Berry and Bright

This holiday season I’m ditching a dramatic eye for a bold lip.

holiday, red lip, fall, winter, fashion, makeup, beauty

Not only is this look easier to achieve, but I think it is also appropriate for every occasion–family reunion, corporate holiday party, Christmas moviethon, etc. With a bold lip, you can keep everything else simple and neutral but still look like you put in effort without coming off over the top. My color of choice? Berry. This warm and bright shade is fitting for this time of year, but ultimately, any red will do, as long as it is BOLD.

To get my look:

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

MAC – Rebel

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

NARS – Fanny

red lip, lipstick, makeup, beauty

BARE MINERALS – Devious

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.”
― Gwyneth Paltrow

Red, White, & Blue

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Every year my family plans a big 4th of July get together, and it’s always a great time, but this year Joel and I couldn’t make it. At first I was bummed but then I realized this was the first time we could start creating our own traditions.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

After brainstorming about how we should spend the day, we decided on a miniature road trip—no surprise there. Joel loves driving, and I love being a passenger on scenic backroads and exploratory adventures.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

As we headed Southbound on HWY 1, we looked out over the coast and also drove through various parades that were taking place in each town. 

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

Once we got to Carmel, we parked and went for a nice walk along the cliff. We enjoyed having the time to take our time and spend it a little more quietly than we usually did on Independence Day. That night we listened to fireworks going off in the distance from the comfort of our bed, content with how the day turned out. Even though things were different, they were still good.

4th of July, Red Lips, Summer Style

On Me: 

Nars Heat Wave Lipstick

Forever Blouse

Urban Sweater

Marc Jacobs Sunnies

Articles of Society Jeans

Elk Wallet

My Top 3 Red Lipsticks

red lipsticks

There’s something so classic about a bold, red lip, but finding the perfect shade is one of the most difficult tasks. Red can look so good, but it can also look so bad. Because I have fair skin, I used to think I wouldn’t be able to pull off a statement color like red. After experimenting, I have found that as long as the color isn’t too harsh, red can actually be really flattering.

Here are my top 3 red lipsticks to end the summer off with a bang:

  1. Nars in Heatwave: I have heard that this color complements any skin tone and I believe it. This shade has undertones of orange—something I was extremely hesitant about—but after trying it on I was hooked! The orange is subtle enough that it doesn’t look out of place. Side note: orange and green go really well together. Whenever I am wearing a green top, I find myself subconsciously pulling out this lipstick and I never regret it. Aside from looks, the formula is hydrating, long lasting, and easy to wear.
  2. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral: This is the lipstick I always wear to the beach. It’s more like a tinted chapstick than an actual lipstick, which I love. It has SPF 15 and can be worn alone or as a base for another lipstick. I prefer to wear it alone, because the color payoff is so great. It has a pink undertone that’s perfect for any outfit. When I can’t decide what to wear, I always reach for this. You won’t be sorry.
  3. Mac Lipstick in Matte Viva Glam: I wore this lipstick to my senior prom, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I was going for a very classic, Audrey-esque look, and the lady at the Mac counter told me I couldn’t go wrong with this shade. She was right. Whenever I’m feeling Old Hollywood, I pull out this lipstick. Mac lipsticks will always be one of my favorite formulas. They have mastered the very difficult matte yet moisturizing combination where so many other brands fall short. They also have tons of colors to choose from. I can almost always find what I’m looking for at Mac.

Estée Lauder

estee lauder lipstick

Estée Lauder has been my go-to lipstick brand lately. It’s a classic brand with classic colors.

Above I’m wearing Pure Color in Scarlet Siren:

estee lauder pure color scarlet siren

I’m also a fan of Pure Color Envy Matte in Commanding & Kendall Jenner’s new shade in Restless:

estee lauder lipstick

estee lauder lipstick

All of these colors remind me of Old Hollywood Glamour. Sometimes lipstick is all you need to complete an outfit.

Abercrombie Striped Tee, Levi's Jeans, Urban belt, Zara Heels

On Me: Abercrombie Striped Tee, Levi’s Jeans, Urban belt, Zara Heels

Rules of Thumb

“My rules of thumb are lightness, transparency, and less is more.”

