February Beauty Favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES: COLOURPOP THOUGH MY EYES PALETTE | COLOURPOP X iLUVSARAHII LIP SET | BIORE WITCH HAZEL TONER | BIORE WITCH HAZEL PORE STRIPS | LANCÔME STARLIGHT SPARKLE | DRUNK ELEPHANT THE LITTLES | CLÉ DE PEAU BEAUTÉ EYE SUPREME SHEET MASKS | JOANNA CZECH FACIAL MASSAGER | CLARINS NATURAL HYDRATING FOUNDATION | AMOREPACIFIC YOUTH REVOLUTION CREME & RADIANCE CONCENTRATOR | DERMALOGICA SKINCARE | ERNO LASZLO CLAY MASK 

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Only a week late! Without further ado, here are my beauty favorites from the month of February. This month is a particularly busy one for me, that shouldn’t be an excuse but yes I’m still doing everything on my own without an assistant of any kind. It was also a big beauty PR month with so much to go through deciding on what makes the cut in about roughly ten items each month. That’s over 120+ products a year that make it to the blog aside from the other hundreds of items. So thank you for your patience because I know how much you guys like this particularly segment on the blog! I tried many new brands that I’ve been dying to try this past month and oh boy, the results are in - from Japanese luxury skincare to colorful affordable makeup it’s all going down now! Keep reading to learn more about my chosen few and for more details, of course :)

COLOURPOP X ILUVSARAHII

1. THROUGH MY EYES PALETTE

   Get endless looks with iluvsarahii’s first ever 16-pan shadow palette, includes 8 stunning metallics and 8 rich matte finishes. Get ahead of the curve with the trendiest shades, from rich emeralds to Pantone’s color of the year. Inspired by Karen’s unique perspective from her side of the beauty world, this palette was made for you to embrace and express your own individuality.

   Lucido: metallic light gold
   Wild Soul: matte dusty mustard yellow
   Mesmer-Eyez: metallic orange gold
   Sandalwood: matte soft light beige
   In a Wink: matte soft pastel peach
   Euphoric: matte bright true orange
   Canela: matte soft terracotta sprinkled with gold glitter
   Lomo: metallic bright coral red
   Emerald Dream: metallic vivid emerald green
   Muze: metallic bright warm gold sprinkled with silver glitter
   Divina: matte deep blackberry
   Flecks: metallic icy taupe packed with silver glitter
   Nostalgia: matte mid-tone warm rose
   Moody: matte rich forest green
   Nocturne: metallic rosy red
   Missbehave: matte rich wine red

2. 3 LIP BUNDLE

   Get iluvsarahii’s third lip bundle in her most essential shades. Includes 2 Ultra Matte Lips (one more rosy and the other nude) and 1 Ultra Glossy Lip (which is my personal favorite).

   Use my code, 5Suzanne to receive a discount off your purchase!

BIORÉ WITCH HAZEL

1. PORE CLARIFYING TONER

   This light-weight Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Toner with witch hazel helps restore skin’s balance as it deep cleans and removes residue a cleanser might have missed. Witch Hazel is known to tighten pores, while salicylic acid controls oil and treats blemishes. This toner definitely gives you the benefit of clearing blemish prone skin, and the lightweight formula refines and tightens your pores. I always use this straight after cleansing my face thoroughly.

2. ULTRA DEEP CLEANSING PORE STRIPS

   Working like a super-magnet, the Bioré Witch Hazel ULTRA Deep Cleansing Pore Strips lift out even the most stubborn blackheads and deep down dirt & oil that can lead to acne-prone skin. Formulated with , these strips deep clean, remove blackheads, refine pores, and help prevent future breakouts. I always like to use these after wearing full-coverage makeup on a long day. I feel like they really purify and refresh my pores.

   For more details see blog post HERE.

LANCÔME STARLIGHT SPARKLE LA ROSE A POUDRER

This delicate rose-shaped illuminator is infused with light-enhancing pearls for a smooth, buildable glow. Also packed with Vitamin E for a non-drying formula that wears comfortably all day long, it’s the perfect rose gold highlighting luminous powder!

