splurge-worthy

you know i have a deep obsession with all things beauty (and probably spend too much time reading about it on into the gloss), and as i've said, it's quite an expensive habit. as a result, i tend to stick to drugstore products, which all work amazingly well.  almay powder, maybelline mascara, and covergirl eyeliner are all i really need on a day-to-day basis.... 

but change is always good.

example (a): i've recently started wearing foundation. not just a dusting of powder, but legitimate foundation.  it started when my mom bought the wrong shade of chanel vitalumiere foundation and suggested i try it; ever since, i can hardy leave the house without it. before discovering its dewy, ultra-light, natural-looking wonder, i would have never paid $55 for a bottle of makeup - that seems crazy! and in a way, it is. there are equally fantastic varieties out there from rimmel, maybelline, and physicians formula for a fraction of the cost, but sometimes a splurge is well worth it. especially when you're like me and have found yourself on this painstaking mission to find those few products that make your skin look absolutely perfect, yet not overly-made-up... flawless, but radiant. poreless, but undetectable. i'm close to finding my dream team of products, and i have to admit, they aren't a cheap bunch. 

the story continues: to apply my liquid-gold chanel foundation, i use a foundation brush by shisheido to blend tiny amounts wherever i need a bit of coverage (not over my entire face... that's how you get a mask). this brush is my one tool that is absolutely necessary and thus totally worth the $30. not just any old foundation brush will deliver the flawless, airbrushed results you get when you use this miracle-worker; you have to invest a little, which i did (per emily's suggestion, once again).

my spree continued upon picking up my first NARS product -- the 'laguna' bronzer. i recently discovered how bronzer can completely transform your beauty routine, and not in a jersey shore type of way.  matte, subtle bronzer like the 'laguna' is perfect for shading underneath your cheekbones and jawline (called "contouring") to create depth and angles on your face. my old cheapy bronzer wasn't cutting it.

 you need a small, slightly-stiff brush to create those contours, though, which brings me to the too-faced kabuki brush. not only is it absurdly soft (the 100% natural bristles are made of their famous "teddy bear hair") but it makes application a breeze.  i don't know what i would do without this little pink brush - i use it for  bronzer, blush, highlighter, translucent powder, you name it.

and speaking of highlighter... after applying bronzer for shading, you need a glowy, light-reflecting highlighter to counteract the darkness and avoid a muddy, flat complexion. NARS illuminator in cococobana is both sheer and pearlescent, making it the ideal pop of shimmer on top of your cheekbones, over your brow bones, and in the inner corners of your eyes.  i've found highlighter is the key ingredient in making your face look fresh and awake, but cheap formulas tend to get cakey and lose their sheen after a few... minutes. you've gotta get the good stuff.

and after treating your face to the best and brightest formulas and tools, the last step is concealer. i don't need to go out of my way to praise the clé de peau beauté concealer stick - it's the immediate favorite of any makeup artist or beauty fanatic all over the world. its steep price tag is a little jarring at first (...to say the least), but it's worth it. i promise. consider this: 

1) it will cover ANY blemish, scar, under-eye circle, freckle, what have you. literally, anything. 

2) it feels like a dream.

3) it blends perfectly into your skin tone.

4) it lasts FOREVER!!!! 

...okay maybe not forever. but at least a year. mine has lasted me several years because i use it even more sparingly than your average woman. you only need a teeny tiny amount, and it virtually pays for itself.

so yes, my latest obsessions are a bit on the pricy side. but i don't feel quite so bad about it considering i'm still spending very little at the drugstore! my eye makeup, hair care and nail polish are all quite affordable, and plus: if you're going to pamper yourself, it may as well be your skin. there's no doubt these products are better for your skin than a lot of the other stuff out there, and isn't that what we're all after in this age of skin-damage-phobia? (oh yeah, and if you haven't been told already, stop going to tanning beds! they're the WORST.)

II emily

home for the holidays

as much as i love a sequin skirt or structured blazer, sometimes comfort is hard to beat. and you don't have to be sloppy; take a cue from this j.crew feature, which makes comfy-cozy look downright chic.

II emily

knits & tulle, tulle & knits

{image via aloveisblind}

i'm loving sweaters + skirts lately. especially knee-length-or-below,  frilly, pouffy skirts in dreamy fabrics (like chiffon, silk or tulle). aside from making you feel like a giddy Barbie ballerina doll, this retro style will help you achieve a womanly hourglass silhouette.

the {above} photo highlights everything i love about this sweater+skirt trend, and fall fashion, and femininity, and... well... fashion in general. it's the juxtaposition, people! gets me every time. 

mixing a chunky pullover sweater with a girly-girl twirly skirt  is chic in and of itself.   but throw in some bejeweled block-heeled pumps (which are noticeably scuffed -- something i love in a pair of shoes; it shows that the owner truly loves them) and you've got sartorial perfection.

