Month: February 2015

White Button-Up Shirt 

 Inspiration for today’s outfit, is a classic White Button Up. Ladies and men alike have this in their wardrobe. Personally, I prefer a men’s button up because it’s a little longer and thicker (hence the man in the photo) I like the length so I can pair it with leggings and not have to worry about folks staring at my backside. Since Spring is coming, it was a must to bring one of my top favorites out to play. You can pair it with anything, and I mean EVERYTHING. It’s just fabulous. 😘

High Wasted Pants  

 

Inspiration For Today’s Outfit: High Wasted Pants.. Since the temp is rising outside, I’ve begun to pull out my favorite Spring pieces including my growing collection of high wasted pants. I love pairing them with heels, crop tops, oversized sweaters/shirts, etc… They’re so versatile and comfortable. I just love them 😍 

ULTA Haul 

Hey Babes, I recently took a late trip to ULTA with one of my close friends. We did do some damage there, but nothing to wild and crazy. I just wanted to share with you everything I purchased and my first impressions! 😉 

Facial Products: 
   NYX Studio Perfect Primer Clear
     – I’ve heard a ton of good things about this and wanted to give it a try. I’m attempting to step away from my usual face primer, so I decided on this one. 
    ULTA Super Blender Sponge
      – I’ve never used a blending sponge before, but everyone swears by then so I decided to hop on the bandwagon. 👍
    BareMinerals BareSkin Foundation Sample
       – I’m a little skeptical about this foundation because I’ve heard numerous mixed reviews on it. I decided to get the sample to try it out for a little bit. It gives minimal converse, but it’s really oily to me and I’m an oily skin girl so I’m not sure how it’ll do with my skin. 
    Simple Cleansing Wipes
       – I absolutely adore these! They remove all of my makeup, without leaving my skin feeling dry. I totally recommend these for everyone. 🙌
 
Eyes:
    Essence Kajal Black Pencil 
      – I used this right after I purchased it, and I really like it. It glides on smoothly and does a great job with staying in place. 
    Essence Big Lashes Triple Black Mascara
     – I have always had an issue finding a mascara that would make my lashes pop and have kind of given up. When I tried this on, I could not stop staring at how big and long my bottom lashes looked! 5 starts already. 😊
    Prestigious Makeup Eraser Pen
      – The name of this product should tell you how excited I am to use it. Especially, for the days I’m having difficulty getting my perfect wing. 
    Prestigious Total Intensity Mascara Jet Black 
      – As I’ve said about the other mascara product, I bought this in search of a holy grail item to really extend my lashes. Combining this and the Essence Big Lashes, I doubt I’ll need to buy lashes ever again. (I’ll always buy lashes thought. I can’t live without my falsies. 😍)
Lips:
   NYX Round Doll Lipstick 
      – A store manager recommended this to me. She said it applied smoothly and lasted throughout the day. The color is pretty on my skin and I think it’ll be a good addition. 
   NYX Matte Lipstick Aria 
      – I bought this as a dupe to Mac Pro longwear Goes and Goes. Perfect match, in my book. I love that it’s matte because if I want a shinier look, I can just add gloss. 👍
   NYX Lip Glass Mega Shine French Kiss 
     – I love NYX lip glass, and this one is no exception. The color kind reminds me of Turkish Delight by Nars. It pairs very well with every nude and dark lip liner I’ve tried with it. 
   NYX Clear Mega Shine Lip Gloss 
      – My last one broke in my purse, for unknown reasons and I had repurchase it. Every girl needs clear gloss to pop on their lips to give them extra shine! 👄
Nails: 
   OPI Big Apple Red
      – This is my go-to, all-year-round color. When I first discovered it last year, I fell in love. I don’t think there will be another color to top this for a while. 😍
   OPI Chocolate Moose
     – I found this color while watching my favorite YouTube Guru, Nicole Guerriero. It looked fabulous on her and I had to find it. I haven’t tried it yet, but for my next nail appointment I will test it out. 
   OPI Top Coat
      – I love to use this whenever I’m painting my nails. It dries quickly and leaves an amazing shine. ✨
Bath Products:
   Organix Moroccan Argan Dry Body Oil
    – I’ve purchased this product numerous times. I found it nearly 2 years ago by accident. I thought it was hair oil, but this was the best mistake I could have made. This always leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. 😍
   Naterra Tree Hut Pomegranate Acia Body Scrub & Lotion
     – Originally, I bought this because the packaging was my favorite color- purple. I opened it to smell it in the store to make sure I was making a good decision. Ohmygoodness, it smells DIVINE. I’ve always loved scrubs and lotions, so I had to add this to my collection. 👌