DRUNK ELEPHANT THE LITTLES

Developed to balance and reset your skin to a healthy, glowing state, Drunk Elephant's small but mighty littles deliver unparalleled results when used together as a system and are compatible with all skin. Approximately 30-45 day supply, 100% free of essential oils and fragrance, it is the perfect travel-size skincare companion. Drunk Elephant is committed to using only ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of our formulations. They never take into account an ingredient’s synthetic or natural status, but instead choose based on its biocompatibility. You won’t find what they call the "Suspicious 6" in their products (essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS,) making them, in their opinion, appropriate for all skin. They believe that these six ubiquitous ingredients are at the root of almost every skin issue we see. When formulating the products, they focus on pH levels and safety, and always making sure that the active ingredients are at efficacious levels. .

CLÈ DE PEAU BEAUTÈ X JOANNA CZECH

1. VITALITY-ENHANCING EYE SUPREME SHEET MASKS

   Incorporating a new approach based on Clé de Peau Beauté Laboratories’ innovative research on the structure of the eye, Vitality-Enhancing Eye Mask Supreme combats the look of myriad eye-area concerns, from visible depressed wrinkles to under-eye bags and drooping at the outer corners. This generously sized eye and upper face mask was developed to work in powerful synergy with Clé de Peau Beauté Enhancing Eye Contour Cream Supreme. Six sheet masks. Made in Japan.

2. FACIAL MASSAGER

   A few minutes a day using a facial massager will achieve brilliant results - it speeds circulation and directs oxygen to your skin, resulting in reduced puffiness, lifted features and a brighter complexion. This handheld device from celebrity aesthetician Joanna Czech is sculpted from cooling zinc and aluminium alloys in a silhouette that makes it really easy to maneuver around the contours of the face and neck. Use it in tandem with cleansing oils, essences and creams so they really sink in.

CLARINS SKIN ILLUSION NATURAL HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Discover the secret to a flawless complexion with the Clarins Skin Illusion Natural Hydrating Foundation SPF15, an ultra-lightweight makeup base that will create a radiant, barely-there finish. Created for all skin types, Skin Illusion will help you to achieve immediate freshness and a beautiful glow without masking your skin's natural beauty. It's created with red jania extract, a seaweed found in calm waters, which will encourage cellular turnover whilst promoting a clearer complexion. The inclusion of the leaf of life extract will reboot your skin's mechanisms to promote hydration on multiple levels of the skin, inducing a lit-from-within glow. Long-lasting and protective, this ultra-fresh base is created with a Light Optimizing Complex in order to subtly accentuate your features, while an Anti-Pollution Complex will act as a protective barrier from external aggressors and offer a rich source of antioxidants in order to neutralize free radicals.

AMOREPACIFIC

1. YOUTH REVOLUTION RADIANCE CREME & MASQUE

   This transformative formula suspends the aging cycle with 24-7 brightening benefits. Its versatile, sherbet-like texture absorbs effortlessly onto skin, allowing you to customize your results: one layer for morning moisture and two layers for nighttime nourishment. This multi-tasker calls upon white peony to help improve skin’s overall tone and firmness and green tea polysaccharides to brighten complexion. Truly a great creme.

2. YOUTH REVOLUTION VITAMIN C RADIANCE CONCENTRATOR

   This serum helps rid skin of Aging Dust™, preventing these damaging factors from accumulating on the surface causing dullness, uneven tone, and pigmentation. Its dual-chamber release combines two skin-brightening, antioxidant-rich formulas to address early signs of aging and boost radiance. Vitamin C works to even skin tone, while white peony helps with overall tone improvement and skin's firmness. Soothing green tea polysaccharides further work to brighten the complexion

DERMALOGICA

1. PRECLEANSE

   The professional's deep cleansing weapon! Achieve ultra clean and healthy skin with a double cleansing regimen that begins with PreCleanse. This plant-based cleansing oil, fortified with Olive and Kukui oils, thoroughly melts layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual skin products that build-up during the day. When water is added it transforms this hydrophilic (water-loving) formula into a milky emulsion, easily rinsing away oil-based debris from the skin's surface and allowing your recommended Dermalogica Cleanser to penetrate even further for professional cleansing results. It is strong enough to remove waterproof mascara. Offers a deep cleansing ideal for even the most oily skin conditions too. 

