Thursday, January 12, 2012

Fashion Musts


Hey dollcakes, its Jaz' here and I want you gals to listen to me and listen to me good. I am about to give you guys the goods. These are very important and timeless principles to fashion that can be useful to you all for the rest of your lives. I encourage you all to add this page to your fashion bibles. Here goes!!

1. BE CONFIDENT
Confidence is one of the most cardinal keys to fashion. You have to believe in you if you want anyone else to. By that, I mean whatever you have on, however you have your hair styled, etc. you have to rock it with pride and know that you are a stylish diva in your own right. Everyone is not going to like what items you choose or the way you style them, but you can't let that shake you. Its all about the way you feel! When you feel confident it exudes in your walk, your stance, and your outfit. No outfit looks as good if you forget to put your "confidence hat" on!

2. BE A RISK TAKER
Now I take into account that everyone is not going to be as risque' as some celebs or those in the fashion industry (partially because some of the styles are just not practical for everyday wear), however with this new found confidence, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone sometimes. If there is an item or style you really like but its not necessarily trending at the moment, that is not an automatic reason to shy away. If you take that risk you may be able to style it in a way that is trendy and hip, yet still original, allowing you to step out of the crowd and closer to your own personal style. Besides, how do you guys think a lot of new trends get discovered or old trends get resurrected? Somebody took a risk and it caught on. So next time you feel the urge coming on to rock a lip color, top, pair of shoes, or with have you thats a little quirky or out of the box, go with it!

3. DON'T OVERDO IT
This brings me into my next rule of thumb. DO NOT OVERDO IT. As I said before, nothing is wrong with being a little risky with your fashion, however you don't want to take too many risks or try too many unconventional methods at once. For example, trying a really bold orange lip while at the same time trying a glittery green eye. While both of those may have been cute beauty risks to take individually, together they look over the top, clownish, and simply not flattering. The same goes for too many fashion risks being taken inappropriately. You want to be fashion forward, not a reason to call the fashion police.

4. BE INSPIRED (DON'T COPY)
Finally ladies, be inspired! Be inspired by all that is beautiful around you. A painting, your favorite celeb, a city street, a stylish friend, all of these can be inspiration for new additions to your style. The opportunities are endless! However, in your quest for inspiration, don't copy. You shouldn't try to copy someone else's style to the tee for your own everyday looks. Especially if the person's style you are emulating in no way shape or form resembles your own or things your eye would be drawn to for yourself (had you not seen them on the person). When you are a fashion-pretender, it shows. Someone doing this, often times will look uncomfortable and be uncomfortable. That level of confidence is just not there because you know deep down that this is just not "you" and the execution of the look subsequently is lackluster and falls flat. Fashion is about taking whats inside of you and expressing it outwardly. So absorb the inspiration that lies all around you, and mix it with a little of your own spunk to make it a look that beams with originality that is all your own.

Here are a couple of celebs that I think would be fabulous fashion icons to draw inspiration from:
Kim Kardashian
Rihanna

Victoria Beckham

Zoe Saldana
Keep in mind that these are just a few selections. There are many more fashionable ladies you can choose for style inspiration. And you can take style notes from each of them and work it your own way.

Remember these fashion musts as a guide for finding and evolving your style. Until next time!!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Mini Jewelry Haul!

HELLO! I am back with another post, today I will be sharing with you all some great jewelry pieces I found at Sam Moon and Forever21. I am a bling queen! I am a Texas girl through and through so for me the bigger and gaudier the better! I hope you guys like my new stuffJ

SAM MOON $9
I saw this bracelet and I had to have it! Look at all of those colors, it just sparkles and will be a statement piece paired with any ensemble.

SAM MOON $12
I told yall I love me some animal print didn't I? This bracelet is BIG, which is a must. The animal print keeps it from being boring and the neutral colors will go well with everyday outfits. 

SAM MOON $5
I'm fancy huh? These are pretty large as well and with my hair being long I need more earrings that will stand out. 

FOREVER21 $4
Make way for the BLING QUEEN lol these earrings remind me of Princess Diana for some reason. They are GORGG to be so cheap and I'll wear them with casual or evening attire.

FOREVER21 $8
I need more necklaces and I thought this was a good deal for the price. I also love the length. 



