RemChic

RemChic Essential Hair Tools and Products

2011-01-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

A while back I wrote a post exploring my favorite make-up products. Well, in this post I'm going to talk about the absolute best hair tools and products. Although I'm no haircare professional, I have been coloring my hair since I was 11 (with help of my best friend and our box dye sessions in her bathroom) and curling/straightening my hair since I was 12 (also thanks to my best friend and her at-home hair salon tactics).

It's important to note that I have long, naturally wavy hair that I usually blow dry and straighten. Yeah, my hair lovesss me and all of the heat damage I inflict upon it on the daily. Anyways, it's medium to fine in thickness, and I'm obsessed with volume and heat protection. Most of the products below are centered around what I use (obviously) so if you have different hair goals/hair type these items might not be ideal for you. However, I think the products I'm showcasing appeal to a wide range of hairstyles/types.

Essential Hair Tools

1. Farouk CHI Ceramic Flat Iron
This is hands down the best straightener on the planet. Trust me. Go buy one and you will never look back. It's perfect for controlling frizz and static and is just perfectly amazing. It will be the best investment of your hair's life.

2. Toni & Guy Professional Hair Dryer
The model I have is the Toni & Guy 3500 Lite, and it is the best hair dryer ever. Why? To name a few reasons: frizz control, a number of different heat settings, ceramic ion protection technology, among other helpful settings that you simply can't get from a generic, $20 hair dryer. I took my blow dryer on a cruise with 8 other girls last March, and I swear everyone used/loved it. I've had it for almost two years, and it still works like brand new!

3. Conair 1.25 inch Curling Iron
Because my hair is naturally wavy it tends to hold curls well, so I don't need an intense curling iron (whereas I'm wiling to invest in extra strong straightening tools). This curling iron was $12 and works like a charm. My roommate has extremely straight hair that is thick and long and she uses it, too! It works well for both of us and the 1.25 inch width is perfect for natural looking, tousled waves.

Essential Hair Products

1. S Factor Papaya Leave-in Moisturizer
I use this product no matter what- if I plan on air drying, blow drying, curling, straightening, whatever. It's the best leave-in moisturizer I've ever used and smells amazing! A definite must. Also, I use this product daily and am just now running out of a bottle that I've had since my freshman year of college (I'm in the middle of my senior year) so it's very economical.

2. CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection
This is the best heat protection treatment out there. It also smells amazing, and I usually apply this after the papaya moisturizer, especially on the ends of my hair. Best part about it is you can use it on wet or dry hair, so if you are touching up from blow drying the day before you can still use it before re-straightening and/or curling.

3. Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion
This is a thickening treatment that is a powder-to-liquid formula. It swells your hair shafts and the bottle claims it boosts hair volume up by 17%, but I would argue it's even more than that. This stuff is literally body for your hair in a bottle. It's a bit pricey (about $25 for only 0.7 oz) but if you are looking to give your hair oomph that will last all day/night, this is a must-have. P.S. this is an after-the-fact type of hair product that you want to use after all of your styling is done and your hair is completely dry.

4. Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser
Ojon is quickly becoming my favorite hair product brand. This is the best dry shampoo on the entire planet and every girl should own at least one bottle of this stuff. It's perfect for in-between washes and quickly absorbs dirt and grease while also livening your hair (which tends to go flat when its weighed down by icky dirt and other unwanted junk). Beware the bottle tends to go awall if it's shaken around too much, and I've actually had a bottle or two over pressurize when I swear I haven't even taken it out of the medicine cabinet except to use it. However, I think if you can find a bottle that doesn't act funny its the best investment ever.

Oohs and Awes for Marc by Marc Jacobs Janet Jacquard Sweater

2011-01-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Today I'm loving the sexy back of this Marc by Marc Jacobs Janet Jacquard Sweater. Although the front cropped portions aren't the most flattering shape in my opinion, the back is extremely feminine and pretty. I love the crossed ribbon look, don't you?

