Sunday, April 24, 2011

Spring into Summer Buys


1. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal in Whiskey, $60
2. House of Harlow 1960 Textured Wrap Gold Ring, $30
3. Toms Classic Red Canvas, $44
4. Hive and Honey Maxi Dress, $74
5. J. Crew Short-Sleeve Selvedge Chambray Shirt, $88
6. Kelsi Dagger Linzy in Sand Patent, $119
7. Forever 21 Candy Hearts Romper, $22.80
8. Forever 21 Woven Snap Front Tank, $19.80
9. J Brand Kiki Flare Jean in Shadow, $196
10. J. Crew Silk Blythe Blouse in Poppy, $98
11. Urban Outfitters Tortoise Shell Hoops, $24
11. J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Neon Gingham, $72
12. Jack by BB Dakota Skirt, $48

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Model Stalker: Crystal Renn

I had never heard of Crystal Renn (shocking, I know with my extensive knowledge of the modeling world) until her book Hungry hit stands in 2009. She was a teen model with severe anorexia and spoke out in her book about the unrealistic standards of the fashion world. She has been praised for speaking out and rewarded as one of the LUCKY few to still have a successful modeling career despite her kickin curves. Since then I have seen her more and more in ads and on runways as the plus size model that gives great face. I LOVE her look, and although she has caught some flack recently for slimming down from a size 10/12 to a 4/6, I think she looks the best now slimmed to an athletic, healthy and toned shape.   Wanted to share a selection of recent photos of Crystal as inspiration for my summer slimdown.

Cover of her memoir, Hungry

no idea, just love this pic

Lord & Taylor 2011 campaign

German Vogue, February 2011

Jimmy Choo Spring '11 campaign 


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Look I Stole: Spring Style Options

Today was the day it FINALLY felt like spring in NYC. The temperature rose to over 60 degrees and New Yorkers all seemed to have a skip in their step. I wore leggings, my Kelsi Dagger snake thigh high flat boots (seen here), and a light Zara sweater thinking it was a great transition outfit.....boy was I wrong. I need to break out my lighter wardrobe options, unless I prefer to sweat to death as we head in to summer. I noticed a few key outfits I can easily recreate on some stylish celebrity ladies. LC, Charlize, and Lo all know where its at for warm weather chic. Throw on a linen or lightweight cotton button down and jump on the trend wagon of black or dark indigo flare jeans just like LC, I can wear my favorite Old Navy cargos (seen here) with a blazer and oxford pumps for Charlize's look, and the (hopefully mine soon) $59 Paperbag Waist Trousers from Urban Outfitters to complete Lo's relaxed fit style.

Ok, 3 days of outfits decided and months more to go......

Monday, April 11, 2011

Beauty Essentials Round Up

After working in the beauty industry for a few years, you start to learn which products are truly amazing and which are pure hype with a great PR team and loyal beauty editors to convince consumers to purchase. I tend to be a creature of habit, so I have a lot of go-to products that I have collected and become a fanatic for. 


Clockwise from top left:
1. TheBalm Balms Away, $20
2. Eve Lom Dynaspot, $30
3. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Rose, $22
4. Essie Jelly Apple, $8
5. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheek and Lip, $24
6. Makeup Forever Concealer, $30
7. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash, $6.89

1. One weekend when visiting my good friend Kimmie K, we came back from a (late) night out and got ready for bed. She whipped out a tub of vaseline and got to work on her eyes. I was confused as I took liquid eye makeup remover to a cotton ball and tugged at my lids - what is she, nuts? No, turns out she's genius. Vasoline is gentler on the skin around the eyes and easy swipes away at dark pigments for a clean face. My favorite is theBalm Balms Away due to its added vitamins and cute tin (i'm a sucker for girlie packaging).

2. BEST way to try out a testy zit. Just squeeze a little on your finger, dab to cover the zit (don't rub in), let sit overnight while sleeping, and BOOM, that zit will shrink down in no time. 

3. Smells like frosting and best pink color, not too bright and totally kissable. 

4. My nail color of choice when I feel like channeling Olivia Palermo. When I'm looking to go more Kardashian, I reach for OPI Black Onyx.

5. I prefer a cream blush to powder, just dab your finger a couple of times in the pot and then dab along the apples of your cheek. Rub in and rub slightly up your cheek bone. My favorite shades are Calypso Coral when I try a lady-like cat eye with my liner a la Lauren Conrad, and Pink Truffle when my makeup is a little more sultry.

6. Fantastic concealer, hides the red better than most I've tried. Make Up Forever is a a favorite brand for most makeup artists, anything they trust must be good.

7. This face wash has changed my skin. I have combination skin and need something a little stronger. If you have skin that gets too dry or irritated easily, then wash with this at night to remove your makeup and dirt from the day and immediately apply a light lotion or moisturizer after to keep skin hydrated. In the morning, use a light gentler cleanser like Cetaphil.

