The makeup looks created by Chanel creative makeup director, Peter Philips, for the Chanel shows inevitably end up among the most-copied each season. For fall 2011, Philips went with an alluringly sexy gothic look to complement the fashions created by Karl Lagerfeld and the resulting look included a gorgeous elongated metallic silver cat eye and a peachy lip to soften out the look. Hair was styled in a slightly undone side bun and embellished with a brooch.

The products used to create the look include some exciting new, not-yet-released products. Read on for the full low-down on everything that was used to style the makeup look at this season’s Chanel show!

Skin
HydraMax + Active Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin (for prep)

Complexion
Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin-Perfecting Makeup SPF 15
Poudre Universelle Libre Natural Finish Loose Powder
Eclat Lumiere Highlighting Face Pen
Correcteur Perfection Long-Lasting Concealer

Eyes
Illusion D’Ombre in Epatant (available July 2011)
Illusion D’Ombre in Mirifique (available July 2011)
Illusion D’Ombre in Fantasme (available July 2011)
Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye-Definer in Khaki Platine (available July 2011)
Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Ebène
Crayons Sourcils (available July 2011)
Inimitable Mascara in Noir

Cheeks
(No blush)

Lips
Le Crayon Levres Precision Lip-Definer in Natural
Rouge Allure Velvet in La Furtive (available November 2011)

Nails
Le Vernis Nail Colour in Graphite (available July 2011)

Remember that Chanel’s limited-edition products (especially its nail shades), tend to sell out fast, so make sure to snap them up as soon as they launch if you’re loving them!

Images Courtesy of Chanel.

No related posts.

Unexpected elements. This girl has done something I have never seen before, and for that, I have to give her major kudos. She tied silk scarves around her boots! And they look really cool. I love that the pattern is a floral, which completely contrasts her indie style. This was a great fashion move, and one I want to try out now!

Layering. Nothing says cool like a little layering, and this girl has rocked it out. The best way to layer is exactly like she has done here. Let a sleeve peek out underneath a blazer. My one complaint would be that the blazer should be a little longer, a little more oversize, to suit her style more. For a pretty pop similar to hers, try a skinny striped tee under a boyfriend blazer. Push up the sleeves of the blazer to the elbow, and leave a little shirt showing. Effortless cool.

Boots. Is it just me, or do boots look a million times better with a little wear and tear? These are perfectly worn in cognac riding boots. They remind me of old-faithful-type footwear, the shoes of choice in your closet that you keep coming back to time and time again. I am a huge fan of the black and brown pairing in the color palette as well. For me, that’s style genius that anyone can pull off.

The accessory of edge… a pair of headphones! Can headphones even be stylish? I happen to think so. I always wear headphones when I’m walking around town, and when I see other people wearing them, too, I find myself wondering what they’re listening to, in turn adding a little sense of intrigue. And mystery is kind of captivating, and looks great on everybody.

Hair color. Mix it up. If you’re bored with your hair, do something drastic. (OK, nothing you’re not comfortable with, but just make a change!) This bright red definitely suits her style, and she can pull it off. If you’ve always felt you were born to be brunette and have been rocking blonde since birth, then maybe it’s time to get out a bottle of dye. Go for it! It’s 2011. Kick off the New Year right.

No related posts.

Let’s not talk about it.

However, it is possible to keep resolutions when we actually want to do so. If they’re enjoyable. So, in honor of the New Year, why don’t we make a resolution that’s actually fun? I say, let’s do it! If we don’t mix things up once and a while fashion-wise, it’s easy to get bored. As 2011 rolls in, let’s roll out a new style. Who’s with me? Great, I knew you’d be on board. I’ve got the plan laid out. Now all you have to do is follow along. (I know, right? A plan = Easiest resolution EVER.)

Find a celeb to use as a style role model. So here is what I figured out: There are a lot of stars out there who pay for stylist help. (Rachel Zoe, anyone?) And by checking out what the celebs are wearing, I can take a few cues and work it into my look by simple observation. There’s a reason Anne Hathaway looks so fabulous. She has a stylist! Why not use some of those ideas? If she is working a pretty shift-metallic clutch combo that you’re dying over, then try out something similar. Star style without the stylist price tag? That’s what I call pretty darn awesome.