Free Writing 

City or Country….?

  If I were to move to Atlanta, NYC, or L.A., my family would lose it. If I stay, then I’ll lose it. Sad to say, I’m in between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, I’ll live my life how I want and be content in whatever I do. The other side is my mother would become more judgmental and prejudice against my decisions. To not have her support is the hardest thing I’d have to deal with. Now, to stay here and continue my work as a health major would keep her happy in her child rearing skills. Honestly, I’m a city chick and EVERYONE knows I only love this place due to it’s peacefulness during the day, but the city is where I thrive. For me, it’s a place of tranquility and chaos. Call me crazy, or just down right insane, I sleep better in the city- always have. I work harder, I do more, I live in my means of making it to my dreams. 
  Back home is where I’m safe from all struggles that may occur. I’m protected from the cold hearted, manipulative people. Home is loving, caring, kind, secure, and never changes. The pace is slower, much slower than what my body is keen to. It’s where I grew up and learned how to crawl, walk, and run. At 7, my mother told me that she’d give me two things before I leave her: Roots and wings. Believe me, my roots  have been ingrained into my brain and have became second nature. My wings are here as well, but sooner than my mother expected. She thought it would take an extra year at home to realize what I’m capable of, wrong. I stayed because I knew it would kill her to see me leave so soon, but I wish I would’ve listened to my instincts. I had the chance to go to NY Fashion Week and turned it down because, “She didn’t trust me to leave.” I gave up an opportunity to network to models, designers, photographers, etc… I gave up my dream to make her happy. I put myself on the back burner so she’d sleep better at night. Now, I must wait another year and pray that I still have the chance to attend next season- spring or fall. Her decisions are being made due to her skepticism to follow through on her dreams. 
  I’m my mothers daughter in many ways, but my personality screams of a man I barely know. My biological father instilled the fire in me to push myself further in all that I do. My father figure is the same as my mother, so it’s an even trade off. I come from a family of doctors, lawyers, principals, and CEO’s but all families have a black sheep. My decision to become a fashion merchandising major is looked at as an imaginary job that won’t satisfy even my simplest needs. They need a more concrete position, than a model or fashion stylist. They want a career that will keep my pockets full and my bills paid off. I agree with them, but does all of the material have to mask my happiness? 
  My passion is modeling, fashion of whatever kind, and styling. I collect Vogue  magazines throughout a two year span to see how fabric changes, how the stitching on a bag has become more structured, what makes an outfit stand out from the background, how the model’s body language or makeup was chosen to fit the guidelines of the magazine. Looking for those details are what drive my love for the industry as a whole. Hell, I get excited about a new magazine, runway show, and model search as if it’s Christmas. If I could, I’d right an entire essay on what I love about the fashion industry, but that’s for another day and time. Truthfully, I do exceedingly well in biology and health, but that’s not where my heart is. I have a selfish mentality to keep myself on a path of happiness, even if that means going against my family’s wishes. It’s a difficult choice, but I’m willing to make it. Though it may suck in the beginning, I know things will get better- I pray they do. So, with all of this in mind, I ask the question again- City or Country? 

Menswear Staples

Gents, this one’s for you! 

