Lipsticks in Order of Appearance:

• Angel
• Brave
• Cherish
• Brownie
• Girl About Town
• Heat Wave
• Media

This weekend I was stuck indoors due to the winter storm rain here in San Diego. I decided to showcase my favorite lipsticks and how each one can really give you a different look. Also, getting cozy in my new Uggs, a little un-decorating was in order and so I put away my beautiful Christmas ornaments for another year. Time for a fresh start!

Happy New Year’s Eve, be safe and have fun!

Cheers!!

Makeup: Eyes: MAC Charcoal Brown Matte + MAC Lashes #33, Cheeks: NARS Orgasm, Lips: NARS Heat Wave

This is what I wore for our Holiday Card this year…more on that tomorrow! Soaking up the last of the Christmas Season before it is all gone. I am trying to bake Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate cookies tonight…from scratch, hah, “Nailed It!” I am also watching some of my favorite holiday movies- A Christmas Story, Just Friends, Elf, and Christmas Vacation :D

{Image via Pinterest}

Merry Christmas Eve to you All!

Top: Madewell (sold out), Express (old), Jeans: JCrew, Shoes: Nine West (ON SALE!), Necklaces: Charming Charlie, Target (old), Earrings: AE (sold out)

Makeup- Lipstick: NARS in Heat Wave, Eyeshadow: MAC Copperplate Matte , Eyeliner: MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack + Almay Liquid Liner in Black, Cheeks: NARS Orgasm

Polka dots, Leopard, Sequins, Chains, and Baubles….OH MY! I went a little wild with the patterns and textures but let this stand as a reminder that nowadays all the rules are out the window. You can mix prints, patterns, and textures to your heart’s content. The only guideline is to let there be a main color correlation throughout your outfit (mine was black).

I also love a bold lip color with just about anything. Heat Wave is becoming more of my norm lately, it is such a vibrant and unique shade of red. I love that it has a lot of orange in it which works well with coloring like mine. I bought this color originally to try to match the color that JCrew was using (custom mix) in their catalog over the last few years. Recently, JCrew released that exact shade as part of their own makeup partnership found here. Of course it sold out immediately. Soooo….if you are looking for that unique shade like I was- I mixed the NARS Heat Wave with L’Oreal Colour Riche in Evangeline’s Red to tone down the orange a bit. Voila!

However, I recently bought this metallic polka-dot top from Forever 21, and I was like, the only place I would wear this is on a date, so man up there, Pete. We ended up at a pretty little restaurant that I walk by every day on my way to work, so now I will be lusting after their veggie spring rolls Monday through Friday. Clearly I’m thrilled to be wearing a sheer shirt in frigid weather. The polka dots on this shirt are actually metallic gold, and they aren’t perfectly circular but have more of a brushed effect. I bought this envelope clutch a bit ago, and while the polka dots are white, the chain is gold, so they complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.Blouse: Forever 21 (similar here and here) | Jeans: Gap (black, Always Skinny) | Booties: Ecote/Urban Outfitters | Bag: J.Crew Invitation Clutch |  Lipcolor: NARS Heat Wave | Coat: J.Crew (Carrie, wool-cashmere, 2009)

We ended the date with some delicious bread pudding, a romantic walk to Wawa, and some quality couch time. Any hot dates for you guys this weekend? ;)

]]> http://dreamcreate.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/denial/ Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:47:23 +0000 Alana http://dreamcreate.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/denial/

This weekend was amazingly sunny and warm, allowing me to get away with my favourite wrap dress, last seen here, a blazer and an eternity scarf.

I’ve since realized that I live in Canada… and it’s winter. It’s a tough pill to swallow.

While I try to remember how to dress for winter please enjoy these photos!

Cheers!
Alana

(dress: Aritzia, blazer: Zara, scarf: made by my sister, lipstick: Nars “Heat Wave”)
photos by: Jeannie Markowsky

I picked up this sweater hoodie at the Banana Republic factory store in Franklin Mills (weirdest mall ever) yesterday, and was stoked because it’s the perfect solution to creating casual but not sloppy weekend outfits. And in case you never noticed, I live for billowy and/or loose shirts. Like, f’reals.

I received my Ily Couture bubble necklace in the mail this week so I was of the mind that it will go with any outfit ’cause I want it to.

Pretty pink bubble baubles.

What’s that on my head? Oh, just a giant sockbun posing as a fascinator.

Sweater: Banana Republic Factory Store | Plaid popover: Gap Outlet | Jeans: J.Crew | Sneakers: Converse All Stars | Bag: J.Crew | Sunnies: Gap Outlet | Lipcolor: NARS Heat Wave | Bubble necklace: Ily Couture | Gloves: J.Crew FactoryEverybody needs a good pair of Chucks.

