All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

Think about modern neon, then you’ll get this latest Fall collection from Marc Jacobs. Truly, he injected such a vibe that jolts out amongst the boring blacks-and-whites of this season. The collection includes puffed tops and a-line bottoms, dresses and skirts with flarings, scarves, jackets, coats and cardigans–all imbued with eye-candy colors and bedazzling brocades prints. There’s still a noticeable presence of dark tights paired with ankle strap shoes or boots. And of course, any Marc Jacobs wardrobe won’t be complete sans the ever gorgeous bags.

Here’s what I like about Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 Collection:

Grays and Blacks with a Spunk

If you opt to steer clear from vibrant neon colors, surely this collection will take you to some place where dark tinges rule  without losing  the spunkiness of your wardrobe.

*The show started with this simple casual gray cardigan and black pants attire. Quite simple for a Marc Jacobs collection, isn’t it? But, try to sport a mohawk ‘do complete with that lovely black and white brocade scarf, and you’re on the go to being MJ stylish. And also, watch out for the kilt and braces aback of this outfit–truly outrageously signatured!*

*This full charcoal brocade dress has this gorgeous flaring at the bottom, decked with a pair purple ankle boots, dark jeweled necklace and neon green printed clutch. *

Puffed with Sleeve and Skirt

The collection also delighted us with  puffed sleeve or skirt, texturized with metallic brocade  and striped prints.

*This sleeved bustier top with puffed skirt really caught my attention as it fused classic and contemporary altogether. Surely, it looks like a formal cocktail ensemble on the first look. But hey, those metallic brocade prints on a quirky skirt might make you think twice otherwise–for a party garb! *

*Another gorgeous party bustier dress. This time, notice the drama of the free-flowing  plain black ribbons to the rest of the striped prints, both forming a semi-ruffled bottom. It’s paired with ankle strap boots displaying its metallic sheen.*

*This  salmon pink blouse with puffed sleeves is paired with high-waisted fur-like pencil skirt complete with patent leather-like gloves and ankle boots. What’s more to love about this formal ensemble is this lovely bejeweled neck piece that’s just elegantly layered on the model’s top.*

Neon Power!

*There’s nothing as playful as combining two different prints for an exquisite yet made-for-each-other look. This blouse and skirt combo have distinct brocade prints on them, yet they impeccably compliment each other in harmonious bluish and yellowish glow.*

*Another playful thing to do with colors is to combine and contrast them. I always like blending these two contrasting colors together. In this outfit, the neon green structured jacket is paired with a decadently printed dress. I just love how it’s been also embellished with yet another brocade printed pink scarf, and a retro mixture of pink and green colors for the brocade bag. Keeping it fierce, the dramatic makeup look and mohawk haristyle really did a well-done job.*

More Story from Style.com

Erratum: The black trench ensemble I featured in Balenciaga was actually from THIS collection.

The house of Lanvin never fails to give women a gorgeous and glamorous vibe, as this season brims with lovely dark floral patterns, bias wraps, high-waisted belts, subtle knots, bows and drapings  in sophisticated, ultra-feminine powersuits and dresses.  Designer Alber Elbaz epitomizes Parisian style with some kink of 40′s retro-ish vibe for Fall 2009 collection.

All in all, this collection is  flat-out classic. You will never go out of style with these pieces, wherever the time machine takes you.

So, expect to see leather-like boots and gloves along the runway. The big, chunky bejeweled, tribal necklace may be a lil bit off-kilter, but in a very stylish way. In fact, I’m digging those chunky pieces as it adds some spunk to the monochromatic wardrobe.

