Falsity

So I'm just a little obsessed with false eyelashes right now. I'm fortunate to have naturally thick, long lashes, but sometimes I feel like more drama. Besides, with all the Christmas parties and get-togethers this past month, I decided it would be a fun little something extra. I definitely hit up Forever21 for pretty much every pair (only $1-3/pair).

While I'm sure I'll probably continue wearing false lashes here and there (as special occasions allow), I stick with Falsies Mascara by Maybelline on a daily basis. I wouldn't be surprised if I was one of the first thousand customers of this lash magic makeup. I grabbed it the moment it hit stores and have never felt the need to switch since then. And believe me, I'm known for always switching my mascara out of want for trying something new. Currently, there are three versions of Falsies: 
Original
Black Drama
Flared
I have all three, but I'm using Flared the most right now because it was most recently introduced. I think Black Drama is my favorite though - absolutely high on the drama.

Love your lashes, lovelies!

xoxo,
Sarah

Obsessing: August 2011

So many things have been catching my attention lately.


Accordion/Pleated Skirts - From the moment I saw Marilyn Monroe's dress in Seven Year Itch, I have loved thin pleated skirts, which is why I snatched up an adorable gray pleated skirt for myself at Urban earlier this year. Having my own pleated skirt just deepened my current obsession. Now I am seeing pleats everywhere (have you seen H&M lately?), I couldn't be more excited. Of course, I like to believe that I've been loving them on my own accord and that the fashion industry is just catering to my tastes. What can I say? I like to be ahead of the trend!

The Weepies - I am listening to them at this very moment actually. They are one of those bands that are both perfect for background music or singing along if you prefer. Seriously, this group makes my heart sing. It's almost as if their music is indirectly saying, "Relax. Everything is okay. You're good." In other words, they are just great chill music.

Topknots - Per a couple posts back, this is already known, but I couldn't help myself. These buns look so high fashion, especially if your makeup is dramatic.

Feather Extensions/Earrings - My little sister had a feather extension in her hair for about two months, and it looked amazing. But the same look can achieved with long feather earrings or clip-ins as well. I have been wearing my feather earrings all weekend.  

Leifsdottir - Anthro sends me cute little emails every day, and last week, they were sweet enough to tell me that new items from Leifsdottir have arrived. This is such a needlessly tempting brand of loveliness.

What are you obsessing over right now?

xoxo,
Sarah

Latest Obsession: High Hairbuns

Dear fashion blogger lovelies,

I'm back!!! Have you missed me? Because I've sure missed you all! Life has been quite crazy, but I cannot tell you how much I am growing as a person and loving all the people around me. For the first time in a while, I feel like I am consistently taking advantage of every opportunity that comes my way, and I am making some wonderful friends in the process. Life is fun, and I am just having so much fun all the time...hence the reason I rarely update anymore. :)

But, as this is still a fashion blog, I came back to actually say something fashion-related. This new city has been so inspiring for my personal style. I am constantly stealing ideas from the many stylish people on the streets and giving it my own spin. Most recently, I have been inspired by one of our interns and her high hairbuns. The look is both easy and high fashion, especially if you style it well with your clothes ensemble. While I have not worn this hairstyle out and about much yet, I am well on my way to possibly making it a signature look for this fall. Only time will tell.

For your viewing pleasure, here are some cute tutorials:
- Loose 
- Messy (reminds me of my middle school days!) 
- Topknot (my FAVE look!!)
- Ballerina

That is all I have for now, as I have to get some sleep. I will be back again soon!

xoxo,
Sarah

Mustard Tights

I love mustard yellow far too much. If I could get away with wearing it every day, I would be more than okay. It's so easy to wear this color because is IS a favorite in the color palette amongst fashion retailers. But I'll have you know that I loved mustard before there was so much of it out there. Now, lucky for me, it's just more accessible to grab scarves, dresses, shirts, gloves, hats, and TIGHTS in this bright, cheery shade. So I'm stocking up!

