I am a little blogging failure. I've been so busy traveling and working and studying for midterms and dealing with my terrible internet that I haven't been able to blog.
But, on a plus note, that Chanel manicure I did in the last post lasted NINE DAYS. It probably could have gone longer, but I had to go on a weekend trip and didn't want to risk beat-up nails. So Chanel polish = totally worth the investment.
In other not that exciting news, I'm getting my hair dyed on Thursday! Now, I know what you're thinking. Megan, didn't you just do a drastic hair color job? Yes, yes I did. But the problem is that I have so much hair and the red I have underneath all the brown dye isn't taking color evenly. So basically I have neutral brown hair on top and then a ton of medium-light reddish-blonde-brown hair underneath. Literally. Someone asked me if I got highlights. No, I just fail at dyeing my hair.
Normally I'd just suck it up and dye my hair again, but at the salon right by my dorm they have a deal for wash+blow dry+color (with L'Oreal Inoa!!!) for 25 euros. Um, what. That's just under $40. For professional hair color AND styling. So that's happening. What I want is a medium-dark warm brown, something like these two pictures below (Paz Vega and Leighton Meester): a little lighter and warmer than the dark brown I have on top right now, but much darker than my roots. So hopefully that goes well and I'll have pictures!
So, sad news: Sephora does not ship internationally (except to Canada). BOO. This is especially sad because they just had their Friends & Family sale, where you get a 20% off discount code. Sales on makeup are like sales on Christian Louboutins and double rainbows. They never happen. So I bit the bullet and made a little order, which should be waiting for me at home. In California. Until the end of December. Sob. Here's what I got:
Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish in Houses of Parliament, $16 at sephora.com, Sephora Brand BCA Pink Eyelash Curler, $16 at sephora.com: I finally cracked and got the magnetic nail polish. I got the purple one, and I am so pumped! I dismissed magnetic nail polish as a fad for years, but the Nails Inc. version has such a strong pattern from the magnet that I couldn't ignore it. It almost looks like Minx. The purple is a gorgeous, velvety color, and you get a ripple effect with the purple and a lighter, more silvery purple. Gah so excited. You put the magnet over the polish right after you paint your nail and the magnet pulls out particles in the polish to create the pattern. Sometimes I love science. I also picked up an eyelash curler. I know, I don't have one. I've never really seen the need, because my lashes have a bit of a natural curl, but I've been told time and time again by my makeup-loving friends to buy one, so I caved. I'm thinking it will make my lashes pop more and look even longer. Plus, it's pink and $1 goes towards breast cancer research!
Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 15 Taupe, $22 at sephora.com, Boyfriend 1.7 oz Perfume, $65 at sephora.com: I spent a really long time deciding what to buy on the Sephora site. I ended up going back to my fail-safe--eyeshadow. I saw this taupe cream shadow in an AllThatGlitters21 video, and it is so pretty--a shimmery taupe brown. I usually go for powder or loose shadows, but cream shadows have such a pretty sheen and are so easy to use. I'm thinking I can do a simple, but polished daytime eye with just this across the lid and a bit of an inner corner highlight with some gel-liner smudged into the lashes. Easy-peasy. I got a ton of samples with my order, but the one I'm most looking forward to trying (in like 100 years) is this Boyfriend perfume by Kate Walsh. The notes are dark plum, myrrh, night blooming jasmine, benzoin tears, skin musk, golden amber, and vanilla woods. I love oriental, woody scents with twists of vanilla and amber--heady and musky, but not too sweet or too girly. I think the idea here is that it's the smell of your boyfriend's perfume mixing with yours, which I love. The bottle, not so much, but still.
Images via: agirlnamedbong.wordpress.com, trendencias.com, sephora.com.
I'm freaking out a little about the last Harry Potter film. But more on that in a bit. First a piece of randomness.
I picked this up at Paper Source yesterday. It's technically a piece of wrapping paper, but I got it to hang on my wall because it was wayyyy too cute to be ripped apart while someone opens a present. It's an old school map of Paris, and it was about $4. If you wanted to go all out with your affordable wall art, you could get a couple different ones of these and frame them (Paper Source also had some really adorable London-themed ones).
