don't mess.

4.5 inches of pure strappy-platform-badass-killah

botkier, $398

oaknyc

Tangled Up In Blue

For Giorgio Armani's Milan Fashion Week show, the designer did what he does best: infusing luxury and elegance with subtle sexiness. Mr. Armani drew inspiration from traditional indigo robes of the nomadic Tuareg people of Saharan North Africa, therefore the dominating shade of this collection is blue. Tailored trousers were meticulously cut. Gowns embellished with no details spared. Satin jackets that will remain in any woman's favor for season after season. Turbans ready for a Sahara Desert excursion accompanied many of the looks down the runway. Perfect skin allowed kohl rimmed eyes to stand out. It's clear to see that Mr. Armani's attention to detail is unmatched.

Elaborate beading makes me swoon.

Simplicity at its best.

A perfect pair. 

This gown would glisten on any red carpet.

Loving the John Lennon-esque sunglasses.

Let's all admire the one shoulder strap as well as the dark nail polish.

This dress leaves me speechless.

Biased towards having mostly blue in the collection?

Would you have liked to see another color introduced?

In awe of any accessories in particular?

Chime in the comments below or on my personal blog, Better Off Med!

Bombshell

Blake Lively.

Just the name alone conjures up envious thoughts regarding her lustrous mane and long legs.

If you aren't watching "Gossip Girl," you've got some explaining to do.

The clothes and Chace Crawford alone are justifications for this guilty pleasure!

In the October issue of Allure magazine, she discusses her new film called "The Town," relationship with fellow GG star Penn Badgley, and plans for the future.

You know you love me.

xoxo, Better Off Med

Ballerina Chic

Get Inspired by Ballet: Hair and Makeup Impressions
Natalie Portman looks simply stunning in trailers and stills from Black Swan, so who wouldn’t want to rock a more subtle and wearable version of her look? Extreme eye makeup, a blood-red lip, pale complexion, and perfect ballerina bun characterize Natalie’s costume when she dances as the black swan. The overall effect is mesmerizing and makes us all envious, yet there’s something mysterious and almost dangerous about the look. In other words, we’ve got to have it. But since most of us don’t own the stage, here are some ways to wear Natalie’s ballerina look without giving off an overly dramatic vibe.

The Adapted Ballerina Bun
While the tight bun with every hair in place is a carefully crafted part of Natalie’s Black Swan look, it’s a little too severe for everyday wear. Adapt it to your lifestyle by wearing it low at the nape of your neck and leaving it a little messy. If you haven’t tried them yet, you can pick up some of Goody’s spin pins for the “bun undone” look – just gather your hair into a loose bun, then twist in two pins. You can mix it up by using a partial ponytail to create a smaller bun, which can be left even messier with longer strands standing out. Low, slightly off-center buns are also edgy without being overwhelming or severe. If you’re really going for loose hair, skip the hairspray and let your bun unravel a little as the day goes on. It keeps your look interesting without being too contrived or deliberate.

Ballet-Inspired Makeup for Day and Night
With ballet makeup, it’s usually about the eyes. The rest of the face is neutral or paler than your natural complexion, and lips are often subtle as well. For day, keep it down with your blush and use a peachy rather than a pink shade. If you do anything with your lip color, stay away from bright hues and make sure that your product has a matte finish. A simple moisturizing balm will keep your lips healthy without drawing too much attention – we’re saving that for the eyes. Since this is your day look, stick to dark chocolate eyeliner and mascara with a nude or sable shadow, avoiding any shimmery products. The main focus should be your lashes, so get that mascara perfect by using a clear coat to set it.
If you’re going out for the night, you’ll want shimmer, along with anything bright and dramatic. Use cool jewel tones for your shadow, like amethyst, sapphire, or emerald, and take your mascara and liner from brown to glossy black. A touch of silver or white at the inside corners of your eyes can add interest and liven up your face. Extend your eyeliner slightly from the outer corners of your eyes, and you’re ready for a night at center stage.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching areas of online degree programs. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

Checking In...

