Brunette Beauties

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and with the new year comes the need for a brand new hairdo. This year I am loving the upwards trend of chocolate brown hair. Who says blondes have more fun? This season everyone is going brunette, including fashion icon and British Model of the Year award winner Cara Delevigne. She recently sported her darker do on the runway at the Chanel Salzburg fashion event in Austria, as seen on the fashion blog Fashionista. So get rid of those tired looking highlights, and raggedy split ends, and opt for this rich hue.

Your locks will thank you, because not only does brown hair look clean and elegant, it is in fact better for your hair. When you dye your hair lighter you are in fact stripping it of color, which is the reason blonde hair tends to look dry and straw-like when it has been over processed. Into the Gloss creator Emily Weiss shared her saga of returning to brunette after over bleaching her own hair on her blog, posted here. While it may be a bit of a process (and not necessarily a cheap one) the benefits are obvious, including a more mature look that is perfectly suited for the holidays.

Below is a video directed by fashion guru, and the creative director of Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, featuring Cara Delevigne sporting her new darker hair as some inspiration to bring to your hairdresser. The video was used to promote the Chanel Salzburg fashion show, and is a work of art in its own right.

Faux Sure

When the cold weather rolls in, my instinct goes from trying to look cute to trying to stay as warm as possible. So, when a trend comes around that allows me to do both, I can’t get enough of it. This winter that trend is faux fur. This seasons’s must-have is one of those classic looks that recirculates back around every few years, but this season it has come back with a vengeance. Long gone are the days of fur jackets being viewed as stuffy or matronly, instead they have taken on a more casual vibe suitable for younger clientele. This is due to shorter cuts, more fitted styles, and bolder patterns shown both in stores and on the high-fashion runways.

A perfect example of how to rock the updated version of the faux fur fad is shown in an article posted by Alyssa Edwards on the fashion and lifestyle blog Divine Caroline. Here we see three completely different styles and patterns, however all three outfits perfectly achieve the sassy updated look. Whether is be with a vest, or an unexpected color, the number of ways you can execute this outwear trend are limitless.

As I have mentioned previously on this blog, when working with a bold statement piece (such a luxurious faux fur jacket) keep the rest of your outfit to a minimal. Let the coat take center stage by pairing it with neutral basics, such as the way fashion blogger Courtney Trop styled her pale pink cropped jacket on her fashion blog Always Judging. By doing so, the coat really becomes the focal point of your ensemble. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t glam it up with a little bit of sparkle once the holidays roll around.

Photo (cc) Sam Carpenter

All That Glitters

Call me a magpie, but if I see something shiny then I probably want it. This is especially true during the holidays when the twinkle lights and Christmas decorations are out in all their sparkly glory. That is why when the holiday season rolls around, I start collecting as many shiny additions to my wardrobe as possible. That includes tops, skirts, jewelry…if you can stick sequins to it, then it will probably end up in my closet. However, you want to be careful when picking glitter-y pieces for your wardrobe. That item should act as a statement piece, with all the other components of your wardrobe working to highlight it. Too many sparkly articles of clothing and you will turn out looking like a walking disco ball.

Fashion icon, actress, and blogger extraordinaire Ashley Madekwe perfectly executes the festive look on her blog Ring My Bell, sporting embellished jeans and a simple white top. As mentioned before, the key to this winning ensemble is highlighting one article of clothing, and letting the rest of your outfit take the backseat. However, if you would prefer to go with something a little more understated this season, just add a hint of sparkle like Sarah Vickers showed on her blog Classy Girls Wear Pearls. By just adding some bejeweled detailing to her collar, Vickers has transformed her outfit into a holiday party worth getup.

Whichever way you choose to execute this shimmering trend, your style is sure to shine.

Photo (cc) Emily Orpin

Fashion Guidance

When writing a fashion blog, there is no shortage of sources on the internet to pull inspiration from. There are millions of fashion blogs, websites, and Twitter accounts to reference. However, when looking for a key source to utilize for my own fashion blog, I wanted a resource that was well-rounded on all aspects of the fashion world. After a little bit of research, as well as some trial and error, my go-to for the most updated account on current style trends is Who What Wear. What I love about this website is that it covers every aspect of fashion, including: trends, style icons, events etc. It is like having every blog, fashion magazine and Twitter feed in one convenient place. The site is broken up into three separate categories: street style, fashion trends, and celebrities, as well as including a photo gallery. The only criticism I have of this website is that with so much information crammed onto each page, it can be slightly overwhelming for a viewer to navigate.

