The Lingerie. Over 85 Styles. Gorgeous lace. Notice-me colors. Fierce prints. These lingerie lust-haves are the perfect addition to your boudoir repertoire. View All
I was trying to come up w/ an ensemble like "urban professional" which is more suitable for both at work n' off-work looks but I am not sure how many of you would think it is ok to go to work like this. :P
As I don't like long-sleeves blouse/shirt that much, but if that shirt/blouse comes w/ intricate prints, or vignette such as ruffles would always catch my eyes. Besides, I thought that look is very feminine and posh at the same time!
Do you think so?
You probably have seen this blouse million times?
But I think it is a CLASSIC piece that girls should have ONE blouse like that. ^^
My ODJ.
1. Top:
D&G fall leaves print blouse w/ tie
HM moss-green slouchy collar short sleeves jacket (Just bought it last weekend)
2. Bottom:
BCBG leather skirt
3. Accessory:
Chanel two tone leggings
Chanel matte black reissue 226 in SHW
URBN brass metal chain necklace
4. Shoes:
Max Mara clog (09')
Does anyone wear clog to work at all?!!
Ah, Ilona, you are the "focus" and I am "fading" in the background. ^O^
Here I have a favor to ask you!!
I saw this black ink print sneakers today and not sure if I should get it .....
Yesterday I tweeted about my recent Nars Cordura Eyeshadow Duo purchase and of course I wanted to share it with all of you. As you know from some of previous posts, I am a big fan of Nars Cosmetics.
Everything from the blushes (which are any makeup lover's must have) to the foundations and eyeshadows are such high quality. Hence, I decided to continue adding to my Nars stash with this pretty color combination.
In the packaging this doesn't really look like much but I swatched it at my local Sephora and I think my heart skipped a beat. The brown color is a perfect shade of bronze with a dusting of gold sparkle (not glitter). The darker side is a deep brows/black with similar gold sparkle. These colors could be used together or individually depending on your look.
Since it was raining all day, and I didn't want to wear a jacket or trench, I decided to dive back into my winter wardrobe.
Dress: Zara. Strappy top underneath to hide the inappropriate decolletage: Zara. (Can you tell I love Zara yet?) Silver necklace: Lisa Taves (from Lorraine Stanick's blog).
This dress is pretty warm as it is part wool, but as it has short sleeves it's still versatile. I definitely look out for cap sleeved work dresses as they are flattering on the 'bingo wings' and I feel they look much more professional (sleeveless can leave a little too much on show, some people really underestimate the power of bare shoulders) ;).
On a side note I have to confess that I am so grateful for the rain! My hay fever has abated and I can actually breathe for the first time in months :). I am sure all you poor allergy prone lovelies know what I am talking about. Summer is beautiful, but from March to October I wake up with what feels like a horrible cold every morning - sore, itchy throat, watery eyes and a nose that won't stop running/ sneezing/ hurting no matter how many antihistamines I ply it with.
Are you all as relieved as I am to see some precipitation on the horizon? xxx
Well, kiddies, it is OFFICIAL: Project Runway Season 8 is about to begin (July 29TH!). I will be in Europe on my Florence Lecture but rest assured I will be watching one way or another (Thank Goodness for the INTERNET!!!). LA Season 8 Casting Buddies: Marie Claire's Zoe Glassner, Tim Gunn and Nick Verreos
Yesterday, the complete list of Season 8 Designers/contestants were announced and boy, is it a "colorful" bunch, to say the least (like, Andrae, Daniel Franco, Santino and I weren't colorful!!??). Those names (Casanova? Peach? Mondo?) are SLAYING me!! It's like the names to the new season of "MTV's The Jersey Shore", not Project Runway! Love it! Dapper Twosome: Tim Gunn and Nick Verreos
As many of you may know from reading my blog here, I was actually honored enough to be one of the Casting Judges for this season in Los Angeles--along with Tim Gunn and Zoe Glassner of Marie Claire. And we "let through" several talented designers and yesterday, the entire cast was revealed!! Below are four Videos from this new season's contestants and my thoughts on what I saw that day. Enjoy!
