Love is in the Air - Valentine's Day 2016

Lipstick and Labcoats is back!!!

Valentine's Day is not for everyone. In fact, it's either a hit or miss. For some, it's a day filled with love, flowers, and chocolates. It's the perfect time to spend with your significant other, a reminder of how lucky you are to have them in your life. On the other hand, it can bring back memories of a relationship that has gone wrong, has just ended, or the dreaded "one that got away". Regardless, images of the holiday will be EVERYWHERE, whether you like it or not.

Here are a few outfit ideas will help you style the most common events that occur this Valentine's Day. Enjoy!

Cool and Casual

Whether you're single or boo-ed up, this look is perfect for a casual afternoon outing. The wrap style sweater is super trendy and will keep you warm in the frigid February air. The thick, stacked heel and mini platform of the boots will keep your feel warm and comfortable no matter how long you will be on your feet. Lastly, to acknowledge Valentine's Day, the oxblood bottoms are thick and structured like jeans, but with the added comfort of leggings. I would pair this outfit with a messy mid-ponytail and a naturally made-up face.

Adorable for Date Night

This would be a great first few dates/early dinner outfit. The dress is very cute, and paired with the flower earrings, it adds a fresh flair to the overall look. As a contrast, the structured coat and purse take the outfit from "fresh out of high-school" to "playful college grad". The shoes add some interest to the overall look, but can easily be switched out for a more conservative footwear choice. I see this look with a wavy half up-half down hairstyle and natural makeup.

Elegant and Chic

If you're planning on doing something fancy, like dinner and going to the ballet (or whatever people do these days), this would be your outfit. The skirt will accentuate your waist while skimming over your hips and thighs, creating a defined hourglass shape. The sweater's off the shoulder cut is classic yet modern, making the outfit highly versatile. Opaque tights can be added if needed. A sleek bun or low ponytail paired with classic Marilyn Monroe inspired makeup will complete this outfit perfectly.

Edgy Fashionista

If I had actual plans on Valentine's Day, this would be my outfit of choice. It's alluring while maintaining a trendy, fashion-conscious vibe. The neutral mock-neck dress will keep you warm in the draftiest of places, and the asymmetrical hemline adds a unique flair to an otherwise basic dress. Complementing the hemline are the thigh-high boots. Once seen as provocative, thigh high boots will balance the outfit, keeping you warm without sacrificing the sultry feel of the outfit. The coat acknowledges the festivities without looking like you're trying too hard. I would wear this with a slicked back middle part (inspired by Kim Kardashian), deep red lip, highlighted cheeks, and satin finish eye-shadow with clean-lined winged eyeliner. 

For those who want to channel their inner Beyonce a la Partition

*Cue Beyonce's self titled album* ...just kidding

To the surprise of many, I don't live in a box. If you are of age and want to reflect that in your Valentine's day activities, this set is for you. It goes from cute to risque, so you can figure out if this is of use to you or not. Side note, Viktor&Rolfe's Flowerbomb and Flowerbomb Extreme are the best smelling perfumes in the world. Every time I wear it I get a myriad of complements from those around me. 

Single and Sittin' with Pringles

This look is my favorite. Since the 14th is on a Sunday, I will most likely make it a "Netflix and Chill" - me day. This is perfect for catching up on your favorite shows, either alone or with friends. The phone case is an added touch of humor that can be used year-round. Make the most of the day, even if you have no actual plans!

I'm working on changing up the layout of my blog and regularly posting content. I know, I said the same thing in my last post (which was over a year ago), but I'm really going to try this time. Without the added strains of applying to graduate school and everything else that comes with one's last year of undergrad, I should have time to post at least once a month.

As always, feel free to comment and leave any suggestions! 

Finally, Spring is Here!

After months of below freezing temperatures and inches of snow and freezing rain, spring is finally here to stay! I don't know about anyone else, but this winter was exceptionally brutal. But thankfully, the sunny 70°F weather is making a strong comeback. I've created a few looks to usher in this season of warmth, hopefully giving you some inspiration for your own early spring outfits.

Transition into Spring

As refreshing early spring tends to be, it brings a minor problem; temperature differences. I wake up around 8:30am for class, with the temperature at 55°F, yet by noon, it will be in the mid 70s. In order to accommodate for such temperature differences, I suggest wearing a scarf and warm footwear with socks. Layering allows temperature control thorough your outfit, which is a must for spring.