Scour magazines for the upcoming season. Spring style has arrived in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue, Glamour, InStyle… Check out the pieces for the season and see what trends you fall in love with. Write them down and look for them when they hit shelves in the next couple months. Magazines always have the best inspiration.

Go shopping. Yes, I am allowing you to do that, but there are rules. You cannot buy the following: 1) anything that looks too much like your normal style or 2) anything that you already own. I don’t care how much you love tees from Forever 21 or those boots that are “so you.” We are being different this year, remember? Try out something that you love but may have shied away from in the past. It’s a new year, and it’s going to be a new and bolder you. Embrace it.

Play with color. Wear more heels. Do a smoky eye. Don’t allow yourself the easy way out. This year, part of your resolution is to be perpetually pulled-together. Do things with your style that seem a little scary or take a little effort. Wear your pretty wedges just because. Doll up your makeup and feel pretty, as you deserve it. Let fire-engine red be your new best friend. Just take little risks. Those are healthy.

Get a new haircut. Try something cool! Swing bob? Major highlights? A totally new hue? A pixie?! It’s up to you, but haircuts change everything about a look. And we’re reinventing our styles, so this is a great way to do it!

Confidence, confidence, confidence. I will say it until you want to slap me because I am annoying you so much. I have said it a million times on this blog, and I will say it a million more times. Be confident in your style choices, and own every room you walk into, street you walk down or life you walk toward.

Hello, 2011. It’s going to be a fabulous year.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/divineinfekt/3531656685

No related posts.

This is a girl who is working the low-key casual look of winter. It’s all the rage right now, and she is doing a lot of things right. I am about to give her props for that. However, she is slipping up in a couple areas too. So, let’s help her out with a mini-consultation and break down her look. Some innocent girl is going to have her style analyzed today, but it’s for the good of fashion, friends.

The Good

Lace-ups will add a cool factor to any look. Lace-ups are so huge right now, and there is a reason for it: insta-edge. I love her particular pair of boots because they look so worn-in, which just makes me love the down-to-earth vibe of the shoe even more. You can very easily pick up a low-priced pair similar to these in stores right now. Try places like Forever 21, TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, as I have seen lace-ups in all three of those locations for under $40.

She has the right mix of feminine and masculine pieces. She has sharply contrasted her lace-ups and oversize tee with a feminine-style peacoat and a pink, girlie scarf. You do not want to go head-to-toe masculine. You will look like a boy. But you also should avoid head-to-toe feminine. You will look bland. Make sure to take a cue from this lovely pedestrian and incorporate both into the same look.

The tee and skinny jeans could be overkill, but she avoids it. Vintage-looking tee and skinny jeans? That could easel scream cliché indie style. However, she manages to offset that stereotypical look by adding in a pink, printed fringe scarf. Smart move.

The Not-Quite-So Good

She tried to “mix” but came up a little short. A huge trend this season, and into the coming year, is mixed prints and mixed colors. I have to give her kudos for attempting this with the pink and red scarf paired with the asparagus coat; however, I would switch things up a bit. You should try to stay within a single color palette. These pieces sort of clash. Dree Hemingway and Rihanna both recently wore out a gorgeous pink top-red skirt combination, and Dries van Noten showed mixed prints in greens and turquoises on his runway. Both looks were trendy and way chic. So, here I would change her scarf to a turquoise or her jacket to red. Then, it’d be killer.

I would swap the bag. Her bag is cute, but not really working with this look. I think a black studded tote would add a little edge and more closely match her lace-up look (shoes and bag should be cohesive). Just a couple quick fixes like these, and she will ace our fashion & beauty blog’s School of Style!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/1000heads/4382165362

No related posts.

1. Add something that sparkles. It’s the holiday season! I insist that you own at least a few glistening items. Slip into a sequined tank, grab a sparkly clutch or slide on a dazzling cocktail ring. It’s just has to shine, people.
2. Overdose on accessories. Sometimes, more is more. Piles of pretty pearls, an armful of bangles or a ring on every finger can add an edgy cool factor to your look that your friends will enviously want to emulate.



