Fall 2013 Beauty and Accessories Trends: Part I

From a blogger’s perspective, I always like to know what’s “hot” for the next upcoming season.  And honestly, I do not consider myself to be “trendy” but I do believe in the concept of “refreshing” your wardrobe.

Life is too short to wear boring clothes (via my Instagram post) and dressing is a form of personal expression.  It’s how you present yourself to the world and most importantly, it shows everyone how you feel about yourself.

My philosophy is that anyone can refresh their wardrobe without having to spend their life savings.  A simple bracelet or new shade of lipstick can do wonders for your wardrobe, mood, or even your professional life.

I have to give credit to one of my favorite magazines, Instyle (I’ve been reading since I was a teenager) for telling us the new, runway inspired looks.

In conclusion, it’s fun and easy to select a trend but don’t forget that true style is making a look your own!

Beauty Trends

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Oxblood Nails

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Wide Headband

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Nude Nail Polish

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Matte Skin

 

Accessories Trends

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Animal Print Heels

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Pointy – Toe Flats

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Strappy Sandals

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White Pumps

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High Heeled Loafers

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Pendant Earrings

 

photos were taken from Pinterest.com

 

Target’s Beauty Concierge Progam Launches in Baltimore: Contributing Post by Lydia Rochelle

Just in case you needed another reason to shop at Target, the store known for the “Expect More. Pay Less” brand promise has launched a Beauty Concierge program in 27 existing stores in Washington DC, Northern Virginia and Baltimore.

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This program started in Chicago, and launched in the DMV on June 28, 2013. The Beauty Concierge is available at select times during the day, to answer all of your beauty and skincare needs with personalized and unbiased information.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Melody, the Beauty Concierge at the store in Towson. Her impressive background as a professional make-up artist and extensive training in skin care and hair care, guided me through my beauty journey. During my visit, we perused the vast amount of ethnic hair care products (the largest selection that I have seen at Target) and developed a regimen that would work best for my hair type. Melody provided personalized and unbiased information and we also had a great time!

Additionally, the program will launch in 96 stores in Los Angeles/Orange County, 36 stores in Minneapolis and expand to 41 stores in Chicago, with approximately 200 stores implementing the program in 2013. Check with your local Target for additional locations with the Beauty Concierge. Happy shopping!

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Summer Beauty Trick: How to Wear A Nude Lipstick

Wearing nude lipstick this summer is fun, sexy, and very sophisticated.  And I love wearing a nude lipstick because this color practically goes with any dress for any occassion.  But there’s a fine line between wearing a neutral lip color and appearing to have just “rolled” out of the bed.

When trying to achieve a neutral look this does not mean simply wearing clear lip gloss (and nothing else.)  This effortless look still requires make up application with the selection of the right products.  Lucky for us we have tips on how to wear a nude lipstick!

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 How To Wear a Nude Lipstick

  • Select a color that matches your skintone; the color should be at least two shades between your natural skin complexion.
  • Fair skintones should purchase lipsticks in a pink nude; Brown skintones should purchase lipsticks in a beige nude.
  • Use a neutral lip liner to help lipstick last longer.
  • Don’t forget to play up the eyes with dramatic eye shadow, mascara, and liquid liner.
  • Add bronzer to the cheeks for a beautiful summer glow! 

 

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Event Recap: Fashion Awards MD 2013

Photos from this year’s Fashion Awards MD event are posted below.  I was super excited to be a nominee, especially since this blog has only been active for one year (hooray!)  In addition, every nominee in the media category was very talented, so for me (personally) it was truly about the experience and being amongst those who share the same “love” which is fashion, art, and style.

The event production was also nice from nominees standing on the red carpet, to guest enjoying refreshments, and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.  Lastly, to give this event the fashion flair that it deserved Lana Rae (the event founder and owner of the KIS Agency) was able to have Lianca and Johnny from Kimora: House of Fab serve as the awards show host.

I look forward to attending this event again next year.  For additional details click on the link: Fashion Awards MD.com  Photos below are taken from my Instagram account.

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Photo of Fashion Blogger Teena Leone from Fashion for Breakfast

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Dress: shop.stylelifefashion.com | Bracelet: Nordstrom | Platform Pumps: Bebe | Envelop Clutch: shop.stylelifefashion.com

Event Recap: Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone

On Sunday, June 9, 2013 I had the opportunity to attend The Mdurvwa Pop Up Shop hosted by Teena Leone (from Fashion for Breakfast) along with jewelry designer Deborah Mdurvwa and R&B Singer, Lil Mo.  The event was held at a local boutique (in Federal Hill, Baltimore) titled The Lovelace Showroom.

I had a great time at this event for a variety of reasons.  Number one, I love supporting other bloggers because we truly have a passion for what we do and understand the dynamics and hard work that goes into maintaing a website.  Number two, it was my first time visiting The Lovelace Showroom and I adore the “vibe” that’s in this boutique.  From chandelier ceilings to sequin drapes, this is my type of boutique! Lastly, it’s always nice to meet other fashionistas living in the Baltimore area.

Everyone who attended the event also had the opportunity to enjoy cupcakes, light refreshments, and music played by a local DJ.

I give the event a thumbs up and looking forward to the next event hosted by Teena!

 

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Just another fun day for Style Life Fashion!
 

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SLF Giveaway {H&M} Bikini and Embroidered Dress

Ladies we have a treat for you! For everyone who’s a “Beyonce fan” and frequent shopper of H&M, we are offering (you) the opportunity to wear the hottest style.  In honor of our loyal readers, we are hosting a giveaway from the Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013.