2. SPECIAL CLEANSING GEL

   A soap-free, foaming gel designed to thoroughly remove impurities without disturbing the skin's natural moisture balance. Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe the skin, while natural Quillaja Saponaria gently foams away toxins and deep-cleanses debris. Purifying Lavander Extract assists in cleansing. Contains no artificial fragrance or color. Professional recommendation advised.

3. DAILY MICROFOLIANT®

   Dermalogica Microfoliant is a unique, rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. Their unique Skin Brightening Complex of Bearberry, Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation. Active agents derived from Rice Bran and Rice Extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Fragrance free.

4. DYNAMIC SKIN RECOVER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF50

   An SPF moisturizer to help combat triggers that lead to skin aging. Achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin aging with this medium-weight, emollient daily moisturizer with broad spectrum SPF 50. A patented polypeptide combined with glucosamine and soy helps stimulate collagen synthesis, enhances the skin's natural ability to fight skin-aging free radicals (reactive oxygen species) and helps prevent the signs of aging caused by sugar reacting with proteins in skin (AGEs). White tea polyphenols help regulate the formation of collagen-degrading MMPs brought on by UV rays while tripeptides, yeast extract and phytoestrogens help enhance skin firmness. Advanced sunscreen technology provides critical protection from daylight exposure, yet blends smoothly into skin to create a perfected finish.

5. STRESS POSITIVE EYE LIFT

   Stress Positive Eye Lift by Dermalogica is a high-performance leave-on eye mask instantly lifts, brightens and de-puffs the delicate eye area. Wild indigo seed extract brightens dark undereye circles, sea water extract counters the look of puffiness and hyaluronic acid firms to lift the skin. Cooling massage applicator energizes the undereye area. Ideal for daily use on all skin types.

   I’d recommend that first-time Dermalogica users visit an authorized skin treatment professional for a client consultation in an ULTA store. View Dermalogica skin treatments at all ULTA locations.

ERNO LASZLO PORE CLEANSING CLAY MASK

Kaolin and Bentonite, mineral rich white and pink clays, are among the world’s best at absorbing oil and cleansing impurities, while reversing dryness and dullness on skin. Sugar Cane Extract not only balances skin’s natural oils but also gently exfoliates with glycolic acids to purify and minimize pores. Rosewater ingredients also offer a beautiful, light fragrance and a variety of moisturizing, detoxifying, and soothing benefits. So if your distressed skin calls for powerful measures: this hydrating, detoxifying mask by Erno Laszlo is the perfect solution. Harnessing the natural benefits of clay, it helps remove impurities without drying and infuses moisture and nutrients into skin as it draws out the dirt and oil from pores. Your face feels brand new; smoother and with a more even glowing tone. Though creamy and lightweight, this cleansing mask uses a super blend of natural cleansing materials to clear away the debris that stressors—both external and internal— can leave on skin.

LOVE & XX’S,

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LFW AW19 Outfits

Happy Tuesday, guys! My roundup of all my London Fashion Week outfits are now live! Come take a look where I am still mixing a ton of prints along with staple British pieces such as the classic trench, more punk vibes on Day 3’s look, a vibrant look reminiscent of tomato juice and even a crisp, all white look! A lot of outfit focus for London were accessories, such as western boots, hats, sunglasses and cute, unique handbags such as a bold yellow piece along with a croc lantern bag. Come take a look along with STL (shop the look) with direct links to everything. Unfortunately many items on me have sold out! If you’re looking for something in particular, drop me a message in the comment section down below (at the end of this post) to find similar items, more than happy to link ‘em for you upon request. Wishing you a great rest of the week! I’ll be having my monthly beauty roundup soon along with more up and coming spring trends/looks! xx

WEARING: LAVENDER TRENCH COAT | SUN-BLEACHED BLAZER | FLORAL MAXI DRESS | YELLOW BAG | LAVENDER BOOTS | STATEMENT EARRINGS

WEARING: CLASSIC TRENCH | TWO-PIECE FLORAL SET | BLACK OTK SUEDE BOOTS | BROWN LANTERN BAG |

WEARING: BELTED DOUBLE-BREASTED COAT | BLACK BERET | BLACK WIDE LEG | BLACK BOOTS | FURRY BAG | BALL BAG | SKINNY SUNNIES