On another note, I'm seeing Harry Potter tomorrow night and I am SO PUMPED. I know this sounds melodramatic, but that series was actually my childhood. The first one came out when I was six, and I literally spent ages 6-16 reading the books, watching the movies, waiting for new books to come out every summer. Plus Hermione was kind of my role model--the slightly awkward smarty pants who none-the-less still gets to be girly and kind of badass. Also she has my awkward brownish-blonde natural hair color, so I have to love her for that. I broke down and I'm rewatching a lot of the movies in preparation (since I left the books at home, sad face), and thought I'd share with y'all how I'd dress up as Hermione to go see the movie.
Now, my thing with dressing up for movies is that I like to interpret the character's looks, not go in a full-out costume. So Hermione's uniform is the pleated skirt, flats, grey v-neck sweater, and then Gryffindor accessories.
J. Crew Merino V-neck Sweater, $59.50 at jcrew.com, Miu Miu Pleated Wool-blend Mini Skirt, $565 at net-a-porter.com: The grey sweater is easy enough to work around. I'd do this incarnation from J. Crew because it's nice and fitted, so it doesn't feel frumpy, and it's just the right length, not too long or too short. I'd pair it with this Miu Miu mini skirt. The pleated skirt is a little harder to work with. You don't want to go too literal and have it actually look like a school uniform (high school flashback. Ack), which is why I like that this one is black and short. It has a little bit more of a grown-up vibe to it. The fitted sweater and pleated mini combo has the same bones as Hermione's uniform, it's just a little sexier.
Forever 21 Asian Inspiration Necklace, $8.80 at forever21.com, Tory Burch Nappa Leather Reva Ballet Flats, $195 at shopbop.com: As for accessories, I like the gold and red Forever 21 necklace. It has the Gryffindor colors, which is fab, and a bit of an exotic vibe that I think Hermione would appreciate. Plus the pop of color helps take the outfit out of drab, school uniform territory and gives it a fun twist. I'd do this simple pair of ballet flats to cap it all off. Boots or heels with a skirt that short can be a little much, and I think Hermione would do a clean but cute shoe like this pair.
Have any of y'all seen the movie? What did you think?
Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com, jcrew.com, forever21.com.
The Met Gala red carpet is always so consistently entertaining. It's not as publicized as the Oscars or the Globes and it's based around a fashion exhibit, McQueen this year, so the red carpet is always full of daring fashion choices (and occasionally mistakes). So without further ado, here are some of the more notable looks from last night's red carpet (and here's hoping that an extra-long post today makes up for a lack of postage yesterday!).
Michelle Monaghan, Jenna Lyons: This may be one of my favorite looks of the night. It's very simple, but the pink is such a sassy hue and the fit is so spot on that it still manages to look red carpet appropriate. Also I love an eye-skimming set of bangs with messy curls on anyone, and she is rocking it particularly well. For those of you that don't know, Jenna Lyons is the creative director of J. Crew. I love how consistent her style is with her brand's. Pairing a big v-neck cashmere sweater with a diva-esque feathery skirt is such a J. Crew styling move.
Jessica Szohr, Hailee Steinfeld: Oh, Jessica Szohr. This is not red carpet appropriate. It's too short, the shoes are weird, and her hair looks bedraggled. Ayayay. On the other hand, Hailee looks adorable. The dress is age appropriate, she looks so happy and fresh and young, and she's pulling off the short in front, long in back thing perfectly.
Isabel Lucas in Louis Vuitton, Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger: I like the idea of this dress on Isabel Lucas, but what's going on with the headgear? She looks like she's playing Cleopatra, no? I like Jessica Stam's dress too. It has a bit of a prom vibe, but with the hair style it goes a little too far over into the tween category for my taste.
Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein, Karlie Kloss and Angela Lindvall: Zoe does simple and chic so well. The yellow is such an unexpected but flattering choice, and I like the bright hue against the simple dress. Ugh. Models. These two look like complete Amazons in these floor-length metallic gowns. Hating my life a little right now.
Kristen Stewart in Proenza Schouler, Serena Williams in Oscar de la Renta: Kristen Stewart looks miserable. I would too in that dress. It's not flattering, the pattern is odd, and...it's just really not flattering. I guess Serena Williams had fun watching the royal wedding! Look at that voluminous skirt and that fascinator hat. At least she looks like she's having fun.
Christina Ricci in Zac Posen, Miranda Kerr in Marchesa: I almost want to talk about how Christina Ricci looks ridiculous, but I can't hate on someone who can confidently rock a dress that looks like it's made out of spider webs. That dress isn't wearing her. Can we just talk about the fact that Miranda Kerr had a baby like 3 months ago? RIDICULOUS. She could be wearing a trash bag and I would give her props for being out and about and looking so fab.
