Collection Spotlight: Dsquared2 - Fall 2010

(all photos from: nymag)

If James bond got it on with a dominatrix (entirely possible considering James Bond's propensity to bed women) and that particular "relation" resulted in a daughter, I would imagine she would dress like this. How's that for a description?

This collection is not subtle in any way, shape or form. This collection is for the vixen. It's for the woman who wants to turn heads when she walks into a room or down a street. This is for the woman who commands attention.

My personal favourites are the last two pieces of the 5th set. The use of leather is undeniably sexy but so is the way the fabric just hugs the models figures. The necklines are interesting as well and the I absolutely love the way the Caten's used red as accents in these two outfits.

What do you think?

All About Eyes - Satin Taupe and Blue

Do I even need to explain what I'm using for this look? :p

Products Used:

MAC Paint Pot - Soft Ochre

MAC eyeshadow - Satin Taupe

Sleek MakeUP Palette (Original) - dark blue shade

MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack

L'oréal Voluminous Mascara

At the time I created this look, I wasn't using Satin Taupe at all. So naturally, I wanted to incorporate it into a look. This is perfect for those days when you want to look put together but maybe don't have the time to experiment. It's subtle enough to work for daytime but will still give you the polish you want. 

It's very simple: first you need to prime your eyelids with whichever primer you want, I happened to use a Paint Pot in Soft Ochre. Then, apply Satin Taupe all over the lid lower and lash line. You can take the eyeshadow up as high as you want; but for a more natural look, I chose to apply it just past the crease and blended it up to the brow bone. Then I applied a dark blue eyeshadow to the outer v of my eye. I blended this to the crease and make sure to apply some to the lower lash line. Then I lined the top lash line with MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack, but you can use any black eyeliner you prefer. Then I topped it off with some mascara and I was good to go.

Hope you guys liked this more neutral look!

2010 Primetime Emmy Awards - Hits & Misses

FASHION HITS

left to right:

- Kim Kardashian in Marchesa (photo from Fab Sugar): She looks like a Grecian goddess.

- Jennifer Carpenter (Unknown, photo from InStyle): Hello, Vixen! Hair could've been better but that dress is too fabulous.

- Emily Deschanel (Unknown, photo from InStyle): Unusual but so gorgeous!

- Claire Danes in Giorgio Armani Privé (photo from InStyle): Glam, glam, glam!

left to right:

- Jenna Fischer (Unknown, photo from InStyle): A bright colour in a mostly neutral crowd. Very refreshing.

- Kelly Osbourne in Tony Ward (photo from InStyle): Amazing details, amazing body.

- Elisabeth Moss in Donna Karan (photo from InStyle): What a fantastic dress, it looks like something off of a statue.

- Kristen Wiig (Unknown, photo from InStyle): A print and shoulder feathers? She knows how to take risks and I think she looks fierce.

left to right:

- Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta (photo from InStyle): A stunning gown and a beautiful statement necklace.

- Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez (photo from Just Jared): Simple yet elegant. And how fab are her Irene Neuwirth earrings?!

- Jayma Mays in Burberry (photo from Just Jared): Absolutely love the detailing and I love that she's taking bigger risks when it comes to fashion. 

FASHION MISSES

left to right:

- Mindy Kaling (Unknown, photo from Celebuzz): No. Just... No.

- Anna Paquin in Alexander McQueen (photo from Fab Sugar): Love the gold detail, hate the draping. I think this would've looked better on someone more statuesque.

- Christina Hendricks in Zac Posen (photo from Fab Sugar): Take the sleeves off and I think this would've been a gorgeous dress. That being said, I think the cleavage is a little too distracting (her husband must love it though. And every other straight man, for that matter).

- Stephanie Pratt (Unknown, photo from Fab Sugar): Honey, this is not what you wear to the Emmy's. 

left to right:

- Jane Krakowski in Escada (photo from InStyle): Would've been better without that huge lump of fabric on her left hip. Gorgeous fabric, though.