Piece de resistance: Floral, Brocade & Both

* I think anyone would fall in love on this lovely black suit with what it seems to be embossed floral brocade-like patterns.  The fabric and the fine glittered embroidery was really well-put together. I also love the puffed wrap top as it adds quite an oomph to the ensemble. I’m not sure how delicate the material is, but it just speaks to me like, “This is not your ordinary timeless black suit. This is something that should exist in your business wardrobe!” To cut the crap, it’s just perfection at its finest! *

*Another take on the brocade. This time, it’s in a seemingly closed-neck dress with what it looks like a tri-layered, bias cut at the bottom. Well, it’s still drool-worthy elegant for me. The black chunky necklace plays a vital part on this ensemble. The dress won’t seem complete without it.*

*This one pulls off a different pattern, but is indubitably as exquisite as the previous ones. I just adore the cascading drapes on the side as it really gives the dress an overall feminine vibe.*

Simple-toned Blacks & Chunky Metal Necklace

Another option for this collection is to go subtle with a touch of nothing but black. But, what sets it apart from the rest of black boring power suits you see from businesspeople everyday is right in front of your eyes (and her encolure).

*Never go boring with a silver chain necklace and built-in gigantic pendant, whilst keeping things simple with your suit and makeup no-makeup look*

*Same cut as with the first image above, only sans the prints, hence your option if you’re intimated by the floral embroidery.*

*Complete your professional dressing-up with this lovely pair of platform shoes.*

More of Lanvin Fall 2009 here.

Hello lovelies! I’m gonna be featuring 5 Haute Houses for Fall 2009′s Ready-to-Wear Collection. Let’s start off with Balenciaga. xx

Balenciaga designer Nicolas Ghesquiere highlights his Parisian collection for Fall 2009. What’s pretty much noticeable with this collection is the presence of drapes and prints, plus the silk/satin ensemble. Of course, Fall collection would not be complete without anything structured on it!

However, I am not totally won by this collection. I am not really digging the satin drapes, nor the robed trench coat. But, I’m impressed by the fab structured top and bottom ensemble. I love how the pants flow gorgeously, as they flatter the models’ long lanky legs.

Check out some of the runway pictures from Style.com.

Collection Yays

*These two are my favorite from this collection. I love how such ensemble pulls off a stylish menswear pants and a tuxedo jacket (from left) / puffed long-sleeved top (from right) perfectly to utmost feminine sophistication. One more thing that’s highlighted this season is the proliferation of menswear on womenswear sans losing the feminine touch. These ensembles are totally wearable, and pretty much great revealing the sultry side of powersuit-donning career women on-the-go. Not-to-mention, the shoes are lurve! *

Collection Nays

*Erm, this looks like a high-priced bathrobe. It’s definitely not my cup of tea.*

*On the other hand, I got mixed thoughts on the shoes. I found it weird, but cute. But, this one’s less likely wearable. I guess, its true value goes by having it as a collector’s item.*

*Another ensemble to dismay. I bet it’s really hard to justify a satin top and bottom pair such as this. The skirt looks like draped curtains bound together to form one. Plus, que horror on the shoes. I just can’t explain it. lol. The color combination is interesting enough though.*

Interested to see the rest of the collection? Clicky click here!

Looking back, my makeup kit (so-called kikay kit) has evolved in years. Before, it started as a tiny pouch with press powder & chapstick in it. Then, it grew up by adding liquid foundation (I used Cover Girl then), lip gloss and concealer (I used Avon concealer stick).

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

Looks like Barbie hearts makeup in general, as Stila launches its Barbie loves Stila Collection in commemoration of its 50th Anniversary.

If you tried and loved Barbie loves MAC, then this Stila collection will surely eat your heart out! It’s composed of various makeup sets and palettes, all beautifully crafted to fit Barbie’s glam and charm. If you want to sport an enchanting doll-face look [just like Barbie's], then grabbing one of these fabulous sets will definitely do the trick. Each set is made ideally for every Barbie’s exquisite look as it evolves through the years.

You can also opt getting Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette or  Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo for a try.

The makeup sets include: (more…)

Chanel is truly an epitome of all things posh. And so, I have always drooled for Chanel 2.55 bag, which is famous for its quilted lambskin structured leather with a lavish golden chain handles.

Take this Chanel Baby Pink Flap Bag for instance, which is a part of Chanel’s 2009 Cruise Collection. I always have my love for subdued pink hues, and this one really caught my attention! Next to Hermes Birkin, I’m so eying to get one of these gorgeous, sophisticated babies in the future. Oh well, the hefty price tag, however, is something to sigh for. Most Chanel 2.55 bags cost around a whopping $2,000. Truly, my parents (not to mention, my pocket ) will kill me should I get one of these soon!

