Man Repeller X Superga

Infograph: Dresses Worn by Best Actress Winners

IMPACT: more than just the font

Impact has made a huge comeback in the past few years-- and I'm not just talking about the block lettering. Mesh, neon colors, beanies, wedged sneakers, sweats; for lack of better words, I think intimidation is quite on trend this season, but I don't mean that in a bad way. 

Jeremy Scott Ready-To-Wear, 2014

Two or three years ago, my college campus was filled with double-breasted pea coats and brown leather riding boots. There were Revas aplenty and almost all of the beanies were crocheted or knit. And don't even get me started on Le Pliages. Though these items have not been fazed out completely, there has undoubtedly been a surge in louder and more "in-your-face" fashion. Colors are louder. Tops are cropped. Prints are verbally abusive. 

But is that really a bad thing? Poise and demurity have had their time in the spotlight. Maybe it's time for grunge's less-angsty, more-kickass twenty-something year old sister to join the ring. 

There are a few no-brainers for this trend. From the start of his career in the late 90s, Jeremy Scott has always been known for his louder and more outlandish designs. In 2008, his collaboration with Adidas really put him on the map (I'm sure you've seen it-- the sneakers with wing flaps... or bones... or teddy bears). Though he's had his share of controversy, Jeremy Scott is definitely one of the first names that pops into my head when I think of this trend, and is definitely a source of inspiration for many of the trending pieces right now. 

 McQueen, NYFW 2014

 McQueen Ready-To-Wear, 2014

Another more established, but equally in-your-face name in the fashion world is none other than Alexander McQueen. In a word, his 2014 collection is unapologetic. Black leather, white fur, wide cuffs, chunky footwear-- oh, and everyone's wearing helmets. If this doesn't scream Sparta!, I don't know what does.

The beauty of fashion is that, with each and every trend, there is a multitude of interpretations; one is bound to catch your eye. This spring, the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection had a calmer inspiration, with many of his pieces coloured in earthen tones and natural patterns. The shape of his pieces-- boxy and masculine-- exude that same sense of edge. He used combinations of transparent, thin and silky materials to form a more mature, but just as sultry response to the ever-popular crop top. Black mules, bedhead hair and iridescent metallic makeup completes Lim's equilibria between delicacy and nerve. 

3.1 Phillip Lim, NYFW 2014

Images obtained from jeremyscott.com, style.com 

The Blowout

Finally, after years of failed attempts and one particularly scarring round-brush incident, I have successfully used a hairdryer-- might I emphasize, only a hairdryer-- to style my hair. That's right-- the elusive blowout. Performed by hairstylists countless times a day, but a seemingly irreplicable task at home, the blowout is a coveted skill, capable of masking otherwise mundane haircuts till the dreaded first post-salon shower. 

I have no one else to thank besides Anna Lee Fiorino (annarunswithscissors) and her ever-informative Youtube video. 

FYI, I used CHI Silk Infusion as my styling product and different round brush (though I would not recommend it). I'm definitely interested in the round brush Anna Lee recommends, but I would have to check it out first, and perhaps give myself a few months/ years of solemn coveting, before I can take the leap and invest in one. 

Peter Pilotto X Target Collection

Behold-- the newly released LOOKBOOK for the forthcoming Peter PilottoXTarget Collection.

The collection will be released February 9, so if you're interested, you better set your alarms-- early. The 3.1 Phillip LimXTarget Collection was chaotic, with its most prized inventory being cleared out within minutes in my nearest Target.

The lookbook is an eye-full: geometric patterns, neon colors, and on-trend cut-outs and silhouettes. Also, as many of the recent designer-Target collaborations have been, this significantly more affordable line manages to exude the quintessential Peter Pilotto style.

(Peter Pilotto Spring 2014: London Fashion Week) 

Though the models certainly pull it off, I don't think I am capable of wearing much more than one piece from this collection per outfit. The patterns, being loud and strikingly geometric, call for little to no accessories-- making it easier for us lazier girls to look put together. 

Quite honestly, this lookbook does not excite me as much as the Phillip Lim 3.1, Prabal Gurung or Jason Wu collaboration-- ah well: you win some, you lose some. My faves from the collection: swimsuits, some of the tops, maybe the heels? 