Gisele in McQueen, Diane Kruger in Jason Wu: This is another of my favorite looks of the night. Although it's been proven that Gisele can work a potato sack, she looks insanely fab in this McQueen gown. I love the combination of the vibrant red with the simple bodices and then the BAM impact of the voluminous, Gone with the Wind type skirt. I WANT TO BE WEARING THIS. Also her date isn't half bad either. Diane Kruger can really do no wrong. The slit is a little high, but the full coverage top balances that out. I love that the bodice has a pattern like a Klimpt painting. So retro-glam.
Michelle Williams in Miu Miu, Lea Michele: I actually really like this Miu Miu dress. The cut is simple but flattering, the metallic birds are a fun, whimsical touch, and I like that she kept the rest of her look simple. Well played. I feel like this is the fourth or fifth time that Lea Michele has worn a badly fitted, boring taffeta dress, and it gets worse every time. Love her hair though.
Ginnifer Goodwin, Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton: Ginnifer Goodwin is looking fierce! The dress is a fantastic color for her, the cutouts are fun and sexy without being too revealing, and I love the long sleeves with the thigh-high slit. Ok. I love Leighton Meester. I think she is gorgeous and she is the best part of Gossip Girl. But this dress is not a winner. It's not flattering cut or length, and it looks like she's wearing a basket.
Emma Stone, Amy Poehler in J Mendel: Emma Stone ftw! Love another natural blonde who dyes her hair red (like me!). I really like this dress on her. It fits very well and the shape is flattering, and the clean lines work nicely with the graphic floral print. Maybe a little more bling would have been nice, though? Oh, Amy Poehler. Who did this to you? I love her to death. She is so, so funny and accomplished. But the poodle fro is not flattering on anyone, and the dress is a little on the schlumpy side.
Freida Pinto in Chanel, Dakota Fanning in Valentino: Huh. Just huh. Freida Pinto is clearly one of the prettiest people ever, but this dress isn't doing her any favors. It looks a little '90s, and not in a good way. How adorable is Dakota's dress?! I absolutely love it. It's cute and whimsical but not too over the top. Originally I thought her makeup was seriously lacking, but I saw another picture and it's definitely the lighting to blame.
Ashley Greene in Donna Karen, Hamish Bowles in Alexander McQueen: I think this is great styling on Ashley Greene's part. The dress is lovely and princessy, and makes her look gorgeous and ethereal without distracting too much from how pretty she is. She definitely beats Kristen here. I think Hamish Bowles' ensemble sums up the entire event. That is straight up McQueen.
Rihanna in Stella McCartney, Gwenyth Paltrow in Stella McCartney: I actually really like Rihanna's hair here. I'm a sucker for red hair (obviously!) and braids. The dress is pretty, a little more subdued than usual from her, which is nice. Gwenyth has done this look a lot, but if you can manage to consistently pull out looking like a fabulously glam FemBot, I can't help but admire you.
Andre Leon Talley, Blake Lively in Chanel: Oh, Andre. I don't really think there's anything to say. As for Blake Lively, I am LOVING the new strawberry blonde hair color (it's not as apparent here, but it is actually red). The dress is interesting. I like the idea of the corseted dress under the drapey fabric but it's been done to death and it's not particularly flattering. I just want to rip off the draped part. And Karl...oh Karl.
All images via nymag.com.
Shock and horror, she looks exactly the same! Or potentially even more like a zombie stripper than she did before. Before I sarcastically mock TMoms, I just want to say that I understand having a specific look that you wear every day that becomes a part of your persona. On a much, much more restrained scale, I like to do my cat-eye gel liner every day because 1. I think it works for my eye shape and 2. I have a very hourglassy body type that looks best in '50s style dresses, so I like to do a little '50s style makeup. So I understand where you're coming from, TMoms. I just think you've taken it a lil too far.
We get it. You were all cute in How the Grinch Stole Christmas but now you want to be all grown-up and badass and rebellious. Fine. Totally deserved. But does having hair that looks like it was ripped off the head of a life sized mermaid Barbie doll and then made into a wig used by an extra in Flash Dance really accomplish that? Or does it say "I am legitimately insane and these mangy extensions are eating into my brain?" As for picture #2, I'm sorry, but thigh-high pleather boots, a bra, and a button-down are not an outfit unless you are Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. TMoms, I'm sorry, but you are no Julia Roberts.
