Time for Couture

How to style Transitional trends

2016-01-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

Transitional trends by karalynrae featuring lips makeup

Happy New Year! This outfit is all about current street style trends. It's never too early to start thinking about transitioning to spring, and what better way to do that than with florals. This bell sleeve dress gives a 90's feel when worn with Doc Martin boots. A dark lipstick like MAC rebel also gives an edgy balance to the florals as well.

As a side note, if you follow with Google friend connect through a non-google account, please either follow through Bloglovin or create a google account. Thanks!

Review: Bumble and Bumble Air Styler creme

2015-12-22T19:36:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows that French women never blow dry their hair and neither do I, perhaps for different reasons though. I'm always worried about the heat damaging my hair as well as sheer laziness. Of course I would love for my hair to still have the body of a blow out. I was excited when I came across this Bumble and Bumble product that promises the same texture and body without blow drying. After using it for a month I think my hair did have more texture and lift and it didn't feel like there was any product in it which is very important to me. Price wise it's about the same range as other Bumble and bumble products meaning it's a step up from drug store brands.

Pros:

No heavy product feeling
Nice texture, very bouncy!
No heat!

Cons:

Not sure if it really made my hair shinier
Still requires a good deal of time twisting and scrunching hair, not necessarily a time saver

Christmas Loop Giveaway!

2015-12-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone!!! Seeing as it is the season for giving, I’m here to tell you about a fabulous giveaway! I have partnered with 14 other women to help you or someone you want to share these items have a GREAT holiday season!! We've got an amazing giveaway planned for you and do you want to know what the grand prize winner gets? The grand prize is comprised of:

an iPad Mini 2, a Burgundy ASOS Faux Fur Keychain, a Serotonin Necklace from Simpli Stamped, a Forever 21 21 Shade Eyeshadow Palette, a Forever 21 Scarf/Gloves Set, AND a Blue Trifold Wallet from Henri Bendel!!

Well that was quite a lot of stuff huh? Well now that you know what's in this fabulous giveaway, it's about time you learned how to win everything right?? Well there's only 1 real rule that you have to stick to!! I presume that you found out about this giveaway from our respective Instagrams and you came here to learn more!! This is a loop giveaway, which means that if you want to be eligible to win, you MUST follow every person in the loop to win!! So head to mine right now and find out who the next person in the loop is!! You'll know that you've completed the loop when you get back to my profile! There's only 15 of us so you get to follow 14 beautiful other people who blog and Instagram about a lot of other topics!! I've enjoyed following them myself, so I'm sure that you'll love them as well!!

Well now that you've gotten through the rules, now you've got some extra chances!! There came to be SEVENTY ONE different options for you all to win, with 15 of them being the mandatory Instagram follows, which still leaves over fifty ways for you to get ahead of the curve and improve your chances of winning!! This season is all about giving, so give a little back to yourself and enter our giveaway!! We can't wait to announce our winner!! x

Happy holidays everyone!!

Rafflecopter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to wear real jewelry everyday

2015-11-05T03:57:00.001-05:00

How to wear real jewelry everyday by karalynrae featuring flat shoes

The 6 most famous pieces of jewelry

2015-11-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

November is National Real Jewelry Month so I thought it would be good to kick it off with a post dedicated to some of the most famous pieces of jewelry.

The Duchess of Cambridge wearing her engagement ring

Princess Diana's engagement ring, given to her by Prince Charles is a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds. It was given to Kate Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) when Prince William proposed.

Another famous bauble belonging to a British royal is this leopard bracelet that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor.

Everyone knows that Elizabeth Taylor was obsessed with jewelry. This pearl, ruby and diamond necklace contains a pear-shaped pearl that was discovered in the 16th century. Designed by Elizabeth Taylor with the help of Al Durante of Cartier, this piece was another gift from Richard Burton on January 23, 1969. But how did Taylor get her hands on a 16th century pearl? Originally found in the early 1500s in the Gulf of Panama, it became part of the crown jewels of Spain. From there it was given as wedding gift from Prince Philip II of Spain to Mary Tudor of England. It was then passed down to Spanish queens Margarita and Isabella. But it wasn't until 1969 that Burton famously purchased the pearl—for a relative steal at just $37,000—for Taylor. Christie's estimated the necklace's worth at $2 million to $3 million.

The Louvre paid almost $11 million dollars for this piece! Empress Eugenie's bow brooch is a sensational antique diamond piece made in 1855. Originally intended to be a buckle for a diamond belt—you know, something simple—Eugenie wound up asking her jewelers to make it more elaborate and into a brooch!

Designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co. the stars and moon necklace is gorgeous. The center diamond is an impressive 5.29 carats and has 586 diamonds set in platinum surrounding it. The total carat count for the necklace is 127.86. And you can purchase it for $2.8 million from Tiffany.

Found in South Africa in 1877, Tiffany & Co.'s iconic 128 carat yellow diamond is on permanent display in the company's Fifth Avenue store in NYC. But Audrey Hepburn briefly wore the staggering gem in publicity photos for Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Ankle strap flats

2015-10-22T00:58:00.001-04:00

Ankle strap flats by karalynrae featuring satin ballet shoes

These easy to wear shoes are my favorite thing ever since the strap really adds a little something to the boring ballet flat. Best to wear them while you still can before it get too cold!

Halloween Costume: the Chanels

2015-10-17T17:53:00.001-04:00

Halloween is my favorite holiday and I am all about creating costumes from items you already have/will wear again in everyday life. This year I am also obsesses with the new horror/comedy Scream Queens, and the baddest sorority clique ever, The Chanels.

The group wears primarily pastels, making the look easy to achieve. Chanel Oberlin, the leader, is known for her big dark sunglasses. Another main point which is really fun is the outrageous furs the girls wear. Chanel #3 wears earmuffs while #5 routinely wears pearls. The outfits are always fashion forward with extremely girly details like florals and frills. Happy Halloween Scream Queens!

Are you a fashion chameleon?

2015-07-28T20:51:00.000-04:00

via thebwd.com

Lately (really since moving to the city) I've noticed that I've become a fashion chameleon of sorts. Well all know that chameleons adapt to their surroundings by changing colors as a way of camouflage. Just as some people use fashion and dress as a way of standing out, a fashion chameleon uses it as a way to fit in. Its more than just adapting to the seasons or even dressing for different occasions. For me, I noticed that I was following others and adapting my style to fit in with different groups I interacted with to the point where I wonder if I even have a definitive style of my own. Perhaps this is normal, and style should be seen as more of a bricolage many different styles. Some of my own style groups can be seen below.

Intern- Definitely an understated chic filled with flat slip on sandals and denim minis.

How to make your shoes more comfortable

2015-07-20T20:04:00.002-04:00

Nothing is worse than having a pair of shoes that love but are a pain to wear. Here are some tips to make your shoes more comfortable so you can walk and stand for as long as you want.

For heels that are super high, your weight is obviously forced to ball of your foot. Some padding in the front of the shoes should provide relief.
If there is a little too much room in the back of your shoes, then add a little but of cushion to the heel.
If the back of the shoe is rubbing against your Achilles, add some cushion to the back to raise your heel.
Another trick for heel is to to tape together your two middle toes. This provides a little extra stability on your feet. You can use a bandaid or medical tape.
To prevent blisters from forming use extra protection all over your feet or where you are most prone to blisters. You can find it wherever you find running gear.

Of course lower heels, wedges, and block heels will give you more stability and comfort. Check out some great comfortable shoes for summer time below!

Spring into the 70's

2015-04-19T14:38:00.001-04:00

Spring into the 70's by karalynrae featuring a chain necklace

The 70's are definitely in for spring with their use of suede and platform shoes. This post is not sponsored by Lucky or luckyshops.com but is part of a contest.

Exhibition Review: FIT's YSL and Halston: Fashioning the 70's

2015-04-11T14:35:00.002-04:00

YSL Rive Gauche Le Smoking, Courtesy of FIT

The 1970's was a time for big changes in fashion, namely the demise of haute couture and the rise of pret-a-porter. In the Museum at FIT's current show, Yves Saint Laurent and Halston are the title of "biggest designers of the 1970's". With their work shown side by side, one can see that there were indeed consistent trends in this decade.

The 70's mark the rise of the designer as personality. Both YSL and Halston were featured on tv shows and partied at the infamous Studio 54. The exhibit itself mimics the infamous club with its white floors, disco ball and 70's dance music. The designers differ in how their careers ended. Halston's career declined by the end of the decade while YSL was seen as a hero of fashion upon his death.

The exhibit features certain themes, including menswear inspiration, exoticism, and historicism. The best example of menswear inspiration is Saint Laurent's Le Smoking (above). Both designers drew on history for inspiration. For YSl this involved following in French designer Paul Poiret's orientalism with an exotic use of color. On the other hand, Halston rejected such ornamentalism. Instead, Halston drew inspiration from designers such as Vionnet and her complicated use of the bias cut and Claire McCardel's American sportswear.

When museum exhibits focus on two designers in a single decade one can forget that there were many other influential designers at the time. Such a side by side comparison seems simplistic for an entire decade.

The exhibition is open until April 18th.

