Honey, Plum, Raspberry, Raisin

Just like everyone in the known universe, I love Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It has that perfect sheerness and makes you look like you've spent the afternoon stuffing yourself on the ripest of blackberries.

Since I like to pump up my eyes but have pretty fair skin I need some color to my lips. If I do a nude lip color I look like the lower half of my face fell off.



So I was excited to see that Clinique was doing a line of three limited edition (my favorite words!!!) Black Honey-related colors: Black Plum, Black Raspberry, and Black Raisin. I needed a fresh tube of the Black Honey anyway and it was Clinique Bonus Time, I just ran down to the mall at got them all!

I can't wait to wear them and see which is my favorites and how well they work layered.

See ya later, Alligator!

In my humble opinion, the more bold and colorful an item is, the better you can pull off a either a high end look with an affordable option. I doubt anyone would think that this purple alligator clutch is work thousands of dollars, but it does have a punchy color and, because it has a very streamlined shape (the wrist loop can be tucked in) it can be dressed up or down.


Target Xhilaration Clutch - $13

Or you can go very very high end. Again, it's "out there" but the classic lines and material will ensure this is never out of style.


Gucci Couture

Just as long as you are bold enough to wear it!

Cat Eyes

Since I started wearing make-up I've always loved a really smokey cat's eye look. I probably have about fifteen different articles from different magazine the show how to do the perfect smudgy eye look ripped out and stuffed in my bathroom closet.

To date, I've had little success with the whole eyeliner deal because I just don't do well with the lower lid eyeliner. Especially when it's on the inner rim of the lower eye. I've tried it and I either have to re-apply it all night or it makes my eyes look all squinty. Not gorgeous like this.



So I rarely wear eyeliner of any sort. If I'm going out at night I sometimes use my Chanel Catwalk Kit to do an upper eye liner at the base of my lashes. I like it because it makes my lashes look really thick.

But I've been inspired to wear eyeliner more because of these inspirational photos from some of my favorite bloggers - The Coveted...



and, of course, Miss Gala.



Doesn't that look great on them. What's also helped is that I've found a new eyeliner that I'm just loving. It's Cover Girl's Line Exact in Brown. LOVE IT!

It's so easy to use. I actually had someone ask why I was looking good, etc., etc., and I think it was because I started using this eye liner!

So I'm all inspired to wear it more often. I was reading my Lucky magazine and they were talking about "Major Rocker Eyes" in their Fall Make-up Update (I know another magazine article for my collection!) and they featured this Clinique brush on liner cream. Since I was going to go get some lipstick anyways, I got some and am going to give it a try.

I got it in Black but I just saw there was a limited edition Grey. I may have to go back and get that if the black works out okay.

Yeah! Make-up!

The smell of Apathy

I think perfume makers have finally reached the bottom of the barrel for names. Is it just me or does calling a perfume Insolence seem a little, well, odd to you? For all of those vocabulary lovers out there, the definition is:

in·so·lence
–noun
1. contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech



I would think of smells like old cheese, body odor or teenagers as being insolent, not a pricey perfume from Guerlain.

It's described as: "In a break away from the traditional pyramid structure, Insolence is constructed around the first olfactive spiral. Rather than a slow progression from head to base, the notes spiral and continue to circulate so that your favourite notes remain prominent from flight to finish. The notes include violet, raspberry, red fruit pulp, rose, orange blossom, iris, tonka bean, musk and sandalwood.

Sound okay, but it was also described by a reviewer as "Après L’Ondée with nail polish remover". Sooooo, maybe not so okay.

I think when I have my perfume created, I'm going to name it "Apathy". Seriously, when did the Despair, Inc. posters become fashion inspiration? (By the way, I love Despair Inc. When I worked at my majorly huge perpetually cheerful-or-else former company, a few of us wanted to put these posters around to be subversive. Their delicious negativity makes me happy.)



