sous le soleil

Here are the products of a lovely Parisian day under the sun in the Tuileries. My friend Micha, below, looked great as always, captured here taking a photo of the sunset. I also wanted to show my outfit for its mixi-ness, as I think things like that often flow magically together although by any means of logic they should look absolutely ridiculous. Case in point: gladiator sandals + leggings + shorts + bright orange bag + multicolored delicate fabric tank + black winter scarf + jumble of odd accessories = .... a good outfit? I guess fashion works in mysterious ways...

On Micha, left: Charcoal Stretch Tunic, H&M, White Ruffle Vest, H&M, Grey Multipocketed Skinny Jeans, BCBG, White Woven Flats with Ankle Strap, L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani.

On me, above right: Black bow clip (in hair, front of updo) Forever21, Black Risky Business Sunglasses, Primark, Black Scarf, Found, Multicolored Tank, Urban Outfitters, Orange Faux-Leather Bag with Gold Detailing, Big Buddha, Available at Crush Boutique in Boston, Tweed Shorts, Free People, Black Cropped Leggings, Found, Elastic Black Gladiator Sandals, Miss Coquine's Paris.

Note: When I say found, it is as bizarre/gross as it sounds. The scarf I saw on a girl at the bar, and it was freezing outside. And she left without it. Being as I was freezing, I snagged it (washed before wearing, of course). The leggings, a friend left at one of my parties sophomore year and through extensive research I was never able to find their owner, so I kept them. The funny thing is all the compliments I get on them because they're "sheer," which in fact is just because they're about a billion sizes too small for me and the fabric stretches out over my leg. Ah, style secrets.

i've found my soulbag

The Nicole Non-Leather Shopper in all its glory, available on the Ted Baker web site.

My (not so) recent obsession with Ted Baker has been costing me a lot, even though I buy a lot of his stuff on eBay. Trust me, this is the best way to snag amazing deals on this brand. But ever since a girl in my program came back with this, the Nicole bag, from London, I've been lusting over it like a Twi-hard over Robert Pattinson. Nothing can be done to soothe my longing... except pure and simple purchase.

It's too new to be on eBay, so I might just have to trek down to the Ted Baker on Newbury once I get back to Boston and buy it (once I've gotten a job for the summer, of course).

pixie cuts

Here's a pic of Adriama Lima I pulled from the Internet (read: another blog, heart you Superficial) and even though the rest of the shoot portrays her nude from the waist up, I'd like to comment on the cute pixie 'do. I love it with her features. The big doe eyes are sweet with the cropped look. And isn't that the point of the pixie cut -- to look like an innocent fairy type?

I've been considering going short, probably not this short, but let me know your thoughts...

London style

So I'm in London for the weekend, and have been spending a lot of time outdoors in the parks because of the gorgeous weather. Today I saw a lot of really great outfits, but was only able to catch a couple candid shots so as not to seem like a creep. My friend got this photo of one woman's outfit. It looks a little boring in the pic but I wanted to note that she pulled off leopard print gladiator sandals and a red striped tunic, and she did it well. Loved the shoes.

forgotten treasures

Tights, Nordstrom. Black flats with crystal accent, Miss Coquine's Paris.

Today I wore my cool black tights from two summers ago when I worked at Nordstrom. I forgot how much I missed them, and discovered how nice they look with black flats, especially when the flats have a little accent like these ones. Please excuse the little tear near the toe -- I know it's bad but I just can't give these things up.

La Petite Parisienne

Bow Clip, Anoki Paris. Blue Circle Scarf, LA Made. Coat, Guess.

Two of my girliest obsessions: flowers and bows. They're staples in my accessories wardrobe, and they also happen to be speckled throughout the shops in Paris.

So the other night I decided to do a bit of shopping on Rue de la Huchette after having a few drinks. This would seem like a bad idea, but somehow I always end up making great purchases when I'm just the slightest bit buzzed. Go figure.

Anyway, here it is, in all its glory: my turquoise bow hair clip. It fits into my hair well, never so much as adjusted throughout the entire day, and gave me a nice little pop of color to fight the gloom of the gray Parisian sky. And best of all, it's just plain cute!

