Cobalt Casual

Casual to you and casual to me can mean two completely different things. For me, this is casual, believe it or not.

Outfit:

Leopard Print Top - Old Navy

April Skinny Jeans - Blue - c/o Urban1972.com

Luscious 32 Glitter Bow Pumps - Lulus.com

Kristen Round Satchel - Coach

Jeans really don't get as much recognition as they should. Hence, when the rainbow jean trend came along, I swear I heard angels singing.... These are from Urban 1972, my lovely sponsor. If you haven't checked out their site, then please do so. 

While I know us bloggers love our dresses, I'm gunna be 100% honest with you - those things called legs... they get cold. Yes, I know those shots of you wearing that billowy dress on a bridge in the middle of a poppy field look good (and I'm willing to suffer for fashion, occasionally) but let's not pull all our cards out too soon, ladies. 

Accessories:

Square Topaz Ring - Local NJ artist

Thin Gold Bangle - C Wonder

Black Rhinestone Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Crystal Blue Bracelet - Vintage find from Philadelphia - I was told it's from the 60s.

Manicure - DIY!

I wore this outfit out to dinner with my hubby to an Irish pub, where the patrons played a game of "Which one of these doesn't belong" when I walked in. A bit loud - um, yeah. But, at least I can say I was the only one wearing glittery heels and bright blue denim. 

The Brights Are Alright

To think that this dress kick started my blog a year ago. Yeah, that's right... this dress is a year old... and I love it.

Before I really figured out what I was doing as far as my blog, I used to take photos in my kitchen against a white wall. Nothing jazzy. But, I liked how the photo turned out, so I entered it into a Refinery 29 contest where reader's had to vote on the most "lady-like" outfit. And I won a $500 gift card, wearing this dress.

Outfit:

Dress - Forever 21

Neon Pink Kara Sandals - Delia*s $19.50!!! 

Chain Link Necklace - Charming Charlie

Chunky Block Ring - Forever 21

From that point on, my interest for blogging grew. I was already working in fashion, too, so why not? And that's how my blog came to be!

Oh, but back to the present. I'm glad fashion is getting their stuff together and putting color first this year. Between the rainbow denim and loud color wheel that's been popping up - I'm one happy hipster.

Putting Your Best Face Forward with Tim Quinn

Upon meeting Giorgio Armani National Director of Creative Artistry and makeup guru Tim Quinn at the Giorgio Armani counter at Saks Fifth Avenue at Short Hills Mall on Saturday, and scoping out his shoes (chic smoker's flats reminiscent of Stubbs & Wootton), I could tell our conversation was going to be fun. 

Tim Quinn working his makeup magic skills.

His warm and ridiculously friendly personality made talking makeup with him effortless. And since he's known as a Celebrity Face Designer, I knew I'd be getting great tips and advice.

For Spring, Armani released their Luce collection, which features more ethereal colors in lighter shades inspired by Mr. Armani's love of light and it's effects on color. I personally love this palette (below) as it features shimmering grays and golds that leave a subtle, yet noticeable sheen. 

I asked him about red lipstick specifically - being that us bloggers love our red lipstick - and if women really still use lip liner. The jury is out on that, but if you feel like your lip color is bleeding, Tim said you can use concealer or foundation around your lips.

And what should every woman  have in their makeup kit? "The right foundation changes the look, and should perfect any imperfection you may want to hide," Tim reveals. 

When giving tips to women on makeup, there's never one rule that's universal. Instead, he likes to refer to it as "'Wardrobing your foundation', much like your clothing. On the weekend, you might go casual and wear jeans, and just might want tinted moisturizer. But when you're getting ready to go out, you want to really up the ante; you need a light reflecting foundation." 

And a big myth: Foundation can be matched by testing it on your hand or neck. Not so much. For an accurate match, Tim recommends letting a professional help you find your perfect tone. "You want to have an accurate look," he explains. "Buying makeup at a drugstore can be difficult because you can't test the products. Don't be afraid to ask for a trial. Take advantage of the makeup counters, and ask for samples." 

"Even when I get someone ready for the red carpet, I do their makeup at 10 in the morning, and the red carpet isn't till 3, because by the time your makeup is done, it hasn't soaked into your skin. Put it on. Do your hair. Get dressed. Let it become part of you." Tim Quinn

A big thanks to Tim for gabbing with me! If you have the chance to meet him, jump at the chance!

What I'd Wear To: Coachella

Music culture is the biggest influence on my style. At the age of 13, I fell in love with music - hard, and soon found myself going to shoes and eventually, getting into freelance writing for music magazines throughout the U.S. There wasn't much to be desired back then in terms of stylish girls at shows - you were left with lots of t-shirts and baggy jeans - but we d id our best. 

And shows really weren't about clothes, unlike Coachella, which celebrates both perfectly. Seeing the stylish concert-goers enjoying 2Pac's hologram made me think of what I'd wear... and yes, I'm DEAD serious about what I'd pack for Coachella.

The leather jacket - a must. Neon leggings? Dead serious.

House Of Jeffers: What I'd Wear To: Coachella by houseofjeffers 

Colorblock Bright Choice Top  -Modcloth 
Striped Tank - Madewell
Daytrip Asymmetrical Jacket - Buckle.com
Skinny Leg Jeans - Pink - Topshop
Marni by Coconuts - Piperlime
Red Sandals - Asos
The Big Link Bracelet - Henri Bendel
Aztec Necklace - Lulus.com
Cross Over Block Tring - Topshop
A Sherbet Thing Dress - Modcloth
Your Tribe Has Spoken Leggings - Lulus.com

Kicks and Kimonos

Outfit:

Geisha Feather Jacket - c/o Urban1972.com

Black Tank - Old Navy

BDG Cigarette Leg Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Michael Antonio Carina Wedge - c/o Michael Antonio

Gold Chain Link Turquoise Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Shell Dove Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Kimonos are some of the most beautiful garments made, I think. The detailing and tapestry of their colors is rich in culture and pride, and growing up, I was enthralled with Japan culture and the art of the geisha. I never made it to Japan or China (a life goal of mine), but I still admire their beauty from afar.

When I received this kimono-inspired cardigan, it's silky sheen reminded me of my times in Chinatown in New York, and how I always wanted a real kimono. I never got around to buying one, but I'd like to think that this is my modern take on a kimono. 

And my shoes - talk about shoe-gasm. I own nothing like these Michael Antonio shoes. Prints on shoes can be hard to pull off with other textiles in an outfit, but because of the contrast between the black and white mixed with orange flowers, these stems compliment my cardigan, and fit in perfectly with my spring wardrobe!

And yes, I absolutely used these for my Instagram #AprilWalkInMyShoes Challenge... which you can still participate in!