SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Givenchy

Givenchy mules first debuted last year in New York Fashion Week on the Spring/Summer 2016 runway, where it caused that notorious Candice Swanepoel & other model’s fashion week fall.  Nonetheless, these Italian-made Givenchy mules are exquisitely beautiful, featuring a lizard-effect and smooth metallic leather.  Pair these with a colorful, monochromatic outfit to accentuate the silver heels.

Givenchy mesh-paneled metallic leather mules, $1,050, via Net-a-Porter

Givenchy mesh-paneled metallic leather mules, $1,050, via Net-a-Porter 

givenchy mules

givenchy mules

 

What do you think of these heels?  How would you style them?

xoxo

The Ultimate Beauty Guide, From A-Z: The Letter B, decoded

b

 

A while back, Trends & Tribulations started the ABC’s of beauty to help educate readers on the many weird, bizarre, and overall unknown ingredients and products on the market.  We continue on this segment with the letter B.

 

BB CREAM

Image via uh supply

Image via uh supply

Essentially a supercharged foundation, this tinted “beauty balm” blends moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and foundation into a do-it-all complexion product.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient found in skincare products to treat acne.  It’s made in the scientific laboratory by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride.  It is usually found in 2.5 to 10 percent concentrations in acne treatment products.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)

Paula's Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz.

Paula’s Choice BHA Spot Treatment, $43 for 0.3 oz., via Paula’s Choice

BHA is a oil-soluble substance that works by exfoliating deep into pores to make room for regeneration of new skin. It is generally less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid.  It works best for acne prone skin, since it is soluble in oil, vs. its counterpart, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is water-soluble.  It can make skin sensitive, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using it (keep scrolling for more info).

BLACK TEA

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Traditions kit, $98, via Sephora

A tea containing vitamins, (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), polyphenols and tannins.  vitamins (B2, C, E), minerals (magnesium, potassium, zinc), some essential oils, polyphenols and tannins.  Polyphenols are natural antioxidants that neutralize free radicals.  Tannins protect our bodies and skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation and are known to fight bacteria.

BIOTIN

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Vibrance Biotin & MSM Capsules for Long Hair, $29.99, via Amazon

Part of the B complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H, it aids in cell growth and production of fatty acids, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails.  It is found in products, but can also be taken in pill form.

BOTANICAL

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, via Fig + Yarrow

Fig + Yarrow boasts botanical beauty products, image via Fig + Yarrow

Botanical means plant-derived ingredients in skincare products, haircare and cosmetics.  The types of plants they originate from include herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds.  They are most notable for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit sensitive skin with rashes, breakouts, sunburn, eczema, redness, and uneven texture.  They are also beneficial to use post-procedure, whether that is a chemical peel, laser, or anything else.

BRIGHTENING

Image via Livingly

From left: StriVectin Instant Revitalizing Mask, $62, via StriVectin; Clinique even better Brightening Moisture Mask, $36.50, via SephoraShiseido White Lucent All Day Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 22, $57, via Sephora, image via Livingly

“Brightening” is a term for products that reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation, typically using ingredients like salicylic or kojic acid.

BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

image via SBA blog

Image via SBA blog

Product that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.  The SPF number essentially measures how much a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, which is caused solely by UVB rays.  UVA is a longer wavelength of sunlight & it consists of 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth.  Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an extremely important product to have to protect your skin from wrinkles and sun spots.

Image via LionessMagazine

Image via LionessMagazine

 

Do you have any other questions about products beginning with B?  Share in the comments section below!

xo

 

 

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Marni

Swiss-born, Milan-based designer Consuelo Castiglioni, who founded the brand Marni over 20 years ago, stepped down from her position earlier this week to welcome her new replacement, Francesco Risso.  While it was rumored that Castiglioni would be stepping down after her runway show this fall, the news has stirred up controversy in the fashion world.  Nonetheless, she gave her blessing to Risso, and is confident he will design with her vision in mind.

Marni's Spring/Summer '17 show at Milan Fashion Week via Elle.com

Marni’s Spring/Summer ’17 show at Milan Fashion Week via Elle.com

In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Castiglioni said:

I design for an independent woman. She dresses for herself, not to please others or to be judged. She wears Marni because she feels good in it, individual… I don’t like clothes that are tight or fitted, clothes that are about… [she spits out the word] SEX. This you will NEVER find in my collections. There is femininity, but it is an elegant femininity.

Take these one-of-a-kind sculptural pumps by Marni for example.  In a world dominated by sex appeal, they are a refreshing reminder that fashion is not about sex.  It is about uniquely expressing one’s individuality through the simplistic art form of dressing.  

Marni Sculptural Pump, $980, via Moda Operandi

Marni Sculptural Pump, $980, via Moda Operandi

 

Wear these babies with a flared midi-skirt and a tucked-in blouse for a look that’s both fashionable and feminine.

