The Flyy Faction

S.E.X. and the City: Dorothy Perkins Dress

2010-07-31T01:07:00.008-05:00

I haven't been inspired or moved by many pieces this summer but I saw this dress and fell in love. It's classic yet trendy and it combines everything that I love....polka dots,cinched waist, and it's belted! So I thought I would share it with you guys. It's by Dorothy Perkins and it costs about $32.

Khaki Spot Toe Waist Dress

P.S. If you're looking for cute trendy plus size clothes then check out the Dorothy Perkins website. I'm sure you'll find something you love!!!

Face Forward: Sunny Summer Beauty Tips

2010-07-12T20:05:00.006-05:00

Summer is upon us you know what that means....it's time for swimming, beaches, cookouts and fun in the sun! This also means that it maybe time to make a few changes in our beauty routine. So here are a few tips to get you through the hot sunny days of summer.

1. Drink plenty of water. Water is not only good for your body but it does wonders for your skin. So drink up!

2. Don't forget the sun block. Everyone needs sun block...even those of us with darker skin. The sun can do some serious damage to your skin, especially to your face. To avoid dry blotchy skin apply sun block after your moisturizer.

3. Ditch the foundation. Foundation is much too heavy for the summer heat. It melts and runs and that is never cute. Instead opt for a tinted moisturizer, a light powder, or just skip the makeup all together.

4. Become a bronze goddess. Bronzer looks good on everyone. It's a simple makeup look that gives the appearance that you have been slightly kissed by the sun.

5. Get bold. Try out a bright lipstick. This is the easiest way to make a statement without a lot of makeup or work. If you feel really daring spice up your look with a bright eyeshadow.

6. Don't forget to moisturize. The sun often makes the skin shiny and oily and in turn we ditch our moisturizer until the cooler weather returns. This is a big no no! Moisturizer serves as your skin's protection. It keeps your skin looking young and healthy... and no one likes to look old. So slather it on.

7. Wash your face. This should be done at least twice a day. This will keep your skin fresh and blemish free. Keep in mind that you may have to alter you skin regimen because of the weather. So pay attention to what you skin is doing and adjust accordingly.

8. Exercise. Do I even have to say why this is so important? Exercise keeps you healthy, looking good, and it helps to keep your skin looking great.

9. Get a pedicure....and on a regular basis. You want your toes and feet to be at their best so that you can rock all those cute sandals you've been eying.

10. Have fun! After all that's what summer is all about.

Runway St.: SPRING Into FABulous II

2010-03-23T13:50:00.009-05:00

4. The Flat Sandal

It’s Flyy Because:

Whether gladiator, fringed, bright or metallic - the foot-friendly flat sandal is hot

Rock It With:

A spring dress or casual shorts

Complete The Look:

By adding a relaxing pedicure

Avoid:

Sandals that aren’t flattering or comfortable to your feet

If You’re Really Flyy:

Try a pair of bold gold gladiator sandals

5. The Short - Sleeve Button Up

It’s Flyy Because:

It allows you to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time

Rock it With:

A Pencil skirt (tucked in or out) or leggings

Complete The Look:

With a hobo bag or satchel

Avoid:

Pair a loose-fitting shirt with relaxed fit jeans

If You’re Really Flyy:

Go ‘geek chic’ with personality frames!

6. The Relaxed - Fit Short

It’s Flyy Because:

Showing off great legs are always fashionable

Rock it With:

A fitted polo style shirt or blouse

Complete The Look:

Add flair with a cool pair of shades

Avoid:

Shorts that are too short or too long.

If You’re Really Flyy:

Pair it with a dressy flat and lace shirt for a more polished look

Runway St.: SPRING Into FABulous

2010-03-16T14:03:00.006-05:00

It's Springtime and we all know what that means...awesome open-toed shoes, pretty pedicures, sweet sun dresses and show-stopping shorts! It's time to do some shopping! Spring is all about fresh starts, which makes it the perfect season to liven up that wardrobe and kiss winter goodbye! So where do you begin? What do you buy? What do you need? Glad you asked!! And we're here to help. Our next few posts will focus on our view of Spring’s must haves and essentials. On your mark, get set… SPRING into FABulous!