Well this was my “Jewelry Haul” I am always searching for new pieces to add to my collection! I hope I inspired some of my fellow bling queens. Toodles <3



Email me at amg030@shsu.edu and follow me on Twitter @AshleySoBougie

Project Runway All Stars Recap: Episode One

So I just finished catching a re-run of the first episode of “Project Runway All Stars”! This edition of the popular reality show has been highly anticipated; possibly because of the popularity of Tyra Banks’ “Top Model All Stars” edition. You know Heidi and Tyra go wayyy back J Any-who I really enjoyed seeing some familiar faces, I was really surprised though that none of the All Stars came from season 3 (I would have loved to see Michael Knight). Let's start with what I liked and disliked:

WHERE IS TIM GUNN AND HEIDI KLUM????!!!!!!!!
When I tuned in I really was unaware that the original judges were not present L I mean between Heidi Klum saying “one day you’re in and the next day you’re out” and Tim Gunn telling the designers before the runway show “make it work, make it work!” …I mean these things MAKE the show. They are sorely missed. But there was one thing, or person I was very happy to see...

#TEAMKENLEY
My little retro diva is back! I adored her in season 5. Although she could be a little snarky and whiny, no one can deny her vintage designs were always well made and most of the time well received by the judges. Who can forget that GORGEOUS feather wedding dress she made (shown above)? Like I literally want to get married in this dress, it is so Mad Men. She was safe on tonight’s episode and I can’t wait to see what ideas she has up her sleeves.

OKAY the challenge of tonight’s episode was “Uncoventional” meaning the contestants had to create a high fashion inspired look from materials bought at the 99cent store! Their budget for this challenge was $100. I thought this challenge was super cool, I love seeing them turn pipe cleaners into couture LOL! Let’s take a look at the winners and losers shall we…

GAME OVER YOU LOSE
 
For Sweet Pea her Project Runway journey is officially done! Her dress was made out of washcloths and I must say I was extremely disappointed in her design. This looks like it should be at Wal-Mart for $10! This is the ALL STARS you need to go big or go home; and in her case that’s exactly what happened. I wish her all the best though.  


THE FIRST WINNER OF THE SEASON...
RAMI KASHOU! If you caught season four you will remember him as “The Master of Draping” and though he made exquisite clothes, the judges felt his talents were a little one dimensional and that he was not an innovative designer. Well he definitely disproved that tonight. This dress is so avante-guard it is ridiculous and guess what it is mostly made of? UMBRELLAS! Yes dollar store umbrellas! MARVELOUS, MARVELOUS *air kisses to you Rami*

and the runner up is:

MONDO! Even though he did not win, I thought his dress was adorable and worth mentioning. Let me just say I was devastated when Mondo lost in season eight. His clothes are so girly and fun and flattering to a woman’s body. His dress was made out of garbage bags and binders! The talent on this show is mind blowing. I have a feeling he will be a lead contender this time around as well.


So this was my RECAP POST, I love Project Runway and I plan to start doing one weekly so stay tuned. Remember make fashion simple; and then add a touch of glam.  *Auf Wiedersehen in my Heidi Klum voice* which is German for goodbye!

Email me at amg030@shsu.edu and follow me on Twitter @AshleySoBougie

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Celeb Inspired Looks for Less: Kourtney Kardashian

Hello all, its Jaz' here and I have been inspired! Many of those who have known me awhile and observed my fashion tell me that my style resembles that of the eclectic and boho chic Kourtney Kardashian. I take this as a grand compliment as she is always well put together and never afraid to take risks when it comes to fashion. I decided to do one of her fash looks for less, putting together items I already owned to create what i hope to be a worthy replica. This outfit was worn to a Sunday lunch date with a friend. Now take a look at a comparison between her look and mine.


What do you guys think? Did I nail the look?

Miss Kardashians outfit cost a grip, but below is the list of items I have on and their prices:
Headband Forever 21 3.80 
(sorry its kind of difficult to see in the photographs)
Cream Lace Top: Thrifted $1.25
White Camisole: Walmart $3.00
Black Waist Belt: Forever21 $7.80
Black Puff Skirt: Forever21 $15.80
Black Baby Doll Heels: Payless $19.99
Taupe Blazer: Macy's $29.99
(optional, can be seen in the video below

Check out the video below to get a better look at the outfit and to show support for our YouTube page!


