White lace dress - summer perfection!
It’s true!
Classic watch face with an updated, pale pink leather strap
My inspiration for wedding guest attire this summer… More on that later :)
Simply striking entry way vignette
Kate Moss doing what she does best
The name of these Jeffrey Campbell’s accurately describes how I feel about them - In Love
Thoughts on this illustration as wall art? cheeky? or just plain cheesy.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall near these three!
Have an amazing weekend from Open & Clothes :)
Gatsby is still, pretty Great!
The Great Gatsby has always been one of my favorite books that I read in high school English class (it’s also one of the only few that I finished, oops!) With the release of the new film, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mullligan, I am once again, very enthused over the roaring 1920’s!
The quintessential 1920’s era women could be seen dressed in beading and lace, and soft colors, with short hairstyles, and dark eyes and painted lips. This got me thinking, there must be a way to translate this into modern style without looking like you’re heading to a costume party as a flapper.
Parker makes some great dress options that channel the time of Great Gatsby in a current way. The pale pink option shown above with the feather details would be great to a dinner date or a night out with the girls. Check out more options from Parker here.
If this seems too dressy for your typical day, try a look like the one shown in the light gray. Look for dresses that fit close to the body, but aren’t necessarily tight, with a swishy hemline that flare out at the thigh or knee. This dress is shown with the L’Agence Beaded Body Chain which mimics beading on many 20’s garments without being so literal.
Headpieces were a staple of 1920’s fashion. These may also seem difficult to pull off on any given day, but you can incorporate a jeweled headpiece with a very subdued color palette in the rest of your outfit, as a wedding guest. Headpieces are one of the more overdone fashion statements that will bombard you at almost any music festival, but what the hell, if you’re heading to a fest this summer, why not continue the trend and rock a 20’s style headband? Instead of a headband that goes across the forehead and gives a 70’s vibe, why not try a more romantic version of a headpiece that is incorporated into the hair in a softer way to distinguish your look from the masses.
Are you excited about the the new release of Gatsby?!
Got a Problem?
The forecast for tomorrow is 82 degrees and sunny, here in Chicago, and a change in the weather calls for a change in dress. Unfortunately, I won’t be in the area to enjoy it because I’m visiting Charleston this weekend and have every intention of brining nothing other than dresses, sandals, and maxi skirts, but either way, temps are on the rise.
I decided to share some of my life-saving tips and tricks with you to help with this transitional weather we are experiencing. First on my list is
Hollywood Fashion Tape. These wardrobe malfunction deterrents comes in a handy, travel-sized tin and can be used to hold bra straps in place, secure gauzy tops and straps, and even to stick fabric to skin to avoid embarrassing flashing.
Next up is
Lush’s Lip Scrub in popcorn. I don’t know about you, but my lips are unnecessarily dry year-round, which means unsightly flakes and fine lines. I read about this scrub on another blog and decided I had to try it. It’s sweet and salty and after you buff it on, you can lick it off and your lips are soft and flake free!
A few years ago, I started using padded insoles in my heels and now I can’t live without them. I use them in almost any kind of shoe and Dr. Scholl’s makes numerous varieties for your all of your podiatric (just pretend that’s a real word)/sartorial needs. For instance, the pair showed above are meant to be worn in open-toed shoes.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Spanx before, but if you are under the assumption that they are just for overweight people, you are way off. Shapewear can help provide a smoother look under clothes and highlight your assets and hide problem areas. I’m in love with
Spanx’s Hi-Rise Thong to tame love handles without giving you a mom ass. I even wear them under high-waisted shorts and a silky, tucked-in blouse.
In the spring and summer, your nails suddenly become much more visible. Ideally you’d have a fresh mani/pedi every week, but who has the time/money for that? Not I. To help make a trip to the salon last longer, I use good
nail clippers to clip off the tips of my nails and toenails to remove peeling tips and regrowth. This can give you an extra 2 days or so with a manicure and an extra week for a pedicure!
I’ve mentioned my fondness for self-tanning and bronzing products as well as airbrushed tans. If you have anywhere from 12-24 hours before your next outing, you should give
Jergens Natural Glow 3 Days to Glow a try. This stuff is less potent than traditional self-tanner, yet stronger than a gradual moisturizer, and last longer than a bronzer. I’ve never used this for 3 days in a row because after one or two, I see a notable difference.
Do you have any life or maybe style-saving tips or tricks to share?