The Mataano twins

So today at work while taking a short breather from boiling down a Texan aerospace sector directory, I went on my favorite break site, CNN. I was thrilled to find this story and just had to write about it. It's about a pair of Somalian twins who fled their country to escape civil war, settled in the US and created a clothing line:

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/04/08/somalia.fashion.twins/index.html

I have always thought African designs are really beautiful because they like colorful pieces (like Californians do!) and always create unique patterns. Check out the site at http://www.mataano.com/ to find some cool items. I did have to dig a little-- some of them aren't as African as one would expect-- but the ones that are look incredible! My favorite collection is Spring 2009.

i want to make a dress

with this pattern, found in Amsterdam on a wall. I did blur the edges and enhance the color, but I think this would be a great print for a Grecian-style drape dress. I'll probably try to make it when I get back to Boston.

stop, you're making me brush

I strongly believe that good makeup is difficult to do well without good brushes. Which is why, as you can see here, I always have my handy brush case around when I want to look pretty. Although I swear by the brushes in the photo, there are tons of brushes on the market, and I'm sure that some of you have your own preferences.

Also, I realize that this brush collection is NOT cheap. So do what I did to avoid breaking the bank: buy them one or two at a time. I promise it'll make the next purchase something exciting to look forward to, and keep you occupied by trying out the one you've just bought in the meantime.

Brushes (from left to right):

1. Bare Escentuals Handy Buki Brush, $20

2. Bare Escentuals Full Flawless Application Face Brush, $28

3. Clinique Eye Definer Brush, $16.50

4. Sephora Collection Professionnel Concealer Brush #46, $17

5. Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush, $25

6. The Body Shop Eyeshadow Blender Brush, $18

7. Japonesque Pro Blush Brush #324, $35

8. Prescriptives Foundation Brush, $30

9. Studio Basics Cosmetic Blush Brush, $3.85

10. Bobbi Brown Faux Leather Brush Case, $35

A quick note: I'm not a big proponent of the Bare Escentuals company, as I worked there for one day and in the weeks before my first and only day was treated horribly, ignored and lied to. Hence quitting after the first day. Also, a few years after my short stint with the company, I was contacted multiple times over the course of many months regarding a lawsuit against the company by former employees for neglecting to pay worked hours and lying about their pay rates, etc. This really didn't surprise me, considering how I had been treated. That said, they really do produce fantastic (if not inexpensive) brushes and makeup. You must know that I'm very passionate about worker's rights and would never advocate a company like this unless their products were phenomenal.

Summary of the other brushes/brands:

Clinique's Eye Definer Brush is a great tool for soft powder eyeliner and eyeshadow accents. I use it a lot for a little dose of color over a neutral eyeliner base.

Sephora is one of my favorite stores -- I'm like a kid in a candy store in that place. This brush is wonderful because it gets the job done as well as the designer brands, but at a lower price. I usually use it with Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Foundation SPF 15, but it works great with liquid concealer as well.

The Bobbi Brown brush. Oh, wow. Where do I start? I bought this specifically for their Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, my absolute favorite. But then I bought a cream eyeliner from the drugstore, and it worked wonders with that as well. This double-edged sword is magic: it has a wide side and a skinny, tapered side depending on how thick of a brush stroke you're aiming for.

The Body Shop eyeshadow brush is inexpensive. It does a great job of blending, a perfect tool for smoky eyes. And it's great for putting highlighter shadow just under the brow bone or in the inner corner of the eye.

The Japonesque Pro Blush Brush is soooo ridiculously soft. It feels like clouds are floating over your cheeks.

Prescriptives makes their Foundation Brush perfect for liquid foundation. Although I rarely use it, when I do I use this brush. Using your fingers is more difficult and can trap bacteria, causing breakouts. Using a foam wedge works, but it can take multiple wedges to blend and the material often soaks up too much of the product.

The Studio Basics Blush Brush is a real steal. I got it at CVS in a kit, and although the rest of the kit was as disappointing as I had expected (I had to buy it in an emergency, when I had left all my brushes at home in California by accident), this one was a winner. I like that the synthetic bristles are sturdy enough to sweep a thorough helping of highlighter onto the cheeks. Also good for pesky powder blush, because it actually picks up product from pressed powder.

The Bobbi Brown Faux Leather Brush Case is so handy. I don't know if it's still available in stores, but I have found it online. It's small, zips up and has different spots inside for each brush. I keep all my brushes in it.

ready, set...

Welcome to style.sponge, the new blog for everything fashion and beauty related. Get advice, tips, tricks, deals and product/outfit/ brand recommendations. I am a fashion junkie living in currently living in Paris, coming from San Francisco, and going to school in Boston. Vivre la variété de culture !