Review: MAC So Chaud Lipstick

I heard oranges were the "it" color this summer, and with my bronzy-olive skin tone, I thought I should give it a shot. Unsure of the brightness and warmth of orange in my comfort zone palette of deep, rich fall tones, I began experimenting with the color in my wardrobe. First to don the staple color were my nails, which I thought looked stunning. Then the color migrated to my clothing, a favorite being a monotone neutral, usually some shade of grey, and high waist jeans with an orange bag and turban. Then while browsing the mall I found the ultimate statement and addition to my makeup collection, MAC's So Chaud and Morrange. I ended up purchasing So Chaud, since Morrange was a bit too far out of my comfort zone. I didn't take a picture of the swatch in the store, but will compare the two colors in my review.

As stated in the photos above, So Chaud is a matte color. I was pleasantly surprised that this color was no where near as dry as Ruby Woo, which literally feels like crayon. Anyway, this matte goes on smooth, has an opaque application, and stays on all day.

The color is bold, but not as bold as Morrange, which has a neon quality to it (I believe Morrange has an amplified finish, explaining the neon quality). So Chaud is more on the red orange side of the color spectrum, whereas Morrange is more yellow orange, so keep that in mind when deciding which will work better for you.

Here is So Chaud swatched on my hand. It looks more red than it actually is, but I promise, it's orange.

The color will stain your lips, so I suggest a thin layer of Vaseline before application of this color (or any other mattes for that matter)

Overall, I believe that orange is a much softer alternative to red lipstick. It's also a lighter, more youthful choice for adding color to an otherwise neutral face. I highly recommend So Chaud for anyone looking for a way to incorporate orange into their wardrobe or wants to try something different.

Review: MAC Siss Lipstick

I bought this lipstick in hope of finding the perfect nude. In the MAC Pro store in NYC, the color looked perfect, yet when I returned from my trip, I realized the color is way too light. I don't wear this alone. Ever. Yet it is a good base for other colors.

This color is a satin, not too shiny, not too matte. I think it looks like normal "chap stick lip shine".

Excuse the lipstick on the tube. 

So you understand how I thought this could be a good nude for me, I'm going to post hand swatches of the  lipstick with and without flash, both in sunlight.

No Flash - it looks like it blends in well

With Flash/non-natural sunlight - looks pasty and way too light

Anyway with the use of a good lip liner it will be wearable

Here's the lip swatches

Lips plain

Lips with Siss

Actually its not that bad...ok any questions or suggestions leave it in the comments. Thanks lol

Current Fashion Obsession: Bralets

Ok, before anyone judges my style as a step below a hooker, bralet tops can be chic and classy. Yes, let me repeat myself, bralet tops can be CLASSY. And not ghetto fab baby mama classy, prep school classy. Yea all you have to do is wear it correctly.

My cardinal rule for wearing anything borderline risque is to remember to limit the amount of skin shown. For example, I wouldn't wear a sheer skirt with a semi-sheer bralet top, or a crop top without high-waist bottoms. Basically, if you're showing midriff, either cover up with high waist opaque bottoms or wear a longer top that hits your belly button and normal pants. PLEASE NOTHING LOW RISE! (excluding the beach, that's a different post). 

Anyway, I like the look of bralets. It's an interesting take on a crop top that adds instant flair to any outfit. I've recently made a polyvore account and decided it would be easier to show how I would wear this style with pictures rather than describing them.

Disclaimer: I didn't realize there were prices next to the items, so some of these outfits are rather expensive, yet I'm positive all of the items can be found at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Journeys, American Apparel, H&M, Nastygal.com, Urban Outfitters, Target, and Thrift Stores (not affiliated with any of these stores)

This is more of a clubbing/party outfit more than anything else. The black lace bralet can look very "oops i forgot my shirt" without proper covering. The high waist shorts cover the bottom half of your midriff so that only the smallest part of your natural waist will show, which is both flattering and on the conservative side of this style. The blazer provides coverage and makes the outfit look more street appropriate. 

Bralet Outfit 2 by musicgirl576 featuring wooden jewelry

This outfit is something I'd wear to a concert or some sort of musical gathering. The bralet features a bold pattern, which will bring your eyes upwards despite the asymmetrical hemline in the skirt. the vest with studded detail brings even more attention to the top of the outfit, which allows you to wear a semi shear skirt (note the opaque mini skirt underneath). I paired this with litas, yet upon second thought I think I would wear Jefferey Campbell 99 tie black wedges instead.

Bralet Outfit 3 by musicgirl576 featuring a woven straw tote

This outfit is more prep-approved. I don't think I'd wear this personally, but I see an outfit like this on a summer stroll through a market, park, or outdoor festival. Because the shorts are so high waist, and the outfit has a beach feel to it, there is no need to cover your arms or sliver of belly. If you do wear this on the beach, it would be very easy to wear a bralet bikini top with bottoms under the pants and keep everything in the straw bag.

