Tag: Fashion

Posted on

Shopping the Sample Sales in LA’s Fashion District

Sample Sale Fashion District Los Angeles California

Hilarystyle is about travel, fashion and fun, but I admit it’s been awhile since I’ve written about fashion. Truth be told it’s hard to think about a change in wardrobe when here in LA it hardly seems like we ever have a change in seasons. Not that I’m complaining about what feels like perpetual summer.

Colette Miller Angel Wings Los Angeles
Late October in Los Angeles feels just like summer!

Recently I had a chance to visit the sample sales in LA’s fashion District and I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to get some use out of the more wintery items I picked up during my upcoming visit to England.

Sample Sales Fashion District Los Angeles California

What is a Sample Sale?

Sample sales are a way for fashion brands to unload excess merchandise and make room for the upcomning season. You’ll find current season items including accessories and apparel all for very reduced prices. During my recent visit I picked up items for everyone in my family.

Sample Sale Fashion District Los Angeles California
Some showrooms feature multiple fashion brands

Where can I find a Sample Sale?

Designer showrooms are located at 9th and Los Angeles Street in Downtown LA’s Fashion District.

Ted Baker Sample Sale Fashion District Los Angeles California
Ted Baker has a showroom in the Cooper Design Space Building

The Fashion District is home to over 1,200 showrooms, which represent over 4,500 fashion lines. WOW, that’s a lot of shopping!

You’ll find a large majority of those 1,200 showrooms inside The Cooper Design Space building right in the heart of the Fashion District.

When Can I shop?

Sample sales are usually held on the last Friday of the month.

Sample Sale Fashion District Los Angeles California

Not every showroom hosts a sale every last Friday, but many do, and its fun to go from floor to floor poking in and out of the different showrooms. Look for the boards in the lobby listing which showrooms are having a sale, and where they’re located.

What if I’m not there on the Last Friday?

Many brands will hold additional sample or warehouse sales throughout the year, so make sure to add your name to their showroom email list, and you’ll be notified of when and where.

How Do I Pay?

Not all of the showrooms accept credit, so make sure to bring plenty of cash.

Can I try stuff on?

For the most part Showrooms aren’t set up with dressing rooms, but many allow you to try items on over what you’re already wearing, or if you want you can find a spot off to the side and do a quick change… I wore a dress when I visited, which made trying on a little easier.

My shopping haul:

27miles Malibu

Rebel Heart Cashmere Sweater

Retail Price: $275
Sample sale Price: $100

Sample Sale Fashion District Los Angeles California

Rhinestone Skull Cashmere Sweater

Retail Price: $275
Sample sale Price: $100

27 Miles Malibu Sample Sale Los Angeles California

Nation

Echo Park Hoody Sweatshirt

Retail Price: $147
Sample sale Price: $30

Sample Sales Fashion District Los Angeles California

Aviator Nation

Long Sleeve Thermal Shirt

Retail Price: $79
Sample sale Price: $20

Sample Sale Los Angeles California

Short Sleeve T-shirt

Retail Price: $79
Sample sale Price: $20

Aviator Nation Sample Sale Los Angeles California

Duck and Weave Co.

Button Down

Retail Price: $185
Sample sale Price: $20

sample Sale outfits Los Angeles California
This shirt goes perfectly with my wellies!

Stance

Kids Socks

Retail Price: $10 – $18
Sample sale Price: $5 ea

Stance Socks Sample Sale Los Angeles California

Kids Underwear

Retail Price: $18
Sample sale Price: $5 ea

Stance Underwear Sample Sale Los Angeles California

AG Jeans

Men’s jeans

Retail Price: $245
Sample sale Price: $120

AG Jeans Sample Sale Los Angeles California

I’m hungry after all that shopping Is there food nearby?

Downtown Los Angeles is one of my favorite places to explore. There are endless options for fun and food! Here’s a list of some of our favorite spots:

Birdies, is well known in LA for their donuts and their fried chicken, so consider trying both! The donuts are baked fresh every two hours. Since you saved all that money at the sample sale you might consider trying the gold donut… it’s only $100!

