Beauty 101: Moving into Fall

Joan Smalls

Fall is slowly, but surely, approaching which means it's time to start testing new fall looks! Fall inspired make-up  is all about dark lips, bronze skin, bold brows, and smoked out eyes. While the make-up is looking super vamped, fall hair is all about being slicked back in buns and ponytails, or worn back out of the face to show off the make-up. Below are my top five favorite fall 2013 beauty tips:

1. Plum lips! Plum lips are a beautiful shade of purple that have a perfect balance of edge and femininity. Whether you have a dark or pale skin tone, there are tons of plum/purple shades that can fit you perfectly.
2. Slicked back hair! Not only does slick backed hair stay in place, but it also keeps your hair from sticking to your face. Slick backed hair gives off an ultra chic vibe and can be accessorized with headbands and hairclips. There are also a variety of styles that can be incorporated with the slicked back style such as buns and ponytails.
3. Bronze skin! Just because summer is almost over doesn't mean you have to give up glowy skin. You can easily swipe bronzer across your cheeks or any splash of shimmer to keep that glow.
4. Smokey eyes! Smokey eyes create an endearing look and can definitely be made for the daytime. Hold off for dark black smoke for the night and a deeper brown shadow to make a smokey eye look nice for the day.
5. Bold brows! Make your brows thicker and bolder by holding off on the extra waxing and tweezing. Let your brows grow in a bit in between clean up time and fill them in with a matching eye shadow color for a bolder look.

Love Her Style: Joan Smalls

Joan Smalls has one of the most amazing street styles that I love to love. Joan's style consists of simple pieces mixed with print, natural make-up, and killer heels. The simple tees paired with daring printed pants and the occasional printed shirts show her subtle fashion risks that are the perfect amount of "fashion". Check out some of my favorite street style looks from Joan Smalls and how you can recreate them.

Joan's outfit is so chic and preppy in this look. The plaid trousers give off a business look because of their fit while still being preppy and classic because of the plaid print. The black top keeps you covered and warm for the weather while still letting the pants stand out.

This look is so edgy and daring without having too many pieces. The basic white tee is the ultimate staple in everyone's wardrobe because it works with any outfit, style and occasion. Her skinny jeans are all over studded with a bold zipper, plus it shows a tiny bit of skin for a touch of sexiness. The heels add the height and oomph to the look while her flowing hair and natural make-up keep her casual and everyday. 

Your prints don't always have to be on the bottom half. I love this over-sized top paired with dark dressy denim. The look is a more dressed version of a casual everyday look which is great for family events, dates, and going out. Her shoes go great with the accents of her shirt and they are also very durable and comfy for walking throughout the day. 

Who are your ultimate style crushes?

Confidence 101: No Comparison

Joan Smalls

So the Victoria Secret fashion show was last night so of course there were many tweet pics and Instagram shots of all the angels. I love looking at the bedazzled bras, jeweled panties, luxurious hair and make-up, but it kills me to see all the comments about not being nearly as pretty as the models. It's not just last night that I noticed this reoccurring issue, but I constantly see photos of celebrities with captions about never being able to look as good or even saying how it makes them feel ugly. Now of course celebs are pretty, I happen to think Joan Smalls is drop dead gorgeous, but it shouldn't make your feel down on yourself because your pretty too. Each and everyone of us has at least one unique thing about us that no one else does which means we have to stop comparing our appearances, personalities, skills, and everything else to other people. Comparing kills your own self-esteem and confidence, own what you have and work it. Trust me you will start to feel so much more self-confidence and stop worrying about what you don't have and others do.

What's unique about yourself and how do you rock it? Let me know in the comments below!



Fashion Flash: The CFDA Fashion Awards

Jessica Pare

Mandy Moore

Solange Knowles

Elettra Wiedeman

Joan Smalls

Selita Ebanks

Dakota Fanning, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Lauren Hutton, and Kate Bosworth

The CFDA Fashion Awards ( Council of Fashion Designers of America) is an award ceremony that celebrates excellence in fashion. The 2012 ceremony took place on Monday June 4 at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in New York. This year is the first year the CFDA awards has been broadcast and you can watch it on Style.com. This is also the first year I have even heard of the awards and I am so glad I did because now I am even more indulged into the wonderful world of fashion! Unlike all my other award show posts where I pick out my favorite red carpet outfits, I decided to compile a mix of outfits. Everyone who attended the CFDA Awards were dressed to the nines that it was much to hard to chose from! I love that each guest was very relevant in fashion and not just anybody, each outfit represented their very own style. A variety of hi-low gowns, pants suits, cut outs, gorgeous bags and shoes, and of course amazing beauty walked the red carpet.

The fabulous winners of thee night included:

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger

Womenswear Award: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for The Row

Menswear Award: Billy Reid

Emerging Talent Award for Ready-to-Wear:

Joseph Altuzarra (womenswear), Phillip Lim (menswear), Tabitha Simmons (accessories)

Be sure to watch the full show on Style.com!