Since my blog also covers beauty trends each week, I located a site that in many ways is very similar to Who What Wear, except that it solely covers beauty and health. The site is Into the Gloss, created by former Vogue assistant Emily Weiss. This page is broken down into the categories: Hair, Skin, Nails, Makeup, Health, Eyes, Lips, & Scent. These sections make the site easy to navigate, and help enormously when looking for a particular beauty trend. One thing I do wish that the site included more of is beauty tutorials. Many times the website shows an exciting new trend, without including how to execute it. Both sites are very well connected with social media, including easy links on their main pages to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and even Pinterest. Who What Wear does do a slightly better job of highlighting their icons though, having them right at the top of their page.

When writing this blog, I also like to reference other fashion bloggers for inspiration and guidance. My personal favorites are Classy Girls Wear Pearls, and Late Afternoon. These blogs cover entirely opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, but both are great sources that include breakdowns at the bottom of each blog post on the outfits that are shown.

Hit the Bar

The only bar I need to go to this holiday season is the Drybar. The Drybar is a chain of hair salons specializing in just blowouts, no cuts or coloring. The founder of the company, Alli Webb, created the concept for the premier blow-dry bar: to focus on one thing, and be the best at it. And they have succeeded.

I recently went to the Drybar for the first time before attending a wedding. I was immediately greeted at the door with a mimosa, and quickly ushered to a stylist chair, while “Dirty Dancing” played on a flatscreen TV in front of me. It was like entering girl heaven. I was then given a menu to flip through in order to choose the hairdo I wanted. I decided to be bold and go against nature, asking for large bouncy curls in my normally straight hair. A little less than an hour later I walked out of the Drybar on Newbury Street in Boston with the type of billowy, effortless waves you normally see in a Victoria’s Secret catalogue.

After my experience I am convinced that the Drybar is not only my beauty obsession of the week, but a beauty way of life as well. Another blogger who had a similarly amazing experience was Maria the creator of Style Carnival, shown here. The style blog Urban Darling also comments on the incredible quality of the products sold at the salon, and used on their clientele, here.

In case you are still confused on what exactly this magical place is, below is a video giving an overview on what it is the Drybar actually does:

Duck, Duck, Boots

There is only one thing at the top of my christmas list this year, and that is the L.L. Bean Duck Boots. However, I am not alone in my quest for these coveted rubber boots, as they are sold out across the country with back order dates ranging all the way from January to February. Although these boots are not new to the market, and have in fact been around for decades, there has been an influx over the past year in their popularity. Perhaps it is because people have finally realized the benefits of combining style and comfort, or perhaps it is because fashion icons such as Sarah Vickers have been spotted wearing these trendy boots around town, such as here. Or Carly Heitlinger of  The College Prepster, shown here. Whatever the reason, these boots are this seasons must-have cold weather boot.

What sets these boots apart from others is the full-grain leather they are made with, that sheds rain and snow, and the water proof protection provided by the rubber sole. The amount of boots that are fashionable AND will keep your feet warm and dry all winter are few and far between. These not only accomplish that, but will make you look like you are about to attend a classy fox hunt while you are at it.

So, while this particular style of boot may require a little patience before you can obtain them, they are certainly worth the wait. If you are ready to take the plunge (ha!) with the L.L. Bean duck boots, get your name on that wait list ASAP!

Photo (cc) cmeleskiiii

 

The Final Haul

When coming up with a final project topic for my Fundamentals of Digital Journalism class, I wanted to think of something related to the fashion beat I have been following through my blog. After doing a little research, I decided one of the best ways to show a side of the fashion world people don’t often get to see would be to do a story behind the scenes of a major fashion company.

The next step towards bringing this idea into a reality was to find a boutique or department store that would allow me interview their employees, as well as film some of the day-to-day tasks that enable a fashion business in a competitive market to stay afloat. A high-end boutique in Cambridge named “Free People,” that is part of a much larger chain, agreed to let me come in for the day on Saturday, Nov. 1st and shadow their employees.