II emily

simplicity

currently loving: the plain t-shirt.

in a crisp neutral color like white or black, this basic becomes ultra chic. just add the following:
 slim pants, a pop of color (or two), and a scattering of strong, sleek accessories. 
the classic white+black color combo works pretty amazingly as well.

{images via stockholm streetstyle and because i'm addicted}

II emily

glitzy

it's not new, it's not shocking, but i can't fight my attraction. 

sparkle is in. and i say the more the merrier. (it is the holidays, anyway.)

{ clockwise from top left: blair in mixed metallics // jules's glitter converse // marc by marc jacobs chartreuse studs // zara clutch // emily in a sequin blazer // marc by marc jacobs glitter mouse flats // shourouk crystal necklace // ban.do heart }

winter color

i love the idea of wearing color during winter. its' a common misconception that you have to retire your multi-hued wardrobe after the temperatures drop below 50, but i like to break the rules. a colorful ensemble packs even more of a punch during the colder months since everyone else is bundled up in boring black and grey; you'll stand out and look effortless all at once.

 the easiest way to incorporate this idea into your own wardrobe is to focus on 1 key piece in a faint pastel hue and work around that. pastels are inherently "spring-y" (re: easter) but they look fresh and crisp paired with chunky sweaters in neutral hues.  this creates the perfect foundation to throw on some of your favorite bold accessories, like a glitzy necklace or emerald flats. et voila! your colorful wardrobe, winterized.

{pastels, from left: tibi maxi skirt, current/elliott jeans, ag jeans // knits, from left: inhabit cashmere sweater, elizabeth & james jersey sweatshirt, jil sander cashmere sweater // accessories, from left: bottega veneta clutch, tom binns necklace, repetto flats}

II emily

warby parker

{styles from top: huxley, sinclair, webb, tenley, beckett, colton}

though you probably don't know it, i have a huge obsession with glasses. (i like to call them spectacles.. is that wrong?) in fact, if glasses weren't so expensive and didn't take so long to produce, i'd probably have a sizable collection right now. i do have a pair of cute ray-bans as well as some sleek black prada specs -- but a girl needs options!

enter: warby parker. i first heard about the warby parker website via the blogosphere (where else?); bloggers everywhere are raving about this new company. not only does warby parker stock unbelievably cute and trendy glasses (andddd sunglasses), but with each pair purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. (kind of like TOMS, but not as in-your-face about it.) 

and it gets even better: each pair is only $95.

NINETY-FIVE DOLLARS.

your average prescription pair goes for... oh, i don't know. a couple hundred. depending on your prescription, astigmatism, bifocals, etc.  glasses can easily reach upper $500 range. talk about a fashion miracle! however, it's hard to know which glasses you want without trying them on.... (duh.) so warby parker found a solution. their "home try-on" system ships 5 styles of your choice (free) to try on in the comfort of your own home. and that's exactly what i did! i've decided on the 'huxley' dark tortoise with clear crystal on the bottom (top picture), but let me tell you - it was not an easy decision. 

II emily

a very merry madewell

for some reason i've never been a huge fan of tights -- at least, not the ones that aren't opaque black and boring. i love how colored, patterned, and textured tights look on other people, but for some reason the look has never translated well into my wardrobe. however, after stumbling upon these amazing looks from madewell, i think i've changed my mind. i love how these patterned tights are both whimsical and subtle (in a flattering, basic black), and they add so much texture to velvet skirts, shimmery dresses, and patent oxfords. these ensembles are perfect for the holiday season, from dinner parties to shopping excursions! top off the looks with some of madewell's gorgeous new jewelry; piles of glimmering gold and crystals add the perfect finishing touch.

but it gets better: obviously i'm a huge fan of madewell (seen here and here) -- and now i'm now one of their campus representatives at IU! yay! my job entails lots of promotions, including exclusive discounts for my stylish friends and peers.  i'll have you know that aside from the clothing and jewelry pictured above, the rest of their holiday collection is to die for as well - and we thought it was the perfect opportunity for a flash sale!

use the code MWHOLIDAYIU to receive 15% off your entire order tomorrow (december 6). the sale only lasts one day, so hop online and score some holiday goodies while you can! i know i will :)

II emily

nixon now

#major:
marble finishes, kaleidoscope colors, gold accents, dark tortoise... 

can i get one in every color?

seriously though.