Case of the Tuesdays

2015-04-10T14:26:00.001-04:00

Every Tuesday starts off the same with my regular kripalu yoga class. As the day goes on however, I can't help but feel depressed. By 5pm I want the day to just end. I couldn't help but wonder why this dark feeling was so linked to this particular day in the week. Shouldn't a day that begins with relaxing yoga bring relaxation and peacefulness? In particular, I noticed that my self esteem was pretty low on this particular day.

As I reflected, I realized it all had to do with what I was wearing; my yoga clothes. Because of laziness, I didn't feel the need to change my outfit after yoga practice just to do work in the teachers lounge. However, my ripped yoga pants, sneakers, and ponytail don't make me feel beautiful. My make up free face still makes me feel uncomfortable, though I would never exercise with it on.

The days that I carefully pick out my outfits, do my hair and make up, are the days when my attitude improves. Should the way I dress really affect my self confidence so much? Maybe, maybe not. Psychology believes that self confidence does not come from nowhere. One thing I know is that I'm not alone. How one dresses can affect what one does, how they act and even think. Dress is very much a situated bodily practice.

Ready for Spring

2015-03-23T14:00:00.001-04:00

Ali Ro Baby blue and navy stretch cotton blend colorblock sleeveless dress (see more navy sleeveless dresses)

I'm definitely ready for spring. Going outside with 5 layers on just isn't doing it for me anymore. Thank god its officially. Winter always makes me feel like I have to wear a lot of dark colors so I can't wait to pop out the brightness.

This is a very dark winter look. Dress is Madewell, Lipstick is Chanel.

5 Things That Aren't Worth Investing In

2015-01-20T22:34:00.000-05:00

There are investment pieces and then there are pieces that are not worth spending a lot of money on. Here are some things not to invest in and some alternatives.

Fashion Sneakers- Sneakers in general do not last, especially when they are worn a great number of times. Instead try Vans or Converse as they are still classic sneakers but a quarter of the price.

VANS Authentic canvas trainers (see more laced shoes)
Trendy nail polish- No trend moves faster than nail polish. Instead, a classic color is the reddish black of Chanel's Vamp.

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Bitches Brew Opaque Pearl Mulberry (see more pearl nail polishes)
Work out wear- Items like sports bras are only meant to last about 6 month -1 year with the constant wear and washing. Work out clothes from Target and Old Navy are just as good as quality.

Champion Absolute Workout II Sports Bra 6715 (see more champion activewears)
Lipstick- High end brand lipsticks can be expensive and they aren't necessarily better. What you're really paying for is the name and the packaging. Drugstore brands like Revlon are just as good and sometimes last longer.

TOPSHOP Lips in Drive (see more Topshop)
Statement heels- One minute minimalist heels are in, very bold heels the next. Better to just invest in classic heels.

Stuart Weitzman Pinot Leather Pointed-Toe Pump, Black (see more pointed toe pumps)

Product Review: Valentia Even Glow Anti-aging serum

2014-12-21T22:07:00.000-05:00

I would like to thank Valentia Skin Care for allowing me to review their product. This product can be purchased on Amazon.com I used this product for about a month with fairly decent results. Though I do not have many wrinkles, the idea is that you can never start too early.

Pros

This serum has a great citrus scent, which really makes it stand out.
Not as heavy as other anti-aging serum and can be worn under moisturizer and makeup.
Dries rapidly.
Eye dropper bottle easy to use.

Cons

Can cause acne. Acne may go away with continued use. I used very little in the areas where I am prone to acne. I would not recommend this product for those who are prone to adult acne.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

2014-11-29T11:09:00.001-05:00

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE by karalynrae featuring a glass candle

Valentino

2014-11-25T21:21:00.001-05:00

Valentino by karalynrae featuring destroyed jeans

This outfit was styled around the Valentino bracelet. The textured vest tones down the jewel tone of the turtleneck sweater. This outfit is perfect for a day on around the city.

My Favorite Scent: Daisy perfume

2014-10-03T18:49:00.001-04:00

Daisy perfume by karalynfactor featuring MARC BY MARC JACOBS

My favorite scent is currently Daisy Marc Jacobs. The scent is very fresh and clean and goes with everything. I've been searching for a new perfume all summer and finally found Daisy.