Just wanted to check in :  )

Mama and baby are doing well, we actually slept last night!

Number of days old: 16

Number of times pooped on daddy: 3

Number of times peed on mommy: 3

Number of hours slept at night max: 6, actually, that's a lie...it's really 4

Number of failed swaddle attempts: too many

Number of laundry cycles completed: 100+

One day, when I have more time, I'll give some more details of the birth itself.  For now, we're just eating, sleeping and pooping the days away.  I try to keep our feedings interesting by playing the 80s music channel on tv & singing Modest Mouse to my little guy.  I also find myself staring into his eyes for long periods of time and planting kisses all over his soft face.  One of my best friends visited us the other day and she told me that he sounds like a baby dinosaur when he makes noises.  I adore that.
My little baby dinosaur...rrrrraarrrrrr!

bottom pic via le love

Brown Lips?

Chocolate hued lips were seen on the PYT at Rodarte and Suno. Lovelies, I’m going to level with you. I’m not sure if this is the most wearable or flattering look. Makeup, at its best, accentuates your greatest attributes and makes you look pretty, sexy, or dramatic. At its worst, it makes you look tired, washed out and dare I say it…old. Therefore, I’m not a fan of brown lips; I think it’s a tough color to pull off for most. I also think it makes teeth look yellow and dingy. Yellowed teeth are not exactly a youthful look. I like the pretty, stained lip look I get from eating a cherry Popsicle, not a Fudgesicle. I prefer to rock browns, in all its colors and variations, on my eyes. A brown smoky eye will never go out of style, whereas fashion week trends come and go. For me personally, this is one runway inspired trend I will be sitting out. 

What about you, would you rock it?

Guest post by Bre at Bre Beauty

Right There In Black & White

Spring is in the air. {Spring 2011 that is, if you even remotely love Fashion as much as I do.} While browsing all of the shows these past 2 weeks, I couldn’t help but notice all of the designs in black and white. There was so much beautiful color to indulge in: silvery gray, fuschia, yellow, and an amazing coral tone, but this classic pair kept popping up everywhere. While I love color, there’s something about black and white that is so crisp, sophisticated and pretty. It’s just so Chanel-esque, don’t you think?

Here’s a few of my favorite picks:

{Nicole Miller}

{Oscar De La Renta}

{Prabal Gurung}

{Zero + Maria Cornejo}

I’d love to know what color palette is inspiring your Spring 2011 fantasies. Stop by my blog, Pretty Coveted, and tell me what you’re swooning for…

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Elle.com)

Lani's Locks

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Noelani, editrix, photographer, curator and creator behind Mon Petit Chou Chou. MPCC is a blog about my passion for fashion, cooking, shopping, art, and all things French, mais oui! I am over the moon excited about this guest post for Lisi and the Beauty File, one of my blogging standards and must reads.

File this post under hair products and essentials. I am a total product junky and this round up represents some of my latest finds as well as a smattering of my tried and true old faithfuls.

Kerastase Volumactive Mousse $36

I used to think mousse was so 80's until I got past my blinders and tried this. Gives your hair great texture and volume galore!

Moroccan Oil  $37

For shine and deep conditioning you can't beat argon oil. Relatively new to my beauty arsenal, but a definite must try for all hair types. Excellent at keeping the effects of humidity at bay in muggy New England.

Fekkai Sheer Hold Spray $36

Seriously good enough to pay $36 for hairspray. I have tried others. And always come back to this. I will never stray again.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo $19

I can't remember life before dry shampoo. Oh yeah, it was greasy. This is one of the first dry shampoos on the market and still one of the best in my opinion. I am a fan of the powder and self application rather than an aerosol spray; it gives you more control.

Kerastase Nutri Sculpt Serum $39.99

Awesome for dry end repair and overall repair and shine restoration for damaged hair. Good things do come in small packages and this petit bottle has lasted me quite some time.

Beyond.

Everyone agrees that Angelina + Brad make pretty babies, but could you imagine the possibilities if these two combined their genes?

Watch them in Blue Valentine, filmed in Brooklyn, out later this year.

