NYE MEGAPOST: It's Never Too Late!

Hello Darling Divas!

This is the last post of two thousand and eleven, and I wanted to go out with a BANG! Since we don't have a lot of time, this NYE MEGAPOST is going to get straight to the point and cover all our bases. Stay tuned, you won't be sorry in the end :)

First and foremost - know your retailers! Being Thursday, a lot of stores are offering free shipping up until 12/31: Free 2Day Shipping @ Shopbop.com and a lot of your local stores are having insane sales: Up to 75% off at H&M. But other than bargain hunting here are my tips for pulling together this NYE:

Makeup

I'm a MAC girl for life! The products are quality and last forever. Some of these products I've had for months but I am mostly a fan of the colors. While you can wear whichever brand of makeup suits you, below are my tips tips and tricks for makeup application :)

Primer

Prep & Prime Eye

I live and die by this stuff. This is the first step in creating a perfect eye. If you plan on a smokey eye, blending shadows, or using more than eyeliner, using primer first will make your look last overnight!

This is one of my simple eye looks. It doesn't take a lot of product, it has a slight shimmer and brightens up your lids for a fresh and youthful look. I am wearing: Sephora Nano Eyeliner in Pearl Beige, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Expensive Pink Eyeshadow.

This eye I consider "Technicolor". I picked the subtle colors of my outfits and brought them out with blending the shades, and adding a bit of black to the outer corners for a Smokey effect. It can be done with any color, but I love this idea! Even if you are wearing black and white, you can jazz it up with color on the lids. I am wearing, MAC eye shadows: Hepcat, Carbon, and Aquadisiac, and MAC Penultimate Eyeliner.

I like this lip because it is Nude with a twist. Enough color to combine with any of the previous eyeshadows, but not overpowering. I am wearing MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick & MAC Absolutely It Pro Longwear Pencil.

 

 

 

 

 

This last look is my favorite - I would call it "Hollywood Glam". It combines a full face of makeup with that sexy Red Lip and I think it's done just right. I am wearing MAC Eyeshadows Carbon and Gesso, MAC Penultimate Eyeliner, and MAC Red Ruby Woo Lipstick. This is the best red lipstick I have tried!

The Fits!

Ok so we've got Let It Shine , Let Me See Your Hips, SWING, Put Your Back Into It!, & Glitter Is A Girl's BFF as style inspiration. But for those of you who want to go balls to the walls with party dresses, here are my super sexy suggestions:

Divide and Contour Color Block Strapless Dress

 

 

 

 Colorblocking can never go wrong, and the black lines always add a slimming effect.

Lyric Poetry Lace Fuchsia Pink Dress

 Very Vintage feel and the contrast of the lace adds my "Subdued Sexy" effect that I love :)

Vivian Ward Teal and Purple Dress

This dress has a sexy cutout and the contrast of the Hunter and Violet allows you to do a multitude of colors with your accessories.

Dress with Scalloped Iridescent Sequins

This is a modern version of the Flapper Dress with the faved NYE glam: Sequins!

Accessories

Last but not least: Jewelry! I love a BIG statement necklace. There's so much attention drawn to your neck, you hardly need any other jewels! Here are some statement pieces to end the year right:

Micha Design Long Tassel Statement Necklace

Nakamol Design 'Cleo' Beaded Collar Necklace

Micha Design Agate Tooth Statement Necklace

Forever 21 Panel Bib Necklace

Here you go! Happy Stylish New Year!


I wish you all a great and prosperous New Year, and wanted to thank you for taking the time to read my blog - you guys are Savvy Readers :)


See you in 2012!

-TLW

Let It Shine!

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this season, as it is time to be jolly :)

As promised, here is your latest party post!  I’m sure you gals are finalizing (or like me, just placing your order) for that perfect outfit. For this time of year, the trend is to sparkle with sequins of all colors, or with glitter (Remember that Glitter is A Girl's BFF),  but what I really challenge you feisty divas to do: is SHINE. Try out some tasteful Metallics! 