13 Best Movies for Halloween That You May or May not have Heard of

2014-10-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

In no particular order:

1. The Crow: Based on a graphic novel

2. Ginger Snaps: Indie Canadian werewolf film. Female-centric and awesome.

3. Nightmare Before Christmas: A classic. For those who don't like scary movies. Also works for Christmas time.

4. Rocky Horror Picture Show: Always fun to get dressed up and sing along.

5. Shaun of the Dead: Zombies from the guys who brought you Hot Fuzz and The Worlds End.

6. Sleepy Hallow: For those who love Johnny Depp

7. The Ninth Gate: For those who REALLY love Johnny Depp.

8. Beetlejuice: Black and white striped suits before they were ruined by Robin Thicke.

9. House on Haunted Hill: A Vincent Price classic.

10. Scary Movie: The Original Horror Comedy

11. Carrie: Watch it before the remake.

12. Lost Boys: The Original Teenage Vampires, Sans Sparkling.

13. Interview with a Vampire: 90's Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, and Kirsten Dunst In One Film!

The Great Debate: Fur in the Fashion Industry

2014-01-10T16:36:00.000-05:00

While reading the December issue of Elle magazine, I came across an article written by Pamela Erens (you can read it here). She writes,

"[T]he public obsession with fur as uniquely immoral puzzles me. The realities associated with the raising, penning, and slaughtering of beef cattle are equally appalling, and the number of animals killed for meat dwarfs that of those killed for fur. In 2012 about 9 billion farm animals were slaughtered by the meat industry in the U.S. alone; the number for fur animals is 50 million worldwide…I know these facts don’t make fur morally stainless, but I have to wonder why the revulsion is so much more instantaneous when it comes to fur. Needless to say, almost none of the people who comment on my fur wearing eschew meat or leather."

Personally, I do not wear fur. I have been a vegetarian since I was 10, and vegan since I was about 15. I do not use products tested on animals either. My family does wear fur. My grandmother has passed down most of her fur coats down to my mother, who wears them more out of obligation, than an actual fashion statement. I am not entirely sure what will happen when these furs are passed down to me.

Erens brings up the question why fur is more readily perceived as morally wrong, while leather is not. I have the answer. There are great alternatives to fur. Tim Gunn in his book The Fashion Bible even states so. They are not more expensive than the real thing, as Erens seems to think. On the other hand, there are no great substitutes for leather. Pleather does not hold up as well as the real thing. It is usually coated in polyurethane, which actually gives off gases as it breaks down. These gases will even cause the other clothes in your closet to break down. A pleather piece will never be an investment piece.

This piece was most likely written before PETA exposed the awful angora fur factories in China, leading Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 to stop production and question their fur usage. This will always be an important topic in fashion and it needs to continuously be discussed. I know what side I'm on but what are your thoughts?

Get the Look: Karlie Kloss

2014-01-05T00:07:00.001-05:00

Get the Look: Karlie Kloss by karalynfactor featuring real leather handbags

Resolution 2014

2013-12-31T12:50:00.002-05:00

It seems like everyone has become very anti New Years resolution. They resent having to make goals for the year that in reality they probably will not accomplish. Most years I say that I will finally drop those unwanted pounds and every year nothing changes. This year is different. My New Years resolution for 2014 is to not shop at fast fashion stores like Forever 21 and H&M. These past few months I've become tired of all my clothes falling apart and having to constantly spend money on new clothes. Instead, I will pay more money and buy less and hopefully my quality clothes will last longer. This will not be easy since I am in grad school and don't have a lot of money but I still believe it is attainable. Do any of you have any resolutions?

Hope you all have a wonderful 2014!

Princess Style: Grace Kelly

2013-07-02T14:59:00.001-04:00

Grace Kelly by karalynfactor featuring gold bangles

I am so excited for Nicole Kidman's new movie coming out in November called Grace of Monaco. She of course plays Grace Kelly and I obviously can't wait to see those costumes. I do love Nicole Kidman and think she will do a great job.

Princess Grace's style was always royal, whether she was Hollywood royalty or actual royalty. She of course was known for her Hermes bag which the company named after her. Add some Hollywood sunnies and voila!

Princess style: Diana

2013-07-01T17:26:00.001-04:00

Today is Diana's birthday and I thought I would celebrate her royal style. I'm also very excited to see Naomi Watts portray the People's Princess in her upcoming film.

Princess Diana by karalynfactor featuring high heel pumps

Diana was the epitome of elegance, even if her early style was very 80's. The updated power suit is still a staple today. She really grew a lot from her Sloane Ranger style in her early 20's. I really admire women who always look put together whenever they leave the house.

Reminder!

2013-06-30T14:18:00.001-04:00

Google reader is going away as of tomorrow so I was just sending out a reminder that you can move all of the blogs you read (including this one!) to Bloglovin. Since I am a procrastinator I just did this today. It very simple to import everything and signing up for bloglovin is also simple. You can also just add me on Bloglovin by using the icon at the top right.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!