And am I missing something here? Hillary Swank just doesn't do it for me as a perfume-hawker. And she's supposed to broaden the audience and appeal to a younger consumer for Guerlain. The price tag of $100+ doesn't seem to be available to a broad audience and do more "established" women want to go around responding to compliments by saying "Thank you. I'm wearing Insolence." Or maybe in keeping with the name they'll just ignore you.



The bottle's pretty, however, you have to give them that.

P.S. If you would like to by a limited (only 30 made) 1 liter collectible bottle of Insolence Eau de Toilette signed by Hillary Swank for £2500 you can visit the Guerlain counter at Selfridges or call: 020 7318 1358. Plus, you can meet Miss Insolence Swank herself at the Beauty Hall, Selfridges, Oxford Street, London on Thursday 27 September at 12.30pm.

Gothic Lolita - 3 ways

I love the whole "Gothic Lolita" trend created by the ever-trendy Japanese schoolgirls and fueled by Avril Lavigne. With its sweet-edgy vibe, there are tons of cute looks and accessories. As a big Hello Kitty fan, I totally could get into the layers of pretty/crazy/morbid/pink-skulls-with-tiaras look.

Tarina Tarantino is one of the innovators of this look and her jewelry and accessories are popular with tons of celebrities, plus fun Miss Gala. She has a great back-story and personal style that I admire even while I know I cannot emulate. However, I do find her pieces a bit pricey. And when you want to layer, as in this picture, that could get darn expensive!



Betsey Johnson is now doing a line of jewelry for Nordstroms, which I think, has a similar feel. But while a single one of Tarina's pieces is $100 or more, this layered necklace just around $100. I might get this to wear with some of the black and grey dresses I got for Fall/Winter.


On the least expensive end of the spectrum is the Dominque Cohen line for Target. This is not a cheap line of jewelry by Target standards. This necklace is about $50. I like how they show the pieces layered and I love the little bow earrings and cameo necklaces and bracelets, but this is a bit high for what I expect to pay at Target. I think that is going to be the case and we'll see these go on sale.



I'll probably snatch some up then to create my layered look The problem is it looks like their "fun" fashion jewelry but the prices are a bit high for the Target shopper. Plus they have these pieces in the locked jewelry cases. I know I hate to try and get someone to actually wait on me there, so I'm not sure how well these are selling.

I'm crying

I discovered this amazing vintage piece on eBay and I am crying and sick sick SICK that I didn't win it. And it is my own stupid fault because I forgot to bid at the last minute!!!! UGH!

This is so cool. It is a pin made of African flamingo feathers and is from the 50's/60's (naturally shed, of course. Or so they said).



Look at the amazing colors on the feathers. Deep coral pink. How gorgeous would this have been with the charcoals and blacks for Fall.

I want this to the point of obsession.

Wit and Whimsy

I've expressed my love for vintage jewelry many times before. And recently I've been seeing new jewelry inspired by the wit and whimsy of "grandma" jewelry. This is the jewelry that you would see your grandmother wearing all the time or saving for special occasions. When you are younger you would think the pieces would be a little crazy but now they look totally cool.

I'm so happy that companies are embracing and reinventing these styles. Anthropologie has always has unique vintage-y pieces, but I was surprised to see the following pieces in the JCrew catalog.

My favorite piece is this elephant charm bracelet.




This is so "Palm Beach socialite" with the over-sized twisted chain and "ivory" enameled graduated elephants. This would be great with navy and white stripes or pink and green Lilly Pulitzer colors.

A lot of long necklaces have been out since the Spring, but I also like these long beaded necklaces with really fun clasps. JCrew has done this really will with an enameled frog clasp.



Look at that froggie!



Now if you want a similar look go to the stand-by eBay. I love going to eBay, even more than going to thrift stores and antique shows. I tend to get overwhelmed visually and eBay lets me search for what I am looking for. You do lose some of the "thrill of the hunt" but, for someone like me, you get to see a whole lot more. And you do never know what you will find.

I searched out charm bracelets and wanted to see what I could find to mimic the JCrew pieces. Theirs are kind of pricey ($125 each) and I hoped to find something more in my price range. This one is more costume jewelry but just as fun.