3. Feathers and faux-fur are super pretty… and totally “in” this season. A feathered skirt and faux fur vest will give your ensembles little lifts. The other plus? These two pieces are so easy to dress up or down with varying amounts of extras.
4. Paint your nails. Giving your fingernails a little TLC is pretty important. If you take the time to put on polish, it just shows that you take care of yourself. Try out a pretty dark hue for the holidays. Insta-glam!
5. Curl your hair with hot rollers. Don’t waste too much time with the iron, just invest in hot rollers for big, luscious curls à la Blake Lively. Put them in, spritz with a little hairspray, do your makeup, then pull them out. Your hair will be stunning, and no one will know how little time it took.
6. Step out in colorful footwear. Feeling a little drab in your gray-black-brown winter color palette? Well, then add some oomph to your feet! I’m loving fire-engine red, electric blue and neon yellow. Yes, neon yellow. Preferably pumps by Christian Louboutin… Ha!
7. Blazers add polish. Oh, that they do. Throw one on over anything. A T-shirt, cocktail dress, pair of jeans, layered sweaters. Really. Anything.
8. Try an animal-print bag. I am in love with animal prints. Snakeskin, crocodile, leopard — whatever. There is no better trend for mixing class and edge. Amp up your work outfit with a fierce tote. You’ll scream I’m-fun-but-you-must-also-take-me-seriously.
9. Patterned tights will wow. Nix the simple opaques and opt for a patterned pair of tights. My personal favorites are polka-dots and cut-outs, but there is a style for every woman and every mood.
10. Believe in your style choices. Don’t fret over your style or question every little look. If you act unsure about what you’re wearing, then those insecurities will show. You’re in love with your outfit, so own it! I guarantee everyone else will take notice. Nothing kills style like a lack of confidence. So whatever you have on, the most important thing is that you work it. Be confident. Stand up straight. Smile. Whether it’s the boardroom or the living room, confidence is never unnecessary.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/keshiachante/5095486357

No related posts.

I used to have a lot of these notions about style, but then I realized that it just didn’t have to be that way. Designers started showing low-key looks on the runway, and I began to incorporate tons of loose, breezy and laid-back silhouettes into my clothing rotation. Now my style has come to be defined, in my mind, as relaxed cool.

I think effortless style will always look pretty. When you’re comfortable in your clothes, you’re comfortable in your skin. So, make it an end-of-the-year resolution to look great and feel even better. Are you ready to rock some laid-back chic fashions? Good. I hope you do. Here are the pieces you will absolutely need.

Oversize sweater. Probably one of my all-time favorite pieces, large sweaters are just so versatile. I recently picked up two great ones at H&M for just $15 a piece, so they are affordable, too! Wear yours with a pair of leggings, and belt it for an hourglass shape.

Pleated skirt. This is a huge spring trend, so get ready to wear this easy silhouette in a few months. The skirts are perfect for the effortless vibe. Pair one with a simple tee, or wear it high-waisted with a pretty bow tied in the middle. Gorgeous and simple.

Wide-leg jeans. My pair is a go-to piece for classy and comfortable sophistication. Unlike their skinny cousins, they won’t feel constrictive. The wide leg also evokes a more formal look, so I would pick up a pair in a dark wash. And if you don’t mind a little discomfort (just a tiny bit, I swear!), then pair them with a bright red heel or bootie. Trust me, you’ll look fabulous.

Oxfords. I love my oxford flats for a lazy day, but you can really pair them with anything. Offset a girlie floral frock with this menswear piece, or match it with a pair of leggings and tunic if you’re out running errands. They’re flat, comfortable and super-chic.

Track Pants. You heard that right! These are set to be a big trend for 2011, so get ahead of the game and pick up a pair. My suggestions? Make sure the fit is snug, not tight, and try out a cropped style. They’re casual, comfortable and a trend you can easily wear. Go for it!

It’s the weekend, so embrace comfort with laid-back fashions. Now you’ll never have an excuse to take a day off from style!

Image source: flickr.com/photos/cherrylet/5217890341

No related posts.

