Chicasaurus-Rex

Friday Favorites // Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I've never been very picky about beauty products - in fact, most of the time I'm perfectly happy with drug store finds and things I get for free in gift bags. But lately I've been exploring a little more, delving into the crazy world of beauty products, I even ventured into Sephora!!!

So - full disclosure - most of my current favorites are still things I found in a drug store or got as a gift... but I've been making the effort - that counts right??

Let's start off with the Psssst! Years ago, this was the first dry shampoo I ever used {if you don't count baby powder...} and every since I've been obsessed with dry shampoos. I've tried tons of them - but Psssst! is the only one that actually makes my hair feel cleaner. {actually bought this one!}

MAC nail polish. I'm usually an Essie girl, but I love love love this MAC color, Rougemarie. It's a pretty deep red color which is one of my favorite nail colors in the fall {along with purples!} AND it dries quickly and lasts well - my DIY mani grew out more than it chipped - win! {This one was a gift.}

Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black. TIP- one does not actually need to roll on their rollerball fragrance. Just a dab will do the trick - full roll and you may knock people out. {Just assuming... Not talking from experience or anything... nope.} It's a little deeper than my go-to scents, I usually like fresh, light fragrances, but there is something really compelling about Nirvana Black - a blend of Violet, Sandalwood and Vanilla. {I think this was a gift bag treasure, passed along to me by a co-worker!}

Urban Decay: Naked Basics. This purchase was a part of my goal to up my eye makeup game. From watching a multitude of YouTube tutorials I learned that just about every beauty vlogger has a Naked palette. Eyeshadow still scares me a little - I'm never sure what to do with all the colors - so I went with the Basic set instead of the full one. It has been great - I can do everyday eyes - and have even attempted a smokey eye look with it!! It is missing a sparkly shadow - so that might have to be my next purchase - any suggestions??

You may have noticed there's also a candle in this photo - that's just because I think it looks pretty. It's a great candle as well, but not related to the beauty theme of this post. So if you want to know more about it go here. ;)

PS - I'm really excited about this post because I made a cool light box to shoot the picture it. My apartment doesn't get much light - and whenever I tried to take pictures I'd get tons of harsh, ugly shadows. BUT one DIY tutorial later and Ta-Da! Great {well, better} pictures!!

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Color Crush // Burgundy

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Isn't Fall a wonderful time of year? Cool, crisp days that are still full of sunshine - cozy layers, boots!! And a shift in colors - I'm not just talking the leaves. Fall means we swap out our bright summer colors for the deeper, darker colors of autumn.

Let's start with burgundy {or wine, ox-blood, berry, merlot, whatever you'd like to call it!} I love this rich shade for Fall, especially layered with neutrals like white, cream and grey.

images 1 // 2 // 3

How would your wear it?

xoxCrissie

How to Dress // Olivia Palermo

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000

I think it's fair to say that Olivia Palermo is street style royalty - always looking impossibly chic whenever she's caught on camera. And coming out of fashion month she's given us enough stylish snaps to last at least through fall!

Here's a look I'd love to duplicate - chambray and white with a cute strappy sandal. Would you wear it?

image

top // sunnies // watch // clutch // skirt // heel

Foodie Fashionista // Kale + Cashmere

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Monday's always bring a few struggles.

Ugh, I have to get out of bed?
What am I going to wear?
Why is my hair doing this weird curl thing?
Why are there so many other people going the same way I'm going???!?!?!
And then the constant struggle - what's for lunch??

So let's try something new this week! We'll start with a little lunch time inspiration, in the form of a fig & beet salad from Five and Spice and let the gorgeous colors guide our sartorial decisions.

image

Green and brown and gold with a touch of cream? Not a bad look, huh?

necklace // sweater // skirt // bag // shoes

xoxCrissie

How To Dress // Taylor Swift

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:02:00 +0000

Here's the thing - despite the cat and the obvious pumpkin spice latte {so basic} I'm really loving Taylor's look here. It's simple, but polished - and the blue/rust color combo is pretty much perfect for fall.
Here's how to snag her style for yourself {minus the cat...}

blazer // top // bag // pants // booties

Fall Street Style // Grey on Grey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Now that it's officially Fall (yep, that's right - it's FALL) let's take a little break from Spring trend forecasting and focus on what's going on right now. It seems that the street style pros have been going grey. Grey on grey on grey.

