Thursday, January 20, 2011

Style Inspiration

Josephine Baker was innovative and completely uninhibited with her syle sense. If you haven't seen her banana skirt yet, then you need to google it ASAP. She was classy, crazy, creative, and she exuded style all at the same time.

I think every girl has, at the very least, heard of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn made her mark in that classic movie with her beautifully put together wardrobe and the way she carried herself in that dramatic yet lady-like manner. She has managed to forever leave a mark on Fashion History with her classic and simplistic style.

A woman who exuded sex appeal and class, simultaneously, Marilyn Monroe is one of THE most well-known style icons. She graced many classic movies such as Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot. She is the one who reminded us that a plain old mole can, in fact, be turned into a beauty mark. Love it.

Ok, let me just start by saying that I love this woman's music. Erykah Badu is an extremely unique and immensely creative person. This shows through in her music and her style. There are two aspects of her fashion sense that I am in love with. Her hair and her African influenced ensembles. We have seen her on numerous occasions with a head wrap and loose, flowing clothing in a matching bright colors. And I kind of love her purple eye shadow in this pic.

Tyra Banks. A super-model and mogul that possesses classic African-American beauty. She has made her place in this world by not only her gorgeous style and her obvious beauty, but with her warm personality. I used to watch the Tyra Show everyday and, in my opinion, she is one of the most down to earth celebrities out there. She is not afraid to be herself and look amazing, or even not so amazing, on a daily basis. Definitely a huge style inspiration for me.

This actress, producer, wife, and mother has always represented the petite women out there. She always looks beautiful and she is super-efficient. If you are petite and you need to know what looks good on your body type, then check Jada Pinkett-Smith out.

Kimora Lee Simmons! She has also inspired me on a personal level with her book, Fabulosity: What It Is and How To Get It. In the book, she talks about how to take what is unique about you and turn it into your greatest strength and your most appealing characteristic. And look how much personality she's showing in this photo!

Rihanna has alot of variety. She can get kind of crazy too, but she has style. I love this outfit because its so cute, but who would think of putting it together? Not to say that she did, because whoever the stylist was for this video probably handled that. But it fits her style perfectly. Love it!

This top model has amazing style. Shes been working with Ford Models for years and is now at the forefront of the fashion world. Her personal style is pretty close to this outfit, and you will never catch her slipping. Chanel Iman is a great icon for tall, naturally lean women.
Janelle Monae is a rising recording artist signed with Bad Boy Records. I haven't really heard much of her music, but I have noticed her creative outfits. The first thing that catches your eye is either her hair, or her psuedo-masculine ensembles. As you can see in the above photo, she has on a tie, a button down dress shirt, and slacks. However, it does not look in the least bit manly. She manages to make it interesting and feminine. Definitely someone to watch.

Monday, January 17, 2011

How Important Is It to Smell Good?

Extremely Important!

Sense of smell is just about the strongest sense humans have. It can either disance us or attract us to someone. Think of that person who smells like BO or something you don't want to investigate...disgusting right? Now think of that guy/girl who always walks past you smelling like heaven itself. You can't get enough of them, right? That is the person you want to be.

Ok, so how do I become the smell-good person?

1. Make sure to regularly take showers or baths. If you have rigorous activities that make you sweat during the day, then you may have to take one shower in the morning and another one at night. I know this tip is a given, but some things really do deserve extra emphasis...

2. Figure out what scents work best with your natural pheromones. For women there are flowery scents, fresh scents, sugary sweet ones, and woodsy ones (almost like a cologne). I have found that sugary sweet perfumes and floral scents are wonderful on me. However, this can be hard to decide. Just walk up to a department store counter and start testing them out. If you have any questions, just ask the sales attendants. They should have the perfume descriptions on hand.

3. Once you know what type of scent you need, decide between body spray and perfume. Personally, I use a combination of both. The good thing about body sprays is that they are very affordable, and there is normally a wonderful lotion and body wash right next the spray on the shelf. This makes it easy to layer it on, so that you smell amazing in a natural way. Bath and Body Works is the best for this, but you can find them in Wal-mart,Wal-greens, etc. Body sprays are great, but they are also very light and they tend to wear off quickly. So if you have some money to spend and you are looking for a durable scent, hit the fragrance counters. Ask for a set that comes with the lotion and a mini bottle.

4. Know where to apply the scent. You can use several methods. The traditional way is to spray or dab all of your pulse points; over your heart, behind you ears, on your neck, inside both wrists, inside both elbows, lower abdomen, and behind your knees. It lasts you all day, lol. However if you are just going out for awhile, then you might want to just spray the air, step throught the scent and then spray your hair. An added extra is to spray the back of your neck if you know you're gonna be getting a hug, or up close and personal with someone ;).

