ootd: last days of a neon summer

Good evening fashionistas! I know I have some apologizing to do- I was so bogged down with work that my blog schedule just went completely out of whack and now I have quite a couple of posts to make up for. For those of you that follow my Instagram, stylenativeblog, I did promise a post on one of my favorite new online shoppes called mymummadeit.net, however I realized that I was missing out on an outfit of the day.

My original plan was to have outfit of the day's go during the week (like around wednesday) but I have come to realize that it may be easier to post them on a weekend day. I really did like the idea of having a post in the middle of the week to break things up though, so I will try my best! I also am in the process of developing some ideas for a few personal posts to squeeze in as a surprise, so keep a look out for that!

For my outfit I really wanted to encapsulate my summer fashions. This outfit does combine pieces that are geared towards the warmer weather, but they are very bright and cool colors for the fall. I have been wearing neon pinks and oranges non-stop since the spring, and I couldn't finish off my fall without using them one last time!

Aztec Jumper- Topshop

Button Down Shirt- American Eagle

Boyfriend Jeans- American Eagle

Heels- Eurostep

Purse- Italian Street Leather Market

I picked to pair contrasting black and white in this outfit because I still wanted there to be an air of sophistication to the outfit. I feel that while the white and neon pink keep the look fun and summery, the black gives elegance and foresight to upcoming seasonal colors. (Black also goes with everything so this keeps it simple!)

xoxo

ps. This is also a great look because it is

 effortless and super comfortable: perfect for days

 when you feel lazy but still want to look cute!

weekend makeup shopping

Hello readers! I know it's Wednesday and I am so, so sorry for the late posting. I was really trying to get this post in by Monday, but with the photo shoot for my OOTD's I didn't have the time. I had to take some separate time to photograph the products I recently bought on a makeup shopping trip, and because my lighting situation isn't that great I had to do a little bit of editing. All of that aside, I have done my best to get these photos to showcase my purchases and I hope that they do them justice!

I visited three stores- Sephora, MAC and Duane Reade. Because this is not an overwhelming amount of products, I did get a little time to test them and see how they worked so I can give a little review as well!

Wet N' Wild Megalast Salon Nail Color in 215B Haze of Love (L) and 201C Wet Cement (R)

These two nail varnishes are actually phenomenal! Wet N' Wild's formula really has a great opacity and doesn't really even need 2 coats! The packaging is quite sleek and they are a total steal for only $2!

Wet N' Wild Salon Nail Color in 201C Wet Cement (on nails); design in 215B Haze of Love

Jordana Easyshine Glossy Lip Color in 02 Berry Colada

Jordana is really a new favorite drugstore brand of mine. Though it is hard to find in drugstores, it is a great, inexpensive brand that has all of their products made in the U.S.A. I chose this berry color because it complimented my natural lip color quite well, and seemed good for fall. For anyone who has dry lips, this is a great option because it has good color payoff but is also very moisturizing.

Sephora Instant Eye Makeup Remover and Tarte BB Tinted Moisturizer 12-Hour Primer

My most expensive purchases were naturally from Sephora, but I do not regret them at all! This was my first time trying a higher-end BB Cream, and it was totally worth every penny. The great thing about Sephora is that you can really take the time to find the perfect product for you, so I spent my trip feeling the textures of the BB products and seeing how the shades looked against my skin. Tarte's BB Cream in Fair ($34) was perfect for me and I love it! After applying it over a facial moisturizer my skin feels velvety soft (maybe this has a velvet matte finish?) and the makeup is weightless. My other purchase was a Sephora brand makeup remover ($11- large size; $6- travel size) that I highly recommend. I have been using this eye makeup remover for about 6 months and it does wonders for my eyes. I have sensitive eyes and this removes absolutely everything and you do not need to use a lot to get all of your makeup off. I find that it is very similar to the Clinique "Take the Day Off" Makeup Remover, which is also another good alternative for sensitive eyes.

