Yes, that first guy is Paul Newman, with a rescued puppy. If that doesn't make you smile, then this is a lost cause.
Image Sources:
adorableness: cuteandcuter.tumblr.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Totally Not Related but Still Adorable
If you've already heard of the adorable website, Cute and Cuter, then ignore this post. If not, then keep reading! Cute and Cuter is a website dedicated to posting pictures of cute boys (famous and not) with cute animals (and occasionally cute toddlers). I know. It's obviously the best idea for a website ever. They update their site a couple times a day, so you can get your adorableness fix. And in case you aren't convinced already, here are some of the pictures they've posted:
Yes, that first guy is Paul Newman, with a rescued puppy. If that doesn't make you smile, then this is a lost cause.
Image Sources:
adorableness: cuteandcuter.tumblr.com
Yes, that first guy is Paul Newman, with a rescued puppy. If that doesn't make you smile, then this is a lost cause.
Image Sources:
adorableness: cuteandcuter.tumblr.com
Hmmm...
You guys know I have a soft spot for Marc by Marc bags. I love Marc and his adorable weirdness (and man skirts), and I have and worship one of his Marc by Marc bags, so I can vouch for their quality. Now, given all that, I'm a little torn about this bag.
First off, it's a "tobo." As in a tote plus a hobo. Oh Marc. I think the slouchy hobo shape done in a bag the size of a tote is a great idea. You get the casual-cool look of a hobo with a tote's ability to carry everything you own. I even like how Marc has gone from the giant metal logo plates to just "Marc by Marc Jacobs" in tiny metal script. What I'm a little skeptical about are the two tiny bags/pouches sewn onto the front of this bag. I can see how they're super practical to keep keys/iPods/etc. in so you don't have to rummage around in your bag for them, and how they're not really that visible since they're the same shade as the bag, but the idea of tiny bags attached to the front of another bag feels a little juvenile and kind of irks me (yes, irks). What do you guys think? Is this "tobo" adorable or over the top?
Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Tobo Handbag, $498 at shopbop.com
Image Sources:
Marc by Marc bag: shopbop.com
First off, it's a "tobo." As in a tote plus a hobo. Oh Marc. I think the slouchy hobo shape done in a bag the size of a tote is a great idea. You get the casual-cool look of a hobo with a tote's ability to carry everything you own. I even like how Marc has gone from the giant metal logo plates to just "Marc by Marc Jacobs" in tiny metal script. What I'm a little skeptical about are the two tiny bags/pouches sewn onto the front of this bag. I can see how they're super practical to keep keys/iPods/etc. in so you don't have to rummage around in your bag for them, and how they're not really that visible since they're the same shade as the bag, but the idea of tiny bags attached to the front of another bag feels a little juvenile and kind of irks me (yes, irks). What do you guys think? Is this "tobo" adorable or over the top?
Marc by Marc Jacobs Softy Tobo Handbag, $498 at shopbop.com
Image Sources:
Marc by Marc bag: shopbop.com
Monday, April 6, 2009
Smashbox: I'm Skeptical
I know that the whole Smashbox O thing has been around for awhile, but I'm still not convinced. They're supposed to go on clear and then turn the 'perfect shade of pink for you' as they react with your body chemistry. Now, that's a great concept in theory, but I'm not that sure it works in reality.
Smashbox O-Plump, $24 at sephora.com, Smashbox O-Glow, $26 at sephora.com
O-Plump is a plumping lip gloss and O-Glow is a liquid blush. I've tried O-Glow in-store, and I have to say, I don't know about the rest of the world, but I don't blush bright fuschia. I rubbed a teensy, tiny drop of this on my cheeks to see how it would react, and my cheeks turned bright, hot pink. And not in a good way. Plus, it dried so quickly that I couldn't blend it out at all, so I had these awkwardly shaped fuschia circles on my cheeks. Not cute. I can't speak for the gloss, but I have a feeling that it does the same thing (as in turn bright pink). I can't help thinking that this stuff is just a gimmick. One of my friends tried it on as well, and it turned the same color on her drastically different colored skin. Then again, this might work perfectly on someone else's skin, so I really can't say. What I will recommend is that if you want to buy this, try it on in the store first! Don't buy this without seeing it in person.
