links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {march 26, 2015 edition}

Learning à la Mode

The thing I love most about fashion blogging is that it’s rarely only about clothes. It’s about the cultural traditions behind an outfit, using your creativity to create a whole new look, or to discover the real personalities behind style icons. This week’s roundup is enlightening in so many ways. We learned that Nigerian women really know how to do it up for weddings, that two skirts worn together can look very chic, that Anna Wintour is lovely during an interview (and might even tell you your second-hand dress is pretty), how to survive a shopping break… read on for these educational tidbits and so much more!

Links à la Mode: March 26

• Adorned in Armor: Capital Fashion
• Al-Balsam Life: Beauty Tips That Make You Look Younger
• A Handful of Stories: Outfit of the Day: Layered Skirts
• Attire Club: 35 Essential Dressing Tips for Men
• Cat Eyes and Skinny Jeans: Beauty Board: Brilliantly Basic
• Couture Crush: Korean Berrisom 'My Lip Tint Pack' Review
• Fashion Moriarty: What to Wear to Meet Anna Wintour
• Funky Jungle: 5 Tips for Surviving a Shopping Break
• Hey Mishka: DIY Jeweled Spring Hat
• Kremb de la Kremb: The Bag With the Worst Wrap
• Les Assorties: C.J. Bakhos X Piece & Co.
• Moda Addicted: 10 Closet Essentials You Should Splurge On
• My Fashion Slash Life: Glamorous Nigerian Aso-Ebi Wedding Style
• Purushu Arie: Shades of Grey
• Sheela Writes: Sheet Masks Are Taking Over
• Storybook Apothecary: How to Spring Clean Your Life
• The Daily Luxe: 8 Fashion Week Accessories Trends You Can Wear Now
• TLV Birdie: Green Beauty Online: Seed to Serum
• We Are Ready Made: Teenage Riot
• Yukova's Fashion Blog: Spring/Summer 2015 Trends Guide

SPONSOR: Shopbop: Spring dresses, Nude, and Black Wedges, Black Booties,Peep Toe Booties, Ankle boots, Knee High boots, Leopard Flats, Red Pumps & Wedge Sandals

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the updated rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode.

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xx

NOTD: Sephora Formula X in Astronomical

Two coats of Formula X in Astronomical. Honeycomb Nude Creme.

How gorgeous is this color? I literally have no words.

Astronomical is a Top Pick if you love colors within the nude family that have a little extra somethingsomething - in the case of this particular shade, that added oomph is a butter-meets-bisque undertone that gives it a pastel vibe {amazing for spring!} without straying too far from neutral ground.

Formula was amazing here. Non-streaky, no flirting with the cuticles, and truly fab wear-time {3 days - not a single chip, crack, or peel}. Get it girls!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

little black romper

Keepsake Recover Romper in Black.

Positively perfect for a night out - just add fierce heels, a gilded cuff, and a killer contour.

xx

falling in love at a coffee shop {jackpot candles review}

I have a full-out obsession with coffee shops - the sights {so perfect for people-watching}, the sounds {tell me I'm not the only one who adores the crackle of coffee perking}, and, above all else, the aroma. You know what I'm talking about - the rich scent of coffee, mocha, caramel, vanilla...it's intoxicating. But I'm getting away from myself.

A few weeks back, Jackpot Candles offered me the chance to Review one of their candles - obviously, I opted for the Coffee Caramel Latte Candle WITH a Necklace. In case you were wondering, yes; Jackpot Candles are jewelry candles harboring divine scents + your choice of a necklace, earrings, or ring {sizes 6 - 9}. Each candle is Made in the USA, consists of 100% Premium Natural Soy {hand poured}, and includes a jewelry piece valued between $15 and $15,000!

Truth be told: I have counter-surfing cats and a dog with a wicked high-jump, so I actually haven't burned my candle yet. I open the lid, and just let the scent waft through the house - no burning necessary. And let me tell you, the smell is still incredibly strong {and oh so scrummy}. I'm eager to light it soon, however, because I'm dying to see my bauble {and virtually appraise it using my personal appraisal code}.
If you were choosing a Jackpot Candle, what scent would you select {the Pina Colada sounds amazing for summer!}?


xx

Thanks to Jackpot Candles for Sponsoring this post!