I'm sort of obsessed with this look... shades monochromatic cozy-ness....perfect for Fall, don't you think?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

sweatshirt // tee // wrap skirt // sweater // vest // dot skirt

I think I could rock the all grey look pretty much all the time.

xoxCrissie

Trend Watch SS15 // Check-List

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

The preppy part of me has always been a huge fan of gingham, so I have to admit, seeing it show up over and over on the Spring runways makes me pretty happy. And it's more than just the classic gingham pattern that seems to be emerging as a trend, other versions of the checked pattern have been showing up as well - from the more cross-hatched look at Lela Rose, to large scale checks from Oscar de la Renta.

top row: Altuzarra // Lela Rose // DVF

bottom row: Bibhu Mohapatra // Proenza Schouler

WHIT

Temperley London

Oscar de la Renta

Karen Walker

Michael Kors

How do you feel about the checkered trend?

xoxCrissie

*images via style.com

Trend Watch SS15 // No Pants, No Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:30:00 +0000

Here's an interesting look I've been seeing pop up over and over on the Spring Runways: the sheer skirt. Sometimes they appear as an overlay to a leotard type look, and sometimes as an extension to an already existing skirt or dress.
Thought this might not be a trend we'll see everyday on the street, I have a feeling that it'll be a huge trend come red carpet season!

top row: Lela Rose // Badgley Mischka

bottom row: Monique Lhuillier // Erin Fetherston

Michael Kors

Oscar de la Renta

Jonathan Simkhai

Tracy Reese

Monique Lhuillier

xoxCrissie

*images via style.com

Michael Kors is EVERYTHING // Spring 15

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:30:00 +0000

"It's a summer night... You're driving in a convertible

...with the top down... the wind is in your hair,

you're beautiful and in love..."

The only thing more perfect than than the model instructions for the Michael Kors Spring 15 show, was the show itself. The collection is full of happy spring flowers, classic silhouettes and a laid-back preppy vibe - I want to wear it all, right now. Plus - how gorgeous are those messy braids? Perfection perfection perfection.

More please!!!

xoxCrissie

*images via style.com

SS15 // Sweet and Sunny

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Ok, I admit, we're keeping it pretty basic with the trend reporting around here - but hey, someone's gotta state the obvious! Today's trend: YELLOW. There has been a whole lot of the friendly, sunny color showing up this week, which Pantone has labeled Custard, a "delicious and detectible yellow."

Here a a few of my favorite instances of custard on the runways so far:

top row: Lela Rose // DVF // Nanette Lepore

bottom row: Carolina Herrera // Karen Walker

Naeem Khan

Tory Burch

J. Crew

Jenny Packham

Alice & Olivia

Oscar de la Renta

Veronica Beard

What do you think? Will you be stocking up on custard colored clothing?

xoxCrissie

*images via style.com & The New York Times

NYFW SS15 // Nanette Lepore

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:30:00 +0000

I always love Nanette Lepore's shows, they're fun, girly and totally gorgeous. And her S/S 15 runway last night was no exception. In fact, it felt a little like being transported to a tropical beach party.
Flirty caftans, striped bathing suits in bright, fruity colors - all completed with messy-chic top knots - strutted down the catwalk with "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" blasting in the background.
All that was missing? Pina Coladas!

Here are a few snaps I was able to get dunning the show! (check out the full collection here).

Loved this opened-back mint number.

This sweet neutral top was paired with pretty printed pants.

The bathing suit dreams a made of.

Several looks had strappy backs like this one!

Nanette's daughter closed the show in an embroidered black and white dress - the entire crowed cheered!

And what beach party would be complete without a conga-line??

So, I'm ready for it to be Spring, what about you?

xoxCrissie

Insider Tip // Invest in Bleach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:58:00 +0000

Fashion Week is back again, and in full swing! Which means it's time to start tend-spotting for Spring. What's standing our the most to me so far is the amount of white that's been gracing the runways. Flowing gowns, structured dresses and even pant-suits - white is showing up all over for Spring.

Although I love white, and often attempt to wear it, I have a bad habit of spilling everything I eat or drink while wearing white. So it seems that I'll be adding Clorox to the top of my Spring shopping list... along with several little white dresses! What about you?

top row: BCBG Max Azria // Honor (note the candy dot belt!) // Christian Siriano

bottom row: Tibi // Tadashi Shoji (wedding dress perfection!)

Kaelen

Kate Spade

TSE

WHIT

xoxoCrissie

*all image via style.com

Summer In Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:33:00 +0000

Recently I've been a little enamored with pink. Not Schiaparelli pink but a softer pink, like the sky after a summer sunset. Which seems appropriate as summer is {somehow!} already winding down.

