Fancy That.

The eyes have it. They are the windows to the soul. She's got Bette Davis eyes. Debbie Gibson got lost in your eyes...the list of cultural references is endless. Maybe that is why I (eye?) get a little out of control sometimes when it comes to eye makeup. Despite occasionally being hidden behind sunglasses, a bold eye makeup look is quite the attention getter. It is as much on your face as in your face. Remember the story I alluded to in my lipstick post? Let's talk about that.

One lovely Saturday afternoon, Liz and I took a trip to buy some makeup. We started out at Bloomingdale's, and after picking up some products (Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner), we had the sudden urge to check out Sephora. While I do not normally shop there, after test driving a few of their fabulous branded eyeliners, I think I may be hooked. After much time spent swatching all the different color and formula options, I came away with their Liquid Liner in Glitter Khaki.

I never thought I was good at liquid liner application, but apparently it just takes some practice, a good applicator, and not some 99 cents Wet 'n Wild I convinced myself would do the trick. (Instead I ended up with black liquid in my eye and a lovely burning sensation. Do not recommend.) Sephora brand is only $10 and I love it. Needless to say, Liz and I went back a few weeks later and picked up some more goodies. I got another liquid liner in "Fancy Blue," and the waterproof crayon liner in "Flashy Blue." ($10 and $8 respectively). Can you say "Hi, I'm Awesome?" These liners are not for the faint of heart. They are loud and bright and scream for attention, and will get you many confused looks from passerbys. Not like there is anything wrong with that, I just figured I would warn you.


Glitter Khaki, Fancy Blue, Flashy Blue images courtesy of Sephora.com

Fancy Blue

I could go on forever about the wonders of makeup all day, but I will spare you the soap box speech. I happen believe that makeup is the quintessential and simplest way to put an original spin on any outfit. Discovering the treasure trove of eyeliner colors at Sephora was one of the best revelations ever: it completely revamped my product selection and rejuvenated my desire to put a little fun on my face. For such a great price, you have so many options and ways to change up your everyday look.

Now go dress up your face and report back!

Bright Tights, Big City.

Color is big for Spring. Marimekko for H&M scarf, Essie Bright Tights nail polish

A few things you may not know about me:
- I enjoy Jay McInerney (hence the blog title reference, in case you didn't catch that)
- I run (and not just to sales, like in the park and races and stuff)
- I speak un peu de Francais
- I love New York
- Along with Liz, I resolved that in 2011 I would do more interesting things

On that last note, I have to say we have been very successful so far, and this weekend was no exception. As a single girl in this city, I am an expert at keeping myself busy. When you live alone in a studio apartment, you have to make a concerted effort to tear yourself off the couch and away from the TV if you want to make sure you have an active and interesting social life. I am involved in a charity, I joined a Trivia League, I am about to start training for my second half marathon, and am attempting to complete 9 races so I have guaranteed entry for the NYC marathon in 2012. I may enjoy shopping and makeup, but there is more to me than just that, and I consider myself to be quite the well-rounded individual.

If you love streetstyle as I do, you owe it to yourself to see "Bill Cunningham: New York." Enjoy watching the trailer here. Danielle and I had a fashion date on Friday that included the documentary viewing at Film Forum and then some signature cocktails at Kingswood. From beautiful clothes to beautiful men, it was a very successful evening. If I could have a fashion "goal" before I leave New York, it would be to be photographed by The Sartorialist or Bill Cunningham. Now that I've seen the movie, and what a loveable guy Mr. Cunningham seems to be, I might move him to the top of my list. Can you imagine seeing yourself in the Sunday Style section? Guh, amazing.

Saturday was a much needed lazy day complete with TV, errands with Antonia, and evening laundry. Oh, and the Supermoon of course! Gothamist has much better pics than I did, but here is my attempt anyway:


Looks like a regular moon

Sunday, on the other hand, was jam-packed with excitement. I woke up early and well rested, got myself together slowly, then went for a 3 mile run. I managed a great time without any leg pain so I was already off to a good start. Came home, showered, and got ready to meet Liz at noon.

First stop was Diablo Royale for what I thought was an unlimited bloody mary brunch. Turns out bloodies were not included in the special, but we got them anyway (and a large diet coke of course). The food was good and the vibe was fun, despite our server being a bit of a jerk. We enjoyed ourselves nonetheless, then set off for Soho to check out the color blocking options at Zara. Because really, what is a day or a blog post without a little fashion lesson. Colorblocking is all over the place this season, and I'm pretty obsessed with the idea. Probably because I own a TON OF BLACK for work and I'm sick of having a wardrobe full of boring neutrals.


