Style Bust
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Gypsy Brides and Body Jewelry: Stick With Me Because I WILL Make the Connection
14 years ago
Generally I devote my blog posts to events that are going on in my life and using the emotion (or in some desperate cases the actual calendar date) to inspire my fashion selections for the week. This week’s inspiration is a little different. My latest obsession has less to do with my life and more to do with weddings, specifically gypsy weddings. The fine folks over at TLC secretly knew that the weddings of 16 year-old brides from rural UK would be pure primetime gold, so they created a show (or stole a show from England, I’m not too sure) entitled, “My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.” MBFGW is a slice of life tv series that focuses on girls (and occasionally boys) of Irish/English travellers, men and women who live a gypsy lifestyle and have customs that fall outside the margins of “proper” British society. Many of these girls are expected to be young brides, the typical marrying age being 16. But I’m not here to judge their lifestyle or culture, I’m here to talk about their clothes. Judging from the many comments left on message boards, a lot of people find their wedding and party apparel to be tacky and really really really slutty, but quite honestly I love their clothes. No matter what the body shape and size, young traveller girls and grown women alike dress to the nines with outfits that appear to have been designed by a bellydancer who go-go dances on the side. After having watched a handful of episodes, it’s clear that these women choose their wardrobes knowing that their lives are less than stellar (they may be uneducated but they aren’t stupid – the girls know that they can never be more than a housewife), and wearing outrageous outfits is what brings them a little excitement. What’s so wrong with that? My answer: absolutely nothing. These girls know they aren’t sluts so they are comfortable wearing whatever they want. Thus, I have taken a cue from this show and I’ve decided to start wearing body jewelry. I’m not talking belly button piercings and such (even if I wanted to I couldn’t get body piercings – stupid sensitive skin). No, I’m talking about the body jewelry that looks a little S&M-ish because it probably is S&M-ish. I’ve never had the gall to wear body jewelry because I didn’t want people to think I’m the type of person who has a relationship with a dungeon master on my weekends. The lesson I’ve learned from the MBFGW critics is that I’m going to be judged for something, no matter what I wear, say, or do, so I might as well wear whatever I want. I can hear my friends nervously laughing now.
From top to bottom: Navajo Mini by Dolorous, www.dolorous.etsy.com; Goddess of Victory Body Harness by Peoples Couture, www.indiecollective.com and www.etsy.com/shop/peoplescouture.com; Haute Couture Breast Plate Lace and Chain Harness by thisilk, www.etsy.com/shop/thisilk; Haute Couture Nefertiti Lace Fringe by thisilk, www.etsy.com/shop/thisilk; Black Lace Vine Silver Shoulder Necklace by My October Country, www.etsy.com/shop/MyOctoberCountry; White French Lace Gold Shoulder Necklace by My October Country, www.etsy.com/shop/MyOctoberCountry
Complimenting colors: the new mani-pedi
14 years ago
I consider myself a bit of a nail polish junkie. I paint my nails about two or three times a week and have about 25 different colors (I used to be a nail biter, and I found that keeping my nails looking pretty, stopped me from biting them).
Having that said, one of my pet peeves is matching colors on both the fingernails and toenails. Your hands and feet are completely different, so why do people feel the need to have them painted the same color?
When I get a mani-pedi, I think of it like getting dressed. We wear clothing that compliments different body parts, so why not have a nail color that compliments our hands and a color that compliments our feet. And plus, it’s fun to play “color specialist” every once in a while! Now it’s up to you to figure out which shades look best on your extremities.
Try out some of my favorite fingernail/toenail color combinations:
Coral and Nude
We’ve seen coral and nude colors all over the Spring/Summer 2011 runways, so it makes sense to see these colors on our fingernails and toenails. Personally, I love a coral color for the toes (especially if you’re feet have even the slightest tan) and a nude/beige color for the fingernails.
Charcoal and Pastel
Pastels are very popular every Spring/Summer season. Pairing pastels with masculine colors tends to toughen up the sweetness a bit. I love a pastel color (such as robins egg blue or mint green) on the fingernails and charcoal on the toes.
Monochromatic
For those of you who get matching mani-pedi’s – monochromatic nail colors are just for you. Instead of choosing the same color, opt for a lighter shade on the fingernails and a darker shade for the toes.
Black and White
Classic. I absolutely love white on the toes! Paint your toes a shade of white and fingernails a shade of black, it creates a very modern look.
The Ombre Way
14 years 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.
Did You Know?!? Sense Of Fashion
14 years ago
I was happy to learn about a new fashion ecommerce site called Sense Of Fashion.This site seems like the perfect place for Style Bust Readers to buy and sell clothing.
Here’s why:
Unlike any other ecommerce website, Sense of Fashion’s international marketplace combines online shopping and social media. Not only can shoppers sort through everything from apparel, shoes and jewelry to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, but they can also discover emerging talent and then interact with their favorite designers through direct messaging as well as commenting on their favorite items. The store offers a wide selection of women’s apparel and accessories. They also sell a smaller collection of menswear.