1. The Boyfriend Blazer

It’s Flyy Because:

It’s about as versatile and wearable as clothes come - and there's something effortlessly cool about its relaxed fit
Rock It With:
Skinny jeans, tights and a shirt or a short sleeveless dress
Complete The Look:
Hoist the sleeves up for super-cute retro look
Avoid::
Suit jackets. They are different than blazers
If You’re Really Flyy:
Pop your collar and grab a clutch

2. The Jean Legging

It’s Flyy Because:

They look like jeans but are way more comfortable
Rock it With:
A casual blouse or dress them up with a boyfriend blazer
Complete The Look:
With a cute pair of flats or open toe sandals
Avoid:
Leggings that don’t fit properly or that are see thru
If You're Really Flyy:
Add some flat boots and nice statement jewelry

3. The Cardigan
It’s Flyy Because:

It’s a great way to layer on windy spring nights and will work with casual and even more formal looks if done right
Rock It With:
A nice pencil skirt and blouse or a nice pair of jeans
Complete The Look:
With chunky bracelets and a big handbag
Avoid:
Cardigans that are too tight because they’ll make you look stuffed
If You’re Really Flyy:
Pair with a ruffled blouse
(this is more appropriate with a shorter cardigan)

Editorial: The Case of the Missing Pants

2010-01-27T10:26:00.056-06:00

It doesn’t take a genius mind to know that leggings have become a staple in any girl’s wardrobe. They are EVERYWHERE in every color, style and look imaginable. I love the way you can throw a pair on and be comfortable, stylish and even sexy all at the same time.

This hot trend, however, has also caused me some heartache. I cringe at the sight of a legging worn wrong. It is a sad occasion that unfortunately occurs more than it should. There are five factors that contribute to the travesty of a legging worn wrong, that I will attempt to dissect and sort out. After all, a doctor cannot fix the problem unless she first makes the cut. Here we go.

Mistake #1 No consideration of what type of legging looks best for your size and leg shape.

All leggings are not created equal. Some are made of light cotton,

Garden Gem Leggings

others are made with heavier cotton, like these

CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Joy' Stretch Denim Leggings

(these are also considered Brazilian jeans in some fashion dialects).

Some are created with a little bit of lycra, like these

Pris Leggings

and some have no mercy for cellulite

Vince Lightweight Cotton Leggings

Just because it’s a legging, does not automatically qualify it as a legging for you. Take time to consider which type of legging enhances the beauty of your legs, not draws negative attention towards them. Also, I know a lot of women HATE trying clothes on, but I encourage you to take time and try leggings on, and keep trying them on until you find the right pair for you.

Mistake #2 Failure to distinguish a TIGHT from a LEGGING.

This might be my biggest pet peeve. Sure we were all probably guilty of this when leggings first hit the scene as pants replacements. But we are well into this trend. We should all know better by now. THIS is not a pants replacement.

SPANX Chain Stripe Tights
Notice how they are being worn WITH bottoms, not replacing them.

Mistake # 3 Jaded sense of Reality
This one is close to my heart because I, like so many of us out there truly believe that they would walk circles around Naomi, Tyra and Kimora if given the chance to hit the runway. However, this is not my reality. This being said, everything that hits the runway shouldn’t be coming YOUR way. Many things made for the runway are made just for the show, and look ridiculous on the average diva.

More and more, a lot of celebrities are being photographed pairing their leggings with shorter, tighter tops.

I implore you. Do not make this your reality. If you must (because I admit, we all feel ourselves from time to time), consider pairing the look with a boyfriend blazer. Trust me it make a world of difference.

P.S. When in doubt, F** with reality.

