A selective editorial on style
Alexa
(9 comments, 23 posts)
Posts by Alexa
Cutout Cravings
23 weeks ago
If you opt for more coverage, but still want a splash of sexiness and skin, I can assure you the cutout trend will satisfy your sartorial appetite. For Spring 2012, some of my favorites–T by Alexander Wang, Alexander Wang, and Rag & Bone–have opted for subtle yet sexy cutout designs. Sweaters, shirts, skirts, and dresses have been spiced up, with geometric openings and slits showcasing skin in a mildly edgy way. Take a peak at Alexander Wang’s Black Short with Cutout Detail, Black Dress with Cutout Detail and Black Fitted Slip Dress with Cutout Detail; Rag & Bone’s Sibella Dress; and T by Alexander Wang Cutout Gown and Silk Flutter-Sleeve Ruffle Top. I have come to truly appreciate this trend, as it allows the more conservative fashionista to bare it, with taste and class, of course. If you’re in search of understated sultriness, cutouts are the trend to follow.
A Wang Cutout Shorts
A Wang Cutout Leather Dress
A Wang Sweater with Cutout Details
T by Alexander Wang Cutout Gown
T by Alexander Wang Cutout Gown
T by Alexander Wang Blouse with Cutout Details
Rag & Bone Sibella Dress
Balancing Neons and Nudes
01 month ago
I’ve been a loyal supporter of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for many reasons. The make-up is subtle and simultaneously fun, there is a variety of beautiful, versatile colors, and the overall “Bobbi look” is natural and fresh. Considering I wear little make-up and always strive for a more conservative and undone look, Bobbie always delivers. This season, she is featuring her Neons and Nudes Collection, the perfect blend of subtlety and brightness for the winter season. How simple yet genius, right? We all know the fashion rule, “Bright here, neutral there,” and we stick to it for obvious reasons. The beauty of this new collection is balance: balancing brightness and neutrality for a glowing, natural look. While the new collection offers a nude eye palette, an ink liner, a lip gloss in Citrus, Cosmic Pink, and Ultra Violet, an eye shadow in Blue Bell and Ultra Violet, a lipstick in Atomic Orange, Neon Pink, and Uber Beige, I am most impressed with the blush in Nude Pink and Nude Peach. The colors are incredible and offer just the right amount of color for a radiant look–and they work with any skin tone. They complement bright lips and neutral eyes, as well as bring the whole face together. Whether you’re looking for a less-is-more look in the day or a festive, flirty look in the evening, this collection is simply the one!
Bite Beauty
23 months ago
While I’m pretty low maintenance with regards to make-up–I wear a little concealer, more mascara, lip balm, and plenty of sunscreen–lately I’ve been hunting for some bright, fun lipsticks. I’m very passionate about natural ingredients, which is why I stay away from most brands and which is why I’ve certainly struggled to find a brand with fun colors and natural ingredients. Recently, however, at Sephora, I discovered, Bite, and I’m quite taken with the brand. Aside from having all natural ingredients like organic shea butter, superfoods, and food-grade colors, their lip products contain resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. Resveratrol is supposed to act as an anti-aging agent, and each lip product contains enough of the agent to equal five glasses of red wine. Bite products are formulated without the following: parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, and Triclosan. Sounds wonderful, right? In addition to the safe ingredients, the brand offers a solid array of beautiful colors and lip products, including lip treatments, lipstick, lip gloss, lip rouge, sheer balm, and lip pencils. Being the lipstick amateur that I am, I purchased a few different products and colors to try, and so far, I have been so happy with the results. The lipsticks and lip pencils are smooth, feel great on lips, and provide vivid color. While I have not tried each product, I highly recommend Luminous Creme Lipstick and High Pigment Matte Pencil. And did I mention how affordable they are?
Bright Bottoms
44 months ago
Now that the weather’s changing, along with the color of the leaves, it may be time to change your mind (or perhaps only mine!) about pants hues. Initially, upon viewing the brightly colored pants on the Fall runways for designers Phillip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Karen Walker, etc., I was curious–and hesitant–about such vividly colored pants. Could I wear them? Would they look silly? Shouldn’t I stick to my darker jeans, for the safer, less flashy option? While I loved looking at this trend, I had already convinced myself that I couldn’t pull off the look nor did I wish to attempt to do so. However, as I began reading my daily blogs and fashion editorials, I was seeing these pants everywhere via celebs, fashionistas, streetstyle subjects, models, you name it.
Bright Pink Pants
Fall '11 Bright Pants
Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, & Rachel Bilson
Hot Pink Pants via Coco Rocha
Street Fashion
Michelle Monaghan Fushia Pants
The best part about bright pants is that they’re a statement in and of themselves, which is why I suggest sporting neutral shirts with them. Try subtle blues, white, black, greys, and tans, in the form of a simple tee, tank, button-down, or blouse. However, if you’re looking for a more shocking look, you may wish to try a shirt of another bright color. It all depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Denim and leather jackets also work well with these hot pants. Now, while I can’t claim I’ve purchased a bright pair of pants yet, I can say, with 100% honesty, I have strongly considered the idea, and I believe I’ll make the move this week!
