Thursday, December 29, 2011

These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

For some people, shoe shopping is a passion. Not for me, my thing is definitely nail polish! But a girl's gotta wear shoes, right?..
Shoes for this season are diverse, interesting, and wild. As colors go, this winter shoe comes in black, white, camel, beige, burgundy, dark blue, chocolate, deep violet, khaki and red.. Which makes sense, since its winter and all..
The diversity of this season's shoe-do's are sure to guarantee that every girl finds her thing, and is comfortable wearing it too!

Sock-in-shoe
Some people tend to believe that Rihanna started this trend, I just think it was triggered by sock makers *sigh
The trend was seen on the runways of D&G, Marc and Dior. It's a very bold move, and that's why its a fashion statement! But if it's too much for you, you can safely go for tights instead. You'll look sexier yet still remain in the fashion loop.






Stilettos
Now this is a heel I LOVE. Thin heels are S-E-X-Y. And well let's face it, I'm short, so they work wonders on elongating my legs and fixing my posture. Mind you, after a few hours I start loathing the minute I wore them, but, I'd go and do it all over again on the next occasion! And let's be honest now, its a heel that will never get old. They were featured in this season's collections of Lanvin, Donna Karan and Armani.




Platforms and Wedges
The picture above features a wedge heel, and this is another trend that's been growing from fun wedge summer sandals into bulky, bold winter shoes and boots. Personally, I don't go for the wedge heel. I'm petite, so these pieces make my feet disproportionately big in comparison to the rest of my body, and I just look odd.
But it's a powerful trend, I gotta give it that! And so did Marc Jacobs - repeatedly!

Suede

It goes without saying, being winter and all.. But suede is BIG this season. Of course, I would tell you NOT to buy real animal skin and go for the faux. But either ways, it's the look we're after. This matte, warm texture is all over the runways of Michael Kors, Isabel Marant and Givenchy.



Michael Kors suede flat boots.







Isabel Marant suede ankle boots





Givenchy thigh high suede boots


Reptile Skin Prints
I won't repeat this; I'm all for animal "imitation" skins. Not the real thing.
But the look of reptile skins, with their wild, untamed nature is just sexy. And designers incorporated this in their productions for the season, urging every woman to bring out the sexy wild animal within.
This trend also extends into dress prints, scarves and even nail polish!! (Yes.)
Steve Madden




Just a thought.....



These were some of the most prominent shoe trends of the season. Today, I'm walking in a pair of camel, faux-leather knee-length boots.. What are YOU walking in?
Gotta go now. Over & out.
Amy <3

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Feel Pretty!

With every season, I tend to go through my make-up kit. It's like a seasonal clean-up, based on 1) how usable my items still are, and 2) what colors still pass for trendy. After the "audit" I see what I need to buy, and go for a little make-up shopping spree.
So now that winter is officially here, I have to lock away my bright summery colors and break out the darks and nudes.. Right?
Wrong..
Here's a quick look on Winter 2012 make-up trends.. Pretty vast, you'll see..

Nudes
This goes without saying. Winter - for some people, like me - calls for calm, pastel looks and not-too-bright palettes. And this application was widely seen on the catwalks by Marc (Jacobs), Valentino and Versace.

Marc Jacobs - Nude palette paired with black mascara and black eyeliner.

Thick Eyeliner (the Amy Winehouse)
This trend has been around for about maybe two years now, but with the tragic death of Amy Winehouse, it only seems to be going stronger (and thicker.)
I personally love it, because it sort of relates to my old Goth self.. and it gives a dramatic effect with one stroke of a brush!
You can wear this trend in its thinner form during the day..


And draw a thicker layer when you're out and about later on...


The thicker you go, the wilder it looks... Pretty rock n' roll!


Vampy Lips
This is also a trend that doesn't seem to fade, and after we spent our summer with bright reds, pinks and oranges.. Guess what? Keep them all, and some!
Reds, pinks and oranges are BIG this winter, inviting their friends; maroon, brown and purple!
Make sure though that you pair your powerful statement lips with nude skin and minimal eye makeup, you don't want to end up looking like a christmas tree!

Jennifer Hudson (to the left) and Nicole Richie (to the right) set the perfect example of how to wear the vampy lips trend. Accentuated lips, while every thing else is minimal.

Orange lips can brighten up any dark, wintery outfit..


Colored Smokey Eyes
So, some people are getting bored of the whole black/grey smokey eyes.. Here's some good news! This winter, you can create the smokey effect with any color that suits your outfit, and get away with it! Warm colors like browns, maroons and oranges have been observed on the catwalk of Chanel among others..