Mistake #4 Panty FAIL

This is a big one guys! PLEASE make sure that your panty lines are not visible beneath your leggings. This is a big no no ladies! There is nothing worse than noticing a heinous panty line looming beneath the surface. It sounds basic, but trust me, it must be said!

Mistake #5 Time and Place FAIL

Ladies, there is a time and place for everything. Leggings cannot go everywhere you go. They can go from ‘cute and casual’ to ‘side-eye slutty’ in no time, depending on the occasion. Going to a classy dinner affair/date? Leave em at home. Going to work in a corporate setting? Leave ‘em at home. When in doubt- you guessed it- leave ‘em at home. I know this is contradictory to most images thrown at us, but let’s keep it sexyCLASSYcool in 2010 shall we?

Face Forward: Makeup Review - Maybelline Dream Liquid™ Mousse Foundation

2010-01-20T10:39:00.001-06:00

Price: 5 out of 5
Product: 4.5 out of 5
Quality: 4.5 out of 5
Packaging: 4.5 out of 5
Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Would I Recommend: Absolutely

Where to Buy:

Local Drug Store

$7.99 - $9.99

Product Description:

Liquid - Mousse texture
Smooth, 100% pore less finish with natural luminosity
Air-whipped formula provides skin perfecting coverage
Air-brushed natural perfection
Blends effortlessly for a flawless, air-brushed finish.
Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Dermatologist Tested, Allergy Tested, Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores.
Safe for sensitive skin, good for all skin types

Overall Opinion:

I’m normally a MAC girl when it comes to most makeup products but sometimes it’s just not economically wise to spend $25 for a bottle of foundation. I discovered this particular gem last year while going through a financial setback. I needed foundation but I didn’t have a lot of money to spend so I headed to my local CVS. This foundation had just been released and was on sale. Very soon after using it I was in love! I had found a foundation that gave me the same coverage as the MAC I love but for half the price. It’s a liquid foundation but it’s thicker than a lot of liquid foundations on the market. Since it is thicker a little goes a long way. It’s perfect for building coverage (Use a little more in the areas that you need) and it blends very well with your skin. When used with proper moisturizer and primer it does indeed give you an airbrush finish. My only problem with this product is that over time your face does start to look shiny. This is easily cured by using a toner before you apply the foundation to your face and using a powder to set the look once it’s been applied. This product comes in over 12 shades but matching it to browner skin tones can be a little tricky. I’ve found that if you buy both the lighter color foundation closet to your skin color and the darker foundation color closet to your skin color and mix them together you can create the perfect color. [This is a little makeup trick that works with any brand of foundation] So if you’re looking for foundation on a budget this is definitely the way to go.

Advantages:

Very inexpensive
Easy to use
Covers very well

Disadvantages:

Can create shine over time
Brown skin tones can be hard to match

Face Forward: Makeup Kit Essentials Part Deux [Brushes]

2010-01-11T12:13:00.009-06:00

The proper brushes must haves for every makeup kit. Brushes work better than sponges because they don’t absorb the makeup and the also carry less oil and bacteria. Good brushes can last you for years if taken care of properly. Brushes also allow you to apply your makeup more evenly and control how much product you are using. Here are my must have brushes.

Concealer Brush: This a brush that has stiff bristles that allow you to evenly apply and build you concealer. They come in different sizes but it's generally a small brush that works wonders in covering imperfections and dark circles. I recommend Mac 195 Concealer Brush ($22 at www.maccosmetics.com) or the Revlon Concealer Brush ($9.99 at www.ulta.com or your local drug store)

Foundation Brush: The foundation brush is like the concealer brush only larger. The bristles may also be a little softer than those of the concealer brush. A good foundation brush allows you to apply your foundation evenly so that you achieve a natural look. I recommend Mac 190 Foundation Brush ($32 at www.maccosmetics.com ) or NYX Foundation Brush ($8 at www.nyxcosmetics.com)