{beauty board} dewy radiance

In contrast to sunkissed skin, which is typically equated with summertime {hello...beach bunny}; seriously dewy skin is something that feels fully apropos year-round {though I love it most for spring}, given it's penchant for projecting a luminous, lit-from-within glow that feels all sorts of radiant and romantic.

I, personally, love ridiculously radiant skin {I'm talking dew-drenched}, paired with subtly smudged eyes for that undone, effortlessly chic effect. First, I apply moisturizing primer on my cheekbones, followed by onyx black eyeliner to rim my eyes {I like a creamy pencil liner}. Next, I use my finger to dab cream highlighter on my lids {allowing it to touch my liner for that soft smudge. Finally, I apply 2 coats of waterproof mascara to tie it all together. Here are 4 of my can't-live-withouts for achieving the look!

{1} MAKE UP FOR EVER Step 1 Skin Equalizer HYDRATING PRIMER {$36.00}

{2} RMS BEAUTY Living Luminizer {$38.00}

{3} STILA Kajal Eye Liner in ONYX {$18.00}

{4} MAYBELLINE Full & Soft Thick & Healthy Waterproof Mascara in VERY BLACK {$7.99}


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xx

{fashion folio} sporty chic

Top: Jay Ahr Cropped Studded Striped Cotton-Piqué Top | Bracelet: Giles & Brother Skinny Hex Cuff Bracelet in Rhodium | Nail Polish: Christian Louboutin Nail Colour - The Nudes in Just Nothing | Shoes: Ted Baker London Savenniers Pump in Silver | Clutch: Ash Frankie Clutch in Black | Earrings: BaubleBar Pavé Cone 360 Studs in Hematite {on sale!} | Pants: Valentino Wool and Silk-Blend Wide-Leg Pants | Lip Gloss: Ciaté Liquid Velvet™ Matte Lip Slick in Swoon
Man-repelling wide-leg pants get a super sexy makeover when paired with a chic-yet-sporty crop top and metallic snake-embossed pumps. Hematite 360* Studs, and an envelope clutch with heavy metal hardware add edge; while an angular silver cuff serves as an elegant conversation starter. For makeup, go nude with a your-lips-but-better gloss and blink-and-you'll-miss-it polish.

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xx

the instagram diaries

Instagram: @cateyesandskinnyjeans

Powder Compact: mark. Glowdacious Illuminating Powder in Shimmied Up {c/o} | Lips: Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in Melted Peony | Eyeshadow: sugar Stick Cream Eyeshadow in Pixie {c/o} | Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in Black

Mascara: Rimmel Wonder'Lash Mascara with Argan Oil in Extreme Black {c/o} | Eye Shadow: Rimmel ScandalEyes Eye Shadow Paint in Mercury Silver {c/o} | Eye Liner: NYX Slide On Eye Pencil in Platinum | Eye Liner: Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Black {c/o}

Eye Shadow Palette: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette | Blush: Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso | Face Primer: e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer in Clear {c/o} | Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in Black | Eye Liner: L'Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black | Brush: Real Techniques Blush Brush {c/o} | Lipstick: e.l.f. Studio Moisturizing Lipstick in Party in the Buff {c/o} | Rug: Lulu & Georgia L & G Acrylic Sheepskin

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xx


Thanks to mark, e.l.f., sugar, Klout, and Rimmel for Sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Festival Season is just around the corner {as is summer}, and I'm all about the boho fashions and glowy, sunkissed skin. After all, what's warmer weather without those things? Happy Tuesday, babes!

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xx

NOTD: Julep Nail Color in Beatrix

One coat of Julep Nail Color in Beatrix. Matte Black Hex Glitter and Gold Hex Glitter in a Clear Base.

Oh Beatrix...I am quickly discovering that JULEP has an amazingamazing array of glitter top coats, and Beatrix is one of them!

The formula was flawless - dispersing the glitter pieces evenly over the entire nail in just one coat, and being the perfect consistency {not gloppy!}. The mix of gold and black made me think of buried treasure, so I layered it over e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish in Mint Cream {also available here and here}, which felt mermaid-esque.

My one qualm: Maybe this was just my bottle, but Beatrix smelled a lot like Play-Doh. A deal-breaker? Absolutely not, but I felt it was worth mentioning.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

on the runway at fendi fall/winter 2015

xx{images via}

short + sweet styles for prom 2015

Though floor-sweeping gowns often reign supreme for prom season, as a pocket-sized gal {5'1 1/2" - that extra half an inch is oh so important}, I find that short prom dresses 2015 are more my flavor as they fully bring the sass, give you that ultra-covetable legs for days look, and can be recycled as a nice cocktail dress in the future {or present if you, like me, are beyond prom-attending age}.