To help sooth those end of summer blues, go pink! Here's what's been inspiring me...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

images: beauty bets, stylish & hip weddings, pop sugar, claire pettibone

xoxCrissie

Resort 2015 // Short & Chic

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 02:40:00 +0000

I've been spending some time lately getting caught-up on Resort 2015 collections, and while doing so I've noticed a fun little trend. Shorts! OKOK - I know. Shorts? For Resort? A Trend? But before you get all...

...let me explain. This trend isn't "I'm going to the beach lemme throw on some shorts" shorts. It's fancy shorts - like, "I'd rock that at work shorts." Let's dive in:

Check out what Carolina Herrera is up to. Super classy high-waisted shorts paired with fancy tops and a fun 1940s vibe {I'm aware I have included a dress, it was just way too cute to leave out!}

Here's Andrew Gn with a look that feels like the uber chic up-town girl's cool little sister. I'd hang out with her, wouldn't you?

And of course Rachel Zoe brings an elegant yet edgy take on the look with several monochromatic sets.

And to finish up my little analysis, here's Honor. The ultimate in girly with florals and lace and wispy romantic blouses. Le sigh.

So, see what I mean? Pretty fun little trend, huh? And to think you doubted me!

Want to rock this look now? Here are a few fun options:

xoxCrissie

*photos via style.com

Wise Words// Find Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 13:00:00 +0000

Sometimes it's easy to forget that our perspective can totally change how we feel about life. So here's a little reminder to look for beauty in everything {even Mondays...}

xoxCrissie

Day to Night White

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 23:43:00 +0000

Can we take a moment to appreciate the unlimited chic-ness of Diane Kruger? Because she is knocking it out of the park in New York City this week.

Exhibit A: Looking sweet for a Today Show appearance
Exhibit B: Looking sleek for a Tonight Show appearance.

I love how she can rock summer whites 2 ways and look amazing in both. Which style do you prefer?

romper: top shop // top: dorothy perkins // skirt: halston heritage // dress: dathlyn

xoxCrissie

*images via: InStyle

Upping My Skirt Game

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 02:58:00 +0000

This morning while standing in front of my closet, deeply pondering what to wear, I came to the realization that I have a lot of cute blouses, blouses I would usually pair with nice jeans. But it's summer, and I live in Manhattan, and the thought of wearing jeans is as laughable as the thought of wearing jeans into a sauna (which is basically what Subway stations have become...) So, as soon as summer hits you need skirts to pair with your cute blouses - and I've realized I have a serious skirt shortage.

Guess what that means? Time for some shopping! Loving these options:

clockwise: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

xoxCrissie

How to Dress // Emma at the Met Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 May 2014 13:53:00 +0000

There were more gorgeous, glamorous ball gowns at the Met Gala last night than I could count {not really, I could if I wanted too, I swear!!} but we'll get to those later. Right now I want to talk about little miss Emma Stone, because how chic does she look?

Her rather low-key Thakoon two-piece might be a shade too casual for some, but I adore the simplicity of it. And her messy side braid is the perfect style to complete the look.

I love how accessible this look is {arguably that is not the point of the Met Ball - but it is the point of this blog!!} it would be an amazing get-up for a summer wedding, or even a fancy brunch, don't you think?

top: top shop // skirt: calypso st. barth // sandals: asos // clutch: eric javits

xoxCrissie

*photos via PopSugar

Color Me Kate

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:04:00 +0000

If you read this blog, chances are you are very much aware that Duchess Catherine has been giving a fashion show disguised as a tour of New Zealand and Australia. As if to apologize for her long absence from the public eye she has thrilled us with multiple outfits per-day, ranging from cute and casual to the ultimate of chic.
And she has not shied away from color on this trip. I've loved all her bold, bright numbers in blue, green, red - and even yellow. Wills allegedly told her she looked like a banana in the yellow dress below. That's the chicest banana I've ever seen...

Want to be a copy-Kate? Here are a few of my top picks for dressing the the bright hue:

dress: top shop // necklace: j crew factory // blazer: zara // top: marni // shoes: repetto // phone care: kate spade saturday

What To Wear // In Transition

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:55:00 +0000

According to the calendar it is now spring. However, according to the weather it is still very much winter. This makes me sad. I am sick of the cold, and I am sick of all my winter clothes - so I dreamed up this little ensemble that's bright and fun - like spring! But that will still look cute with a huge winter jacket, scarf and gloves {also a hat, and probably an umbrella}.

c wonder // j crew factory // zara // j crew

Thinking warm thoughts.

xoxCrissie

More C. Wonder...

