Photos: zimbio.com
There is just something so badass about pairing edgy hair with really ladylike clothing. Chanel took full advantage of that juxtaposition during yesterday’s spring 2012 couture show, which showcased gowns and gorgeous frocks galore (not to mention, 150 shades of blue), all paired with aerodynamic mohawks. Some were more extreme than others, but we especially loved the pompadour-style looks, which are definitely wearable for a night out.
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Photos via Elle.
I’ve always admired Japanese street style, from the gothic Lolitas who rock their parasols to the cyber punks with their neon mohawks. But would I dare to don one of those outfits myself? Maybe on Halloween. But I’ve realized that although Japanese fashion is known for being bold and experimental, it can also be subtle and versatile (think Comme des Garçons). Looking through pictures from the just-concluded Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo, it struck me that the most memorable looks on the runway were infinitely wearable in real life. Designers looked forward to next spring with optimistic yet muted colors, fun prints, and unique cuts. Better yet, they kept the makeup simple, so it’s a breeze to recreate these looks yourself!
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This week’s guest blogger is Natalie Alcala, a Cali girl with a penchant for all things style and fashion. When she’s not soaking up the sun or rocking dangerously high heels, you can catch her feeding her insatiable sartorial appetite on her blog, Natalie’s Menagerie. She also pens a daily fashion column for BlackBook Magazine and is an assistant editor at FashionStake.
Rachel Roy fall 2011, Christian Dior fall 2010, Lacoste spring 2011
Photos: Style, Elle
I’ll admit it: I’m a hair stalker. Not only do I skim editorials and runway collections for innovative styles, but I also like to hit the streets for anonymous inspiration—and I have no problem randomly complimenting well-coifed bystanders. Braids and braid-like details particularly fascinate me, so I’ve rounded up three standout looks from the catwalk that I’ll definitely be testing out this summer.
Runway: Rachel Roy fall 2011
Look (at left): The Milkmaid
How-to: This style looks best with second-day hair, but you can also spritz clean hair with Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray to texturize. Create a middle part and divide hair into two low ponytails. Braid each ponytail loosely and tie both with a snag-free elastic. If you’re feeling extra fancy, weave a 1” by 8” piece of fabric through each braid to truly replicate this runway look. Now, cross each braid over the crown and secure with bobby pins. Finish with some Bumble and Bumble Holding Spray and voilà!
Runway: Christian Dior fall 2010
Look (middle): The Fishtail
How-to: Start with smooth hair by raking an anti-frizz serum from root to end. I swear by Josie Maran’s Argan Oil. Next, divide hair into two sections and take a small piece (the smaller the piece, the tighter the braid) from the far left side and cross it over the far right side. Switch to the other side and do the same. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your braid and then secure with elastic. (For a full step by step photo tutorial, click here.) Frame the face with a few loose strands for a more relaxed look.
Runway: Lacoste spring 2011
Look (at right): The Fringe
How-to: You made need a friend to help with this look, but it’s totally worth it! First, spritz hair with Living Proof Straight Spray for a sleek touch. Create a deep side part and clip the shorter section back behind the ear. French braid the top fringe section along the hairline and secure with elastic. Unclip the shorter side of the part and French braid toward the back of your ear. Gather both braids into a side ponytail to complete the runway look, or pin each braid at the nape for a cool hairband effect. (Click here to watch a video tutorial that will help you get the look).
Pick up some must-have hair products you’ll need to achieve these styles by visiting our Birchbox Shop.
This week’s guest blogger is Natalie Alcala, a Cali girl with a penchant for all things style and fashion. When she’s not soaking up the sun or rocking dangerously high heels, you can catch her feeding her insatiable sartorial appetite on her blog, Natalie’s Menagerie. She also pens a daily fashion column for BlackBook Magazine and is an assistant editor at FashionStake.
Left to right: Missoni fall 2011, Jil Sander fall 2011, and Dries van Noten fall 2011
We’ve definitely seen some stellar faces on the runway this year. While models are just as gorgeous sans makeup, it’s always inspiring to see how beauty artists dream up new ways to tell a fashion designer’s story through their craft. If you’re tired of the same old eye-and-lip routine, here are three totally wearable looks for a chic refresh.
Runway: Missoni fall 2011
Look (at left): Smudged liner and a plum pout
How-to: For the Italian fashion house’s fall show, makeup artist Lucia Pieroni turned to ’90s cool chicks like Juliette Lewis and Patricia Arquette for some edgy inspiration. To channel this moody look, start by gliding Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Black along the lower lash line only. Swipe the smudging applicator over the line for a disheveled effect. Since this look is really all about the pout, create a precise lip with a wine-stained liner, like MAC Lip Pencil in Beet. Blend it with an equally dramatic filler, like MAC Lipstick in Hang-up, and you’ll be ready to star in the True Romance sequel in no time!
Runway: Jil Sander fall 2011
Look (middle): Electric lids and cherry lips
How-to: As the rest of the fashion world focuses on a more minimalist approach to beauty, leave it to makeup artist Peter Philips to pump up the runway with some major ’60s glam. To recreate this eye-catching effect, use Tarte emphasEYES Aqua Gel Eyeliner in Teal to create a precise cat eye. Next, use MAC Lip Pencil in Redd to line the lips and fill it with my go-to, MAC’s Ruby Woo.
Runway: Dries Van Noten fall 2011
Look (at right): Gold gazers and a fleshy finish
How-to: Proving his versatility, Chanel’s Peter Philips went from bold beauty at Jil Sander to au naturel at Dries. Swiping eyes with a touch of gold is the perfect way to take a nude face from day to night effortlessly. First, dip a brush into a luminous shade, like RMS Beauty Cream Eyeshadow in Solar, and swipe over the entire eye area. Next, create a fleshy lip by applying RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Promise for a natural, velvety finish. C’est magnifique!
Want to make your own pairing? Take a look in our Birchbox Shop to get the supplies you need.
From left: Oscar de la Renta spring 2011, Blake Lively at the MTV Movie Awards
Hair used to be big—literally. But this season we’ve seen stylists step away from the Jersey Shore poofs and opt for something a little more pulled together—the sleek bun and sleek pony. From the runway to the red carpet, these tight hairdos have been all the rage. With all the variegated looks designers introduced this season, I’m not surprised they’re choosing straightforward hair. I for one was hesitant to embrace the stripes with floral trend, but once I tried it out last week, there was no going back.
The downfall of these polished locks: When your hair is pulled back, there isn’t much room for disguising your face. Side swept bangs have become a permanent part of my look in recent years, but I am willing to pick up a fine-toothed comb and get cracking. There’s no better way to celebrate summer than trying out a ‘do that will be sure to keep you cool, right? Tell us if you’re daring enough, and if you are, use Oscar Blandi’s Olio di Jasmin Hair Serum to smooth flyaways and give your hair that glossy shine!
—Shana
Your face will be in the spotlight now, so pick up some new makeup from our Birchbox Shop.
What appears on the runway or a magazine spread is typically light-years from what you’d see in real life (though in New York you see some pretty ballsy outfits). But there’s nothing stopping you from using high fashion as inspiration for everyday looks. Case in point: Katia loved this ultraglam look (makeup by our fave artist, Nam Vo):
She immediately created her own version of the knotty ‘do (blurry photo is my fault):
Ta da!