Kate Hudson at Tiffany & Co.’s Great Gatsby Bash in a pale aqua
Aubrey Plaza rocking hunter green leather
Nina Dobrev wearing a striking Max Mara jumpsuit
Eva Mendes sporting a leopard head scarf and floral shades with a sherbet-toned sweater
Model and girlfriend of John Legend, Chrissy Teigen showing off her mile-long legs in an asymmetrical, blazer dress and metallics
Rumer Willis embracing the maxi/gown trend at the GLAAD Media Awards
Photos: 1 & 4
Love it or hate it?
Must Try Beauty Products
I’ve been heavily into trying new beauty products as of recently. Maybe it’s due to the fact that Ulta has had numerous great sales, or maybe it’s because spending $20 or $30 on beauty gear is easier to rationalize than $65 for a new top. I’m trying to save money here people!
In a previous beauty post, I mentioned my love for Anastasia Beverly Hills products. During Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty, Anastasia’s Tinted Brow Gel was on sale for $9 and that seemed impossible to pass up so I decided to try the colored version of the clear gel I had already been raving about. This tinted gel does the same great job as the clear stuff - controlled brows for hours without any residue.The only difference is that the tinted gel has a slight color to it. I opted for the brunette shade and it darkens by brows ever so slightly which I kind of like.
I’m the type of person who very rarely continues to use the same product for years and years without ever straying (except for my beloved Bare Minerals). I’m often intrigued by stylish or modern packaging, intriguing names, and a flowery description. A few months ago I tried Napoleon Perdis’s Concealer Pen and really liked it, but found the formula to be slightly thin. I scoured online reviews and kept coming across Cargo’s Blu_Ray Concealer as a top pick. I decided to try it and was initially surprised at how yellow it came out, but once blended, it matches my skin tone perfectly. I also prefer this applicator to Napoleon Perdis’s because it provides more control.
My next product on the list is Victoria’s Secret Instant Bronzing Tinted Body Spray. This spray creates an insta-tan in a few short minutes at a fraction of the cost of an airbrushed tan. A 3.72 ounce can retails for $15 and lasts for 3-4 full body tans, depending on how thorough you are. I also like using it on just my face and neck for nights out when I’m not baring much skin. I do spray it directly on my face it a circular motion. Just remember to hold your breathe and close your eyes, obviously.
Finding the right lip color can be a challenge for me. I’m naturally pale with reddish undertones which can make certain shades look clownish on me. My lips are also very dry, which makes most matte products quite unattractive. The balm stain by Revlon was recommended to me by my friend Michelle and I decided to give it a try. This balm stain adds color in an easily transportable pencil while depositing moisture and at a fraction of cost of other designer brands. The color is called Cherish, which is a cheery shade of bright pink and I’m obsessed!
Have a great product that worth raving about? Share it here!
OPI Oz the Great and Powerful Wizard
I’ve been obsessed with beauty products lately. I’ve stopped by Ulta twice this week! so much for trying to save money, but come on, it was 21 days of beauty, but I digress.Take a look at some of the newest nail collections for spring as well as some older, but still highly covetable polishes that you can find on Pinterest
What Wizardry is This? by OPI from the above collection
Urban Decay Naked Nail Set - I can’t wait to get my hands on this collection that seems to have numerous choices for the perfect shade of nude
Sephora + Pantone Universe nail collection celebrating the color of the year - emerald!
Essie Mirror Metallics
YSL Bleu Majorelle with some visually interesting, geometric nail art
Essie’s Avenue Maintain from the spring 2013 spring line
OPI’s new Euro Centrale Collection in Eurso Euro
Revlon nail enamel in Fearless. If you see this color in person, it’s the perfect shade of coral, orange, and red. The name is clever too and at a great price point!
Modern Love by Deborah Lippman
If you google search for “opaque nude” or “best nude nail polish,” inevitably, a number of pages and images will pop up featuring polishes by Deborah Lippmann. Here are two that are on my wish list.
Fashion by Deborah Lippman
Do you have a favorite for your nails? What about new polishes that you’re excited about? I’d love to hear form you!
Photo 1, 6, 7, 9, 11
Katrina Bowden at a Loft event. The actress wore tribal patterned shorts and a structured, hot pink blazer. Dressed entirely in Loft’s summer collection
The dressed up shorts look has been popular for the past few spring/summer seasons and it’s not going anywhere. The short suit is a great alternative to a cocktail dress for special occasions or dress your look down with more casual fabrics, coordinating, but not matching shorts and jacket like Katrina is showing here, and a woven, wedge sandal.