One lucky winner will receive a bandeau bikini (top/bottom) and beaded embroidered dress for summer!  Details on how to enter the giveaway are below:

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GIVEAWAY REQUIRED ENTRY:

1. “Like” Style Life Fashion Facebook and Twitter Page.

2. Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite clothing item or accessory from H&M.

3. Share our Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013 giveaway on one of your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

Giveaway will end at midnight on June 18, 2013 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on June19, 2013.

Nordstrom Rack Pre-Opening Party in Columbia Crossing

Nordstrom Rack opens in Columbia, Maryland (as of today) May 16, 2013.  On tuesday, I had the opportunity to attend their Pre-Opening Party.  I was happy to receive an invitation because this event was a great way to welcome Nordstrom Rack to Columbia residents.

Upon entering the doors, Nordstrom Rack staff greeted participants while thanking them for attending the event.  In addition, there was music playing, waiters serving horsd’oeurves and shoppers sipping “fun” drinks.

Some of the brands present in Nordstrom Rack are Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Ivanka Trump, and many more.  There’s also shoes, accessories, cosmetics, handbags, and children’s apparel.  But what’s really important is that all of the products are such a great price.  In my opinion, you can’t beat high quality merchandise for a good price!

To give more details about the actual store opening, the first (30) shoppers will win a $100.00 giftcard and one lucky winner will receive a $1,000 shopping spree.

Opening Date:  May 16, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. (pre-opening festivities begin at 8:00 a.m.)

Regular Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: 6141 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045

Size: 40,750

History: The first Nordstrom Rack opened as a clearance center in the lower level of the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom store in the early 1970’s.  As Nordstrom expanded across the country, Rack stores followed.   The new Nordstrom Rack Columbia Crossing will be the retailer’s 126th Rack location.

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Spring Beauty Products Review: The Editor’s Video

As we move forward with the Spring season, I wanted to share a few of the beauty products that I am currently using.  The products discussed in this video can be purchased at any local Sephora or department store.

Below (in the video) I am sharing are Buxom Lipstick, Smashbox Brow Kit, MAC Studio Fix (SPF 15) Foundation, and Very Hollywood (perfume) by Michael Kors.

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I hope that this vidoe will serve as a useful tool to help “stylistas” in their quest to stay beautiful.  Enjoy ladies…

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Tiffany & Co. Jewels “Star” in The Great Gatsby Movie

Director Baz Luhrmann’s film The Great Gatsby debuts on May 10, and with it, The Great Gatsby Collection by Tiffany & Co., inspired by the film and created in collaboration with Academy Award®-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin.

The spectacular jewelry is based on designs from the Tiffany Archives and worn by the film’s all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, who appear as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.  “The jewelry symbolizes the story’s themes of wealth and privilege, and we approached its design with the utmost style and luxury in mind,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany’s dazzling creations illuminate the characters’ rarefied world of New York penthouses and Long Island estates.  Ms. Mulligan’s Tiffany wardrobe includes tassel necklaces and jewels with lustrous conch pearls.  At evening soirées her blond bob is circled with the Savoy, a headdress of diamonds and cultured pearls, and her gestures are accented by a hand ornament in a daisy motif and diamond rings with the Tiffany® Setting.  The daisy is also featured in earrings of Tiffany Yellow Diamonds and a long-stemmed brooch.

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Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Jordan Baker, wears chandelier earrings of rose-cut diamonds, bracelets of diamonds and seed pearls, and Art Deco-inspired rings of sapphires and diamonds in platinum.  At posh parties her elegant ensembles are accented with fluid diamond necklaces and earrings of cushion-cut black onyx or emerald-cut aquamarines.

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Mr. DiCaprio’s custom Brooks Brothers shirts are finished with oval cuff links of black or green enamel on 18 karat gold.  Essentials such as a slender card case and flask in sterling silver fit smoothly in the pockets of his tailored linen suits and tuxedo.

For more about The Great Gatsby, visit www.thegreatgatsbymovie

 

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Trend Alert: Gift from Mom…My New Embroidered Jeans

I have to admit that I will fall in love with anything that’s embroidered.  Not sure if this has to do with my childhood or the fact that I grew up watching my mother sew and create custom made clothing.  And no, she wasn’t a tailor or semstress but she too had a true love for fabrics, textures, and design.

So with that being said, my love affair with fashion began at a young age (partially because of the obvious reasons) but mostly because of the connection/bond between myself and my mother.  When I was five years old, she taught me how to sketch paper dolls and design clothing.  At the age of seven she bought me my first sewing machine and said, “today you will learn how to sew clothing…for your Barbie dolls.”  On my sixteenth birthday, she arranged for me to learn makeup application (at the cosmetics counter.) My sophomore year in college, I decided to leave my Psychology major for a degree in Fashion Merchandising and she encouraged my decision (even though in the back of her mind she wanted me to become a Child Psychologist.)

Last month, I decided to travel “home” to visit my parents and of course, my mom had something special for me.  As I opened the shopping bag, I see a pair of embroidered jeans. She began to explain where she purchased the jeans and how much she paid for them (which is something we like to do!)  Immediately I became excited because I knew that I could (or at least) try to “pull” off these jeans.

In lieu of the upcoming holiday (Mother’s Day) I wanted to write this post for my mom and show her how I “styled” my embroidered jeans.  Like the quote says, “April Showers brings May Flowers!”

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To read more about where to find a pair of embroidered jeans, click on the link here: Lucky Magazine