Monday, January 27, 2014

Music Meets Fashion: How the Industries are Influencing Each Other

For more about these items click here.

I'm a huge music and fashion fan. So it's safe to say that I love the Grammys. I love seeing my favorite artists perform live but most importantly I love seeing what they're wearing.

It seems to me that the music industry, especially in the past few years, has really been influencing the fashion industry. It's no surprise to see a boy-band heartthrob or a chart topping popstar exquisitely dressed sitting front row at some of the most well known designer's shows at fashion week. Nor is it surprising to see them designing their own line for that matter. It has become more and more common to find out that a famous musician has become a high fashion muse - for example Lady Gaga and Versace or Miley Cyrus and Marc Jacobs.

Many of these musician muses have been featured in ad campaigns in the place of super models. Why? In my opinion I think it has to do with how much the singers and musicians have been influencing this generation.

Personally, I don't have any problem seeing Cyrus or Gaga in an ad campaign. I think their own personal styles really fit nicely with the design houses they are the face of and honestly I enjoy seeing them wear that designer. Gaga in Versace is just perfection.

I just find it interesting how much music really does influence our clothing choices. We might find some of these famous popstars' styles to be a little bit over the top but I think we seem to emulate them unknowingly.

For instance think of all the hairstyles celebs like Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Cyrus, and Gaga have had. At first we think they're really out there but just look at how huge the bright and pastel colored hair trend has grown since Perry's bright blue "California Gurls" hair made its debut. After a while these seemingly crazy trends find their way into our own wardrobes.

The relationship between music and fashion also works the other way around. Gaga has a song called "Donatella" and Tom Ford's name has been dropped a good amount of times by other artists. These popular musicians are shining light on the fashion industry and bringing attention to some incredible fashion powerhouses.

Yes, these musicians' senses of style may be a bit out of the ordinary, but you know what? I applaud them for it. At times maybe their fashion choices may be used to create headlines and publicity for their latest endeavor but that's not always the case. 

I think sometimes we don't think about the fact that is takes guts to walk down the red carpet in these eccentric get ups. Think about it. Would you personally walk out of the house in a dress made out of meat without questioning your outfit? No, you'd probably second guess yourself. 

So cheers to the musicians who are confident enough to rock lights, neon hair, crazy platform heels, funky glasses, and any other fashion risks. 

We have to give thanks to these people because we wouldn't have anything to talk about or look at without them. You can only comment on so many ball gowns and little black dresses. 

So go ahead and live vicariously through Gaga's wigs and Katy's glittery get ups and let's say thank you to our unique musical fashion daredevils. 

-BL

Who's your favorite musician muse?
Let me know in a comment!

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Bethany Mota Spring Collection to Make Its Debut

Bethany Mota, you may know her as Macbarbie07, is only eighteen-years-old but she's living out every teenage girl's dream (well, at least mine). She's the designer of her very own fashion collection in partnership with the huge American retailer, Aéropostale.

It all started when she was thirteen-years-old and made her very first YouTube video as an outlet to escape bullying. Since Mota’s beginning in YouTube’s famous beauty community a lot has changed.

Flash forward to now. Mota has over 4 million YouTube subscribers, more than 1 million Twitter followers, and over 2 million Instagram followers. She’s a social media celebrity.


Not everyone knows who Mota, the beauty and fashion guru, is but huge companies have taken notice of her and her videos. On December 8, 2013 Aéropostale launched its brand new Bethany Mota Collection. This collection was designed by Mota along with Aéropostale’s design team.


The line was inspired by Mota’s own personal Californian style (think beanies, graphic tees, and crop tops) and her many fans who all seem to love the new clothes. 


Like other celebs Mota has a nickname for her beloved viewers and fans, Motavators. Many of these fans have been wearing their MOTAVATOR t-shirts in support of their favorite YouTube sensation and her new endeavor.

The launch of Mota’s first collection for Aéropostale was so successful that her Spring Collection will be making its debut shortly. There is an option on Aéropostale’s website where fans can unlock outfits from the Spring lookbook before they are released by tweeting the hashtag #MOREMOTA. The first look is already 97% unlocked (according to my last refresh) and will most likely be open for viewing by the end of the day.


Judging by Mota’s winter pieces, the Spring Collection will most likely include floral patterns, skater skirts, feminine details, animal motifs, and graphic tees. Overall buyers can expect fun, wearable, and most of all affordable fashion from this YouTube fashion and beauty superstar.


Here are some of my favorite picks from The Bethany Mota Winter Collection.



Check out The Bethany Mota Collection and find out how to unlock more Spring looks here.

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Must Have of the Week: Charlotte Russe Wedges


OK so Valentine's Day is still weeks away but these shoes would be perfect to celebrate in. Nothing says 
V-Day more than a feminine pair of red Mary Janes. These wedges from Charlotte Russe are perfect for styling because they would look good with a variety of different outfits, whether you're going for a casual or dressy look. Also, compared to stilettos they'll be much easier and comfortable to walk in. What's not to love? See what I did there? Love, Valentine's Day, anyways moving on. 

Pick yourself up a pair of these Mary Jane Wedges here.

-BL

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Accessory Pairings for a Winter Formal Dance


If you're anything like me you probably love finding new ways to rework an old piece in your wardrobe. Believe it or not you can totally rock that LBD that's been living in the back of your closet for ages. Even if you've worn this dress to a past school dance or event you can most definitely wear it again and no one will have a clue, no matter how recently you may have worn it.

All you have to do is add some fun new accessories. A bright heel here, a statement necklace there and you'll be good to go. It'll look like you're wearing something brand new.

Here are some pairings for anyone's style.

Girly with an edge - A ruffly pink clutch and heart studs are toughened up with black lace. 
Ultra feminine - Pearls, glitter, ruffles, and beading - does it get anymore feminine?
Modern - Red shoes, geometric earrings, and a simple clutch make for a look that's very contemporary. 
Classic and sleek - Strappy sandals look very chic with a clean cut bag and a bold bracelet.
Edgy - Electric blue shoes and a studded clutch make a bold rock n' roll statement that's still wearable.
Glam - Sparkly gold sandals matched with a bold necklace and a bright clutch look super glamorous.

Trust me on this one guys. Before you go out and pay for an all new wardrobe shop your very on closet.
It is much less expensive to purchase a few new accessories rather than a completely new look. Odds are you'll probably get more use and wear out of new accessories rather than a new dress anyways.

What's your favorite pairing?
Let me know in a comment!

- BL

For more about the items featured please click here.
*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Monday, January 13, 2014

Must Have of the Week: American Eagle Coat

Fur and faux fur coats have been very popular the past few months and many celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey have been seen rocking them. This week's must have from American Eagle is a fun and edgy version of the typical fur coat. What's great about it is that it's faux leather sleeves add some edge and make it more wearable while the faux shearling will keep you warm. I would love to have this coat in my closet. 

Pick one up for yourself here.

-BL

Golden Globes Winter Formal Dance Inspiration

With awards season in full swing why not take some inspiration from last night's Golden Globes to use while choosing your winter formal dance ensemble.

The Golden Globes are know for impeccable fashion and last night's A-list attendees did not disappoint.

Emma Roberts, star of American Horror Story: Coven, donned a sleek black dress with an interesting neckline...


While Modern Family actress, Sarah Hyland looked feminine and chic in a peach colored dress.



Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle star, was on trend in a simple black and white gown...



And recording artist, Taylor Swift looked modern and fresh in a color blocked dress. 



Mila Kunis, Ted star, glitzed it up in a silver high-necked showstopper...



While Golden Globes host, Tina Fey looked super cute in a graphic frock. 


What was your favorite look from the Golden Globes? Let me know in a comment!

-BL

For more about the dresses featured please follow the links below


*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Beauty Empties

I have been wanting to do a beauty empties post for awhile and after a few months I have finally accumulated enough products. 

Here are eight makeup products that I have fully used followed by a quick review of each. 


8. Covergirl Smoothers BB Cream - Light to Medium 


1. I love this eyeshadow single from Maybelline. It suits my skin tone well and I use it everyday. What's great about it is the fact that it coordinates well with so many of my other eyeshadows. Whether I'm doing a smokey eye for a dance or my usual neutral look for school this eyeshadow works perfectly. It has the right amount of shimmer that is good for day or night.

The good - Very versatile, long wearing, perfect amount of shimmer
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product

2. Covergirl makes my favorite face products and this pressed powder is no exception. It leaves my face looking matte, which I love and it provides extra coverage when I need it. This product has never broken me out or aggravated my skin. I have never had a reason to use a different powder.

The good - Leaves matte finish, adds a bit of coverage, does not cause me to breakout
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product

3. I love this cream shadow. I use it mostly when I need my makeup to last a very long time. It's a bit heavier than my other cream shadow  but I do like that aspect at times. It's a great long wearing product that I'm glad to have tried.

The good - Long wearing, very pigmented
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product

4. You know I love my cat eyeliner. The liquid eyeliner I always use is this one from e.l.f. It is so affordable at only $1 and works quite well for the price. This liquid eyeliner produces a very dark line and can be blended easily if needed. I wear it nearly everyday. My only complaint would be that it usually fades a tad bit by the end of my day but for $1 I really don't have a huge problem with that.

The good - Inexpensive, very pigmented
The bad - Fades easily
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product


5. Finding a concealer that I really love is something I have been working on for months. I pick one out, use it until it's gone, and then try another one. So far no luck. This concealer by Covergirl was one of my first tries. There are a few things about it that I don't appreciate. I find it to be very heavy on my face and that is just something I do not like. Another issue, which is not the products fault, is the color. I have very fair skin and finding a concealer for under my eyes is a struggle. This one was just too dark on me for that. On the positive side, I have to say this concealer did provide pretty good coverage for blemishes but overall it's not for me.

The good - Pretty good coverage
The bad - Does not work well with my skin tone, heavy
Overall - I probably wouldn't recommend this product, I wouldn't repurchase this product

6. In my opinion Maybelline mascaras are the best around. They're affordable and work awesome. One of my favorites has got to be their One by One mascara. It truly adds volume to your lashes without clumping and lasts a very long time. Love it.

The good - Adds volume, doesn't clump, long wearing
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product

7. This mascara is my all time favorite. I have found that I like waterproof mascara better. For some reason it goes onto my lashes better and personally I think it adds more volume than a regular mascara. The Rocket makes my lashes look much longer and thicker than they are. It lasts all day long and never clumps. The only downfall is that it can be tricky to remove but that comes with any waterproof mascara.

The good - long wearing, lengthening, volumizing, never clumps
The bad - Can be difficult to remove but with makeup remover it's no problem
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product

8. BB cream is a staple for me on lazy days and during the summer. I love this one from Covergirl because it feels great on my skin and it has SPF 15 which is wonderful. I use this all the time during the summer because I spend more time in the sun and feel like I need extra SPF. It's great for all types of weather but especially hot days because it is very light on the skin. Even though it is very light it provides good coverage. The only downfall is not the products fault. When I purchased this product I chose light to medium. It was a bit dark on me but nothing too bad. When I repurchased I found one that was a fair to light version and that was much better for my skin tone.

The good - very light, SPF 15, good coverage
Overall - I would recommend this product, I would repurchase this product


What are some of your favorite beauty products?
Let me know in a comment!

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post.*

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Must Have of the Week: Carhartt Beanie


These comfy, practical, and surprisingly stylish beanies have been seen on celebrities like Rihanna and Harry Styles. They're perfect for cold weather and come in tons of different colors so you'll be able to find one that goes perfectly with the rest of your wardrobe. I love this cranberry color for Winter and will most likely be buying  myself one very soon.  

Pick one up for yourself here.

-BL

14 Ways to Revamp your Look for 2014

2014 is finally here and you've probably said to yourself something along the lines of "new year, new me".

If that's the case then it's time to take the next step whether it be big or small. Here are 14 ways to revamp your look for 2014.

1. Work one or more of Spring's new trendy colors into your wardrobe for a fresh vibe. Spring 2014 is all about neutrals, pastels, and brights so you'll have plenty to choose from. Pantone, world-renowned authority on color, recently named their color of the year and other popular colors for Spring 2014. Check out my post about these colors here.

2. Update your makeup whether you make a drastic change or a small one. Usually a nude lip gloss person? Try a bold lip and minimal eye makeup. All about cat eyes? Switch it up and try a smokey eye. 

3. Invest in accessories. Purchasing a bunch of accessories is a much less expensive way to update your look. A new bag, scarf, or necklace will make your outfit look completely different. Look at how drastically the simple tee and jeans combo below changes with just a few accessory swaps. For more about the items featured click here.