MAC Eyeshadow Pan in Jest

My final makeup purchase was the MAC Eyeshadow in Jest. This is my first pan eyeshadow from MAC and it is a close match for Urban Decay's Sin from the Naked I Palette. When you buy MAC eyeshadows in pan form they are also $5 less!

xoxo

ps. I know this was quite a long

post and I will try to write 

less next time I do a makeup haul!

ootd: casually classy

I know it's the last day of the week, but I couldn't break my promise of posting a weekly outfit of the day! I worked on a couple of looks today, but this one definitely came out as one of my favorites. I could definitely see myself wearing this outfit on a trip to the city because it seems well put together, but is not too fancy and uncomfortable for strolling around.

Now that it is the fall (I can't believe today is the first day!) I feel the need to start wearing warmer clothing items, so I picked out almost full length jeans, but a sheer top and a lacy jacket that will let in the breeze. I hope you enjoy!

Blazer- Eyelash Couture

Collared Top- Dizzy Lissy

Jeans- Zara

Pumps- Mix No.6

I tried the blazer three different ways: off, resting on the shoulders, and completely on. The great thing about light coats is that you can still keep them on even if it is starting to warm up. The blazer-on-the-shoulder trend is totally in right now and I think it looks stunning! Such a perfect way to stay warm and still be stylish. 

xoxo

ps. check back tomorrow

for a beauty haul!

the one and only shoe cult

Recently the major online fashion label, Nasty Gal released a new line of intense footwear styles. The name? Shoe Cult. The collection boasts very unique styles that are common of shoe designers like Jeffery Campbell and independent labels sold at stores like LF and Urban Outfitters. While there are mainly heels and boots, they have thrown in a couple of sandals and sneakers to cover all the styles.
Nasty Gal has definitely conjured a group of cutting-edge designs- super high platform wedges, pumps with clear heels, crazy prints and of course tons of studs and buckles. The Shoe Cult has also been very well adapted to the upcoming seasons using dark colors and tough fabrics to stand up to wear and weather.

The Shoe Cult has been heavily advertised as well, and has become one of the most popular features on the brand's website. The blog "Nasty Gal Blog" also developed a series of posts about the design team of the shoes, including Michelle Kim, Whitney Cox, Niki Takesh, Dominique Ngheim, Natalia Zofia, Rachael Finley, Jenny Ong, Marta Pozzan and Rachel Nguyen.

Though I really did like the whole collection, I found that I didn't think many of the shoes would match the type of clothing I like to wear. I personally picked out a few shoes that spiked my interest and would be something I would like to add to my own closet. The great thing about brands like Nasty Gal is that they have developed the ability to create unique clothing that pushes fashionistas to reach outside of their style comfort-zone and try to something completely new.

The Ramble Chelsea Boot

The Flux Buckled Boot

The Hard Crush Bootie

Though the first two shoes are pretty typical of my style, I normally would not have picked out a shoe like the "Hard Crush Bootie." I love the fact that it's black, but more because it mixes in a leather material to contrast the actual shoe. These could look really grungy with a leather jacket and tights, but quite feminine when paired with some cute boyfriend jeans. 

My final opinion on this collection is a positive one. The slogan "Shoe Freaks Unite" seems to embody the shoes quite well, and almost directs the shoes towards a particular audience. If you are someone that enjoys taking risks with your fashion and loves shoes, this is a perfect line for you!

xoxo

ps. check out the cool intro video they made to 

showcase the shoes on youtube or check out 

how people styled the shoes by searching the

 tag #shoecult on instagram!

quick update #1

Hello readers! I just wanted to type a really, really short post about some new ways to find Style Native on the web! Though I have not created a Twitter account, I have established an e-mail, Instagram and linked my personal polyvore account to my blog!

Click these links or contact for beauty, fashion, style and more:

Instagram- instagram.com/stylenativeblog or follow stylenativeblog on your iPhone/Android/mobile

Polyvore- itml98.polyvore.com

Email- stylenativeblog@gmail.com

Contact me or comment on instagram posts with topics that you would like me to blog about! I love to hear feedback too!

xoxo

ps. shortcut badges to these accounts are posted on the sidebar 

as well, so don't worry if this post goes far into my blog's archives. 

matte lips

Today is another makeup monday! Though mondays are stereotypically known as the least-favorite day of the week, I think a post dedicated to beauty every monday is a great way to jumpstart the weekdays. 

One of the most popular trends that hit the runway during New York Fashion Week was matte lips. Popular labels like Rag & Bone, Prabal Gurung and Monique Lhuillier had their models sport bold colors to contrast their beautiful new spring designs. 

