I have worked in the fashion industry for over a decade (okay now I'm aging myself, lol), and bring my expertise and insider information from my blog right to you! From do's and dont's, to deals and trends, I've got it covered!
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Holiday Makeup Tips and Tricks
Some holiday makeup tips to keep you and your skin looking FABULOUS:
Brush Cleaning: You should clean your brushes once per week. Not cleaning your brushes can lead to blemishes and skin issues. I use the Bobbi Brown Conditioning Brush Cleanser which is only $16.50. You can also use mild household liquid soap, like baby shampoo.
Squeeze a small amount of cleanser into palm of hand and wipe wet brush in palm to pick up cleanser. Gently massage cleanser through bristles, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a towel and shape as needed. Lay brush on a counter edge to dry.
Makeup Expiration: Did you know makeup has a shelf life? Are you like me, and guilty of refusing to throw away those perfect shades? Using old makeup is bad for your skin! Go through those makeup bags...
Lipstick: 1 year
Eye makeup: 3 months
Blush: 6 months
Nail polish: 2 years (if stored properly)
Sharpening Liners: Before sharpening your eyeliner or lip pencil, place it in the freezer for around 10 minutes. It will harden slightly and not break when sharpened. And here’s a bonus: Use an old toothbrush to clean out your sharpener.
Scars & Blemishes: Lingering skin imperfections? Try tea tree oil. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of scars and help clear up blemishes.
Lipstick on Teeth: This seasons dark lip makes this an especially important tip. After applying lipstick, make an “O” shape with your lips, put your index finger halfway into your mouth and slowly pull out, letting your lips roll over the finger. Any excess color will glide onto your finger and not on your teeth.
Extra Soft Lips: Want extra-soft, kissable lips? Use your toothbrush and brush your lips slightly before bed, add lip balm and awake with smooth lips.
Maximize Your Eye Shape:
Small Eyes: Avoid using too much shadow or liner — heavy color will weigh your eyes down. To give a bright, open appearance, apply a light color onto your eyelids, use a darker color in the crease and use a highlighter under the brow.
Round Eyes: Make eyes longer by using color all around and extending toward the outer corners. Use mascara on top and bottom lashes to create sharper, longer lines.
Hooded Eyes: To reduce a heavy appearance, apply light colors onto your lids. Use darker colors from the center of the eyelid to the outer corners and blend.
Large Eyes:Make your eyes pop by wearing a darker shadow on the lid and extending to the crease. Use a flat color under the brow to highlight.
Styling Tools Galore
At Misikko we understand how important your hair is – you’ve gotta look great but keep your hair from taking unwanted stress or damage. Choose from ceramic hair straighteners, a curling iron or a blow dryer, there will always be a tool that fits your style – and ceramic far infrared heat seals in your hair’s natural moisture to condition while you’re styling. With famous brand names like CHI, Turbo Croc and FHI Heat, you’re on your way to head-turning, soft, beautiful locks.
A Modern Woman’s Must-Have
Work, Family, and responsibilities - today’s woman never rests. But a ceramic hair straightener is easy to use, you can finally catch a break. With easy on and off features, temperature controls and versatile designs, there will always be time for relaxation in the morning. Professional tools ranging from the HAI flat iron to the GHD flat iron, you’re sure to find an iron that fits your lifestyle. Try a travel or cordless flat iron for touch-ups on the go – whether you’re in the car, in the office or trotting the globe, you’ll look your best 24/7.
Misikko’s Best
Torn between two irons? Looking for a styler that’s durable, affordable, and delivers professional results? Let us recommend our best hair straightener – or a choice selection of them – to help you narrow your choices. We’ve based these choices on testimonials from friends, experts, and the press, personal experience and feedback from people like you. Including the T3 flat iron, which is celebrated yearly in Allure magazine, and the CHI hair straightener – an American classic that started it all – you’ll find an iron here that you can feel great about.
$100 or Less @ H&M
Last night I indulged in a bit of shopping. I haven't gone shopping in SO long. Trust me. It was time. After dropping bank in a few other stores, my last stop was H&M. I was yet again pleasantly surprised that for less than the price of one item in most of the other stores I went to, I was able to get 4 pieces!
