Pay Your Dues to Rouge

A Haiku to Ruby Woo

Pulse Paused. Heart Stopping.

Breath stolen, eyes are watching.

Wink. Smile. Lips poppin'.

*Snaps Fingers*

An ode to lipstick?  Why not?! Lipstick is literally my favorite part of being a woman, and my even favorite-er cosmetic!  Mascara runs, lip glosses leave permanent clothing stains, and don't get me started on how the foundation smudges on my Android leave people thinking that the brown residue is some type of secretion from my dirty pores.

So on this day,

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY

we pay our dues to rouge, highlighting the hottest hues of Fall/Winter 2015!

(Can you believe September issues will be on shelves in just a month?)

Send Me Some Nudes

When you want your eyes to do the talking and your lips be but a whisper, go nude.  Keep in mind that nude shades vary depending on your skin tone, so your bronzy BFF from Brazil might not be able to loan you lipstick if you're fresh off the lodka from Moscow. The trick to pulling off a nude lip is by lining the lips with a pencil two shades darker than your skin, then filling it in with a lipstick that's one shade lighter. Complete the look with a beige-ish lip gloss to keep you from looking severely dehydrated.  And you said you didn't look good naked...smh

For fair skin, try Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte in Nude Beige.  $34 yslbeautyus.com

For Medim skin tones, try Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Conother.
$32.50 Chanel.com

For Darker skin, try Tom Ford Lip Color in Sable Smoke.
$48 Neimanmarcus.com

Girl, you just got RED

It's alluring, its the color of love, and it's timeless! Your mama's mama's mama's mama wore it when she met your great-great grandfather, and BAM! You're here reading this blog! You litterally owe your life to rouge!  The best way to rock red is by first applying the lipstick without lip liner.  Blot your lips on a tissue, then line your lips using a nude lip pencil.  The nude liner keeps the red lipstick from bleeding into the skin around your lips, which is common with red lipstick.  Finally, apply one last layer, and you're ready to join the ranks with your great-grands and pro-create a new generation! To spare you the break down of skin tones, I'm only recommending one lipstick: Ruby Woo.  I've never seen this shade look bad on anyone. EVER.

(Scroll up to re-read my def poetry jam haiku homage, then click here for my blog breakdown on red lipstick).

For a Sexy You, try Ruby Woo!
$16 maccosmetics.com

The Black Bug Bled Black Blood

Imagine how sexy and demure your lips would look mouthing that line again and again in a dark shade of lipstick.  Notice I said dark, not black.  Shadowy hues of deep burgundy, purple, and blackberry are back again this fall to cast an air of mystery on your already chic style.  You want to apply dark shades with a lip brush for precision, starting from the outer corner of the mouth to the center of your upper and lower lips.  As with red, line last.  I like a dark matte lip, but I've been known to dab a little Bobbi Brown Crystal lip gloss on the center of my bottom lip, then smudge for shine perfection.

For Fair skin, try Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in Rouge Feu.
$34 yslbeautyus.com

For Medium skin, try Model Co. Party Proof Lipstick - Matte in Purple Sangria.
$17 modelcocosmetics.com

For Dark skin, try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet.
$4.49 Target.com

Now that I've given you Lipstick Life, go out and kiss someone!!! Until next time, stay Snobby!

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The Snobby Awards!!!! 2015 SAG Award Edition

The Snobby Awards are one of my all time favorite blogs to write and post.  The FASHION! The GLAMOUR!  And don't forget...

The SHADE!!!

Because I am the Trend Snob, I'm going to start off with some trends for the evening:

White Power

Offended?  I'm black. Get over it.  Viola Davis, Reese Witherspoon, Maggi Gyllenhall, and Ariel Winter definitely got the memo about winter white being this season's go-to shade.  No matter your shape, height, skin or hair color, winter white is always a crowd pleaser and pops magnificently on the red carpet.

*see my winter white look in my First Lady of Style blog entry by clicking on the link

Girrrrlll, you just got RED!

Gwendolyn Christie, Maisie Williams, and Edie Falco sizzled on the red carpet of the SAG Awards!  While I love how the color red can turn a drab damsel into a Vivacious Vixen, I absolutely hate it on the red carpet!!!  I can never see the full detail of the dress because it blends in with the floor! After all, the reason we watch award shows is for the dresses, right?!