One of the most popular brands for matte lipsticks is MAC Cosmetics, which is commonly used on the runway and has a wonderful shade range to choose from. Seeing that winter is almost here, I felt that it fit best to showcase the darker shades. One of the anomalies that I have discovered in the cosmetic industry is the MAC Pro-Longwear Lipcreme, a lipstick that has the lasting power of a matte lipstick but has a creamy consistency. (Shown in the color "Unlimited" below)

 

MAC Diva Lipstick

MAC Unlimited Lipstick

MAC Sin Lipstick

                       

I have come to find that most of the dark, vampy colored lipsticks are matte. The reason? Such a dramatic color needs a long lasting power so your lips look good until you have another chance to reapply. 

Though I love matte, I find that it can be quite drying to my lips. However, when I apply a heavily moisturizing balm over my color, I have a lipstick that has a lasting power of all day and night. I swear by my Trish McEvoy Luxe Moisture Balm (which is sadly retired in the beauty world) because it gives nice moisture to my lips while providing a natural shine as well. 

My favorite matte right now is "Beguiled" from the Topshop Makeup Line. 

xoxo

ps. if you don't want to spend too much money

try out a revlon matte lipstick from the drugstore-

that's what Rag & Bone used on the runway!

3.1 phillip lim for target

Good morning! I chose to write about the new target line 3.1 Phillip Lim because I have been tracking it for quite a while and today was it's official online release! While it seems that most of the items are sold online, the bags are mostly available only in stores. Though I adore the simplicity of the collection's prints and designs, I was looking forwards to getting my hands on one of the gorgeous bags that go along with the collection. I was particularly drawn to the Mini Satchel with Gusset in Taupe, because of its similarity to the mini Céline luggage tote. Though the luggage tote has quite a different exterior design, the Phillip Lim bag does quite a good job at following the shape, and includes two opening sides that can be zipped up to make the bag smaller. I love the fact that you can chose to carry it on the shoulder or across the body, and that it seems small, but quite spacious at the same time. I have been looking for bags similar to Célines for a long time, and though I am still searching, the price of this bag is too good to pass up.

In addition to the bag (which is my main priority as you can see), I did quite like some of the styles! The leopard print scarf seems like a great accessory to have as a part of your fall wardrobe, and the black dress with faux leather is such a fun piece- it plays with texture very well, but still makes a clean, sophisticated look.

The taupe mini satchel with gusset!

A colorful look using pieces from the collection
(from audreymagazine.com)

xoxo

ootd: minty madness

My first outfit of the day! I really loved this outfit because it went a bit towards the preppy side, which is uncommon from my typical style, yet it still had edge. The focal point of the outfit was the mint shorts from Forever 21, which I only wore for the first time. My top was by Mags & Pye for LF Stores. The top is a particular favorite of mine because the fringe puts a spin on a classic white top. (The back has a huge hole that is covered by more sheer white fringe.)

For accessories I chose to keep it simple, I stacked a collection of personal bracelets and carried a small crossbody bag from New Look that I ordered via ASOS.

My arm candy: elastic hair tie, black custom rainbow loom, LF turquoise cross bracelet, Brandy Melville cross chain bracelet, evil eye bracelet (street vendor), mint jelly cross bracelet and leather bracelet (from Italian street markets).

xoxo

ps. i  will try to add an outfit of the day

to my weekly blog schedule if I have the chance!

fall/winter nail colors

Though this is makeup monday, I figured that nail varnishes did fit into the category of beauty products. Recently I took a trip to Target to purchase some new nail colors for fall/winter. Despite the fact that I only ended up buying two Essie polishes, there was quite a selection. Here's what I'm thinking:

"Vampy varnishes" are becoming quite an in style beauty pick this year. Instead of a typical hot-tamale red, pick a more sophisticated wine or a deep ruby. Additionally, dark plums and grays can darken up your nail look. 

Some of my favorite examples from Essie are Poor Lil' Rich Girl, Thigh High, Velvet Voyage, Lacy Not Racy and Smokin' Hot. 

To brighten up in the fall or wintertime, try a vibrant plum or warm pumpkin-esque orange. 

Great Essie polishes that fit under this category are Bahama Mama, It's Genius, and Meet Me at Sunset.

