FILL YOUR CART WITH COLOR

This post is sponsored by eBay.

The first online purchase that I ever witnessed was my mom using eBay.com with a dial-up connection to buy a handbag. It marked the dawn of online shopping for me, and the powerhouse retail site still remains a trusted online resource to find anything and everything I want and need, especially when it comes to unique items. So when I began my hunt for velvet shoes, I went to eBay to find what I was looking for.  

80% of what is sold on eBay is brand new, and I knew I would find every style and color on eBay. Sure enough I was right. I have become obsessed with the color of merlot for fall, and all I had to was search "red velvet shoes" and the heels of my dreams popped up. Move over Dorothy! Those ruby shoes have nothing on these velvet mary-janes from Barneys New York.

They are totally impractical and a very trendy item, but they are one of those splurges that you just have to do because you love a pair of shoes THAT much. There's just something about this color for me that makes me want to have a wine colored piece of clothing in every shape. I'm not sure if I'll stop at these shoes, but I can guarantee you I'll probably go back to eBay to find a coat, a hat and a dress too. 

If you're thinking about buying these shoes too, I would recommend going up a whole size. They run pretty small. You can purchase the shoes in a blink of an eye using their "buy it now" feature. Plus, most items have free shipping. I got my shoes to my doorstep in 72 hours. So, if you're hunting for something to wear while brunchin' this Sunday, be sure to shop now!

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MAKEUP TIPS FOR WEARING GLASSES

This post is sponsored by Visionworks. 

Eyeglasses have become an interchangeable fashion accessory just as much as earrings or hats. I'm not the only person out there that has more than one pair of eyeglasses and sunglasses now. Sometimes I'm feeling preppy with tortoiseshell and artsy with clear frames. What can stump me, however, is figuring out what makeup to pairs well with my glasses. I've noticed that some eyeshadows and lipsticks just don't look the best with certain frames. I've partnered with Visionworks again to share you with you the difference a pop of red lipstick, a smokey or simply staying neutral can do for your look.

I put my makeup on every day, but to give you the best information and expertise I invited my friend and makeup artist, Stephanie Neiheisel, to do my makeup and share some pointers. I even had her try the frames on so you can see them on a different face shape and hairstyle. 

Below, you'll find four frames worn with different makeup (one neutral and one with a bold lip). I've picked which makeup look I like best with each pair of glasses. I would love to know if you agree or disagree. 

DRAMATIC TORTOISE SHELL by Nine West - These frames are timeless and bold at the same time. When I wear these glasses I feel like Jenna Lyons, Creative Director for J. Crew. She has a spunky, east coast style, and I would say my style is somewhat similar. I like when my lips are nude in these frames more than a bold red lip because both seem like too much.

Makeup Tip from Stephanie: Play up either your eyes or lips, but rarely both. These chunky frames make a bold statement, so for day to day wear you'll probably want to keep your lipstick neutral. 

CRYSTAL FRAMES by Nine West: Clear frames are one of the hottest trends in eyewear right now. I especially love these for the cat eye shape. When I wear these glasses I often find myself wanting to wear a bold lip. I feel a bit too plain without one.

Makeup tip from Stephanie: Since these glasses lack color you'll want to add some color to your face somewhere. That could be a bold lip or a smokey eye with shades of coral, purple or even green as long as there is color somewhere. 

ARLETTY FRAMES by Zac Posen - These frames have a masculine feel to them that is very in style right now. They also make a big statement because the frames are larger in size. The icy gradient blue is so pretty, but I think it clashes a bit with the warm red lip.

Makeup tip from Stephanie: Be sure to stick to complementary colors when choosing your eyeshadow and lipstick. Warm hues like corals, pinks and bright reds go well with browns. Gray, blues and reds with cool, purple undertones go well with gray or blue frames.

DRAMATIC TEAL & TORTOISE FRAMES by Guess - These teal and tortoise frames are my favorite. They have a bit of color and a bit of class, and I love the thinner frame on my face. Surprisingly, I like the statement lip with these frames even though the color of the glasses make a statement as well.

Makeup tip from Stephanie: The reason why this lip color works with teal is that it is complementary on the color wheel. Complementary color as one that are directly across from the main color you're working with. See a color wheel here for reference.

I had Stephanie try on these four frames as well because she had a coral smokey eye and a nude lip that day. Her hair is also jet black and in stark contrast with her skin. I think all of those things make a difference when choosing your frames and makeup. My favorite frames on her are the Zac Posen ones. That icy blue gray goes so well with her eyes and hair color. Which one do you like best?