As design great Yves Saint Laurent said, “fashion fades, style is eternal.” This is one quote us fashion mavens should live by.

There are a few pieces in your closet that are must-haves because they define style. Trends pass away, but timeless items will last a lifetime. When choosing the pieces you invest your money in, purchase ones that will be forever fashionable. Here are my picks for the clothes that deserve a permanent position in your closet, wedged between this seasonÂ’s hottest piece and the item thatÂ’s so last year.

Perfect jeans. If you buy one piece in your life that you absolutely adore, it should be an amazing pair of denim pants. There is no feeling more fulfilling than facing your day in comfortable, classy jeans. TheyÂ’ll give you a needed confidence boost. My favorite pair of LeviÂ’s emerge from my closet on the days when IÂ’m most in need of stress relief, and they actually help me keep calm. TheyÂ’re practically magical.

Pea coat. There is nothing more sophisticated and cozy than a pea coat. These jackets have remained stylish for decades, and look as fabulous today as they did fifty years ago. Invest in a coat, in a dark shade, like the ones at Celine this season. It will go with everything, and they are super warm on freezing winter days as well.

Riding Boots. These are the most versatile shoes on the planet. Wear them with a flowing skirt in the spring, or with a pair of tucked-in skinnies to face the fall weather. I love riding boots in black and light brown, as they go seamlessly with whatever I choose to wear them with. And if you’re like me and do a lot of walking, these shoes will be your saviors—like walking on sunshine, ladies!

The LBD. Audrey Hepburn made the LBD famous, and who can go wrong while taking a cue from the queen of chic? Find a black dress that is tailored to your shape and fits like a glove. The length of the hem should be from just below the knee to a few inches above it—no shorter, no longer. Keep this dress your go-to classic for every occasion.

Red Heels. You must own one item that stands out and gives you a major dose of glam flair. Red pumps accomplish this. Pair them with your LBD for a fail-proof look, or make them your signature and style them with a basic white tee and jeans. No matter what you decide, just slipping them on will give you plenty of fashion cred, and even more poise.

Find pieces you love, the ones you would wear every day if you could. Invest in those, add them to your closet and pull out the favorites when youÂ’re in need of a style pick-me-up. You definitely wonÂ’t regret those purchases.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/4444707249

No related posts.

Layering. One of the greatest trends ever invented, layering allows comfort in a simple and chic way. One of my favorite ways to work this look is through tees with different sleeve-lengths and a light-weight scarf over top. Try neutral shirts—a gray long-sleeve shirt underneath a black short-sleeve top with a breezy scarf wrapped around your neck in a bold color will take you through the day, no matter the temperature. Another awesome way to try out layers is to pair shorts, whether they’re low-key jean cutoffs or a more polished option, with opaque tights—you’ll get a little more wear out of your favorite summer essential as well, before having to pack them away for good.

Tights. Tights are perfect for fall because there are so many options. For a warmer day, you can wear a sheer pair or one that has patterned cut-outs. If itÂ’s a bit on the colder side, opaque tights in a variety of shades, from basic black to a more daring hue like red, will look great under shorts for a casual vibe, or beneath a tailored skirt for a dose of sophistication.

Ankle boots. IÂ’m ecstatic about all the boot styles for fall (they look fabulous and are honestly the most comfortable footwear option you can wear out of the house). But before the real cold weather blows in and I will need riding boots or lace-ups, I am excited to pull on some ankle-length options. They are incredibly versatile. Wear them with socks peeking out the top, with leggings or skinny jeans tucked in for a perfect look every time.

Capes. Capes were a huge trend this season on the runways of Alexander Wang and YSL. Make the cape your before-fall staple. Grab a lightweight wrap for insta-style. ItÂ’s cozy, pretty and easy to throw on over anything. Wear it over a tee in early fall, or over a heavy sweater as you near the winter months. You can even belt it as an edgy alternative which will create a hint of curves and a lovely shape.
If you arenÂ’t excited about the looming cool weather, at least you can embrace the fun styles of the seasonal transition. ItÂ’s time to look on the sunny side of the upcoming cold temperatures!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/hermes-/3325699590

No related posts.