Quotes & Couture XV

2011-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

"The point is to shop for high value in items that will endure for many years, items that will never lose their relevance. Try not to focus on price and name brands. A truly stylish woman makes smart decision based on good taste, and the ability for an item to endure."

-Nina Garcia

Natascha McElhone: Proof that Beauty Exists Beyond 40

2011-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

I started watching Californication yesterday per my Showtime addiction and lack of Dexter episodes to stream, and I can't help but highlight how beautiful Natascha McElhone is. At 42 years old, she is the epitome of flawless beauty. The London-born actress is gorgeous because of her natural appeal--move over over-tanned, over-bleached M.I.L.F.s, cause this type of look can't be mimicked no matter how much surgery you get. Here are some of my favorite pictures of her from photoshoots ranging from 1998 to 2007:

Fashion News: Anne Vyalitsyna poses for Louis Vuitton 2011

2011-01-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

Mark Segal is bringing his photography genius to Louis Vuitton's spring 2011 ad campaign. Anne Vyalistsyna looks like a natural beauty in all of the road-trip themed photos. I tried to find where the photoshoot took place, and was unsuccessful; however, the campaign definitely speaks California desert highway to me-note the wind power farm in the background of the first photo- Palm Springs, California, anyone? What do you think?

http://fashiongonerogue.com/louis-vuitton-cruise-2011-anne-vyalitsyna-mark-segal/2/

Erin Fetherston Designs for Juicy Couture

2010-12-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

Back in November, Elle magazine reported that 29 year-old designer Erin Fetherston was going to be collaborating with the velour goddesses at Juicy Couture for a line called "Juicy Loves Glamour Girls by Erin Fetherston." Well, being a huge Erin Fetherston fan and a sort of anti-fan of Juicy Couture, I was curious to see if the floral-chiffon mind of Fetherston would work well with the L.A. rhinestone sweats of Juicy. Although it's not my favorite line on the planet, I think the collection is executed in a way that showcases both powerhouse's strengths and signature styles. Juicy said they brought Fetherston from New York to give the company a little extra punch and even gave her the title of "Creative Consultant." I think that Fetherston has added a little something extra to Juicy; however, I don't feel like the full capacity of this pairing has been reached. Perhaps they are intentionally playing it safe for skeptics like myself, or maybe they are even being reserved on purpose hoping consumers will want more. Below are a few of the better pieces in the collection. What do you think? Would you buy anything from this line?

Fetherston posing for Juicy Couture Ad Campaign in June 2010

click to buy the...
Skirt
Dress
Slouchy Jacket
Cotton Top

http://www.butterboom.com/2010/06/01/erin-fetherston-designs-juicy-couture/

Oohs and Awes for Yves Saint Laurent Easy Bags

2010-12-29T10:38:00.000-08:00

With 2010 quickly wrapping up, it seems like every fashion blog is compiling a list of best-ofs for the year. I always have a hard time picking out my favorites of the year, but I can say that this year I've fallen in love with YSL Easy bags. If it weren't for the $1,000-$2,000 price tag, I'd definitely have my hands on one by now. Regardless, the classic appeal with a subtle signature "Y" across the bag makes these handbags a duality- part staple piece and part tribute to YSL as a company. Here are a few (the studded one is my favorite):

How to Successfully Wear Fur

2010-12-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

The winter fashion scene reminds me of the middle school years- a brief awkward time stuck in-between two major seasons. It's short-lived, yet the confusion can be scaring for life if done incorrectly. Of course, winter 2010/2011 fashion trends are borrowing from it's elder fall 2010 runway highlights, while also eagerly grasping onto aspects of spring 2011 looks. It's sort of like a twelve year-old girl who is borrowing her high school sister's Chanel lipstick, while also wearing her 6th grade cords.

One such trend is the fur frenzy I've been seeing all over the mags- Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire featured fur looks in their November, December, and even January issues (at least the ones that have hit the press/I've seen). Fur is being belted, shagged, and even slapped on oversized collars like a built-in scarf. If you're like me and the only fur thing you've ever owned is a rabbit foot key chain that you one at the county fair...it feels like warm and fuzzy overload.

