Not-so-Basic T

I've been on the prowl for t-shirts that still feel like tees, but have a little extra panache. This one caught my fancy because it was trimmed with "pleather" pocketing and piping detail. Still very casual, but not completely plain-jane. A great way to bum around on the weekend...

I've also never really worn red, but I find myself more and more drawn to it recently. After seeing these Joe's Jeans online in "The Skinny, 55 shades", I was determined to find them elsewhere at a better price. Lo and behold, a single pair appeared last week at the Nordstrom Rack, where they were listed at 60% off the retail price! Woo-hoo!

I love the ruby color, and they're narrow enough to fit into my Sigerson straps without bunching up.

This silver, leather, and enamel necklace is one of my favorite pieces. A gift from my folks, made by an Israeli designer, it's a stand-alone. I LOVE statement necklaces and usually, the chunkier the better.

 Jeans: Joes, Necklace/bracelets: Israel, Leather pocket tee: Mikkat, Heels: Sigerson Morrison, Sunnies: Rough Justice

So if you like the look of my "ruby" reds, you can patrol your own, local Nordies Rack, or to save some time, you can check out their similar selections online. I found you another, comparable pair at Nordstrom Rack online here. These stunning Citizens of Humanity, ruby colored skinnies were just reduced to 60% off! 

And a quick note: When shopping for "skinny jeans" online, think about your sizing, and then jump down one numerical size. If you're a 28, buy a 27, etc. Most "skinnies" contain about 5% lycra and within two or three wears they'll stretch and leave a gapping area around the crotch. So even if they seem snug, buy down. You won't regret it.

Bonne Chance!


With Love,

Noa B

Get the Look: Part 2

I promised yesterday to take you through two looks. Read on for Emma's step by step!

For Emma:

Begin with an all over wash of moisturizing luminizer, such as Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl or Opal. This will give the skin a dewy, flushed finish. (This is a must have for any makeup kit)!

Add a sheer base to even skin tone, such as Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.

 

Blend a creme blush such as Becca Lip and Cheek Creme in Blossom, or Stila Convertible Color in Lillium. Utilize color at the apples of the cheeks, and then apply liberally to lips for a base stain.

 

Set with a light, oil controlling powder to absorb excess moisture, such as Stila's Sheer Pressed Powder.

For eyes that read contoured more than smokey, retain the darkest color solely around the lash-line and closet to the eye. Blend lighter colors upward and outward.

Begin with a rich, black, waterproof pencil such as MAC Engraved. Line all around the inner eye line both top and bottom, and then run the pencil on the outward, last third of the upper eye, smudging slightly at the corner.

Use a dual toned shadow such as Cleo from Nars to create depth. Use the lighter green to trace all around the lid and upper and lower lash-line. Then blend in the darker shade along the crease, winging it out to the corners of the eye and on top of the black liner.

 

Blend a basic, bone color along the browbone to both highlight and blend out the green shadows. Try NARS Biarritz.

Use three coast of mascara to liberally coat top and bottom lashes, such as YSL Cils Shocking.

 Fill in brows with a soft pencil such as Anastasia Brow Pencil, (most folks can wear the Taupe).

Finally, sweep a soft, neutral pink gloss over the lip creme stain, such as Le Metier De Beaute Lip Creme in Peche Creme.

And there you have it. Two great looks. Two different styles. All very achievable with just the right tools. So go on, give it whirl. And stay tuned for next week's beauty blog, when I list my "best of the best: budget finds" to complete you makeup case, all for under 100$--total!!

With Love,

Noa B

Get the Look: Part 1

I don't know about you all but I really loved the range and spectrum of all the amazing Golden Globes hair and makeup looks this year, (to say nothing of the dresses).

Two flattering yet completely opposite takes on red carpet glamor that I loved were sported by Charlize Theron and Emma Stone. Which one are you? "Demure" or "Smokey"? Read on to see how to recreate these looks.

For Charlize: 

Start with a medium weight, demi matte foundation such as Makeup Forever HD Foundation. For even coverage, apply with a beauty blender sponge to remove pores. (they're available at every major Sephora and beauty supplier).

Blend a demi-matte, highlighting creme along the browbone and cheeks, such as NARS the Multiple in Copacabana. You'll want something drier like this stick rather than a liquid to create the velvety, matte finish Charlize is wearing.

 

Add loose finishing powder such as Makeup Forever and top off cheeks with a soft baby pink blush such as Paula Dorf Ballet or Benefit Dandelion.