Dilettante in Denim

I imagine Jessa from HBO's Girls wearing this outfit, hence the title. This spring twist on the standby leggings-and-denim-shirt winter outfit brings life and excitement to an otherwise played out and fairly common clothing combination. The shirt and pants are light, so they won't keep you too warm, yet will insulate at night. Keeping your makeup light will add to the carefree vibe of the clothing, and adding quirky accessories will incorporate a personal touch.

Dauntless

I recently saw Divergent, and loved the edgy style of the Dauntless. This outfit would be good for the transition from class to a night out with a simple change in footwear. I suggest wearing coated denim instead of leather pants due to the breathable nature of coated denim. To increase versatility and save time, try putting your damp hair in a bun during the day so that when it's time to go out your hair will have waves for days.

Erudite

Yep, I just referenced Divergent again. I apologize. I tend to wear blue when I am giving a presentation, so I thought the title was fitting. Anyway, this outfit works well for spring. The light fabric and white pants are a stark contrast from the drab black and grey worn in the winter. The makeup would be better fit for a night out, yet could easily be toned down for daytime.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Every once and a while there will be a day entirely in the 70s and 80s. This outfit is perfect for the warm weather. The cami and high wasted pants give a modern feel to an otherwise 90s throwback grunge outfit. If you plan on wearing this outfit to class, be careful your butt-holders (shorts) are holding your entire butt (if not wear a long sweater).

Springtime Festival

This outfit would be perfect for one of the many outdoors festivals that take place around this time of year. Not only is the outfit light and quirky, but the cardigan and boots eliminate the temperature issues you may face. The shorts will be the focal point in this sea of  faded neutrals.

Put-together in Plaid

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with plaid shirts, so I am always finding ways to incorporate them into my weekly wardrobe. This outfit is perfect for those who want to subtly accentuate their waist. The slightly over-sized shirt and A-line skirt cinch together at your waist, exaggerating an hourglass figure in a classy yet casual fashion.


I hope this post helped you find inspiration for outfits for the season! I hope to have another post before the end of the semester and before finals, but until then, comment and subscribe!!!

Happy Spring everyone!

Outfits Inspired by Rihanna

Rihanna's style has always been something I've envied. Beginning from her "S.O.S." green dress (which I almost bought for my junior year high school prom), her style had an edgy femininity that I yearned to replicate in my own wardrobe. Therefore, I found it fitting to replicate Rihanna's amazing sense of style.

1. Effortlessly Chic

Rihanna has this way of mixing basic, everyday clothing with urban trends, then slashing them with a diamond edged sword to make her mark. This outfit is no exception. Although simple, it screams something Rihanna would wear. I replicated it yet with the idea that it would be worn on a night out. The striped crop top with the fitted blue jeans and top knot looks effortlessly put together. To make it more of a nighttime outfit, I added the spike stud earrings, belt, and chain necklace to give it more of a city feel. Strappy sandals and metallic accents are in the forefront of fashion, and have since been a staple in Rihanna's clothing choices, so there was no way I could leave this accessory out of the picture. If you want more of a dressed up feel, add winged eyeliner and rep lips and you're ready to go!

2. Bad Girl Chic

Although I wouldn't consider my style as daring, this is one of my favorite outfits from Rihanna. I feel as if it is the fashion embodiment of her bad girl image she's been advocating for the past couple of years. The hard elements mixed with the I.D.G.A.F. undertone scream "Good Girl Gone Bad". Because I'm much more conservative in dress, at least compared to Riri, I decided upon a lettered tank with liquid/faux leather leggings. The black with gold chain bag and shoes add edge and an urban vibe, which is also reflected in the chain necklace. I topped it all off with a camo utility jacket, which is both trendy and blends with Rihanna is wearing in this photo.

3. Denim Diva

Whoever said denim on denim is a crime hadn't thought of all the possibilities. Rihanna did the "faux paux" justice by mixing and matching washes. With the matching shade on top and different yet cohesive shade of pants, the outfit looks more like a purposeful ensemble rather than a mistake of someone just finding their style. In my rendition, I took a safer route by including a bustier with a contrasting print down the middle, so depending on how the jacket is worn, no one needs to know just how much denim is actually in your outfit. Like Rihanna, I paired the ensemble with blue court shoes, and added an orange lip to pull together the blue and the orange in the outfit.