Image Sources:
Smashbox O-Plump: sephora.com, O-Glow: sephora.com
Smashbox O-Plump, $24 at sephora.com, Smashbox O-Glow, $26 at sephora.com
O-Plump is a plumping lip gloss and O-Glow is a liquid blush. I've tried O-Glow in-store, and I have to say, I don't know about the rest of the world, but I don't blush bright fuschia. I rubbed a teensy, tiny drop of this on my cheeks to see how it would react, and my cheeks turned bright, hot pink. And not in a good way. Plus, it dried so quickly that I couldn't blend it out at all, so I had these awkwardly shaped fuschia circles on my cheeks. Not cute. I can't speak for the gloss, but I have a feeling that it does the same thing (as in turn bright pink). I can't help thinking that this stuff is just a gimmick. One of my friends tried it on as well, and it turned the same color on her drastically different colored skin. Then again, this might work perfectly on someone else's skin, so I really can't say. What I will recommend is that if you want to buy this, try it on in the store first! Don't buy this without seeing it in person.
Image Sources:
Smashbox O-Plump: sephora.com, O-Glow: sephora.com
Get the Look: Peter Som Fall 2009
Mixed prints were big on the Fall runways, and on the Spring runways as well, and one of the designers that did them the best (in my opinion, anyways), was Peter Som. He manages to mix quirky patterns in a way that bypasses odd or eccentric, and goes straight to chic. The important thing to remember when mixing prints is to have one dominant and one subordinate print. You can achieve this by having two differently sized prints, with the larger print being dominant, or by having one print be much more saturated and brighter than the other. Keeping the two prints in a similar color palette also keeps the overall look from going over the top.
Here's the look at Peter Som Fall 2009:
I started with the two main pieces, a top and a high-waisted skirt. I picked this Tucker Smocked Collar Blouse, $264 at shopbop.com, and this Generra Faded Ikat Mini, $148 at anthropologie.com. This combo works because the ikat print on the skirt is very subdued, and much more scattered and smaller than the flower print on the top. The fact that both pieces blue and white keeps the overall look from being too busy. And I really love both of these pieces with their little details, like the shirring at the neck of the blouse and the waist-tie/big pockets on the skirt. I'm still having trouble tracking down a fur circle scarf, so I'd try this American Apparel Circle Scarf, $28 at americanapparelstore.com. The grey contrasts with the blues of the top/skirt without fighting with them. I know I keep posting this scarf, but I'm having a seriously hard time finding a circle scarf, and I've seen this one in person and can vouch for its awesomeness.
Top the look off with a leather bomber jacket. I recommend this Silence & Noise Wyatt Moto Jacket, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com or this Veda Maximillian Leather Jacket, $605 at shopbop.com. The Silence & Noise jacket is not only affordable, but it's vegan as well! (I'm trying here). If you have the cash for more of an investment piece, I love this Veda jacket--it's equal parts motorcycle jacket and bomber, so it's extremely versatile. The key with the jacket for this look is that it needs to hit above the hit and have a slim, stream-lined fit to balance out the contrasting prints in the rest of the outfit.
You don't have to go out and buy pieces to really make this look work though. Just shop your closet for printed pieces, and remember to keep one piece in a smaller or more subdued print, and one piece in a larger or more vibrant print. This keeps the prints from fighting each other. It's a really young, springy look, so have fun with it!
Image Sources:
Peter Som: style.com
Tucker Blouse: shopbop.com
Generra Skirt: anthropologie.com
American Apparel Scarf: americanapparelstore.com
Silence & Noise Jacket: urbanoutfitters.com
Veda Jacket: shopbop.com
Here's the look at Peter Som Fall 2009:
I started with the two main pieces, a top and a high-waisted skirt. I picked this Tucker Smocked Collar Blouse, $264 at shopbop.com, and this Generra Faded Ikat Mini, $148 at anthropologie.com. This combo works because the ikat print on the skirt is very subdued, and much more scattered and smaller than the flower print on the top. The fact that both pieces blue and white keeps the overall look from being too busy. And I really love both of these pieces with their little details, like the shirring at the neck of the blouse and the waist-tie/big pockets on the skirt. I'm still having trouble tracking down a fur circle scarf, so I'd try this American Apparel Circle Scarf, $28 at americanapparelstore.com. The grey contrasts with the blues of the top/skirt without fighting with them. I know I keep posting this scarf, but I'm having a seriously hard time finding a circle scarf, and I've seen this one in person and can vouch for its awesomeness.
