Scoring Fast Fashion on ClothingLoves.Net

We’ve talked before about faking a high end look without knocking it off. You know, like not spending $7,000 on a Pucci neon fur coat, but also not buying a $50 that says “Fucci” on the label. Well, there are a whole crop of sites popping up that define fast fashion, and you should have them bookmarked so you can scoop really on-trend pieces at shockingly low prices without actually getting something totally bad-taste generic. A lot of these sites are in Asia, so be prepared for some translation-centric “huh?”s and slightly longer shipping times, but if you pick your site carefully (because a lot of them are straight-up knock-offs) you can find some seriously affordable trend statement pieces. Like Clothing Loves (which ships faster with dropship from China). Clothing Loves is becoming a favorite fast fashion bookmark of mine because man, is it cheap. And they’re not setting out to legitimately copy any designer pieces. They’re just working some trends. Whether your style is lovely ladylike or directionally downtown, they have you covered. Even just searching for white chiffon dresses, there are prettier than pretty ethereal ones (Sutton’s picked one) and even some hard-hitting rock-girl ones (and yes, I’ve picked one). And because their jewelry is wholesale jewelry – which you’ll mostly come across on these sites – it’s hella cheap. And hella cute. Super fad-tastic, so not the kind of stuff you’d want to pay an arm and leg for – perfect! So bookmark, and hit it up when you see a street style shot you’re dying to copy on a low, low budget.

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

Take Care of Your Makeup Brushes: Brush Guard

I have already told you about how long you can keep makeup. But what about brushes? Of course you don't need to go and purchase new brushes every few weeks but they won't last long... unless you clean them! Full of germs, grime, oil and dirt they can get really nasty. I the Brush Guard cleaning kit to keep my makeup brushes in tip top shape. This kit includes everything you need!

First wet your makeup brush completely and put a few drops of the shampoo into the washing cup. The bottom of this cup has tiny little nubs on it so you can gently rub the bristles against the surface to really lather it up.

Now rinse your brush under running water until all of the shampoo is completely gone.

Blot the excess water off of your brush with the blotting cloth and remove as much water as you can.

Finally, just slide on the brush guards about a quarter of an inch past the end of the brush's bristles. Now you just need to dry your brushes, place them upside down in the drying vase. Once dry, remove the guard and fluff your brush! Clean, dry and perfectly shaped.

Remember, you should always keep your brushes in the brush guards when you are not using them.

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton

Normal People are Street Style Stars, Too, Volume III

More street style inspiration made a shopping reality! I swooned for this look during the spring couture shows in Paris. Everyone was wearing that Tibi skirt, a ladylike look updated with a high-voltage hue. It's perfect for spring, especially since you don't even have to wear that jacket, you can just do as the editors do and drape it over your shoulders.

Get a gray biker jacket, perfect for your shoulder hooks, at Nordstrom for $69:

 

For the top, you can either go the structured route with this origami top for $62 at Asos:

Or you can do a color-pop tee like this one from Mango for $40:

You can find the skirt for just $60 at Asos:

For a statement sparkler (aka rhinestone necklace), try this one for $40 at Topshop:

And you can finish the deal with neon pumps, for just $30 at Target:

Handbags and Hugs,

Astor

How to Achieve the Perfect Red Lip

Who doesn’t love a red lip? You know I do! A red lip can perfect any look, instant glam! No matter your skin tone you can pull this off. But only if it’s done the right way! Follow these steps and the look is yours!

First you need to exfoliate your lips so you are starting with a smooth canvas. You can mix a bit of sugar with honey and rub that along your lips or just use a soft, dry toothbrush.

Dry lips won’t hold color as long as smooth, moisturized lips will. Apply a bit of lip balm and use a tissue to dab off any extra.

Use a lip liner to outline your lips, this will keep the color from running. You can get a red liner to match. If not, you could also use some concealer and dab that around your lips.

Finally it is time to apply your lipstick! I always use a lip brush when I am doing a red lip, this gives me total control. Start at the center of your lip and blend outward.

Lastly, you can apply a gloss on top. Of course skip the step if you are going for a matte look. 

Perfectly Glossed Kisses,

Sutton