Lust List: 1.19.2014

Hello, my name is Mel, and I have a far too expensive taste to live reasonably within my means. It is for this reason that I have lust lists. It includes just a few of the things I would frivolously purchase once my wealth is comparable to Smaug's.

left to right; top to bottom:

• SHISEIDO: Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion+ Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ For Face/Body
• I've been using a sample of this product for a week now and I have not broken out-- a keeper! What I like most about this product is its watery consistency. Since it is not as thick and creamy as most sunscreens, it blends well into skin, affecting neither your natural color nor texture. Just be careful pouring it, as it can easily spill! 

• BENEFIT: The Porefessional
• All my Youtube-idols are talking about it, so it must be awesome, right? I'm not a big primer person (I just have one mini-tube of Smashbox photo ready) but I really enjoy the idea of becoming a big primer person... Also, I've recently developed a complex over my nose pores. 

• GLAMGLOW: Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment 
• I've never tried it, but this product has been catching my eye for quite a while now... Everyone raves about it, and I've run out of the mask I used to use weekly. Apparently, the Glamglow treatment is 

• BOBBI BROWN: Eye Blender Brush
• I've heard that this brush is amazing for applying creamier concealers. As I had mentioned in an earlier post, I have recently purchased a MUFE creamy concealer palette. I've tried every brush and sponge I have but, so far, I have not found an applicator that is better than my finger. I don't think that method is particularly hygienic though, so I really want to give this brush a try. 

• BUMBLE AND BUMBLE: Color Minded UV Protective Styling Balm (recommended by Shar)
• As evidenced by my latest post, I've recently colored my hair! Since it was a double-process job, my hair is particularly damaged. I've been switching between color-protect Pantene and Bedhead products for shampoo and conditioner, but I do not have a special color-treated hair styling product. It might do me some good, since my newly damaged hair does not have the same form and texture as it used to. 

• ORIBE: Surfcomber Mousse
• One of my most trusted beauty Youtube gurus recently posted about this mousse, and described it to be incomparable to anything else in the market. She also double-processed hair, and her hair is beyond amazing. 

I know, I know-- the things in this list are not really too expensive, as they are all less than $100. The thing is, I know there are cheaper options, and if you know me, you know that I am frugal to a fault. Although I splurge occasionally, I'm typically the girl who is outraged by the price Publix vegetables. 

Bleaching That Asian Hair

Presenting... the final product!

Asian hair is notoriously difficult to dye. As it is typically dark brown or completely black, any drastic change in shade typically requires double process color, in which the hair is first bleached to remove much of the hair's natural pigmentation, then dyed to render the desired shade. Given this, it's a big no-no to endeavor dying your own hair when bleach is involved. Though I have never bleached my own hair, I have bleached a friend's. The color began changing within minutes, my friends and I freaked out, and we all ran to the nearest bathroom in our dorm. Needless to say, that friend had to go to a professional soon after.

So I went to a professional. After showing my stylist, Jenn, a few pictures of what I wanted, I asked for her recommendation, based on my skin tone and her own experience coloring hair like mine. Due to my yellow undertones, she advised that I stray away from too much red (as I had originally wanted) and opt instead for an ashy color. She also told me that I probably shouldn't lighten my hair too drastically. Rather, we start off with a lighter brunette shade, add in some highlights, and see what I think; if I wanted it lighter, she told me she had no problem adjusting it free of charge. 

However, after she had dried my hair and styled it, I was more than satisfied. Jenn did an amazing job and I am SO happy I had gone to see her and taken her advice.

  

In case anyone was wondering, I had my hair done at Adore Hair Studios by the amazing Jenn Hipp.

Adore Hair Studios
Inman Park
245 N Highland Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
404. 522. 0336
Adore Studios Website 

Got and Gifted Part 2: Holidays 2013

(top to bottom: left to right)

1. beige hand-crocheted scarf (my mama!)
2. miniature nail polishes (ELF)
3. iPhone case (Kate Spade-- this is actually my sister's, but I needed to fill in the this space)
4. Spring's Eden Soy Candle: Wild Honeysuckle, No. 3 (Anthropologie)
5. iPad case, and mini iPad! (Pandamimi, from Amazon)
6. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper (Sephora)
7. L'Occitane Rose des Champs Pearl Hand Cream (Sephora)
8. MUFE Duo Mat foundation (Sephora)
9. Peyton Dream Cosmetic Case (Coach)

About the make-up-- honestly, (6) and (8) are two tried-and-true products I've gotten before. 