GBridal has become my go-to for this type of special occasion attire, as they serve up pages {upon pages, upon pages} of flirty frocks and pretty pieces to fit every personality. I've done a little snooping to find some of their true shining stars. You know, the dresses I basically want to find hanging in my closet tomorrow morning. In 3, 2, 1...

Exquisitely Unique Candy Pink Asymmetrical Sheath/Column Prom Evening Dress {$108.16}
Proof that love at first sight exists. I'm not ordinarily one for hi-lo anything; but this dress takes that trend and does something a little more...ethereal and magic with it. The shredded chiffon is incredibly sparse and minimal, adding a whimsical, fairytale touch that is downright enchanting. Gimme, gimme, gimme!

Brilliant Ruching Short/Mini Backless Sleeveless Chiffon Shoulder Straps Royal Blue Prom Evening Dress {$208.50}
Looks basic, yes? It's noooot {sing-song voice}. This is one of those dresses that has that business in the front, party in the back thing going on - it looks all sweet + simple from the front, then you turn around and bam! An insanely gorgeous {and super sexy} cutout that will make heads turn. Trust.

Classical Sweetheart Dropped Red Beading Red Prom Evening Dress {$130.11}
That beaded bodice though - talk about a supremely brilliant embellishment. It adds so much dimension to the basic coral-meets-red skirt. Love, love, lovelovelovelove...
Which piece would you love to wear to your next soirée?


xx

Thanks to GBridal for Sponsoring this post!

score lush, long locks with hair extensions!

I love the idea of having the ability to alter your look from day to day, week to week, month to month, hour to hour, minute to minute {perhaps that explains precisely why I adore nail polish so much}. UU Hair Extensions allows that same ability with clip in hair extensions that can be changed on the daily {or more frequently if you like to keep people guessing - and who doesn’t?} - and when I say changed, I'm talking length, color, texture, thickness, errythang {i.e. the whole shebang, ya feel?}.

I'm truly, madly, deeply in love with natural black clip in hair extensions due to my adoration of Megan Fox's black hair / blue eyes / porcelain skin combo {it’s so v gothic vampire-meets-va va voom bombshell}; but it's not the only look I dig {ahem...soft Victoria's Secret Angel waves in sunkissed shades that feel made for summer, and look divine coupled with a bronze glow, anyone?}.

It has taken me a bit of time {read: more than an hour of debating between an incredible selection of lengths and colors} to narrow down my favorite ‘dos, but I managed to complete the task, and come up with 6 faves that I know you’ll love!

18 inch Bleach Blonde(#613) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$135.55}
That bleach blonde do though...

22 inch Golden Brown(#12) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$154.55}
These locks have got that whole Woodstock hippie chic vibe going on - v Isabel Lucas.

18 inch Golden Blonde(#16) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$135.55}
So I'm basically in love with this color...so flirty!

18 inch Medium Brown(#4) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$130.55}
Perfect color for fall {it reminds me of coffee}!

18 inch Natural Black(#1B) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$130.55}
The silkiness + shine is swoon-worthy.

20 inch White Blonde(#60) Clip in Hair Extensions 180g/10pcs {$149.99}
Michelle Pfeiffer, that white gold. Guess the song.
Which color and length would you love to try?


xx

Thanks to UU Hair Extensions for Sponsoring this post!

{beauty board} brilliantly basic

The temps are already in the 90s here in SoCal, which means a basic, dewy beauty routine is in the cards - because nothing pairs better with warm weather than dewy skin, yes?

{clockwise from top}
I like to keep products to a minimum to avoid melting makeup, so my essentials are a gold-flecked blush {I've been loving creams lately}, taupe-y shadow, sheer lip butter, epic mascara {this one curls, lengthens, and volumizes!}, and, of course, an amazing highlighter wand. Here are 5 of my faves for achieving this effortlessly brilliant look {that is anything but boring}!
{1} BENEFIT COSMETICS Roller Lash Mascara {$24.00}

{2} SMASHBOX Halo Highlighting Wand {$32.00}

{3} KORRES Lip Butter in POMEGRANATE {$12.00}

{4} E.L.F. Studio Baked Eyeshadow in TOASTED #81273 {$3.00}

{5} CHARLOTTE TILBURY Beach Stick in MOON BEACH {$45.00}


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xx

OPI Little Hulas Hawaii Collection Mini Set Swatches + Review

I'm still working my way through glitters I purchased during after-holiday sales, but with spring in full-force, I needed a few polishes that were a bit brighter, so I grabbed OPI's Little Hulas Hawaii Collection Mini Set, because it's the epitome of vacays and short shorts in my favorite form: mini bottles!