Birdies Los Angeles California #birdies
Gold leaf donut a mere $100

Bottega Louie, is known for it’s colorful and photogenic macarons, but it isn’t just about the sweets and treats, it’s also a full service restaurant with a full bar and a gourmet market.

Bottega Louie Los Angeles California #dtla

Kazu Nori is small and it’s popular, so get there early, or be prepared to wait. The menu consists of one thing: hand rolls. They’re made to order and to delicious perfection.

Kazu Nori {laces to eat Downtown Los Angeles

The Grand Central Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and no matter their food tastes you’ll find something for everyone in your group. From Thai sticky rice to cheesecake, whisky and cheese, a Jewish deli, vegan choices, coffee, Chinese food, green grocers and so much more. There’s even a PB&J shop!

Grand Central Market Los Angeles California #grandcentralmarket

Salt and Straw’s ice cream is delicious, but don’t take my word for it, the ever present line should speak for itself. One reason the line is so long… you can sample as many flavors as you want!

Salt & Straw Best Ice Cream Los Angeles California
Salted Malted Cookie Dough

Pie Hole offers up a variety of fun pie flavors both savory and sweet, so no matter your tastes you’ll be guaranteed a unique and tasty treat! I wish I could show you a photo of the pie, but it never lasts long enough to take a photo!

#pieholeDTLA

Wurst Kuche’s exotic sausages and delicious fries are a savory and popular treat. There is a constant line out the door, but don’t be fooled you’ll find a large amount of communal seating in the back.

Wurstkuche Places to eat in Downtown Los Angeles CaliforniaWurstkuche Places to eat in Downtown Los Angeles California

Little Damage is a family owned soft serve ice cream shop in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. With trendy black cones and unique flavor choices, Little Damage, is not your average ice cream… its ice cream with a Goth twist!

Wakling Tour of Downtown Los Angeles #littledamage

I’m all shopped out. What else can I do in the Neighborhood?

Check you these related posts for even more downtown inspiration:

Street Art Graffiti Walking Tour of Downtown Los Angeles Foodie Walking Tour of Downtown Los Angeles #sweettooth 50 Things to do in Los AngelesMusic Venues in Los Angeles California #musicvenuesLA The Last Book store Downtown Los Angeles California Things to do in Los Angeles Museums

Graffiti Walking Tour in the DTLA Arts District

A Sweet Tooth’s Walking Tour

50 Things to do in Los Angeles

The Last Bookstore

5 Places to Get Your Groove on in LA

11 Places To Get Your Culture Fix In Los Angeles

Pin for later:

Where to Shop in Los Angeles California Sample Sales

Posted on

Autumn Refresh: Wardrobe & Makeup!

I love all four seasons, but for many reasons autumn has always been one of my favorites! I look forward to a change in the weather, the colorful fall leaves and Halloween. A bit of crispness in the air is the signal to pull my boots from the back of the closet, and I do love my boots!  Of course living in SoCal, autumn doesn’t present itself in quite the same way as it does in other parts of the country. Our first year here, knowing I missed the changing of the leaves, Tim brought me some autumn-ish leaves and it was like he’d given me a dozen roses!

Fall Fashion Refresh 2016

Now that I’ve lived in California for the past 15+ years, I’m used to lighter seasons and have even learned to appreciate them! Poor me, right?! In SoCal, we basically get an extended summer with a little bit of autumn, sans the changing of the leaves…

SO, even though I don’t feel like autumn is almost upon us (next week already) as I am still wearing summer attire and slathering on the sunscreen (and will be for some time), autumn is definitely in the stores and has been for a while. Good thing for me I’m seeing a lot of black, white, and denim, because that means I’m all set, however I have noticed a few things that I might need to give my fall wardrobe a refresh. Generally I steer away from styles of the moment, but in the interest of mixing things up a bit I’ve chosen a few pieces with interesting texture to compliment what is already in my closet and give it new life.

I’ve hit up the fall lines of a few of my favorites*, to add a bit of leather, smooth, fake and textured, frayed hems, fleece, cords, fresh white graphic Ts and of course a pop of color!