My Thoughts on Michael: Michael Costello had tried out for several seasons and never made it. Throughout the years, I have actually seen a lot of Michael's designs, befriending him within the "LA Fashion Community" as he kept telling me how much he wanted to be on Project Runway. Well, he showed up again, and with a model I also know, the lovely Suwana Perry. Of course, from the moment he walked in, he was "on" and we all loved his fun bubbly energy, his funny candor about himself and his "quirky" parents and how his mom doesn't know he is gay and still wants to find a nice Greek bride for him (!). Design-wise, he is a "mini-me" of Elie Saab: He never met a bow, a backless asymmetrical drape with sequins, and an exaggerated train (all in one dress!) that he didn't like. His "Achilles Heel" might be trying to "tone it down" and learning how to edit. We'll see...
My Thoughts on Mondo: Mondo tried out last year at the LA Castings, where I was once again a judge, and I told him to "Eat a Burger!" (he's very skinny) and he remembered that. His designs were creative, fun, very Heatherette (his idols). Our complaint was that they were a little "over-designed" but we were impressed with his own unique "look" (these kids come STYLED huney!) and his sewing skills. Speaking of styled, his models were DONE from head-to-toe! So glad that these contestants who try out are going for it--110%--especially when it counts!
My Thoughts on Sarah Trost: I remember that "kitty dress" and boy was it AWFUL! (as my Casting Judge cohort Zoe Glassner concurs in the video above). To be honest, most of her dresses looked rather "homespun" and more appropriate for an old lady residing in a Boca Raton living community. She said her inspirations are Adrian, Schiaparelli and the original Christian Dior, but yet we didn't see any of that in her designs. But they were kinda fun. As you see from above, she was in the "maybe" pile and then it was up to the casting "Gods" to let her in. And they did. We'll see how she does...
My Thoughts on Christopher Collins: First of all, it was such a nice breath of fresh air for a contestant/designer to come into the castings and NOT SAY, that Lady Gaga was their inspiration!!! His designs were simple, classic and "American Sportswear" elegant. Very Jason Wu meets Banana Republic. Is it "earth shaking"? That's arguable. But we loved how humble he was. In a sea of people who think they are "fierce" and dress like it but have nothing to back it up, Christopher's simple clothes and his simple attitude WAS fierce!
Following on from my last post, here are my makeup tips for hot humid weather:
Sun, sweat and humidity can lead to your make-up melting halfway down your face so it's best to start by using a moisturiser with a gradual tanner before you head off on holiday. This will give your skin that sought after golden glow which, in turn, means that you will need to use less products on the skin. At the moment, I'm really liking Loreal NutriSummer (medium skin) or Philosophy 'The Big Skinny' Self Tanning Firming Cream. They both give you a beautiful golden hue that looks healthy, natural and even. The Philosophy one is especially good as it contains firming agents and kills two birds with one stone!
A mattifying moisturiser or primer with SPF (I use Clinique Super City Block SPF40) will act as a barrier between your skin and the intense heat. It will also diffuse any imperfections/skin discolouration leaving you with the option of skipping foundation altogether if you are lucky enough to have generally good skin. I think we all get more confident about going au naturel in the face department when we have a tan! But, if like me, you simply can’t bear to go completely without any makeup, make sure you choose a foundation that has a natural sheer formula like my holiday favourite, Korres Ginger & Vitamins Foundation SPF10. This water-based foundation gives me the coverage I need without feeling heavy on my skin. It actually moisturises and soothes the skin as you wear it and has good lasting power considering it's so lightweight. My skin always looks healthy and radiant when I wear this and I always get two shades to match my skintone when my skin is paler and also when it's more tanned. This way, you can mix the two shades to create your perfect shade as you tan over the course of your holiday. Mac Face & Body is also a great foundation for this use as it's water-based and becomes water resistant once it has set so it has great lasting power whilst looking natural on the skin.
I like to set my foundation with a light powder (Korres Wild Rose Compact Powder is brilliant because of it's feathery light texture). However, during the course of the day, if you find that your face is becoming very shiny/oily, it's better to absorb excess oil and sweat with blotting papers rather than powder, which will start to look cakey/heavy after too many applications.
If you need to use a concealer, I would use a light diffusing concealer pen with a lightweight formulation where possible as these are perfect for the eye area which rarely sweats. This is an easy way to help to lift the face. A great primer for concealer is Benefit's Stay Don't Stray, which stops concealer from melting/sliding away and ensures that your eye makeup looks fresh all day.