After doing some research, I've compiled this season's most popular ways to wear fur and have paired my findings with a few helpful tips of my own. Perhaps with a bit of organization and summarizing, we can approach the fur trend together with confidence. Here goes nothin'!

On the Runway

Before compiling two of my own examples, I wanted to include a collage of inspirational looks from the runway. Here are just a handful of the fur looks shown at fashion week:

Example 1: Fur with Leather

Remember all of the motorcycle looks on the fall 2010 runway? In October you couldn't leave the house without studs or leather in your ensemble, and now, all you have to do is add a dash of fur to your outfit and you are right in sync with the winter 2011 scene! Treat your fur like an accessory- look for tame coats that have fur collars and/or cuffs. Pair it with skin-tight leather skinnies, a loose t-shirt and a sleek ponytail for a cool downtown look.

My Example Ensemble:
Jacket- Mackage
Top- Son of John
Pants- Black Denim
Wedges- Chinese Laundry

Example 2: Sporting a Fur Vest

The influx of fur vests this year has been ridiculous. You can't step into a Forever 21, nor a local boutique or even Barney's without spotting a number of fur vests. I've seen a lot of them belted with long sleeves underneath; however, I prefer the open vest look. Trying to cinch all of that fur under a belt defeats the purpose of waist-defining accessories. In keeping with the fall-meets-winter trend theme, I chose a gray number since gray and camel are the signature colors of fall 2010. I paired it with a long sleeve in a muted print and filled the rest of the ensemble with neutrals and touches of gold.

My Example:

Vest- Kensie

Boots- Frye

Long Sleeve- Erica Tanov

Pants- Free People

Bag- Helena de Natalio

Runway Photos from: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/powersearch?trend=trend11&event=show2062

Wow, I Really Love Being a 20-Something

2010-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

Recently I was perusing Noel Duan's blog and came across this chuckle-worthy little tid bit by Ryan O'Connell about what it means to be a 20-something. My 20's have undoubtedly been my favorite decade so far, and that's saying a lot- I'm going to be freshly 22 in January. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do (regardless of how old you are):

Be really attractive. Your acne is gone, your face has matured without having wrinkles and everything on your body is lifted naturally. Eat bagels seven days a week, binge-drink and do drugs: you’ll still look like a babe. When you turn thirty, it’ll become a different story but that’s, like, not for a really long time.

Reestablish a relationship with your parents. You don’t live with them anymore (hopefully) so start to appreciate them as human beings with thoughts, flaws and feelings rather than soulless life ruiners who won’t let you borrow their car.

Go from eating delicious food at your parents’ house to eating Ragu tomato sauce over Barilla noodles. Develop an eating disorder to save money.

Move into an apartment on the corner of Overpriced and Dangerous. Sleep on a bare mattress with an Ikea comforter. Your mother talks to you about buying a top sheet and a duvet cover but feel like you’re not mature enough to own something called “duvet.”

Read the New York Times piece, “What Is It About 20-Somethings?” Feel exposed and humiliated. Share it on your Facebook with the caption: “Um….” Your friends will comment “Too real” and that will be the end of that.

Work at a coffee shop but feel hopeful about your career in advertising, writing, whatever. Remember that you’re young and that the world is your oyster. Everything is possible, you still have so much to see and hear. You went to a good school and did good things. Figure if you’re not going to be successful, who the hell is?

Date people who you know you’ll never be able to love. See someone for three months for no other reason than because it’s winter and you want to keep warm by holding another body. Date a Republican just so you can say you dated a Republican.

Eventually all these nobodies will make you crave a somebody. Have a real relationship with someone. Go on vacations together, exchange house keys, cry in their arms after a demoralizing day at work. Think about marrying them and maybe even get engaged. Regardless of the outcome, feel proud of yourself for being able to love someone in a healthy way.

Start your twenties with a lot of friends and leave with a few good ones. What happened? People faded away into their careers and relationships. Fights were had and never resolved. Shit happens.