Current Elliot
Fiorentini & Baker
Current Elliot
Cupcakes & Cashmere
Current Elliot
Free City

If you can believe it, you probably can, I took all these fashion pics using a tripod and the timer on my camera!That’s it for clothing this season… on to makeup!

Fall Makeup!

I love makeup! Just like fashion, makeup changes with the seasons and styles come and go. This summer I tried something new and stuck with just a few neutral shades while I was busy traveling, beaching and moving all summer long.

Now that things are settling down, I’m ready for a change. Bye bye neutrals! I need a pop of color! I love color and glitter, in fact the more sparkle, color and glitter the better! If I’m feeling down a bit of makeup retail therapy goes a long way!

#macstartrek50

I always love MAC’s theme lines, but I especially geeked out on the new Star Trek line (I’ve been a fan my entire life), I picked up some shadow and two liners in back and silver, as well as two new x9 palettes burgundy and purple… the burgundy is new for me… Another new for me is the MAC brightening line. I’m trying out the Lightful C Vibrancy Eye Cream because, honestly, who can’t use a little brightening!

What do you think do my eyes look brighter? We shall see!

Happy Fall!

*Rag and Bone, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Fiorentini & Baker, Current Elliott, Sundry & Free City!

 

 

Posted on

Fashion Favorites: The Muscle Tee!

#currentelliottLooking for the perfect Tee? One that won’t turn, stretch or tear after only a few wearings… Check out my current favorite!

#currentelliottWe all have items in our closet that we reach for time and time again. For me, the Current Elliot Muscle Tee is one such item. I absolutely love this shirt, and lucky for me it comes in multiple colors, patterns and weights enabling me to wear it all year round.

Rose are red, violets are blue, Current Elliot Muscle Tee I love you!

Incredibly versatile, it can be dressed up or down and in my humble opinion, looks great with absolutely everything. Its looser fit makes it perfect for layering either over or under another shirt, which also makes it the perfect traveling companion. I often wear mine faux tucked, but it looks great untucked as well!

Citizens Racers

How do I love thee Muscle Tee? Let me count the ways:

  1. I love thee faux tucked
  2. I love thee untucked
  3. I love thee everyday
  4. I love thee layered
  5. I love thee with a cardigan
  6. I love thee dressed up
  7. I love thee year round
  8. I love thee because thou art sleeveless
  9. I love thee because thou art versatile
  10. I love thee in my suitcase…
Posted on

Fashion: What’s Trending This Summer?

#currentelliottdressEven here in sunny California we look forward to summertime! In our house summer is the start of a much needed break in our daily routine. It means lazy mornings (for the boys), long days, warm nights and hopefully some travel.

In anticipation of all of the above, I’ve got some fun summer attire just waiting to take a spin. Though with the recent weather we’ve been having I was beginning to wonder if it would ever warm up long enough for me to break it out? Finally, this past week it did!

What’s Trending?

This summer, I’m breaking out of my comfort zone and attempting some of the latest (and greatest?) fashion trends:

Off the Shoulder

I’ve never been quite sure what I think about the peasant look or off the shoulder, but strangely I’m liking the combination of the two. I picked up this Rag & Bone top and surprisingly I like it both on and off the shoulder!

Denim Skirt

Darn it! After years of hanging on to a denim skirt, I finally gave it away last year… Of course now denim skirts are everywhere! This one from Current Elliot seems like a nice alternative to cut off shorts and I like it with flip flops or my Dr. Martens. Of course I had to throw in my favorite Union Jack socks to complete this look…

#currentelliott

Cold Shoulder

I wasn’t sure about the cold shoulder trend, but after I saw this cute Rag & Bone/Jean top I couldn’t stop thinking about it and decided to give it a try. I’m liking it!

#coldshoulder

Short Dresses with Booties

Thinking my ankles tend toward the skinnier side, I’ve tended to wear tall boots, but recently have decided to give shorter styles a try and I am loving them! So, wearing a short dress with short boots is something new for me. Here I am with a Current Elliot Beach Tee dress that is the softest thing ever! I like it paired with my favorite denim jacket and flip flops, booties, or wedges.

