snake charmer
I perpetually have a hard time classifying my personal aesthetic, since I am drawn to all kinds of clothes, accessories, shoes, and looks. Color is always an important factor; I usually stick to shades of blue, red/pink, and neutrals. But one month I’ll find a certain pair of shoes, or even a whole style, distasteful, and the next month I’m dying for those shoes or a product that embodies that style. Maybe it’s the influence of a friend, a celebrity, a store, a blog, or just oodles of plain ol’ media coverage; each particular case is different. What my yo-yoing has taught me is to never dismiss a trend so readily. There is almost always a way to adapt it to your personal style, a way to make it your own.
In my recent Internet browsing, I’ve come across a few pieces that challenged my own tastes and made me contemplate if they would ever have a place in my closet. For example, I never thought I would like the look of snakeskin (and on any day, I’d opt for faux), but some distinct sea foam green Zara heels made me do a double take. And when I happened upon a minimal metal collar that probably would not fit around my neck, I stopped and realized that it was actually quite chic.
(Clockwise, from top left)
Slide Close Collar ($20), Need Supply Co.
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday ($24), NARS Cosmetics
Oasis Green Bracelet Watch ($36.59), ASOS
LOVE Magazine ($17.99), Need Supply Co.
Madewell Cableknit Crewneck Sweater in Heather Cloud ($98), Madewell
ASOS Square Shank Detail Ring with Fuschia Sphere ($14.64), ASOS
Deborah Lippman Nail Polish in Happy Birthday ($18), Beauty.com
Zara Snake Skin Court Shoe in Sea Green ($129), Zara
Topshop Eyes in Good as Gold ($14), Topshop
Betsey Johnson Snake Bangle Bracelet in Taupe ($75), Betsey Johnson
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil in Morphine ($20), Beauty.com
American Apparel Egypt Tote ($16), American Apparel
(Photos, via respective store sites)
the rainbow connection
Many people who know me are aware that my favorite makeup brand is Urban Decay. Every product they offer is of really high quality, and their assortment of colors for eyeshadows and liners is unbelievably rich and vast. They are cruelty-free (meaning no animal testing, hooray!!) and many of their products are vegan (meaning no animal-derived products) as well.
I discovered Urban Decay in my junior year of high school; as I scanned the Macy’s beauty kiosks for prom makeup, I spotted Urban Decay’s alluring purple stand and scooted right over. It seemed to have the most personality and liveliness compared to all the other cosmetic brands. And believe you me, whenever an UD beauty consultant decides to give you a free makeover, you come out looking (and feeling) like the coolest girl in town. Guaranteed.
I was so excited to see the new 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliners in jewel tones and crisp neutrals, as I frequently use the little bottles of liquid liner yet wish they withstood wetness. Yesterday I indulged and ordered three of the liners from Beauty.com, a one-stop shop for drugstore finds and cosmetics. I picked the bright raspberry pink Woodstock, the sparkly golden brown Smog, and (of course) the blackest of blacks, Perversion. Now I anxiously await their arrival in the mail, and I can’t wait to try out the other colors in the future! (I already have my eye on the shimmery teal Siren and the iridescent grey Revolver.)
(Photo, via Urban Decay)