I also looked up beaded necklaces and thought this was a great option too. The closure isn't the great frog but it is very pretty. A little more formal than the JCrew option.



So if your Grammy has fun jewelry and she asks if you want to have anything or borrow a piece - go for it! These pieces will be a perfect accent to jeans and sweaters, something to make you stand out.

If you've got 'em, wear 'em!

Moo Roo on the move

Moo Roo, along with Moyna, were unique bags that came on the scene about 6 years ago. I remember seeing their bags and being entranced with them. Other than Leibers, there were not a lot of other fancy evening bags that hat whimsy and wit. At the time they came out and I first heard about them, they were a little out of my price range being in the $300 range. But they inspired me because they were started in the founder, Mary Norton's home. They soon became adopted by celebrities (this is pre-big bag craziness) and just stood out. I appreciated their artisan details and attention to quality.

I was glad Mary did well with her bags and felt they were worth their price. They were high-end but not inaccessible. I'm sad to say that this is about to change. From what I've heard, Moo Roo has been bought out and a new company under the Mary Norton name will be the sole company. I've looked at the new site and product line and all I have to say is "yawn".

They are beautiful and glamorous but they are safe and soul-less. They are also twice as expensive. I'm all for a company doing well but this almost seems like gouging to me. You can tell when an artisan company becomes corporate. It's kind of sad to me really.

They also have a line shoes. I'm not sure if I will be shopping with Ms. Norton however. I'd feel like any other chick buying a pair of expensive shoes, not patronizing a craftsman.

Vintage ≠ Crap

I had someone once say to me, "Vintage? What is that another word for crap?"

I'm serious.

I was completely appalled! And offended because I love vintage - clothes, shoes, furniture, books and, especially, jewelry. I've collected vintage jewelry since high school and found some amazing pieces. But if I ever needed an argument just take a look at these amazing vintage pieces:



This necklace is made of vintage broaches strung on a crystal necklace. So gorgeous.

The following two brooches I found on eBay. They are very Art Nouveau and are amazingly detailed




This is the back of the second brooch. Look at the workmanship.



Vintage is a great way to get a unique look and great quality, often at an affordable price. Plus, sifting through eBay or going to antique shows is fun and a great way to hone your eye and find what the market is charging. Plus you can see what is hot or getting popular.

Branch out with your choices. I think it's better to have something unique than some generic piece that anyone could buy off of QVC or in the mall.

A little bit dangerous

In keeping with the lady-like look (the flip side of menswear coin), gloves always make a presence when Fall comes around. It's cool enough to wear them but not so cold that you need really warm gloves and mittens.

I love vintage gloves, which come in all kinds of colors from creamy white to pastel blue and strong kelly green. I love the embroidery and intricate cut work. I'd rather wear those than generic gloves from the mall. Plus you can get them a lot cheaper, especially on Ebay. I've picked some up for $5.

Then there is the sexy edgy look of gloves. Rouge looks pretty innocent and sweet here, but I preferred her black gloves that went to her upper arm from the first X-men movie.



I had a pair of wrist length gloves but these were something else. I actually had some trouble finding exactly what I wanted but I did find a company, through an online search, that made them. I ordered the length and size I wanted and a week or two later I got them.



They were smokin'! Very soft and well-lined. Very classy I thought and perfect to recreate my Rouge glove and coat ensemble. But as I went through the box, I found a bunch of rather interesting promotional materials.

I guess I had ordered my lovely classy gloves from a fetish site! LOL!

I guess they are sexy! And educational.

So word to the wise, have fun and find some gloves that complete your outfit this Fall. But I would stick to a well known company like LaCrasia.

Python is an aquired taste

When Plumcake over on the Manolo site shared these shoes that she had just bought, I was instantly smitten. Darn fashionable bloggers! I had to have them. They weren't available on Zappos, so I had to do a shoe search. I doubt I got as good a deal as she did, but I did get them! And now I can't wait for some cooler weather so I can get into them. Not that they wouldn't be good for this late Summer time too.