IM BACK, BABY!!

After a month hiatus, I am returning to the blogosphere. I traveled the middle east and came back to a work life filled with chaos. Blogging unfortunately had to take a backseat until I could recharge the batteries. However, life moves on and you gotta give the people what they want. So sit back, read and enjoy my random thoughts once again dear readers. After all, its all for you (the 20 of you who loyally check the site).

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Street Style: Emily Wall

It's Sister Frivolous with another guest post for you on this dreary Wednesday!

This week's street style inspiration is our friend Emily from Georgia E.  I happened to catch Em's day-drinking-to-night-out look and I had to snap a pic.  Miss Friv and I are always looking for outfits that are comfortable yet still sexy, without having all the goodies on display.  And when I learned most of Em's items were bargains and sale-rack steals, I knew I had my next post!


The real highlight of this ensemble, which you can't fully appreciate from this photo, is the super cute H&M beige crochet sweater with a peekaboo back that Emily layered over a long black H&M tank, dark skinnies (JBrand), and snakeskin platforms.  Topped with a camel faux-leather jacket (hers is Zara), this was the perfect hipper-than-a-hipster look!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Inspiration Board: Wide Leg Jeans

Hello loyal readers! Miss Frivolous has taken a short blogging hiatus as she visits the holy land in search of a husband. She asked me, the sister referenced mockingly in several previous posts, to keep you updated in her absence.  Let's get right to it, shall we?

To get a feel for how we sisters differ, consider the ultimate model family: The Kardashians.  While Miss Friv considers Kim her would-die-to-be-mistaken-for, I gravitate more towards Kourtney and her classic, mature style choices.  That's why when I saw this picture appear back in November, I squealed with delight:



*image from officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com

Because I knew this could only mean one thing: wide-leg jeans are back.  Curvy girls rejoice! When done correctly, there is no more flattering casual look that we can rock.  Pair some flares with a tucked-in shirt, a slim belt, and some sky-high heels, and you will have all the eyes in the room on you! Witness:

 *image from people.com

 *image from people.com

*image from officialkourtneyk.celebuzz.com

While a higher-rise can be flattering, if you are short and had too many Girl Scout cookies these last few weeks, steer clear of the super-high-waist, lest you find yourself looking like this:

*image from chicainc.com

Hate to drag this back out Jess-- as Miss Friv always says, Big girls need love too.  Just making my point and then we will put that mom jeans photo back in the vault! 

If you are anxious to perpetuate this trend but haven't gotten your hands on a pair yet, consider purchasing these two celebrity favorites: 



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Red Carpet Superbowl: Oscars

Let's get right to it, shall we??

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture

I loved this bold dress. The soft feminine color and the intricate beading. I thought the back was incredibly cool and while it is a very different look, it was fun to see someone break out with a more fashionable pick. She didn't just want to look pretty, she wanted to look interesting at the same time. Mission accomplished.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Again, she looks incredibly age appropriate without being too girly and over the top with the sweet young thing schtick. I love that the dress is tea length rather than princess ball gown. The hair was simple with the adorable head band making her hair more playful and less stodgy. Head to toe I ALWAYS love Hailee and am sad this awards season is over. Her fantastic stylist should be on retainer people.

Jennifer Hudson in Atelier Versace

HATED IT. I know people are lauding her for adding a pop of color on the carpet. Yes, its true that the color palette for this years Oscars was rather blah, but her two tone boob tan didn't help make up for the lack of color variety. Come on, I couldn't stop staring at that tacky bikini beach tan in between the deep v of the dress. Boo on that.

Jennifer Lawrence in custom Calvin Klein Collection

Francisco Costa made this dress for Jennifer just for the Oscars. And while I love it and think she looks fabulous, I can't help thinking that its not appropriate for the Oscars. Its too understated and red on a red carpet is never ideal, even if its the sexiest tomato red dress ever created.

Marisa Tomei in vintage

Mistake. Vintage here looks like a bad dress pulled from the costume closet at MGM. The neckline looks ill fitting, like the minizer bra hits her too high and covers too much up top. The way the tulle falls on the bottom, it just all falls flat in my book.

Michelle Williams in Chanel Couture

Brava Michelle! I loved loved loved her in this look. She saves herself from looking too old with her hairstyle and natural makeup. I loved the simple column shape of the dress and the pearl beading makes this dress something special to take notice.

Mila Kunis in Ellie Saab

She looked the epitome of Old Hollywood, the theme for the show that night. The framing of the bust on her dress was incredibly flattering, the soft floating tiers and nude underlay mixed sweet with a little bit of sexy. I thought this was the perfect mix of just that, sweet and sexy.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Didn't love the swarovski crystals on the dress. Kind of wish they'd left it plain without the crystals for this one because I was so enamored of the color on her. I totally dug her earrings though, the wine tassel Tiffany and Co. earrings were divine. The rest, ehhh.