Photo from Refinery29

I tried on a few things for fun, but nothing worked, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. A few random stores later, we stopped in Madewell, and on the sale rack I came upon an item that will be the perfect fit for a gaping hole in my wardrobe that I have been trying to fill for the past three years: the flowy chiffon skirt. I have been dying to wear one with loose sweaters and tough accessories. While the Madewell website claims a price $98, I got 25% off the already reduced price, and paid $55 including tax. Steal!


Photo from Madewell.com

A little more wandering, and some Peanut Butter Oreo ice cream at Emack & Bolio's it was time to brush up on our American film classics with "Taxi Driver" at Film Forum. Twice in one weekend, a record!



While saying that I liked the movie seems strange and wrong, I am glad I saw it. It is incredibly well acted, and it is always interesting to see what New York was like in the 1970s. Now, if you count how many times I used the word "interesting" in this post, you would see how successful this weekend clearly was. To squeeze in a little more productivity, I hit up the grocery store on my way home, and now I must attempt to cook for the week and repaint my nails. Not because I don't LOVE the neon orange, but because it seems to already be chipping.

And with that, I bid adieu. Goodnight Supermoon. Good Night readers. Good Night New York.

Orange You Glad (You Read My Blog)?

I love lipstick. Not as much as nail polish of course, but a love nonetheless. Okay...I'm gonna level with you, I love all makeup. I enjoy expressing my creativity in any way I can, which includes sometimes outlandish manicures, unexpected clothing combos, and not-so-subtle makeup. I am not afraid to be a little out there, no matter how many weird stares I may get. When I first wore my new "flashy blue" eyeliner, I realized that people in the office elevator and in the streets of Midtown Manhattan weren't staring at me because I had food in my teeth, it was because my eyeliner was...well...flashy. But that is a story for another time.

This post is all about lipstick: bright colored lipsticks dominated the Spring/Summer 2011 runways such as Ohne Titel and Jil Sander and are a huge beauty trend for the upcoming season. I actually started wearing hot pink lipstick about three years ago, and am super excited to rock them all summer long. I have three shocking pinks: two discontinued YSL Rouge Pur (loooove and were worth the splurge) and Nars Schiap (a classic and NOT discontinued).


Rouge Pur 128. Rouge Pur 32. Nars Schiap.

Recently however, I decided that orange was the new pink. Okay, not the new pink because I will always wear pink, but I got the idea in my head that I had to have an orange lipstick, and became determined to find myself the perfect shade. I never thought I would incorporate orange into my makeup wardrobe, but then I bought a slew of nail polish shades last year and now I am infatuated. I may be over orange juice, but orange makeup is my new best friend. And trust me, it can be yours too...for under $10!

While I loved the idea of orange lipstick, I wasn't ready to take the plunge with an expensive tube. Although I do think that department store makeup can be a nice little indulgence for the girl on a budget, sometimes I need to remind myself that the drugstore is a great place to do a trendy makeup test drive. So, after a little research, Google Image-ing, and some review checking on MakeupAlley, I came away with two oranges: Siren (the exact shade used at Ohne Titel) and Orange Flip. I tried to get a good swatch photo, but my lack of a real camera put a wrench in that plan. So instead you will have to be satisfied with product shots, some Photo Booth pics, and your own set of Google Image searches.

Siren and Orange Flip image shots from Drugstore.com. (Note: I purchased mine at Bed Bath & beyond for $5.99 and $7.49 respectively.) In the photos above they look pretty much the same, so here is my Photo Booth attempt to capture the colors:


Orange Flip on the left. Siren on the right.

Lastly I will say this: as a fair skinned, blonde hair, blue eyed girl, I think they are flattering. When it comes to a bold lipstick, or bold makeup in general, it is important to make sure you only buy products that look good, not only because they make you FEEL good, but you also have to believe that you can pull it off. Anything that gets you noticed means you better know you are awesome, and even more so for having the guts to go bright when everyone else is blending in.

And that is my little lip shtick.

I Majored in Art History, In Case You Didn't Know

Despite what seems like evidence to the contrary, I really do want to make my blog something that people will check everyday, or at least of their own volition and not because I'm bombarding them with links on Facebook, Google Chat, Twitter, and Adium. I hope that I eventually will have a group of followers who are genuinely interested to see what I write next. This means I need to stick to my plan of continuous posting, as well as providing useful and relevant information.

