July 30, 2010

Fall 2010 Must Haves

The only, and I mean ONLY, part of going back to school that I actually enjoy is hitting up those Labor Day sales and getting some new items to add to my wardrobe! I am really excited for fall this year because there are so many trends that I have adored long before seeing them on the runway recently. Below are the few items I will be looking for come my shopping excursion in early September

I have been on a mad woman hunt for a Fair Isle/Navajo inspired cardigan for literally two years now. I have failed to find any that does not break me out in a rash due to my inconvenient reaction to wool or scare me off by its extreme price. I find that Ralph Lauren has exactly what I am looking for but I could never get myself to drop $400 on a cardigan let alone any piece of merchandise in this economy. However, I will not give up on my hunt for the ideal cardigan, and hey Ralph Lauren is pretty to look at until then!
The other three must haves that are not so new to my list are classic riding boots, a blazer, and a leather bomber jacket. I think that they are timeless pieces in any wardrobe that, if bought classic rather than trendy, will last for decades. The more trendy items I have been attracted to are lace/satin bodysuits, leopard dresses, faux fur vests, olive colored pant, and harem pants (yes, I just went there). Here's the quick and simple breakdown:
Bodysuits- can be dressed up or down, worn under many layers or featured as the main event of an outfit, fun and versatile
Leopard dresses- casual enough to be worn everyday but with the right shoes and a few accessories can be dressed up for an edgy and daring night look
Faux fur vest- keeps you super warm during those chilly fall nights and gives a swank persona to any outfit
Olive colored pants- this trend is not waiting for fall to become a huge hit, it has been seen worn by many celebrities this summer especially in a cargo styled pant, a nice everyday change from the go-to jeans of black pants
Harem pants- a very controversial trend that began last year, accused of being an adult diaper, the harem pant is super comfortable yet not quiet flattering on every body type, but if worn appropriately it can look very chic and forward (suggestion: wear with "nicer" shoes like cute heels or dressy flats, avoid tennis shoes)

There you have it! My Fall 2010 Must Haves! Leave a comment letting me know your favorite trends and whether you agree or disagree with my opinions!

July 28, 2010

Let's Get Some Shoes!

OMG shoes....Let's get some shoes! Does anyone remember that YouTube sensation video that came out like five years ago? I remember everyone was obsessed with it. Any who...shoes are my fantasy. I believe that shoes can make or break an outfit. Here are a few shoe treads that I've seen hit the runway for Fall/Winter 2010!

Basically I see tribal moccasins by House of Harlow 1960 that frankly I adore. Closed wedge platforms are still around from last winter and I have been searching high and low for the absolute perfect pair that won't leave me in a year's worth of debt. Although the Jeffery Campbell for Free People wedges are a little too spring/summery for the fall/winter season you can always add some cute little ankle socks to keep your feet warm and get you some major fashion forward points!

What do you think of the Fall/Winter 2010 trends? Love them or hate them? Leave a comment and let my know!

July 27, 2010

YouTube Beauty Community and My MAC Wishlist!

YouTube has done bad things to me. No that's a total joke YouTube has actually changed my life. The Youtube beauty community that is. Last summer was the first time I ever visited YouTube. I was pretty bored one day so I decided to try finding an interesting video. I'm not sure what I was looking for or how I sprang across the video but I found a how to video by a pretty blonde named Elle under the screenname AllThatGlitters21. Catchy right? And that was the beginning of the end. I became completely obsessed, I watched every single video she ever made. And then I found out she has a sister named Blair, or better known as juicystar07, that was my age and I became obsessed with her as well. The Fowler sisters introduced me to this new world of complete girly-ness. They showed me how much fun makeup, hair, and skincare were. I got hooked on buying makeup and trying to recreate their looks. I had the greatest opportunity to meet them a few weeks ago at one of their meetups and they were honestly the sweetest girls ever! I got to talk to them, take a picture and got an autograph. I am now subscribed to almost 50 beauty gurus on YouTube and I love them all!

That being said, anyone who has watched any of the beauty videos are most likely aware that MAC cosmetics is usually the number one brand used during tutorials. I always dreamt of buying all the products that were continuously raved about. So I put together my most updated wishlist from MAC!
Starting with eyeshadows:
(From left to right: Naked Lunch, Woodwinked, Honey Lust)
I used to only want brightly colored eyeshadows until I realized how unpractical they were for a person like me. That is when I looked more into beautiful neutral colors such as the ones above.
Next off... Eyeliners and such:
(From left to right: Eye Kohl in Teddy, Eye Kohl in Prunella, Fluidline in Blacktrack)
I have one MAC Eye Kohl in Minted which is a mint green and I love how creamy it as and just glides on my eye and stays on all day! Therefore I really want more colors such as Teddy, a brown with gold undertones, and Prunella, a deep plum. Fluidlines are a different type of eyeliner because they are gels which is the in between of a creamy pencil and a liquid.
Then just a few lip products:
(From left to right: Lipstick in Russian Red, Lipstick in Viva Glam Gaga, Tinted Lip Conditioner in Petting Pink)
Plain and simple I would like the perfect red, I've always adored the Viva Glam Gaga's bubblegum pink and since Tendertones can only be found at Cosmetic Company Outlets I decided that Lip Conditioners are the next best at MAC.
Lastly are a few randoms:
(From left to right: Barestudy Paint Pot, 217 Blending Brush, Ladyblush Blushcreme)
Barestudy Paintpot has been chilling patiently on my wishlist since the very beginning but I cannot get myself to actually purchase it. In my near future, cough cough birthday, I feel like I will finally get my hands on it. The 217 is an eye brush that blends the eyeshadows together for a seamless look. The Blushcreme in Ladyblush was made popular by another of my favorite beauty gurus who is only 14 years old, meganheartsmakeup. She is a super sweet blonde from Texas. Don't think that age is a factor with this girl because she is very mature and grounded.