{all: nixon women's time teller acetate}

luxe leopard

{ via le fashion }

you already know we're huge fans of leopard/cheetah print - for any accessory or clothing - and lately we've been particularly into plush, faux-fur leopard coats.  especially longer styles that go below the hip and have big collars: the look is high on drama, but when you're going to wear a leopard coat, you kind of have to go all out, right?

the jackets below are all exactly what i'm looking for - and not nearly as expensive as they look! i love how they add a dose of glamour to casual denim, a few pops of color, or a chic all-black ensemble. meow!

{ forever 21, zara, nasty gal }

II emily

time for some videos

sometimes a little vidddspiration goes a long way.

geri hirsch (of because i'm addicted) shows 4 chic ways to wear a white shirt. i'm thinking i need one for my wardrobe, too... maybe with a contrasting collar and cuffs?

the "lonely boy" music video from the black keys. included kind of because it's funny. mostly because it's an amazing song (and soon-to-be amazing album > out december 6)
 this guy's got the moves.

MARNI FOR H&M. do i even have to explain? this may excite me more than missoni for target... just maybe. i died a little when the model put on that giant white flower/neon rope necklace at minute 1:02. #amaaaaze

no explanation necessary. coolest song right now. hands down.

II emily

give thanks!

happy thanksgiving!!

what are you wearing today?

kind of like the savory mix of foods on your thanksgiving plate, we prefer to wear several textures at once. ever so festively, liz donned a lace dress, tweed blazer, pony-hair belt, and leather loafers, not to mention the armful of metal/crystal/pearl bangles and staple gold watch. (yes, they left her wrist tinged green for a few hours.) 
last but not least, a hot pink lip lends just the right girly, unexpected touch, almost as if to say, "i know i'm going to be ingesting an obscene amount of food today, but my mouth is going to look really good doing it."

{on liz: urban outfitters blazer, asos dress, aldo loafers, j.crew belt, warby parker glasses. jewelry: michael kors, j.crew, american eagle, david yurman, forever 21. lip color: revlon 'lilac champagne.' nail polish: opi 'i'm fondue of you'}

II emily

tu(n)esday - lana del rey

lana del rey (aka lizzy grant) is easily my favorite new artist. not only is her voice stunning, but her music sounds like nothing i've ever heard before, which is kind of difficult to come by.

the first song i heard by lana del rey was "video games" and i have to admit it took me a few listens to really understand the slow, moody tune.  watching the video really sealed the deal for me; her romantic lyrics sound innocent against the flickering images, and there's that steamy, summery vibe that makes you pine for those aimless august afternoons. pitchfork said it better:


While the song is husky and sensual in a way that hits the sweet spot Cat Power has abdicated since The Greatest, lyrically, "Video Games" reads more like a prelude to "Lived in Bars". Strings well up and you'll want to hear lines like "Heaven is a place on earth where you/ Tell me all the things you want to do," and "I heard you like the bad girls, honey/ Is that true?" as knowing, rhetorical come-ons. But what of the off-handed references to darts, pool, being held by an incapacitated lover, or a line like "open up a beer... and play a video game?" The allowances of a dream girl or just the most sarcastic, cutting thing you can say to an emotionally unavailable boyfriend? As with the video, it flits between surrendering to romance and depression, moving with the elegant wastefulness of the kind of day drunk that's a true privilege of the beautiful, idle class.

ps: how much do you love lizzy's look? the swept-back hair, dark eyeliner and pouty lips - so fresh.

II emily

pull some strings

now that it's (finally) thanksgiving break, i'm not quite sure what to do with myself. what is this concept of free time? part of me thinks i'll revert back to workhorse mode and write a dozen album reviews i've been meaning to get to for wiux (including the new black keys, a very she & him christmas, etc) but first on my list is to pick up a boatload of colorful threads and make friendship bracelets until my fingers bleed. just kidding, i'm not that hardcore.  okay... maybe i am.  desperate times, people.

my favorite bracelets are diagonal stripe & chevron styles, aka the moderately easy ones, and weaving in a chain or some rhinestones never hurts... peep the inspo photos below:

{images via jak & jill and honestly...wtf}

II emily

severe weather conditions

as the temperatures continue to drop, our dead-of-winter staples become more and more necessary. shapeless puffer coats, hair-flattening hats, chapped skin, thick sweaters, heavy boots -- the list goes on. it's hard to feel stylish when you're barely able to move your arms, so this winter i'm looking for chic, feminine alternatives to the bare necessities, starting with these sperry shearwater boots.