Marni White Sculptural Pump

 

What do you think of these heels?  Would you wear them?

xoxo

12 Seriously Easy Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes

Halloween always comes up unexpectedly.  If you are going to a costume party or going out this weekend, here are 12 DIY costumes you can easily put together using items you most likely already have around.

1.

Drake, via MTV

Drake, via MTV

Turtleneck Sweater + Vampire Teeth = Drake-ula!

2.

Princess Leia, via StarWars.com

Princess Leia, via StarWars.com

Flowy White Dress + Hair Buns = Princess Leia

3.

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, via Pinterest

Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, via Pinterest

Layers + Layers + Layers = Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

4.

Grace Coddington, via Presley Ann/PMC

Grace Coddington, via Presley Ann/PMC

Red-Haired Wig + All-Black Outfit = Grace Coddington

Read on for more outfit inspiration! Continue reading

The Hottest New Bag Trends For The Fall & Winter Season

As the seasons change, so does fashion.  This fall and winter season, mini backpacks and bucket bags are the perfect transitional carry-all bag.  Every designer has some sort of backpack they are debuting this season, from Fendi to Versace to Chanel.  In all shapes, sizes, and colors, it is easy to find one (or ten) you’ll love.  Of course, clutches and shoulder bags are the timeless counterparts, if a classic bag is more your style.

Check out the top picks below.

 

 

Mansur Gavriel Mini Mini Bucket Bag, $345, via Moda Operandi

Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag, $345, via Moda Operandi

 

MOSCHINO 'Fashion Kills' Printed Backpack, $850, via Shopbop

MOSCHINO ‘Fashion Kills’ Printed Backpack, $850, via Shopbop

 

Saint Laurent Monogramme quilted leather shoulder bag, $1,990, via Net-a-Porter

Saint Laurent Monogramme quilted leather shoulder bag, $1,990, via Net-a-Porter

 

Dolce & Gabbana 'Sicily' backpack, $2,595.00, via FarFetch

Dolce & Gabbana ‘Sicily’ backpack, $2,595.00, via FarFetch

 

Olympia Le-Tan x Keith Haring book clutch, $1,651.66, via FarFetch

Olympia Le-Tan x Keith Haring book clutch, $1,651.66, via FarFetch

 

Versace Palazzo Medusa chain trim backpack, $1,804.97

Versace Palazzo Medusa chain trim backpack, $1,804.97, via FarFetch

 

Prada Bibliothèque watersnake-paneled leather tote, $3,580, via Net-a-Porter

Prada Bibliothèque watersnake-paneled leather tote, $3,580, via Net-a-Porter

 

Balenciaga Traveller textured-leather backpack, $1,885, via Net-a-Porter

Balenciaga Traveller textured-leather backpack, $1,885, via Net-a-Porter

 

What do you think of these bags?  Are you into bucket bags or backpack-inspired bags?  Share your favorites in the comments section below!

xoxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Vetements

“I always look to the example of Comme des Garçons for what we want to do,” Gvasalia, the head designer of Vetements, explained in a Racked interview. “Steady but slow growth while doing things their own way.”

Vetements Fall/Winter 2016 Runway, via New York Magazine

Vetements Fall/Winter 2016 Runway, via New York Magazine

Vetements, pronounced vet-MAHN is the cool-girl, underground brand that debuted with a boom in 2014 (despite Lorde’s twitter feed officially calling the brand “uncool” back in May).  With a selection of hoodies, quirky t-shirts, and other miscellaneous items of clothing.  Additionally, they make some badass boots.  See below.

Vetements Textured-leather ankle boots, $1,710, via Net-a-Porter

Vetements Textured-leather ankle boots, $1,710, via Net-a-Porter

I can’t think of a better way to channel your inner street starlet than the look below, socks and all.

VETEMENTS Textured-leather ankle boots

VETEMENTS Textured-leather ankle boots

 

What do you think of these boots?  How would you style them?

xo

5 Unbelievably Chic Street Style Looks To Copy Now

There’s something about the way some people are able to style pieces that give them a certain je ne sais quoi.  Fortunately for the rest of us, we can always copy them.  Didn’t someone once say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?

 Check out these amazing street style looks from Fashion Week.  Then, choose to shop the items listed below, or scrounge through your closet for similar items.

1.

NYFW Street Style: Day Two

M Missoni shorts, $193, via farfetch.com

Gianvito Rossi black booties, $995, via farfetch.com

Sergio Rossi clutch, $1,370, via farfetch.com

H&M sunglasses via hm.com

H&M Ruffled Blouse, $49.99, via hm.com

2.

