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! 

All That Glitters: Outfits for Formal Holiday Events

Ok, so I haven't been keeping up with my blog as planned. With classes, labs, exams, and papers, I haven't had the time to even think about clothing. Seriously though, I've work leggings and a button down about 60% of the time within the past two months.

Anyway, with it being holiday season, and my love of all things formal and flashy, I wanted to do a post on holiday dresses. I chose to stick to glittery dresses and jewel tones because they look great on anyone with minimal effort, something I would look for in an outfit. Unfortunately, science has turned me into a hermit, and I have no reason what so ever to wear a formal dress

And yes, there are 8 dresses in my closet and 4 pairs of heels.I just like looking at the clothes and pretending I live a supermegaawesome life. Don't judge me.

Now that I think about it, that's pretty lame. You have full right to judge me...

Low Key Get Together

This is dressy, without being too dressy. It could easily go from glass in the morning to a date to a party all with a change of shoes and addition of a sweater or cardigan. I'm really into deep, vampy colors this season and love the way burgundy looks on untanned skin, so I made it the main color in this look. Because the focus on the clothing will be on the skirt (which will also bring attention to how awesome and long your legs will look in the tights and heels), I paired this with a berry lip and nails so that the eyes of the people admiring how amazing you look won't stop moving. 

Classy Winter Event

I envision this outfit at a formal or something a bit classier than your general college holiday party. The colors keep with the holiday theme without being overbearing. I like peplum in this scenario because everyone looks amazing in peplums and if there is food involved, you don't have to worry about looking less than your best later in the night. 

December Night Out

I see this outfit working best in a city area with a more formal nightlife scene, or on a fourth or fifth date, whatever applies to you. The dress by itself is a bit boring, but I think will accentuate your best features. I included the glittery heels to add excitement into the outfit, which is carried into the eye makeup. I'd keep the rest of your face simple and use the lip stain to mimic a winter flush on your lips and cheeks.

"The Beyoncé"

The following dresses will be glittery, with Beyoncé themed titles, which is fine by my standards, but may not be something you favor. Gold, for me, is the ultimate holiday color. It brings together the warmth and festive feel of the season perfectly. This dress is pretty flashy, so I would keep the makeup focused on one thing with no additional glitter or sparkles. The red lip brings additional warmth to the outfit and side bun makes it more relaxed. If you have a cool undertone and look horrible in gold, try something closer to a rose color with deeper reds.

"Freakum Dress"

Yep, this is a freakum dress. Why? You'll turn heads like no one's business in this. The sparkle of the dress isn't so much that it's overwhelming, yet definitely won't allow you to have a low key evening. Pulled back hair and minimal nighttime makeup will keep the focus on the dress and your eyes, which is ideal for a dress like this. 

"Ring the Alarm"

This dress, much like the previous dress, is a head turner. Depending on how bond you want to go, you can play up your eye makeup. Because the dress is black, you can add some color in your eyeliner, or keep a semi neutral eye and bold lip. If you want the most versatility and still turn heads, this dress is for you.


Hopefully I've given you some ideas for an upcoming event or party this holiday season. If you have any questions or comments, the box is below!

I guess I'll finish writing papers and studying for finals... Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Note: For those wondering, I plan on blogging how I made my Dorothy Halloween costume/how to make a circle skirt and A line skirt after finals!

Outfits Inspired by The Voice: Melanie Martinez

     In midst of my procrastination, I have started watching The Voice, a singing competition in which contestants go through a blind audition in hopes of an established artist to want them for their team. Honestly, I thought it would be another version of American Idol, which I only watch for the auditions and I'm done. But, boy, I was presently surprised.
     In spite of the nature of the show, The Voice is WAYYYYY better than any other singing competition I have seen. The blind audition aspect allows you to eliminate the appearance aspect of the singer actually hear the quality of their voice, something I think should be top priority in the music business. I could go on a rant about this, but I'll spare you the time and get to the point of this post.

Melanie Martinez - Team Adam

     What made me want to watch this show in the first place was actually due to a commercial (good job advertising team). If featured a cover of Toxic, stripped down and sung by a female vocalist with an enchanting folk-like voice. I searched for the episode featuring her, and Melanie Martinez quickly became one of my favorites. Her voice alone is so captivating, that if she were a Siren, I'd drown immediately. 

     Even better, her quirky look and Cruella de Ville inspired hair fit her so perfectly. I mean, how else would you picture a voice that unique? As the episodes went on, her style has stood it's ground, from Peter Pan collars to her staple over-sized bow. Hopefully the stylists on the show won't change her, because I have a feeling she may inspire a few designers.

     In all of the following outfits, I have tried to incorporate the items that Melanie is rarely without: red lipstick, tights, frilly socks, collars, and a large bow. I didn't want to flat out replicate any of her outfits, because you can easily do that yourself. That being said, some of the outfits are more "Melanie" than the others.