4. Try a trend that is totally unlike you. Girly girl? Invest is a good leather jacket. Tom boy? Pick up a frilly frock in a super feminine color. There is always a way to make a piece that you usually wouldn't wear work for your style. 

5. Update your favorite pair of shoes. Treat yourself to a new pair of boots, heels, or whatever you know you'll wear all the time.

6. Find your signature fragrance. I love Hailey by Aeropostale.


7. Reinvent something you never wear. Maybe try adding some studs or other embellishment.

8. Try a new hairstyle. You don't have to do anything drastic. Maybe add a few highlights or get side bangs. You'll look and feel completely different. If worse comes to worse hair grows back. 

9. Go out and buy some new nail polish. I don't know about you but when my nails are done I feel so much better. Schedule one day a week to redo your nails. It makes a difference and you'll save money by doing them yourself. 

10.  Invest in good skin are. Whether you have severe acne or a few breakouts here and there try your best to find a product or multiple products that work for you. If you need help seek the advice of a professional they'll know what's best for you. Everyone is different, a product that works for me and my skin may not do anything for you. Read my review of Neutrogena's Oil-Free Acne Wash here.


11. Follow some fashion blogs (hint, hint) and take note of looks you like and don't like. Then think about why you like or dislike them. This will help you figure out a lot about your personal style. Go the extra mile and get a Pinterest account and pin your favorite looks for future inspiration. 

12. Try shopping your dad, brother, or boyfriend's wardrobe. Their unworn watch, tie, blazer, or sweater could become an awesome new statement piece for you. 

13. Study up! Watch a movie or read a book that's filled with fashion forward inspiration. For fashion books I recommend click here

14. Own it. Once you've figured out your personal style (if you haven't yet that's ok too) own your look. You're the only you so flaunt what you've got. 

Happy 2014!

-BL

Friday, January 3, 2014

Resolutions for 2014

Okay, so it's 5 degrees right now and blizzard Hercules did a number on my town.




I've been wanting to do an outfit post for a really long time but things keep getting in the way. For example mountains of snow, freezing weather, and I've just been all around pretty busy. I wasn't going to do a resolutions post but considering the fact that I can't go anywhere or do anything (not to mention the fact that I haven't changed out of my PJs or left the couch all day) I have changed my mind. 
Here are a few of my resolutions for 2014. 

1. Be an all around more positive person - I have a lot to be thankful for and sometimes I think I need to just wear a smile more often and be less of a pessimist.

2. Treat my hair better - When heat isn't needed I don't want to use it.

3. Blog my little heart out - I'm always trying to write exciting posts and come up with creative ideas.

4. Be more active on Twitter - I don't want my Twitter to just be a place to advertise my blog posts. I want it to be a place for me to give quick fashion related tips and talk about my daily life, like a mini blog.

5. Be more adventurous with my personal style - My style is not basic by any means I just feel like I've been wearing my own sort of uniform lately and I want to break that. 

6. Write more about fashion news - Taking a Journalism class at school has really helped me learn how much I love writing about current events. I feel like since taking this class my writing has gotten much better. I want to blog about fashion news more often. Like new designer collaborations, new collections, and more. I think it will be fun and I'm looking forward to it.

7. Edit the design of my blog - I really want to change the look of my blog a little bit. Editing colors, font, etc. would be awesome. 

8. More OOTDs! - I love blogging about what I wear in real life and how I put looks together. I want more frequent posts like those in the near future. 

9. Blog more often - I blog whenever I can and always try to squeeze it into my day even if for only 15 minutes. Whether I use that time working on writing, coming up with ideas, or making collages on Polyvore. Now that I have the iPad I really want to have more posts go up in a week.

10. Enjoy 2014, have lots of fun, and take tons of photos - 2013 went by way too fast. Like waaaay too fast. I want to focus on really enjoying 2014 with my friends and family. I'll be graduating high school before I know it and a lot of my good friends are graduating this year. I want to make the best of  the next few years before I venture off to college. I also want to have lots of photos to document the rest of my high school career so I can look back on them later on in life. 

What are some of your resolutions? 
Leave a comment and let me know!

Happy 2014!