Here are some of the pieces I’ve cherry picked from the site for you to take a look at!
Cotton Dress $70 by Andre Nicole
Andre Nicole Boutique is a United Kingdom based brand selling the trendiest fashion and accessories for women. This brand doesn’t disclose too much information, but they seem to be fairly popular as they have their own webstore as well as an Us Trendy store.
Cropped White Shirt $75 by billandmar
Bill†Mar is a fashion line based in United Kingdom. Bill+Mar is a unique and sexy label that is made to have fun with. It uses contrasting fabrics and prints to make texture and unique shapes. Its slightly grungy edge makes it stand out and gives the shopper something exclusive. Their model is also adorable.
Anonymous Cream Bear Leggings $65 by QooQoo
QooQoo is a Latvian fashion brand led by a graphic designer. Using only self-made fabrics for all produced garments, QooQoo earned genuine recognition for its courageous colorful graphic design. The brand manufactures and distributes limited edition ready to wear clothing for women and men. QooQoo designer Alyona Bauska won national Style and Fashion awards in 2010. QooQoo has opened Riga Fashion Week with Spring/Summer 2011 and Autumn/Winter 2011/12 season collections.
Delicate Pink Sweater $65 by JenFashion
JenFashion is designed by Israel designer Jenia Krol. Jenia began designing clothing eight years ago. She started the brand “JEN” during her first year at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. Jenia is working with 10 Israeli boutiques, and 2 American. Her inspirations come from Russian Futurism and Suprematism of 20’s. The City of Tel-Aviv also provides her with a lot of inspiration: Bauhaus architecture beat of the city, people, colors, sea, traffic, etc.
cari borja/clothesmaker Exhibition at Lireille Gallery
14 years ago
Berkeley-based designer under the brand “cari borja / clothesmaker” has created a Summer 2011 Collection inspired by her prep-cook internship at Chez Panisse Restaurant and Cafe. The collection is currently on display through the end of July 2011 at Lireille Gallery in Oakland, CA. A reception will take place on Friday July 1st from 4-8pm followed by a trunkshow of ready-to-wear and classic pieces on Saturday July 2nd from 12-6pm.
Cari Borja’s new collection is influenced by both the techniques and processes she learned to prepare seasonal vegetables for dishes at Chez Panisse. From asparagus, artichokes and calamari to carrots, beets and cauliflower, the colors, shapes and forms of the vegetables, fish and herbs are echoed throughout the collection.
The collection is a mixture of the organic, asymmetric and fluid. It is both bold and ethereal, sophisticated yet fun, classic yet whimsical. Using fabrics that range from Borja’s signature fabrics such as fleece and novelty wovens, satins and brocades, Cari moves into a more dramatic direction with layering techniques and fabric manipulations of pleated “artichoke petals” and gathered “cauliflower florettes.” The result is one of a subtle gradation of textured fabrics that culminate in wearable sculpture.
Highlights from the Summer 2011 Collection include a burgundy and gold chinese printed silk ruffle top and layered ruffle skirt – the colors of which evoke the gold and red beets that Borja spent time removing the skins from. A green brocade halter gown gets its texture from the layered pleated artichoke petals that are overlapped and tiered. An orange silk gown with golden godet inserts and ruffle details is reminiscent of the various hues of carrots that Borja peeled for carrot soup and cafe salads. A lavender brocaded satin skirt and top with asymmetric pleated artichoke petals that cascade down the front and sides of the bodice is completed by a crinkle chiffon hoodie jacket. Cauliflower florettes made from white fleece articulate the seams of a tiered coat. Finally those same florettes are crafted in tulle, jersey knit, a burnout chiffon and silk organza to form the silhouette of an off-white summer dress.
Photography by Harber Photography.
Steel Train Album – Get It Free!
14 years ago
You may have noticed my lack of posts these past few weeks. It’s certainly not for lack of good music. In fact the past month I have been attached to my ipod, I’m extremely pleased with my collection lately! Find me on Grooveshark (@MusicITZLife) because I’m about to make a new summer playlist for everyone to enjoy! I do however have a severe case of writers block, but I couldn’t let it get in the way of sharing this news. It’s been one year since the release of Steel Train’s self titled album and in celebration they are giving the album away this week for FREE!
I’m sure many of you are already aware that this is one of my favorite bands of all time! Their tracks Bullet & Turnpike Ghost made my list of most memorable songs of 2010. I have also been fortunate to see them live many times. I love seeing them in concert, they are so energetic and fun. I feel so connected to their music, they are truly lyrical geniuses. This is one band that I just appreciate and am continually inspired by.