NYFW Street Style: Day Two

Antipodium silk cami, $132, via runway2street.com

Chloé wide leg denim jeans, $695, via matchesfashion.com

Stuart Weitzman leather footwear, $375 via julian-fashion.com

Lacoste blue leather shoulder bag, $175, via lacoste.com

Fallon choker jewelry, $125, via barneys.com

Lens sunglasses, $33, via brazilianbikinishop.com

Chanel long wearing lipstick, $37, via violetgrey.com

Mac Opulash Optimum Mascara, $18, via saksfifthavenue.com

Macaron Lip Balm, $7, via boogzel.com

3.

 

NYFW Street Style
Lemaire white top, $182, via farfetch.com

Ray-Ban sunglasses, $123, via vestiairecollective.com

Gucci leather belt, $290, via gucci.com

V neck sweater, $15.48, via sammydress.com

High Waist Fringed Asymmetric Skirt, $14.75, via sammydress.com

Black pumps, $19.54, via sammydress.com

4.

Day Two: The Best NYFW Street Style

Autumn Cashmere turtleneck top, $162, via theoutnet.com

Paul Smith coat, $850, via paulsmith.co.uk

7 For All Mankind slim fit jeans, $249, via stylebop.com

Sophia Webster leather sneaker, $260, via lanecrawford.com

Emoji handbag, $24, via pixiemarket.com

J Crew leather glove, $81, via jcrew.com

Samsung Galaxy S6 4G Cell Phone, $200, via bestbuy.com

Beanie hat via aliexpress.com

5.

 

NYFW Streetstyle

Monki knit shirt, $33, via monki.com

Shrimps blue coat, $448, via thecorner.com

Miu Miu purple skirt, $660, via net-a-porter.com

Isabel Marant black suede booties, $594, via theoutnet.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder strap purse, $180, via veryexclusive.co.uk
What are your favorite street style looks?  Will you be channeling any of the above looks?
xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Dior

“Women, with their intuitive instinct, understood that I dreamed not only of making them more beautiful, but happier too.” -Christian Dior.

 

Dior is known for their high-quality, intricately designed pieces.  A shining example are these Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boots by Dior, a perfect boot to accompany the autumn weather.  They first debuted in the Autumn/Winter 2015-2016 runway show, and are composed of calfskin and crocodile.  The construction was inspired by the Opanca technique, an old-fashioned way of constructing shoes in which they are hand-sewn and use a double needle sewing technique to attach the sock lining, sole, and upper part of the shoes to each other in one process.

Dior Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boot, price upon request

Dior Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boot, price upon request

Wear them with cropped skinny jeans or a long pencil skirt for a refined and sophisticated look.

Dior Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boot

What do you think of these boots?  How would you wear them?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Chloe Gosselin

Chloe Gosselin is a newcomer on the design scene, and is sure to be a name you’ll be hearing more about in the coming months.  After working as an internationally recognized model for almost a decade, she studied shoemaking at FIT in New York, along with Ars Sutoria in Milan.  The French designer blends her heritage culture, along with influences throughout her travels, to create shoes that invoke feelings and thoughts; inspired by music, contemporary art, photography and vintage aesthetics.

Check out these Plumeria pumps by Chloe Gosselin below, adorned with emerald Orylag fur.  Wear them with an A-line mini skirt and black tights for a fashionable fall look.

 

Chloe Gosselin Plumeria pumps, $1,100, via ChloeGosselin.com

Chloe Gosselin Plumeria pumps, $1,100, via ChloeGosselin.com

chloe gosselin plumeria

What are your thoughts about these shoes?  How would you wear them?

xo, lovelies

What To Wear To a Presidential Debate Party

The first presidential debate is tonight, September 26, between the democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, & the republican candidate, Donald Trump.  Here’s the skinny on what to wear if you are heading to a presidential debate party, whether you are a democrat or republican.

If you are a democrat & voting for Hillary….

 

What To Wear: Presidential Debates

 

WearAll blue shirt, $12, via We Are All

Navy skirt, $129, via PopMap

Schutz blue shoes, $210, via Saks Fifth Avenue

Mansur Gavriel blue purse, $445, via Moda Operandi

River Island watch, $100, via River Island

BillyTheTree drop earrings, $63, via Billy The Tree

Lipstick Queen lipstick, $25, via Barneys

Drinkware, $14, via Fish’s Eddy

If you are a republican & voting for the Donald….

 

What To Wear: Presidential Debate Party

Alexander Wang white shirt, $675, via Harper’s Bazaar

Miss Selfridge pants, $61, via Miss Selfridge

Trump thong, $13, via Cafe Press (yes, we went there)

Valentino Rockstud heels, $1,070, via StyleBop

Gucci handbag, $3,800, via Saks Fifth Avenue

Rosendahl watch, $155, via Trouva

Christian Dior lipstick, $35, via Bloomingdales

Bella Bellissima perfume fragrance, $245, via Fortnum & Mason

Home wall decor, $17, via Art.com
Care to share who you will be rooting for?  Will you be attending any presidential debate parties this evening?

xo