Total: $96.99
The Shirt Off Your Back
My friends closet:
Silverlake chic:
The Early Bird Catches The Worm
Wake up early today, ladies, and get down to your local H&M: I heard there will be a line at the Beverly Center. Why? Comme des Garcons' collaboration with the retailer is coming out TODAY! The sales person who rang me up last night said last time they had a designer release the items sold out in 15 minutes!
Denis Guidone was just selected as the winner of the international design competition Adamo Eva. His whimsical scribble watch design called “Ora Unica”, meaning One Hour, is a wonderful contrast of chaos and order mixed together. In their words, “The hour and minute hands are represented by a single line drawn on two circular faces, which turn one inside the other. Both faces together resemble a graphical gesture, a doodle that changes as time passes.”
For ordering info: denisguidone@gmail.com
Cassette Tape Closet by Patrick Schuur
I happened upon this on the internet and it got me thinking... it might be a fun DIY project. Find the right piece of furniture at a flea market or Ikea... and if you are one of those people who just can't bare to throw your cassette tapes away (like me!), you'll not only find a good purpose for them other than collecting dust... but you will have a sort of collage of the music you listened to "back then".
It took 918 cassette's to make the cabinet you see here.
This is kind of old news but I just can't resist anything Chloe Sevigny gets involved with. Uniqlo is a Japanese chain, and got Chloe and Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano to do the ads for their UT Project, using art by artists such as Basquiat and Haring, among others. The two actors were asked to bring the designs to life by portraying characters and emotions they found within the t-shirts.
Lanvin RTW, Spring 2009
It was always love at first sight with Lanvin. And designer Alber Elbaz played cupid yet again with this range for Spring '09. I'm smitten with the architecture of some of these pieces. I'm infatuated with the asymmetrical details. And I j'adore the silhouette of every single thing that teased it's way down the catwalk.
PS: These shoes are making me ache. Girlishly sexy.
SAMPLE SALE: Brooklyn In The House...
My Latest Obsession: Scout
Scout is a boutique that offers "contemporary international and independent lines, designer vintage, handbags, accessories, denim, footwear, and jewelry." If you live in Los Angeles you should definitely check them out. And if you don't, don't fret: you can shop online!
Scout 7920 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 323.658.8684
When it comes to reality shows, I'm a Bravo snob. If it isn't on Bravo I just don't tune in. When I sat down to finally watch The Rachel Zoe Project, I admit, I had a chip on my shoulder and my eyebrow poised in the "Mhmmm" position. I never liked her much, but thinking about it, I don't know why. In the media she was blamed for the waif thin physique of some of her younger clients, and was even accused by some publications to supply those clients with drugs to keep them looking that way. But realistically, the Hollywood body image has been having that issue since long before Zoe. And there are plenty of other clients, like Jennifer Garner, who have impeccable reputations and healthy bodies who still swear by her as their stylist.
I've seen all the episodes that have aired so far and I can honestly say I like her more with each one. She really does have an intimate relationship with fashion, and the same dying ache inside as I do when she finds that perfectly tailored, impeccably embroidered, or vintage treasure. She is tiny yes, but her accessories are only matched in size by her personality. I admire her plan to expand her brand into her own line of accessories, and then clothes. I am anxious to see how it all goes in that regard, and when her line does come out, you dear readers will be the first to know.
The drama between her two assistants seems to be the buzz about town, but I think there is a lot more to tune in for. Her passion is infectious.
For those of you who want the inside scoop on Rachel Zoe's style and technique, check out her book! It doesn't hurt that Amazon has it on sale right now, too. Click the book to check it out. For like $10. Definitely worth it.
Paris Fashion Week: Yohji Yamamoto, Spring 2009 Ready-To-Wear
This, my dears, is fashion.
(click image to see larger size)
A Yohji show these days can stop you in your tracks. Not so much because he shocks you—he's not an out-with-the-old, in-with-the-new kind of guy—but because of his wistful score and the models' stately pace. You could call them old-fashioned, but they encourage the eye to relax, which isn't so easy after 20-something days of nonstop fashion. Those who did settle into the mood were well-rewarded by a collection that didn't necessarily break ground, but was lovely in a quiet, almost meditative way.