Bralet Outfit 4 by musicgirl576 featuring chain jewelry

This is definitely something i would wear on an average summer day. The white lace bralet paired with the light to medium ombre distressed high-waist shorts and chiffon kimono are super light and perfect for humid southern afternoons. I tend to find a way to include my Keds in everything because I think they are so comfortable, and my Dooney cross body mini bag (hopefully replacing my 10 year old falling apart bag with this version) for convenience.

Hopefully this has given you some hope in the versatility of bralet tops and helped you see the non-skanky possibilities of including them in your daily wardrobe. I'll try to do a birthday haul and more lipstick reviews within the next few weeks. And possibly a day in the life blog...if i remember to photo stalk my life...which probably won't happen.

Current Fashion Obsession - Studs

When most people think of studs, they generally picture a "punk rock" or another similar group of people. But let me tell you, studs go with all styles and are great for adding edge to an otherwise 'cotton candy' like outfit.

I love any type of metal hardware, especially studs. I tend to dress on the urban prep side of things, but there's always a hint of rebellion in my outfits. Because studs are so versatile, any outfit can be transformed by the addition of these little wonders.

I've gotten into wearing flats due to the hilly terrain of my college campus, and loafers and ballet flats are my go to shoe (minus my combat boots, but that's mainly for warmth). Adding studs to a favorite pair of flats instantly adds subtle hints of edginess to anything, and is an easy way to incorporate the trend into your existing wardrobe.

I will be the first to admit that I have a blazer obsession. It's rare I walk into a clothing store without buying at least one blazer. I love the idea of taking something usually seen as uptight and formal and bringing it down with the addition of trendy items. The studded lapel and cuffs of this blazer make it casual enough to wear daily, but still brings an outfit together in a sophisticated manner.

This was trendy when I was in elementary school in the 90s, so I guess I really am getting old. I never thought denim jackets would be fashionable again when I donated my denim jackets to goodwill 8 years ago, much less me voluntarily wearing denim jackets in a non ironic manner. But lo and behold, denim jackets have snuck into my wardrobe once again, but this time with a twist. Adding studs to the item makes it instantly go from 2nd grade playground to collegiate fashionista. 

And this is here just for fun, 

Amazing!

Something i have yet to obtain, high waist studded denim shorts. I think these would go perfect with my chiffon shirt obsession (which will be another blog post), or add edge to a basic tank and cardigan ensemble. 

All in all, studs are one of the best accessories to add to clothing to instantly create an updated, trendy item. They can be added to virtually anything and work on anyone. 

I plan to be going on a thrift store haul and possibly studding something, so if you want a tutorial or see how that will work, from buying studs to the finished product, comment below!

"Nude" Heels for Every Skin Tone

I was recently looking at an article on College Candy and saw a comment that stated that nude heels were only for a certain set of skin tones and that they have yet to find a pair of brown "nude" heels. As a darker skinned individual, I beg to differ. I have about three pairs of nude heels, flats, and wedges, all that match my skin tone. You just need to know where to look. But for those who may need a bit of help, I've decided to post a few examples of what I think would be appropriate for certain skin tones.

1. Ivory

    Those with this skin tone may realize that the heels marketed "nude: may be a bit too dark for them. I suggest buying darker cream or light beige heels such as these:

2. Golden

With this skin tone, look for yellow undertones and a "light nude" color description

3. Beige

This skin tone happens to be the color "nude" refers to. Neutral, lighter skin with a hint of a tan. Basically, the nude colored shoes will work, but remember to consider your undertone if you want them to be perfect.

4. Dark Beige

This skin tone is common with Those of Hispanic, Indian, Native American or Mixed race backgrounds, not quite brown, but not beige. Look for a dark nude shoe.

5. Brown

Those of Dominican, African American, or Indian heritage may find it rather difficult to find nude heels. Try looking in the brown section for shoes to match your deeply tanned skin tone.

6. Dark Brown

This skin tone should ignore the nude description all together and look for brown shoes for the "nude" effect. Believe me, it saved you a lot of stress.

7. Rich/Deep Dark Brown

This skin tone should look for deep browns to match the richness of your skin.

I know I didn't cover all skin tones, but I attempted to get all of the major brackets. Hopefully, this will help someone in their quest for finding the perfect pair of nude heels. Feel free to comment!

EDIT:

I have been receiving a lot of messages and comments about finding heels at a reasonable price for darker skintones. Because of this I have made two sets for darker skintones. All of the heels are below $50US at the time of posting.

Michael Antonio slip on shoes / Madden Girl pumps / G by Guess pumps / Wedding shoes / Forever 21 shoes

Brown pumps, $4.91 / Brown mary jane shoes / Restricted tan suede pumps / Baby phat pumps / Unlisted by Kenneth Cole high heel pumps