Think of yourself at twenty and hanging out with people who didn’t mean a thing to you. Think about writing papers, about being promiscuous, about trying new things. Think of yourself now and your face looking different and your body feeling different and how everything is just different.

Form the habits that will stick with you forever. Drink your coffee with two sugars and skim milk every morning. Buy a magazine every Friday. Enjoy spending money on candles, smoke pot on Saturdays, watch the television before bed.

Move into a bigger apartment on the corner of Mature and Gentrification and finally buy a duvet cover. Limit your drug-use. If you find yourself unable to do so, start to wonder if you have a problem.

Have your parents come to your place for Christmas. Set the table, make the ham, wear a sophisticated outfit, This will all mean so much at the time.

Think about having children when you stop acting like a child. This may not ever happen.

Maybe this is assuming too much. Maybe this is generalizing. Maybe society uses age as an unrealistic marker for growth. Maybe. Still feel the anxiety on your 30th birthday and think to yourself, “Oh shit, I’m no longer a 20-something.”

Images Without Words: Elise Digby by Aram Bedrossian in Bonnie & Clyde

2010-12-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

From: http://fashiongonerogue.com/elise-digby-aram-bedrossian-bonnie-clyde/#more-42928

You should have put a (Melody Ehsani) ring on it

2010-12-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

I've recently discovered the amazing creations of Melody Ehsani, and I couldn't feel more like a kid in a candy store when perusing her visually enthralling lookbook. I am particularly partial to the chunky rings that resemble brass knuckles in princess form. I love how she introduces her 2010 lookbook by saying "The following designs have escaped my head." Her focus on the artistic side of her designs is completely in-your-face in a way that I like. Her voice is strong and pays tribute to art deco and worldly inspirations.

I like how personal her jewelry is to her. Here's the "about me" from her website and a few of the photos from her lookbook that I really like. Enjoy!

Born and raised in Los Angeles in a traditional Persian family, like many of my cousins and friends I applied to go off to Law School after college, but I couldnt stay there. I decided to break with my culture and follow my heart into a field I was internally drawn to....design. The more I designed shoes and products, the more it felt like the right thing for me to be doing. So now I believe that design is part of what I was designed to do. I guess you could say that design is part of my divine blueprint. I believe that honoring my blueprint helps me bring to the world new patterns of behavior and equality for myself and for all women in the future. In my culture, a womans value and status are determined by her marriage. This is a difficult and challenging concept for many women in todays world. By following my calling and making shoes and products, I am helping women resolve these kinds of paradoxes. I want to become my true self and be a vibrant member of a family and a community. I want the women who wear my shoes to have the same opportunity for equality, wholeness, and self expression. My style is inspired by paradox, controversy, justice and pushing the envelope in showing that you truly cant judge a book by its cover. I design to upset the equilibrium. I design to inspire. I design to serve. I design because I was created to do so. A portion from each pair of Ehsani shoes purchased will go towards the advancement and education of women in our society.

Quotes & Couture XIV

2010-12-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

"Technology is lust removed from nature."

Oohs and Awes for Alexander McQueen Pumps

2010-12-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make. I've replaced my shopping addiction with shoe hoarding. Shoes are amazing because even if you pack on a few pounds or have no where to wear them, they will always fit and be there for you. Perusing through my shoe closet has become a religious experience, and I'm ready to trade my H&M and Steve Madden pumps for the real deal. Just give me a few years to rack up some money (give or take 20 grand), and I kid you not I'm going to put Carrie Bradshaw's collection to shame. I'm definitely going to start with a pair of Alexander McQueens. These Titanic Ballerina Pumps would be a good choice, I've been drooling over them since January 2010 and they never cease to amaze me.

I Feel like a Worn Snuggie, but I Refuse to Look like One

2010-12-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

Ugh winter. My lips are two chapped gummy worms accompanied by the rhythm of chattering teeth. My skin is dry and is quickly losing its usual sunkissed sheen. My hair is matte black and brittle like the mane of a synthetic Barbie doll. When I wake up I'm greeted by a cool Arizona darkness that makes me want to stay in bed and avoid the desert elements. I have become a chapstick junkie, and if I could find an ivory tub filled with Hope In A Jar moisturizer, I would call it heaven on Earth.

