What I've Been Up To/Loving

Recently I have been watching a lot of beauty and hair videos on Youtube, which I really have never done before. I have friends who live by watching tutorials in order to learn a new technique of how to apply a certain make up look or master new tools and I always just got by with doing my own thing...that is until now.
Right off the bat, I need to share that I've been watching mostly British vloggers, there's something very comforting about listening to them speak that makes me want to pay attention. My favorite videos are those that show new products, especially ones that I haven't heard of. I must warn you, it has made my wish list grow immensely long and of course the products shown are all big name brands and cannot be found for cheap.
One product that a lot of vloggers and beauty lovers in general have been talking about is the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. A lot of big words, I know, but this serum really does big things. This product helps to fight signs of aging and keeps out harmful toxins in the air from getting into your skin, all while making it super soft and glowy. With the runways showing dewy skin as the "must have" canvas for spring, Shiseido can help us get there without having our own backstage makeup artist. For a little bit more on the concentrate, it is formulated to "Restore skin’s powers to resist, protect, regenerate, and strengthen, leaving skin smooth and deeply nourished." It can be found at Sephora, Birchbox and other beauty retailers.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate $65 for 30mL

Some other things that I haven't tried yet, but I have my eye on are:

MAC Lip Pencil in "Soar" $16
Apparently this is what Kylie Jenner uses to get her unreal lips to look the way that they do.

bareSkin Perfecting Brush $28
bareMinerals recently came out with liquid foundation and this brush to accompany it. What's unique about this brush in particular is the circular opening amongst the bristles where you place a drop of foundation and then the application process is seamless.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Lightscapade $32 available at Macy's
For a subtle glow and an added polished look, this light highlighter can be applied all over or on typical highlight spots, but this seems to be less sparkly and have more of a natural glimmer.

Fresh Glow in Nude Radiance $48

I'm on the look out for a really good foundation. I'm currently mixing MAC's Strobe Cream Hydrant (it is hydrating and has some sheen to it) with Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint in Neutral to achieve a somewhat dewy base, but I am sure there is a better product to get me that look. I had bought and then returned (because I felt guilty) Burberry's Fresh Glow Fluid in Nude Radiance. It sounds exactly like what I want and when I did test it, it had a very nice glimmer to it, so I think I've made up my mind that my next purchase will be that.

Vamp up Your Look

Here I am on a night out in London
wearing my signature shade.

Anyone who knows me knows that I try many different makeup looks. I will try anything once and see how I like it. Last year, while I was studying in London, I got hooked on dark color lipsticks. I was never really a lipstick wearer until I realized just how a certain lip color can complete a whole look. While in Boots (a pharmacy that also has a stellar beauty assortment in the UK) I found a rich burgundy color (Revlon Super Lustrous Créme 477-Black Cherry) that became a staple in my makeup palette. As you can see in the picture to the left, this particular lipstick has a sheen to it and as the name suggests, it has a creamy consistency.

Much to my delight, dark lip colors are in again this season. Currently I am lusting over Burberry's Oxblood. Not only is it a beautiful color, but my dear Cara Delevingne rocks it, too! This particular shade leaves lips with a matte finish for all day wear, certain to vamp up any look. Some people are hesitant to try such a color because of how dark it is, but my motto is just go for it and chances are, everyone is going to be envying your confidence! The other amazing thing about untraditional lipstick shades is that you can be wearing the most simple tshirt and jeans and yet you are still making a statement!

Although this color seems like it is a nighttime color, I think that it is perfect for any time. As I said before, it can really dress up a casual look. This color looks particularly great with a denim button down because of the contrasting between the cool and warm hues of the blue jean and the red undertones of the oxblood. If you are still iffy about trying this color, you should really just test a similar color at Sephora or Ulta before splurging on a $33 Burberry lipstick. There are many cheaper alternatives that can achieve a very similar look. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want a matte color or one that is more glossy. Although I love my creamy Revlon color, there really is something to say about a matte oxblood lip. It takes the look one step further and makes it that much more dramatic.