Hope you guys are inspired to rock high profile celeb-style looks for less!!
Until next time :)

Style Star Throwback: Lucille Ball

Most of us have seen at least one episode of “I Love Lucy” or you may be a fanatic like me. Whatever the case may be, you cannot deny that Lucille Ball had impeccable taste. This post is a little homage to the late, great comedienne. I have also included some Lucy inspired vintage finds.

The Inspiration







Those cat eye glasses with the sheer top, the shirtwaist dresses and ahhh that black dress with the fur! I am salivating over it all! 


Lucille Ball Inspired Items














all items are from Etsy.com




Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead. -Lucille Ball


I hope you all enjoyed my post, I sure did! I will be doing more “Style Star” posts so stay tuned. Remember make fashion simple; and then add a touch of glam!
<3 Ash


Email me at amg030@shsu.edu and follow me on Twitter @AshleySoBougie

Monday, January 9, 2012

How to Wear Red Lipstick

Red lipstick is a staple item in my life. Not only does it make me feel glamorous, it adds a little extra oomph to any outfit. With that being said you would think every girl would have a tube in her makeup bag? Nope; many girls express not knowing how to wear this bold shade. Have no fear; Ashley is here with another step by step post on how to achieve your perfect crimson pout J


Step 1: Soft and Luscious Lips
  • Jasmine covered this in her kissable lips video! A pretty pout starts with smooth lips. Make sure any dead skin is removed so your color can be smooth, there's nothing I hate more than DRY LIPS! #tragic #epicfail
Step 2: Line Those Lips
  • I mention the importance of lip liner in my "Makeup Essentials I Can't Live Without" post, but I will say it again: when wearing lipstick line those lips! Just make sure the lip liner is the EXACT same shade as your lipstick. You do not want the two tone affect, if the exact shade is not possible, find a lip liner the same shade as your lips.
Step 3: Powder is Your Friend
  • Powder sets your makeup, dust your lips lightly to give your color extra hold.
Step 4: Choose the Right Shade
  • This part is tricky... you might have to try a few times to get it right. If you are apprehensive, hit up your local Ulta or Sephora and they will hook you up with a tutorial for freeeee! If you are fair skinned, stick with pink undertones; olive skinned, do an orange based. For my women of color, classic reds to brick reds work best for our skin. 


Step 5: The Application
  • I usually never apply my lipstick straight from the tube anymore, now I use a lip brush. Start with the top, then work your way to the sides; do the same for your bottom lip. DO NOT SMACK YOUR LIPS TOGETHER! Fix any mistakes with a Q-tip then apply a second layer.
Step 6: The Rest of Your Face
  • The biggest mistake people make with red lipstick is trying to pair it with loud eye makeup. For me, I usually stick to black eyeliner and a little blush on the apples of my cheeks. If I do wear eye shadow with my red lips, it is a neutral pastel shade (sheer lilacs, or vanilla). 


Okay ladies now you are ready to step out with your new red lips! Remember make fashion simple; and then add a touch of glam. 

Email me comments or suggestions at amg030@shsu.edu and follow me on Twitter @AshleySoBougie

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Outfit of the Day

Hey fashionistas, I’m back with another “Outfit of the Day”! I checked out Jasmine’s “High Bun” tutorial  video and that influenced the rest of my look. I LOVE this hairstyle sooo much; I will be doing it frequently throughout the school year. The occasion was lunch with a girlfriend. 







Chic huh? J Here is a breakdown of the look:

Animal Print Scarf: My Mom's :)

Chanel Inspired Earrings: Charmed by Stacy $15

Tan Draped Jacket: Forever21 $10

Black Tank Top: Wal Mart $5

Chanel Inspired Purse: xreplica.com $140

Chanel Inspired Necklace: xreplica.com $20

Pull-on Jeggings: Fashion Bug $30

Rose Gold Watch: Fossil $125

Tan Flats: Forever21 $16



Thanks for checking out another post. Make sure you check out Jasmine's video so you can achieve your own high bun look. Remember, make fashion simple and then add a touch of glam.






Email me at amg030@shsu.edu and follow me on Twitter @AshleySoBougie