Sephora "Vampire Makeover" Contest from Beauty & the Blog

This is a post I created originally for the Courier Journal and then modified for a Sephora Twilight contest. I just got a notification that I was one of the winners! This is the post that I sent into Sephora...enjoy!

I have been suffering some strange symptoms as of late, and it all began after reading Twilight. I consulted my physician, and he gave me this thoroughly scientific explanation for my disease.

Twilightis: a highly contagious virus contracted through contact with the "Twilight" series by Stephenie Meyer. Anyone is susceptible to this virus, but the strain seems to be especially prevalent among young women, typically among the the teenage set.

Symptoms include: dark circles under the eyes from nights spent flipping one more page after one more page, frequent excursions to a book retailer to fill the void left after completion of one of the novels, obsessive checking of blogs and other web sites devoted to the series, defending to the death one's position on either Team Edward or Team Jacob, difficulty sleeping due to dreams about Edward Cullen, difficulty concentrating in an educational environment due to daydreams about Edward Cullen, difficulty paying attention to living boys due to fantasies about Edward Cullen

Remedies: While a cure is unknown, there are a few suggestions to bring the afflicted back to reality. This includes reading something unromantic and serious, such as a World History textbook. Another option includes finding a dark, damp hole in the farthest corner of the world where there is no such thing as literature, television, or teenagers.

Facelift!

A very special thanks to my dear friend Elise who, using her technological and creative savvy, created the gorgeous new banner using images from "Marie Antoinette". Perhaps this is the energy that my blog needs to blaze ahead...a new makeover!!

If Bella wore Soffe...

Okay, so yes I am obsessed with Twilight. I am currently re-reading the series and have seen the film twice already. In a nutshell, Bella Swan is the human girl who falls in love with a teenage vampire, the dashing Edward Cullen. To combine two of my loves (Twilight and Soffe)-I will now present to you what I believe Bella would wear if she were to shop at Soffe.

Juniors Valedictoria Crew Forks is a wet and chilly town on the Olympic Penninsula. I know if I were her I would be reaching for a cute and cozy sweatshirt all the time (especially cuddling up with a cold-as-stone vampire boyfriend).

Juniors Football Pant When Bella is chilling in her room with Edward, she forgets to bring her silky PJ's. Instead she pulls on a pair of sweatpants with a t-shirt. She still looks tempting to Edward though!

Juniors Football Tee Bella isn't much of an athlete, she wouldn't want to risk breaking ANOTHER bone, as accident and disaster prone as she is. That doesn't mean she wouldn't want to look sporty-and a football tee like this would do the trick.

A whole new world!!!

Well my lovely readers, I am diversifying. I will still be blogging for my baby (The Girl Who Rocked Versailles), my labor of love, but I will also be writing for the Courier Journal Hot Spot Blog. This is a big step for me because I will try my hand at writing on other subjects that are also near and dear to me, or that have a greater connection to the community and the world. I hope you all continue to read this blog, but if you are wondering about my alter-ego, check out the blog sometime...I will also be putting a link on this blog under "Favorites".


picture from the Disney Movie "Aladdin" courtesy of http://www.disney-vacation-time.com/img/aladdin/aladdin-4.jpg

Pinch me...I think I've died and gone to fashion heaven: My trip to Rebecca Taylor

On my recent trip to New York City, I was able to have a very unique opportunity to live one of my dreams and visit one of my favorite designer's studio, Rebecca Taylor. I have always loved Taylor's clothing. Although her direction is always fashion-forward, there is a distinct feminine aspect about her floaty fabrics and precious prints that is timeless. It is impossible to wear her clothes and not feel beautiful, let alone utterly stylish.

In the cab ride over to the studio in the Fashion District, I could barely hold in my excitement. I had been waiting for this since the moment the arrangements had been made for my visit. My mom and I walked through the doors of an unassuming narrow building, took the elevator, and watched as the doors opened into a room bathed in a soft light. I couldn't help myself but turn into a dumb little fan-girl for a few moments as I stood there admiring the space. Every inch of the loft was covered in some pretty little detail, reminding me of a dollhouse. A rack of clothing held the Resort collection nearby. Swirly patterns decorated the walls. Cat images, Taylor's signature logo, were sprinkled everywhere.

We were greeted by Frank Ricci, a sharp and stylish sales executive, who gave us the grand tour of the studio, including rooms filled with bolts of fabric, trims, buttons, bows, and all sorts of crafty materials that eventually are sewn, stitched, or embroidered to become garments. We were taken to a room filled with sketches for upcoming seasons, and I even briefly met Rebecca Taylor herself as she was fleeting down the hallway, and I was immediately taken with how she was so down to earth and did not put on any airs.

My experience at Rebecca Taylor was a delight, the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae which is New York. Thank you to all who had a part in giving me the opportunity to live one of my dreams! Maybe in the future I could be blessed with a career in such a fantasy world...