For anyone worrying that this color doesn't work on all skintones, I'm here to tell you differently. The model above definitely has an olive skintone and darker features, but someone with a fair complexion can pull it off just as well, maybe even better. Look at this picture of Kate Bosworth! This image alone would make me try anything because she looks absolutely stunning! I wasn't sure about the whole matching oxblood on oxblood but the combination of that dress and lip color is the definition of flawless. I guess the different eye colors also lend a hand in this situation because both look amazing with the oxblood lip.

Kate Bosworth 

British Invasion

Yesterday marked a monumental day in beauty lover history. More like an open armed welcome than an invasion, Charlotte Tilbury, iconic makeup artist, released her makeup line in the US. Her products have been selling off the shelves in places like Selfridges, but now it's our turn to get a piece of the beauty pie if you will.

Delevingne and Tilbury

Tilbury and Moss

With products named after Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, there's no way anyone could not be absolutely in love with this line. Love knows no boundaries (or should I say borders) when it comes to British beauties such as these. Want Moss's signature nude pout? Well now that's attainable! Tilbury has created a formula that used to take mixing several different products to achieve. The K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick in Nude Kate will get you as close to you can possibly get to Moss's lips. As for Delevigne's trademark bushy brows, Tilbury has given us mere mortals a way to fake it til we make it. The Brow Lift in Cara D. has the ability to shape, lift and shade. The frantic search for separate brushes, pencils and pigments is now over because this product does the job of all three!

                    

                                                                    K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick, Nude Kate

Being a beauty fanatic myself, I have been waiting to get my hands on this line, I was almost about to pay the shipping charge from the UK until I found out that the US would soon carry the line. I ended up making my purchase from the site, BeautyLish.com. After browsing Net a Porter and then ultimately finding out that I could get $10 off my first purchase of $50 or more at BeautyLish, I went with them. Although I wanted to buy everything, I had to pull in the reigns, and decide not to go crazy. I went a little crazy though and bought the $225 "Rock Chick" set. This came with the Nude Kate lipstick which I have had my eye on plus six other products. The Rock Chick is one of ten looks that Tilbury has created. The other sets come with products in varying hues to attain each different look.

Tilbury's Ten Signature Looks

The Rock Chick Get the Look Set includes:

• Luxury Palette - The Rock Chick (eyeshadow)
• The Feline Flick - Panther (eye liner)
• Full Fat Lashes – Glossy Black (mascara)
• Cheek To Chic – First Love (blusher)
• Lip Cheat – Iconic Nude (lip liner)
• K.I.S.S.I.N.G – Nude Kate (lipstick)
• Lip Lustre – Blondie (lip gloss)
• Complimentary Makeup Bag

Rock Chick Luxury Palette

Blusher in First Love

Front Makeup Bag

Back Makeup Bag

I figure that this can be my starting point and I can come back for more. I just found out that Nordstrom is also carrying Tilbury's line so that makes it super easy for me to go in and actually try the products. The next product I covet is "Charlotte's Magic Cream." Although I don't believe in magic persay, I do have eyes and I have seen what Tilbury does to the famous faces she works with, so I am all trusting. This Magic Cream promises a "lasting dewy, plumped-up finish" and who doesn't want that?!