How did you spend that extra hour we gained from daylight savings? My boyfriend and I did not raid the clearance candy at Target . . . .

Just kidding, we totally did.Happy autumn!

]]> http://byrachelho.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/makeup-monday-fall-lip-colors/ Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:34:49 +0000 byrachelho http://byrachelho.wordpress.com/2012/10/22/makeup-monday-fall-lip-colors/ I was pretty late to the makeup game. While most girls started experimenting with makeup in junior high or high school; I didn’t start until college.  I was partially turned off by makeup because as a kid I participate in dance performances where I would have a full face of stage makeup. I remember the makeup feeling heavy and caked on and the lipstick tasted icky. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started to understand and appreciate makeup more, especially with the help of numerous beauty blogger and beauty gurus on YouTube. I now know that as a kid the makeup was exaggerated because we performed on stage and that lipstick doesn’t have to taste disgusting. In fact, lipsticks have now become one of may favorite beauty products.

Since I normally play it safe with my makeup, I like to spice things up with an interesting lip. In the spring and summer I love using bright colors like pinks and peachy-pinks, but when it comes to fall and winter I like rocking darker colors like reds, burgundies, and fall latest it-color, plum. As it’s finally starting to look more like fall in LA, I wanted to share with you some of my lip color picks for the upcoming months.

L’Oreal Colour Riche in Fairest Nude ($9) – A drugstore classic, this nude lip color works for all skin tones and is perfect complement when you wear a dramatic eye.

Tarte Glamazon™ Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick in Inspired ($26) – An everyday dusty rose color to give you the perfect MLBB (my lips but better) look.

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in Fifth Ave. Fuchsia ($8) – A bright fuchsia color that will make you stand out from a sea of reds this fall.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Sugar Berry Tinted ($22.50)  - Kill two birds with one stone, this exfoliates your lips and gives you a tint of berry all in one product.

NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave ($24) – You can never go wrong with a cult favorite, an orange-red lipstick.

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($15) – The perfect retro red lip.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Red Velvet ($7.50) – A super moisturizing and pigmented lip butter in a gorgeous deep cranberry color.

Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lipcolor with SPF 16 in Plum Wine ($10) – An inexpensive way to try this season’s latest lip trend, wear it sheer for a hint of color or layer it on for a more dramatic look.

Photos via Drugstore.com, MAC, Sephora and Sonia Kashuk.

I love taking a casual piece of clothing and making it picture worthy! I wear my denim button up to work with black skinny jeans or a black pencil skirt paired with heels, vintage gold, red lips and an updo!
Many of my co-workers wear jeans everyday, but I like to mix it up and be a little different while still being work appropriate!

Cheers!

Alana

The weather was gorgeous this weekend in Philly. I always remember August as being the hottest month of summer when I was growing up, but now it seems as if fall is already creeping in.

The boyfriend and I took advantage of the pretty day and strolled around the neighborhood. Here are some snaps from along the way.

I’m head over heels in love with our neighborhood. It’s like a sanctuary in the middle of the city, with wide brick sidewalks, plenty of trees, and 19th century townhomes. 

Walking to the Philly Art Museum.I usually need photographic evidence to believe my hair is actually getting long.

The view from the Art Museum steps.

Looking down the Ben Franklin Parkway.

I’m so in love with my NARS Heat Wave lipstick . . . . Should I make it my signature?

My attempt at being artsy.

We took a bench break in front of the Rodin Museum. I was thrilled to see my favorite neighborhood dog, Rhino, a big blue pit bull, playing with his owner here, but didn’t want to stalk him down with my camera.

The Thinker by Rodin. Philly actually has the largest Rodin collection outside of Paris.

The sun was setting as we headed back home.

It’s easy to forget what your city actually looks like and to notice the beauty in it, so it was nice to just take it slow, soak it up, and appreciate our life together in Philly. Did you guys have a nice lazy weekend?

Red is such a timeless color, not only in fashion but especially in beauty. Yesterday I finally purchased a gorgeous NARS semi-matte red lipstick from Sephora. I know the cult favorite is Jungle Red, but I like my reds nice and bright, so I went with Heat Wave. And I always feel at my most sassy when I have Essie’s Fifth Avenue on my nails.

Since I’m always looking to expand my color horizons, I went on the hunt for some red items that would fit nicely into my wardrobe, and here’s what I found.

Blazer: H&M | Scarf: Coach | Earrings: Nordstrom

Sunnies: Selima Sun for J.Crew | Bracelet: The Way We Are | Cardigan: Madewell | Earrings: Etsy

Top Left: Madewell | Top right: Urban Outfitters | Bottom left: Urban Outfitters | Bottom right: Madewell

Left: Current/Elliott (at Anthropologie) | Top right: J.Crew | Bottom right: Anthropologie

Left: Anthropologie |Top right: J.Crew | Bottom right: J.Crew

Left: Madewell | Center: J.Crew | Right: Keds for Madewell

And some finishing touches . . . .