Wise Words // Just Keep Swimming

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:05:00 +0000

Sometimes we all need a little reminder to keep going - no matter what. Happy Wednesday!

xoxCrissie

Featured // ShopStyle

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 16:12:00 +0000

Here's a little fun self-promotion! My Spring Trends shop is featured on ShopStyle today!

Check it out here and let me know what you think!

xoxCrissie

The Academy Awards // Fashion Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 14:30:00 +0000

Let's cut to the chase here, on the surface the Oscar's claim to be all about movies - but we all know the truth, they're really about the fashion. And when it comes to big wins, the biggest always come on the red carpet. This year there are dozens of amazing gowns just dying to make the cut, dreaming of their moment in the spotlight, their shot at making the best best-dressed list. So, here we go - my nominees for the best dresses for the red carpet event of the year:

Jenny Packham

A favorite of my favorite, Princess Kate, Jenny Packham has some gorgeous, girly offerings for the red carpet. I can't decide which of these looks I like best: the classic but bold crimson number, or one of the more playful nude-illusion looks, can you?

Marchesa

A staple of red carpet season, Marchesa always makes just about every best-dressed list, and with the gowns being offered-up here I can't see this year being an exception. I love the idea of a mustard colored dress for the Oscars - it's like liquid gold, like you melted an Oscar statue and decided to wear it, chic. Also, I'm pretty sure that if Meryl Davis was going she'd totally wear that middle look.

Prabal Gurung

Alright, here's the deal. These are a little risky. But - just a little. Is a cut-out canceled out by a turtle neck? Maybe. Does that make it it more or less risque? Either way, that element of intrigue has me itching to see these beauties on the red carpet.

Elia Saab

Elie Saab has always designed show stoppers, some that are safe and others that have that Oscar edge. This white one-sleeved peplum look - perfection! A Fuchsia ball gown, where else are you going to wear that if it's not to the Oscars??

Oscar de la Renta

Someone will always wear Oscar to the Oscars. Here are my 2014 nominees for the big night. I adore the playfulness of these 2 gowns. They still have a classic sophistication but they are also fun, and I think we should have a little more fun on the red carpet, because why not??

Monique Lhuillier
And the award for best drama goes to... these stunners. If (who am I kidding, WHEN) someone steps on to the red carpet in either of these she will instantly make every best dressed list. These are like the Titanic of dresses (b/c of all the Oscars Titanic won, not b/c of any ice bergs...). You can try to argue with me, but you will be wrong.

Armani Privé

These babies tend to be controversial because of their slightly over-the-top nature. But I think my selection here have some great potential - if styled correctly. Keep it simple and let the dress steal the show. I have a feeling that The Fashion Police will brand the dress on the right a "figure skating costume gone wrong" but I really thing that on the right person it could totally work. (That's 2 figure skating references in 1 blog post, too much??)

So there you have it. Do you think any of these beauties will make the cut? Who do you think will wear them? (4 days until we find out!! eeeek!!)

xoxCrissie

*All image via Style.com

NYFW // Nellie Partow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:30:00 +0000

I tried to keep things low-key this Fashion Week (as you may have noticed from my lack of posting...) However, I've always had a deep love of the "up-and-coming" designer, the rather un-know name working to be a name. So I couldn't pass up the invite to Nellie Partow's Fall presentation. (Style.com called her the "next big thing,"and for good reason!)

Her Fall collection is an effortless combination of soft feminism with menswear in a pretty palette of neutrals and pasteles. From cozy knits and flirty tops paired with perfectly tailored pants to chic shift dresses and a fur collared cape, the collection if full of totally wearable workwear.

So simple, so pretty. I'm obsessed.

What do you think? Check out her older collections here (all equally gorgeous!).

xoxCrissie

*photos by me!

SAG Awards // Best Dressed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 01:10:00 +0000

If the Golden Globe's red carpet was all about metallic and neutrals the SAG awards were all about jewel tones. Bold, bright and GORGEOUS. And there's something I really love about how blues and greens look contrasted against the red of the carpet.

Amy in Antonio Berardi // Sandra in Lanvin // Lupita in Gucci // Jennifer in Christian Dior Couture // Jane in Roland Mouret // Jennifer in Max Mara

Check out more of my Red Carpet favorites on Pinterest!

xoxCrissie

*images via People Style Watch