That's all for this post! Please check out AllThatGlitters21, juicystar07, meganheartsmakeup, and just the YouTube beauty community in general! Tell them that I sent you there and I promise you will not be dissapointed!

What did you think of my wishlist? Do you have any of those products? Do you like them? Leave me a comment and let me know!

July 25, 2010

On the Rise: Willow Smith

Barely even lived a decade, Willow Smith proves that the best things come in small packages. Daughter of Jada and Will Smith and sister to Jaden Smith, Willow made her acting debut in I Am Legend back in 2007. Little Willow has been the talk of the town lately as she continues to promote Jaden's new movie The Karate Kid and show off her funky fresh style. Many have compared to her fashion icon Rihanna. I am calling it now that this girl is going to make something of herself in the world of fashion and all things original!

Here are a few of my favorite looks of hers that Willow has debuted the past couple weeks!


Check out that cool silver-blue penned design on the outside of her ear as well as that rocking cheetah outfit on the bottom right!

Leave a comment and let me know what you guys think of Willow's awesome style!

July 22, 2010

Urban Outfitter's $5 Sale?!

Currently Listening: Scars (ft. Kelis, Meleka and Chipmunk)- Basement Jaxx

Don't get your hopes too high for this particular sale. Urban Outfitters' rare $5 sales usually consist of mainly basics and a few excitement worthy pieces but not this time around. The only items of mere interest that I found were a couple basics such as lucite sunglasses, a cocktail ring, some little headband, and basic fishnets. I couldn't find anything of caliber, and I am not that hard to please. I'd rather save the $5 I would spend on a simple tank top or pair of leggings because hey all those Lincoln's can add up!

Ignore the prices listed above, they aren't correct....everything on the website is $5 or less!

Did you check out the sale and find anything worthy? Let me know in the comments!

July 21, 2010

Inspired by: Emma Watson

Currently Listening: The Garden That You Planted -Sea Wolf
(Go check out Sea Wolf! One of my all time favorite bands, they are superb)

Emma Watson is not only a genius witch in the wizarding world of Harry Potter but a rising style icon. Her style manifests a classy, feminine, preppy vibe with the slightest bit of edge. My all time favorite look of Emma's was her custom made white Burberry gown that she wore to the 2010 MET Ball back in May.
In the essence of summer I put together an affordable recreation of an outfit Emma wore to a music festival earlier this summer. It flaunts ease and simplicity with crisp white and denim cutoffs.

Would you wear this look? Comment and let me know what you think of Emma's style!

July 20, 2010

Highlights: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Currently Listening: Four Kicks -Kings of Leon

Every July Nordstrom hosts its annual Anniversary Sale which introduces all their Fall and Winter merchandise. Exclusive Nordstrom shoppers get the opportunity to pre-sale all of their must have items in the beginning of July to assure they will have their hands on the newest "it" items long before the leaves start falling! I visited Nordstrom earlier this month and I got to have a sneak peak, but I was only impressed with a few pieces...

First off we'll take a look at my favorite shoes from the sale:

The only thing I bought from the entire sale were the Trouve ankle boots in a faded black color that was not pictured online. The tan color above was super cute too, but I do not have a pair of black boots so I decided to get a timeless color rather than a trendy one.

Next the clothes!

My favorite piece from the entire sale was the Line 'Logan' Patchwork Knit Cardigan. I cannot even begin to explain how unbelievably comfortable it was not to mention the absolute cutest cardigan I have ever seen. Why you may ask did I not just purchase it if I cannot stop raving about it? Well only reaching a height of 5'2 the cardigan overwhelmed my tiny frame and frankly didn't look so stellar on me for spending $230 of my hard earned money.

Lastly Skincare and Beauty Products...

I was most excited about the NARS 'Hopelessly Devoted' Set because I was never a huge fan of Orgasm Blush by NARS but I have recently discovered Deep Throat Blush. Deep Throat, despite the raunchy name, is a beautiful light peach with gold reflex which is perfect for my pale skin tone. Even though I have been looking for this exclusive duo for a while now, I could not fathom spending $53 when I don't even want the two lip glosses that are included. I have heard only great things about Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion from not only my favorite YouTube beauty gurus but a few of friends. However I didn't purchase the set, but I can recommend it from its great reviews! I have been wanting the Clarisonic Mia as well as the Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System for a while so I am going to ask for the Clarisonic Mia for my birthday in September and buy the 3-Step Skin Care System with my money in the next few weeks before the sale ends!

What were your favorites from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale? Comment and let me know!

Welcome to Under the Fluorescents

After a long, three minute debate with myself I decided it was only proper to write a quick introduction post to my new blog that I will be attending to very frequently in my surplus of time. Basically, this blog will discuss the newest and most intriguing trends and news in the fashion and beauty world along with tidbits of my everyday life.

Why am I starting a blog some might ask? Truth be told I am overly obsessed with fashion blogs and the YouTube beauty community. Therefore I find it suiting to create a blog of my own to share my two cents.

I hope you will stick around and see what I have to say! Any questions or suggestions may be sent to: underthefluorescents(at)gmail(dot)com