Winter also means finals week--countless hours spent at the library where my brain melts and my eyes become baggy and heavy from staring at the computer screen. In the midst of writer's block I realize the weird noise I keep hearing isn't the stale heat whistling through the dusty vents, but rather my stomach. All I've had today is a cup of coffee with too much Sweet n Low and a handful of cashews. I'm not at my prime by any means.

Between the sudden weather shift and the dark cloud of homework lingering over my head all I want to do is wear sweats and complain. However, I know I shouldn't let my appearance go to the trash because as leading studies show, “The way you look directly affects the way you think, feel, and act . . . . When you dress down, you sit down—the couch potato trend. Manners break down, you begin to feel down, and you’re not as effective" (Kaplan-Leiserson).

So where can I find the motivation to keep up my appearance? Well, thanks to Zephyr at College Fashion, I have 25 reasons to get dressed up every day- including during this god awful drab time of year. I've chosen to include my favorite reasons in this post, but if you are feeling any of what I'm feeling you should definitely check out her article and/or compile your own list.

Here are my favorites from Zephyr's list:

Because life’s too short to blend in. Don’t settle for average.
Because fashion is a method of self expression. What are you trying to say?
Because you never know who you’ll run into. Brad Pitt at the grocery store? Hey, stranger things have happened.
Because you deserve to look your best at all times.
Because you’ll never improve your sense of style if your default look is “I give up”. Yes, that was a Seinfeld reference. But it’s true!
Because parties aren’t the only time to celebrate.
Because dressing up helps you make fashion mistakes and get past them. Mistakes happen to everyone and that’s how you learn what not to do – get them out of the way now!
Because it’s a test of your confidence. Dressing unconventionally forces you to develop the self-assurance necessary to stand out from everyone else.
Because fashion is one of the rare instances where art comes alive. What artistic statement do you want to make?
Because someday when you have a 9-5 corporate job and are required to wear business suits, you’re going to miss the freedom of dress you had in college. Experiment now! There’s no better time.
Because Carrie Bradshaw would not approve of your sweatpants and UGG boots. You can do better than that. And deep down, you know I’m right.
Because nothing beats the rush you feel when you look in the mirror and LOVE what you see.

Hope everyone powers through finals and/or the winter! If you have fashion affirmations or reasons why you get dressed every day, let me know with a comment!

Kaplan-Leiserson, E. (2000). Casual dress/Back-to-business attire. Training & Development, 54(11), 38-39.

Quotes & Couture XIII

2010-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Buy less, choose well, and mix it all."

-Vivienne Westwood

Congratulations RemChic Giveaway Winners!

2010-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited so many people entered the RemChic Giveaway! Congratulations to the winners: Danielle Zion, Sasha Piton, and Tina Renee Barker! I will be in touch early next week about mailing you guys your prizes, so be sure and check your e-mail. Woohoo! That was fun =)

Suno Bridges Fair Trade and Fierce Patterns

2010-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday in a few weeks, which means I am on the prowl for a new party dress. I've also picked up an addiction to unconventional prints, so it's no wonder this Suno dress completely caught my eye. After doing some research, I found out that Rachel Bilson recently wore it to Fashion’s Night Out in New York City, reaffirming the fact that we are kindred spirits. However, one aspect left me puzzled, what/who is Suno? I had never heard of the company, so I called my good friend, Google, and here's what I found:

Suno is a NYC-based brand and was formed in 2008 by Max Osterweis. The company is unique because they use fabrics collected from Kenya, giving their frocks an authentic East African look. And there's more to the story than just a treasure hunt for unique textiles. According to their website, Suno "employs local Kenyan talent, treats workers fairly, and showcases some of Kenya’s artistry." The company hopes their presence in Africa will have a positive effect, especially in regards to social and economic change.