The show was essentially divided into two sections. First came the black suits, some shown with arabesques of white topstitching, all cut with an eye for the graceful asymmetries that Yamamoto is famous for. Jackets with uneven lapels and tails, or misbuttoned to create a ruffle undulation on one side, were worn above narrow pants or long, full skirts. The ivory dresses that came next followed the same principle: They were pieced together from irregularly shaped swatches of white and cream fabrics and fell slightly away from the body. The bride, typically the last look, padded out in a grand picture hat and a big hoop skirt. This time she was followed by four more models, all—like the girls who preceded them—wearing sunglasses, and each in a different variation of a soft navy coat. On a day when the Dow plummeted 777 points, the Zen-chant repetition had a calming effect that even a crowd perpetually chasing the next new thing could appreciate.
Paris Fashion Week: John Galliano for Christian Dior, Spring/Summer 09
The Dior spring/summer 2009 collection strode down a Paris catwalk earlier today to a tribal beat, with the models balanced on six-inch, metal "fertility goddess" heels as high as their sculptural, plaited head-dresses.
The collection was inspired by “"my memories of many trips, all over Africa" by Dior's prolific British designer, John Galliano, and drew on earthy, sensual references.
The clothes were obviously designed to appeal to Dior’s growing fan-base of high-profile, young, rich celebrity customers, including the pop singers Katy Perry and Lily Allen and the actresses Emma Watson and Eva Green, who sat front row with the likes of former supermodel, Stephanie Seymour, the Oscar-winning, French actress Marion Cotillard and the burlesque star, Dita Von Teese.
The dresses were amongst the shortest and sexiest ever seen on a Dior catwalk; flipping flirtatiously at mid-thigh in acid-yellow, orange, fuschia and delphinium blue organza and chiffon – and conspicuously see-through; although thoughtfully accessorized with matching, knitted hot-pants.
Bustiers made of coloured python-skin, teamed with flippy micro-skirts, in bark-printed chiffon or embellished with cowrie shells, brass discs and crystals, along with corset-tops in stingray, worn with hug-me-tight black leggings, added to the exotic mood of tribal-chic.
I just LOVE Botkier! And I do not know how it slipped past me that they teamed up with Target to do a line. Well, finding out late does come with it's perks. Originally $39.99, this Grey Python Satchel is now on sale for just $27.99! You save $12, which more than pays for shipping. And if you spend $50, you pay no shipping anyway! I just love this bag, and the slate grey color and python texture is just perfect for fall. The bag is also lined, and has the same Botkier plate on the inside as mine that was purchased from Barney's. With two outer pockets and one inside pocket you won't have to do much digging in this bag, just the right size to use every day, and beautiful enough to go from day to night with ease.
Just got this in my email, ladies GET ON IT! I know I will...
Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen's Fashion Feud
Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen, 22, created two clothing lines, a couture collection called The Row and a less expensive line called Elizabeth and James.
But it sounds like their fashion business is suffering, because of their vastly different lifestyles.
“Ashley really wants to be a respected businesswoman and be taken seriously,” a pal tells InTouch. “MK does too, but she hasn’t been willing to give up her lifestyle and act like an adult for their job.”
So Ashley is now distancing her twin from the couture line. She reportedly decided MK should not be involved with The Row and has asked her to step back from her current responsibilities "until she has her personal life together.”
It's been a while since I touched base with you all on a personal level... Life has been busy for me the past few months with my other passion (music!), as those of you who follow my tumblr are well aware! But even when I am not working with clothes, I am keeping the love affair alive via this blog.
In April, Couture Cult celebrated it's first anniversary! It has been amazing to watch this blog grow. I was going through my photobucket account a few days ago and found the graphics for the old layout... and it made me realize how far it's come since then.
Another new bit of news, I want to welcome American Apparel to the site as an advertiser! Be sure to check out their website by clicking on their banner to the right... you can't always find your sizes in the stores, they fly out so fast, so if you know your size (which we all pretty much do), try shopping through their website! It's always well stocked.