WEARING: ORANGE MATCHING SET | RED TEDDY COAT | WESTERN BOOTS | RED BAG

WEARING: IVORY KNIT SWEATER | WHITE PANTS | WHITE SNEAKERS | AVIATOR GLASSES

LOVE & XX’S,

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LFW AW19 Recap

Thanks for being so patient, everyone! My full recap of London Fashion Week AW19 is now live! I have my NYFW recap up from the Fall/Winter 2019 season as well (Link HERE) Again apologies for the delay! Better late than never, I rounded up 6-7 of my favorite looks per show that I had the pleasure of attending, with a full-text review of each collection along with a couple of highlights I found worth mentioning as well. So sit back and relax, enjoy the show! :)

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JAMIE WEI HUANG

After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2012 and having won numerous awards such as ‘Elle New Talent’ Taiwan, Jamie Wei Huang’s AW19 collection ‘Roaming Boy’, was showcased within a once traditional church, now The Garden Museum. The show invitation demonstrated a school exam theme, asking all guests to bring their pencil to the show  ‘exam’ and the press release amusingly mimicking a short multiple choice test sheet. The collection epitomized private school rebellion. Hues of royal blue, red and white paired with a selection of tartan. The innocent school-kid was edged with extreme undiluted hemlines, oversized bum bags (worn in the cool way across the shoulder of-course) and extreme padded jackets in non-conventional pop colors. A diamond-check weave made the occasional appearance, paired with bold hand embroidery and layered, oversized sweaters. Unruly piercings accentuated every other ensemble and the occasional low neckline added just that ounce of sexiness.

GAYEON LEE

A presentation of modern femininity that was both luxurious and sophisticated. Gayeon Lee for AW19 showcased ten looks at a time, that were pastel delights in chic dressing and sleek silhouettes. The presentation was hidden in the Crypt at St Martin-in-the-fields church, in Trafalgar Square, an unusual space for a LFW location, with cozy jazz music playing in the distant background. Gayeon Lee is from South Korea and has a MA in Fashion Womenswear from Central Saint Martins. Her graduate MA collection was incredible and sparked interest from the likes of Lady Gaga. After working for Marc Jacobs in both London and New York, Gayeon Lee launched her own label in 2014. Winner of the Vogue talent awards in 2016, Gayeon Lee was also chosen to work with Swarovski for AW18 and SS18. Her collections are known to draw inspiration from fine art and Gayeon Lee’s work is known to be conceptually driven. Her signature bended metal strap bags have definitely caught my eye for the past couple of seasons, the AW19 bags were structured into prism shapes of earthy tones.

BORA AKSU

Bora Aksu’s AW19 was inspired by Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman to go into space. A feminine, light and holographic collection, the show began with symbolizing her humble beginnings with simplicity. Ivory, grey two-pieces are paired with chiffon oversized bows, and muted down check suits. Then puffy coats to a pink ruffled chiffon dress with red hems screamed new age romanticism and expanded the mystical color palette with lilacs, pinks, green and light blues. Space helmets were swapped for hand-embroidered and hand-knitted headpieces designed in collaboration with Liria Pristine, other further accessories were some funky avant-garde oval sunglasses and pearl jewelry adding a touch of class. The staple Bora Aksu silver boot added an elegant touch to the futuristic astronaut-aesthetic. Very cool indeed, when are we going to Mars and which gown should I be wearing when we do? :)

MARTA JAKUBOWSKI

“Swathes of wool and padded fabric encase her, goddess warrior, made from a palette of turning leaves and earth – of brown and putty and cornflower and crimson. Resilience and adaptability manifests in her elongated silhouette, roomy tailored suits, curtain-tie sashes and winged dresses. Tailoring and draping brings softness and structure to signature asymmetric silhouettes. I think of the columns of the Temple of Parthenon. Layering prevails in oversize multi-way jackets with tiered lapels that fasten this way and that, allowing glimpses of tonal variations and in this our complexities are revealed – there is ‘no one typical woman’. Slit-sleeve blazer and a four-tiered teal trench peel back, exploring out many identities – creator, mother, warrior, lover. If she is a whole, it’s a whole composed of parts that are wholes, not simple partial objects but a moving, limitlessly changing ensemble, a cosmos tirelessly traversed by Eros, an immense astral space not organized around any one sun that’s any more of a star than the others.“ All-in-all, Marta Jakubowski strongly stating women should never be stereotyped.

