
But if it seems like I'm talking about a lot of holiday things, then that's why. I just can't seem to wrap my head around anything else. 
Now back to what I was talking about, velvet. Velvet has been gaining popularity throughout the fall, and I definitely think it will continue to be seen through this winter and possibly even next. While it has formerly been used on girl's dresses ages 5-12, it has definitely been modified for a more mature audience. 
I definitely wouldn't deem velvet a statement piece, more of an understatement piece. It's also super classy. I think it is the perfect material for layering, because it ads a different element of texture to the normal fleeces and wools of winter.
This dress is one of American Apparel double-u neck dresses. They have it in five or six other colors, and I love it. American Apparel has the best double-u neck dresses because they are form-fitting, and show off your back. This would be perfect for a holiday party, paired with black suede wedge ankle boots, a skinny belt worn around your natural waist in gold or silver, an up-do with a chunky patterned headband, and a pea coat. Even some patterned tights would be cute with it. When wearing velvet in a dress, it needs to be paired with accessories so it doesn't look too plain. I do caution that this kind of dress fits very snug, and velvet tends to cling, so make sure you try something like this on before buying it. Just to make sure you love it.
If you aren't feeling adventurous enough to try a velvet dress, or you don't like the fit, you can try velvet in a different item of clothing. It's kind of hard to see, but these leggings are velvet. And also affordable and local, being sold at Target. Pair these with some cute closed-toe flats, a semi-long flowy shirt and a cardigan that has some cute applique on it, and a short string of big pearls and you have another holiday party out of the way. Did I mention that velvet is super warm too? So not only are you stylish but you are also cozy.
When I say velvet leotard, I'm sure you're thinking of gymnasts or ice skaters. But I acquired one on sale from Forever 21, and it actually has been extremely useful. Now if you have read some of my previous posts, my obsession with leotards is endless. So a velvet one is right up my alley. I have paired it with quite a few things. So if you see something velvet that is slightly out of the normal, such as leggings, or a leotard, or even a velvet blazer. You too can be your own velvet snow bunny!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Lady is a Vamp

I know I haven't wrote in forever, and I apologize. I just ran out of ideas and time. I will try to be more consistent in the future, no promises though.

Now I would like to talk about something I know very little about: Make-up. I am completely inexperienced, and definitely not an expert whatsoever. However, I can do what little make-up I wear, and I know when others looks good or bad. I'm sure you do too.
I love love love red lipstick for winter. I think it is too much in the summer, because summer should be light and fresh. But in the winter you get a bit paler, and the red lipstick will pop against a dreary winter background.
This is definitely the next item on my to-get list.
I think lipstick is definitely making a comeback. After years of glosses and stains, matte lips will be big I think.
Red lipstick is without a doubt an art. You have to not only find the right shade, but apply it perfectly, and then keep it from smudging off or running.
These remind me of the lips from the Rocky Horror Picture Show haha.

Now, rumor has it red lipstick is only for those who have skin colors in various shades of white. I don't think this could be true. Or at least I hope not, because I'm dying to wear it.
This said, not everyone can wear fire engine red. There are many variations or red, going from cranberry to brick to whatever else they have. It really all depends on your complexion. 
I wish I could tell you what color to wear for your skin tone, but like I said I'm not an expert. I would recommend heading to your local beauty supply store, and asking an expert. Sephora, MAC, even some of the counters in department stores. That's where I'm going at least. I would rather not risk buying a red lipstick that looks awful on me.

Once you find a color, you are faced with the challenge of applying it. Red is one of those sticky colors, that whenever you go outside the lines and then try to wipe it off it leaves a pink stain. I have read that you can line your lips with a pencil in the same shade first, then apply, or better yet use a small brush to apply it very precisely to your lips. This ensures you will stay inside the lines. Seventeen magazine also says to dust a bit of powder over your lips after applying the lipstick to get it to stay put.
If you decide to wear red lipstick, make sure the rest of your make-up is minimal. Your lips will be making the statement on your face. Just use foundation, a small amount of black eyeliner and mascara. Anything more will make it look like stage make-up. Which I don't think is what anyone is looking for.
Like I said, this is such a great look for winter. Especially the holidays. It isn't even that time consuming.
I recommend trying it at least once. Who knows, maybe you'll love it and wear red lipstick everyday forever. 

Except for summer (see above).