That's enough of trend talk for now!

Without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you...

The Snobby Awards

2015 SAG Awards Edition

The Fashion Floral Award goes to...

Lupita Nyong'o

Leave it to Lupita to consistently make a fashion forward statement on the red carpet of any award show or event.  This beauty has miles of style!  While she's usually a front running fave on my list of fashionistas, I'm not 100% loving everything about this Elie Saab gown.  I'm digging the print, feeling the plunged neckline, and cherish the fullness of the dress, but I wish the fabric of the skirt was chiffon or another material that drapes better than this one does.  Every blogger in the blogosphere will probably disagree, but meh... I love, but I'm not in love.  Shade, but no shade.

The What the Tux Award goes to...

Emma Stone

Ah, Emma.  Another red carpet fave.  The pale skin, the burnt orange hair, the red lip!  No matter how edgy or soft her ensemble is, she always manages to put an old Hollywood glamorous spin to the look.  Kudos to her in Dior in this fresh take on the tuxedo dress.  Tuxedos are huge right now-- worn as a jacket or a dress -- and I must admit, I've never seen one with a sheer skirt, train, or both!  Also, notice that the tuxedo is double breasted, another hot trend you'll see a lot of in menswear this season.  This look is chic and new!  I kind of wish she didn't wear a cami underneath for a little more sex appeal, but she still looks amazing!

The Erykah BaDON'T Award goes to 

Uzo Aduba

Aduba, Badu.  Crazy Eyes, crazy dress.  I love how Uzo Aduba has a way of bringing it together full circle.  I'm just really confused as to what exactly this dress actually is.  Is it eyelet? Is it yarn? Is it safe to bring my cat around her? What I do know is what it ain't, and that's cute!  The Orange Is the New Black star looks like Erykah Badu when she was knitting needle crazy back in the 90s.  Somebody shank this woman a stylist ASAP, because based on the number of SAG awards she took home tonight, she's not going to be a stranger on the red carpet.  Congrats on your awards girl, but the Fashion Police will sentence you 20 to life if you pull something like this again!  And while we're on the subject...

The Orange is the New WHACK Award goes to...

The Cast of Orange is the New Black
Thanks for the title, Christian

Where. Do I. Begin.? I guess with Vickey Jeudy since her pic is first.  I'm getting Owl Chic from this look.  The bodice looks like owl eyes that angle down in the shape of an owl's beak, and the print of the skirt looks like cross hatched owl feathers.  One question, Jeudy:  Hoo-hoooo told you that you looked cute?  Next we have Dascha Polanco in what could have been a halfway decent dress had her seamstress known that horse hair doesn't work well in the hem of stretch lace, trains, or the hems of straight skirts.  Oh, and measuring Dashca would probably have been a good idea because she looks like a stuffed chorizo in this dress.  And Laverne Cox, if you don't sit your Battlestar Galactica space creature looking dress and hair self down somewhere!!!  This is HOLLYWOOD, ladies!  Next time take notes from Danielle Brooks (far right), who obviously does not like any of you, because she let you all come out of the house looking cray!  Danielle is about that red carpet life!

The Okay. You're Sexy. We Get It! Award goes to...

Sofia Vergara

She's Latina.  She's gorgeous.  She's 42.  She's got a body and an accent that won't quit!  She's everything on this planet we all want to be!  Sofia always kills on the red carpet.  She knows how to accentuate her femininity in a way that makes us gawk in awe and sneer with jealousy.  I love all the elements of this Donna Karan Atelier dress from the one shoulder action, to the exposed corseting, unexpected ruching, and whatever fabulous fabric the skirt and train are made of.  I would be able to see it better if the red carpet wasn't so RED!!! I think its silk though...

The 'What is That, Velvet?' Award goes to...

Anna Chlumsky

I don't like anything about this dress.  I typically think classic glamour when I see Escada.... Maybe this is supposed to be a classic cut and silhouette made 'modern' with the use of metallic silver fabric trim and... what is that? Velvet??? Whatever it is, the Veep Star looks hot.  Not muy caliente hot, but your kneecaps might be sweating HOT!  She's a beautiful girl, and I've loved her ever since she killed McCauley Caulkin in My Girl, but this dress is all over the place.  Do better next time, Vera.

The Honorable Mention Award goes to...

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike betta Gone Girl as she slays in this textured Dior high low gown.  This isn't a silhouette or cut we typically see on the runway, and that's one of the main reasons I love this look. Everything about this voluminous dress is perfect from the way the textured detail fades from prominent at the décolletage into a beautiful oblivion towards the bottom.  I'm almost certain her hem has horse hair done correctly *ahem Dascha Polanco*.  If it's not horse hair, its satin.  Either way, I love the dress, I love the shoes, I love the messy bob, orange lip, and her almost non-existent accessories.  Job well done, Rosamund!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for....

The Snobby Award goes to....

Camila Alves

Model, mother, fashion designer, and wife of Matthew McConaughey looks absolutely STUNNING in Donna Karan Atelier.  This dress embodies everything I love in a gown!  Sweetheart necklines can go terribly wrong when draped at this magnitude, but Camila got it oh-so-right!  The faux sash that comes from below the bust, across the abdomen, and cascades onto the floor into a puddle of royal opulence is literally to die for!!!  The mermaid silhouette, fabric that is just begging to touched, and the deep, beautiful amethyst color of this dress makes her a WINNER at an award show where she wasn't even a nominee!  But she did get a SNOBBY, and isn't that all that matters??!!

Thats all for now, Trend Snobs!  Until Next time, STAY SNOBBY!

Also check me out as co-star of the entertaining show about everything you want to know, The Latest!  Be sure to check me out each and every Saturday at www.youtube.com/thelatestatl!!!

First Lady of Style

Republican, Democrat, Independent, Conservative, Liberal, Capitalist or Socialist... No matter what your views are on policy or the current affairs of state, there are only 2 things to remember on Tuesday, November 4th:

1)  VOTE

&

2)  Be PC

(Politically Chic)

Scoff if you will, feminists, but the suffragettes didn't... err...suffrage... for us not to step out in style on election day!  So FASHIONISTAS UNITE!  Its time to throw your hat in to the ring and VOW to WOW! Bring some VOGUE to the voting booth...  Put the ELLE in the election process... embed some BAZAAR into those ballots!

And now for our first look:

The NEW Red White and Blue

All my women who independent! (throw your hands up at me) Not a Republican or a Dem?  Show off your red, white, and blue with a wayward edge in this oh-so-warm long line cardigan, asymmetrical tee, and comfy boyfriend jeans.  The bootie, stud trimmed hat, and military-inspired dog tags let everyone know that you're a rebel with a cause.

Longline Cardigan: www.frontrowshop.com  Asymetric Batwing Modal T-shirt: www.blackfive.com Boyfriend Jeans:  www.coggle.com  Alexander Wang Booties:  www.shopharpersbazaar.com  The Johnny Hat:  www.forwardforward.com  Alexander Wang Chasity Embossed Satchel Bag:  www.niemanmarcus.com  French Connection Stud Earrings:  www.asos.com  Mass Effect Dog Tags:  www.Amazon.com

Road to the White House

Who says you can't show up to the polls looking like a scandal waiting to happen?  Two things about my girl Olivia Pope: 1) She always looks GREAT, and 2) She always gets what she wants.  Take that attitude to the voting booth, and your candidate just might win!  And don't get it twisted, new fashion laws allow white after labor day! Tastefully, of course, but it is allowed.  If your mother's fashion advice from many moons ago is still ringing in your head, try a winter white, which has a little cream in the mix and doesn't appear so bright amid the rich colors of fall.

Bow Tie Snake Print Blouse: www.mango.com  Cedric Chalier Wool Blend Cocoon Coat: www.shopbop.com  Pre-owned Chanel Clip on Earrings: www.therealreal.com  Leather Trimmed Wool-Felt Fedora:  www.net-a-porter.com  Duro Olowu Trousers:  www.farfetch.com  Rupert Sanderson D'orsay Pumps:  www.rupertsanderson.com  Dior Addict Peter Philips Collection:  www.selfridges.com  Essie Nail Laquer "A List"

Wall Street Chic

Occupy the essence of Wall Street in these window pane trousers that resemble those crazy charts that indicate the rise and fall of our eminent doom, paired with a vibrant straight fit top-- a must have for this season, and a smart pair of derbies (the shoes).  The geek glasses, statement necklace, and leather tote bring added notes of excitement to a place that can be... well... A great depression.

MARNI Top:  www.farfetch.com  Kate Spade Necklace:  www.shopbop.com  Selma Black and Blue Leather Tote:  www.michaelkors.com  Tempany Button Earrings:  www.tedbaker.com  Burberry London Leather Cropped Shirt:  www.stylebop.com  Damien Color Block Derbies:  www.dereklam.com  Ray Ban RX5226 2034 Frames: www.gaffos.com

Woman of Honor

Why not dress up the dark side of our country's victorious past with a soldierly spin on Military fashion.  Double-breasted blazers are a big hit for both men and women this fall, and these satin olive pants are to die for! ... Honorably, of course.  Add feminine flair with the perfect navy pump, camouflaged timepiece, and a rouged lip.

Balmain Clasic Button Marine Blazer:  www.shopmrsch.com  Jonathan Saunders Luicia Satin Trousers:  www.harveynichols.com  Manolo Blahnik BB Suede Pumps:  www.niemanmarcus.com  Ivory Bow Back Cami:  www.missselfridge.com   Lauren Ralph Lauren Newbury Double Zip Satchel:  www.macys.com  Pre-owned CC Gold Medallion Clip Earings:  www.bluefly.com  Beaded Watch:  www.yesstyle.com  L'oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Red Passion  Clarins Custmizable 4 Shadow Palette

Judge Cutie

Justice is the new black in this stylish ensemble that pays homage to one of the most important branches of our government.  Persecute those fashion felons in this amazing sweater that features a detachable collar, a modern swing 

skirt -- another key item for your closet this season, and leather and suede gavel banging booties!  Justice is blind in these D&G hater blockers, and  black opaque tights are always within the legal limits of Fall Fashion Law (yes, that is a thing).

Caven Contrast Collar Sweater:  www.farfetch.com  Lula Skirt:  www.kukai.com  Nume Glass Pointy Toe Bootie:  www.nordstrom.com  Vintage Chanel Bag:  www.portero.com  D&G Round Sunglasses:  www.houseoffraser.co.uk  Karl Lagerfled 7 Bracelet Watch:  www.theiconic.com.au  HUE Opaque Tights:  www.lorisshoes.com  Intense Long-Wear Lip Color in Rouge Allure:  www.chanel.com

Now you've got all you need to go out there and make an informed decision on the candidate of your choice!  Exercise your right to vote and be fabulous on this election day!

Until next time, Trend Snobs!

#RockTheVote

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Beach Body Beautiful

And we made it to summer!  Did you drop that winter weight yet?  I sure hope so, because I'm ready to talk about beach bodies! 

 

Swim cover ups are summer's hottest must-have, but what's under that frock when it's time to uncover?  Your body, of course!  The key to looking BEACH BODY BEAUTIFUL is knowing your body type.  No need to hide!  Let this post be your guide  to pairing your physique with the perfect  swimsuit.

Your body type is an Inverted Triangle (Athletic) if you have:

Swim Solutions:

• V-neck halter tops and racer back bathing suits are your friend.  They provide support at the bust, while deep V necks provide sex appeal.  Under wires also provide additional support for my busty ladies.
• Give the appearance of a more defined waistline with ruching at the waist.  This will take the focus off your broad shoulders and narrow hips.
• Play with patterns to keep the eyes from focusing on any one part of your body.  A cute pattern will make your bust and shoulders appear less noticeable.

Avoid:

• Triangle bikini tops
• Solid color one-pieces with no detail
• Swimsuits with high necklines

You are considered to be a Pear shape if you:

 

Swim Solutions:

• Pick a swimsuit with prints and details at the top to make your bust proportionate to the lower half of your body.
• Choose a top with a deep V or scalloped neckline.  Heavy padding is a also a bust plus.
• Choose a bottom with a high cut brief to make the legs appear longer.
• Lengthen your torso with a tankini

Avoid:

• Boy shorts
• Skimpy or triangle bikini tops

Your body type is Oval if you:

 

Swim Solutions:

• Select fabrics that are designed to suck, tuck, and cinch.  These types of textiles are usually thick and full of lycra or spandex.  Check the tags, ladies!
• Colorful or printed bands are a clever way to hide the tummy and accentuate the waist.
•  Horizontal side panels are also a way to allude to a slimmer mid-section.
• If you're rocking a bikini, opt for a banded or high waist bottom that covers the navel.
• Stylish cover-ups

Avoid:

• Billowy or trapeze tops
•  Quirky skirts that make you look silly.  Embrace those curves, girl!
• Stringy or strappy bathing suits

You have an Hourglass figure if you:

Swim Solutions:

• Try a solid one-piece swimsuit.  Your body, of which I am oh-so-jealous, doesn't need much accentuation, so why not just make your physique be the focal point?
• Deep V and plunging neck lines will compliment your horizontal symmetry.
• If you're going to do a bikini, look for ones with details at the bust, waist, and / or hips.  If they're gonna look, guide their eyes to all the right places! wink wink!