Michael Kors Cairo in Python (also available in black on Zappos)

I'd love to create an ensemble of accessories that would highlight the gorgeous colors and pattern. If I had the cash I would get these elbow length gloves. Wearing gloves more than just for cold weather has got to come back into fashion, especially when you have options like these.



Burberry Python gloves - $750 at Neiman Marcus. Feel free to pick these up and send them my way!

And just to push the envelope a teeny bit, I'd add the clutch. I know it may be bordering on overkill but I think the small size and the fact that this is close in tone to the shoes, but the gloves are darker breaks it up a bit. Plus, I just like it.


Carlos Falchi Python Clutch - $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

But even I think that this would be too too much:




Bottega Venetta Limited Edition Python Hobo (brace yourself) - $4960 at Saks Fifth Avenue

I'm not that tacky. Even if I could afford it.

Gimme!

I know I said that I don't collect watches but I think I am going to have to start because I don't think I can decide between these two beautiful pieces from Michael Kors. They are both a classic chunky mens-style watch, but the gorgeous materials make them stand out and give them a feminine twist.



Tortoiseshell Jet Set Watch - $180

I love the tortoiseshell watch but I adore the creamy elegant color of the horn version.


Horn Jet Set Watch - $180

With a white shirt and khaki pants - perfection!

P.S. These watches are made of hued resin, not natural tortoiseshell or horn.

I like my bedspread, but not this much...

Does this look like a hot designer flapper-style coat? Or.....



a Target Bedspread???


Discuss!

The epitome of Bubblegum Plastic

As girl-y as I get with some things, I actually don't wear a lot of pink. I do have few fun jewelry pieces, and of course, shoes, but far less than most would think.

However, I am kind of obsessed with this ring.

It's a Louis Vuitton Bubble Ring in the most delicious color - Framboise. How perfect!

In the resin bubble are the signature LV flower and diamond with a Swarovski crystal in the center. I just love the adorable color and the unique design, plus it's not too expensive at $125 on eLuxury.

Also comes in a lighter pink and clear.

Yummy!

What a Wonderful World...

I was just amazed with this video, so I posted it on Pink Luck Cat.

Hope it makes makes you smile today.

Luv

Poochie

Big Friggin' Bling

I just saw this awesome clutch on Nine West. I think it has a really high end look for not too much money - about $80. I love the big "stones" and the glam/tough design. It's one of those classic pieces that can look totally current but you could wear for years.


You want an equally strong shoe to go with it. Something that has the same tough/glam vibe. On the high end you could pair this with:


Christian Louboutin Bling Bling Peep-toe in grey ($1325 at Neiman Marcus). The black velvet, clear crystal version is hot too.

Or this:


Jimmy Choo Watson Ballet Flats (not too bad at $340 - Neiman Marcus)

On a more accessible end, zip right back to Nine West and find these:
Nine West Dagner - $79

Want to go more casual and pair with jeans or even for during the day, go with these:

Nine West Dottie - $60

I even think the big stones on this really affordable option would be a good pairing:

I own these and they are very comfortable. Mossimo Dasha at Target - $25.

The big stones have a subtle glam-ness - great for nights out all year round but especially fun for adding some shine to the darker tones of Fall and Winter.

Your Signature

I've mentioned before that there are several key pieces a person needs to invest in to showcase their style. As in everything, details are the things that are noticed and that get you noticed.

Along with the accessories that you wear, I think your choice of pen can say a lot about you and also be a way to express your personality. What could be more personal that your signature? What is more lasting and intimate than the words you write to another. Some people have a special pen and even ink color just for their signature.

While disposable pens are ubiquitous, aren't you worth a little bit more than that? And do you want to carry around some cheap gimmick giveaway pen with a random company logo on it? Don't your words have greater value?