4. "Na,na,na,na. So Hard"

Even Riri has her down days. She looks effortlessly chill in this ensemble borrowed from the boys. The basic graphic hoodie and loose fit jeans can be easily dressed up with a simple gold necklace, stud earrings, and a statement hat. If you want more of a feminine flair, red lips and a cat-eye will give you the girly look you want without softening up the edginess of the outfit.

I hope this has inspired you to channel your inner Riri and go for the edgy side of your wardrobe. Feel free to comment below!

Fashion Inspired By MTV's Daria

Ok, I know College Fashion has a section of their blog just like this, but I've wanted to do a Daria blog for a while. So I'm doing it.

Anyway, Daria is a 90s MTV spin off to the popular Beavis and Butthead, where she played the "foil" to the two boys. Even after 12 years, the fashion in Daria is pretty inspiring, save a few pieces of the 90s that should...um...stay there, forever.

Daria Morgendorffer

 


  Daria, the unenthusiastic and monotone main character of the show, had a significant style change from her origins in Bevis and Butthead. There, she had a cycle of three outfits, but alas, it seems that there is a positive correlation between the monotonicity of one's voice and the number of outfits they can be seen wearing. (haha bad joke) Anyway, Daria's signature green army jacket, brown shirt, and combat boots made a lasting impression on my mind.








Here is my interpretation of Daria's outfit. In my opinion, her style is pretty timeless, so there isn't much change from the original. I particularly like the addition of the underlined winged eyeliner, which would look good with or without glasses. It adds an extra hint of "I really don't care, leave me alone", but in a good way

Fashion Inspired by Daria - Daria

Quinn Morgandorffer

Quinn is Daria's fashion conscious younger sister, and the baby of the household. As one of the most popular (and slightly vapid) girls in school, she is the exact opposite of her older sister. Her outfit is completely saturated with 90s trends, from the baby doll graphic tee to the light-medium washed jeans to her caramel clogs. 

I definitely had to modernize this outfit, which is fitting as trends change extensively over a decade. I decided to change her baby doll tee into a pink chiffon button down, with a smiley face necklace. Her bell bottoms are transformed into boot cuts, although the wash was preserved. Finally her clogs are now Jeffrey Campbell 99tie wedges. Much better.

Fashion Inspired By Daria - Quinn

Jane Lane

Jane was, and still is, my favorite character in the world. She literally inspired my current fashion choices. I would sit there (as a 7-10 year old mind you) wanting to wear red lipstick and give myself a crazy haircut. Ok tmi.

I had the most fun making this outfit. First off, the Kat von D-esque makeup screamed Jane Lane, hands down. It's glamorous with an edge, a very sharp edge. Along with those sharp edges are a spiked necklace and ear cuff, both of which are modern interpretations of her piercings and white collar on her v-neck shirt. I kept the red blazer, leather shorts, and mid calf lace up boots, because, let's face it, there is nothing better than that. Her plain v-neck shirt is now a gauzy black high low button up and patterned (somewhat risque) tights, which completes the outfit in edgy glory.

Fashion Inspired By Daria - Jane

Trent Lane

Trent Lane, Jane's monotone brother and Daria's love interest (well, other than Tom), is the stereotypical 90s slacker. He lives with his parents, doesn't remember if he graduated high school, and is rather uncaring about, well, everything. His style is slightly similar to Jane's, but more on the grunge, IDGAF, side of things. Nonetheless, his outfit is oddly appealing.












I used a khaki green washed out shirt and grey jeggings to feminize the outfit. For his piercings, I thought of either studs, charmed hoops, or fake tapers, because if Trent were a girl I feel he'd wear something like that. The stone tooth necklace and geometric stud bracelet represent his gold medallion necklace and black sweatband. The makeup is very similar to Daria's, but more neutral with the lips and eyes. Lastly, to add a bit of edge, I completed the outfit with wedged creepers. Personally, I would wear something like this on one of my lazy days.

Fashion Inspired By Daria - Trent

That's all I have. Hopefully this was a enjoyable for you to read as it was for me to make! I may post a few more lipstick swatches in a few weeks, but I'm quite busy since school started... Anyway feel free to comment and share!