I spent this past weekend with my parents who were in town visiting from D.C. While I try to be as interesting and cultured as I can, these two adjectives usually get trumped by home manicures, running (when I'm not injured), SeamlessWeb, TV/DVR, or long wandering walks around the city. So, when my parents come up, it is an excuse to forgo my usual weekend activities and do the things that my parents like to do in the city such as eat nicer meals, patronize museums, and see Broadway shows. I always have a great time, and I wanted to share what I learned during a few of my weekend outings:

- The MoMa is really great. Yes, it is one of the pricier museums ($20 admission), but it is worth it for the special exhibitions coupled with the great permanent collection. Right now is Picasso's Guitars and I highly recommend it. Also, for the cash strapped, it is free on Friday evenings, so brave the lines and get to it!

Photo credit moma.org

- Van Cleef & Arpels has some sick jewels. 350 amazing pieces are now on display at the Cooper Hewitt and you if you like sparkly things as much as I do, you need to go. It is $15 general admission but the estate is gorgeous and after the show you can walk the beautiful Central Park reservoir or take a nice stroll down museum mile.

Photo credit newyorksocialdiary.com

- $18 Bloody Mary pitchers at Octavia's Porch on 3rd Street and Avenue B. I love a good bloody and Liz and I are always on the search for the next great one (preferably included in the meal). The $18 is an additional charge, but they are quite tasty, and it was an overall delicious brunch.

While this post may not seem to have anything to do with fashion, it does have to do with New York, which happens to not only be the city where I reside, but the city I love and which provides me with continuous inspiration. I will also add that museums, as well as the East Village, are great places to see amazing fashion; I saw so many creative minded people wearing imitation worthy outfits. If you keep your eyes open, you can spot many things that may spark your fashimagintion no matter where you go. (I'm like Faulkner, I make up words. Yeah...okay I got nothing on Faulker.)

Now get outside and enjoy your city!

I Happen to Love Trigonometry, But Fashion Math is Much More Fun.

I would like to begin this post with a personal thank you to all of my coworkers who complimented my outfit on February 10th (I meant to post this the same week so I apologize for my lapse in blogging). Not only did it tug at my little stylist-at-heartstrings, but it is now archived in the "go-to outfit" section of the fashion reference library known as my closet. And, since my blog is dedicated to individual style on a budget, it is quite fitting that both pieces I wore that day are from H&M.

The boots are Lanvin Fall 2009, purchased at Loehmann's for about 85% off, and I extend an apology to the woman who was following me around hoping I wouldn't buy them, because she is missing out on a lot of shoe admiration.

Note: This outfit contains black and navy. I have learned that this is a viable color combination despite initial reservations, and now I kinda dig it. So you have my seal of approval to wear it too, not that you need it.

And now onto some other ensembles that give great style at a great price:

GAP open cardigan + American Apparel braided belt = DVF-inspired wrap worthy of a street style snapshot. I like to pair mine with gray over-the-knee socks from H&M and a more fitted bottom, mostly because I spend too much free time stalking Lookbook.

White burnout tee + H&M spandex mini = simple East Village Evening outfit.

Worn specifically with Hue Super Opaque black tights and sample sale Giuseppe Zanotti booties. (Best $15 I ever spent! And no that's not a typo.) Other footwear alternatives: $35 H&M wedge booties or $28 Forever21 Workman Lace Up Booties. I just like to write the word "booty."

Forever21 floral chiffon dress + J. Crew Outlet argyle cardigan + Buffalo Exchange Vintage GAP belt = a lesson in layering, a tutorial in textures, and a play on pattern mixing. I'm all about the Jenna Lyons J. Crew styling aesthetic of mashing up lengths and textures and patterns, then cinching it all together with a belt. I'm still perfecting my own version, but this is a pretty decent replication for my body type.

Express Tuxedo boyfriend blazer + gray American Apparel Tri-Blend v-neck + Hue black leggings + multiple Trash & Vaudeville studded bracelets = Kate Lanphear Rock Chic. I have made clear my obsession for Kate, so this equation needs no explanation.

If you can't tell, I have a mild case of fashion schizophrenia. I don't think I have one distinctive style, but rather I dress for my mood, which can change every day or every minute.

Now it is your turn to come up with a style equation that multiplies the contents of your closet! Let me know what you come up with!