-Francois Nars

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I used to wear SO much make-up in middle school. I had grown up watching my mom apply her make-up every morning, and one day she introduced me to the intriguing routine! I had finally been invited into this new world of women and beauty products.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I found make-up so much fun. It became the event of each slumber party! Unfortunately, I was starting to grow a little too dependent on my addictive new toys.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

At first, it was all about experimenting. I needed to learn how to wear every product! And let’s face it, I liked the result. I had never seen myself under the flawless light. Just as puberty began to hit, I started wearing make-up to school to cover up my acne.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

After a while, I started to feel insecure without any make-up on. Pool parties were my worst enemy.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

By the time high school hit I was in full make-up mode. I’m talking eyeliner and bronzer mode.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

Sophomore year I transferred schools, and it was the best decision I had ever made! I decided it was time for a fresh start–new friends, new place, new me. I rediscovered my love for myself and my make-up.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I realized that make-up shouldn’t be about covering myself up, but instead accentuating who I was.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

I started wearing LESS. I started switching up what I experimented with depending on my outfit and occasion. It was fun again–no longer a chore.

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

Today, sometimes I just wear lipstick. I like the visibility. I’m not hiding. I’m not trying to impress anybody else. I’m just being me.

“Confidence is the most glamorous thing to me.”

-Francois Nars

H&M dress, Nordstrom sunnies, American Eagle belt, Montego Bay Club Wedges

On Me: Dress

Belt

Sunnies

Wedges

The End of Summer

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top

I am dreading the end of this season with the beginning of school around the corner.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

I decided to wear something that embraced Summertime to its fullest last night–a 1970s babydoll, flower patterned, peasant top.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

When I think of Summer, I imagine shorts and wedges, loose fitting blouses, natural hair, and sunglasses.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

Trying to grow out my hair has not been easy. I’ve been making an effort to wash it less, try new products, and apply less heat. Fortunately, the dry weather in Grass Valley has been decreasing my hair’s natural tendency to create frizz, allowing me to let it air dry.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

I have also been trying to wear shorts as much as possible, because Foggy San Francisco almost never allows it. It has been so much fun to dress up my shorts with heels. I used to fear the fashion-no-no, but now I have embraced it–making my own rules.

lucky brand earrings, red lips, urban peasant top, levi's denim cutoffs, scrappy wedges, nordstrom sunnies

On Me: Urban Top

Levi’s Shorts

Montego Bay Club Wedges

Nordstrom Sunnies

Lucky Brand Earrings

Dreaming of…

crop top, printed shorts

I am dreaming of Summer.

peach crop top, floral cloth shorts, black flats

I am eager to go up to the lake, lay out on the dock, and feel the sun on my skin.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

The lake reminds me to SLOW DOWN. That’s what inspired this timeless ensemble.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

Sometimes the trick is letting your hair down, wearing something that makes you feel confident, and looking through rose-colored glasses at the ever-evolving world.

Peach crop top, floral print cloth shorts, black flats, oversized sunnies

“I enjoy life when things are happening. I don’t care if it’s good things or bad things. That means you’re alive.” – Joan Rivers

On my Sis: Urban Crop Top & Print Shorts

Cathy Jean Flats

Nordstrom Sunnies

Day Party

Most of us picture holiday parties happening at night. However, many parties do occur in the day time. But what is appropriate to wear during the day?! I mean, it’s so easy to OVER DO IT.

Here is what I advise:

Day Party

Holiday dresses can scream formal. Switching it up with a skirt and an eye catching top is a great alternative.

Day Party

Velvet is a perfect material for the season. All you have to do is commit to a color scheme, and the outfit will appear as just the right amount of fancy and understated. 

Day Party

Wear heels, but something a little more casual– open toes to show off your fun holiday nails will do the trick! Don’t hold back on your accessories. Classy jewelry will keep your look whole.

Day Party

If you’re every worried about what to do with your hair, just wear it down. It’s effortless, yet beautiful. Keep your make-up refined. A deep lip that matches the color scheme, and lots of mascara will be just enough.

On my sister: Urban Outfitters Top and Skirt

Steve Madden Heels

Sundance Jewelry

L’Oreal Blushing Berry Lips

Just Around The Corner

Sunnies, OBEY T-Shirt, Circle Scarf, Red Lips

 Fall is just around the corner, so let’s talk scarves…

Sunnies, OBEY T-Shirt, Circle Scarf, Red Lips

Technically, it is still summer, but the weather in San Francisco is hard to pinpoint to just one season.

Cathy Jean Booties

Believe it or not, but infinity scarves are my favorite! Despite being warm, they make any average outfit much more stylish. I love to wear them with a T-Shirt, jeans, and booties. Hair up or down– it doesn’t matter!

Sunnies, OBEY T-Shirt, Infinity Scarf, Red Lips

Fall can carry a bad reputation. I get it!  Who isn’t bummed about summer being over? But as a fashionista, thinking about all of the clothing opportunities in the changing season can make going back to school a little bit easier.

P.S. If you like my photos, check out my talented photographer’s website: http://stillscaptured.tumblr.com