Little Hulas includes 4 punchy polish colors - and when I say punchy, I'm talking umbrella-laced-pretty-drinks-sipped-poolside punchy. As with the Little Nordies Nordic Collection I reviewed a few months back, Little Hulas features flawless formula across the board, and sizzling pigmentation that will keep your tips in style all summer long. Peep the prettiness!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops is a Soft Baby Pink Creme. So pretty, so feminine, so flawless. And yes, you read that right: Suzi Shops & Island Hops is flawless. It doesn't suffer from the same issues that typically plague pastel pink shades; rather, it gives you full opacity and brilliant, long-lasting color {no chips after 5. days. of wear!} with no fuss. This is 2 coats.

That's Hula-rious! is a Pale Wintergreen Creme. Those cool undertones though - totally making That's Hula-rious! a spring and winter staple. Formulaic perfection right here, ladies! Non-streaky, no pull towards the cuticles, amazing density. Very few pastel cremes possess these magical qualities - but this one does. Add it to your collection now if you're a mint lover! This is 2 coats.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini is a Vibrant Violet Creme. Oh, how I love this one - and not just because the name is one of the cutest things ever {though it does help!}. Lost My Bikini In Molokini is a hands-down show-stopper. The formula is perfect - and while it falls just shy of one coat wonder status, it has become one of my new favorite purples! This is 2 coats.

Aloha From OPI is a Coral Creme. It's got that fruit punch feel going on, amiright? I love shades like this {especially for the summa-summa-summertime}, but they make my hands look yellow {evidence above}, so I tend to shy away from them. But I digress, Aloha From OPI is a vacay staple, with an incredible formula to match. Again, not a one-coat wonder, but darn near close! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Macy's for the mini 4-pack; Ulta for individual bottles.

PRICE: $13.95; or buy full-size bottles separately for $9.50 each.


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xx

{fashion folio} daytime glam

Lip Gloss: e.l.f. Essential Hypershine Gloss in Bubblegum | Nail Polish: e.l.f. Essential Nail Polish in Prissy Chrissy | Shoes: BP. 'Luminate' Open Toe Dress Sandal in Blush Patent | Overalls: Madewell Distressed Stretch-Denim Skinny Overalls | Eye Shadow: Urban Decay Naked2 Basics | Necklace: Kate Spade New York Daylight Jewels Necklace in White | Top: TOPSHOP Strappy Crepe Bralet | Bracelets: Forever 21 Painted Pressed Bangles in Gold/Cream
Nude strappy sandals and a crop bralette make slim-fitting distressed denim overalls feel grown-up; while a statement necklace and mixed metal bangle stack {add a handful to each wrist} create a glam vibe. Keep the neutral energy of your look alive with a brown smoky eye {perfect for day or night}, and a sheer pink gloss {the one featured here is one of my faves!}; completing your look with a spring-perfect peachy nude polish!

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xx

NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Mineral Love

Two coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Mineral Love. Shimmering Peachy Pink with Gold Glitter.

Mineral Love could easily be described as the textured polish version of NARS' iconic Orgasm line of products - and since I am obsessed with that, I couldn't help but to love this gem.

I'm not really sure what Mineral Love is trying to be - a glitter, a textured polish...from my experience, it's very similar to the OPI Liquid Sand releases, with two differences: 1} I added top coat here {which still allowed the texture to remain}; 2} The wear time is not nearly as extensive as that of true Liquid Sand.

The formula was fantastic here. The first coat led me to think that it wouldn't build to opacity quickly, but I was definitely wrong - it built beautifully by coat 2. Crazy in love with this one - it's also a great choice if you work somewhere conservative and want a neutral with a kick!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

xx

links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {march 12, 2015 edition}

Beautiful Bloggers

This week, IFB bloggers had beauty on the brain! From amazing Dutch braids to Disney-inspired nail color to luxury products on a budget, you’re covered in the beauty department for any special events you might have coming up this spring. Final reports from the runways are also trickling in, and also look for some deep thoughts on fashion blogging. Check out all the best of the week below!