The Kat Von D Tattoo Liner is the best liquid liner I've ever tried. It is easy to use (just like a brush marker), dries extremely fast, and doesn't have that plasticky shine so many of its counterparts have. Some friends are Stila advocates when it comes to liquid liners and, having tried it in Sephora, I would say there is very little difference between the two. Both are extremely long-lasting and dry semi-matte. I find the Kat Von D liner a little easier to manipulate across my eyes, so I've remained faithful to her. 

I've been using the MUFE Duo Mat foundation for years, and it has never let me down. I'm currently on the hunt for a new liquid foundation, but this is perfect for those quick, on-the-go, my-face-looks-like-crap moments. 

There will be a Part 3 to this Got and Gifted. It will including the clothing I've gotten and been gifted. Also, tomorrow's the big day. I've decided to forgo any drastic cuts, but I've scheduled a hair appointment for a drastic change in hair-color. As I've been advised, I'll ask my stylist if Color 1 will suit me. Hopefully, I'll be able to pull it off-- and it won't cost too much...

Got and Gifted Part 1: Holidays 2013

1. hair accessory... maybe? (Hollister)
2. Leith Pointy Year Beanie (Nordstrom)
3. MUFE 5 Camouflage Cream Palette No. 2 (Sephora)
4. Waxing Poetic bracelet 
5. Alex and Ani bangles 
6. Forever and Ever Dior perfume

Included above are (some) of the various things I procured this holiday season. Some were purchased, some were given, some were... taken-- the specifics are not disclosed. 

My favorites of this bunch? 

• Alex and Ani bangles are light, elegant and easy to wear. The minimalist design allows them to accent almost any outfit, be it casual or formal. Lately, I've been wearing these bangles non-stop; they're perfect for letting on I am much more "together" than I actually am. Who has the time and patience to plan out accessories, day-to-day? Not this girl. 

• I've always adored Forever and Ever Dior. It is the first perfume I ever wanted to own, and it is also the most elusive, as it can only be found in certain Duty Free shops of certain international airport terminals.  

• Last, but not least-- the MUFE palette. I'm planning to post a review on this product, so I'll just keep mum about this till later. 

I will post the Part 2 after I've caught up with Sherlock Season 3. 

Update and Hair Poll

*NOTE: I noticed that the "cuts" picture is wack. I'll try to fix it sometime by the end of this week, but ... not till then :P* I haven't posted in awhile. On one hand, I've been going through a lot of major life adjustments this year. However, on the other predominant and less-extenuating hand, my latest fashion choices have been on the, quote, cozy side. 

I haven't really gone shopping at all since the summer, save for a few (very few) purchases. On a side note, I suppose I can post about them later? Anyway, I hope that, by next year, I can start anew, purchase some much-needed alternatives to my wardrobe, and post a bit more regularly on this blog.

---end of update---

Though my fashion has been a bit comprised, as of late, my hair has been adjusting quite well to the erratic Atlanta weather. After 22 years of lusting over my mother's stick-straight hair and straightening each strand between 450 degree ceramic plates, I've finally come to accept that my natural curls suit me just fine.

HOWEVER, I want to try to something new-- very new. I've been playing with a few of these more radical hair ideas: 

• getting an asymmetric cut/ cutting my hair 5+ inches
• hair color (light reddish-brown)

Here are some choices for cut and color: 

CUTS:

 COLORS:

To cut or not to cut? To color or not to color? -- or even both?

I am aware that there are at least two people who will read this blog post, so I ask that both of you-- even if you're sitting right next to me, watching me type this, I ask that you comment on this post and let me know which cut and/or color you think will suit me.

Until next time, Mel out.

Head Scarves

Though some (*Monica) are innately adept at securing head scarves/ turbans, not all of us are.

It took me a good 10 minutes to don this scarf neatly on my head; this video helped. (embedded below)

How To Tie A Turband 3 Ways from LEAFtv on Vimeo.


Headscarves/ turbans have been trending for awhile now, but I've only gathered to courage to wear it in public fairly recently.