Blush Brush: For blush application a good fluffy angled brush works best. It allows you to apply the blush in a way to contour your face and cheek bones. My favorites are Mac 168 Contour Brush ( $32 at www.maccosmetics.com) and Sonia Kashuk Large Angle brush. ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Brush: This brush allows you to apply eyeshadow by effectively building color. A good eye shadow brush will allow you to add as little or as much color as wanted or needed. My picks are MAC 213 Fluff Brush ($22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and Sonia Kashuk Large Eye Shadow Brush ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Blending Brush: This brush is best when you are wearing more than one color eye shadow on your eye. The brush usual has soft dome shaped bristles. It allows you to BLEND the colors and to get rid of harsh lines. My favorites are the MAC 217 Blending Brush ( $22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and the E.L.F. blending brush ( $1 at www.eyeslipsface.com)

Full Face Brush: This fluffy face brush has many uses. The most important is to BLEND your foundation. This brush allows for effective blending of your foundation at the neck and hair line. It can also be used to add a pressed powder finish to your makeup. I recommend the MAC 129 Powder Brush ($34 at www.maccosmetics.com) and the Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ($19.99 at www.target.com)

Sorry :-(

2009-12-29T23:01:00.004-06:00

We apologize for being so slow on updating the blog. We've just been very busy...but look for more fashion, beauty and FLYYness in the New Year!!!! Happy Holidays!!!!

Editorial: Beauty and the [Exercise] Beast

2009-12-27T18:17:00.000-06:00

If you’re anything like me, you’ve declared that this is the season that you are going for the gusto. No holds barred. All doubt out the window. THIS is the season that you will get in shape. OOWWWWW! But if you are even more like me, you have hit more than a few ~~hurdles~~ stoplights on your journey to conquer the bulge. Allow me to offer this word of advice (that I admit I ministered to myself first). Your quest to whip yourself into shape should be primarily an effort to increase your physical condition, not your physique.

We live in an image-conscious society. I get that. And as much as one may try to proclaim that they are not a part of the world-wide image divide, let’s face it. We are all chilling on some spot of the spectrum. Even the biggest advocates of the ‘I love my curves club’ and the ‘makeup is for gypsies assembly’ care about the way they look and how people perceive them.

I personally feel that putting your best foot-manicured or not-forward is great. However, I also feel that the foot that we put forward is often the foot OTHERS have told us looks best. With this in mind I will say that I find it quite disturbing to notice women adopting work out regiments and eating habits to achieve a size society has told them is acceptable.

Reach for and maintain a weight/size that fits YOU. You know by now whether aiming to be a size 4 is unrealistic or not. Reevaluate what weight and size is healthy for your height and weight. Get real with yourself. And while you are reaching, reach for your health first.

I am a big fan of working out. I feel that getting your body involved in some sort of physical activity on a regular basis is what will save us from many ailments we face as we age. Studies show that common ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and even arthritis can be prevented with simple concern for what you eat and how much physical activity you engage in. It is recommended that you should engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week (that means 4 or more guys!). Strength training helps your body fight calories when you’re not working out and stretching helps prevent injuries (can’t really show off those toned calves in a cast!) Also, studies show that extra fat around your midsection makes you more susceptible to weight related health problems than fat around your hips or thighs.

I know very few people who would work out if they didn’t have to. NEWSFLASH: WE ALL (all meaning those who reside in a human shell- not just overweight people) HAVE TO. But it can actually be fun! So don’t lose heart! And remember, do it for your health!

Face Forward: Makeup Kit Essentials

2009-11-30T13:15:00.002-06:00

Makeup is an essential part to every look. Whether you’re going to work or preparing for a night on the town, makeup is what completes’ every outfit. Therefore every girl should have a basic makeup kit and here are the items no kit should be without.