CASSEY GAN

Cassey Gan’s Autumn/Winter 2019 collection is titled “Pixelated”. As colorful vivid brushstrokes take the form of a pattern heavy collection, it’s a print-lover’s dream! The Malaysian designer demonstrated printing techniques are mature enough to achieve that, beside thick fabric, the designer also used lightweight fabric and reflective fabric in their collection. Orange, blue, lemon, and red, the color choice is vibrant and the original designed prints are mostly in a repeated pattern formula. These are styled with traditional check or Houndstooth patterned garments on top or underneath. Traditional pattern and original print designs crossover and fuse together in the collection. Gorgeous textiles, striking statement earrings as accessories, and using non-form fitting garments revealed new layers of their evolving work.

MALENE ODDERSHEDE BACH

Located in the remarkable architecture of St Georges Bloomsbury Church, the space was transformed into an autumnal wonderland. Lines of seats created four catwalks, each smothered in a sea of fallen leaves, the nostalgic smell of the season lingered in the air. Live performance by musical talent James Broughton played in the background as the models walked under the crisp foliage. Bach has created pieces inspired by the aesthetic of Autumn, with a warm palette - the overall tone for the collection. A base of black is lifted by plummy red, bold ochre and rich green bring a beautiful visual tempo to the collection, as well as metallic accents flirting with the rays of natural light. The juxtaposition of fabrics and patterns allows for a play on masculine versus feminine, for example combining the more rough corduroy and check fabrics with softs rippling floral accents reminiscent of magnolia. Perfectly accessorized with sunnies and focal shoe point were boots/mules for the colder season. Definitely a favorite from London Fashion Week!

NATASHA ZINKO

Natasha Zinko presented their new AW 2019 collection at Next, Plaza Oxford Street for London Fashion Week. Models entered down the escalator in cool cuts with many pockets (this is definitely Natasha’s personal style) along with kangaroo hats, long-length leather gloves and over-the-top OTK boots, which were all personal faves for me. Denim and print played a huge role within the collection, as well as color with a very upbeat youthful allure to her pieces. I adore her take on street style and this collection definitely sets a certain tone to this genre in fashion. Definitely could see myself wearing any number of these pieces! Such a cool, inspiring collection to see.

UNDERAGE STUDIO

Characterized by mixed shapes and dark nuances, UNDERAGE’s collection for autumn/winter 2019 reflects the juxtaposition of strange and familiar traits in a similar manner to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The movie, which is the main inspiration of the brand’s mastermind Ying Shen, continues to have as big an impact on the young people of today as it had on the audiences of the 70s – though it leaves an impression of a different kind. The Beijing-born designer explores cutting-edge and advanced forms against more conventional layouts, focusing especially on the creative take of generation Z. The outfits bring together simple t-shirts with puffer jackets, smooth jersey trousers and combed knitwear. Velvet is paired with metallic details. There is a hint of crochet, but there are also leather laces tied up the calf. One of the jackets sports a sticker patch with the brand’s name, while an uneven maculated skirt is matched with a fading burgundy pullover. Red, as the set for the presentation also emphasizes, is the predominant color, featured in different shades. Glasses – in the shape of eyelashes, drawn-on grey plexiglass or cut out in electric blue – are common accessories.

AADNEVIK

The new AADNEVIK collection is inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s “ Anna Karenina”. I saw several silk chiffon gowns with hand beaded french lace and leather craftsmanship. Even ostrich feathers. This brand is known for its uber-sexy, revealing clothes and have dressed A-list celebrities such as Kate Beckinsale, Halle Berry, Olivia Culpo and others. Models strutted down the runway with sounds of a running train in the background brought an eerily romantic tone to the show. I was most impressed with the hair done by Morrocan Oil along with the tailoring of some of the gowns. Definitely red carpet looks, I also really adored the animal print matching set which included a beaded jacket with shorts. Not your typical fall getup, but nothing in AADNEVIK is typical.