Oh well, oh well. Since I couldn’t afford a lovely piece of Chanel quilted purse as of the moment, I recently snagged this oh-so-luxurious concealer from Chanel. Chanel Lift Lumiere Concealer, a smoothing and rejuvenating eye concealer, works perfectly as an eye-caring liquid concealer to revive my dark, tired eyes. It makes my peepers look bright and alive. Well, thanks to its ingredient, Tetrapeptide, that targets the fluid responsible for building up under the eyes and making them look tired. I don’t even worry skipping my Awake Eye Serums.

Moreover, it functions well as an all-over face makeup as it blends easily and evenly on the skin. In my case, I use it as a blemish concealer, camouflaging those sightly blemishes with its sheer-to-medium coverage. It doesn’t cake or streak, and works fine with oily skin types (like mine). Just remember to put the liquid concealer first before set it with powder!

It currently has 3 colors: Beige Lumiere, Rose Lumiere and Apricot Lumiere. I got mine in Beige Lumiere that works best with my yellow undertones. Get a 15ml for Php 2,650 (or $45) that comes with its signature Chanel bottle [with pump inside].

P.S. I also have Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara and Rouge Hydrabase Satin Lipstick. OMG, I’m so loving all the lipstick hues. Reviews soon!

My old folks believe that one should wear Polka Dots on New Year’s Eve as we welcome the New Year, because it symbolizes prosperity. Fashion-wise, I simply have one thing in my mind: Polka Dots are HAWT this Spring season.

Thanks to my feverish browsing of Style.com, I am in the verge of getting a few new additions to my sketches, as I embrace 2009 with a bang! Starting off with some polka-dotted pieces.

Here’s a few inspiration for this season’s trend:

Going Sophisticated?

Valentino never fails to give some sensuality and sophistication to every outfit, no matter what cut, print or fabric it may be. I so love this flowy tube polka dot dress. Not only that it possesses the basic colors that characterize the minimalist in me, but also it gives a sexy, ladylike feel that donning it makes me look instantly gorgeous! This is so perfect for posh candlelit dates.

Dressy, Casual, Chic

This maroon and gray mini-dress with a huge waist belt (resembling that of an obi) from Iceberg is nothing but LOVE. This is a perfect dress to wear for chic, dressy corporate nights. It also imbibes a sexy, womanly feel without going overboard–hence, showing too much skin. Plus, a tinge of berry polka dots makes this piece pop out from its boring “gray” state.

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Smashbox recently launches its Halo Hydrating Powder, the first of its kind skincare-and-makeup arsenal  that specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles in as fast as 10 minutes! It comes with a perfect compact powder and a mini kabuki brush that amply help you apply the right amount of makeup for a radiant, younger looking finish. Its innovative built in shaver gives the just-right amount of loose powder sans the mess!  (more…)

Image From: Marialoving.com

*Maria Clothing‘s Double Trouble*

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Well to be honest, I’m not referring to Rihanna’s hit single.

Rainy days and super sunny days aren’t perfect without a good umbrella in hand. For many, this bulky accessory is a bane to anyone’s outfit, which I somewhat agree. It’s really hard to score a trendy umbrella that’ll blend well your whole ensemble sans ruining it. But heck, having an umbrella is truly a necessity. It’s a life (and style) saving device to survive those oh-so-rainy days, keeping you from getting all drenched up. It also protects you from those scorching sun rays, giving you a fresh and comfortable feeling.

Afraid of looking tacky whilst carrying the load? Check these trendy umbrellas I stumbled upon the web that really spell girly, preppy and chic!

Girly

This fab Juicy Couture Pink umbrella has rhinestone raindrops on it to add shine and a scribbled Juicy Couture logo for the ultra-feminine look. It also has a matching zip case trimmed in contrast piping for easy stashing. Get this cutesy umbrella for $55 at Nordstrom.
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