As with skincare, it's a great idea to keep makeup like primer, foundation, concealer pens etc in the fridge so they are lovely and cool when you apply them to the skin. Not only will this be soothing but it will combat any puffiness.
I would avoid makeup that comes in a cream consistency when it comes to bronzers, blushers and eyeshadows. Cream products will melt in hot, humid weather and that means they will melt off your face alot faster. Look more to using powders and gels because these will have more longevity in that type of environment. If you are worried about the 'powdery' look, then you can do as I do and spray your face with something like Mac Fix + to give that natural, luminous look to the skin. I would also stay away from cosmetics that are glittery or overly shimmery as these can end up making you look even more shiny/oily. For example, matte bronzers will be more flattering than ones with shimmery particles (I love Dior Matte Sunshine SPF20 in Honey Matte or Korres Monoi Oil Bronzing Powder in Sunglow Light or Sunglow Warm). If you normally apply highlighter to your cheeks, skip that as your skin will have a natural radiance in humid weather.
Always use waterproof eyeliner and mascara as these can be the first things to start sliding off your face, especially if your eyes get irritated and you tend to rub them. I really rate Mac's Liquidlast Liners and my fave colours are Point Black and Aqualine. Once these are on, they're not coming off! They are fool proof. I would only apply eyeliner to the upper lashes too as this will create a wide awake look and there's less chance of it smudging everywhere. Also remember that the darker the colours you use, the more obvious they will be if they smudge or bleed.
What I often like to do on holiday is wear minimal eye makeup during the day, wear my sunglasses and then get totally glammed up at night when the temperature drops and you're more likely to be going out to eat or to a bar etc. That keeps your days fuss free and also gives you a chance to do something different at night. During the day, when your sunglasses are surgically attached to your face, it's nice to wear a bright lipgloss to add interest and colour. I love Mac's Pink Lemonade Lipglass but if you prefer a more muted colour then YSL Gloss Pur in no.2 is beautiful and so is Estee Lauder High Gloss in Honey.
I hope these tis help anyone who is battling with humid weather or heading off somewhere exotic soon. As always, I would love to hear from anyone who has more tips or advice!
Monday morning means 9am meeting. Sorry for the poor photo, but I was running very late...
Dress: French Connection. Blazer: Zara (the sleeves are full length, but I bunch them up to make it a little more casual). Suede pumps: Zara.
A white jacket is a great alternative to black, especially if you want to stand out of the grey crowd. I particularly like this blazer as it has angular shoulders that give it structure, and military button detailing on the cuffs, to rein it in from looking too summer garden party or mother of the bride ;).
Hope you are all having a good start to the week! xxx
I found this opulent bib necklace at Anthropologie last weekend and I love it at the first sight....for both its price $69.95 and the amazing craft work in India.
My ODJ.
1. Top: some purple tonic w/ asymmetrical pockets at two sides
2. Bottom: some jean leggings When I say "some" brand means they are bought from street vendor, or whole sale w/ dirt cheap price. 3. Accessory:
Yellow scarf as shrug bought at Anthropologie for $19.95
BCBG taupe studded belt
4. Shoes: Anne Valeria Hash taupe/pink brogues
If I don't say, you probably wouldn't notice I wear necklace there. ^^
Yellow + purple = super feminine!
I adore this smoky colored Swarovski earrings very much!
My current beloved male-designer. Haider Ackermann I don't think you would categorize him as a minimalist just because he plays abundantly on different textile, and exhibits well-adepted cuts through his collection.
Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy I can only say.. ... he knows women! xoxo
Below is a message I received this morning through FB. I felt I am much flattered from head to toe. (Ah, I am so shallow you must think that of me. :P) Anyhow, I think once a while it would be great to listen to some GUYS opinion about fashion, or even tidiest bit of their point of view just about anything, isn't it!!!
Hi Rachel, i read your fashion blog about cut-out leggings and thought it was great. You are an inspiration: an amazing and beautiful mom who has time for both her kids and the aesthetic side of life too! I totally adore your Chanel clutch, btw! Anyhow, just wanted to say hi, and that you look fantastic in your home-made cut-out leggings! ciao, Brian
Girls, I can't stress enough that take great care of yourself in any way you can! xoxo Rachel