The Parachute Dress

I couldn’t resist picking up this Rag & Bone Parachute dress when I was in New York earlier this year and have been anxiously awaiting warmer weather so I can wear it. It’s somewhat of a risk for me as wearing a bra with it is pretty much out of the question. I got to give it a test run in NOLA last month and it was perfect for strolling around town on a hot day!

Tried and True

Sun Dresses

Not much of shorts girl, when the weather gets warmer, I tend to gravitate towards casual sun dresses. Knowing I’ll be wearing them almost daily, I try to find fun styles that won’t break the bank. This little black Joie dress will be a great piece to throw in my suitcase this summer!

The Little Black Dress – Two ways

I absolutely love this black James Perse sleeveless dress! It’s so soft it feels like loungewear, but dresses up so nicely when paired with a cardi and some wedges. I plan to bring this along in my suitcase as it also pairs nicely with my favorite travel shoes!

Mixing & Matching

I always bring a little sweater (My mother taught me well) as you never know when it might be cold! I especially like lightweight cardigans as they are great for layering and easily fit into my purse if I get too warm. This polka dot cardi from J. Crew is a bit of departure for me as I don’t usually shop there, but I love it paired with just about everything and especially with my skull t-shirt and studded belt. A little street meets sweet for the summer!

So, there you have it! I’m excited to be stepping out of my comfort zone and I’m ready for all the fun this summer has in store!

Posted on

Blogging Awards! I’ve Been Nominated…

Sharing my love of the things I enjoy most comes naturally to me as it’s an inherited family trait. Hi Dad! Writing long personally tailored emails to friends about my travels or party ideas was happening more and more and I had been thinking about creating a place to store this information for future use. That’s when I decided to start Hilarystyle.me.

hilarystyle blog header tim

Not really sure what to expect, I set two goals for myself:

The first smaller goal was to compile the information on the blog along with a few photos and links to our favorite places. This way if friends inquired about our travels I could point them in the direction of the blog.

My second larger scale goal was really more of a hope, the idea that maybe my experiences and thoughts would find their way out onto the web and actually be of interest to other people. You know, people who don’t already know me! Maybe no one would hit the “follow button” or care what I had to say, but I’d never know if I didn’t take a chance and besides I would be achieving goal number one.

Guess What?

People were interested! People I didn’t know! I told myself I wouldn’t care if no one took notice, but I won’t lie I’m pretty excited that people did. In fact I’m down right ecstatic! I’ve learned a lot about myself since I started writing hilarystyle.me and I’m pretty proud of what’s it’s become and where it’s going. Not only that, but I’ve “met” a number of other bloggers in the process and have been inspired by so many of them! Apparently, I’ve been of some inspiration to them as well because two different lovely blogging ladies nominated me for blogging awards!

The Sunshine Award

sunshineawards

Cassy, a fashion blogger, nominated me for the Sunshine award, which is given to fellow bloggers who inspire and bring sunshine into the lives of their readers and fellow bloggers. Thank you Cassy for thinking of me, it’s such an honor to know that not only do you enjoy reading my blog, but that you think it’s cheerful and inspiring!Check out Cassy’s blog, baublesandknots.com for fun inspirational ideas about what to wear for just about any occasion! She’s always including fun jewelry and isn’t afraid to put herself out there! I LOVE THAT!There are some “rules” that come along with the honor of being nominated and I am posting them here:

  • Thank the person who nominated you.
  • Answer the questions from your nominator.
  • Nominate other bloggers that bring sunshine to your day.
  • Ask your nominees as many thoughtful questions as you so desire.
  • If you so desire click on a few of the blots see what they’re all about.

Cassy’s questions to me:

  • Is there a favorite book/movie/band/artist that influences your personal style?

I am not one to limit myself and have a wide variety of tastes in all of the above. I think this is clearly reflected in my style!

