Tag: color

style

Fall Fashion Post Run-Down

MstldelanoLeave a comment

Hi guys! Now that the cool weather seems to be here to stay, I want to share some fun fall fashion posts that I’ve seen over the past few weeks. This will be a brief post, since I’m currently working on a few other things and have to keep it brief so that I have time to work on the pressing stuff. In any case, enjoy, and I’ll talk to you all tomorrow!

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The best part about fall: leaves changing color

If you’re curious about your fall color palette, check out this post over on Best Life Facts. These colors are sure to work perfectly as you transition from summer’s warmth to autumn’s coolness.

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Geek Refined is serving up five different fall looks for your enjoyment. The cool thing about this post is that these are all great transition looks: not quite warm enough for the coldest days, but perfect for the weather right now.

If you’re looking for individual fall pieces to add to your wardrobe, check out Haley’s Beauty Room. This list has a bunch of ideas for filling the gaps with your ensembles. I especially love the trench coat recommendation.

Have fun checking out the links!

 

life curation · style

Preparing for Spring: Wardrobe Ideas

Mstldelano1 Comment

Since doing the Kibbe test and confirming that I’m a Soft Classic, I’ve been spending time brainstorming what pieces I should add to my wardrobe. I want to add some whimsy to my wardrobe (along the lines of the Joe Browns line) but I honestly look best in clean, streamlined silhouettes.

Using the Soft Classic information I gleaned from the Truth Is Beauty website, I found that Naomie Harris is one of the few Black celebrities that falls into this category. And when Naomie gets it right, honey, she absolutely knocks it out of the park. I’m loving the fact that she appears to have a neutral undertone that leans toward coolness (much like my own). So I should be able to wear most of the same shades that she does, since our coloring is similar.

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Photo of Naomie Harris (courtesy of InStyle magazine)

So, I don’t have a red carpet lifestyle – yet. So my daily wardrobe can’t be quite as ornate as Naomie’s. But I can draw some inspiration from the way that she styles herself. Here are a few items I’m considering adding this spring:

A duster in pale taupe or light gray

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Naomie at a Calvin Klein show (from Business of Fashion)

The key to making this look classy (and not sloppy on my frame) is to make sure that it has some moderate structure, light tailoring and minimal frills.

This light tan trench by Aphratti gets pretty close to Naomie’s look. A belt gives some extra definition in the waist.

A magenta blazer

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Naomie at the 2014 BAFTA Awards (from Elle)

Structured but undeniably feminine, a bright blazer in an intense pink hue would be a great addition to my wardrobe. a 3/4 length sleeve is perfect for me, so I’ll aim for a blazer that closely replicates the top half of Naomie’s dress. I couldn’t find anything quite like this yet, but if I do, I’ll be sure to post it here!

 

Sunny A-line dress

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At the Spectre press conference (from Vogue UK)

An A-line dress that skims gracefully over the hips but remains tailored in the waist is great for creating the hourglass silhouette.

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The Eva Square Neck Midi Skater Dress is a bright yellow that isn’t too acid or too warm.

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Another option is the Zoey Sleeveless Cut Out Mixi Skater Dress: no cleavage but the side cutouts keeps it sassy.

Pale blue or green chiffon skirt (tea length)

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Naomie at the Mandela screening (from The Fashion Spot)

A pale blue, gauzy skirt is soft and unique. It’s the kind of signature piece that can be dressed up or dressed down.

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This crepe skirt from Boohoo is giving me a similar vibe (the Neave Crepe Pleated Mini Skirt). It isn’t as soft as the chiffon material that Naomie is wearing, but the below-the knee length and structured pleating gives the garment more shape.

Drape-y satin blouse in oyster white, pewter or champagne

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With Olivia Palermo at the launch of Maison Makarem (from Getty Images)

I’ve always shimmery satin tops in pearlescent hues. Add some careful pleating and draping, and I should be able to get the Greek goddess effect without getting lost in a sea of fabric. I’m still looking for one of these, so if I find it, I’ll post it here as well.

That’s all of my ideas for now. I suspect that I’ll continually refine and improve on this list, and as I do, I’ll share it all here.

international · style

My Latest Fashion Obsession . . .

MstldelanoLeave a comment

While looking at a few items to spruce up my Spring & Summer 2018 wardrobe, I realized I have gotten stuck in a bit of a style rut. For years now, I’ve adored a pared down, minimalist look (just see my purchases in my Boohoo haul posts here and here). I preferred clean lines and little-to-no patterns: lots of monochromatic or simply striped pieces. That look is elegant and easy to wear, but I find myself getting . . . bored.