For eyes, start with an eyeshadow priming base and color creme, such as Becca Eye Tint in Vincuna. Sweep and blend creme from lid to crease. Once dry, apply a layer of shimmering pigment in a peach, opal or gold, such as Becca Jewel Dust in Aspara or Stila Eye Shadow in Kitten. Sweep shimmer under lower lash-line as well as above.

Next, add a thin, tight line above the lashes with a creme liner, such as Smashbox's Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner. If you prefer a pencil, try Tarte's Aqua Gel Eyeliner.

Add mascara to top and bottom lashes liberally with Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara in Black.

Fill in and arch brows with a soft, blonde powder, such as Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe.

Finish with a soft, pale, hue for 60's era, baby doll lips. Try Hourglass Femme Rouge lipstick in Fable.

Want to try Emma's look? Tune in tomorrow to see how!

With Love,

Noa B

Pencil-icious

I love pencil skirts and I'm always looking for way to re-work them. One challenge is actually getting a pencil skirt out of the office and into the limelight without going all S&M. This look from Refinery 29 this morning inspired me to try to find a softly glitzy pencil skirt for a casual evening out.

Although gorgeous, it's a bit of a splurge for me at $275 from DVF, but I discovered some wonderfully similar looks at competitive prices below:

Zara for $89, (here).  This soft, satiny finish is the perfect oatmeal color to play up or down.

Here's a glitzier option at Free People down from $298 to $69 on sale, (here)!

And if you like bigger, brighter sequins, one step further is this steal from Karen Kane available (here) for $75!

If you prefer warm tones, look no further than this copper, leather number from Asos, available (here) on sale for $87. 

 Last but not least, a more casual take on silver/grey at Jone New York, on sale for $69 (here).

I think I might just bust out a pencil skirt of my own tonight.

With Love,

Noa B

Cherry Missoni

I love this Moschino Cheap and Chic jacket I found in mint condition last year at my favorite thrift store. It has a matching skirt, but I find it much more useful to wear each piece individually. There's a lot to be said for breaking up a suit.

I also love mixing black and brown, and I can't seem to get enough of these Rag and Bone jeans. I think it's the color being so malleable. (Not quite cognac, not quite pumpkin, but somewhere in between). They've been such a good investment and they go with everything.

For me, another thing I love about brunette neutrals is that you really can mix warm and cool tones. I love throwing together any number of different browns and seeing them pop against each other.

Jacket: Missoni Cheap and Chic, Purse: LAMB, Jeans: Rag and Bone, Blouse: Ella Moss, Boots: 7 For All Mankind, Sunnies: Michael Stars, Feather earrings, NYC Boutique

And if it feels too earthy, I just sprinkle in a few cherries on top...


With Love,

Noa B

Red Lip Tutorial and Giveaway!

I've been invited by my very dear friend and co-blogger, the fabulous Ms. "T" to do a guest write up on how to achieve the perfect, red lip. (And who better to invite me than the queen herself)?

Now I'll admit, I don't rock a red lip quite as often as she does, but I've been known to sport one from time to time, and I must admit, it makes a gal feel pretty sexy. So whether you're an occasional or a frequent wearer, for a few tips and suggestions head on over to my partner's fabulous blog, November Grey, where you can read my guest tutorial and enter to win a cute little gift from us to you!

Left to right: Mac: Russian Red, Becca: Strawberry, Becca: Tatiana 

Bonne Chance!

With Love!

Noa B

Tribal Drape

I think Poncho's defy the odds when it comes to fashion. They're kind of idiotic at first glance, and you can definitely end up looking mumu-esque if you go about it wrong. Thank goodness the tribal crazy hasn't completely ebbed yet. It's allowed me to embrace more ethnic and urban looking ponchos that have a sleek, boho look to them.

This southwestern example is loose enough to balance the proportions of my Rag and Bone skinny jeans. And sleeves help to keep any poncho from looking too over-sized. 

The above "skinnies" have a wonderfully, stretchy yet comfy fit.The cognac color livens up everything but still works as a staple and a neutral. Best of all, they're on sale at Bloomingdales right now. Get 'em before they're gone here!

As for cool, transitional ponchos, you can find a fabulous alternative to mine here

 And if you love neutrals, you can snag the grey version for 30% off as well, available online here!

Poncho: Tea Rose, Boots: Pour La Victoire, Jeans: Rag and Bone

Happy shopping!

With Love,

Noa B