- Julie Bowen in J. Mendel (photo from InStyle): I'm just not a fan of the "let's sew some pieces of fabric together haphazardly" look.

- Nina Dobrev in Zuhair Murad (photo from InStyle): This dress does nothing for her figure (and she has a great one). Plus, I think it makes her look too old.

- Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta (photo from InStyle): I personally don't like the pattern of this dress. The dress itself fits her wonderfully, though.

left to right:

- January Jones in Atelier Versace (photo from InStyle): Stunning fabric, I just don't think she pulls this off very well. Especially with that mussed up hair.

- Lauren Graham in Yigam Azrouel (photo from Just Jared): I personally think this dress makes her shoulders look too broad.

- Naya Rivera in Simin (photo from Just Jared): She looks like she's going to prom, not the Emmys.

BEAUTY HITS

left to right:

- Lo Bosworth: Bright pink lipstick and a pompadour? Could've been bad, but she made it work.

- Amber Riley: Gorgeous skin and fab eye makeup.

- Christina Hendricks: A much better look than the one she sported at the MET Gala back in May. 

- Emily Blunt: Icy eye makeup? She wears it very well.

left to right:

- Jane Lynch: A purpley-brown smokey eye. Gorgeous! I'm so happy she won.

- Jewel: Minimal done right.

- Nina Dobrev: Absolutely flawless.

- Jayma Mays: A far cry from Ms. Pillsbury, her look was simple but stunning. And that hair!

BEAUTY  MISSES

left to right:

- Anna Paquin: I don't think her eyeshadow suits her colouring.

- Julia Ormond: Gorgeous woman, but orange eyeshadow was not a good choice.

- Naya Rivera: All I can see is bangs and a giant poof.

- Rose Bryne: Again, beautiful woman. But girlfriend looks tired. And the rats nest doesn't help!

BEST DRESSED

left to right:

- Heather Morris in Ina Soltani (photo from InStyle): Old Hollywood Glam from head to toe.

- Rose Byrne (Unknown, photo from Fab Sugar): Amazing details on an otherwise simple dress.

- Maria Menounos in Ralph & Russo (photo from InStyle): Love it. From the sparkles to the cutout to the neckline. 

- Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera (photo from InStyle): Very romantic, very beautiful. My favourite of the night. 

Who were your Best Dressed Stars of the night?

How I Store My Products

This is an Ikea Fira storage box (Fira is has sadly been discontinued. RIP) that I painted and wallpapered myself. I got this idea from a video I saw on hgtv.ca.

On top sits two hurricane glasses I bought from Winners (Canada's version of Ross or TJMaxx) which I filled with marbles I bought from the dollar store. My brushes are a mixture of Sigma, EcoTools, and a brand called hana k which my  mom got me from Costco like, many years ago. Seriously, I was still a teenager when she bought these. I always thought they were cheap quality, but they've lasted me this long. I'm having a hard time letting them go for some reason (hello, I'm Dani, I have slight hoarding tendencies). Aside from that, I have my liquid foundation, eye makeup removers, sunscreen, cotton pads, and the orange bottle houses my MAC brush cleanser.

First Row: Drawer 1 contains small skincare products including eye creams, lash serum, over the counter acne meds, etc. Drawer 2 and 3 are filled with various jewellery including all the pearls my mom gives me but never wear. I can't help it, they make me feel old!

Second Row: Drawer 1 contains all my lip products, drawer 2 has all my cheek products, and drawer 3 is a dumping spot for miscellaneous items. For example, in there, you will find hair ties, bobby pins, small lotions, contact lens cases, etc.

Third Row: Drawer 1 contains my L'oréal primer, my powder foundations (Bare Minerals and Laura Mercier), my concealers (MAC, Revlon, and Maybelline) and a Revlon skin matching foundation. Drawer two has one Clinique palette, single eyeshadows, a Paint Pot, three Fluidlines, 2 eyeliners, an Eye Bright, and 1 UDPP I've de-geniebottled into a small pot. Drawer 3 contains mascara, eyelash curler, a lipgloss (how did that get there?) and eye drops.

