StyleWhipped

Daily Devotion: Tarte Natural Lip Stain

I love the idea of lip stains, but in reality...not so much. In my experience they tend to look harsh and are super drying. But there was something about the crayon-like Tarte Natural Lip Stain with LipSurgence^(TM) Technology that was just too fun and intriguing to pass up!

I was truly surprised by how smoothly this lip stain glided on. There was even a bit of a glossy finish which I loved. My lips felt comfortably hydrated and looked amazing--although not totally sure if I felt like their moisture content was increased by 6000% as claimed! I will admit that my lips actually did feel a little dry after a while. I was able to fix this by dabbing on a little lip balm prior to applying this lip stain. The layer of lip balm shortened the staying power of the stain a bit, but it still lasted way longer than most of my lip glosses.

On top of having terrific wear, this lovely lip product also happens to be free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, and a bunch of other stuff you really don't want to be ingesting. So if you're like me and have shied away from lip tints in the past, give this one a try. It's available in 6 gorgeous shades, exclusively at Sephora.

- Cindy

Daily Devotion: Milly Pastel Bead Bib Necklace

I've been so impressed lately by all of the clothing lines who are coming out with shoes, bags, jewelry, etc. Once upon a time, it would kind of be a toss up-- does it work or is it horrible? But lately, I'm really loving it all. My latest favorite is the jewelry line from Milly.

Like the clothing line, the jewelry is sophisticated and luxurious with a timelessness that makes it look vintage and fresh at the same time. Right now my eye is on the Pastel Bead Bib Necklace that I found at Saks. On a gold link chain, the double row of multi-colored faceted beads manages to look bold and elegant as opposed to, well...like something you'd pull out of an easter basket. It's just the kind of piece that I'm ready to wear now that Spring is finally here!

- Cindy

Daily Devotion: Tibi Chelsea Flat Suede Sandals

You can always count on Tibi to deliver something that's eye-catching, pretty and fresh. And while best known for dresses, the shoes from this line are no exception! I instantly fell in love with Tibi's Chelsea Flat Suede Sandals when I saw them. For me, summer shoes tend to be uncomfortable. If you've ever spent a hot day in NYC pounding the pavement, you know that your feet can swell and those adorable little strappy sandals you put on that morning end up killing your feet. In contrast, the soft suede ties and band of these sandals provide comfort and support to barking dogs, rather than try to strangle them. The best part? They're available in 5 terrific colors ranging from neutral to bright on shopbop.com, and of course I want a pair in each one! So stop accepting the fact that you need to torture your feet from May to September and check out these gorgeous sandals by Tibi.

- Cindy

Daily Devotion: Adia Kibur Teardrop Bead Necklace

NUDE NUDE NUDE! No, I'm not promoting a new business venture. I'm echoing the cry of fashion editors and enthusiasts centered around the it-color of the season. Everyone's on the lookout for the hottest nude shoe and figuring out what the perfect shade of nude top or dress is for their skin tone so that they don't look washed out. I happen to be one of these people, and let me tell you, it is not easy! Luckily I've found an easier way to wear this fabulous shade while I figure out what my best personal nude is, and it's in a necklace.

Adia Kibur's Teardrop Bead Necklace is the kind of piece I love to wear. It's got a lot going on and makes a statement with chunky beads in every shape and size intricately woven together. But the single shade of soft nude tones everything down a bit into a quietly bold elegance. It's perfect for everything from dressing up a plain white tee to adding some interest to your favorite little black dress. It's so versatile and looks much more expensive than the $128 price-tag!

- Cindy 

Daily Devotion: DKNY Large Dot Strapless Dress

There's nothing like a vacation in Antigua to get you out of a winter funk and looking forward to beautiful sunny days. I loved every minute I wasn't wrapped up in winter layers, and spent the entire time enjoying my laid-back casual wardrobe. While my resort ensembles aren't quite as put together as Alison's, I spent most of my non-beach time in bright colored summer dresses, so that's what I'm in the mood for lately.

One of my favorites right now is the Large Dot Strapless Dress from DKNY's Spring Collection. With a sweetheart neckline and above-the-knee length, it is super flattering. And with soft pleats falling from the empire waist, it is super forgiving. No need to hold back on those vacation cocktails! On gorgeous red silk, the stone-colored dots are perfectly imperfect, keeping the dress from looking too precious or "Minnie Mouse". And while we don't quite have Antigua weather in NYC just yet, you can always pull this together into a weather-appropriate look by pairing it up with a cardigan or blazer. It may be a little bit before my next island vacation, but that doesn't mean I can't dress like I'm there.

- Cindy 

Daily Devotion: Geren Ford X Back Silk Empire Cami

I love animal prints, but zebra has always been a tough one for me. It always seems to bring forth memories of horrible neon zebra patterned spandex pants worn by '80s hair band entertainers and their brethren. Cheetah, leopard, giraffe, python-- they've all earned themselves a spot in classic fashion distinction that has eluded the zebra...until now.