5. Always carry around the little mini bottles or roll-ons. This can be a great refresher in the middle of your school/work day. Or it can be there for you half-way through a date =). The point is, with these little suckers, you can always smell wonderful!

So, maybe this isn't the most important thing in the world. But it can greatly inhance your personal style and brighten up your day. Plus, wouldn't it be great if when people thought of you they'd say "Mmm...That girl/guy always smells soooo good!"

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Style This Week: Me

I was feeling, artsy, carefree and happy that day. Also I got a chance to wear my favorite watch.

This outfit gives me a really oldschool cutesy feeling. I have on a vintage sweater I found at a thrift store with the initials LC, a skirt from Charlotte Russe, tights from Macy's, and boots from Famous Brand Footwear. Also, I really should have elongated my neck in this pic...Oh, well lol. Next time.

My little outfit I wear when I'm relaxing at home sometimes. A racerbacker blue tee, and black leggings both from wal-mart! I'm a thrifty shopper, you know what I'm sayin'?
The watch have on in the first pic. Its my fave, I love it! I think its from Macy's.

This is a long, glass pearl necklace that I wrapped around my wrist and wore with all black the day I wore my loose bun. I love pearls. I want some silvery blue ones. Gonna have to hit the bead store up lol. <3 =)



Thursday, January 13, 2011

Loose Bun =)

Do you ever feel like you're getting into a rut? The same outfits, the same hairstyles, and so on and so forth? I definitely do! I feel like I don't always use my full potential. So this week I've been trying to change up my outfits and hairstyles. Today I wore a loose bun and I loved it! =)


This was really easy to do. I just took a doubled over long rubberband headband and made a high ponytail. Then I doubled it over again to make the bun. At the base, I wrapped a pipe-cleaner around it to secure the loose locs. Then I stuck the feather-chopstick in and I was done! I actually got a lot of compliments on this, so I was really happy and I had a good day! <3

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Items On My Wishlist

I don't really have that much money right now, however next time I get some to go online shopping I'm gonna buy this gorgeous stuff at Modcloth.com and LuLus.com. They really do have some amazing things. Also, I might make the ear cuff... I'm still deciding.
Clear Plastic Heart Umbrella- $29.99 at Modcloth.com

Almond Toffe Skirt- $14 at LuLus.com

Reviving Venus Dress- $49.99 at Modcloth.com
I just know I would look amazing in this!!!

First Snow of the Season Coat- $69.99 at Modcloth.com

Pretzel-A-Porter Earcuff- $14.99 at Modcloth.com

Cute Golden Bunny Ring- $14 dollars at Lulus.com

I really love ModCloth and LuLus. They provide an outlet for finding unique items at a fairly affordable price. Modcloth also has some really amazing vintage stuff. =)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Which Eye?

I was just messing around, bored, when I decided to put on some makeup, try something new, you know?

Loving the purple because I think it really goes with my skin color, however its a little conspicuous because I put midnight blue matte shadow on before I layered on the purple shimmer. I think maybe next time I'm out at night I could use this.?

This is a way more subtle shimmery pink over light light light pink matte eye shadow. Which one looks best?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Calligraphy.! =)

I just got a set of Schaeffer Calligraphy Pens for Christmas and I love them! I've been doodling all day long in my sketchbook because they make the prettiest lines and they really flow. I've always admired calligraphy, especially Asian and Persian. I am soooo psyched to practice with these and next I'll be trying to figure out how to use this for wearable art!

I think this is a good prototype for a logo. Notice the "such a yes" like Nicki Minaj in Higher Than A Kite "I'm such a yes, and your a no no. Live wit a dragon, wear a Kimono". Except I'm not calling anyone a No lol. At least not for the moment...=)

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

My Slightly Re-Organized Closet

Okay, so second semester starts back up tomorrow and I have decided that I want look amazing for the remainder of the year. Of course as soon as I decided this, I said to myself "The reason I don't always look as cute as I can is because I never know where my good clothes are and I don't have enough time in the morning for my jewelry and whatnot.! Time to re-organize.!". So then I stay up until five in the morning organizing my clothes, jewelry, and my vanity. Those are only half of my clothes uptop. Everything else is in a bin lol.

My new fave purse that my Mama gave me for Christmas. Wearing this tomorrow w/ boots.! =)

The little evening purses/clutches that I normally wear to dances. But they would also be really cutew/ jeans...hmm...

The Vanity, Its cluttered but organized. Has my fragrances, lotions, jewelry, makeup, and hair products. I love this thing!

I don't wear that much makeup because I have young, clear skin and I look fine without it. But I still love makeup, so here you go!

My fave jewelry, the rest is in a jewelry box.
So, I'm not really sure what I'm gonna wear tomorrow...but it will definitely look fabulous because I took the time to organize my stuff and because I will be waking up early, thank you very much! =)