This is a section of my bookcase that's supposed to be for CD storage (does anyone still buy CDs?). Anyway, I use the top row for my perfumes (Lacoste Pour Femme, Emporio Armani She, Burberry Classic, D&G 3 L'imperatrice, The Body Shop Vanilla Perfume Oil, The Body Shop Vanilla Eau de Toilette, and Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb). The second row houses my palettes. The one on the bottom is Sephora's Color Play 5-in-1 palette; on top of which sit my Sleek MakeUP palettes (left) and my MAC blush and eyeshadow palettes (right).

This section of my desk is where I place my skincare and haircare products. The tray holds my toners, moisturizers, and lotion/body butters/massage bars from Lush. Behind that you'll find a ridiculous amount of hair products. There's also a random Bath & Body Works lotion behind that which I really should use more often.

So, there's my humble stash. I always laugh when people on YouTube preface their videos with "I really don't have a lot" and then whip out huge storage boxes with 10 drawers or something. I'm not judging or anything. Makeup is a fun hobby and as long as you're not in debt, buy makeup! I just think it's hilarious.  But as you can see, in my case, I truly don't have a lot. At least not for someone who loves makeup as much as I do. I do want more, but I don't ever want to be overrun with makeup. Keeping it manageable will be the key. Let's see how well I do with that, shall we?

What does your stash look like?

Care to share?

If so, leave a link in the comments, I'd love to check it out!

Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse

When I was in high school, I was always blowing my hair out. Not a good look considering I have a fair amount of hair. Not only that, but each strand is also thick. I mean, really. Then one day I thought, "why don't I curl my hair today?" So I did. And I liked it. And I blew my hair out and curled every day from that day on. Damaged hair, galore!

Now, imagine my surprise when I found out my hair was actually naturally wavy/curly. I was doing all that work for nothing! Nowadays, I just allow my hair to do what it does and it helps that I'm partial to wavier locks anyway. So in order for me to achieve a great curl naturally, I need a diffuser (that large contraption you attach to a blow dryer) and a good product. I've tried countless products for curly hair and so far I've only encountered 1.

Well, make that 2. Because the Garnier Fructis Curls & Shine Mousse is fantastic! It really makes my hair curl the way I want it to (keep in mind, I have natural waves) and it holds the curl throughout the day. It also smells wonderful, like all Garnier Fructis products do.

It's a traditional mousse, which I apply to my hair in a "scrunching" method. I then blow dry with a diffuser and just scrunch away until my hair is completely dry. I have nothing to say regarding the "anti-humidity" claim since I live in Vancouver and humidity is not something you experience here. 

I can verify the "long-lasting" claim, though. Which is fantastic if, like me, you don't like to bother with touch ups. But be warned, use too much and your hair will  get crunchy! A small price to pay if you want long-lasting curls, though. This isn't a problem for me since my hair doesn't look crunchy and since I don't have anyone else fingers running through my hair except mine (I'm always fiddling with my hair, it's a bit of a nervous habit).

Here's a shot of my hair after applying product and blow drying. I tilted my hair off to one side so you can get a better look at how it makes my hair curl. Like I said, I've tried countless products before this one. My previous go-to product was LaCoupe's Define Curl Shaping Gel, which I still do love. But I didn't get the same kind of curl as I did with the Curls & Shine Mousse. So, sorry, LaCoupe, you've been dethroned. Don't worry, I'll still reach for you now and then. 

Curly hair is my go-to hairstyle, what's yours?

Collection Spotlight: Emporio Armani - Fall 2010

(all photos from: style.com)

Firstly, big thanks to all the lovelies who follow my blog and especially those who leave such nice comments. It means so much to me that you guys do because it really helps make me feel like there are actually people out there reading this. Again, thank you!