So when this news popped up on my newsfeed an hour ago I knew I just had to share it with you guys. I’m really excited about this giveaway because it’s the perfect opportunity for me to share some of my favorite music with you. Honestly, it’s free so there is absolutely no risk involved. You don’t have to worry about spending a dime and never listening to it. If you decide their sound isn’t your thing (which I can almost assure you that won’t be the case, because they have material that will appeal to just about everyone) you can simply delete it off your computer. But please, don’t miss this opportunity to get an amazing album for free. For my sanity… just download it!
You can get your free copy at steeltrain.net.
Homemade Yogurt Exfoliating Scrub
14 years ago
Back in my days as a retail slave I worked down the hall from Lush Cosmetics. I loved their products but I dreaded entering the store every time. I am horribly sensitive to scents. Every visit to Lush resulted in an empty wallet and screaming bad headache. I still cannot make it through the perfume section of The Bay without feeling nauseous. I decided while in makeup school to bypass the whole skin care shopping experience and see what I could figure out on my own. I love to cook, so I began focusing on creating DIY skin care products that I could make out of the basic pantry items I had on hand in my kitchen.
It appeals to my crafty, pioneer-like nature.
Did anyone ever watch Pioneer Quest on PBS?
Aww! I miss history-centric reality television. So deliciously nerdy! Why on earth is Fear Factor making a comeback and not 1900 House?
Sorry… got sidetracked.
Anyway, without further ado here is the recipe for my favorite homemade exfoliant, complete with a refreshing, non-disgusting scent. This simple scrub takes a few pantry items to make and about ten minutes to mix. It contains plain yogurt, honey, lemon zest, and almond meal. Each component is beneficial to your complexion in its own way.
Yogurt is the ultimate skin remedy for this time of year. Yogurt is rich in zinc and lactic acid; these components help close pores, remove dead skin cells and prevent and reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne. You’d have to buy ten products at outrageous prices to do all that and I’m not done; yogurt is perfect for summer use, because it tones down freckles (thanks, once again, to our friend lactic acid) and eases sunburns. The perfect beachside companion.
Honey has been used in skin care since the Roman Empire. Honey contains natural humectants, which makes it the perfect moisturizer. Humectants have the ability to bind moisture to the skin, helping it stay hydrated. Honey is also a natural antioxidant, which helps reverse the signs of aging. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, so it is a potent acne fighter as well.
Almond meal acts as the exfoliant in this scrub. Be sure not to press too hard when scrubbing or you could scratch your skin. Almond meal replenishes the skin’s natural oils, which are often lost during the cleansing process, resulting in dry tight skin. Almonds also act as a natural toner. How awesome is that?
Lemon zest, like its friend yogurt, reduces the appearance of freckles and age spots. A little lemon juice can be used to lighten any skin discoloration on any part of your body (like your elbows). It removes dead skin cells and leaves behind soft even skin. To make the most out of the benefits of lemon juice add ½ a cup to your bath and soak for twenty minutes. Be aware that some skin types are sensitive to citrus acid. It’s best to try out a small, diluted amount of lemon juice on a patch of skin. Be sure to leave the sample to sit for fifteen minutes to ensure there is no reaction before proceeding.
Make sure to store the scrub in the fridge in a sealed container. The scrub should keep for approximately two weeks.
Yogurt scrub:
3.5 oz of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
Zest of half a lemon
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp ground almonds
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
Apply to a damp face in circular motions working from the center of the face out.
Rinse with warm water and towel dry.
Murad Hydrating Toner
14 years ago
I’m in a tricky part of my skin development, slowly transitioning from combination to dry skin, it’s been hard to find a moisturizes that make my face feel nice. It’s like being in-between sizes, don’t you just hate that?
Anyway, the last few months I’ve been trying everything from Avon Anew to Estee Lauder until I fell in love with Philosophy Hope in a Jar and I’m so happy with it.
I already did a post on Hope in a Jar, so this time I want to talk about another moisturizing product that I recently discovered. It’s Murad’s Hydrating Toner.
This product’s original purpose is to cleanse and tone, to be used after cleansing and before the moisturizer.
Combats hormonal aging and concerns associated with dry imbalaced skin.
Among its ingredients its lecithin which locks in moisture and restores suppleness and it has a very light and clean smell that comes from chamomille and cucumber with a hint of peach, which helps soften the skin.
I like to use natural products on my skin, so mini-spritzer bottle of home-brewed chamomile tea is always on my refrigerator ready to give me a quick refresher. And I’ve been using Witch Hazel as a toner and cleanser for years. But Murad has combined all these ingredients in one bottle and it’s great.
Another tip I got from the gals in Sephora is to spritz lightly after makeup has been applied. It will help it get settled and stay on longer. And I can attest to that.
So to recap: Murad’s Hydrating Toner can be used to:
- Cleanse and Tone
- Give the skin a quick moisturizing
- Set your make-up
This is one multi-tasking toner, a new must in my make-up case.