Metallics are in a class of there own because of the glam factor. Most are artistic pieces that you don't see in your usual party attire. What I also love about the concept is that you don’t have to over accessorize because your outfit glows in itself :)

Tips to be FAB:

• Metallics are made with various colors (black, copper, silver etc.) so try to keep your shoes black or nude. Any neutral color will help highlight the dress itself; and if you are wearing a metallic piece (top, skirt, or jacket) the same shade rules apply to the rest of your 'fit.
• For accessories: stay simple.  Overpowering the top of your body can make you look bottom heavy, and with bracelets, rings or even a necklace, stick to the +1 only rule.
•  For makeup: here’s where it’s fun to match! With these dresses, make sure you choose one asset as your glam point: eyes, cheeks, or lips, and bring on the shimmer!
• Tights! They are a must, try sheer or opaque, but its best to have your gams as your sidekick tonight instead of a main attraction.

For some suggestions see my top picks below!

Forever 21 Fitted Metallic Dress

Jessica Simpson Bow Shoulder Metallic Dress

Sunny Leigh Skirt

Zara Metallic Skirt

Pleasure Doing Business Sweetheart Dress

Top Shop Co-ord Pewter Metallic Blazer

VS One Shoulder Metallic Dress

Zara Metallic Dress

Get your GLAM on!


-TLW!

Let Me See Your Hips SWING!

Hello Lovely Ladies! It is Thursday which means the question of the weekend plagues us: "What do I Wear?!" No fear, another party post is here to save the day, or to add to your NYE wardrobe possibilities. Today we have: Peplum!

Fun fact: Peplum is a Greek word that literally means a mini skirt or ruffle attached to a garment by the waist line.
(Today's history lesson is provided by Wikipedia.) Now that we've learned something let's get to dressing :-)

Think of Peplum as "classic layering"; Most ruffles hit right above the hip line smoothing out our curves - Peplum is our BFF ladies!

Here's a few cautionary tips:

• Peplum that starts at the hips will make you look hippy - which can exaggerate an unflattering point in our bodies.
• Slight ruffles at the waist can make the middle part of us look bigger - which takes away the curvaceous effect in general.
•  Colorblock Peplum can also have the same effect - if that's the look you are going for try to make sure the colors balance each other out (i.e neutrals with neutrals, bright colors with bright colors, not orange and navy blue)

Never fear ladies! Here are some examples of Peplum done SO right:

How cool is this?! A Peplum Belt to add to your exisitng wardrobe! BCBG Max Azria Peplum Waist Belt

ASOS Dress With Leather Insert Peplum

ASOS Aqua 'Klingon' Peplum Skirt

Mark + James by Badgley Mischka Strapless Peplum Dress

BeBe Fit & Flare Party Dress

Last but not least a few accessorizing ideas:

• With these dresses, since there is so much going on below the waist I like to fluff up the top! Exaggerate with a nice smoky eye, using the colors of your dress.
• Try a nice updo for a cute Vintage feel.
• BIG earrings! That should be your only statement jewelry to keep it classic and simple.

That's all today ladies! Enjoy some of the sales on theses dresses, and glam up your wardrobe - you deserve it!

-TLW

Put Your Back Into It!

Happy Monday to all my beautiful readers! It is officially 13 days until Christmas, which also means the New Year is right around the corner. Didn’t 2011 pass in the blink of an eye? Anyways, I am going to try to make the posts until the new year party related, to help put your fiercest foot forward at all your fancy soirée’s . Today’s topic: Backless Dresses!

Going backless is what I like to refer to as “Subdued Sexy”. I think my body can speak for itself which is why I’m not always a fan of extreme body hugging, or cleavage bearing frocks. At times I think those outfits are appropriate, but the hints of skin are the exposures I think are different and eye catching. Lately all I have been seeing is a lot of BACK. It’s like a surprise for those who are paying attention. Demure at first glance, but once you turn around it’s all back. All the time. But it has to be done right! Exposure in the back does not mean you can get away with it in the front too. The idea is for you to uncover, not look like your wearing a cover up! Remember these tips when trying this trend:

• Go for High Necklines –if your dress is a mini, the neckline is a complete juxtaposition of the low cut above your behind.
• Adorn a new length – if you are backless try calf or maxi length dresses to balance the main event.
• Know your color palette-if you are in a mini stay with Neutrals to make the back pop. If you have more length to work with (i.e. a Maxi) Glam it up!
•  Be sure use "Side Swept" or "Up Do" hairstyles to show of your daring back bearing.