  • Do you think it is important to unplug & how do you balance this while participating in a digital world?

I do my best to unplug, but must admit I’m not always successful.

  • What does style mean to you?

For me style means fun and for myself personally it’s a reflection of who I am inside as well.

The Liebster Award!

Screen Shot 2016-03-14 at 12.22.34 AM

Beth, a fellow travel blogger nominated me for the Liebster Award, which is recognition to new bloggers by other bloggers who are enjoying or finding value in their work. Thank you so much for thinking of me! As I mentioned above it means a lot to know that not only are you putting your thoughts and ideas out into the world, but that your words are actually making a positive impact on someone else!

As Beth says: The main aim of the Liebster Award is to highlight new voices and pay the compliment forward to others. Kind of like a virtual chain letter combined with an online high-five.

Check out Beth’s blog VacationCoffee with fun tips about travel, travel with kids and amazing photos!

Beth’s Questions to me:

  • Where do you call home?

Currently, the Bay Area, but I’ve lived all over the country.

  • How would you describe the target audience of your blog in one sentence?

Anyone who loves travel, fashion or fun!

  • What is the primary reason for starting your blog?

To share the fun and adventures I have with my family with others.

  • How often do you post content on your blog?

I post twice a week on Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8 am.

  • Is there a story behind your blog name?

Only that I tend to do things in my own way, hence the name Hilarystyle.

  • What is your ideal morning routine?

Lie around drinking coffee, reading blog posts, take the kids to school, work out, coffee with friends…

  • Do you have a vice? If so, what is it?

Drinking white wine with the girls…

  • When you’re not working on your blog, what are you doing instead?

Enjoying my time with family and friends.

  • What is an amazing travel memory you have?

Three years ago, when I stepped out of the train station in Edinburgh, Scotland and my mouth literally fell open with awe at how beautiful it is!

  • Where else on social media can we find you?

I’m on both twitter: @hilarystyleme and Instagram: hilarystyleme

  • Who are your favorite people to spend time with?

My three boys!!

And now, I “nominate” . . .

I follow a variety of different blogs about everything from fashion and makeup to lifestyle, travel, and photography! I’m not sure any of them are all that new, but I enjoy them a great deal! I’ll post the addresses to a few of them here and I hope you’ll take a look and find some inspiration the way I have! Happy reading!

Through The Open Lens

Funks House Of Geekery

My Passenger Diaries

Joy Loves Travel

Face Camera Action

Cafe Book Bean

Posted on

Fashion Favorites: 50 Shades of… Denim!

Fashion Favorite Denim-

If there’s one thing in my closet I can’t live without it’s my jeans! Hands down without a doubt! Spring, summer, fall and winter, rain or shine, denim is my go to wardrobe staple for just about every occasion almost every day of the week. With so many different options to choose from denim makes it easy to keep your everyday look current, fun and fashionable while at the same time maintaining a level of comfort which allows for just about any activity from lounging at home to a night out. How can you go wrong?!

SAMSUNG CSC

Did I Mention The Options?!

Low rise, mid rise, high rise, light dark, medium, vintage, destroyed, embellished, boyfriend, cropped, relaxed, straight, flared, blue, black, white…With so many choices, there is something for everyone, so let’s get started!

SAMSUNG CSCFirst thing’s first, in order to find the best rise and cut for your body type you’ll need to try on everything! And I mean everything! Don’t be afraid to try all the styles even the ones you’re not sure of, you might surprise yourself and find something new. Be confident in yourself and don’t limit your options. You never know until you try! 

My Favorites

SAMSUNG CSCThere are many brands from which to choose and of course I have my favorites, AG Jeans, Rag & Bone, Citizens of Humanity and the occasional pair of Hudsons. How did I decide which ones are on the list?  That’s simple; these are the brands that work best for my body type.