Take a peak below for some ideas.
1. ZARA Skinny Trousers: $59.90
2. ZARA Palazzo Trousers: $59.90
3. ZARA Trousers with Front Seam: $59.90
4. Mother Looker Skinny- Cherry: $196
5. Diane von Furstenberg:$298
Button-Ups
25 months ago
Wondering what to invest in for Fall, or for any season? Definitely consider a button-up, or two! Whether it’s floral, flannel, sheer, or silk, a button-up is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe—tuck it in, tie it in a knot, wear it over a tank, or let it flow freely. The beauty of the button-up is that it can be paired with a skirt for a dressier look, or it can be worn with jeans, shorts, or even leggings.
If you’re going out for a night on the town, choose a silk button-up and tuck it into a ballerina skirt or a hip-hugging maxi skirt, and add a pair of heels or wedges. Or, if you’re keeping it casual and looking for a day outfit, tie a flannel button-up in knot, throw on some skinnies or boyfriend jeans, and add a pair of converse or flats. The button-up is versatile and an easy option for any occasion.
Button-Up Ideas:
1. Elizabeth and James Paris Striped Silk-Satin Blouse: $245
2. Theory Melise silk-charmeuse Blouse: $250
3. GAP Contrast Piping Houndstooth Blouse: $59.95
4. ZARA Check Shirt: $49.90
5. Urban Outfitters Ecote Seattle Shirt: $54
Fishtail it!
06 months ago
I’m a loyal supporter of braids: french, side, small, large, crown, you name it. While I have been stalking the fishtail braid for months–it always looked too complicated for a hair novice, like me, to even attempt–I recently tried it and was pleasantly surprised to find it’s a piece of cake! There are several tricks for successfully fishtailing one’s hair. Firstly, I suggest having semi-dirty hair: if your hair is clean, it will slip right from your hands. Wait a couple days and try braiding in between washes. Secondly, the longer the hair the better. While it is certainly possible with medium length hair, the fishtail braid will look more distinct with longer hair. Plus, the standard fishtail braid hangs from one side–it is much easier to bring all the hair to one side when there is longer hair to bring. Thirdly, it helps to add some wax for texture, or Marakesh oil for smoothing fly-aways and adding some shine. As for the process, I suggest watching some online videos, which detail every step.
1. How To: fishtail braid video by Foxy Locks Extensions
2. Tutorial How To Do a Fishtail Braid by BebeXO
If you’re up for the challenge (it’s easy, I promise), watch the tutorials and take a look at these photos, and you’ll be fishtailing in no time.
The Ombre Way
07 months ago
There was a time when showing one’s roots–those of hair–was condemned and tacky. It was obvious the girl with two-toned, uneven hair color was in desperate need of a hair appointment. But now, having two hair colors, conspicuously defined, has become one, if not the hair trend of the season. Celebs, models, and fashion icons are flocking to ombre hair, particularly brown roots and blond ends. While I was initially hesitant about this new trend, as I’ve always liked the idea of evenly colored hair, I’ve begun to like the look and have even considered it. For those of you interested, there are two ways to achieve this look. Firstly, if one prefers a natural approach, simply wear a hat in the sun, so that the roots are covered and the ends are exposed. This will obviously take time and sun, so one must be patient and in a sunny location. However, if one prefers to go the salon route, get the roots darkened–or if they are already dark, let them be–and lighten the tips with a golden or caramel brown hue. The benefit of the ombre hair look is that one can save money and time on hair, and don’t we all want that? No more regular trips to and credit card swipes at the salon.
Drew Barrymore ombre hair
Emily Blunt ombre hair
Alexa Chung ombre hair
Rachel Bilson ombre hair
Jessica Biel ombre hair
While I’m still on the fence, albeit close to the ombre hair color side, I am certainly excited at the prospect of an economical, low-maintenance approach to hair.
H&M’s Fall 2011 Collection: A Bit More Luxurious
59 months ago
While many of us are enjoying, as much as possible, the sporadic warmth and sunshine in San Francisco, sporting summer dresses and sheer tanks, fall is imminently approaching. And while the frigid–or nearly freezing–breeze of the bay is painful to bear, cold weather also means more wardrobe options. After looking at the upcoming Fall 2011 H&M collection, I am thoroughly excited for colder weather. The collection is composed of fabulous fabrics such as leather, suede, tweed, lace, flannel, and even corduroy–perfect for fall weather in S.F. While H&M is noted for creating affordable, trendy pieces and basic wardrobe necessities, the upcoming collection reveals a more elegant and classy look, channeling cold weather staple items. Ms. Kloss models the collection with the perfect poise, balancing seriousness and playfulness and emphasizing beautiful silhouettes and hues. From camel colored skirts and coats, to forest green silk dresses and oversized sweaters, to rust-colored blouses, H&m stays true to its affordable prices yet exudes a more graceful and defined mien. As H&M Head of Design, Ann-Sofie Johansson, expresses, “Most pieces are fashion classics updated with a new silhouette, shape, or simply new styling.” So if you’re looking to update your fall wardrobe with bank account-friendly, chic pieces, look forward to H&M’s Fall 2011 Collection. Only a couple more months away!