Here’s a few of my faves:

All Saints Bali Solstice Dress

Chic-Side Street Grey Dress

Queen of Swing Black Dress

Rubber Ducky Rainy Avenues Navy Blue Dress

Rubber Ducky Tender Mirage Sequin Mermaid Dress

Issa Long Backless Dress in Black

Put a few of these on your lists to Santa, and stand out in all the right ways for NYE!

Until next time,

TLW!

Chanel Pre Fall 2012 - I Want It NOW!

I know, I know I just told you about Jumpsuits, but I couldn't resist another post. As an aspiring designer myself I love looking at iconic collections for inspiration, or just an understanding of where our Fashion Leaders of today see us going as we embrace new textiles each season. Today however, after stumbling upon the Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Collection I felt awestruck. I love prints, intricacies in simple garments, and pure  brilliance in craftsmanship. In these pieces today that is all. I. see.

According to Vogue, this collection "combined force of the likes of Lesage (the embroidery house headed until a very short while ago by the recently passed 82-year-old François Lesage), buttons and jewelry by Desrues, metalwork by Goossens, flowers of lace, silk, and velvet by Guillet, and the newest addition to the stable, announced only yesterday, Montex, another storied Parisian embroiderer."

Seriously? in ONE collection? I die.  

Here are my most favorite works of art:

Photo Credit: Vogue.com

To view all 79 looks visit Vogue's Chanel Review- Slideshow.

Don't mind me, I'm just going to get lost in the majesty of this all over again.

TLW!

Jumping-On Point

I have to admit- as much as I love fashion, sometimes there is so much gong on. Mixing prints, colorblocking you name it; after a while if you leave those trends up to the imagination sometimes they go too far. And matching? Forget it. These days pairing an outfit is not as easy as it used to be (OK, maybe it is, but you get where I am going with this). One of the unmistakable trends I love, and am a huge fan of its comeback is: the Jumpsuit! I personally own 5 (4 of which I designed myself) and I think they are the best thing since sliced bread. Jumpsuits are flawless. You don’t have to worry about the fit, since most jumpsuits are cut straight up and down for the entire body to fill. More importantly and more often than not, these suits aren’t a snoozefest! Jumpsuits make a bold statement since this garment gives itself one shot to get it right. 

Here are a few of my favorites, including one designed by yours truly:

Feel the Piece- Pump Jumpsuit

Lorelai Beige over Black Lace Romper

Out with the Girls Color Block Romper

What Goes Around Comes Around- Racquel Jumpsuit like it What Goes Around Comes Around Racquel Jumpsuit

Zimmermann - Calm Jumpsuit with Leather Trim

Assata Designs Silk Jumpsuit - 1.18.11

Let's hear it Ladies, is this one trend that should have died with our Disco Lovin' ancestors? Let me know what you think of these suits & my creation :)

Jump Around!

TLW

Glitter Is A Girl's BFF

A Happy Holidays to you lovely Ladies! Hopefully thanksgiving was all that you’ve hoped for :)

December is quickly approaching and we all know what that means: Holiday Parties! One of my favorite accessories that is both work and socially appropriate for this time of year are: tights. Patterned tights have been around for some time, but my favorite new twist is Glitter Tights:

 Now remember, since the bottom half of your body speaks so much for itself in these sparkly sensations, try to be demure at the top. Use these tips:

• Use the main color of the tights to be the guide for your outfit’s color scheme.
• The attention will go straight to the sparkle -balance your outfit with form fitting pieces so you don’t look bottom heavy.
• Glitter is enough – stay away from frills and lace. The point is to have the tights pop, not be an addition to a crazy circus outfit!
• With accessories follow the tights: if the glitter is Silver then pair it with like jewelry and vice versa for Gold.
• For Shoes, try to be simple with a Pump or T- Strap – never a Boot (Booties are okay). Don’t cover up your shine, illuminate it and accessorize right!

Here are a few of my favorite pairs:

Hue Glitter Lines Tights

Hue Glitter Motif Tights

Leg Avenue Glitter Lurex Tights

Nordstrom Glitter Tights

Have The Last Word this season Girls, and outshine the Christmas Tree ;)

Until next time!

TLW