Additionally, I have added some fresh items to my own store here at Couture Cult! So be sure to check it out! I just picked out a ton of great Gucci shoes for both women and men that will be just perfect for fall! Browse the shop by clicking on the Retail Therapy "shop" icon! I will be adding new merchandise as the season progresses and I will be sure to let you know about the best finds!
I look forward to much much more in the years to come as Couture Cult grows! Last time we talked, I hinted about video blogs, and have some wonderful interviews and ideas in the works! So keep checking in and make sure to enter your email to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a post! Your information will NEVER be shared with anyone else. And you will get one weekly email with the highlights of the weeks posts!
Thank you so much to all of you who have kept coming back, written in, and exchanged links with me.
Love Always, Alana Joy
2008 Emmy Awards: Red Carpet Coverage
My favorites:
Evangeline Lilly:
I have only recently become obsessed with Lost. Having missed so many seasons, everyone said I just wouldn't understand it picking it up in the middle. They were right. I sat down with the DVD's to play catch up and I just couldn't stand up until I had watched all 4 seasons. I finally understand what all the fuss is about. The storyline really is amazing, and it was just as easy to become intrigued by Evangeline Lilly. Not only the character she plays but the actress behind the role. I think she is a talented and strong woman, with enviable effortless and striking beauty.
I am loving her in this champagne colored, deco inspired Elie Saab. Her makeup does what makeup is meant to do. It brings out her natural features, like the color of her eyes, without taking attention away from them. The deco inspiration of the dress is also expressed in her earrings. And the up-do is very loose, looking neat without being harsh or over done.
I love the raw edge of the chiffon accent. I think it adds some youth to the dress, whereas a finished edge would have made it more appropriate for an older woman. Sophistication without aging her. She makes this look easy, when you know it took all day to get her this perfect. Heidi Klum:
I just love this look! Her dress, by Armani Prive, looks almost malleable, like liquid metal, the sparkle adding award show caliber glamor. Her hair and makeup are flawless, and the earrings add some girlish fun to the overall look, softening it up just enough. The sideswept up-do (obviously a trend this year), is sexy and creates a lovely frame for her face and the earrings.
Another trend apparent on the red carpet this year was a jewel toned purple.
(Nicollette Sherian, Julie Benz, Holly Hunter, and Laura Dern)
Can anyone tell me why Lauren Conrad was there, and presenting no less? That was kind of odd. Don't you think? She is wearing her own design, and also designed the dresses the trophy girls wore. I really can't help but wonder how she got that kind of hook up from just being on The Hills. Her designs are cute, but bland. I do like the color, but I wish she would change up her makeup.She should have done a darker shadow, something more glamorous for the Emmy Awards. She has it the same here as she does every week on her show. And unlike my two favorite picks above, her up-do doesn't look as natural and shiny.
But the absolute worst dressed by far goes to Pheobe Price. First of all, who??? She looks like a Vegas showgirl, strung out on uppers. Who let her out of the house like that? Everything about it is wrong, from the color, which clashes with her hair, to the trashiness of it. The headpiece! It looks like she got this from a shop in downtown LA that specializes in Quinceañera dresses. Ghastly.
Is there any truth to the rumor that satin is muslin?
NY Fashion Week: Victoria Beckham's Line Premiere's
Victoria Beckham's line of dresses, starting at about $1500, premiered at NY Fashion Week. Honestly, I really like them. (Above are pictures of her entire line, courtesy of Style.com). But I did expect a little more innovation from someone who seems to have a flair for the avant garde. What do you think? Love it, or leave it?
NY Fashion Week: Nylon TV Does Alexander Wang
I've been really busy with music lately, so I haven't had the time to give New York Fashion Week the coverage I'd love to give. Instead, kick back and watch Nylon's footage from Alexander Wang. And this time, tell me what you think... rather than the other way around. Deal?
But I will say this. Those shoes are to die. And surprisingly, I really love the sequined sweatpants. The bangles at about 43 seconds in... my god. I love the splash of sorbet inspired colors, also. The show flashes between adorable and sexy. The constant: those shoes, that I will stop at nothing to have.
Penis Cufflinks, Large: by Vivienne Westwood
True to form, Vivienne Westwood brings personality and um... sexuality... together in these cufflinks on sale for 75 euro.