It gets even better. Why not pair a cheap, Victoria's Secret bustier with a crucifix, thigh-highs, and some sort of odd leg harness? Perhaps because it makes you look like a futuristic brothel girl who has a Single White Female fixation on Madonna? Just perhaps. Also, the "I f*** for Satan shirt?" Really? We get it. You're super badass. This is just tasteless. Which one of your parents saw you wear this before you left the house and went, "yes. I am okay with my daughter wearing this because she looks like a classy young lady with stand-up moral values." Also, leather granny panties? Where do you even buy those???
You know what would be super rebellious for her at this point? Taking out the extensions, scraping off the eyeliner, and doing a simple, clean Jason Wu-esque outfit, not even super girly but just something uncomplicated and fresh. Now that would be truly shocking.
Images via gofugyourself.com.
The weather hit 60 degrees today, so obviously all I can think about today is summer, and all the things I want to wear for summer time. Which is unfortunate, because there is actually still snow on the ground in Boston. HOW DOES THIS EVEN WORK WEATHERWISE? I don't understand. Bleh. Here are some pretty summery things:
Kim Kardashian, Frye Catrin Trapunto Sandals, on sale fore $123 at zappos.com: I need to be more adventurous with my hair styles. I have very, very thick, slippery hair that refuses to do much more than go into a ponytail (and a rebellious ponytail at that). But I have a soft spot for cute little braids, a la LC from the Hills. I love the bombshell waves Kim is working here, and the skinny braids poking out add such a fun, boho twist on the look that I'm going to have to try this look. If these shoes came in my size still, I would have ordered them already. I need more shoes, heels especially, and I love the idea of a casual heel. The medium brown is so versatile, the platform and thick heel makes these practical, and the thick straps are so boho-sassy. These with a little white sundress = heaven.
Images via glamour.com, zappos.com, shopbop.com, smartpoppy.au, sephora.com.
Guys, I have a serious case of the blahs. I have a bunch of boring reading to do, the weather back here is TERRIBLE, and only finals and papers to look forward to for the next few weeks. I am riding the struggle bus. All I want to do is take a spa day. Since I don't have the time to do that, here's what I would do during my theoretical spa day in my theoretical life where I theoretically have free time.
Pumpkin Souffle Soy Candle, $9 at etsy.com, Silk Eye Mask, $35 at etsy.com: My favorite scent/flavor is pumpkin spice. Like my favorite flavor of all time. It's so autumy and homey and spicey and delicious. I like that this candle is soy, which is happier and eco-friendly, and long-burning, but really that it smells like pumpkin spice. I think I've blogged cute eye masks like this one probably five times, but I still haven't bought one and I kind of really need to. I'm a sucker for anything purple and the Sleeping Beauty thing is too cute. I would wear this the night before my spa day so I could wake up with this on and feel super glamorous.
Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter, $20 at sephora.com, Satin Kimono Wrap, $45 at victoriassecret.com: It's body butter...but it smells like chocolate chip cookies. I always feel polished and pampered when I use body butters, and what works better with a spa day than cookies? I know some people think of health food when they do spa days...but I think of baked goods. So there, universe. Now, on a spa day you can't wear actual clothes. It's cute lounge clothes and pajamas all the way. Personally, I love silky bathrobes. And this one has a fun kimono vibe and is in an adorable hot pink. I want to flounce around in this with some fluffy bunny slippers.
Zoya LC, $8 at zoya.com, Veronica Mars, Season 1, $34.98 at amazon.com: Now for the spa part of the spa day: a fun, bright nail polish. I'm wearing LC by Zoya on my fingers right now. It's a creme orangey-coral-red that just screams summer and California and happiness. It's opaque, it covers in 1-2 coats, and it wears nicely. As for what I'd be watching while I paint my nails, it has to be Veronica Mars season 1. I just finished watching that show, and it was GREAT. I've avoided watching it forever because I didn't think I would like it for some reason, but it is possibly the BEST THING EVER. It's snappy and fun and entertaining and very snarky, which is right up my alley.
What would you girls do if you had time for a spa day?
Images via etsy.com, victoriassecret.com, zoya.com, amazon.com.