Back to School, Scratch That...Back to Blogging

It's been quite a while since my last post and I figured since it seems like everyone else is gearing up for "back to school", I'm left with back to nothing, hence here I am. This past year has been a whirlwind between senior classes and saying goodbye to the friends who became my family at Drexel and ultimately leaving a place that I made home for four years. Since graduating in June, I have gone on a life changing Euro trip, sent out resumés and started redoing my bedroom considering the last remodel was done fifteen years ago when I was in second grade.
With so many things taking up my time, it wasn't until now that I realized the rest of my life is an open door. I am literally the premise for Natasha Beddingfield's Unwritten, and I fully intend to take advantage of that. It seems like I'm constantly explaining myself to people about what I want to do and to be completely honest, it's getting a little old. My parents have always told me that I have the world at my finger tips and they've provided for me in such a way that I do believe that I can do anything. So the next time someone tells me what I want, I'm going to tell them "I want the world, and I will stop at nothing short of that." (That might be a little extreme, but hey today I'm feeling empowered!)
I've been thinking lately about what gets me inspired and I have to say that inspiration absolutely does come from different places, I am constantly inspired for different things. One thing I am inspired by is a striking picture. If there's good lighting and a clear image, I am almost always drawn to it. Of course it doesn't hurt if my favorite models are in the pic! Here are a few of my current favorite images that I grabbed from Pinterest:

The whole face isn't shown here, but that is perfectly fine, I believe that it adds to the beauty of this picture. The red lip gives needed contrast and I just love it. Jenna Lyons recently did an interview with Into the Gloss where she revealed how imperfections make things more beautiful and the hair over the hair here definitely adheres to that credo.

Anyone who knows me knows my affinity for all things Olsen so even with just that reasoning, this picture is perfect, but I have more to back it up, too. The lighting on this picture is very unique and if you look quickly or from far away, you wouldn't necessarily recognize that this is MKA. They are also bearing much more skin than they normally do which is a welcome change if you ask me. There also seems to be a tattoo on Ashley's left arm which is news to me, mostly because they're both always so covered up!

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, but this bouquet is quite simple and understated. With the natural fabric underneath, and the off centered effect with the vase, this image shows how even simple things can still be beautiful to look at. 

Just from writing this post, I have decided that I am going to continue posting about my favorite things. Next might be products or designers, but I will definitely keep updating with things that I am currently liking. Considering it is Fashion Week in New York City, I may take advantage and put up some of my favorite street style looks. Instagram is a major source of inspiration for me. I follow thousands of people who I don't necessarily know, but I appreciate the pictures they upload.

Teen Vogue Fashion University Featuring Executive Fashion Editor of Vogue, Phyllis Posnick

My diploma for "graduating" from TVFU

           This past weekend I attended Teen Vogue Fashion University for the third time. Teen Vogue holds Fashion University annually in October since 2006. Amy Astley, the founding Editor in Chief of Teen Vogue started the program and has continued to oversee it as it has grown over the past seven years. Teen Vogue University (TVFU) is an opportunity for high school and college students alike to hear the stories and get advice from some of the fashion industry’s most inspirational and successful designers, bloggers, innovators and more.

            Each year, there is a different keynote speaker or panel and then the fashionistas in training emerge from the Hudson Theater in Manhattan to go to their respective destinations located on various floors of the Conde Nast Building at 4 Times Square. Over the past three years, I have seen Michael Kors, Grace Coddington, Nicole Richie and many more. Each year I am inspired by the stories told and I leave feeling more enthusiastic about the fashion industry than I ever thought I could be.

Me outside the Teen Vogue offices at the Conde Nast Building

            This year I was lucky enough to see Phyllis Posnick, Executive Fashion Editor of Vogue and get the insider scoop on what it is like to work there and constantly try to reinvent the wheel with photo spreads. Posnick primarily works with beauty and health images and rather than do photo shoots with the products, she has a more artful approach. Posnick has had a decade long collaboration with photographer, Irving Penn. In beauty, she said, "there are only so many subjects that can be remade over and over again." In regards to a Brazil spa trip with model Karli Kloss, she said, “Normally the picture would be a clay mask in a spa, but you’ve seen that a million times so this shoot is more of a fantasyland. I try to take exercise out of the gym and into the real world.” At this point, they showed another image of Kloss but in a pose of her standing on a tree stump, wearing only heels, with her arms up and it is supposed to suggest the action of lifting weights. Posnick’s photo ideas all have this fantasy element in them. Posnick was also involved with In Vogue: The Editor's Eye documentary and hearing her speak firsthand about her experiences was both insightful and informative.