Summer Must-Have: FitFlops

I have a confession. I am a runner, and like to pretend that I am a hard-core-Spartan-athlete, yet I'm a very naturally lazy person. When I'm having one of those days in which I lack the motivation to do anything other than shopping or running errands, I reach for my secret weapon, my FitFlops.

Maybe it's the hype, maybe its the gimmick, but I can't get enough of these shoes. First off, they are incredibly comfortable and have just the right width to support your feet when walking. They are also supposed to tone your legs by tensing the muscles in your calves and thighs as you walk. I believe I can vouch for this because the first day I wore them my legs were sore by the time I took them off. This reassured me that there was "something" going on. Now even when I'm having a lazy-day I can feel like I'm somewhat of a Spartan, even if the only thing I am hard-core about is taking it easy.

GO International: Richard Chai

Mention chai...and I'm already biased. You see, I mix my own Chai tea latte every morning...it's my own version of a cup o' joe. Now I have a new chai to love, that is, Richard Chai. He is the next up-and-coming designer to collaborate with GO International to create another fabulous collection. Out this August, the collection is sure to retain Chai's tailored, yet romantic aesthetic.

As a side note, I am constantly impressed with the talent that Target acquires. Always on the cusp of major success, the designers are never over-exposed and the designs are always fresh. Keep 'em coming Target, I need my GO International fix just as much as my daily java.

picture courtesy of http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2008RTW/complete/thumb/RCHAI?trend=&page=3

Bang for the buck: Lip Balm

Looking for a clear gel to shape your eyebrows? Here is a nifty trick: just use lip balm. It keeps the hairs in place while moisturizing the skin under the brows! No more hard, crusty residue! A lip balm with SPF, like one of my drugstore favorites Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15, even protects that delicate area that is often neglected. And for all those out there with an OCD for lip balm application, you now have a new reason to break out the tube.

Summer Must-Haves: Nylon shorts

I have the weirdest, most unlikely obsession with nylon. Yes, I am a die hard fan of Nylon Magazine, which could explain why I am drawn to the material's shiny, slick finish. The origin of this fetish, I cannot say. Maybe it is my love of the famous Prada nylon bags. Maybe it is because I was not alive in the eighties to experience the nylon trend in the height of its popularity. I can experience the style for the first time without worrying that I look like a retro-hot-mess.

Which leads me to my must-have piece of clothing for summer, the nylon Soffe short. Not only a quintessential teenage item, these lightweight shorts have also been a lifesaver on many occasions. They are perfect for all types of unpredictable summer situations: concerts in the sweltering heat, getting stuck outside in the rain, for use as a bathing-suit cover-up at the pool or beach, and spontaneous excursions to amusement parks. I love, love, love these shorts.

Excuse me, I have to go listen to Olivia Newton Jone's "Lets Get Physical" now...

Oxymoron Beauty: Neutrogena Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30

Ah yes. Nothing says summer more than a glorious, glowing tan. Nothing says melanoma and skin aging more than UVA/UVB rays. I live in this dichotomy, and so I am always searching for products that create that beachy color without sacrificing the health of my skin. Well the other day I was browsing my local drugstore and, lo and behold, I found this Neutrogena Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30. It shields your skin with the power of Helioplex while also giving you a subtle boost of color. I have been loving this for its light application, pleasant smell, and the warm glow it gives to my skin, making me look forward to my daily SPF application before an afternoon run.

A sunscreen that shields the skin from tanning yet gives your complexion a glow...oh the glorious, glorious irony!

Eye Candy: Derby Hats

Horses and hats. Those two h's are the only things that matter at the Kentucky Derby. In order to celebrate this shining moment in my hometown that happens the first Saturday of May, I have searched the spring couture runways to find the most interesting headpieces to inspire those of you who just love a fancy, frivolous hat.

A fabulous hat is the piece de resistance of the Derby. Well, the celebs that show up are cool too.

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2008

Valentino Couture Spring 2008

Christian Lacroix Spring 2008

all pictures courtesy of style.com

GO International: Rogan

It was a cold, wet, and miserable day until I heard news that brightened my afternoon like a beacon of light. After going in to Target recently, I noticed that, instead of a new designer name, GO International was simply GO International. Now don't get me wrong, the clothes were cute, but the magic wasn't there. The excitement of getting a little piece of the designer dream just wasn't the same with these nameless clothes, without knowing the genius behind them. Back to the present: I have just learned that there is hope on the horizon. Rogan for Target GO International is the next designer collection to debut May 18th. Rogan Gregory, a CFDA Fashion Award winner, is an edgy new designer know for his ecologically conscience clothes, as well as his sharp tomboy-chic aesthetic. While I can't say whether this line will be green, I can say that, from what I have seen, it looks like quite the cure for an afternoon slump.

Summer Must-Haves: Havaiannas

It doesn't matter how often you wear heels, or how often you claim how "comfortable" they are, the flip-flop is the comfort-food of footwear. It's easy, low-key, and the closest thing to walking around barefoot (yet without the hillbilly factor). My hands-down, tried-and-true favorite is the brazilian brand Havaianas. Those Brazilians know their sandals.