Yum.

via The Debonaire

NY Fashion Week: Marchesa

Hi, everyone! This is Better Off Med guest blogging for Lisi while she spends time with her beautiful new baby! Of all the numerous shows presented at Fashion Week, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig's beautiful collaboration behind the brand Marchesa is always one I look forward to the most. With exquisite details and dramatic silhouettes, it's no wonder that stars clamor for these creations red carpet season after red carpet season.

Can't you see Anne Hathaway turning heads in this number?

Diane Kruger is fashion forward enough for this ensemble.

Cate Blanchett would knock 'em dead in this stunning gown.

I'll take this one for myself, thankyouverymuch!

I love this regal purple color.

The details on this gown are breathtaking.

Is this a hit or miss collection for you?

Which gowns are you lusting after?

Let me know!

Images courtesy of Style.com

He's HERE!!

In case you've been wondering about my absence this past week...

Charlie

born September 8th, 2010

7lbs, 2.5oz.
20 inches

scrumptious. delicious. amazing.
my heart within my heart.

i'm gonna be taking some time off from blogging, but i have some guest bloggers submitting posts to cover for me. if you're interested in guest blogging, just send me an email, i'd love to have you!

xo,

us

Celebrate WWD

No one has covered fashion longer than WWD, in fact they have been covering it daily for 100 years. To help commemorate this momentous occasion, they have teamed up with Gilt Groupe to offer a collection by eleven designers who have re-imagined iconic looks from the last century. Get your hands on these looks by shopping online on September 15-17. To see the designer's inspiration, head to Lincoln Center September 14-16 from 10-8. And enter to win a Gilt $1000 shopping spree.

Which fabulous design do you covet?

Aly blogs about everything from wedding advice to NYC living, including fashion, food and unique finds on Ribbonsofthought.com

Savvy Supplies

I don't know about you, but when my supplies are pretty, working becomes much less of a chore. Let's ban boring supplies + replace them with the works of art seen here:

clip-it flower paper clips, $4.75

cavallini jumbo eraser, $3

raval page flags, $5.75

Looks like we've come a long way from composition notebooks + orange #2s.

Now, get to work!

top: silkscreen notebook, $8.95 via The Zoe Report, all available at Kate's Paperie

Kids on the Brain

Just some ADORABLE looks from Zara Kids, Fall 2010 to welcome you back from your long weekends...how delicious are they?!

Continue below for some baby updates + the giveaway winner!

So, I spent the Labor Day weekend waiting to go into labor. Although my due date isn't officially until 9/16 and I'm convinced I'm gonna be a little late, I still couldn't help but think "what if," basically every second of the holiday weekend. My thoughts raced from: "will my water break when I stand up" to "will I have to have a C-section" and then there was this doozey, "will I be a good mom?"  Obviously I need to chill out and try to remember not to stress about things that are out of my control. We also finished up the nursery, deciding on the jungle animal theme {seen here} + bought these wonderful Curious George monkey decals at Pottery Barn Kids. I'll feature the final product in the next few weeks!

In other exciting news, our House of Harlow Giveaway winner is.....

#23: Sweet Nothings!

Email me your address so you can get these fabulous earrings!!

Finally, it's a little last minute, but I'm going to be in the market for some guest blog posts. If you're interested in submitting a guest post while I'm changing poop diapers, napping + breast feeding, please email me at thebeautyfile@gmail.com  :  )

Thanks lovely readers!!

xo

photos via my daily style se

Mad Men Behind the Scenes

One of my favorite shows of all time has to be Mad Men. Seriously. If you're not watching it, you should start...this Sunday at 10pm on AMC. One of my favorite blogs, The Debonaire, featured these behind the scenes photos from this month's Rolling Stone and I couldn't hold back from reposting. Enjoy the Draper dreaminess + get on that boat, soon!

"Peggy, this is isn't China. There's no money in virginity."

“As far as I’m concerned, as long as men look at me that way, I’m earning my keep."

"Remember Don. When God closes a door, he opens a dress."
-Roger Sterling

via The Debonaire via Rolling Stone