great winter shoes are possibly the trickiest area to conquer -- sure, uggs are cozy, but they aren't exactly "fashion-forward." not to mention that when there's more than 1 inch of snow on the ground, they become a soggy, squishy mess. girls everywhere try to deny this harsh reality, which is kind of justifiable considering the lack of stylish winter footwear options out there... but this season, there's no excuse. the sperry shearwater is both practical and stylish! a grippy, waterproof rubber sole means no slipping or sliding on the ice, and fashiony details like bold colors, shearling lining, plaid patterns and quilted shafts give these a bit of an edge. they'll add a chic spin to even your most utilitarian of winter ensembles.

{clockwise from top left: sperry for j.crew shearwater in 'chocolate flame' / sperry for j.crew shearwater in 'shadow' / sperry shearwater in 'red plaid' / sperry shearwater in black} 

II emily

boy meets girl

{photo via honestly...wtf}

peter pan collars are simultaneously girlish (in the most girlish way possible - like little girl wearing pink mary-janes-ish) and a bit boyish. (...ish.) this is usually achieved by wearing a prim button-up peter pan-collared shirt and buttoning said shirt all the way up to said peter pan collar, but i prefer the versatility of a peter pan collar necklace.  layer it over a simple crewneck tee or sweater, then up the tomboy factor with a few androgynous pieces -- i.e. a men's watch, distressed denim, a fedora or geek chic glasses -- and you're on your way to never never land.  

{ clockwise from top left: dannijo 'sinatra' / dannijo 'stella' / louis vuitton / gemma lister / polli / gemma lister}

II emily

the bargain of the century

holy cow.

have you ever seen a more fabulous shoe for under $50?

and am i the only one seeing the influence of a certain red-soled celebrity designer? hint hint. you know i love a good look-alike. 

score these at charlotte russe before everyone else catches on. (ps - they're equally showstopping in black)

II emily

basically chic

liz wearing all of our favorite basics right now: cream cable knit (this one's a cropped forever21 version), super-dark skinnies jeans (these are black BDG), and my latest obsession... isabel marant 'dicker' imitation booties (these are carlos by carlos santana).  sometimes when you're strapped for time or can't seem to find anything to wear, combining your tried-and-true basics is an chic, effortless option.

II emily

intarsia sweaters

the epitome of tongue-in-chic.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

II emily

zara coats

are they killing it or are they killing it?

i kind of have an obsession with coats. it's painful. and i can't justify filling my entire wardrobe with outerwear, no matter how fabulous that would be! 
 in the meantime, i'm dreaming about these in particular...

1 / 2 / 3 /4

II emily 

the look for less: pink pleats

remember when i posted a neon ensemble featuring this to-die-for halston heritage skirt? needless to say i'm still obsessed with it - the color, the feminine shape, the accordion pleats.... talk about the perfect pop of color for fall (just pair it with tights and boots!) 

but when, like me, there isn't $370 lying around waiting to be spent on a hot pink skirt... it's nice to have cheap alternatives! i spotted this old navy beauty in the latest issue of lucky magazine (aka my bible) and can't wait to hop over to my local store to snatch it up. the best part? it's on sale for $25 (originally $35... which is still pretty amazing!)

{reed krakoff cashmere-silk sweater, dvf scarf, dolce vita 'jax' booties, anthropologie studs}

II emily

DIY: cap toe

i've always been a huge fan of cap toes, especially the graphic black-and-white chanel variety.  cap toes seem to be having a major moment right now, and since chanel is a little out of my price range, you better believe i'll be trying this DIY! so clever, so cute, so easy. 

grab this pair of (reasonably-priced) booties, a few supplies (like tape, white paint, and clear finishing spray) and get started!

{source: because i'm addicted}

II emily

pumped up kicks

you know i have a soft spot for cute sneaks, but it's hard to come across a truly unique pair - that is, until i came across these forfex beauties. they're possibly the coolest kicks i've ever seen - i'm really digging the uber-textured dalmatian/cheetah prints and glinty studs.  and those pillowy wings?? {bottom pair} those are just too amazzzing to ignore.

here are my faves: 

mary katrantzou for topshop

ever since i saw mary kantrantzou's vibrant florals and mixed prints on the spring 2012 runway, i decided she was a) one of my new favorite designers and b) on the brink of fashion world domination. so you can image my delight when i heard she was working on a collection for the fashion mecca that is topshop. 

best collab ever?

spring 2012 pics to give you a hint of just how major this will be... :

{ images via topshop inside-out }

II emily