Eve MacSweeney with Phyllis Posnick

            After a brief background of what her career at Vogue has entailed, Eve MacSweeney, Features Director at Vogue who was conducting the conversation with Phyllis, opened it up to the audience of TVFU students to ask questions. The following are a few that stood out to me.

Q: Your images are so provocative and inspiring does it take a certain person to work with you?

A: It's important that the model is smart and has a sense of humor. She should move well and be graceful. A small movement can make a huge difference between a good and bad picture. I like dancers or athletic girls who can do things. They can't take themselves to seriously...they need to take themselves with a wink.

Q: Do you think social media harms the way we look at the beauty and fashion industries?

A: When the Kardashians are the standard of beauty or fashion, I think we're in big trouble. I like images that show people a dream and I don't think the Internet has done that.

Q: What advice would you give anyone who wants to be a fashion editor?

A: Don't give up. It's very tough. All of us like Grace (Coddington), Camilla (Nickerson) and Tonne (Goodman), we all tell a story. If you're not successful the first time, just keep trying. A lot of it is luck.

Q: Is there a specific moment that you knew you wanted to be a fashion editor?

A: When I was in high school I was obsessed with magazines. I looked at pictures and knew I wanted to be there. It was the places and the fantasy.

Q: When you're coming up with an idea for a photograph what is your process?

A: First I obsess about it. My process, I think it's the same for all of us...you just have the subject, it's not an idea, it's a subject. I think about it, and then I talk to Steven Klein (photographer) about it. Usually I'm not the only one with an idea. It's collaboration. It's a process and we build on it. I'm a romantic and he tends to like things with blood…we come together and come up with it. You can only work it out ahead of time to a point. Sometimes it just turns into something else.

            My favorite part of Teen Vogue University is really getting to see people such as Phyllis Posnick who are so talented and successful, but yet also so humble and willing to share their experiences. I have picked up some great advice over the past three years and I keep it in mind always when it comes to making decisions for my future. I feel privileged to have had this opportunity the past three years and hope to take what I have learned and apply that to my own career in the fashion industry.

A Night With Victoria Beckham

"If I set my mind to something I do it. My biggest wish for all of us is that we are happy, successful, and that we stay true to ourselves." This quote by Victoria Beckham is a driving force in my life. It has been my bio on both Twitter and Instagram since I created my accounts and I feel that it describes who I am to a "T." In life and in fashion, we have to push ourselves in order to succeed and I have noticed all too frequently that when we are striving so hard to make something of ourselves, we tend to neglect others. Victoria Beckham is a style icon, a singer from the 90s girl group the Spice Girls, wife to People Magazine's 2009 runner up of the Sexiest Man Alive (in my opinion, he was robbed), a mother of four and most important of all attributes, she is an absolute inspiration to many. 

A beautiful table setting featuring Victoria Beckham's iconic brand logo (note the "As" are upside down "Vs", it's all a part of her aesthetic.

On September 10th, I had the opportunity of the lifetime not only to meet Victoria Beckham but also to have a private viewing of her latest S/S 14 collection that had only been shown days earlier at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. This all took place at a beautiful Manhattan mansion that was actually the unforgettable location of Big and Carrie's penthouse in the Sex and the City movie. Trust me, the beautiful windows and high ceilings are nothing to be joked about; the atmosphere was stunning! Of course, Victoria Beckham could make any room feel that way but the whole experience was completed by the ambience of the location.
Victoria was accompanied by the Executive Editor of Harper's Bazaar, the brilliant Laura Brown; together they narrated the mini fashion show that was put on for us. It was unlike any other fashion show I've been to because Victoria was right there giving her input. This really tied the whole collection together and it really talked to the fact that VB is 110% involved in both the design and execution process of her line. This was quite refreshing to me because it seems like every celebrity dabbles in fashion nowadays whether they start as a singer, actress or even an heiress (you know who I'm referring to...) The real talent and dedication of Victoria Beckham on all of her collections came through in the way that she passionately described each garment down to what the pieces were made of. 