A Blank Canvas

Think of your jeans as a blank canvas; use accessories like shoes, belts and jewelry to change up your look depending on the occasion. Here are a few of my everyday looks:

Citizens Racers
Rag & Bone Crop
Rag & Bone Capri Destroyed
AG Stilt Roll-up
AG Boyfriend Crop
AG Boyfriend
Citizens Racer
Hudson Collin Crop

Rag & Bone Skinny
Rag & Bone Capri

Denim Basics

Don’t get hung up on size, the numbers don’t matter, only how you feel. Know what doesn’t work and accept that even if something is in style right now, it might not work for you. Not every style works on every body type. When you do find the right pair, you might need tailoring and if so, always ask for the original hem.

These days’ jeans are acceptable for just about every occasion, so having different styles and washes on hand is a good idea, because one pair/style won’t work for everything. The pair you wear to do housework or lounge around in is definitely not the pair you wear to work or to a party.

Good denim is an investment and now that you’ve found just the right pair, or two, or many… you’ll want to take good care of them! Washing them after every wear is a definite no no. Wash them infrequently inside out and in cold water and then hang them to dry and they’ll last forever.

Posted on

Makeup To Go!

It feels like ages since I’ve been anywhere and I’m starting to get restless… lucky for me I’ve got a few trips coming up and others in the works! As soon as the itineraries appear in my inbox I’m thinking about what to pack! This doesn’t just include the clothing in my suitcase, but makeup and toiletries too!

I try to pack as light as possible, but whether I am going to carry-on or check my bags there are certain items that I like to keep in my carry-on tote, makeup and toiletries are on that list! It’s also a good idea to include a spare pair of underwear and socks too… In the event that your bags and you do get separated you will have fresh undies and your makeup bag, and you’ll be good to go no matter what!

SAMSUNG CSCWhat’s In The Bag?

I always want to feel like myself, and even more so when I’m away from home and other things are unfamiliar, so whenever possible I try to bring the items I use on a daily basis with me when I travel. Of course items over 4 oz are prohibited on the plane, so everything must shrink in size… It’s taken ages, but the makeup industry seems to have finally gotten on board. The MAC counter has a “Sized To Go” section and Nordstrom has a “Mini Must Haves” section with multiple product lines represented!

Not everything comes in convenient travel sizes, but when I can’t find what I am looking for I’ve had great luck asking for sample sizes of my favorite products from the counters I visit regularly. I love my tiny Chanel mascara and primer, and my mini eye cream!

SAMSUNG CSC

Eyeshadows don’t come in travel sizes, but rather than bring many individual shadows, which take up lots of room and have a greater chance of breakage I bring one small palette with many colors. Recently I picked up this fun MAC palette with lots of spring colors. I love the wide variety because I can use it for multiple occasions, both day and night. I’ve even used the pink shades, as blush and cheek highlighter, which you can see are very similar in color to the larger size blush I already own.

Here I am with day and night looks using the same palette:

Daytime
Evening

While I do keep both my makeup and my toiletries in my carry-on tote I like to keep them separate. Keeping all the liquid items in one pouch and non-liquid in the other makes getting through airport security so much smoother!

SAMSUNG CSC

I hope these ideas are helpful! I’d love to hear some of your ideas on what works for you when packing your makeup bag or carry-on. What are your must have items?

 

 

 

Posted on

Fashion Favorites: Crazy for Camouflage!

For the most part I consider myself a “stay on the path” kind of girl, a rule follower if you will, however, this is definitely not the case when it comes to my wardrobe! Where fashion is concerned I not only love to skirt the edge, but there are times when I go right over it! Head first!

Getting dressed shouldn’t be serious or stressful! Anything goes and there is very little that isn’t okay. This is the part of your everyday that should fall under the category of fun!

Camo for days…

We all have favorites, the items we gravitate to time and time again, and based on the amount of camouflage in my closet it’s clear what mine is! Don’t laugh, but I honestly had no idea. I was genuinely surprised at the collection I’ve managed to build up over the years! It’s a mix of textures, weights and styles in various shades of blue, black, desert white, pink, grey, and your standard camo green! Having all these options makes it possible for me to mix and match with other pieces in my wardrobe all year long. No matter the occasion, casual or dressy I’m covered!

What Not To Wear: All Your Camo At The Same Time!

