Chic to the Core: January 2008

Beauty Tips to Beat the Winter Blahs

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I don't know about you, but every year about this time, I get very bored with winter. The spring clothes are coming into stores and the next fall season is about to take over the runways. Thank heavens for beauty. I mean, what else can give you such a pick-me-up in the time of dull winter blahs?

First off, get your hair trimmed (or chopped!) and either a fresh dye job or a clear gloss. Nothing makes me feel as fresh and renewed like a new cut or a shiny coat of brown. My inspiration for my hair color? Rachel Bilson's hair on the cover of Lucky magazine. It's rich and gives me a serious chocolate craving!

Next, give yourself an at home exfoliation for your body and face to slough off that dead winter skin. I love St. Ives Apricot Scrub in Gentle for my dry skin. If you have oily or combination skin, there is an Apricot Scrub for you too. When it comes to a body scrub, I like to make my own out of Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and good old granulated sugar. Make sure that your mixture is thick otherwise, the sugar will dissolve.

For a a punch to your winter makeup, try the snowbunny look. Think pastel eyeshadows and thick black lashes. Revlon's spring collection has the Soft on the Eyes palette for $10. For a more more luxe version, try the Bare Escentuals Blendable Eye Collection - Watercolors for $36.

Final winter blah remover? It's inspired by one of my favorite color combinations and it's for your nails! Try painting you fingers a deep purple like OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark and paint a thin red stripe on your left or right ring finger. For the red, I recommend OPI's O'Hare & Nails Look Great! Now you look like you belong in a Miu Miu ad!

Source, source, and source

Here Comes Fashion Week!

Get ready all you fashionistas! Fashion week is right around the corner! NY Mag has an easy to follow schedule of all the shows. What shows will I have my eye on? Here's a what I'll be watching next week.

Jan. 31
Earth Pledge FutureFashion Show 6pm
Sustainable fashion is this shows objective and designers presenting looks include Diane Von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent plus a ton more. Now, I may not be the most green person (ok, I'm not really at all) but I'm really excited about this show. Everything is sustainable and ecofriendly (again, not a huge deal for me). I'm mostly excited that these fashions are meant to be washed in your washing machine and are easy to care for. To find out more about Earth Pledge FutureFashion, click here.

Catherine Holstein (not sure on the time)

Feb. 1
BCBG MaxAzria 3pm
Erin Fetherston 7pm
Katy Rodriguez 8pm
Project Runway 8pm
I've always just watched the shows on the finale but this time, I want to see those designers now!

Feb. 2
Lacoste 10am
ThreeAsFour 6pm
Maybe their show will hint at what's to come at Gap?
Sari Gueron 7pm

Feb. 3
Elisa Jimenez 9am
This is out of pure curiosity. Will there be any visible spit marks on the runway?
Jovovich-Hawk 9am-5pm
Hervé Léger by Max Azria 11am
I cannot wait to see the dresses at this show!
Gap 12pm
Tracy Reese 3pm
Diane Von Furstenburg 4pm
Tuleh 7pm

Feb. 4
Peter Som 9am
Carolina Herrera 10am
Love me some Carolina!
Oscar de la Renta 1pm
Doo.Ri 5pm
Proenza Schouler 8pm
Even though they've been snubbing fashion bloggers wanting invites, this show is a must-see.

Feb. 5
Hollywould 9am-5pm
Monique Lhuillier 11am
Marc by Marc Jacobs 4pm
One of my favorites!
Matthew Williamson 5pm
Another favorite.
Narcisco Rodriguez 8pm

Feb. 6
Michael Kors 11am
Yet another can't miss show.
Milly 12pm
I love this line. I can't wait to see what's out for fall!
Anna Sui 3pm
Marchesa 4pm-5pm
3.1 Phillip Lim 5pm
I'm so excited for this show!
Temperly 7pm

Feb. 7
Alice+Olivia 10:30am-12pm
Zac Posen 8pm

Feb. 8
Ralph Lauren 10am
Marc Jacobs 7pm
Meaning, his show should start around 9pm.

Stay tuned for follow-ups on the shows!

DIY Christian Lacroix Ombre Tights

I noticed these fab tights on the Lacroix Spring Couture runway and it never occured to me to make them myself. Luckily, the people over at Fashionista were thinking clearly and made some for us! I'm drooling already at the thought of having several colors of these. What do you think? Are ombre tights for you?

Be Mine: Valentines Accessories

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Now that you have your perfect dress, you need shoes, a clutch, and some sparkling jewelry! As always, there is something for everyone's wallet!

Be Mine: Sweet and Saucy Dresses

What's your style on Valentine's Day? Sweet and flirty? Or are you saucy and proud to flaunt it? Maybe your clothing doesn't match what's underneath! Whatever your style and price, I have the dress for you!

Jessica Stam Takes A Spill

Saturday, January 26, 2008

At least it made for a good laugh!

Source

Get the Look: Rachel Bilson

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Rachel Bilson looks casually chic as she went to get her passport photo taken the other day. Here's a cheaper version of her outfit.

Denim Jacket
Black Top
Camel Skirt
Flat Boots
Brown Hobo
Tights
Aviator Sunnies

Source

Be Mine: Unique Cards

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Valentine's Day is coming up and I'm going to start showing you everything from cards, to great gifts, fab outfits, and maybe something for your naughty side!

I like to think of myself as a creative person but working with paper for stationary or scrapbooking is something I draw a total blank on. That being said, I love beautiful and unique cards. Here are some of my favorite cards for Valentine's Day.

Here's a sweet card from designer Jobin at Moo.

Etsy designer jengsshop has these heart cards that come in a pack of 4.

If you want more chic option, QuirkynBerkeley might have the card for you.

For a card the that hints at what might come later that night, christinawilliams is the one to have. A bit of pink lace and a black ribbon make this one sexy card.

And here's one by designer SandyPhotoArt for the gals that are single.

It's Couture Time!

Here are my favorite looks from the couture shows. Enjoy!

Chanel

Christian Dior

Christian Lacroix

Armani Prive

Givenchy

Anne Valerie Hash

Valentino

Versace

Elie Saab

Jean Paul Gaultier

Source

Gemma Ward, Jessica Stam, and Lily Donaldson for Dolce and Gabbana SS-08

Friday, January 11, 2008

I'm in love with Dolce's spring ad campaign! The models really compliment each other and the setting is like the artist's studio you always wish you could hang out in.

Click thumbnails to view full size.