Michela Finnegan (one of the store managers) will be my primary interview, as well as some of the sales associates, and at least a customer or two. My hope is to get a well-rounded perspective of the store and how it is run. I will also be photographing the elaborate seasonal displays the brand is known for, as well as the daily fashion shoots the store conducts for their social media outlets. I think this story will provide a very interesting perspective on how much work really goes into helping customers look effortless in their style.

The Modern Milkmaid

My beauty obsession of the week is the milkmaid braid. To be perfectly honest, there is rarely a braided hairstyle that I do not immediately love. However, the milkmaid braid may possibly be my absolute favorite. Although the look may bring forward images of Heidi running through the mountains, or Julie Andrews yodeling on a hill top, it has also become one of the most coveted high-fashion looks this season.

Check out the beauty blog Fashionising for a list of some of the S/S 2014 runways where milkmaid braids were featured this fall. Although the looks vary from messy and ethereal, to polished and slightly more severe, the outcomes are consistently delightful. Beauty and fashion bloggers alike often use this unique hairstyle in many of their posts, including one of my favorite bloggers Vanessa Ribeiro, who created the site Late Afternoon. Not only is she an It-girl of fashion, but she likes to take risks with her look just as much as her style. Here she gives a great tutorial of her own take on the milkmaid braid trend.

High end beauty salons such as Drybar even offer multiple variations of  this braided hair-do on their styling menus. However, that can run you a pretty penny at $85 and above at most typical salons. If you do not currently have the cash to dole out for a professional to do your up-do, try and teach yourself using online tutorials.

For a great step-by-step tutorial on how to create the perfect milkmaid braid on your own, check out the video below:

Make a Statement

My fashion passion of the week is the statement coat. With the colors outside shifting from the beautiful autumn foliage, to the dull, grey hues of winter, there is nothing like a pop of color to brighten your day. Cue the statement coat, the perfect chance to brighten up your entire day with your outerwear. My particular favorite way to wear the trend is by picking a solid color, such as fuchsia or fire engine red, and pairing it with a coordinating scarf. However, some of you may opt for a winter jacket with an interesting texture or pattern. Regardless, as long as it makes a statement in this dreary weather you will be on trend this season.

For a list of some of the most fashionable statement coats this season, as well as where to purchase them, check out the lifestyle blog Lux and Concord. My personal favorite is the red collarless wool jacket from Asos that will soon be making its way to my closet. For a great example of a patterned statement coat, as well as the best way to style it, check out this plaid coat from Madewell on the blog Classy Girls Wear Pearls from Sarah Vickers. This particular piece is perfect if you like sticking with a more classic look, but you want to mix it up a bit. For more inspiration on this cold weather trend, look to outerwear rocking celebrities like the Olsen Twins or fashion blogger Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam.

Check out the video below to see some lovely statement coats from the Jessica London winter fashion runway.

All That Matte-rs

My beauty obsession of the week is matte nail polish. With Halloween weekend already underway, many of you are looking for beauty tips that are spooky, yet still fashionable. Matte nail polish is the answer to that question. Once only found on high fashion runways, this style of polish is now being manufactured by beauty companies all over the country in an array of colors and shades. Look no farther than your local drugstore for a bottle of this  magical beauty concoction. My personal favorite is classic black, which carries all the sophistication of the usual color, while adding a slightly mysterious allure to your appearance due to the stark quality of the polish.

On the site Laquerized, a beauty blog solely dedicated to nail polish, matte nail polish is mentioned numerous times as a great way to shake up your usual manicure. Check out the blog to see reviews on different brands of matte polish, and how they stack up against one another, as well as tips on how to make your manicure last as long as possible. You can also check out the blog College Fashion for different, unique ways to rock the trend including adding french tips, or adding polka dots. On trend celebrities such as Eva Mendes, Alexa Chung, and even the Kardashian’s have been seen flaunting this polish on their fingertips.

They say on Halloween you should dress up all the way from your head to your toes, so this holiday make that concept a reality with this fun new trend.

Photo (cc) Stopsign