30's Going On 70's

This week we were thinking a lot about retro styles (40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, even 80's) and we came to the decision that most of our fashion choices are influenced by more than one time period per outfit. Sometimes I'll wear a pair of 1940's high-waisted shorts with a slouchy floral shirt (for example) from the 80's, and roman sandals. Mixing styles is what style is all about. So, here's some fashion ideas for the season to get you heading way back in a time machine. 








For this outfit we started out with an A-line coat that my grandmother made for my mom during the 60's. We mixed it up by pairing it with a brightly colored 80's strapless romper, complete with a wanna-be-African pattern, which seems to have been a big trend back in the day. We pulled it together with a pair of sheer black tights, and a classic pair of Clark's desert boots (an ultimate favorite of mine). The desert boot was first created in 1949 by Nathan Clark. It was inspired by the shoe officers of the British Eighth Army sported in Egypt during World War II. To finish it off, we did a braided hairdo with a bun, which for some reason reminded us of a 60's flight attendant hair style (but they probably wouldn't've done the braided part). Then we went with the classic cat-eye. You can never go wrong with cat-eyes.

 For this outfit we were inspired by Audrey Hepburn and showed that through a 60's fitted, simple black dress that was given to my mother in the 80's–it's timeless, and again, cat-eyes. We modernized this dress with a braided leather belt and a boho messy braid. We went boho, also, with bright peacock feather earrings. These made it more casual, but still elegant. We stuck with a formal look though, in the shoes, but went with a male approach to that, with some classic oxfords. Oxfords were originally inspired by the shoe, the Oxonian, which was a short boot with side slits. The Oxonian was a huge style at Oxford in 1800, and then it's Scottish/Irish son was born: The Oxford.

For this look, we went with a 60's look, with a boat-neck, 3/4 sleeved sweater, and high-waisted shorts. Galoshes are a must. But the high-waisted shorts are cut-offs, which started mostly at the end of the 60's into the 70's. Again, we mixed this look with another look: the 60's bun with a boho braided twist. The belt worn has a sort of rock-n-roll personality. (It is black with a silver guitar-looking buckle.) This is an example of an outfit I'd wear all the time.    

For this last ensemble, we went full-out. We started with some light-washed denim shorts (high-waisted, of course), and a 50's tied button-down. Then we did a Native American beaded belt for a little pattern, and a pair of red, retro pumps. These shoes we modernized with a pair of taupe socks, which is a really big trend this year. We kept it playful with some bubble-gum pink lipstick, and some costume jewelry. Ask your mother or your grandmother for some of her old, chunky rings like we did here. Let the hair run wild.  

Thanks for reading, and I hope this gives you some new ideas about your style and helps you think outside the box–or decade–next time your frustrated with your wardrobe. I know that most of what I wear is like this (retro), and I get most of my vintage clothes from my mother. So, look around–the next chapter of your fashion story may be right in front of you.     
                                                                                           

Autumn Makeup 2011

     This autumn, there are so many new fashion trends sweeping the industry. Especially in the case of makeup. Here are a few fall makeup ideas to try. After all, the leaves are changing colors? Why not your complexion?




1. Cat-eyes
Cat-eyes are a big style making a comeback this fall. Throughout the 60's, this feline trend was a basic to every-day makeup. If you're not ready to commit to BABOOM winged liner, try a more toned-down version of the cat-eye by minimizing the overall thickness of the liner, how far it goes out and in towards your tear-duct, and the color. I would say that a darkish brown color is best if you want to make it more casual, especially if you have lighter hair. If you want big-impact eyes, draw the liner in all the way to your tear-duct and far out also, keeping the line thick and smooth all the way through. (Tip: remember to angle the brush to get a much thinner line along the inside of your eye and as the outside line comes to a tip.) Keep it black if you want dramatic eyes, and also if you want and even bigger deal, bring the line all the way down to your lower lash-line, disappearing towards the middle of your eye. 

2. Bright lips

This season bright-colored matte lips are becoming a big trend. Whether it's bubble-gum pink, tomato red, or bright orange, this look is great for virtually any occasion. To get the look, consider your face complexion, hair color, and eyes in the decision to pick the right shade for you. If you have yellow undertones, go for more warm colors, like orange and tomato red. If you have blue/pink undertones, go for colder colors such as frosty pink, darker red, and peach. Remember, this is a pretty strong look, so keep everything else toned-down. Wear no blush and very minimal mascara. 

3. Big, dark eyes

Big, thick lashes and drop-dead smokey eyes are becoming a common look this fall. The way you execute it depends on your eye structure and brow. If you have a heavy brow bone and/or smallish deep-set eyes, don't do as much liner on the top lid because it'll drown your eyes instead of making them look bigger. Try a little liner on the bottom lashes as well as curling your eyelashes and doing mascara. If you have large eyes or a lighter brow bone, go for more makeup on top. Try a blended smokey eye with black liner on the top lid. Place the charcoal/dark brown shadow close to your lash-line and slowly blend up to the crease on the outside of your eye and blend inward. Most of the makeup should be on the outer corner of your eyelid. If you want to do more, blend eyeliner down to the bottom lash-line. 

4. Frosty Nude Lip & A Touch of Blush

When it gets colder out, you're going to want to respond to the weather with this frosty lips and a little color on the cheeks to warm you up. Again, the same skin tone rule applies to not only lips, but cheeks. So, if you have yellow undertones, look for warmer shades like orangey pink. If you have blue/red undertones, try peach, and cold pink. Apply the color starting at the outside of the cheekbones and blend in towards your face into the apple of your cheek. If it helps to find where this is, suck in your cheeks to make a fish face, so it is clearer. To get a cold, pale lip, try dabbing an ivory pink color or a creamy nude shade onto your lips, making the pale color most prominent on the outside of the lips. Or, if you don't have the right shade or the lipstick isn't thick enough, blend in with some foundation/concealer before you apply the color to make your lips paler to begin with.

5. Pastel Shadow 

Wearing any color eyeshadow is a difficult style to pull off; it can take a turn for the worse very easily. Here's how to accomplish this with out looking like a clown. First, if you don't want to risk it, go with a shade a few shades lighter than your skin color. Make sure the color isn't too bright, and that it compliments the rest of your face. Then, to apply, start by putting most of the color near the lash-line and blend up all around your lid. To finish it off, line your lash-line with black eyeliner or dark brown depending on your hair, and maybe do some on the bottom lashes too. Apply mascara if you want. 

6. Dark Lips

When it's dark and the leaves are falling off the trees, there's no better way to get into the fall weather than to go for a dark red lipstick. According to your skin, have the lipstick shade be approximately 3, 4, or even 5 shades darker than your skin. Keep everything else to a minimal, so there isn't too much going on. 

Well, I hope this helps you cheer up in the chilly weather this autumn, and I hope this leads you to trying new styles and seeing what works for you.