Nicole Kidman in something crazy (or Dior)

HATED IT. I mean, belch. This asian mishap is just the pits. I hate embroidery on a fancy dress, and white was the wrong choice for this. Stop trying to recreate the green embroided Dior dress from a decade ago that made you a red carpet star. Those days are clearly over, my friend....

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabanna

HATED IT. Hated what the discolored lace was doing to her figure and it made her boobs look strange on the carpet. Everything about this outfit is just off and was not meant for a major awards show.

Sharon Stone in, again, something crazy

Listen wackadoo. You can be kooky and "off beat" on your own time in your every day wardrobe. At the most important awards show of the year, which god only knows why you were there, try and tone down the crazy and wear simple black. Nothing about this is fashion forward or interesting, its just over the top in a stupid way. Were you trying to play off of Black Swan for attention? Were you trying to pawn this off as a Marchesa confection for more press? 
You look like a clown in mourning is resting on your shoulder.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection, Celine Dion and Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani Prive 

I also appreciated the trend of ladies wearing shine rather than sparkle. These dresses slinked down their bodies like water for a cool and eye catching effect

*all images from Zimbio, Anne Hathaway/Just Jared

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Look I Stole: Jessica Alba

My sister and I constantly check out celebrity photos from the website Frugal-Fashionistas.com to check out which celebrity outfits we can recreate exactly so that dressing for work is easier another day. They do the work so we don't have to think if we are lucky enough to own similar pieces. Happily, my first example for you is easy for anyone to copy. I recreated this exact look over the weekend and my grandpa told me I looked so New York chic, the ultimate compliment from a style savvy 94 year old. I substituted the black blazer for a black leather jacket, wore my blue and white striped H&M tunic and nubby grey snood, tights, and booties.  

*image from People.com

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Inspiration Board: Stylish New Yorkers

StyleCaster.com listed the 50 Most Stylish New Yorkers today and the article was the best thing to ever happen to me during a work day.  I spent 20 glorious minutes poring over each photo of the painfully cool (and probably take themselves too seriously) New Yorkers that have access to designer duds among fashion's elite.

Jeff Laub, owner of The Blind Barber. Rawr, hey sexy.


Andrew Mukamel, formerly of "Kell on Earth," I miss you on my tv set each week.


Jenne Lombardo is everything I wish to be. I love her tough, goth style and attitude. The fact that she shaved her head in the middle of a photo shoot, awe-inspiring.


South Carolina's finest Kwesi Blair made the cut!! Cutie patootie and well deserved.


Olivia Palermo, need I say more?


Leandra Medine, aka The Man Repeller. That bow feels very Rachel Berry chic.


Reece Soloman, designer of Reece Hudson handbags. Her hair is how I dream mine to look as I grow out my highlights and pretend I'm tapping into the ombre trend, instead of too cheap to pay for another round of foils.

Monday, February 21, 2011

I Support Apple to Support Justin Long

That's right kids, I switched over from a PC and today is the first day of the rest of my life. Clearly I need to accessorize my new accessory, the MacBook. What's more frivolous than picking out a computer bag?  I feel less silly if I convince myself that summer is just around the corner and I could totally double duty the purchase as a beach bag.....right?
J. Crew Vogue Print Canvas Tote, $10


Heritage Leather Co. Canvas Utility Bag, $37


Mar Y Sol Valencia Bag, $98


Michael Stars Calypso Tote, $85


And the always classic, LL Bean Canvas Monogrammed Tote in Medium, $20.95


Thursday, February 17, 2011

Olivia Palermo for Tibi SS11 Campaign

This is what perfection truly looks like. 








Download: Sleigh Bells

By now I'm sure you've noticed there is never an MTV show I shy away from, and Skins is no different. I am totally hooked. Its what I imagine my life might have been if I gone to public school instead of sheltered and sexily dressed in uniform at private school. But the thing that really stuck with me was the song used in the teasers on MTV leading up to the premiere. "Kids" by Sleigh Bells has been on repeat on my ipod for weeks now, its your turn to get hooked. Enjoy.  



Get it, Gurl

*image from People.com

A woman after my own stomach heart. Respect.

Obsession of the Moment: Long Sleeve Mini Dress

I've been thinking I'd like to pick out a dress or two with long sleeves to carry me through the next two months, when it goes from freezing to tolerable in the blink of an eye. This way I can get away wearing four times before I am truly called out from facebook photos. I can wear it twice with two different tights (perhaps a solid, then a pattern?) and then space out two times (MAX) where I banish tights and expose the gams before the dress is relegated to the back of my closet. Now I am not blind, I understand that one of the chosen dresses has only one long sleeve but just go with it people.

ASOS Scallop Detail Shift Dress, $62.76

Bat Your Lashes One Shoulder Dress, $32

ASOS Printed Bell Sleeve Dress, $62.76

Young Fabulous & Broke Angel Dress, $129.50

Madison Marcus Edge Long Sleeve Dress, $241.50