Top the look off with a leather bomber jacket. I recommend this Silence & Noise Wyatt Moto Jacket, $128 at urbanoutfitters.com or this Veda Maximillian Leather Jacket, $605 at shopbop.com. The Silence & Noise jacket is not only affordable, but it's vegan as well! (I'm trying here). If you have the cash for more of an investment piece, I love this Veda jacket--it's equal parts motorcycle jacket and bomber, so it's extremely versatile. The key with the jacket for this look is that it needs to hit above the hit and have a slim, stream-lined fit to balance out the contrasting prints in the rest of the outfit.
You don't have to go out and buy pieces to really make this look work though. Just shop your closet for printed pieces, and remember to keep one piece in a smaller or more subdued print, and one piece in a larger or more vibrant print. This keeps the prints from fighting each other. It's a really young, springy look, so have fun with it!
Image Sources:
Peter Som: style.com
Tucker Blouse: shopbop.com
Generra Skirt: anthropologie.com
American Apparel Scarf: americanapparelstore.com
Silence & Noise Jacket: urbanoutfitters.com
Veda Jacket: shopbop.com
Stila Smudge Pots vs. MAC Paint Pots
I've decided that I love cream shadows/bases that come in little glass pots. This might be a little premature, seeing as I only own two of these types of shadows and they're both from Benefit, but I'm fed up with powder shadows--they crease, go on patchily, and I seem to hit pan much more quickly with powder than cream shadows. That's why I'm obsessing over Stila's Smudge Pots and MAC's Paint Pots. They come in pretty, pretty colors, seem to double at shadows and liners, and come in pretty, pretty colors.
Stila Smudge Pots: I think the Smudge Pots are more of an eyeliner than the Paint Pots. They look like (and from what I've seen, are) gel/cream eyeliners. The main colors are Black, Bronze, Brown, Cobalt, Gray, Jade, and Pomegranate--not lots of colors, but the browns/bronzes are really pretty and their gray seems like the only actually neutral gray on the market. From what I've heard, these dry really quickly both on the lid and in the pot, which is great for long-lasting wear, but not so great for getting all the use out of a product, especially if it's $20 for .14 0z. I've heard the easiest way is to put a small amount of product in another tiny glass pot, and keep the original pot tightly sealed while you use up the product in the other pot. That way the majority of the shadow keeps from getting dried out. Even so, I have reservations about buying something that's practically guaranteed to dry out. Stila's Smudge Pots are $20 at sephora.com.
MAC Paint Pots: MAC definitely beats Stila in terms of color range (but I think they beat everyone in that category). They have a ton of neutral, base shades, some browns, black, and then some more fanciful colors (they also release LE paint pots with a lot of their collections). MAC's Paint Pots also cost less than Stila's, and you get more product (they're $16.50 for .17 oz), so in terms of price, the MAC shadows are a better deal. I think MAC's Paint Pots are more suited to being eyeshadows, whereas Stila's Smudge Pots are more like eyeliners. It seems to me that the MAC shadows are softer/creamier, which means that they're easier to blend across the eyelid, but they're still waterproof, which makes them perfectly suited to be liners. MAC Paint Pots, $16.50 at maccosmetics.com
So after hours of intense research, I have concluded this: MAC is slightly cheaper than Stila, and has a wider range of colors. But, if you mainly intend to use the pot as a liner, go with the Stila Smudge Pot. Since it's firmer, it'll be easier to get a precise line across the lid, and the Smudge Pots come in colors more suited to be liners than shadows. If you want to use to the pot as a shadow, go with the MAC Paint Pot. It's softer and more blendable, and comes in more neutral shades that would work perfectly as shadow bases, as well as a few more dramatic shades. Personally, I'm a fan of pencil liners, so I think I'll be picking up a Paint Pot sometime in the new future--I'll update you guys as soon as I do.
Image Sources:
Stila Smudge Pot in Copper: makeupalley.com, in Gray: makeupalley.com, in Cobalt: makeupalley.com
MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood: makeupalley.com, in Bare Study: makeupalley.com, in Quite Natural: makeupalley.com
Stila Smudge Pots: I think the Smudge Pots are more of an eyeliner than the Paint Pots. They look like (and from what I've seen, are) gel/cream eyeliners. The main colors are Black, Bronze, Brown, Cobalt, Gray, Jade, and Pomegranate--not lots of colors, but the browns/bronzes are really pretty and their gray seems like the only actually neutral gray on the market. From what I've heard, these dry really quickly both on the lid and in the pot, which is great for long-lasting wear, but not so great for getting all the use out of a product, especially if it's $20 for .14 0z. I've heard the easiest way is to put a small amount of product in another tiny glass pot, and keep the original pot tightly sealed while you use up the product in the other pot. That way the majority of the shadow keeps from getting dried out. Even so, I have reservations about buying something that's practically guaranteed to dry out. Stila's Smudge Pots are $20 at sephora.com.