Brown eyeshadow for fashion shoots...



Red eye shadow on the runway..



.. And Fergie with a bright shade of orange smoke.


So.. I think its safe to conclude that now, with one or two new items, its easy to pick one of these trends (or mix and match) for cool morning palettes, and edgy party looks.
Personally, I'm going for the orange fiesta this week! I'm gonna blind 2011 away!
Gotta get back to work now, so, over & out.
Amy <3

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Year, New Party, New Outfit!

Only a few days, and the NYE will be upon us. Do you have your party outfit ready?
I do :) and while looking for the right look, I came across the top trends for this year's sendoff...

This is a simple sequined piece, found at Promod. Its the ultimate party dress with a sassy silver edge!





Another fully sequined find, also at Promod. Its an LBD with a twist, and I would personally wear it!


Green is IN.. and I can't stress this enough! This fun color is made even funner in this design with the playful neck bow and sexy lace rim, also by Promod. It's a cheerful way to welcome 2012!


Velvet is making a strong comeback this season, and H&M took notice. This stretch velvet, body-hugging knee-length also comes in black. And with the flowy, drapey neckline and a price tag of 269 egyptian pounds, this dress just can't go wrong.




Metal studs and embroidments have been around for a few seasons now, and with a new years party, what sounds better than some glittery texture? H&M carries this black jersey dress with small silver studs. It will cost you 599 egyptian pounds, and it's worth it!




And if you want to say good-bye to 2011 in a happier shade, H&M also offers this happy pink with golden metal rivets, forming a beautiful Arabian design. It's a bit pricier than the previous H&M offerings, at 1499 egyptian pounds.. But you'll be sure to look like a mystical princess from Morocco!

Now that you get the idea of what's "in" for this party season, I advise you to spend a day at your local mall. You'll find a huge collection of party dresses within these trends, at prices affordable by all wallets :)

On my next post, I'll talk about what make-up to pair with your NYE outfit, for a glamorous end to the year, and a perfect start of a fresh new year!
Over and out
Amy <3

Monday, December 26, 2011

Hair Trends for Fall/Winter 2011-2012

A new hair cut can have the effect of a makeover! Getting a new do instantly changes the way you feel about yourself, the way you see your outfits hanging on you, and the way people see you. You're more likely to get a comment about your new hair cut than on your outfit. And let's face it, its always fun to get the hair done ;)
So, below I share the most note worthy hair styling trends that were observed both on the runway and the red carpet..

The Center Part
For years now, parting your hair came naturally to the side. You simply flip your hair to one side and you're all set. This year, a more defined look is adopted. The center part combines the good old Hippie-laden 70's and promising futuristic movie stylings. Personally, I love it.

The Sharp Fringe
After years of sweeping your bangs to the side (which kind of went with the side part).. This face-framing, character-empowering sharp look is ushering in a different era: the perfect balance between cute and sexy.

The Rock Pixie
The pixie doesnt seem to be going anywhere this season, it may have been adjusted a little, but its far from gone...
It's now flatter and less "spikey" than the previous two seasons. And goes with more feminine waves.

The 1960's Mod Bob
Alongside the nostalgia taking over the fashion scene, and like the center part flashback trend, this delicate bob is not as sharp as the last bobs we've been seeing.. It's wild, rebellious and sexy.
The Urban Wave
For a city chick, this style will always be there.. It's spontaneous, easy-going, modern and princess-pretty! And let's face it, it suits almost everyone!

The Ponytail
And last but not least, the easiest, most professional look for the every day woman...
Over and out
Amy <3

Sunday, December 25, 2011

My first post here..

I'd say, blog about what you love.. So I want my first post on my new blog to be about something I'm really passionate about; nail color.
Nails for winter 2011-2012 are bold, dark and confident.

Earth-inspired greens and blues, in both dark and light shades are very trendy this season..

Confident Nudes are exhibited in the "mannequin hands" trend..

And bold orange - surprisingly - is very trendy this winter! I know, its a summery color, but that's the point; to spread warm vibes in the midst of the winter greys and blues..

And matte finished still live on from the last season, so, enjoy!
Now, I'm a budget fashionista and I'm not embarrassed to say it.. And I live in Cairo, so for you budget fashionistas out there; Luna cosmetics offer a collection of all trendy colors:

And they're sold in La Beaute Mohandeseen, as well as the Luna booth at City Stars, Phase 1, in front of Spinney's.
The mini-bottles only cost 6 egyptian pounds, so, stock up on your favorite colors!! <3
Right now I'm wearing a brigh, summer-sky blue and my work colleagues love it :D
Over and out!
Amy