The NEW Accessory? Part 3 of 3 - Lipstick

 

If you know me, you knooooow I love to wear red lipstick.  I've always loved to wear lipstick. So much so, that when I was in 5th grade I took my mom's red lipstick to school and put some on during lunch time.  I was quickly sent to the principle's office for doing so. Crazy! Just for putting on lipstick!  Yet now that I'm a parent, if had a daughter who was in fifth grade and wore lipstick to school, the school principle would be the least of her worries.

As hard as it may be to view lipstick as an accessory, it really can be.  The right color could add the right statement to any outfit.

 

Lipstick color, Peony

 

 Lipstick color, Hot Pink

 

 Lipstick color, Red

I know for some lipstick can be pretty bold but once you get use to wearing it, it can be as addicting as buying shoes. Granted not all colors look good with all skin tones, so you might find yourself with some hits and misses.  Going to a department store counter is a great way to try lipstick colors against your skin and you don't necessarily have to buy one of those pricey lipsticks either.  Don't get me wrong, I will pay $25.00 for my favorite massacre (Diorshow) .  I won't use anything else after trying tons of drugstore bands and department store brands but one of my favorite lipsticks IS a drugstore (Target) brand.

 

Maybelline SuperStay 14HR Lipstick

Although this lipstick doesn't really stay on 14 hours, it still stays on pretty long and doesn't crack off or make your lips stiff.  You may wear a lip liner with it but it's really not need.

Tips - Accessorizing and Wearing Lipsticks

- Start with red. Believe it or not, red goes with most skin tones and most outfits.  It's an easy way to add "pop" to any look.

-  The best eye make-up for a lipstick newbe is black eyeliner on the top lid with a black or brown eyeshadow under your bottom eye lid, plus mascara.

-If you want a dramatic look, black or grey "cat eyes" look great with most lipstick colors (like look number 1 above)

- When wearing lipstick as an accessory, minimize your other accessories like necklaces, bangles, etc. (like look number 2 above)

- Match your lipstick to your shoes or handbag to play it safe (like look number 3 above).

- Whenever you wearing lots of dark eyeshadow (other then black), try to wear a nude or peony color. Or whenever you wear very minimum eyeshadow, choose a color of lipstick that pops.

- If you have been wearing lipstick, be sure to wear chapstick or some type of conditioning on your lips whenever your not wearing lipstick.  It really helps to prevent drying, cracking and wrinkles on your lips.

-Keep your lipstick chiseled for easier application.  You can do this at home by getting card stock paper or a clean business card and slowing shaving a flat angle on the top of your lipstick.  Be careful. I've knocked off a few lipsticks when I first learned how to do this.

- Never mush your lips together. Put your lipstick on evenly.

- You may blot your lips with a tissue if you'd like a matte look to your lipstick.

-Don't forget to do the finger test. Finger test?!! I'd show you but I wouldn't want people to get the wrong idea (lol).  Basically, you stick your CLEAN finger in your mouth (like a lollipop) and pull it back out slowly to remove any enter lipstick that may get on your teeth. I'm sure there are other ways to do this but that's what I do (lol).

You can also check out my fellow blogger Erica (Sweets and Hearts) and her great review on some lipsticks.

I know some of your were waiting for the big "new hair cut" reveal but I honestly haven't had a chance to take a picture.  Next post, I promise!

Xo, Darlins!

 

The NEW Accessory? Part 2 of 3 - Sunglasses

 

Chloe Sunglasses, gifted by DITTO.com

Yes Darlins, Sunglasses are NOW an accessory.  They are no longer just a means to protect your eyes but a piece of fashion to add style to any outfit. The days of owning one pair of your favorite sunglasses are over and if you find yourself wearing big 70's inspired squared frame sunglasses with your office wear, you might want to check your style (that is, if style matters to you).  I know it matters to me, that is why for sometime now I've been building my "shades" collection.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't own tons of designer sunglasses.  My collection varies in quality and price,  from $10.00 shades to fancy designer sunglasses.  I think if there's a style you wear the most, then splurge on those.

 

Recently I had the opportunity to chat with Kate Endress, Co founder of DITTO (a new online website selling designer eye wear).  She too agrees that eye wear has become a really big trend in accessories.  DITTO, makes shopping for sunglasses easy and fun. Unlike other website, DITTO lets you create a 3D virtual self from video footage to actual try on eye wear.  You can even share your virtual self for opinions or show and tell. As much as I wanted to try out this feature on DITTO, my web cam is down and I don't have a fancy phone (iphone, etc.).  Never the less, I loved their selection.

 

Love their packaging.

Here are my style match ups and tips on how to accessories your own outfits with sunglasses.

 

 Chloe

 

Melissa Velia Look Book SS12

 

 3.1 Phillip Lim

 

 

3.1 Phillip Lim

 

Tips - Accessorizing Sunglasses

- As much as a pair of glass would look great with your outfit, the shape of your face and the size of your head does play a role in picking the right pair for yourself.  Therefore be sure to try them on or "virtual self" on DITTO.com.  Don't make the mistake of getting glasses that are way to big for your head, etc.

- A pair of colored sunglasses are always fun to own.  It's easy to add a pop of color to most outfits, like look number three above.

- Go with an era.  If your outfit is 70's inspired like look number one above, then match it with 70's inspired sunglasses.

- Don't be afraid of print sunglasses.  Sometimes a great print goes fabulous with a solid colored outfit, adding just the right drama to your look.

- Sunglasses are great in the Fall/ Winter too!  Just because it may rain and snow during these seasons, doesn't mean you won't need some eye protection.

- A pair of metal tone sunglasses are a must have in your collection. Whether it's a gold tone, silver or rust, metal looks great with most looks as long as you add other accessories in the same metal to go with your outfit.

Hope this was all helpful.  Stay tuned for my last post on the "The NEW Accessory?" series, plus you'll get to check out my new hair cut.  Let's just say, my bun days are over!

Xo

The NEW Accessory? Part 1 of 3 - Watches

 

So I know watches aren't really a "new" accessory but I do feel like they are becoming more and more popular when comes to fashion.  I've met ladies that have worn watches that don't even work anymore but love how they look with their outfits.  I personally have disliked wearing watches in the past, until recently when I received a lovely animal print watch from GUESS watches (featured above).

 

Packaging is big for me.  You can package a gumball machine ring in a bag like that, I'd probably buy it for more then it's worth.

So here are a couple of looks I have match up with some fun, trendy GUESS watches and looks for my SS12 collection.

 

 

 

 Tips - Accessorizing Watches

-It's ok to add bracelets and bangles to the same wrist. Sometimes an outfit calls for drama. Like look number one above.

-When wearing a watch that is dramatic or has a lot going on, like watch number two above, less is more.  Keep it a statement piece.

-It's ok to wear more then one watch on the same wrist when the watch is thin like the Wrap Watches above.

-It's ok to wear men's watches.  Sometimes you may have to get them taken in a bit but chunky metal is always fun when adding drama to an outfit.

-One watch does NOT go with everything.  Just because it's a basic silver watch doesn't mean it will work with all your outfits.

-Own at least 4 watches; one for your casual days, one for special occasions, one for work and one with lots of drama!

So next time your asked for the time, hopefully you won't be reaching for your cell phone but instead showing off your stylish watch and sense of fashion.

****

AND the WINNER is.....

 

Congratulations!