My latest mustard wardrobe love are my tights from Anthropologie. At first, I was afraid they would just sit in my dresser unopened, but they have already gotten quite a bit of use, especially when paired with a LBD. It also helps that my favorite coat of the moment has hints of mustard in the plaid.

Who could pass up a photo opportunity like this? I match!

What I Wore:
* Retro swing coat - $50 - H&M (I have one nearby now!)
* LBD - $40 - Gap
* Mustard tights - $6 - Anthropologie
* City flats - $20 - Gap
* Vintage purse - FREE - my grandma's closet
* Earrings - under $4 - Forever21

xoxo,
Sarah

Latest Obsession: Blow Dry Bars

As I mentioned earlier, I had some quality time with the newest issue of InStyle Magazine while I was waiting for my plane home a few weekends ago. Since we're quickly nearing the end of 2010, this issue was loaded with so much loveliness that I still need to finish "studying" everything. During my LONG delay at the airport, I spent most of my time reading the STYLE 100 section, which included the top 100 fashionable highlights from the year. You better believe that I folded down a bunch of page corners!

Well, #52 in the STYLE 100 especially caught my interest. Over a week later, I am still talking, thinking, and tweeting about it...

BLOW DRY BARS!!!

Source: Dry Bar LA

Blow dry bars are much like your typical hair salons, except that the services are limited to washes and blowouts, meaning no cuts or dyes. By cutting out those regular, expected salon services, it actually opens the door for stylists to focus on creating more complicated hairdos. Customers go to blow dry bars specifically to get salon-quality styled hair without having to wait for the next cut. 

At first, I thought this idea sounded a little crazy, but the more I've researched it the more I can't wait to visit one of these salons. Yes, the prices can be a little steep, but it would definitely be worth the investment, every now and then, for special occasions (like upcoming holiday parties). I'm already planning to visit BLOW, the NYC salon that InStyle credits for starting it all, next time I'm up that way. Also, fortunately for me, new blow dry bars are already popping up nationwide, so maybe one will turn up around here in the near future. I sure hope so!

Where to go for blowouts:

* BLOW - NYC

* Dry Bar - Los Angeles (new locations coming)

* Bubble Blow Dry - Los Angeles

* Republic Salon & Blow Out Bar - Folsom, CA

* Blo - San Francisco

* Swink Style Bar - Seattle

* HERSHESONS - London (salon has hair tutorials here)

When I go, I want my hair styled something like Lily Donaldson or Taylor Swift's waves. I think it would look especially pretty swept to one side.

Source: Style.com

Source: Poozt

If you live near any of the salons listed or even a different blow dry bar, please pay a visit for me. Tell me what you think, so I can live vicariously through you! 

 

xoxo,

Sarah

Latest Obsession: French Braids

 

A couple weeks ago while watching a movie, I started playing with my hair, twisting it around this way and that. Before long, I managed to have a very loose French braid coming around into a side ponytail. Wondering if it was even presentable, I ran to the mirror to check out the style and realized that it definitely had potential to be street-wearable. 

Since my first go at this style was a complete accident (after all, I was styling blindly), I have continued to perfect the look. Thanks to the numerous tutorials online, getting braiding tips from the pros is easy and fun. In general, Ford Models and fashionface.tv (pixiwoo on youtube) are my go-to sources for hair and makeup tips. Always fantastic!

Here is my favorite braided style from Johnny Lavoy at Ford Models:

If only I had an extra hand at my beck and call...braiding can sure make your arms tired after a while! Good thing that the finished result looks pretty and bohemian. And it really does not take that much time,  making it a great way to stylishly pull your hair back, especially if you are in a hurry.

Next time I document one of my outfits (or the next few since I am a bit obsessed), expect a French braided look with my hair!  

 

xoxo,

Sarah

P.S. Yesterday was my DFOF posting day, and I am quite in love with the collage I created about hot air balloons. Go on over to see and read for yourself!