RICHARD MALONE

Reflecting on the looming threat of Brexit as an Irish immigrant, for AW19 Richard Malone looked to simpler times – to the birthday parties of his youth. He sent out a party wardrobe rich in color and texture that elevated the everyday to a fashion context: he repurposed dog beds into elegant fur stoles, and fashioned frock coats from twill fabrics typically used in school uniforms. Form-fitting silk dresses intricately gathered to contour the body and ladylike suiting in fitting hues of blue, red and white were juxtaposed with punkish laddered knits and hand-painted mohair coats, adding a hint of rebellion. Highlights included the fuzzy wuzzy socks to go with the matching coats, as well as oxblood being a steady color within the collection’s palette.

PAUL COSTELLOE

Costelloe displayed his mastery of tailoring in what was one of his more confident collections in recent years; the military inspired coats in pure Italian wool definitely drew attention. Pulling inspiration from Rule Britannia, it was quite literally a combination of war and peace to some extent. The mixture of military coats with beautiful gowns was something a bit different for Costelloe, but the tailoring spoke for itself. Going back to his roots was not a mistake, and I hope to see more of this in his future collections. Highlights were the buttery leather greenery in one pair of leggings, along with a diverse casting, even though he had something specific within his theme.

WESLEY HARRIOTT

One of the designers I have yet to see during London Fashion Week, Wesley Harriott’s name will definitely be more familiar in the coming years. Using only monochrome hues of black and white, Harriott makes a statement by reflecting how people often define one another according to their exterior before really paying attention to their complex characteristics which are not always evident at first. He focuses on drape and construction by redefining traditional tailoring techniques to add a sense of uniform to reflect the militant aura during Empress Dowager Cixi’s reign. Inspired by The Last Empress of China, Wesley Harriott fell in love with the strong divide on opinion on her that was only ever ‘black or white’. Despite the way people perceived her, she continued pioneering whilst unapologetically being herself. This is stressed within each ensemble as even more obscure detail and trimmings are revealed the longer they’re examined.

EDELINE LEE

One of my favorite shows of LFW, Edeline Lee likes to think outside the box. This season she invited a host of accomplished women across the worlds of art, science, and technology onto the stage. “In this industry we are always talking about women, but rarely do we give them the opportunity to speak,” said Lee of her presentation. “I wanted to give them a voice.” It was over an hour of orations from 35+ women of all backgrounds using their strengths on top of curating a stand-out fashion presentation. Not the most ideal - since many editors (like myself) don’t have the time to stay and see the entire collection. However, her quiet yet increasingly elevated pieces speak for themselves, in that they are very likely to be worn in our everyday ready-to-wear looks. Can’t wait to see what Edeline turns up next for SS20!

Pushbutton

Designer Seung-Gun Park toyed with the idea of “celebrating all things unflattering” for AW19, dreaming up a series of unusual headpieces made from plates, combs, forks and even lighters. But beneath these showstoppers, Park’s feminine tailored pieces with strong historical references were nothing short of flattering: Elizabethan collars and 14th-century pourpoint jackets were updated with sporty sweatshirt fabrics, while corset tops and puffed sleeves added a regal spirit. A mix-mash of textures and patterns – checkers, polka dots and frills – resulted in a confident and outspoken collection that reaffirmed the label’s signature punk attitude. One to watch out for, Pushbutton is definitely one of my favorite new Korean designers on the fore front.

LOVE & XX’S,

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NYFW AW19 Recap

Happy weekend, everyone! I’m starting the day off with my NYFW AW19 runway shows recap! Today I’ll be discussing each show’s theme and trends where I had the pleasure of attending this season. This was my sixth season going to New York Fashion Week - only three years which is nothing… BUT I am definitely humbled from this season's experiences and opportunities as this has been the most successful fashion week by far, for me! I have a long way to go, but am extremely thankful for everything as every passing season teaches me something, and I learn and grow in the fashion industry, amidst while making new friends/connections and expanding my network. All in all, I’ve worked very hard to get to where I’m at, and it is such a pleasure to reflect and see how far I’ve come. I’m still just a Midwestern girl at heart! (Okay, okay… with maybe a little New York attitude now HA HA, kidding!)

