Beauty and the Best

A new recurring post! To replace "Under $100". Basically, I find the best beauty products a show them here. 'Beauty Look of the Week' and 'Pick of the Week' are pretty self explanatory. 'Pending' items are items that are yet to be released. 'Must Have' items are items that every woman should have in her make-up arsenal. And, in keeping with Wearfare tradition, the items are going to be affordable, and readily accessible to anyone! Stay tuned ;)

Beauty Look of the Week: Lanvin Spring 2009 RTW (first photo: Siri Tollerod, second photo: Madisyn Ritland)

Pending item: This product has generated big buzz because of it's playful application (like a felt-tip marker!) and recession-friendly price. CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain Lip Color (in Wild Berry Wink) - approx. $7.50

Must Have: One of the most flattering 2-in-1's you will ever find. Every colour works with any skin tone; but just pick the one you like best. I promise, you'll want to buy it in every colour. Stila Convertible Color (in any color - find your favourite!) - $25; sephora.com

Pick of the Week: This really works. I wouldn't suggest something I don't use myself! Shiseido The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge (in Regular) - $40; sephora.com

Item of the Week

I'm still on a costume jewelry kick, so todays "Item of the Week" is spotlighting this great piece I found for a fraction of the designer jewelry cost. 

This brooch has a vintage feel, and is an easy way to dress-up an outfit. It adds sparkle in a classy way to a solid-coloured evening or cocktail dress, and is much chicer than loads of necklaces or bracelets. Remember - with costume jewelry, its important that you don't overload, because even one ring or necklace makes a bold statement. Highlight whichever piece you want to shine with a simple outfit, and unfussy hairdo. 

Old World Jeweled Pin (in Clear/Dark Grey) - $8; forever21.com

Photo(s) of the Week

Photos: The Sartorialist

In the era of the recession, fashion has to rise up against the depressing sale racks and listless outerwear. The easiest way (for me at least) is by reviving old clothes and mixing them into my staple items in unexpected ways. Case in point, adding patterns. Colour-blocking may still be 'in', but to me, nothing screams 'what recession?' louder than a beautiful, outfit-balancing pattern (although a $4,000 Alexander McQueen gown might also do the trick - see netaporter.com, 'grecian bustier gown') I thought these would be some good inspiration photos for the upcoming month(s). Hope you're inspired! 

News

A couple days ago I posted an "Under $100" post, but I realized that it just doesn't have the same appeal it used to - so I'm kicking it out, and instead, I'm going to add a different type of recurring post. Although I'm not quite sure what it will be yet. I hope you all will keep checking back, cause it's coming soon (probably within the week)!

Thanks for your support.

- M

Get it now...Urban Outfitters Sale

I adore after-christmas sales, and even better than just any old sale, is going to a store and finding that exact thing that you wanted months before, but $20 less. It never fails to put a smile on my face :)

Here are some great items I found on sale on urbanoutfitters.com:

1.) One of my must-have items for 2009 is the everyday purple bag. This is a great option. Deux Lux Doublecross Bag (in Deep Purple) - $68

2.) Ethereal, easy to wear, and family friendly - like a grown-up snowflake. 3 Charms Chain Necklace (in Black) - $35

3.) There is exquisite detail on this skirt and it's much more flattering than it may seem. Charlotte Ronson Tulip Skirt (in Bronze) - $120

4.) A humorously useful item - and unisex as well! S.T.A.M.P.S. TV Duo Watch (in Black) - $50

5.) Like a little girls cardigan, but can be vamped up when worn with a slim-fitting cocktail dress. Ecote Aran Cardigan (in Mauve or Ivory) - $50

6.) I love this when it's high waisted and paired with a skinny multi-wrap belt. Silence & Noise Watercolor Skirt (in Gold Galaxy Print) - $40

7.) This reminds me of the ankle boots in last seasons Chloe show. The colours are very spring, but the leaves translate into fall as well. Patchwork Leaf Heel (in Taupe) - $40

8.) The biker jacket is one of the trendiest items for the fall/winter season. MINKPINK Slippery Biker Jacket (in Coated Black Denim) - $55

9.) I like how an everyday object like this wallet can transition into a chic evening clutch. Deux Lux Ruffle Wallet (in Rust) - $20

10.) An adorable dress that looks great dressed up (with sheer black tights and a vibrantly patterned cardigan) or dressed down (with ballet flats and a hooded sweatshirt). Betsey Johnson Blue Denim Mini Dress (in Blue) - $200

11.) Not your average winterwear; this peacoat is sure to make a statement. Kimchi Blue Ruffle Peacoat (in Indigo, Black, or Camel) - $100

12.) A cute, versatile, tank top, which I like best when worn with a fitted skirt, drop earrings and mid-height heels. Silence & Noise Button Down Tank (in Black) - $10

*The Last* Under $100

Do you ever find yourself coveting the off-duty outfits of the high fashion runway models? You can easily achieve their stylishly disheveled look on a limited budget, and I have an outfit here for you that I think does just that - for under $100, of course! Enjoy :)

We gave two blazer options - the piped military blazer when you're feeling a bit more Agyness Deyn, and a more classic black blazer when you're feeling a bit more Anja Rubik.