Lauren Conrad at Cotton’s 24 hour runway show in a Camilla & Marc jumpsuit
I have been craving a jumpsuit for some time now, but it can be difficult to find one that fits properly, particularly when you’re not average height. Although Lauren’s rendition may be a little long, the halter neckline and the waist detail are perfect!
Naomi Watts in a white, Louis Vuitton sheath dress and black, pointed toe pumps at the designer’s fall/winter 2013 show
Sometimes minimalism just works. Really well. Incorporate this trend by dressing in stark white and black ensembles and avoid over-accessorizing.
Anna Kendrick at the South By Southwest opening, wearing a green tweed short suit and pointed, ankle strap heels
Start toning up those gams to prepare for spring and summer looks. Be sure to add an ankle strap heel to your repertoire to highlight the legs and add extra sex appeal to shorts, skirts, and cropped pants.
Rihanna in London, at her reveal show for her collaboration with River Island. In a slitted, maxi dress and crimson, ankle strap heels
A slitted, tank dress will be this summers version of the flowing maxi dress. Thanks Angelina ;) Until temperatures rise, add a knit sweater or a leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up to stay warm.
What trends are planning on testing this spring and summer?
A year or two ago I noticed a symbol on the back of some of my beauty products and was curious about what it meant. After some research, I learned that this symbol stands for an expiration date (see upper right photo). Yes, just like food, makeup can spoil. I have friends, who shall remain nameless, who keep makeup and beauty products for years, I’m talking like 5! While I understand the idea that you don’t want to waste money on expensive products; you don’t want to get an infection either. Next time you’re at the store, or in you medicine cabinet, inspect the back of some of your products. If you see a small illustration of an open jar with a number and an “M” on it, this is telling you that this product expires that number of months after it has been opened.
Some products have an extremely fast expiration period. Mascara, for instance, is supposed to be discarded after 3 months. Makes paying for a tube of Diorshow a little harder to stomach doesn’t it?
Take a look at the shelf life recommendations for makeup according to Marie Claire:
Powders and shadows: 2 years
Cream shadows: 12 to 18 months
Foundation: 1 year
Lipstick & lipliner: 1 year
Mascara & eyeliners: 3 months
Makeup brushes: Clean weekly using a mild detergent
Makeup sponges: Replace weekly, or when sponge becomes soiled
Tips for keeping your skin clean and your makeup fresh
— Smell your cosmetics; if they have an unusual odor, they may contain bacteria and should be discarded.
— Always make sure that products are closed tight and stored out of sunlight, as this can destroy the preservatives.
— Don’t use any eye products if you currently have an eye infection.
— Never add any liquids to products unless directed by the manufacturer.
— If there are any changes in color and texture, dispose of the product immediately.
— Avoid sampling makeup at department stores when possible. If you do test, never apply directly from the makeup. Instead, use a clean, disposable applicator (i.e., cotton swab, sponge) to apply cosmetics.
Photo 1,2,3,4
Do you have any tips for making your goodies last longer?
It’s been awhile since I’ve done some damage in the shopping arena, and I’m long overdue. I used to be quite the impulse buyer, but as I’ve gotten older, I try to develop wish lists of things I truly want and if I’ve thought about the item long enough, and can think of more than one way to wear the item, I’ll usually get it. Here are some of my most wanted items for spring, for now, and just for the hell of it!
Dolce Vita Maurina Lace Top in mint. This top is light and airy, but would go well with everything from leather leggings to a fitted maxi skirt or high waisted shorts.
J.Crew Telegraph Pencil Skirt & Tipped Boy Shirt. I went through a huge pink phase in high school and part of college that turned me off to the color for quite awhile, but I must admit, I love this prim, yet flirty guava-colored pencil skirt.
Maison Martin Margiela Sandal These color blocked beauties retail for $885, but I bet you could get a few years of wear out of them due to their timeless style.
J.Crew neon earrings
Okay, so I already bought these Theysken’s Theory Pitell Finap Pants, but they’re awesome, and comfortable. I highly recommend!
From Kate Spade’s new Saturday line. Available in March!
Alice & Olivia High Waisted Lace Shorts
Rebecca Minkoff’s MAB Tote in almond. This bag would be perfect for work or weekend travels and at $295, is fairly reasonable. I love the color and the shape of this RM tote.