Deets:

• Madewell Cityblock Storyteller Scarf 

Practical Pros:

• keeps bangs in place
• hides all evidence of greasy roots 
• quick and simple, once you've mastered it

OOTD: A Claritin D Type of Day

     

    

Outfit Deets: 

• Madewell Navy Floral Lace Crop Top
• Madewell Boyfriend Jeans
• Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply Denim Tote
• Steve Madden Nude Patent Flats

What to Wear: Senior Reception at SweetWater Brewery

Outfit One Deets: 

• Top: Zara
• Jeans: Zara
• Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Outfit Two Deets: 

• Top: Madewell
• Jean Shorts: American Apparel
• Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs

I plan to wear my new Zara platforms with either outfit. 

Zara: Platform Ankle-Strap Sandals

 

I am obsessed with my new Zara platform sandals! For the past year, my infatuation with nude-colored shoes got the best of me, and my shoe collection is primarily of that color. Don't get me wrong-- nude is extremely versatile and will never go out of fashion. But still...

The heel is 4.57 inches and extremely light. Also, it has rubber soles! Given my poor track-record with high heels, not having rubber soles is a major deal-breaker for me. I love the ankle straps. They add a little femininity to counter the chunkiness of the heel. They're easy to walk in, and overall, great!

Shoe Deets: 

• $79.90
• Zara Basic Spring/Summer 2013 Collection
• Link to Item

Kiehl's Haul

Today, I bought the 3 Steps To Ultra Moisture Kit ($26.50). It included a full-sized Ultra Facial Cream (1.7 fl. oz.), and travel sizes of the Ultra Facial Toner (1.4 fl. oz.) and the Ultra Facial Cleanser (1.0 fl. oz.).





I fell in love with Kiehl's moisturizer last year, when I spontaneously bought a travel- sized Ultra Facial Moisturizer. It was great for the winter, but as the weather is getting warmer and humidity is rising, it was time for me to invest in a new formula. According to the sales rep, the facial cream is a lighter formula, but virtually identical to the moisturizer. I certainly hope he's right. Last winter, the moisturizer could clear my face overnight. With the past few weeks of non-stop stress and exams, my skin is not looking too hot right now; I'm hoping this cream will do the trick.










Also, since the facial cream (same size) alone is the same price as the kit, I opted for the latter. I've tried samples of the toner and the cleanser before, so I'm excited to have them in semi-greater volumes.


Finally, there's a great promotion going on right now! If you sign up for their text message alerts (which, by the way, you can opt out of at any time) you will receive a full-sized Lip Balm #1, which is typically priced at $7. It's odorless and seems to be a good formula, so it's definitely worth the two seconds it took to sign up for the alerts.

OOTD: Poppin' Tags

Details: 

Collar Necklace: TOPSHOP

Green Wool Sweater: BROOKS BROTHERS, bought from Goodwill.

Pale Wash Skinny Jeans: ZARA

Makeup:

• URBAN DECAY Naked Palette: Virgin, Naked, Buck, Creep
• URBAN DECAY Bronzer: Toasted
• MAYBELLINE Mascara: Colossal Volum'Express Cat Eyes
• MAYBELLINE Pressed Powder: 310 Sun Beige
• CHI Hair product: Silk Infusion

Nails: BORGHESE B355
Stellare Notte

Brown Combat Boots: KELLY & KATIE, bought from DSW

It's a cold, rainy day, but I'm really tired of wearing coats. I opted for several layers underneath an oversized wool sweater, instead!

Last week, a friend and I rummaged through the local Goodwill and I happened to nap two AMAZING Brooks Brothers wool sweaters for-- wait for it-- FOUR DOLLARS. I could not believe my luck!

Macklemore def' knew what was up.

Rave: Topshop Online Shopping Experience

I am in love with Topshop's online store.

First of all, every single item is true to size. The size number may be a bit off-- as Topshop is a UK brand-- but once you've tried one Topshop item on, you're good to go!

Earlier this January, I ordered a Topshop blazer for approx. $70. Though the delivery process did take awhile (it only arrived yesterday), I was in no hurry to receive it, so I did not mind.

But why the love, you ask? Czech out their packaging.

I know, I know-- it doesn't seem too crazy, but I really do appreciate the care Topshop puts into their online orders. Although cardboard boxes give additional protection and are, for the most part, more aesthetically pleasing, I really do prefer the plastic bag. It's less bulky, less hassle, and less difficult to rip through and get at your new clothes!