Remember that part above where I said there is very little in fashion that isn’t okay? I’m going to suggest that unless you’re in the armed forces, wearing all your camo at once fits neatly into that little category. However, just this one time… since I’m writing this post…

“Hiding” Out in My Camouflage

Sweet Meets Street: A Mix of Styles Adds an Element of Fun!

I love to mix edgier pieces with contrasting fabrics and accessories like velvet or silk or a bit of sparkle. I’ve mixed my velvet flats with camo zipper jeans and a studded leather belt, or my other camo jeans with a fun daisy muscle tee and short booties for a more relaxed look.

Peek-A-Camo

Believe it or not I don’t always wear camo and sometimes I just want a hint of something fun to peek out from a more subdued outfit. This pink camo tank fits the bill!

Here, There and Everywhere!

Here are just a few of the outfits I’ve put together using my camouflage collection! They represent many past events and I am sure will be present at many more in the future. These include, Academy Awards parties, date nights, family movie nights, fancy dinners, school drop offs and pick ups, shopping, hanging out at home & mom’s nights out.

Remember: A Little Goes a Long Way…

Posted on

New Year’s Eve! Makeup!

The holiday season is coming to a close and with it 2015, but before we say a fond farewell to this crazy year, we have one more opportunity to celebrate! New Year’s Eve!

I love makeup and I love glitter and for me no holiday look would be complete without them both. Even better why not combine the two! No matter your plans, going to dinner with friends, a fancy party, or just staying in, this look should do the trick!

The Smokey Eye

SAMSUNG CSC

Before getting started I give my face a once over with MAC makeup remover wipes. They are great for picking up any excess dirt or oil that may be on your skin. Next up is moisturizer and I can’t stress this enough, not only is it good for your skin, but it helps give your makeup a smooth more natural appearance. My favorites which I apply in the following order are: Chanel Le Lift eye cream, Dr. Brandt Infinite Moisture, and for daytime events, Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion which is an oil free sunscreen.

To give my skin a more even tone I apply Chanel CC Cream all over and then use a small amount of the Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer under my eyes and around the edges of my nose.

Next I apply the powder and blush. I really like MAC Studio Fix and use it everyday. When doing a heavy eye I go a little lighter with blush and for this look I used the Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick in Rose.

Now its time to focus on my eyes. My first step is to apply an eyeshadow paint as a base. My current party favorite is Chanel Fantasme which provides a nice shimmer! I bring the Fantasme all the way to my brow line. Next, my entire lower lid is “painted” with a dark blue Chanel shadow called Swing. To achieve an even darker look and also maintain better control of the shadow I wet the brush before applying. A little water goes a long way.

At this point my lower lid is dark blue and my upper lid is a shimmering white and I’ll need to blend them. To do this I used MAC Gesso Matte which is a white shadow with no shimmer and applied it to the middle area of my lid. I used MAC Pigment Powder in Vanilla to highlight the corner of my eye.

Applying dark shadow can be tricky and it makes perfect sense to do your eyes before completing the steps above. If you do experience a little powder fallout, a q-tip works great to sweep up any excess!

To finish my eyes I applied eyeliner to my upper lid using the Chanel eyeliner pen in Noir. If you’re not sure about using liquid liner this is the one for you! It’s just like drawing with a felt tip marker! For the lower lid and waterline I used a MAC eyeliner pencil in Black Swan which has a tiny bit of shimmer to it. I use a brush to smudge the shadow under my eyes.

Recently I discovered mascara primer and I love not only the length it gives to my lashes, but how easily the mascara goes on after using it. I am using Chanel, but MAC also has one available! The final touch to my eyes is Chanel Inimitable mascara in Noir.

Last but not least, lips! It’s the holiday season, so I felt red was in order, but again because I went with such a dark shadow I didn’t want it to be too over powering, so I toned it down with a gloss. I used MAC Luster in Cockney and a MAC lip gloss from the Cinderella line.

The Finished Look

#partymakeup

Here is my finished look! I hope you like it and whatever your plans I wish you a happy and healthy New Year!