MAC Paint Pots: MAC definitely beats Stila in terms of color range (but I think they beat everyone in that category). They have a ton of neutral, base shades, some browns, black, and then some more fanciful colors (they also release LE paint pots with a lot of their collections). MAC's Paint Pots also cost less than Stila's, and you get more product (they're $16.50 for .17 oz), so in terms of price, the MAC shadows are a better deal. I think MAC's Paint Pots are more suited to being eyeshadows, whereas Stila's Smudge Pots are more like eyeliners. It seems to me that the MAC shadows are softer/creamier, which means that they're easier to blend across the eyelid, but they're still waterproof, which makes them perfectly suited to be liners. MAC Paint Pots, $16.50 at maccosmetics.com
So after hours of intense research, I have concluded this: MAC is slightly cheaper than Stila, and has a wider range of colors. But, if you mainly intend to use the pot as a liner, go with the Stila Smudge Pot. Since it's firmer, it'll be easier to get a precise line across the lid, and the Smudge Pots come in colors more suited to be liners than shadows. If you want to use to the pot as a shadow, go with the MAC Paint Pot. It's softer and more blendable, and comes in more neutral shades that would work perfectly as shadow bases, as well as a few more dramatic shades. Personally, I'm a fan of pencil liners, so I think I'll be picking up a Paint Pot sometime in the new future--I'll update you guys as soon as I do.
Image Sources:
Stila Smudge Pot in Copper: makeupalley.com, in Gray: makeupalley.com, in Cobalt: makeupalley.com
MAC Paint Pot in Indianwood: makeupalley.com, in Bare Study: makeupalley.com, in Quite Natural: makeupalley.com
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Currently Loving: Splendid
I have to admit, I have seen/read Twilight. I also have to admit that I think the books are horrible, and I only love the movie because Robert Pattinson is in it (we're getting married, if you didn't already know). However, Twilight did have some other redeeming features. Namely Kristen Stewart's hair/makeup and wardrobe (her hair in that movie is the reason I dyed mine. I had serious hair envy for weeks). In the movie, Kristen Stewart's character wears a lot of Splendid tops and tees, very simple and low-maintenance but still chic and kind of adorable. I've gotten a little obsessed with Splendid because of Twilight, and here are some of the things I'm craving from the brand right now.
Splendid Honeycomb 3/4 Sleeve Henley, on sale for $29.5 at blueheavenboutique.com, Very Light Heather Jersey V-Neck tee, $51 at shopbop.com, Vintage Whisper Top, $51 at shopbop.com: Okay, I can't find it online right now, but in Twilight Kristen Stewart wears an adorable navy blue striped henley just like this one that I've been eyeing for months. Aside from that version, Splendid makes a bunch of super-cute, well made henleys. I really like this basic grey v-neck. Tees like this one are staples in my wardrobe (they seriously work with everything) and Splendid's version will last you a very, very long time. And I love the cut of that mushroomy-colored top. The boxy fit has a very retro vibe, but the scoop neckline keeps it from getting frumpy.
Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $235 at madisonlosangeles.com, Mini Stripe Tank, $63 at shopbop.com, Micro Stripe T-Shirt, $56 at shopbop.com: I'm in love with this cashmere sweater. It looks so warm and fuzzy, and the grey and black stripes are classic--a little nautical, a little collegiate, and very, very cute. I'm really into the micro stripes on these two tees as well. They're almost invisible from far away, but add a lot of visual depth to a basic outfit.
Tricolor Racer Back Tank, $76 at shopbop.com, Loose Knit Raglan Top, $74 at shopbop.com, 2x1 tank, $42 at shopbop.com: The graduated stripes on this tank are kind of reminding me of last season's ombre patterns, but in a new and interesting way. This middle top looks a lot like one of my favorite American Apparel sweaters, but I like the more cropped, fitted cut. It's a little '90s, which is so in right now. And I actually have this last tank in a different color, and I love it. They are very sturdy (trust me, I abuse my clothes), keep their shape well, and are super-flattering.
I think I've figured out how to get Kristen Stewart's wardrobe from Twilight. Now if I could just figure out how to get her character's boyfriend, everything would be perfect. Just kidding. Kind of.