(NOTE: The random blocks are just hiding my name, mailing address, and whatnot.)




There was an additional layer of clear plastic wrap encasing the product, but I didn't bother to take a picture of it.

















And here's the blazer! It's the grey PONTE JET POCKET BLAZER (here it is in white).

I already own one other Topshop blazer (STRUCTURED BLAZER in PALE ORANGE). I had bought it on sale in the Topshop in Soho and fell in love with the fit and quality. When I heard about the Free Shipping promotion (Sorry, it's already over =__=) I knew I had to get another one!

As I had mentioned earlier, the sizes are constant, so this fit me as well as the other one! Plus, this blazer is soft and, to a degree, warm-- definitely perfect for fall weather!

What really impressed me, though, is the fact that the blazer came in a plastic hanger. A hanger-- this takes online shopping to a whole new level of class. Am I over-excited? Could I be feeling this way only because my closet is currently undergoing a serious hanger drought? Maybe-- but so what? I have a new hanger, and it came in the mail for free. 

This was definitely a good day. 

Prabal Gurung X Target: The Aftermath

After a late start, Shar and I finally got going and arrived at Target at 9.30 AM. Much of the collection was still there, so we definitely had a good selection to choose from. I bought three items (from the collection) overall. Here's a quick rundown of what I bought, in no particular order.

• "Meet the Parents" Print Dress: $44.99

This dress fit, for lack of better words,  fabulously. It's  pattern and cut is instantly slimming, the design is unique, and, in my opinion, the material is well-worth the price. Although it's a bit longer than the dresses I typically wear, it falls perfectly. I'm 5'2", so I typically get away with shorter dresses. Also, given my stature, non-mini dresses typically fall mid-calf on me, and in the most unflattering way possible. This dress, however, falls just a little below my knee and even gives my legs a slimmer look. I will update with a actual picture, as soon as I wear it out. 

• "First Date" Print Sweatshirt: $29.99

I love this sweatshirt. It's the perfect solution to when you're overcome with lethargy, but refuse to look like it. It's as comfy as any other sweatshirt, but the pattern is just couture enough to indicate a certain degree of effort. I wore this yesterday with skinny jeans and nude flats, and received many compliments. Not bad for someone who took a grand total of fifteen minutes to get ready! Why exert any additional effort?-- let Prabal Gurung do the job!

• "First Date" Print Sleeveless Tee: $26.99

This tank is great on. At first, I was hesitant about the boxy cut of the sheer black fabric, but surprisingly enough, it fit my shoulders perfectly. My only complaint is that the rim of the sheer fabric is itchy and mildly uncomfortable. I'm worried that this may deter me from wearing it more often and, given its price, I'm considering on returning this purchase. I'm hesitant, though, since it really looks good on.

I originally purchased this for Mon, my little sister, but she didn't really love the pattern. I think I need a few more days to think it over. I really don't want to let it go, but other buyers have already complained about the itchiness on the Target website. Decisions decisions...


And there's my haul, folks! I'll upload pictures of me wearing these outfits as soon as I wear/ launder them.

PrabalGurung X Target: Hit List

 Hopefully the quality is a bit better than the Jason Wu X Target collection. I know, I know-- I should be grateful Target is making these brands affordable/ my expectations shouldn't be too high-- it's Target! But really-- many of the pieces I've picked are $40+. Their being from Target does not merit for fabric tears after the second wash. Either way, I'll be keeping the receipts. 

Favorite Youtube Gurus

So how exactly did I get interested in fashion? If you've read my Intro Paragraph page, you know that fashion/ beauty are relatively new interests for me. One of the biggest-- if not the biggest-- inspirations for me is Youtube. It all started with one make-up guru and one Youtube video about creating the five minute smoky eye. Then, hours of video tutorials later, I emerged a fanatic.

Now, I'm that girl-- the one who buys dry-clean only tops, lusts over Proenza Schouler, and stalks Gilt on a daily, if not hourly, basis. 

This post pays homage to the individuals who got me on this crazy train.

Today, I'm just posting my favorite fashion gurus. Beauty gurus will follow in a different post. 

• Jenn Im, Clothes Encounters
  
  



• Chriselle Lim, The Chriselle Factor
  
  
  



• Melissa and Stephanie Valenzuela, The Fashion Citizen