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Not my closet but the lack of visual variety is very similar to my situation (from Pinterest)

So, it was time for something different. And, BOOM! Just like that, Joe Browns clothing popped into my Amazon recommendations. I found myself drawn to the whimsical, vintage-inspired designs. The quirky prints and bold color and fabric choices are a huge departure from my usual aesthetic, but somehow, I think adding a few of the pieces will suit my personal taste as well as add some visual interest to my wardrobe.

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Here are a few of the pieces that I saw on Amazon that caught my eye:

The floral detailing is a far cry from anything that I normally would choose, but this is not only pretty, but looks like it could be worn either as a tunic or as a chic mini dress during those blazing summer days.

The asymmetric lapel is one of my favorite designs, and this boldly-colored nubby tweed is perfect for those cool spring days that aren’t chilly enough for winter coats but not warm enough for lightweight shawls.

This espresso and bronze pump has a vintage flavor and a heel that is high but not uncomfortably so.

This striking dress has an eye-catching blue, white and red print and a body-conscious fit. It has a tropical feel but without the kitsch.

I’ll order some of the pieces from previous seasons from Amazon, but for the latest Joe Browns fashions, I’ll go directly to the website here. Ooh, I can’t wait to post my pieces when I do a Joe Browns haul in the future!

beauty · style

The Color to Add to Your Wardrobe in 2018

MstldelanoLeave a comment

Happy Friday, beloveds! Can you all believe that we’re officially in the full swing of the holiday season? Hanukkah ended a couple of days ago, Christmas and Kwanzaa are ahead of us . . . The end of 2017 is fastly approaching, and I am excited for everything that 2018 will hold!

I am always looking out for the trends to see in the upcoming seasons. As a result, I faithfully listen out for Pantone’s color of the year. This sovereign of shades recently announced that the color of 2018 is  (insert drumroll here):

ULTRA VIOLET!

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Pantone describes this shade as “A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade [. . . ] [it] communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.”

I’m already looking for stuff in this incredible shade. I think I’m smitten with how otherworldly it looks: deep, muted but extremely eye-catching. Perhaps a purse, shoes, or even some cosmetics in this shade might be just what I need  . .  .

In fact, I couldn’t wait until the new: I had to see if I could find some lipstick or eyeshadow in this shade RIGHT NOW. Ka’Oir and Coloured Raine didn’t disappoint.

Ka’Oir has two lip options: the Kashmir Matte Liquid Lipstick in Riches is a shade lighter than Ultra Violet, but it keeps the same mystery and intensity of the Pantone shade. Then, for when you’re feeling extra, the Rude Girl Glitzstick Package captures the ethereal quality of Ultra Violet and ups the ante by adding glitter (the glitter is what deepens the shade, making it look more like Ultra Violet).

(l to r: Riches; Keisha Ka’Oir modeling the Rude Girl Glitzstick)

For the eyes, Coloured Raine has Fetish, a shimmery shadow that perfectly matches Ultra Violet but adds the star fact with glittery finish (as of today, it’s sold out – let’s keep our fingers crossed for restocks!)

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Fetish by Coloured Raine

Have you seen Ultra Violet popping up in any fashion or beauty products? Let me know in the comments below!

life curation · style

Transition to Fall

MstldelanoLeave a comment

I absolutely despise having to let go of summer.

Yes, I know that I do this every year. But, truthfully, it never gets any easier.

Sunshine and warm weather make me feel ALIVE. I bloom during the summertime. And who doesn’t want that? Who doesn’t want to BLOOM?

So then transition to fall and cooler temps is probably my least favorite time of year. Not necessarily because it feels uncomfortable, but because I like longer days and not having to opt for jackets in the morning.

But there is an upside to cooler days – more glamorous fashion LOL! I love fall clothing, especially tailored dresses in slightly heavier fabrics, longer sleeves and richer colors. I still stick to the old rule of “no white after Labor Day”, so I pack up my bright white clothes early in September. But I promptly break out my jewel toned garments that look perfectly appropriate for the cooler days ahead.

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(I don’t even watch Scandal, but every time I see a photo of Kerry Washington’s fashions, I’m inspired. Come on – who WOULDN’T want to look this glamorous during the fall/winter? Photo courtesy of ThisIsGlamorous.com)

My coloring is well suited to the typical “Winter” palette colors (as first explained by the Color Me Beautiful system). So rich, pure colors, cool undertones, and sumptuous fabrics work really well for me. Truth be told, the wardrobe options are the only things that keep me going during the winter.

That, and knee-high boots. I live for knee-high boots.

I had to update my wardrobe and get some better fall/winter ensembles, so I ordered a few things. I also want to get a capsule wardrobe going, so I’ll have to get a bit organized and figure out what items are belong in my set of core “must haves”, and which items can be either stored or given away to charity.  I’ll review my purchases soon, but in the meantime, do you all have any favorite things about the fall/winter that you’d like to share? Please let me know in the comments below!