These flip flops are sturdier than your standard pair, hold up for an entire summer (even with everday wear), and best of all: no toe chafing! This is a biggie for me concidering every other pair seem to rub in that spot between the big toe and the other toes. Concidering the generally cheap price of other flip-flops, these may seem like a pricey pair ($15), yet they are worth the money for the comfort and the ease (not to mention the fantasy of that perfect Brazilian cabana on the beach that I seem to daydream about whenever I wear them!)

Mulitpurpose Marvel: Egyptian Magic

Use #1: Healing cream

Here's the scenario: one clumsy girl trips ever so gracefully while playing a game of basketball. In her cute yet impractical strappy sandals. Needless to say this resulted in a seriously scraped-up knee. Ouch.

She thought to herself "This is short-short season! I need to heal this thing...and fast!"

She ran to her bathroom and grabbed a small, unassuming, yet slightly comical jar of Egyptian Magic Healing Cream.

"Hmmm," she thought to herself. "Campy, but lets see if it works".

She began to religiously rub the thick balm on her tender injury twice a day. In only a week the scab had already fallen off, leaving behind a pink mark on the mend.

She couldn't help but be amazed. What would have taken weeks only took a few days! In a little while she might even be able to wear those cute little shorts without feeling like a extreme sports enthusiast.

The girl pledged to keep the magical little jar on hand from then on as the first weapon to combat her many elegantly coordinated trips and falls.

Spring Break: Sun Edition

It's that time of year...spring break. The crazy week that young people all over the country jet off to fab locals to release some tension. And by locals I mean mostly Destin. Seriously, my whole city will be there, but I will be missing out on the sun in favor of a different getaway (more on that later). Here are some must-haves to keep you sand-and-surfers lookin' good:

Aqua Essential Waterproof Eye Set

Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen

Sally Hansen Volumizing Lip Shield SPF 15

Hawaiian Tropic® Island Radiance™ Self Tanner - Medium-Dark

Neutrogena® Color Boosting Sunblock SPF 30

Physicians Formula Solar Powder (SPF 20) Face Powder

CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara

Benetint Pocket Pal

Fall 2008 Fashion Week: New York

Zac Posen

Leave it to Zac to give us a show. The predominant theme was the distinction between masculine and feminine dressing, and what happens when those lines are blurred. Silhoettes were romantic, details were intricate, pom poms were Disney-riffic.

BCBG Max Azria

Azria is the master of gorgeous, wearable clothes. There is never anything "off" about his collections--just classic shapes that embrace the trends. The thread that continued in most of the looks was the simple and effortlessly chic leather belt tied at the waist, which made for a beautiful contrast with the creamy palette of the dresses. There was also the voluminous mini, an oxymoron in itself, and edgy asseymetry to round out the collection.

Anna Sui

Oh Anna, your pieces make me want to be magically transformed into a beatnik-hippie-princess. There were patterns everywhere, colors straight out of a fairytale, all mixed together in a perfect collage of textures. The art noveau-inspired prints struck a cord with me, calling to mind 19th century posters and the artist Mucha.

Marc Jacobs

When it comes to Marc Jacobs, one often needs to sit and ponder his work in order to appreciate it. This season seems to be a call to modesty in reaction to a society of exhibitionism. Heavy stuff, yes, but the hemlines are low and the fit is generally loose. A collection for the intellectual fan of fashion.

3.1 Philip Lim

Lim, the current"It" guy of the fashion world, created a collection filled with a variety of colors and textures. The predominant influence seems to be Russian in the rich colors and brocades. His coats were all gorgeous on their own but would also complement a wide wardrobe, making them future covetable items.

Alexander Wang

Wang is the bad-boy rocker rebel of my small review. His body-consciouncess collection stood out against the more austere collections of other shows. The leather, gritty metallics, stark black, and clingy jersey all have an in-your-face attitude that should make him popular with pop tarts and rockers alike. I love the black and beige dress especially, which could perhaps herald a trend of black with neutral hues for the fall palette.

Pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/

I'm Blue Da Ba Dee

Proenza Schouler Fall 2008

Feeling inspired by the fabulous eye makeup at Proenza Schouler, I got a little creative. Its what I do when I've got nowhere to go and nothing to do! This looks intense but can be adapted to everyday life as long as it's sharp and controlled. By pairing this with an otherwise neutral face, the look is eighties-meets rocker-meets mermaid!



Here are some of my for an intense look suggestions:

Makeup Forever Flash Color in Turquoise, Bright Blue, or Pale Blue

L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Concentrated Shadow Duo in Spirit 218

For a more subtle take:

MAC Technakohl Liner in Smooth Blue

Cover Girl Eyeslicks in Blue Ice

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Alek Wek

Du Juan

Chanel Iman

Gemma Ward

photos courtesy of http://www.style.com/