Image Sources:
Yellow Henley: blueheavenboutique.com
Grey V-Neck: shopbop.com
Whisper Top: shopbop.com
Sweater: madisonlosangeles.com
Mini Stripe Tank: shopbop.com
Stripe V-Neck: shopbop.com
Tricolor Tank: shopbop.com
Raglan Top: shopbop.com
2x1 Tank: shopbop.com
Splendid Honeycomb 3/4 Sleeve Henley, on sale for $29.5 at blueheavenboutique.com, Very Light Heather Jersey V-Neck tee, $51 at shopbop.com, Vintage Whisper Top, $51 at shopbop.com: Okay, I can't find it online right now, but in Twilight Kristen Stewart wears an adorable navy blue striped henley just like this one that I've been eyeing for months. Aside from that version, Splendid makes a bunch of super-cute, well made henleys. I really like this basic grey v-neck. Tees like this one are staples in my wardrobe (they seriously work with everything) and Splendid's version will last you a very, very long time. And I love the cut of that mushroomy-colored top. The boxy fit has a very retro vibe, but the scoop neckline keeps it from getting frumpy.
Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $235 at madisonlosangeles.com, Mini Stripe Tank, $63 at shopbop.com, Micro Stripe T-Shirt, $56 at shopbop.com: I'm in love with this cashmere sweater. It looks so warm and fuzzy, and the grey and black stripes are classic--a little nautical, a little collegiate, and very, very cute. I'm really into the micro stripes on these two tees as well. They're almost invisible from far away, but add a lot of visual depth to a basic outfit.
Tricolor Racer Back Tank, $76 at shopbop.com, Loose Knit Raglan Top, $74 at shopbop.com, 2x1 tank, $42 at shopbop.com: The graduated stripes on this tank are kind of reminding me of last season's ombre patterns, but in a new and interesting way. This middle top looks a lot like one of my favorite American Apparel sweaters, but I like the more cropped, fitted cut. It's a little '90s, which is so in right now. And I actually have this last tank in a different color, and I love it. They are very sturdy (trust me, I abuse my clothes), keep their shape well, and are super-flattering.
I think I've figured out how to get Kristen Stewart's wardrobe from Twilight. Now if I could just figure out how to get her character's boyfriend, everything would be perfect. Just kidding. Kind of.
Image Sources:
Yellow Henley: blueheavenboutique.com
Grey V-Neck: shopbop.com
Whisper Top: shopbop.com
Sweater: madisonlosangeles.com
Mini Stripe Tank: shopbop.com
Stripe V-Neck: shopbop.com
Tricolor Tank: shopbop.com
Raglan Top: shopbop.com
2x1 Tank: shopbop.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Uh oh
I have some very bad news. Stila Cosmetics, which obviously some of you guys love looking at the poll on the left and who makes my favorite pressed powder, may be going bankrupt. As in adios, no more, say goodbye to your Kitten eyeshadow bankrupt. And I have just one thing to say: I thought makeup was recession-proof! I may be naive, but it makes sense to me that when you can't get mani/pedis or go on shopping sprees anymore, you cut back and pick up a lipstick or an eyeshadow instead. You get the same happy, warm fuzzies as you do when you spend more money on clothes, etc, but cosmetics are a great, cheaper fallback alternative, no? Which is why I'm shocked that Stila may be going under. They're a good-sized cosmetics brand--I thought they'd withstand the recession.
Here's the evidence that the Stila we know and love may be no longer:
-Offices were shut
-You can't reach them via e-mail or phone
-The website is down and orders have been cancelled
-They terminated their relationship with their publicists a few weeks ago
-They had a massive sale on hautelook.com
I'm getting all of this from makeupmakesmehappy.com. I'm a little depressed about this, I have to be honest. Where am I going to get my pressed powder? Smudge pots? Lip gloss? Kitten shadow? I guess this means Sephora will be having a massive Stila sale. That's the only upside to this giant mess. I'm going to go cry silently into my pillow now.
Here's the evidence that the Stila we know and love may be no longer:
-Offices were shut
-You can't reach them via e-mail or phone
-The website is down and orders have been cancelled
-They terminated their relationship with their publicists a few weeks ago
-They had a massive sale on hautelook.com
I'm getting all of this from makeupmakesmehappy.com. I'm a little depressed about this, I have to be honest. Where am I going to get my pressed powder? Smudge pots? Lip gloss? Kitten shadow? I guess this means Sephora will be having a massive Stila sale. That's the only upside to this giant mess. I'm going to go cry silently into my pillow now.
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