Victoria's 2002 Autobiography that she signed for me! (At the point it was written, she only had her first son!)

I was blown away by how down to earth and so very humble Victoria is. There were quite a few mothers in the audience who remarked on how incredible she is in that she has such an empire in the fashion industry and yet has such a beautiful and functional family which is all to rare on the celebrity scene. She said a few things that stood out to me and struck me as very inspirational and unique as a celebrity of such stature. She said, " I wake up every morning and I say thank you." What a refreshing statement to hear come from the mouth of Victoria Beckham AKA Posh Spice. As a very dedicated fan of hers, I have known that she has a side other than the very sharp and quite intimidating persona that she is portrayed as in the media, but I am sure there are people out there that think that her concerns fall short at which "little Gucci dress" she should wear. Victoria is so much more than that and after being personally greeted by her and being able to really talk to her, this fact is all the more apparent to me.
Talking about her very blunt exterior, I must mention another quote from her that really resonated with me and that is, "I think you should laugh everyday. Enjoy yourself." A very simple statement, but coming from Victoria's perfectly pursed lips said in her cool British accent, it really makes sense and kind of made me rethink how I live my life and whether or not I laugh and enjoy myself enough. Who would've thought that Mrs. Beckham would be the one to make me think about laughing. She said this in response to a question by a fellow audience member who asked if Victoria ever completely "cracks under pressure" and if there were moments where she just laughs. Victoria also mentioned that it is laughing that keeps her sane. I mean come on, how much more perfect could this woman get?!

Me with the two of fashion's most talented gals, Victoria Beckham & Laura Brown.

After the fashion show, we were able to browse the latest collection and pre-order pieces that won't be available to others until February. I bought a very sharp pair of eyeglasses that can be described as nothing less than collegiate. They have little gold "Vs" on the sides that stand for none other than Victoria. This latest collection features many triangles that also closely resemble a "V." Victoria made it clear that "squares and polka dots are very out this season" and triangles are where its at. 
To say that I enjoyed myself at this event would be an understatement. Laura Brown was definitely the perfect person to accompany Victoria. The whole exterior of both the fashion industry and Victoria were both softened by Laura's commentary and personality. There was an ease about the conversation between the two that showed the passion that they both have for the industry and I was proven right about the fact that the industry does have a soul. I have said it before and I will say it again, although the fashion industry is "cut throat," there are still women and men that make me feel that I am not pursuing this career to be let down; I am in it because I love it.  I can see that those who get to positions that they want to be in have gotten there not only by fighting for it but by having the love for the industry that fuels them.

Where Am I Going, What Am I Doing?

I am all to aware that I have neglected this blog a wee bit and in all honesty it is because I am trying to answer the questions in the title of this post. Although they seem a bit dramatic, it is where I am at right now. I am feeling a bit like Jenna Hamilton in Awkward turning to a blog to sort out what is going on in my life. I just started my senior year of college, yesterday was my first day of classes and I have been confronted with the fact that my graduation day is right around the corner. This summer has been nothing but eye opening and thought provoking for me and I feel that my possibilities for the future are endless...a little too endless if you ask me.
Yesterday, I met with my advisor to discuss my current schedule as a Design & Merchandising student with a minor in Communications. She made me all too aware that I could actually graduate a term earlier than expected. After leaving her office, I began to think, "What now?" I have explored the possibilities of moving cross country or even across the world to either continue my studies or pursue a career in fashion, but I am not so sure that anything has been decided just yet. I know that I love fashion and that is really where my head and my heart are at, but I just don't know what I am supposed to do. After talking to some friends, I have realized that I am trying to get a lot of questions answered that can really only be answered by time and experiences but being the Aries that I am, I want to know now.