I was on the Intermix website, browsing as I always do, when I saw Geren Ford's X Back Silk Empire Cami. My initial thought was that I loved the print, followed by "oh! it's zebra". The genius of this zebra print is that it contrasts cream against a palette of watercolored neutrals, a much softer and more subtle presentation. And in a lovely silk v-neck cami with a softly gathered empire waist, this top is so far away from the '80's hair band uniform! Hard proof that zebra can be glamorous, elegant and sophisticated.

- Cindy 

Daily Devotion: Josie Maran Natural Wonder Powders Palette

Bold brights are big in Spring beauty, and I'm loving it. While I like to play with bright lip color, blush, and eyeliner, I've always shied away from bright eye shadow. In the fun-house that is my imagination, bright shadow always looks garish, tacky, clown-like...have you seen Johnny Depp in any of the Alice in Wonderland promos? And while I hold strong that this is a very plausible possibility, I'm learning that there's an alternative--a fresh and beautiful eye look that flatters both warm and cool skin tones. The key for me is balancing my eye with the rest of my face, and working with sheer buildable color. 

I love Josie Maran's Natural Wonder Powders Palette. With 5 buildable shadows that include gorgeous brights as well as neutrals, it makes introducing bright shadow into your look easy. Before you know it you'll have a ton of different looks, from subtle to look-at-me vivid, to bring into your Spring beauty repertoire. Also included in the palette is a great bronzer, and 2 blush options- one rosy and one peachy. Along with the fantastic color options, I also love that this makeup is infused with argan oil to help keep your skin hydrated, nourished and toned. So if you're like me and have shied away from bright eye shadows, now's the time to break out and play. I'm glad I did it and you will be too!

- Cindy

Daily Devotion: T by Alexander Wang Cowl Back Tunic Dress

I normally go out of my way to avoid writing about the same brand/designer within a short period of time, let alone one post after the other. There are so many amazing designers and lines out there, it's just more  interesting to mix things up. But I'm clearly digging Alexander Wang's vibe this season, and I'll justify this  bending of the rules by calling out that this pick is by Alexander Wang's special T by Alexander Wang line that centers around, well, the tee. 

The T by Alexander Wang Cowl Back Tunic Dress is the kind of thing  that I really really love to wear. There are things that are comfortable but look sloppy, there are things that look great but take a little bit of work to wear, and there are things that are chic but make you look like you're trying too hard to be trendy. This dress is comfortable in ultra soft jersey, is super easy to wear (throw it on and go), is very casually but undeniably cool, and can be worn and styled a hundred different ways. I'd wear it with tights and a strong-shouldered blazer, I'd wear it with a casual low-slung belt and flat gladiator sandals, I'd travel with it, I'd wear it as a bathing suit cover-up...you get the picture. And the best part-- it's Alexander Wang with Alexander Wang attention to detail, at just $94! You know what? I take back my earlier justification. There's no need for justifying something this fantastic.

- Cindy   

Daily Devotion: Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle

After Fashion Week and related events, and working hard to look appropriately fabulous each and every day, I found myself going through my usual understated period. Red lipstick is replaced by lip balm, platforms with 5" heels are replaced by tall low-heel boots, and denim makes a big comeback into my everyday wear. I'm not saying that this trend will go uninterrupted, but it is a momentary preference. I just happen to be one of those people who enjoys plain vanilla every once in a while. But that said, it does need to be a stellar vanilla. And my stellar vanilla fashion pick of the moment is Alexander Wang's Rocco Mini Duffel.

On paper it's simply a black textured leather, top-handle bag. But in person, it's pretty amazing. Of all the fantastic bags at Barneys CO-OP, my eyes were instantly drawn to this little black bag with the studded bottom (studs Alison!), and I had a "gotta have it" moment. There's something about the all-black features-- black leather, black studs, black zipper, black lining, that makes it so damn cool. So while I call this my "vanilla fashion pick", don't misunderstand and assume that it's boring. With perfect quality, design and balance, vanilla can be quite extraordinary. Just like this bag.

- Cindy   

 

Fashion Week Review: Milly by Michelle Smith

Feminine, ladylike, and preppy with an edge, the Milly by Michelle Smith Fall 2010 Collection was brilliantly cohesive. Pointing to Jean-Luc Godard and his radical New Wave cinema as inspiration, Milly designer Michelle Smith provided a strong visual style in her sequence of looks, allowing a natural narrative to unfold.

Classic shapes and clean lines come together to create looks that are modern and bold. And while color has never been a problem for Michelle Smith, her mixing of primary colors with little pops of gold towards the end, radiated a refined confidence and sophistication. Lovely classic French accents appeared throughout by way of berets, stripes and checks. As with other Fall 2010 Collections, colored and textured tights, gloves and hats played a big part in the styling. And while I loved these accessories, admittedly they sometimes took my attention away from the clothes...but never for long. The beautifully cut pea coats will be making their way into many closets next Fall, and I adored the cream check mini skirt, as well as the belted red dress worn with bright pink tights. I loved so many pieces of this collection it seems unfair to play favorites, so just do yourself a favor and keep Milly on your radar for next Fall.

- Cindy