1. Moisturizer

2. Primer

3. Concealer

4. Foundation

5. Mascara and Eyeliner

6.Lip Gloss/ Lipstick

1. Moisturizer: The key to flawless makeup is flawless skin. This is why moisturizer is so important. When your skin is healthy your makeup covers better. The type of moisturizer that works for you is dependent on your skin type. It should include SPF and be oil free. For younger skin or acne prone skin make sure that your moisturizer has acne treatment and for older skin make sure that firming and age fighting ingredients are included.

2. Primer: Primer is used to protect your skin from the makeup. It also gives your makeup a much smoother finish. It fills in big pores and gives you skin a radiant finish. A good primer is MAC's Prep + Prime which cost about $25 a bottle (www.maccosmetics.com)

3. Concealer: Concealer is used to cover up imperfections such as scars, blemishes, pimples, and dark spots. It can be applied before or after the foundation. When using a concealer you need to make sure that the color is not too dark or light but that it matches well with your skin. A concealer that I like and found to work really well is Poser Cover Creme. It cost about $8.99 a jar and can be bought at your local Walgreens. (www.walgreens.com)

4. Foundation: Foundation is a must for even the most perfect skin. Its purpose is to even out the skin color. For this reason it is not always necessary to apply foundation to the entire face. It should match your skin color and only be applied where needed. It should also be applied in layers. Start off with just a little and build in the areas where you need more. This keeps your foundation looking natural. Some of the foundations I love are MAC Studio Sculpt which is $29.50 a tube and provides a very natural finish, MAC StudioFix Powder Plus Foundation which has a matte powder finish and cost about $26 a compact, and Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse which has an airbrush finish and can be found at your local drug store for about $8.99 a bottle.(www.maccosmetics.com and www.cvs.com)

5. Eyeliner and Mascara: Eyeliner and Mascara go hand and hand. They are needed because they make your eyes pop. They both can make tired eyes look lively and have a way of enhancing the face. When you're going for a natural look or don't feel like applying eye shadow these two products are key. My favorites are MAC Zoom Lash which is $13.00 and NYX Automatic Eye Pencil which cost about $3. (www.maccosmetics.com and www.nyxcosmetics.com )

6. Lip Gloss/ Lipstick: The lips complete the look. It's what pulls the entire face together. Therefore your makeup kit should include a good Lip Gloss or Lipstick. The color is totally up to you but make sure that it.

Honorable Mention - Blush: This is useful when you need to add a little color or glow to your face. A nice shade of pink will work with almost any look or face.

Flyy Guy: The Cardigan

2009-11-30T12:07:00.010-06:00

It is indeed the era of the gentleman, with this phenomenon being imminent in men’s fashion. One of our fave pieces of the season for guys? THE CARDIGAN.

My how the tables have turned. This age of ‘do you’ has spawned a lot of freedom in men’s fashion. We are thrilled to see that young men are stepping their game up and getting grown (finally). The cardigan, which could once be deemed dorky has become a regular in the grown man’s wardrobe. Move over Carlton Banks, Willy from Philly is raiding your closet and jockin’ your style.

It’s Flyy Because: It is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or dressed down. It is also a piece that allows a guy to show off his personal style.

Rock it With: A Button up or a T-Shirt with fitted jeans

Sean John Fast Forward Cardigan: $78 Macy's

Complete the look With: A fresh pair of high-tops

Fighting Pelican Cardigan: $95 Flipelican.com

If you’re really Flyy: Explore with bold colors and two-toned sweaters!

Caution: Over-doing it. The Cardigan is hot right now, so make it the focus of your look.

Sean John Sweater Cardigan: $88 Macy's

Warning: Do not attempt to rock a cardigan without a shirt underneath. This rule is imperative to your image and if not followed, will send you catapulting into the hallows of fashion hell!

