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! 

Sweater Weather: Outfits for the New Year

     Happy New Year! I apologize in advance for the awkwardness of this post. I haven't blogged in quite some time...

     With graduate school applications and finishing up my requirements for undergrad, I have been super busy. Because of this I have neglected to contribute to this blog. Although I have a semester left before the summer, I plan on having at least one post a month. I'll try to keep things relevant, but school puts me in a place devoid of most pop culture references, so any suggestions are appreciated!!!

     As we enter the new year, the temperature finally settles into chilly winter weather. Despite living in the Mid-Atlantic,which is quite mild temperature wise, I've put together a few outfits that I think are appropriate in both colder and warmer areas. These outfits are also good for transitioning from class to going out, with a few alterations of course.

Minimal and Monotone

     This is honestly my favorite outfit of the collection. The simple combination of a cropped mock neck and printed trousers is one of my go to everyday outfits. The pants are high waist, therefore only a sliver of skin will show if wanted. Black smoking flats are my everyday shoe and happen to be super comfortable in almost all situations. The chunky grey sweater adds some physical texture to the outfit as well as making the look softer for daytime wear. 

"The Linus"

     Anyone who has watched or is familiar with the comic Peanuts will immediately get this reference. Linus, the blanket carrying piano player, was the inspiration for this outfit. Nothing screams cold winter morning than the feeling of wanting to stay wrapped in your blanket all day. This outfit is second best. The blanket poncho will keep you cozy and warm while appearing acceptable to the general public.

Cozy Chic

     This is the perfect transition outfit. During the day, the boots and red lip make the outfit look casual yet put together. It also works for class as an effortless look. To transition to nighttime, exchange the boots for heels and add a faux fur collar to add some texture to the outfit. The dark lip is perfect for a night socializing with friends.

Casual Friday

     Can you tell I intended this to be part of a fall collection? Anyway, this works for winter if you switch out the shoes and wear a coat and scarf over the sweater if necessary. This outfit would be nice for a casual office environment. I would even wear something like this in the lab (with closed toe shoes of course). The bag allows you to carry books, office supplies, and anything else you may need for a day at work.

Color of the Year

     Apparently, the magical council of color experts decided that marsala, a rustic red-brown tone, would be the color of the year. Pantone's announcement of this decision made it official. Honestly, I think this color is great, mainly because it is like a faded oxblood, which was popular a few seasons ago, and can easily function as a non-traditional neutral. This outfit features a sweater in a related color to marsala and pleather pants, both of which will keep you warm and protected from the cold winds of winter. 

     Ok, so those titles were pretty terrible, I know. I will try to have a mix of outfits as well as makeup swatches so things don't get so boring. My writing will be better, so I apologize once again for the horrid and rushed post! Until next time! 

Holiday Inspiration: Outfits for Christmas

Although Christmas is only a day away, I've just gotten the feel of the holidays this morning. Since going to college and not being able to do traditional holiday things with the family, I have gotten the Christmas spirit way later than should be acceptable. Instead of watching movies and listening to carols on the radio, I'm in my dorm studying for finals and writing papers, only to get back just in time to get a tree and decorate the house for the holiday.

Ok enough complaining. During the holidays it's like a good three days of party hopping with family. Because of this, I tend to pre-plan my outfits so that I have an easier time getting up and going (which is especially important for post all night party breakfast at 9am on day three). Anyway, I created a few outfits to help with holiday celebrations to take some stress out of the extended family gathering.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

My Christmas always begins with opening presents with my immediate family and brunch at my uncle's house. Because of the chill nature of the the beginning of the festivities, I generally like to dress comfortably. This denim shirt with leggings combo will keep you warm and comfortable without the discomfort of overeating mixed with well fir jeans (#firstworldproblems). Added plus, the leggings feature a cute reindeer motif!

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"

The second day of celebrations includes a family party at my parent's house. I generally go for something comfortable, yet still somewhat put together looking. Because of this, I paired a sweater and jeans with timeless booties and a braid to convey that "I care, but not too much" look.

"Deck the Halls"

For some reason, my mother always uses red and green plaid as her print of choice for Christmas. Although 13 years of private school has made me highly biased against wearing plaid (especially plaid skirts), yet it is what I'm subconsciously drawn to during the holidays. The two outfits are basically the same, yet the right is more "grungy" than the left. Both outfits would be appropriate for both a family get-together or fun with friends.

"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"

I laugh when people say, "You can't wear white after Labor Day". Honestly, I think white looks the best in winter. I always found it stunning, regal almost, to see a white outfit in the snow. Because of this, I like to wear white for formal events, especially during the Christmas season. The dress is a crisp white that will go with any style genre, with the red accents from the shoes and lips adding a festive tone. The fur gilet makes the dress season appropriate and adds warmth.

Hopefully this has given you some ideas. Happy Holidays everyone!!!

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!