YouÂ’re browsing the aisles of your favorite store and you see a dress hanging on the rack that just looks gorgeous. ItÂ’s effortlessly pretty, simple but sophisticated. ItÂ’s totally perfect, and you canÂ’t believe itÂ’s actually on sale too! You bring it to the dressing room, slip it on and prepare to gaze back at your beautiful reflection.

But somethingÂ’s up. The hem is wrong. The cut doesnÂ’t seem quite right. ItÂ’s a bit tight. It doesnÂ’t hang exactly like it should, or it fails to hug your curves correctly.

Sometimes, instinct will tell you to buy the dress anyway. ItÂ’s on sale. It appears lovely on the hanger. ItÂ’s probably just your imagination.

Well, IÂ’m here to tell you to keep your credit card tucked away. There is a checklist you should keep in mind before you make a purchase. Avoid that shopping guilt that so often follows a purchase of this nature by asking yourself a few questions before doling over any dough.

How does it feel? If it feels wrong at all, then there is a problem. DonÂ’t make a purchase if something is uncomfortably tight (yes, skinny jeans too), cuts in (shoes and skirts do this) or feels picky (hello, wool). If it doesnÂ’t feel right, then it will just hang in your closet.

How does it look? Be honest with yourself. If you arenÂ’t crazy about the way it falls or you find that the color kind of washes out your complexion, then just put it back. It doesnÂ’t matter how awesome it looks on the rack, or how low the price tag is. It isnÂ’t a good purchase if you donÂ’t wear it, and you wonÂ’t wear it if you donÂ’t feel like you look 100% fabulous in it.

Would I walk out on the street in this right now? If you have to talk yourself into a look, then it probably isn’t a good idea to buy it. This happens often with seasonal trends. Maybe you are crazy about the graffiti pants from the Proenza Schouler runway, and find a similar style when you’re out shopping. If you think to yourself, With a little more courage, I’ll wear these, then don’t take them home. Odds are you won’t end up pulling them on. Ever. Some trends just aren’t for everyone (or flat-out only look amazing on the catwalk, no matter how much we would love to rock them). Another version of this is the “I will wear this after I lose 10 pounds” line. When you lose the weight, there will be something else that catches your eye. At that time, you can buy a piece to treat yourself!

Follow these simple steps and youÂ’ll get more for your money with less guilt along the way, which really is the best combination.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/idhren/3678863311

No related posts.

I adore the comfort of low-key looks as much as the next girl (and luckily this whole return-to-minimalism philosophy for fall will allow me to incorporate those as well), but sometimes itÂ’s nice to slip on a pair of kitten heels, don a full skirt or slide on some pearls for the simple reason of wanting to appear like an extra straight of the set of Mad Men.

ItÂ’s time for a modern dash of old-school style.

This look is incredibly easy to pull off as well, for every shape and size. If you want to create curves or skim them, an a-line hem will do the trick. A pea coat in a dark shade is perfect for the cool fall weather and a perpetually chic option as well. Kitten heels are an amazing addition to your shoe wardrobe. The heel is high enough that it will give you the necessary polish for work or an evening out, but not so high that you will be cursing the day you decided to step out in those particular shoes (IÂ’m talking to you, black three-inch stilettos).

And get ready for tons of vintage accessories. There are lots of ways to add a little fifties glam into your style with extras. A structured bag should be on your must-have list. Incorporate cat-eye sunglasses into your outfit. Pile on pearls for an updated nod to the era. And leather gloves that hit just below the elbow will keep you warm, cozy and stylish all autumn and winter. Bonus points if you add a red pout for the ultimate glam makeover.

Just remember to work one or two trendy pieces into your look at a time, like an A-line skirt or pea coat paired with a structured tote. The look works best when you allude to the era, not overdose on it.

Louis Vuitton set the groundwork for this trend, but you donÂ’t have to drop money in the designer price range for the fifties flashback look. There are a multitude of options at every price point this season, whether you have twenty dollars to spend or two hundred. So have fun taking a page out of Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly or Jackie O.Â’s handbook.

Sophistication is back, and itÂ’s dressed to kill.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/saramusico/4318970123

No related posts.