Fashion Mannerisms

"Those who don't build must burn."

Get Nude

The Smokey Eye has reigned supreme for longer than I can count. This season however, is quite different. We are not taking things so seriously. I think we all have the attitude "It is what it is" to quote my Dad. The runways were full of fresh-clean faces painted with just a touch of muted shades and nude hues on nude. I think this is a breath of fresh air, but I will admit to still rocking the smokey eye. What stands out the most for going "nude" is carefully contouring the cheeks. This is the difference between looking like you rolled out of bed. This is NOT the same trend as in the 90's when everyone was wearing too light pancake foundations (and layered no less). Today's nudes are not limited to only certain shades like beige.

You can achieve Spring's fresh look in many different ways. You can deepen the natural shade of your lips, use bronzer instead of blush, or apply sheer nude lipstick. I would still apply mascara as usual as well as lightly lining your eyes in a soft brown. Highlighters can add a nice soft glow to this look.

Revlon has a chic sheer nude lipstick called Soft Nude for $8.99.

Email me if you have any questions on the 101 of this beauty moment at realisticglamour@gmail.com

Sexy Valentine

Tomorrow is February 1st. Finally. Almost there warm weather. Speaking of February, that sweet-seductive holiday is fast approaching: St. Valentine's Day. You either love it or hate it. Hopefully you are not in the latter category and are insisting to look like a million bucks (but for much less, right darlings?) and get a visit from cupid. Trends for Spring 2010 are full of come-hither classic genre of lingerie dressing, not made for just the bedroom-perfect for Valentine's Day, don't you think? When wearing such delicate garments balance is needed. Chunky statement baubles and jewels are essential so you do not look like a call-girl. Also, pay attention to proportion. Short shorts or skirts call for loose, full coverage tops and vice versa. You do not have to go full on boudoir-inspired dressing or just a peeking of a lace bra; go for what your comfortable with.

Forever 21 has a beautiful pink and black polka dot corset with garter belt ($18) that can be paired with a blazer and black pants or even a pencil skirt. Simply Vera Wang found at Kohls has very nice lingerie inspired tops in pastel colors, not to mention, is made with sequins and silk. Talk about sexy. Her stuff is a little more pricey, but check clearance racks. I got a Vera brocade shell for $6. H&M has awesome corset dresses in nude, blush, and tan for only $40. Think of how sexy that would look with a nice spray tan (only $10 at L.A. Tan on Mondays, sweet deal ladies!) and some chunky statement jewelry. I am sure he will be your Valentine then!

This trend looks fabulous and fresh with a red pout and soft-touchable waves. Keep the eyes minimal to just some liner and mascara. Don't forget to have a nice rosy glow.

Stick around. More sexy Valentine attire to come.

Fashion Mannerisms

"And don't look to be saved in any one thing, person, machine, or library. Do your own bit of saving, and if you drown, at least die knowing you were headed for shore."

Check It Out!

Rachel Zoe (celeb stylist) has "(the Not So) Basic Guide" on rachelzoe.com. This is a shopping guide to create stylish outfits through the basic essentials (i.e. blue prints; like blue print on a house). These are the key pieces Rachel encourages, that will pull together any outfit and still have a little bit of sheen.

How To...

What do you do when you get pen or ink on one of your favorite shirts or pair of pants? This recently happened to me. In between clients, rushing about with my special red pen, I swiped it across the bottom of my white ruffle blouse from Forever 21. I freaked. The fabric is delicate so I did not want to run to the bathroom with anxiety in hand. I decided to wait until I got home.

From the grapevine, I found out how to make my beloved blouse look like new. Take a few hints from me: Glycerin.

Check the tag right off the bat. Glycerin will only remove the ink on washable fabrics. Place a clean cloth underneath the stain, inside the garment, to prevent any seepage.

Next, dip a cotton swab into the glycerin (not too much you just need a little). Rub carefully on the stain for a couple of minutes.

Last, mix a few drops of Woolite with a small amount of water. Apply the mixture to the stain with a fresh cotton ball until a lather forms, then wash the item in cold water.

Bravo! Good as new. You can find glycerin at most stores for around $2.

Street Style

What is everyone wearing these days? Well, in Milan after the mens' fashion shows, many were sporting bunny ear heads a la Louis Vuitton. On a more realistic note, the chicer few were seen in green on green (military inspired coats and Hermes Kelly bags). Many ditched heavy winter wear for sweater coats and chunky knits in black, blond camel, and gray. The descendants of the Gods added pops of color in their dark pallets. Seen tons of leather jackets and military peacoats. Not to mention lots of fur (um, Hello! This is Milan we are talking about!). Don't forget wide-leg trousers, barrets, blue on blue (blouses and chunky cashmere scarves), and tons of mixing patterns. Take a hint from these glamorous Italians, they are not trying too hard, but yet look impeccable.

What have you seen on the Street lately?