Also, models often opt out of heavy accessorizing because it's easier to switch out of their clothes when running from show to show without having to deal with tangled necklaces. They usually will carry a simple bag or tote in  a bright colour, or the season's "it" bag slung across their shoulder. Obviously for under $100, a $5,000 Valentino bag might break out budget ;)

1.) Brigit Mini Handbag (in Teal or Brown) - $23; forever21.com

2.) Metallic Piped Blazer (in Navy/Gold) - $33; forever21.com

3.) Open Front Blazer (in Charcoal) - $28; forever21.com

4.) BDG Sheer V-Neck Tee (in White) - $16; urbanoutfitters.com

5.) Destroyed Show-Stopper Jeans - $15; wetseal.com

6.) Brianda Slouched Boots (in Brown) - $33; forever21.com

Unfortunately, the bag puts us a little over budget, but you can of course just forgo the jeans and use you favourite skinnys, forgo the bag and just use your favourite slouchy hobo, or forgo the v-neck and just use your basic solid coloured tee.

Grand Total = $120 (with the Piped Blazer); $115 (with the Open Front Blazer)

Photo of the Week

Photo: Ginger Rogers, circa 1937

Item of the Week

Costume-like jewelry has taken over the fashion industry by storm. Delicate and dainty is all good and well, but bold statement jewels are where its at! It's one of the easiest ways to dress up and outfit, and can take even your regular work clothing from day to night, with the simply the addition of a large, brightly coloured necklace, bracelet, or ring. If you're hesitant about this trend, we suggest starting out with a ring or bangle in a bold colour and/or pattern. We have today, one of my favourite starter pieces for any statement jewelry virgin. It's playful, whimsical, and has an ethereal quality about it when worn with a flowing dress, but can also be worn with your regular sweater, jeans and flats/heels. Enjoy! 

Golden Bird's-Nest Ring (in Papaya or Ivory) - $50; jcrew.com

Use the code "MERRY" at checkout today and you'll get 20% off!

Girl of the Month... November

Amidst problems with her scandalous ex and rumours aplenty, Anne Hathaway kept her composure while knocking out a few kick-ass movies (Rachel Getting Married, Bride Wars) in the meantime. Along with those movies comes wardrobes to die for, especially in our favourite Annie movie "The Devil Wears Prada". On and off the red carpet, Anne is the epitome of elegance and grace, and has a regal presence that radiates brightly but is still comforting, like an old friend. Her style is old hollywood glam and modern powerhouse, resulting in a beautiful fashion goddess every time. Truly, Anne can do no wrong. Here are some of my favourite Ms. Hathaway fashion moments:

1.) Our favourite look. I'd do a lot to get this absolutely gorgeous dress ;) Anne knows how to dress her shape, and while she wears very different clothes, the basic structure and shape of a garment stays the same, as it flatters Anne's body and personality perfectly.

2.) An otherwise dull colour palate, but the feathers at the bottom give it that extra something.

3.) One word: adorable!

4.) Yes, this was part of this months Vogue editorial, but I loved this dress so much and it suited her so well that we couldn't help but throw it into the mix.

5.) Red is Anne's go-to colour, and in this Marchesa gown, even with the matching carpet below her, she stands out amongst the crowd. 

6.) The feminine, floaty dress vs. hard edged motorcycle jacket is a perfect pairing.

7.) Structured dresses can look costume-like on the wrong person (i.e. Beyonce wearing Gareth Pugh http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2008/11/beyonce_wears_gareth_pugh.html) but Anne wears it like it should be worn, and doesn't get lost amongst the angles.

8.) Again, with the red. It's simple but everything works - the hair, the heels, the killer smile.

9.) Fashion forward, wearing Marc Jacobs, Anne accentuates her waist with an wrap belt and sky-high heels.

For those reasons (and because the Devil Wears Prada is one of my favourite movies) Anne Hathaway is November's Girl of the Month! Congrats ;)

Inspired...Calvin Klein 2009 Pre-Fall/LBD

Lately I've been really into quality basics; trying to round out my wardrobe with those classic go-to items. Well I've found these fantastic outfits from the Calvin Klein 2009 Pre-Fall show to use for this segment of "Inspired" because it's a they're diverse styles of one of the basic items that every girl needs: the little black dress! I'll give you a few options because you need to find the right one for your body type cause you gotta remember that just because it's stylish doesn't mean it's gonna make you look your best. 

1.) - 3.): Looks from the Calvin Klein runway show (the first dress is my favourite!)

Got a little more junk in your trunk? Got a fuller figure? Just because you have curves doesn't mean you can't wear a beautiful black dress and look good! Here are some options:

4.) Flutter Chiffon Dress (in Black) - $23; forever21.com

5.) ASOS Pleated Dress (in Black) - $56; asos.com

Maybe you're body isn't the slimmest? Maybe there are some parts you consider "problem areas"? Cover them up and no one will be the wiser (they probably aren't anyway, it's mostly just yourself who comes up with such things)! 

6.) *Our favourite dress!* ASOS Drape Front Chiffon Dress (in Black) - $56; asos.com

7.) ASOS Asymmetric Ruffle Dress (in Black) - $56; asos.com

8.) Play by C. Ronson Obsidian Lace Dress (in Black) - $108; urbanoutfitters.com

Have a slim frame? Tall and lanky (maybe a little klutzy because of it)? Want to add some shape to your straight body? You may be ideal runway shape, but that doesn't mean every dress will complement your figure! 

9.) ASOS Backless Slinky Jersey Dress (in Black) - $33; asos.com

10.) ASOS Peplum Skirt Dress (in Black) - $44; asos.com

11.) Lark & Wolff by Steve Alan Bow Party Dress (in Black) - $98; urbanoutfitters.com

I hope I've given you some good options and that you find your perfect LBD!

Photo of the Week

Photo: Jessica Stam

Black makes the perfect backdrop for this casually chic outfit. The gold hardware on the bag is a nice compliment to the multi-dimensional shades of the coat. And the Wayfarer's and beanie? Perfection!