They are certainly receiving a ton of attention from the fashion industry for their efforts. This month alone, Suno has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, Nylon, and on both style.com and Women's Wear Daily (WWD). I think Suno is worthy of all the buzz, especially considering its good-natured company philosophy. Here are some of Suno's looks from their spring 2011 RTW collection...

photos from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2011RTW-SUNO

Quotes & Couture XII

2010-11-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

"Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see in the making all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals."

-Don DeLillo

How to Successfully Wear a Summer Dress During the Winter

2010-11-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

So you invested in a $500 summery designer frock for $250 in October because, let's face it, that's 50% off and you've been drooling over that dress since it hit Barney's in July. Alas, three weeks went by and the honeymoon phase between you and your silky number was cut short by the daily high plummeting a good 30 degrees. You've only worn your dress a handful of times and it's starting to look like the red tag sale really got the best of you. What's a girl to do?!

Do. Not. Panic. I'm here for you, and if need be, I will mail you a brown paper bag for all of your hyperventilating needs. However, I doubt you are going to reach that level of despair because I'm here to give you some really easy tips on how to utilize your summer dress during colder weather. Let's get started!

The sample dress I'm going to use is a belted summer dress from 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent. It retails for about $300 and was recently on sale on The Outnet for $75, so this is a very realistic example.

Tip 1: Remember Your Basics

Honestly, whenever I don't know what to wear during the cooler months I start with a foundation of black with cognac boots. Well, black tends to be part of my fashion philosophy all year long; however, pairing black with cognac boots becomes particularly useful between October-February. Especially with the periwinkle color of this dress, you really have to darken the entire outfit to make it suitable for fall/winter color schemes. I'm also going to throw it out in the open that I really prefer solid, thicker tights. I'm not a pantyhose type because it's really unpractical as far as keeping you warm, and I have a lingering paranoia that they are going to rip at any given moment. Just food for thought.

Candence Cognac Boots- Steve Madden
Gray Legwarmers- Puma
HUE Black Tights- Ron Herman
Commander Jacket- All Saints

Tip 2: Dress It Up With Booties

Of course one of the best times to utilize your summer dress is while you're out on the town! My go to outfit for winter nights out is definitely a tunic-type dress with leggings, booties, and either a cardiganish knit item or a blazer. It's really comfortable and warm, while still being a little on the dressy side.

Ribbed Stretch Leggings- DKNY
Lovely People Juniper Bootie- DSW
Paisley Gust Sweater Jacket- Anthropologie
Draped Multi Chain Necklace- Forever 21

Tip 3: Play With Current Trends

A great way to sort of mask the summeriness of your dress is to amplify other aspects of your outfit. Right now, red coats seem to be a huge hit, as well as infinity scarves, moto boots, chunky knits, and cowboy-esque boots. However, because you don't want your outfit to scream "trend overload" make sure you pinpoint one or two trends you want to showcase and fill the remainder of the outfit with neutrals.

'Kiki' Over the Knee Boots- Dolce Vita
Thermal Leggings- Old Navy
Knit Collar Coat- Forever 21
Slouchy Beanie- Banana Republic
Deux Lux Bag- Urban Outfitters

And that concludes my lesson! If you have any other tips/tricks/questions/concerns feel free to leave a comment! Also don't forget to enter the RemChic giveaway before the contest closes! Click here for more details.

Oohs and Awes for Anndra Neen Metal Clutches

2010-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I never thought I'd see the day where an an accessory screamed medieval-meets-cage-dancer. Oh, how fashion continuously surprises me. This Anndra Neen clutch du jour was designed by acclaimed sister act Phoebe and Annette Stephens and has won my approval. This "bag" definitely plays into the motorcycle trend we're seeing this season, although I would like to see it juxtaposed with a swank LBD. What do you think? The clutch retails for $695 and is available on roseark.com

Tim Gunn Awkwardly Poses for Capitol File

2010-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Fashion guru Tim Gunn posted this picture on his Facebook about a week ago and as much as I love him I feel like his stance/lean/whatever on that stool is a bit awkward. Anyone agree?