Anyway, apparently the show's title was "Uptown Girl." Appropriate, no?

I absolutely love the neutral colours, the trousers (what else is new?), the rose detailing, the flowy fabrics, those architectural necklaces, and the shots of pumpkin/orange interspersed throughout. I mean, seriously? The pumpkin/orange shoes in set 4? I want both styles (now, please).

Overall, I feel this collection is a bit beyond my 24 years. But I just loved the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine (a traditional masculine-shaped trouser but in a soft, flowy fabric), the detailing found in almost every piece; and, of course, the shoes and accessories, which are my favourite items to own. Why? Because when your weight fluctuates or you're experiencing some water retention and your clothes don't quite fit right, accessories always will. Accessories (almost) always fit right.

Personally, my Accessory Philosophy is: plain(er) clothes + fab shoes/accessories. Of course, I deviate from this (can't resist a gorgeous print, can I?). But for the most part, I leave the flash to the smaller pieces.

What's your Accessory Philosophy

NOTD: Rimmel - Steel Grey

I have to say I'm quite impressed with the Rimmel nail polishes. I like the consistency, the wider brush, and the fast drying time. Does it last up to 10 days? Can't really say as I painted my nails just the other day. However, I can already see some very slight wear on the edges of some nails. Then again, I didn't apply a base or top coat. So take from that what you will.

I also love the colour. It's called Steel Grey but I see some hints of purple and I can see it veer towards "greige" depending on the light; which makes it that much more interesting, I think. Plus, at $4.99 CAD, you really can't go wrong!

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

All About Eyes - Pixiwoo Purple Smokey Eye Inspired

Products Used:

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette (Original) - purple and black shade

L'oréal Voluminous Mascara

Another Pixiwoo inspired look. I promise, this is the last :p.

I actually did this look a few months ago but I forgot about it. I recently came across it in my folder and decided to post it. I mean, why not? Purple's my favourite colour, I love smokey eye looks... It's a match made in heaven!

This look is super easy, at least it is if you do it my way. Basically, I just blended purple eyeshadow all over the lid up to the brow bone with my Sigma E25 brush (my favourite!). As I blended, I made sure to wing it out a bit in the outer corner; I also applied the purple along the lower lash line. Then, I applied the black eyeshadow on the outer edge and blended it very well with the E25. Then I took an angled brush to line my lower lash line with the black eyeshadow. Top it off with mascara (or falsies, if you like), make sure to blend any harsh edges, and you're done!

I quite like this look because, as I said, I love purple. It's a fun smokey eye that doesn't look too heavy and  is more wearable than other colours. Anyway, I hope you all like it!

What's your favourite colour to do a smokey eye with?

Collection Spotlight: L.A.M.B. - Fall 2010

(all photos from: style.com)

If I hadn't known this was a L.A.M.B. collection, I still would've thought it was involved with Gwen Stefani.

First of all, I kind of like that this collection is so all over the place. It's refreshing to think that you can wear a piece from this collection that doesn't look like anything else. 

I personally love the use of belts all over the torso, all the pants (from skinny to slouchy to leather... CAN I HAVE IT?!), the outerwear (especially the silver one)...

But my absolute favourite outfit has to be the first photo on the second set. The leather detailing on the dress is so unexpected, at least to me. And I'm in love with the over-the-knee boots!

Hope everyone's having a fabulous Mondays so far!

Leaving On A Jet Plane

"The world is a book, and those who don't travel read only one page."

-St. Augustine

New York City, USA

(my favourite city. I will always want to go back)

London, England

Paris, France

Rome, Italy

Tokyo, Japan

South Africa 

(wherever I can go on a safari, really)

Cebu, Philippines (aka my father's birthplace)

I've been positively aching to travel lately.

Unfortunately, I don't have the funds to support this venture at the moment, but it doesn't hurt to dream, does it?

Do you have "Travel Dreams?"

If so,

where do you want to go?