Beyond this, the two varnishes I bought for this fall/winter were Sole Mate and Angora Cardi. I lean slightly towards the vampy side so they are a quite dark. 

(from left: sole mate, angora cardi)

I am very excited to test them out this year, but after this post there are so more colors that I want to add to my collection! 

xoxo

ps. the reason I chose to feature Essie
in this post is because it is my personal preference
when purchasing nail polishes, not because I was
sponsored by the brand to write about their product. x 

asos fall '13 trend guide

Seeing that it is one of my favorite clothing sites to shop from online, the upcoming trends predicted by ASOS.com mean A LOT to me. Not only am I always looking for a new look, but I am a complete fangirl when it comes to most things England-related. I really idolize the risqué fashion choices of the Brits, especially during the fall and winter seasons when they start to show off their grungier side.

The ASOS fall trend guide was divided into six main categories: "Punk It Up," "Girls' World," "Denim Clash," "Winter Pastels," "Oversized Coats," and "Club Kids." Additionally, a small mini-trend guide was popped in at the end to showcase a few special trends that were not big enough to made into their own category, but also did not fit into the original six. 

Of the six, my particular favorites were Winter Pastels, Girls' World and Punk It Up. While I overall enjoyed the concept of spring colored pastels being mixed with the white snow of cold winter days, there were only specific portions of the other two that caught my eye. (I am not a huge supporter of all denim outfits so that section didn't really enter my mind even though I still gave it a peek.)

Girls' World focused in the typical types of fashion for women, styled after the typical uniformed schoolgirl and the 60's-esque "Mad Men Maven." I found myself more in touch with the Gossip Girl styles of uniform, that mixed high-fashion blazers with knee socks and plaid skirts. 

I adore maroons, blacks and plaids in my clothing pieces, so that was what I admired about this portion of the Punk It Up trends. An outfit I could see on myself would be red and black plaid leggings, biker boots, and a long black sweater layered with a beat-up leather jacket of a slightly shorter length. 

Overall, I was impressed by the fall spread put out by ASOS. I'm looking forwards to seeing what shows up on the MBFW spring/summer runway and the new catalogs of some other stores I like, such as Urban Outfitters and Nasty Gal. 

That's all for now- but be expecting to see some posts on fall nails, cold weather footwear, and some new pieces released on MMMI (mymummadeit.net, this über-cool indie brand I discovered via polyvore). 

xoxo

ps. if this post seems took long, let me know in the comments! 

i know photos are more interesting than reading, so just give me a heads up for the future x

hello world!

I have officially decided to join the blogging community with a fashion & beauty blog! I am hoping this blog will express my personal style, upcoming trends, and cool things I have discovered, but as I have learned, things can always change, so I guess I will not make a permanent statement just yet. I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of my top 10 favorites and 5 hate-it's of fashion and beauty (based on the fact that this is what my blog is going to be about), so here I go!

Hate-It's (I would have started with Favorites but I thought that it would be better to end on a positive note rather than a negative one.)

1. Crocs (seriously.... ew)

2. Sticky lipglosses

3. Ugly prints (you can tell when a print is obviously ugly)

4. Over-the-top color blocking

5. Very musky or woody fragrances

Favorites

1. Black clothing (I would honestly die if I didn't have black in my wardrobe)

2. Big, comfy, sweaters

3. Polyvore.com

4. Pink makeup (lipstick in particular)

5. Platform shoes

6. Sportswear (I feel so confident in my workout clothes!)

7. Cool nail designs- aztec, triangles, stripes, etc.

8. Midi rings

9. Big handbags or worn canvas totes

10. Fall/Winter clothing in general

The reason that I wrote so few hate-it's is because A) I try not to be a hater, and B) in terms of style and beauty, I am very open to everything. There are trends that I do not like or don't think I could find a way to look particularly good on me, but I am constantly searching for new items to add to the "favorites" list. I hope that some of the things that I share with you can manage to make it onto your good list too!

I am really excited to start this blog and I am making a promise to all my future readers now that I am going post twice a week- "Makeup Mondays" and "Fashionable Fridays." I am going to do my best to make sure my posts always fit into my schedule but changes in posts will be updated if an issue arises.

For now, xoxo!