Face Forward: Makeup Review - Posner Cover Creme

2009-11-30T11:26:00.002-06:00

Price: 5 out of 5

Product: 4 out of 5

Quality: 5 out of 5

Packaging: 4 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

Would I Recommend: Absolutely

Where to Buy:

Walgreens

Price: $8.79

Product Description:

Completely covers Spots, Scars and Dark Circles

Fragrance Free, Oil Free and Water Resistant

Provides Protection from the Sun and in Long Wearing

Hypoallergenic and Dermatologist Recommended

Overall Opinion:

Good cover up is a very important part of any makeup kit and this product is one of the best I’ve found. This product covers very well. I found that it works great on dark circles as well as spots. Since it is a cream it is very buildable. It can be used before or after applying foundation and you can use as little or as much as needed as it blends very well. It is very easy to use, last all day, and it doesn’t dry out your skin. My only complaint is that I wished it came in a few more colors.

Advantages:

Very inexpensive

Easy to use

Covers well

Disadvantages:

Only comes in 6 colors

Editorial: One Size Does Not Fit All

2009-11-16T16:36:00.003-06:00

Does beauty come in a specific size? Is there some sort of unwritten rule that says if you weigh over a certain amount that you are no longer beautiful? Who decides what is beautiful? When we turn on the TV all we see are images of what people are telling us we should look like. Sometimes I wonder how much of our opinions on beauty are actually our own and how much of it is based on what others tell us to like and dislike.

As I log into my twitter page this morning and turn on the television I am constantly reminded as to why so many girls have low self esteem. My female friends are obsessed over losing a couple of pounds and constantly comparing themselves to the celebrities they see in magazines. I’m guilty of this as well. As I log into Facebook I see the images of what my male friends think are beautiful and come to a quick realization that I don’t look like those images and neither do most of my friends.

Our minds become consumed with the images of what we think we should look like and what others tell us is beautiful. Our trips to the gym are no longer about a desire to be healthy but a desire to be thin or at least thinner. It seems like loving yourself is no longer enough especially when the world is telling you that you shouldn’t because you are a size 16 and not a size 6.

This is a very personal topic to me. I have been in a battle with my weight and acceptance most of my life. I went on my first diet before I went through puberty and have been on and off them since. I was always an active child but for some reason was never as thin as my sisters and people had a way of always reminding me of that. I spent most of my childhood and early adulthood ashamed of who I was and ashamed of how I looked. There was this constant fear of being compared, judged, and scrutinized. Then one day a few years ago I took a look in the mirror and for the first time saw how beautiful I actually was. I had come into my own person and for the first time since I could remember I liked what I saw. No, I wasn’t perfect but who is?

At what point do we stop and realize that beauty comes in all different shapes and sizes? Some people no matter how hard they try will never be thin and they shouldn’t have to try and kill themselves to get that way. Many girls struggle with eating disorders before they reach high school. According to The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 10 out of every 100 young women suffer from an eating disorder. Don’t get me wrong. I believe that we should all practice a healthy diet and exercise but the goal should be to be healthy not to be thin. It’s ok to want to lose weight. However, our purpose for losing weight should be personal and our focus should be on being healthy. It should never get to the point where you are consumed with losing weight s to fit the beauty standard of someone else. We need to learn that not every woman is going to be shaped like Beyonce.

We as women need to learn to truly love ourselves no matter what size we are. We must stop letting the world tell us that we are not beautiful and that we need to change. I am proof that beauty does not come in a specific size.

S.E.X. and the City: Make A Statement

2009-11-16T15:29:00.002-06:00

Less is more, unless it’s on your neck. This fall add variety to your arsenal by incorporating a statement necklace.

It’s Flyy Because… There is nothing that says ‘grown and sexy’ this season like a head-turning necklace or bracelet. Why wouldn’t you want to be the center of attention?

Rock it With: A top/dress with a deeper neckline

Complete the Look: Eye-shadow and makeup that compliment the look/colors in the necklace.

Caution: Ornate clothing will most likely be overkill. Let the jewelry be the headliner. Too many ornate pieces in the outfit become confusing.

Warning: All Statement jewelry is not created equal. There is a thin line between ‘charming’ and ‘cheap’. Steer clear of it.

If you’re really flyy: Pair it with big earrings too!