Creating An Unexpected Look

It seems these days that everyone is a fashionista.  Thanks to websites like Polyvore and Fashiolista, any and everyone can create looks.  This is an opportunity to share your personal style with other people and to connect with others who like your take on fashion.  However, there seems to be one thing that every set has in common that really gets on my nerves.  Every single set is matched to the T.

After seeing about 20 sets posted on Facebook, this type of color combination can get very boring.  Don’t get me wrong, this set is nice but there is no wow factor in it.  When creating an outfit it is always good to get an “I never would have thought to put these colors together”. The key to creating the perfect look is to have an unexpected element.  Experimenting with colors is an easy way to do this.

For me, this set is more interesting than the first.  Mixing colors in unexpected ways can make even the simplest outfit look exciting. These colors ‘go’ while the first outfit colors are matched.  It feels less forced, it's more fun to look at, and it seems more modern. 

 Here are 4 tips to creating outfits that ‘go’:

1. Outfits that ‘match’ tend have a number of elements so a quick way to reduce the look is to cut back on them.
2.   Have a statement piece. Neutrals with one colorful accent like a pair of shoes, handbag or scarf is a great way to make an outfit ‘go’. A simple ensemble with a bold piece of jewelry will also work.
3. Keep pieces in similar color families- warm with warm and cool with cool. Warm colors are based on yellows, oranges, browns, yellowish greens and warm reds. Cool colors are based on blues, greens, pinks, purples, blue-greens, magentas, and true "blue-based" reds.
4. Find a color wheel.  It will help you to create different color combinations that ‘go’. 

 by Myrlande Julien

6 Trendy Beauty Looks to Rock Now

Bold Brows

Seen on the runway over and over again, bold, bushy eyebrows are definitely here to stay. The look has been on every fashionista’s radar and this winter it’s popular as ever. To get this season’s must-have beauty look remember that although bold brows frame and define the eyes, they require grooming and upkeep to ensure you don’t get that “stuck in a coma for the last 10 years” look instead! If your brows are on the thinner side don’t fret, fill them in with some shadow one-to-two shades lighter then your brows for instant va-va-voom you crave!

Not To Do:
Totally Overdone

The Look:
Perfectly Bold

Dark Lips

One of the most prominent looks on the runway this season was dark lipstick. Romantic-with-a-gothic influence was seen time and time again and the makeup matched. When trying to achieve this look at home try rich berry shades and deep, dark plums. Always remember when trying this look to keep the rest of your makeup minimal to ensure your bold lips aren’t competing for attention. 

The Look:
Kate's Perfect Bold Lips
(no competition here for attention!)

Bold,Coloured Eye Liner

Coloured liner is one of the biggest trends for winter. One of the most popular ways to emulate this look is to add a thin strip of a bold jewel tone to your upper lash line, and remember a little colour goes a long way!

The Look:
Teal Coloured Liner

Bare Faced Beauty

If the thought of bold lips and colourful eyeliner makes you squirm in your seat, then this approach to make up will be right up your alley. Minimal makeup looks made a huge statement in the campaigns for Calvin Klein where they showed off women looking beautiful and fuss free. Nothing says beauty more than a youthful fresh face that stands out on its own. 

The Look:
Beautifully Bare Faced

Low Volume Waves

This winter a stylish hairstyle with a bit of a summer twist is on my radar:low volume hair with a sleek finish and a couple waves toward the bottom half of the hair. Two-or-three loose braids can be added to the bottom half of your hair at night and taken out in the morning will easily achieve this look. 

The Look:
Perfect Low Volume Waves

Written by: Lindsey Kennerknecht