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LAURENCE & CHICO

I always love kicking off NYFW with Laurence & Chico. The duo’s collections are always over-the-top with outrageous styling and a touch of humor. Not to mention the wonderfully crafted pieces, this season’s theme was all on the culture and beauty of Thailand! The result — traditional Thai silhouettes reinterpreted with bold, rich colors, intricate beading and embroidery. Exaggerated volume, beautiful textural embellishments and richly colored, seasonal fabrics and prints were woven into the collection. Once you take a deeper look into the individual pieces and styles, you’ll discover the brand’s overall theme: Whimsical, fun, and that it knows how to take itself not so seriously in a very serious world.

KATE SPADE

Kate Spade New York delivered a refreshing lineup that veered away from its signature aesthetic. Electric colors of yellow, emerald and burgundy’s, with plenty of animal prints and a hint of the 70’s made up most of the new look. I loved the grown-up approach from its signature girly brand with sleek coats, pantsuits, shirt dresses and wrap dresses. The smattering of motifs that peppered the lineup, from coats and billowy dresses to accessories including cheetah prints on croc-embossed bags and turbans were the icing on the cake. I truly adored the double-bag situation along with the little hint of sparkle, from the tights to the nail art, that paid a subtle homage to the late Kate Spade. A definite lasting touch and quite sentimental. A truly stellar collection!

SON JUNG WAN

The Son Jung Wan Fall-Winter 2019 collection was inspired by the “romantic mood of retro art and culture.” Son’s collection featured mixed faux fur, bold prints, sequins, velvet, ruffles, and embroideries in the bold colors to create a romantic mood full of playfulness. The color palette boasted a combination of bold, dark, and pastel hues. Bold, vibrant colors included orange pepper, placid blue, sulphur, and spring crocus; light pastel colors included harbor gray and potpourri; the addition of dark colors such as adobe, windsor Wine, and peacock created a uniqueness to the visual feast that was the collection. Great examples of this retro glam look were the sequin dresses and striking outerwear towards the finale of the show.

LIE COLLECTION/CONCEPT KOREA

Concept Korea, an initiative that celebrates young local designers on an international level, through support from the Korean government. Chungchung Lee, a Central Saint Martins graduate and the founder of LIE, showed tailored prêt-à-porter, while brothers Kevin and Terrence Kim (the duo behind IISE) reinterpreted Korean heritage through contemporary streetwear, with Instagram-famous Luka Sabbat opening the show! First set of photos are LIE, the latter, IISE. As a Korean, I’m proud to share such talent through my platform. Probably one of my highlights every season in New York Fashion Week.

CLAUDIA LI

A juxtaposition of eccentric prints and materials Claudia Li’s AW19 collection embodies everything the designer loves most. From its flamboyant patterns to its bold and playful color palette, Li’s artistic background is prominent in her latest collection. The collection carries a strong sense of singularity, each design feels unique despite the collections recurring fabrics, shapes, and colors. It is the artistic eye combined with a keen knowledge in street style that makes Li a master of craftsmanship and design. I loved the androgynous overall tone playing with Li’s new idea of femininity as well as with the perfect masculine combination. Strong accessories played an important role within the collection such as vibrant weaved tassel bags, Mongolian sheep sterling pillow-style bags, and black leather purses.

TIBI

One of my favorite shows to attend every season, if you are not familiar with Tibi, I would describe the brand as minimalism for the maximalists. Tibi presented us a beautiful color range of deep browns, chalky grays and charcoal blacks combined with lavenders, mints and orangy tones. In true Tibi fashion, the show gave us clean and classic silhouettes with a twist. Tibi revamped powersuits, croc boots, skirts and double-breasted coats, in addition to the revival of the dickie, monochromatic pastels and slides. Top favorite was the ovelapped knitwear on top of some of these looks. Another nice touch was some of the leftover materials from the desingner’s studio were accessorized within the hairstyles, which I talk more about the beauty trends of NYFW here.