A Spoonful of Fashion that will Taste Bittersweet

2010-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

M y approach to journalism is through an artistic lens. Some of you might say this lens might as well be a rose colored magnifying glass and that's a perfectly valid response. When I think of the media I think of the glossy sheen on a magazine cover, inviting readers to flip through colorful pictures and informative stories. I thrive on the deceiving nature of photoshoots- still glamor captured in front of the camera while chaos engulfs every other angle on the set. It's an illusion created by visionaries. In that moment you have to pause and appreciate the artistry and abandon the hustle and bustle over profit margins.

A perfect example of this is the magazine cover above, which dates back to April 1965. The cover girl is model Jean Shrimpton, who was photographed by Richard Avedon. The overall concept was conceived by art directors Ruth Ansel and Bea Feitler. I came across this vintage cover by accident and it reminded me why I love fashion magazines so much- they merge together the informative/newsy nature of journalism with a few extra ounces of pizazz. I could literally frame this cover and hang it on my wall. Some day, I want to be apart of a creative team that evokes that same reaction in people.

Fashion magazines are a hand-held gallery of the latest and greatest designs and encourages you to dip into your closet and paint yourself with something beautiful. They are a paper-stack of the latest trends, delivered to your mail box or available with coffee at the corner newsstand. Let's not forget that couture comes from an artist scribbling charcoal onto a sketch pad before those smudges are made into a real garments. Then, those garments are puzzle-pieced together with other garments to form an outfit. Next, that outfit is paired with model (who might as well be the canvas) and photographed. Finally, with a click of the mouse and a scurry across the keyboard a designer crops and edits the photo and tucks it into its proper place on the page layout before calling it a night. Each page of a magazine takes a fusion of collective minds, all adding to one completed piece. This process is beyond inspiring!

Sadly, the industry can definitely be a cut throat monster. Girls starve themselves to be on the latest Hearst cover, fashion designers sell their souls to the devils of corporate mass production, and fresh meat journalists will fetch coffee for years before the are even assigned a story. But why? Because if you aren't willing to make those sacrifices, someone else will take your spot before you can click your Prada heels together and wish you were back in Kansas.

So alas lies the tension: avant garde vs. capital greed. My experience within the fashion industry has made me realize a pretty terrible pattern- innovative designs are given a golfer's clap for how artsy they are and a roaring round of applause for how much money they can make. The same goes for a great model, a great cover design, etc. This is a shame, but what can we do? After all, the fashion industry is an industry- a business where people make their living.

For me, what needs to happen is a shift in perspective. We need to change the way we think about the clothing on our backs and the pictures laid before us. We need to be responsible consumers and support designers first and foremost as artists. Do I think there will be a huge shift within my lifetime? Probably not. But I'd like to think I'm doing my part by appreciating the artistic nature of fashion instead of the sides that scream "seven deadly sins." I'd like to maintain a cognitive dissonance as I'm shopping and try and be not only more ethical in my purchases (sweatshop free) but also more environmental (recycled clothing). And someday, when I'm working for for Harper's Bazaar or Elle (hehe) I will treat all of my colleagues and young protégés like people, not like errand-running robots.

Until then, be conscious of your choices as budding fashionistas and remember, viva la moda- long live style!

RemChic Giveaway: Stila Eye Shadows!

2010-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I featured eight of my favorite makeup products, and today, I'm happy to announce I have obtained three Stila Sweet Steals Eye Shadow Palettes! This particular eye shadow set is a special edition and is no longer being produced, so getting your hands on one of these now is a definite must.

HOW TO ENTER

1. You must be a fan of RemChic on Facebook.

2. You must have a continental U.S. mailing address. I will not be shipping prizes outside of the continental U.S.

3. You must comment below on this post with the following information (in order!) The comment link is at the end of this post where it says the number of comments.

first and last name (I need both to verify you are a fan on FB)

e-mail address

your favorite childhood clothing/accessory item

example
Kristina Remy
info@remchic.com
I wore baby pink ballet tutus as skirts ALL the time

4. Bonus entry: If you post a Facebook status announcing this give away and tag RemChic (use the @RemChic feature) you will receive one (1) additional entry. Let me know if you have posted a Facebook status announcing the contest and I'll keep track of your extra entry. You can either write on the RemChic Facebook wall, write it in a comment below, or e-mail me (info@remchic.com) and I'll log your extra entry. Thanks!