Avoid:

• Boy shorts.  They tend to make hourglass figures look boxy.
• Boy shorts are literally the only mistake you can make unless your swimsuit is hiddeous.  Get out of here.  I loathe your perfection.

You are a Column if you:

Swim Solution:

• In order for your girlish looks to overshadow your boyish figure,  try going girly in feminine prints and colors; i.e. pink flowers.
• Angled lines pointing downward give the illusion of a cinched waist, thus creating a faux figure.
• Voluminous details such as ruffles, fringe, and hip ties will make you appear curvier

Avoid:

• Bandeau tops.  They emphasize your lack of upper body curves.
• Boy shorts... the truth is in the name.
• Tight necked solid color one-pieces completely work against your shape.  Avoid these at all costs.

Now that you've gotten to know you body a little better, it's time to throw in a little swim trend!  The wetsuit look is totally in, as shown in the Suboo tankini and Lisa Marie Fernandez looks above.  Summer time sizzling is not possible without a little bit of white heat!  Any of these suits will look good in all white!  One particular look that I did not feature, but I'm sure you've seen, is the loose ruffle bikini tops that are in just about every store *rolls eyes*.  That seems to be a super hot trend, but I didn't bring it up because the trend is so prominent, every poolside chica is going to have it, and you know I have to keep you looking your SNOBBIEST!  The bondage, strappy look, featured in both Suboo suits above, is also a really hot look for this summer.  Keep in mind, however, that those tan lines are going to be CRAY, but we are familiar with great fashion coming at a price!  Have fun a the beach!

Until next time, TrendSnobs!  Stay HOT!

 

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Sprung! What's NEW!

The sun is shining, flowers have bloomed, and the pastiness of my wintry epidermis is slowly beginning to bronze.  Spring has officially sprung, and we are just on the cusp of summer fun! 

In my last blog I gave you a revamp rundown on what can still be worn in Spring/Summer 2014 from Spring/Summer 2013. Now that you know what's back, it's time to talk about two NEW trends to be sure to rock this season.  

What's NEW:  Wearable Art

This time of year, the runways of Paris, New York, Milan, and London tend to be one big garden party.  Don't get me wrong, I do love my florals and pastels... and who doesn't love a good party?  But this season, it is refreshing to see fashion as a more literal artistic expression.  Garments -- for the most part maintain classic silhouettes, while featuring graphic prints, Warhol-esque color schemes, chic cubism that would make Picasso proud, opulent embellishments, and portraiture reminiscent of the great Michelangelo.

Andrew Gn

aquilano.rimondi
This entire collection is AMAZING!  See it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSjymwg5_yM

Christopher Kane

Isa Arfen

JC de Castelbajac
(The belt is a drawing!)

Prada

Derbys

What's NEW:  Pop of Collar

If you prefer your art on your walls and a more toned down conservative look, prepare to pop your collars, Preppies!  Detachable collars were all the rage a few seasons ago, but this season, the trend is more... how should I say... "put together".  Whether it's a white peter pan on a pastel shirt dress, or a crisp white convertible on a classic oxford; buttoned tightly, or hanging loose, this look will take an understated ensemble to the next level of chic.

Christian Dior

Burberry Porsum

Michael Kors

Prabal Gurung

Tod's

Vionnet

Yohji Yamamoto

DSquared2

I'm loving how versatile fashion is right now!  So far, we've got trends that are tribal, sporty, artsy, and preppy. Whether you're rocking the looks loud or low-key, you're sure to make a statement in one or ALL of them. If you're a TrendSnob like me, have fun mixing and matching a trend or two for a whole NEW look!  Stay tuned for more warm weather wrap-ups as we head into the sizzling summer months ahead!

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