Links à la Mode: March 12

• A Handful of Stories: S/S 2015 Spring Fabric Trends
• Ambinity: How to Buy Luxury Beauty Products on a Budget
• Attire Club: Transitioning Your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Shades of Ursula E.L.F. Disney Villains Nail Polish Review
• Fashion Culturalist: Empire Recap, Episodes 7 & 8
• Fashion, Trends and More: Morf: An Innovative Design for 24 Shirts in 1
• Funky Jungle: Milan Fashion Week: Favorites and Thoughts
• Ginger Side of Life: Dutch Braid
• Keily’s Fashion Picks: Introducing: House of Borel
• KP Fusion: Why I’m OK With Blog Comparison
• Les Assorties: Fernando Paz: Through His Lens
• Ng From the Outside: Less Is More, More or Less
• Purushu Arie: How to Choose the Right Sports Shoes
• Storybook Apothecary: The Modern Fairy Tales: Book Review and Style Inspiration
• StyleCurated: Thoughts & Technique: Q&A With Thilo Westermann
• Style Bizarre: The Grown-Up Guide to Alternative Style
• That Paki Blog: The Truck Art Revolution and Rizwan Beyg
• The Outfit Repeater: The Unhealthy Trend in Blogging
• The Smoking Fox: Where Are All the Fashion Models With Natural Hair?
• TLV Birdie: Stark Skincare: Green Beauty and Simple Living

SPONSOR: EatSleepDenim: Lace Dresses, Zan Zan, Party Dresses, Larose, Sequins, Ksubi, Apres Ramy Brook, Garbstore, Lace & Wrap Dresses

Want to be featured in Links à la Mode?

1. Read the clarified rules and submit your links on this page: Links à la Mode.

2. If your link was selected and you need this week’s code, visit this page: Links à la Mode Code.


xx

it's beginning to look a lot like...prom season!

What's dripping with sequins; laden with tulle, streamers, and cheesy pop songs; and cause for after-parties? Duh! Prom, of course! Even better than prom 2015 itself? Prom dresses. Or, rather, prom dress shopping {http://www.weddingshe.com/list/Prom-Dresses-14353/} - one of my personal favorite things {despite the fact that I'm beyond prom-attending age - wah!}.

I, and many a high school student love a bargain when it comes to clothes {without forsaking style, that is}, so discount prom dresses are always a great find; and for Prom 2015, one of the best of the best online shops {Weddingshe} is serving up a delicious helping of truly decadent dresses that won't break the bank - here are 3 of my faves!

Sexy Strapless Mermaid Beading Floor-Length Evening/ Prom Dress {$181.99}
Le sigh. If we're talking sexy this dress is most definitely the epitome. Bonus: It retains a sophisticated elegance which keeps it from being too OTT {over the top}. Prom is about sparkle. Prom is about trains. In other words: prom is about this. dress.

Chic Sweetheart A-Line Beading Tassel Mini/Short Homecoming/Prom/Cocktail Dress {$174.99}
For some {ahem...moi}, prom is a fashion show; for others, it's a time to show off the mega-hot date you managed to snag. Then there are those who attend solely for the dancing {this is also moi}. In case of the latter, this dress is 100% necessary. Just look at it - the tassels serve as an unofficial mandate for twirling the night away, amiright? Seriously though...if you don't plan on dancing, don't wear this frock - it just wouldn't be right.

Glamour Sweetheart A-Line Floor-Length Ruched Zipper-Up Evening Dress {$164.99}
Can we talk about this fabric though? Look at the way it ebbs and flows over the body - a surefire sign that it would look amazing on the dance floor {and accentuate your feminine form in all the right ways}. The champagne color is nothing to sneeze at either - it's so v Carrie Bradshaw Naked Dress {one of my forever obsessions}.
Any faves babes?


xx

Thanks to Weddingshe for Sponsoring this post!

double-duty

Derek Lam 10 Crosby 2 in 1 Dress with Pleats in Grey/White.

Obsessing over the juxtaposition of simplicity and high-fashion of this piece. It's so v fashion editor does NYFW / PFW, amiright?

xx

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Blame it on the rising temps or my non-stop sandal spotting, but bikini season has officially arrived, and I'm ready for a tropical vacay. Tell me you are too. Happy Thursday!

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xx