trendlook: studs, animal print, denim, tiedye. part 1

I'm not one for following trends, i like to wear whatever i feel like, just like seymour brant said, "the whole season thing is nonsense. its either beautiful or it isn't." but i decided to give you a peek at this season's trends, in case YOU wanted to follow them:) all of the examples i put up here can be found at either american apparel, urban outfitters, or anthropologie.com.

1. studs. I love studs because I like how they give you an edgier, punkish look to your outfit.

(deen&ozzy) (deen&ozzy)

2. animal print. the key is to never match prints or to wear too much print

3. denim on denim. i love this look because it reminds me of the all american fashion ads like DKNY. its very clean and looks sophistocated if done right.

(calivintage on chictopia.com) (ange85 on chictopia.com)

4. tiedye. with denim and tyedie back in, it looks like this season is turning out to be a very bohochic one. i love these looks, tiedie brings a splash of color to an outfit.

my skincare routine

for most of my life, i was plagued with bad skin. i was acne prone, my skin dried out really quickly and lotions didnt help, and my skin was also uneven and i would even get acne on my back. So through research but mostly through testing out bazillions of products till i found the right ones, i finally developed a routine that made my skin smoother, softer, clearer, and all around more healthy. so now I will share it with you.

1: DONT TOUCH YOUR FACE. seriously, do not bring your fingers to your face, dont scratch or pick or pop anything. it will only make things worse

2: a good facial cleanser. At the moment, I found a wonderful one: L'oreal 360. It comes with a scrub that you apply the cleanser with, and its really soft on your face. it is gel-like but turns into foam on contact with water. I also recommend the aveeno brand if you cant get this one.

3. use a toner daily. I use the l'oreal hydrafresh toner daily. a toner serves to remove dead skin on the surface of your face, as well as smooth the skin. I have seen a noticeable difference since I started using it, and it also will last you a very long time.

4. bare escentuals i.d. bare vitamins skin rev-er upper. this is a cream that my mom bought me when i started out with skincare. it helps with the complexion, smooths the surface of your skin, and adds vitamins to it so it gives you that healthy glow.

5. moisturize: i use cetaphil moisturizer, but there are an array of lotions and potions available from drugstores or bath&body works.

6. REMOVE ALL OF YOUR MAKEUP EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Leaving makeup caked on is bad for your skin and gives you wrinkles and spots.

7. a specific acne treatment. Every once in a while when i feel i really need it, i use Neutrogenas acne wash. I dont like to do it too much because it dries out my skin, but its good like once a week or so. you can use other acne washes like marc bedescu or clean and clear.

hope this helps!

product review: aveeno face wash

i just finished my aveeno facial cleanser, and decided to give you a review, in case you were looking for a face wash or thinking of buying this one. advice: DO IT. This bottle lasted me a very long time, many many months. The cleanser was foamy and soft on the skin, and left my face feeling refreshed and picked clean of any dirt or oil.

"This instant foaming cleanser with moisture-rich Soy extracts and salicylic acid, a blemish-fighting ingredient, helps improve skin's tone and texture and clears up blemishes without over drying, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-looking. This mild, hypoallergenic, oil-free formula won't clog pores and is gentle enough for everyday use." the aveeno website.

I am now using the L'oreal 360 facial cleanser. When it runs out, I will write a review letting you know which cleanser worked better.

mercedes helnwein

mercedes helnwein is atm my favorite artist. she is a writer as well, and I thought I would diverge from my usual fashion post to show you a little of what she does that inspires me:

this is what she looks like, and i think shes lovely:

here is a bit of here writing:

"Frank

That damn freak who lived on the other side of the fence with his reindeer sweaters and the coffee mug has finally met his maker the other day.
To begin with, that fence is mine and everything on my side of it is likewise mine. I painted it white on a sweltering Sunday afternoon when I could have been doing any number of pleasurable things. But no, I stuck to my pride..." to read more go here: http://www.mercedeshelnwein.com/writing/

DKNY sequins and Donna Karan

Donna Karan, the founder of DKNY, is one of my personal heroes. She worked with Anne Klein, my all-time favorite classic designer, does many charites such as Urban Zen, etc. The DKNY line is actually designed by Janet Chueng, and I love their classy looks. I only own one jacket from the fall line :[ but hope to acquire more. Right now, I am obsessed with their sequined clothing. Take a look:

Pierre Hardy for Gap

Pierre Hardy is a footwear designer who has previously and continously designed shoes for Gap. I love Gap, and if you have a chance you should check out William Sledd on Youtube; he is a guru who works at Gap. I am especially obsessed with Hardy's wedges...thinking about acquiring some of my own...take a look:

cocktail party fashion!

this Tuesday, i was invited to a literary cocktail event, its a nice event with shrimp and the whole shebang. I thought that it might be appropriate to make a post for those who did not know how to dress appropriately for cocktail parties. first of all, satin is a good fabric. ruffles are also nice. make sure the dress doesn't go past your knees, and it is okay to show shoulders. i recommend the classic Chanel bag. cocktail rings are best with the crystal gem rather than a colored stone unless it matches your dress. shoes should be platform pumps, optional peep toe, either patent leather or solid black. pearls are a good jewel to wear, and hosiery is a must.

orly gener jewelry

Orly genger's jewelry creations are probably the most interesting pieces of art I've ever encountered. these necklaces and bracelets are made out of interesting materials such as climbing rope/cord and metal. they range in price from about 60-400$, but are handcrafted and definitely make statements.

interesting eyewear

i love sunglasses. I own a whole collection, from aviators to heart shaped plastic sunglasses, etc. This collection of eye-wear, by Ralph Vaessen, is a thing of beauty. These are buffalo horn sunglasses, no metal and frame used. these beauties are works of art.

muicci prada 2010 collection

one of the cellections that i loved this spring was prada. i love the model's look of the messy pigtails and red glossy lips. they look sexy but fashionable. i like the use of whites and metallic colors. the fabrics are lighter and more feminine, producing a nice silhouette on the prada woman. the outfits are hig tech and well tailored. Well done mr. prada.