What We're Wearing January 31st, 2014

Today I'm wearing Victoria's Secret Shiny Kiss Flavored Gloss. This sweet, citrus scented gloss has high shine with a wet, yet not over the top look. 

Plus, it's not sticky and has just enough of a pale pink tint to wear alone or over a lipstick. Not to mention it smells delish!

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton 

I know there has been a lag in actual personal style shots from me for this weekly post, and no, I have not had a chemical peel gone wrong. Frankly, it’s just really cold, you guys. I basically don’t take off my coat even indoors, so not much to see. I’m really looking forward to some warmth and sunshine so I can get a little more creative – and by that, all I’m asking for is a nice like 45 degrees. 

For now, I give you three interpretations of my recent uniform: the cropped sweater and the skater skirt. This combo is just really flattering, easy to wear, comfortable and hits that ‘90s-grunge-downtown-cool kind of mark.

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Sweater: $17.80 at Forever 21
Skirt: $60.00 at Daily Look



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Sweater: $28 at MissGuided  
Skirt: $50 at DailyLook



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Sweater: $58 at John Lewis 
Skirt: $35 at Dorothy Perkins 


Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Buy This Now: CND Vinylux Nailpolish

I have a new obsession - CND Vinylux top coat. You NEED to go and purchase this immediately, I got it on Amazon. 

So far, I only have the top coat, I haven't tried the Vinylux colors, but believe me, I will be purchasing them. This top coat wears like gel or shellac polish - it lasts forever before chipping and keeps your nails super shiny. It looks just like wet polish - mega shine! Manicures at home just got amped up a notch. But that's not even the best part! 

While I love getting shellac or gel polish done at a salon, I don't love the price, and I DESPISE removing it. Not only is it time consuming and difficult - I hate how it leaves my nails weak, dull and overall less healthy.

The absolute must-buy reason for this polish - it comes off with regular nail polish as easily as regular nail polish. I promise you, it just swipes off - no soaking cotton balls and holding them on your nails, no intense rubbing and no peeling.

I painted my nails with regular, Essie polish and applied this top coat. This picture is of my nails A WEEK AND A HALF LATER! 

I would love to see pictures of your nails after using this top coat - email me at SuttonVanB@gmail.com

Perfectly Glossed Kisses, 

Sutton

What to Wear on the Beach in 2014

Summer might still seem like a lifetime away but that doesn’t mean you can’t get in the mood for some sunshine with some gorgeous new swimwear. This summer is set to see some key trends poolside with prints, vintage cuts and Eastern influences taking centre stage. Gone is last year’s focus on fringing and ruffling as simple cuts are back in. Cut-away styles are still on trend, but not to 2013’s level, so choose carefully if you’re looking for a one-piece to show some extra skin.  

 

Vintage

Vintage cuts are a reoccurring theme in one form or another most seasons and 2014 will be no exception. High-waist shorts and bustiers are a key feature, which is great news for anyone wanting to cover up a little more and still look sexy on the beach. Emma Mulholland’s collection didn’t go as far back to the 1950s, as she focused on super-fun throwback ‘80s style colours and cuts with plenty of neon. 

Navy

Nautical and navy go hand in hand so it’s a natural choice for swimwear and its set to be huge at the beach this summer. At Fashion Week Miami 2013, Chloe showcased beautifully simple swimwear many of which featured block navy colours or stripes. This trend has also been reflected in high street collections with brands such as South Beach Official using navy, and in this case combining the colour with a cute pattern, to create a pretty two-piece.

Go East

There was a definite Eastern vibe on the catwalks for this season’s swimwear with Dolores Cortes’s show delivering dip-dyed swimsuits, animal prints and pieces in the key colours of saffron, gold and red. The models in Cortes’s collection featured stunning gold head dresses and turbans to emphasise the rich exotic theme of the collection. The Eastern trend is great for cover-ups too as kaftans and sarongs in rich shades are the perfect accessory for hitting the beach bar.

Geometric

Mara Hoffman is known for her love of prints and her 2014 collection delivers bright and bold geometric patterns in eye-popping neon, which also have a touch of Eastern influence. Australian label Suboo also used a geometric pattern as their key print this season, this time in white and greys with a touch of colour to give this look a sophisticated feel. Geometrics are a good choice for girls looking to add some shape to their beach outfits as block patterns can create the illusion of curves.

- By Sarah Stewart

5 Beauty Buys Under $25

I can't lie to you - I spend boatloads of money on beauty products. It's my weakness and I admit I have a problem. With that said, not all of my beauty products are expensive. Here are a few of my favorites that cost under $25! 

L'ORÉAL EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner $6.99

This shampoo is the amazing. I am always hesitant to buy a shampoo and conditioner in one, but this one is an exception. It's sulfate and paraben free, so it is very gentle on hair! I could not believe how shiny and soft it left my hair after just one use. 

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $4.49

I keep a mascara everywhere - in my locker at the gym, in my desk at work and I leave one in all of my bags. This obsession gets expensive! Shockingly, this drugstore mascara is awesome. 

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion $10.79

Stop leaving your house without moisturizer! This is totally unacceptable. While I have many expensive lotions, this one works almost as well. It's light and fragrance free so it's even fine for super sensitive skin. 

JOSIE MARAN Natural Volume Lip Gloss $20.00

Who doesn't have one million and one lip glosses? This one should definitely join your collection. It's sheer enough to wear over lipstick, yet has enough of a pink tint to wear alone. Bonus - it leaves your lips with bit of natural plumpness. 

St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub $4.29    

All skin types should be using a scrub once a week. Especially in winter when skin tends to be extra dry. This oil free apricot scrub does the job, and it's inexpensive enough to use on your legs before shaving. 

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Finding the Perfect Shirtdress

My daily e-mail from Moda Operandi today had the subject of “One shirtdress. Two ways.” And that got me thinking about how I’ve been kind of obsessed with finding the perfect shirtdress lately. The shirtdress is arguably one of the most necessary closet staples and for good reason. The right one is chic on its own and looks just as chic but totally different when styled in a myriad of different ways. 

I just ordered this one from Acne, $310 at Barney's: 

 

I love its shape and how its clean, crisp look is balanced by a little flare. The layered bottom makes for a lovely silhouette, and is substantial enough to look like an actual skirt if I wear a sweater over the top.

 

And this one from J.W. Anderson, $295 at Moda Operandi, is as perfect as you can get. It’s crisp, sharp and minimalist, so will look clean and modern on its own and make the ideal foundation piece for layering.

 

This one from Forever 21, just $23, has that T by Alexander Wang vibe – it’s effortless and just plain cool in its long, sleeveless silhouette.

 

 

Another approach to the look is a denim version, which also has that great advantage of looking cool on its own or layered – go denim on denim or denim, if your heart desires. This simple, flattering version is just $40 at Uniqlo.

 

 

And if you’re in the market for something a little more feminine, this eyelet shirtdress from Band of Outsiders, $645 at La Garconne is just lovely. Cut from eyelet with a flared skirt, it’s flattering, chic and cool yet elegant.

 

 

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor