Heart of Gold

 

Does any beauty brand do collaborations as well as M.A.C.? Hot on the heels of well-received partnerships with Lorde, Proenza Schouler, Nasty Girl's Sophia Amoruso, and the entire Simpsons clan, Prabal Gurung released his 14-piece set for the brand this month.  With apologies to Marge Simpson- whose Nacho Cheese Explosion Lipgloss, did in fact sell-out- it's the brand's most beautiful collaboration yet, with three lipsticks, three lipglosses, three eye shadow duos, a kohl pencil, a liquid liner, bronzing powder, a cream color base and a brush. 

Prabal Gurung's collection for M.A.C. Cosmetics does not only focus on the makeup products; his genius is also in the packaging.  While M.A.C. promises more luxurious-than-usual formulations to justify the higher price points, the real standout is the quasi-quilted gold packaging, which Gurung says was inspired in part by artists Damien Hirst and Sylvie Fleury, as well as products he rembered his mother using.  The colors are equally dazzling; think majestic purple lipgloss, cherry-red lipstick, and rich tawny bronzer in Art Deco–style casing.

"I knew I wanted to create a product that would be recognized not only for its incredible quality, but also for the luxury of its packaging. I was inspired by the jewelled minaudieres of the 1920s – decadent and true collector's items," he said.

As for the line itself, according to a post on Prabal Gurung's Instagram, inspiration comes from "strong, substantive women and bold colors." 

All of the items in the collection range from $20-$70 and can be purchased at www.maccosmetics.com

Party Perfect Jumpsuits

Sea

 

Stuck on what to wear this holiday season? Try wearing a jumpsuit!

 

A jumpsuit is a refreshing departure from your go-to LBD, so if you’re stuck on what to wear to the holiday parties on your calendar, give one a try! The style packs just the right amount of sex appeal and unexpectedness while still remaining appropriate for any crowd.

When selecting your jumpsuit of choice, tailoring is key (as with anything, really). Look for a style that flows seamlessly over your body. You want to subtly carry that easy-breezy mood of the ’70s. What’s nice about the rise in popularity of a jumpsuit is that there are now so many options in the market—you can easily find the style that suits your taste. Want a wide-leg pant? Check. A long sleeve? Check. A DVF-wrap style? Check.

Jumpsuits are extremely comfortable and very versatile. You can easily dress a jumpsuit up or down.  In terms of styling a jumpsuit, I love to style the jumpsuit with a great open toe bootie and a fun cropped jacket that you can take off for a night out. For those of you who are risk takers, I wear your jumpsuit with a fashion sneaker, which equally as chic and super modern.

Topshop

Dorothy Perkins

Max Mara

House of Fraser

Ing

 

Calvin Klein

Lipsy

House of Fraser

BCBG

Missguided

Viewed Through a Lens

Katy Perry
in Temperley London

Concentrate on these hypnotizing crystal-like patterns and what do you see?  A butterfly, exotic tile work, maybe even a famous painting or sculpture.  The possibilities are endless with kaleidoscopic prints.

Chloe Grace Moretz
in Dolce & Gabbana

Lizzy Caplan
in Marchesa

Camilla Luddington
in Alice + Olivia

Jessica Stroup
in Mara Hoffman

Emmy Rossum
in Katherine Kidd

Elizabeth Hurley
in Versace

Why I'm Mad for Mod

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton

I may not have been alive in the 60s, but the clothing of the era still resonates with me, with its colorful graphics, miniskirts, boxy pullovers, and little drop-waist dresses with flats. While the fabrics are a bit masculine (tweeds, plaids, herringbones) and the shapes are boxy or straight, I find the short hemlines and narrow trousers alluring.  I love 60s fashion because it combines a girlish innocence with a knowing sexuality and a dash of androgyny.  What could be more fascinating?  Jennifer Lopez wearing a Valentino shift says it all.

How to Pull it Off...

1. Fashion folks say that if you did a trend on the first go-round, you shouldn't do it again.  I don't always agree with the rules, but in this case I concur.  If you wore mod clothes in the '60s, don't wear them in your 60s!

2. It's a young look and a charming one at that.  Wary of showing too much leg? Tall boots work as well as Mary Janes, but be mindful a mini with heeled boots can appear trashy.

3. Note the color palette: neutrals mixed with primary colors for the most part.  Forget tropical, baby pastels, brights or neons or you'll be channeling other '60s trends- space age or psychedelic garb. 

Moschino

Alexander Wang

Missoni



See by Chloe

Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen

Valentino

Tory Burch

 

Bottica.com



Valentino

Valentino

Valentino

Holiday Headpieces

Dress up your breathtaking holiday outfit with one of these party headbands and make your overall look even more alluring. Hair accessories can do magic in sprucing up your everyday hair style so let these fabulous props add some extra sparkle to your dainty vibe.

Indeed, the festive season screams for more sparkle and radiance. When it's time to go glam invest in some of these must-have fashion accessories and flash them at all the coolest parties of the season. Headbands are the perfect accessory for all hair lengths and events.  I love a fabulous headband placed on the crown section or worn across the forehead- there's nothing more classy and sexy.

Enhance the glamorous vibe of your apparel with mesmerizing hairpieces embellished with beads, gemstones and other hyper-sophisticated details. Remember to find the ideal width and color that suits your hair color and texture. Just be careful not to let the super-skinny headbands lose themselves in your thick locks or the uber-wide ones suppress the beauty of your perfectly polished hairdo.

Hair accessories are the shortest way to success when it comes to holiday hair styles. Take advantage of their magical effect to add a glam detail to your party outfits and transform your ordinary look into one that's evening-chic!