   



Outfit 1: All Dressed Up

     For this outfit, I wanted something slightly formal, yet easy to dress down. Melanie wears a lot of vintage prints that I honestly would question if I saw them hanging on a rack. Yes, the brocade print looks like something on your Great-Aunt's window, yet the way Melanie styles her outfits transform the print into something to be envious over. The gold collar necklace is included because the dress has a high collar, of which I've never seen Melanie wear.

Outfit 2: Casual Yet Classy

          I honestly would wear this to class, granted I am one of those people who dresses up to buy flour. So I guess this would be a nice day out for normal people. Maybe. I honestly don't know, but I certainly consider this casual. The print on the skirt was so intriguing I knew I had to use it for something. I also love the detail on the collar of the shirt. I don't think Melanie would wear cold-shoulder tops, yet this outfit channels her all the way.

Outfit 3: Quirk with Quills (I think I tried too hard with the title...it's supposed to be "edgy" lol)

     Get it, because porcupines have quills that are sharp, and edges are sharp...Yea it's lame, I know. Anyway, I tend to dress on the denim and leather side of the tracks, yet wanted something channeling Melanie's quirky aura. Therefore, I paired a collared, printed peplum top with faux leather leggings and studded heels, and a wire headband. I have yet to see Melanie wear pants. I've searched through Google and her pictures on her website and no pants. I guess they aren't everyone's cup of tea.

Outfit 4: Old Hollywood Glam

     If Melanie was asked to dress for a movie premiere  I imagine it would be something like this. I wanted to stay away from the hair bow, so I incorporated the piece into her belt and necklace. The faux fur coat and 40s inspired shoes add the perfect amount of vintage glam. And a plus, if you don't like the outerwear, the outfit stands alone beautifully.

If you have any suggestions for who's style I should channel next, put it in the comments and I'll see what I can do!

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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!

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.

Beauty Essentials

Hey there!

I was contemplating how to start the beauty/fashion section of my blog and came up with this. It is a rather generic start in a naturally innovative subject, but it's almost 2am and my creativity is basically shot. Despite the redundancy of this post, I do believe that all blogs should start with the basics before moving on to more complex, and creative, areas, so here we go.

The following products are used in my daily routine. Although I name certain brands, I am not telling you to get this brand and this one only. I do understand that different people have different skin types and allergies that need to be taken into consideration when buying products. And for reference, I am MAC NC47, MUFE Mat Velvet+ in 70, and Caramel/Dark 1-2 in Maybelline; I also have combination-oily skin depending on the humidity.

• Rosebud Salve - I have horribly dry lips in the winter. This product is the only lip product that keeps my lips moisturized and healthy looking. I bought this particular tin from Sephora about a year and a half ago and still have about 25% of the product left. It is reasonably priced at $6 or so, so it's a great investment to add to your collection.

                           

•  Smashbox Sheer Focus SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer - This is such a good tinted moisturizer. It's medium coverage and thick like a foundation, but feels light on your face and blends beautifully. I would suggest that you match your tinted moisturizer to your undertone and not your overall skin tone. For example, I'm reasonably dark, but wear Medium in this moisturizer due to my olive undertone. Dark was way too orange for me. Anyway, tinted moisturizers are an easy way to cover two steps in one, it covers any marks you may have and moisturizes your skin.

• Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner - This stuff is amazing. And honestly, the brush it comes with isn't bad either. This gel eyeliner is heavily pigmented, glides on like butter, and is a great price. I prefer gel eyeliners because it is the line between casual and formal, the perfect formula for the 'put together but not trying too hard' look. 

• Sephora Setting Powder - Setting powders are essential for keeping your makeup looking fresh all day long. This has the added benefit of oil absorption (although I would recommend blotting papers for that purpose). This is very sheer with a satin finish.

• High SPF Sunblock - You may be confused. Yes I am black, and yes I do use SPF 90 sunblock. I know that the high SPF doesn't do much more than SPF 30 but I'm a college student and this was the cheapest. No matter your skin tone, you need sunblock. The women in my family generally don't age very fast, but I don't want to take any chances with being the exception by ignoring sun protection. 

The following products aren't necessary or essential, but I do believe they help to complete a beginner's makeup collection.

•  Make Up Forever Full Cover Concealer - This concealer is waterproof, full cover, has an amazing color range, and stays all day. It is rather pricey, but does last 6 months of daily wear. A little of this product goes a long way. I am a shade 14 in case you were wondering.

• L'Oreal Studio Secrets Matte Eye Shadow Quad - Basically any matte eye shadow quad will do. This serves as a natural eye shadow, highlight not only for your brow-bone but also for the rest of your face, and contour color. As you can tell, I use this a lot.

 

                            

•  Rimmel London Sexy Curves Mascara - This is a very good mascara. It makes your lashes look longer and thicker. It does take a while to dry but maybe I'm using it incorrectly. I don't use mascara very often haha.