Be sure to visit Visionworks to find your perfect frames, and don't just top with one. Think of your glasses as jewelry and find a couple pairs that represent different parts of your style.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

MAUVE VELVET

The fact that the color mauve and velvet are in vogue right now and I am wearing them is proof that fashion really does go in cycles. I never in the world thought that I would buy and wear a mauve velvet bodysuit in my life after owning a ton of velvet tops in the 90s. Then again, I also never thought I would wear chokers too. 

Never say never is the lesson here because the truth is that I'm head over heels for this rich fabric and color right now. Maybe 20 years is the magic number for making you miss a fashion trend?

You are going to see velvet shoes, tops, dresses and even coats the more you shop this winter, and this is what you need to know about velvet...

It's really hard to care for and it's easy to ruin. So, those velvet heels that are calling your name will likely only be worn a handful of times. That said, I'm all for experimenting and having fun with trends if they are budget friendly. Fashion is for our enjoyment and play, but I also don't want to light a match to $100. 

So, I've rounded up a bunch of velvet goodies under $50 for you. This way you can adopt the trend for a small investment, and enjoy every minute of it. 

Photos by Katie Jameson Photography; velvet bodysuit from ZARA

NYFW TREND SPOTTING

Fashion month is a time to be inspired. Whether you're directly immersed in the industry, or a passionate consumer, it's hard to deny the impact of others' creativity on sparking your own. While we still have three weeks left to bask in the glow that is runway, I'd like to take a moment to recap the highlights of New York Fashion Week.

There's some trends that simply aren't going away any time soon. Bold trousers is one of them.   

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

Rosie Assoulin and Maryam Nassir Zadeh both go to show that wide legged trousers are no thing of the past. The silhouette is as timeless and versatile as ever, being seamlessly paired with a graphic tee or airy blouse. This trend can easily be seen outlasting the next upcoming seasons.

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

While chokers have made a resurgence for a little while now, See by Chloé forecasted a classier upgrade on the traditional, edgy necklace. Rather than the typical black, tattoo-like chokers that the original 90s throwback was made of, the look is being replaced with a more delicate scarf look to create a more elevated twist on what could be interpreted as a juvenile trend.

The See by Chloé collection also emphasized the recurrence of long lines, and flowy silhouettes to be contrasted by a barebones décolletage. Fashion loves soft ruffles and skin. If you haven't jumped full force onto the strappy tank bandwagon, go for a bell sleeve.

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

(Photo from Vogue Runway)

Many of the Spring 2017 Ready to Wear collections dabbled in atypical textiles for the season. Coach 1941 and Maryam Nassir Zadeh, among other designers, featured leather contrasted by sheer chiffon or silk. The heaviness up top is balanced by the lightness on bottom, continuing the theme of airy silhouettes. The idea of showing off your undergarments is a bit foreign to many, but when fashion speaks, we may as well give it a try, right?

NYFW STREET STYLE

My heart breaks a little knowing that New York Fashion Week is over, but it picks right back up when I remember we still have London, Milan, and Paris to go! As much as I adore fawning over the creativity that goes into creating the looks that make it down the runway, I've always felt that street style is a bit more authentic. I love seeing people interpret trends in different ways, and observing how they make it work into their own aesthetic. Runway has a tendency to feel a bit distant from the average consumer, but seeing variations of extravagant runway looks on "regular" people makes the styles feel more within reach.

I adore the contrast between the rock n' roll edge of the top layering combination down to the glittery heel. The combination of a sparkly turtleneck and a glitzy heel can leave you feeling a little overly preppy, but I love the way this look is roughed up a bit with a band tee, loose jeans, and a casual suede clutch. The bright red belt scarf really sets the look off.

How darling is this monochromatic look? Sticking to a single color scheme can lead to disastrous clashing if not executed properly, but adding texture and complementary details makes this look polished, not lazy. 

Wide leg trousers are making a comeback, and I'm fully behind the immersion of the style into denim. They're comfortable, flattering, and when paired with a drape-y patterned button down, just the right amount of sexy. The pointed toe on the shoe perfectly contrasts the shapelessness of the pants, and the light basket-like handbag softens up the entire look.

Good news, shapeless & oversized no longer translate to just rolling out of bed. When paired with a statement shoe and polished accessories, it's loungewear turned streetwear. The silhouette of this sweatshirt dress is anything but sloppy, and can you imagine how comfortable it is?

All street style images from Refinery29.