I would also like to apologize for the crap quality of my pictures, as I rely solely on my BlackBerry and Photo Booth for iMac. One day, I promise to upgrade. If I can just stop buying nail polish and shoes...

If You Weren't Aware...

...I kind of have a "thing" for nail polish. Lucky for you, this obsession has lead to some pretty awesome manicures. I have included a photo gallery of my favorites because looking at pictures is fun, and maybe you'll even get a little inspiration for your next paint job. Your manicure will thank me. (My blog says you're welcome, because it's polite like that.)

Chanel Blue Satin + Sally Hansen DVD, American Apparel Factory Grey + Cover Girl City Lights, Illamasqua Phallic + OPI Catch Me In Your Net


Nfu-Oh 65, Essie Bright Tights, American Apparel Mount Royal


OPI Blue My Mind + Sally Hansen Laser, Essie Lilacism + Milani Hi-Res + Color Club Wild At Heart, Essie Chinchilly + Nicole by OPI You're A Star


Sinful Black + Wet 'n Wild Kaleidoscope, Sally Hansen Blue Me Away, Illamasqua Phallic + Sally Hansen Laser



Orly Luxe + Sinful Colors Black On Black + Essie Matte About You topcoat (Ruffian inspired), Chanel Khaki Vert


Maybe one day I'll do a YouTube tutorial of some of the more complex combinations, but there really is not much to any of it other than practice, practice, practice! Not to mention that DIY manicures are my excuse to spend more money on nail polish. Okay, one of many excuses.

What are your favorite brands and/or colors? (I'm asking because, who knows, maybe my collection is missing something.) I'm really not trying to be sarcastic.

(Tr)Endorsement Time!

Despite my blog's name, I never really liked the word trend. A trend, to me, implies the ephemeral, the fleeting, that an end is inevitable. If an item of clothing or a certain style keeps finding its way back into our fashion vocabulary, how can it ever really be "over"? (Fashion makes me deep, okay?) I think a trend is like that tree that falls in the empty forest: If you keep wearing a once "trendy" item, doesn't that mean it never went out of style? Or rather that it has become a new wardrobe staple?

I don't like to think that just because I still ache to feel hip by wearing my Dr. Marten's (sure they are "in" now, but the resurrection of 90's grunge won't last forever), or plan to wear leggings long after their return to being "so 80's", that I will all of a sudden be incredibly démodé. I wholeheartedly believe that one should wear what suits one, what looks good on her body type, not what the fashion magazines deem appropriate and of the moment. So, from trendsetting to trendorsing, here are some currently stylish items I will appreciate long beyond their shelf life:

- Motorcycle ankle boots

- Studs (particularly on belts, shoes, and bracelets)

- Neon lips

- Leggings (not as pants)

- Oversized sweaters

- Over-the-Knee socks

- Fur/Faux Fur Jackets

- Skinny jeans (preferably in black or gray)

image credits: Boots, Madewell.com, Belt, BCBG.com, Socks, ASOS.com

Wow, there's an incredible 198o's theme running through that list. Betcha can't tell which decade I was born in. And now for the list of items that, despite numerous magazine or blog features, will never find their way into my already overstuffed closet:

- Clogs

- Harem pants

- Maxi Skirts (I bought a maxi dress once, wore it a few times. Then I grew a brain and realized I'm too short to pretend that I'm tall)

- Leggings (as pants). This also includes the topic of jeggings.

- The Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" boot. I understand this is more blogger fashion than fashion fashion (Is there a difference? I don't know), but if I see this shoe in any more street style shots I might die. I read they are coming out with a shag version. I'm hoping this is an early April Fool's joke.

- High waisted pants

- Open toe booties. They look cute in random fashion snaps, but to me, showing a little toe cleave in a shoe that is meant for winter wear seems oddly counter-intuitive.

- Sweats as anything but lounge wear (From Alex Wang to the Pajama Jean, I just can't support this look)




image credits: Jeffrey Campbell Clogs, footnotesonline.com, Harem pants, shopbop.com, Jeffrey Campbell Lita boot, revolveclothing.com, T by Alexander Wang jersey sweat pants, net-a-porter.com

Disclaimer: My list of "just say no" trends is of course entirely personal opinion, whether based on my inability to find them aesthetically pleasing, or knowing that they are not the right clothes for my body type. I am in no way condemning anyone for wearing what they love, even if I happen to loathe it. It is my own "golden rule" of fashion. You may not like something I'm wearing, but I would prefer it if you would keep that to yourself. Compliments, however, are always welcome.