   For those who think fashion is for women, it’s time to come to the light! Today, we’ll discuss some essential items every man should own. I asked a few men their honest opinions and these are the common items they chose. Before you stock up, remember menswear is a marathon, not a sprint. Meaning, quality over quantity. These are classic foundation pieces that could last 5 or 10+ years. So, an investment is okay in this situation. Also, a good tailor is a must to insure you have the correct for in all of your wardrobe staples. 👌
      Let’s get started, shall we?
 
 1. Sweatproof Undershirt 
     – You can feel the difference in quality cotton undershirts and boxer-briefs – but unless you’re an tax collector, don’t layer a crewneck undershirt under an open collar to work. Instead, go for a V-neck that hides safely under your dress shirt.

2. White Collard Shirt 
    – Seems like common sense, right? Not really. Many times this is passed over for another top that has more color or a design. Go semi spread or spread collar for greatest versatility. 
3.  Unconstructed & Textured Suit 
      –  Your suit, preferably navy should be the foundation of your wardrobe. It can serve as your go-to blazer, pair of trousers, or suit. You can wear this three times a week and no one will ever notice. (Thanks to the beauty of navy in the corporate world.)
4. Solid/Patterned Blazer 
    – Like your jeans, this can be worn multiple times and be paired with numerous styles. You can play with the different patterns, fabrics, and colors but be sure that everything is sitter enough to fit in to the rest of your wardrobe. 
5. Khaki Pants 
    – You can purchase khaki pants at every price point. Fit is important because you want to be both tailored and relaxed at the same time. 

6. Solid Color Jeans 
    –  Expensive designer jeans have flooded the market and most of them are covered with all sorts of unattractive details. Buy a pair that is solid dark blue, doesn’t have any additional designs. I suggest to go with a slim fit for a tapered appearance. (Avoid skinny) Once these are broken in, get them tailored for the proper fit. These are your go-to pants, so you should look forward to wearing them whenever you get the chance. 

7. Vintage/Faded Jeans 
    – In contrast to your dark denim, you need a pair of jeans with a bit of character. These will have more of a Spring/Summer feel. Authentic distressing always looks better than factory distressing. So, go vintage then head to a tailor. 

8. Natural Trench Coat
    – Waterproof, neutral in color, and classic is the best way to go.  This piece should be worn for more than protection from the rain. Choose a coat that’s slim fitting and is about mid-thigh length for the most versatile look.  

9. Leather Jacket 
    – If you find a leather jacket, it can be your staple for any evening activity. Since this is a jacket, look for something light with a trim fit and keep the designs minimal. Go symmetrical, with a classic collar. 

10. Authentic Crewneck 
      – Back to the basics, with this one. Pair it with a blazer, over a shirt, or wear it at the gym. Consider sizing down for a trim fit. 

11. Sneakers 
      – Designer sneakers have been a huge item for several seasons but none of them mix style and street cred together like Chuck Taylors. 

12. Slim Dress Shoes
      – It’s time to dump the squared toed shoes in the trash because they make you appear as if you’re wearing flippers. Rack up style points by purchasing a slim pair with a rounded or pointed toe. These are a good investment because of their long and narrow shape, so splurge a little. The cap toe is also a nice touch for a traditional look. 

13. Penny Loafers 
      – With Loafers, I recommend a medium brown. Search for a classic penny shape with a round toe and medium vamp. This timeless, everyday shoe can be put with any style. 

  You can play with these items for a simple, everyday look or vamp it up for a spicy night out. I hope this helps, fellas !! 
        Have A Great Day, 
             StyledByLaRae 😘

Favorite Color Facts 

During one of my lounging Internet sessions, I stumbled across a fun article about one of my favorite colors and I decided to share it with you guys. 

Green: This is the color of balance and harmony. From a color psychology perspective, it is the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart.
From a meaning of colors perspective, green is also the color of growth, the color of spring, of renewal and rebirth. It renews and restores depleted energy. It is the sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well being. This is why there is so much of this relaxing color on the earth, and why we need to keep it that way.

Green is an emotionally positive color, giving us the ability to love and nurture ourselves and others unconditionally. A natural peacemaker, it must avoid the tendency to become a martyr.