Top Left: Coach | Top right: The Way We Are | Bottom left: Ily Couture | Bottom right: Kate Spade

Do you shy away from red or wear it loud and proud? Are there any colors that you’re looking forward to adding to your closet?

I think my favorite thing about this particular store was all the nail art stations. They had video tutorials and the tools and polishes for various looks, so you could try it out. I tried a matte topcoat (which wore off really quickly, but that could be because I put it over my regular shiny topcoat) and a dotting tool.

What I should have bought…Illamasqua Rare neon yellow.

The thing about Sephora is that you’re surrounded with all those mirrors, and you can see exactly how your makeup is wearing throughout the day. Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of not looking enough, and just taking it on faith that my face looks okay. This has led to crazy-smudgy-eye more than once. However, since the heat and humidity was pretty high during my entire trip, I had a sense that I probably wasn’t holding up like I’d like, and the Sephora mirrors confirmed it. My fashionable friend was showing off her NARS Heat Wave lipstick, and suggested I freshen up with something from the NARS range.

NARS Heat Wave

I decided on a fuchsia. I picked NARS Funny Face, and immediately put back what I was going to buy and bought the lipstick instead. It is a beautiful, wearable semi-matte lipstick. It is blue-based, but it looks warm and lovely on. It is the perfect summer bright if you’re a lipstick lover, like myself.

NARS Funny Face

It is not for the faint of heart, I will say, but it’s not costume-y either.

Here’s me wearing it outdoors (my porch is a mixture of sun and shade):

And indoors (I look a little vacuous here for some reason):

At $24, it’s a little pricey, but definitely worth it.

Anyone else have a favorite summer bright? Or a NARS lipstick they would endorse?

Happy Friday friends, this weekend could not have come quick enough!  These pictures were taken a few weeks ago on a particularly sunny weekend and I’m hoping such weather is in my near future! I’m so excited for a day trip with one of my best gals, trying a cool new activity with my sister (will elaborate shortly) and hopefully lots of pictures and silliness!

ooo and macaroons from Urban Fare!!!

Here I’m wearing my daily uniform lately, black pants, heels, a neutral top, red lips, and either a hat or scarf. So functional, comfortable, yet still seems like I may have looked in the mirror!
Wishing all of you a great weekend, even if you live on the west coast and are currently needing a canoe to get to work!
Cheers!
Alana

Just a few images of the eternally lovely Erica during a coffee break just in time for sunset! Can you tell that she stole my Nars lipstick? If you ever want to successfully steal someone’s makeup, just be sure to wear it right away, in front of them!

Later,
Alana

Slick on some tinted moisturiser (with sunscreen!), a coating of black mascara and tangerine lips and you are all good to go! Currently my favourite is Nars Heat Wave.  A semi matte with just the right amount of punch!

Image from here.

Today marks my first foray into the world of red lipstick! I’ve always been envious of those who could pull it off, then I thought “why can’t I!”  My weapon of choice: Nars ‘Heat Wave.’ The moment I put it on it demanded more confidence, there ain’t no wall flowers in Heat Wave Land! My week has been spent working too much, and looking out at the rain waiting for the sun. It finally broke through today and I celebrated with an unexpected sushi date, red lipstick, and a photo op!

Happy Tuesday, and a special hello to all my new followers and visitors! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Alana

So today’s post is dedicated to our ultra hot Haute Hippie Rep, Kristen.

Kristen is rocking the Haute Hippie Cropped Sequin Sweater (which we have on order for spring at Fancy Pants!), some uber chic leather leggings and leopard ballet flats. For us, the icing on the cake for this pairing is Kristen’s Heat Wave Nars lipstick (currently the best red according to Instyle), reminiscent of an old Hollywood shade of red semi-matte. Oh, fiddle-dee-dee! We can practically hear  Scarlett O’Hara traipsing through the estate!

Horizontal stripes with gold accents and a brilliant pop of red are one of our favorite timeless ensembles. We think a look is typically most successful when you don’t have a repeat of patterns, so stripes, leopard, black and red is a stellar equation. Keep it clean, but not dull! Kristen’s got it alllll figured out. A Fancy 10 in our book!

xx FP

1. Clinique Lipstick in Red-y To Wear + Butter London Come to Bed Red
2. MAC Viva Glam in Gaga 2 + Dior Vernis in Camel
3. Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave + Essie in Clambake
4. Dior Addict Lipstick in Perfecto + OPI Tease-y Does it