Because I like to combine vintage and modern, my "special" pen is a pink fountain pen with pink ink from Levenger. And not ink cartridges, but real liquid ink. I like the ink to really flow and this pen is great. It's worth the little bit of effort to fill the pen every once in a while. Plus, I've had this same pen and original bottle of ink for a few years now. It was more of an investment than a 10 for $1 ball-point pen, but it's been a good value. Mine isn't this exact one, but it's pretty close and comes in a variety of colors. You also have a number of ink choices, so you can change it up or pick a signature color.



I actually do have a glass ink pen from when I went to Murano in Venice, but, while a cool art piece, it really is a pain and doesn't hold ink very well at all. If you can write with this for more than a letter I commend you. It doesn't have much portability either.



Your pen of choice doesn't have to be expensive either, just something that can become "your pen". I like to write with ultra fine point Sharpies too. They come in a ton of colors, feel great when you write and lay down the ink really well. They do bleed through but I guess that's the trade off.

And I've recently rediscovered an old love. My Pilot disposable fountain pen. All of the pleasure of fountain pen writing but less mess. I don't like to change out the ink in my pink fountain pen, so I use these for the more traditional colors. I get black, aqua and blue, although you can also get purple, pink and red. And they are only about $2.5o each. They hold a good amount of ink and you don't have to worry about losing them. I get them online at the Pilot pen site because I don't think they carry them at the office supply stores any more. I just love them and people do notice that I'm using a fountain pen, which they think is neat.




I got a Mont Blanc pen when I started out in business as they were a very noticeable "status" symbol. It became a part of my uniform when interviewing for a job just like a good suit and shoes. Because, and don't let anyone tell you differently, people notice the details.

You don't have to have a really expensive pen, just something that you love and have fun with. Unfortunately, I haven't found a pen that will make my handwriting any more legible.

Wearable Art

Working in marketing you quickly become critical of commercial artwork and appreciative of one of them most underrated pieces of communication a business has. Their logo. Logos are deceptively simple but they are one of the hardest things to create. Trying to condense a brand's differentiators, product/service and core personality in a simple graphic with almost no text is amazingly hard. But it is the ambassador for your company more so than anything else you say.

When a logo is created, everything is important and font, size ratios, colors and design all work together to convey the message. Nothing can be wasted and each element has meaning. That is why I have a major logo infatuation.

But I don't actually like to have logo'd "stuff" around. I don't wear logo t-shirts or use logo'd coffee mugs. What I usually get are baseball caps. I wear them on the weekends especially. I don't have a million hats, just the ones I've truly fallen in love with. And they have to be nice caps, not crappy foam $1 trucker caps. Plus they shade my eyes and protect my fair skin. Here are my favorites:

I had never heard of Biscuitville until I moved. I don't even eat there but I thought their logo was so cute. I happily walk around like a chicken biscuit billboard because I love the design so much.



I haven't bought my Krispy Kreme hat yet, but I love the retro charm of their logo. They actually have another cute logo with a sprinkle covered donut, but I've only seen it on their kid's t-shirts. I am totally jones-ing for that on a white cap.



My all time favorite has to be my cap from the Oakville Grocery in San Francisco. My cap is black and the basket and words are embroidered in blue with the bunny in white. I saw this in the store when we were out there, but I thought it was a little price-y at the time so, even though I adored it, I passed it by. I later became sooo obsessed that I called the corporate office to try and get one because it was sold out online. It took me forever and I finally had to call the San Fran store to have them ship me one. I know, I'm a nut case. But it really is adorable. I heart that frickin' bunny.



My newest desire is for a Cat in the Tub hat. This is a little art store in Asheville. We saw the logo as we were walking by going to dinner on our first day in town. The store was closed so we had to make a special trip back to see if they had any hats or shirts. The didn't but we convinced the owners that they HAD to make some because we wanted one. I don't think they are ready with them yet, but we're going back to Asheville in October so they better be ready then! I hope they have them in white. I love the font and how can you resist that image of the cat in the tub??? You can't, can you? It looks like one of our kitties.


Don't just walk around with a sports team cap or a McDonald's hat. They have no soul. Look for the unique places and designs that speak to you. If they have a unique logo buy one on something and appreciate these logos for the art that they are.