OTHER BUSINESS

Contest ends November 30, 2010 at 11:59pm. Entries submitted after this time will be considered invalid. Results will be generated via random.org. Winners will be announced December 1, 2010 and will be contacted via e-mail. Winners will also be announced on RemChic. Questions? E-mail me at info@remchic.com! Spread the word and have fun!

photo credit: http://www.weddingobsession.com/2008/05/31/stila-marchesa-backstage-beauty-2008/

RemChic Essential Makeup Products

2010-11-17T10:12:00.000-08:00

I recently received an e-mail from a RemChic reader asking what kind of makeup products I use. I used to wear a lot more makeup than I do now, so I'm going to stick with 8 products I've continued to use for a while. As always, remember the most important thing to do is to prep your skin before wearing makeup (cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize) and properly remove your makeup as soon as you can. No hot messes allowed on my watch. After a night out you better march your tooshie to the bathroom and wash your face before hitting the sack!

Essential Makeup Products

These are my list of deserted island must-haves. If I could only use four products for the rest of my life, these would be them.

1. Tarte Cheek Stain in Rose
This is hands down the best blush out there. You will never have to reapply and it's really natural and sunkissed looking. I also use it on my lips for a little color and then put chapstick or clear gloss over. Make sure you go for one of the natural colors because some of the other cheek stain colors are too shimmery.

2. YSL Singulier Mascara in Deep Black
I used to be a huge Diorshow fan, but I found that the tube dries out after 2-3 weeks, so I made an experimental switch to YSL Singulier and I will never go back! I first tried it at Sephora without an eye lash curler and I was thoroughly impressed. If you have straight, stubborn lashes like me, this is the perfect choice for you.

3. Stila Perfecting Concealer in Shade D
This is the most amazing concealer in the entire world. If you layer enough of it on you can even cover tattoos. It's ridiculous! It's sort of pricey, but it's so concentrated you really only need a little bit. I use the Bare Escentuals concealer brush to apply. It rocks!

4. Bare Escentuals Bronzer in Warmth I am so sad because they discontinued this color; however, I bought this bronzer my sophomore year of high school and there is still about 1/3 left. It's a really good investment and like the Stila concealer you only need a little bit. Another bonus is that it's suitable for all skin tones. My roommate uses it pretty frequently and she has ivory skin, whereas mine is olive/tan. I also use Bare Escentuals face powder in medium beige- amazing brand.

Other Favorites

These are some of my favorite makeup products. For some reason I couldn't find very good images of the liquid eyeliner, nor the eye shadow palette, so we will have to make due with the photos below, sorry!

1. MAC Full Lash Curler
This is hands down the best eyelash curler out there. If you are going to try and vouch for the Shu Uemera you can take your opinions elsewhere. Also, this one lady at Sephora taught me an amazing eyelash curler trick years ago, which I'm going to share with you now. If you put your eyelash curler under your blow drier for 10 seconds before using it, it acts like a curling iron on your lashes. Just make sure you test it before hand, or you might fry your lashes. Ick!

2. Too Faced Shadow Insurance (primer)
Another amazing product, this one will make even the cheapest eye shadow stick for days. This is another super concentrated product and the tube is huge. It's transparent, too, so no worries in the color department.

3. ULTA Precision Liquid Liner in Carbon Black
I've tried a bunch of different liquid liners and this one is not only friendly to the wallet, the wand and tip style is friendly to the face. I usually line my top lids with a thin line of carbon eyeshadow by MAC then put this over the top. Works like a charm!

4. Stila Sweet Steals Eye Shadow Palette
This was only $10 at Urban Outfitters and all three colors come in this convenient palette. They are easy to mix, match, and blend, and are suitable for both day and night looks.

Quotes & Couture XI

2010-11-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

"It's Christmas every day when you're a shopaholic."

-Me