3.1 Phillip Lim

If I had to use one word to describe Phillip Lim’s latest collection, it would be “workdrobe”. Opening the show was a classic cosmopolitan chic look of a full-skirted dress with a trench coat on top: sleek, elegant and timeless. The palette of slate greys, navy, black and optic white with the occasional earth tone and dark seafoam was a collection made for the working city girl. Chic and streamlined, the collection was reminiscent of the old Celine collections. The attention to practicality without compromising on style can be seen through the playfulness of the structures and silhouettes; layering belt-cinched jackets and cocoon coats over voluminous skirts and wide-leg trousers, creating the ultimate variety of volume and proportions. Other highlights from the outfits were oversized carryalls tucked under one arm, cinched booties, double strap heels and one pair of rather amazing furry flats.

SALLY LAPOINTE

Sally LaPointe’s Fall 2019 drew style references from Elvis' 1968 Comeback Special and applied them to modern day dressing. Strong monochromatic palettes of bronze, ivory, jade, lavender and oxblood, the collection’s attention to utilitarian yet feminine details with nods to clean menswear-inspired tailoring and strong silhouettes became a purposeful uniform for the modern woman that exudes confidence, attitude, and sex appeal. Snakeskin and leathers were found throughout and in a wide array of styles and treatments, including as a print on silk jacquard and embossed leather. Highlights: Leather jumpsuit, and stripe-stitched lavender sequin textural dreams,

LOVE & XX’S,

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Stars and Stripes

WEARING: STRIPED MAXI SWEATER DRESS | TRIANGLE CLUTCH | BLACK SOCK BOOTS | STARS HAIR CLIP

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THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GEEGEEBAE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Thursday, everyone! I’ve been back from London a couple of days ago, and it’s been nonstop work straight off the plane again, with a little sickness (respiratory infection of sorts w/ a ‘fun’ raspy voice) and complete exhaustion. But still trudging through and getting it done because that’s the way it is around here! Today’s post is dedicated to the teasing springlike weather, and as many of you I’m sure, just like myself, are itching to take those heavy winter coats off! But with transitional weather right now, it’s still not quite time for that, so our wardrobe needs something in between. How about a gorgeous striped maxi sweater dress? Continue reading to learn more about how I styled this particular piece, where to shop and more of what’s to come on M + S!

Who says you can’t wear your stars and stripes before the Fourth of July? And it doesn’t have to be in red, white and blue either. I love mixing prints, in which case, this is more about mixing materials and textures, but still falls in the category lines of it. I’ve been growing my bangs out since I grew tired of the maintenance it took with them. So with the latest hair trend, everything clips, barrettes, etc; I took the liberty in styling my hair with a single hair piece, amongst them the stars. I wore the stars hair clip the opposite way to have the dangling star on my upper face, to give it a ‘Rainbow Brite’ kind of vibe with the candy-colored striped maxi sweater dress.

The striped maxi sweater dress features an off-the-shoulder long bishop sleeves with ribbed cuffs, ribbed fold-over neckline, and double patch pockets. It’s the perfect dress for pre-spring. On warmer days you can wear it by itself (with perhaps some thermo wear underneath) and on those chillier days, top it with a trench or warmer oversized coat and you’ll look stylish both ways! I think it would pair nice with a powder blue or a khaki color, what kind of coat would you wear with this dress?

To elongate my height with the long maxi dress, I opted for black sock boots with a high heel. Other accessories with this look is the green triangle clutch and pink lippie. I’m not much of a pink girl, but it’s the most frequent color I’ve been wearing on my lips the past six months! I’ve been using Lime Crime’s lip liners and they’re absolutely the best I’ve ever tried in the business. They’re even smudge-proof, which is always a plus for someone like me who’s running around town and doesn’t like to touch up my makeup that much during the day. Because with good makeup, you won’t need to do much touch-ups!

I hope you guys enjoyed this outfit today! Still to come on the blog later this week, my recap of NYFW shows, LFW shows and LFW outfits. Not the mention my February beauty favorites which there are a ton this month (alas, the life behind a beauty product junkie ha ha!) We are also stirring the pot for more interesting content for this year, but these will take a lot of time so please be patient! I will announce more news as it comes sooner into the limelight. If you’re an avid reader of M + S, we’d love to hear from you! What would you like to see more of this year? Anything we’re not covering that you think we should? Drop those suggestions/comments down in the section below! See you guys soon. :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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