Models at the Spring/Summer 2010 Prada Show

Last Saturday, I went out, met some friends, had a few drinks…you know, typical Saturday except for some reason, I kept getting similar reactions from people; Wow, you look great! Omg, I didn’t recognize you! Hey, I didn’t know you were here! As the night went on, and the comments continued to come, I started to think that the black dress I was wearing really did do it for me or that maybe my recent slavery at the gym was really paying off! Or perhaps it was the cutting down on carbs? Then I realized exactly what I did differently that night that I hadn’t done in a while; I wore red lipstick.  Blood red…or as I recently learnt from a male friend what the opposite sex likes to call it, hooker red.

The overload in comments made me wonder if the red lipstick made me look odd.  I rarely wear it so when I do, I feel very self-conscious.  I’m just not used to it but I like the strong colour with certain looks and when I wear it, I think I look fine.  The thought made me curious…curious enough to ask Google “how to wear red lipstick?”

Here are a few things to keep in mind when wearing the shade:

Shades of Red

There are many shades of red and it’s important to choose one that best suits your skin tone.  Paler skins do well sporting reds with cold undertones while warm reds should be used for more olive or tan skin.

Face Faux Pas

When wearing red lipstick, keep everything else simple or you’ll end up looking like a clown! The shade is very powerful so the rest of your face should be kept soft to balance it all out.  On your eyes, use a shade that brings out your skin tone; consider skipping the eyeliner and going straight to your lashes; do not overdo your cheeks.

Time to Work

Buff away any dead skin to ensure smooth looking lips.  Shape your lips evenly by filling them with lip liner first.  Lip liner also acts as a great base; don’t be afraid of shading your entire lips with it.  When applying red lipstick, opt for a lip brush.  It gives you more control and really lets the shade sink into your lips for a better and more long-lasting effect.

The Rest of Your Game

The rest of your outfit is important too.  Don’t be matchy-matchy as you will run the risk of overdoing it.  Avoid pairing red lipstick with red dresses, nails, purses and shoes.

It’s not suitable for every occasion but when worn well and with confidence, you will rock this Spring trend with class and sexiness!

Image Sources: Style.com

Are we all dying for the sun to come out and stay??? I know I am! How about a dose of Spring’s trends?

Ralph Lauren; DKNY; Derek Lam (All Spring/Summer 2010)

Designers paid tribute to good ol’ US of A as looks were filled visions of the American flag.  Stars and stripes made up graphics and prints while looks were comprised of beautiful shades of red, white and blue in cotton, denim, linen and poppy voile.  It’s truly the season to get patriotic and hail the American dream!

Top Row (L-R): Boat Neck Striped Dress with Bow, Thread Social; Ghillie Woven Leather Gladiator Sandals, Sigerson Morrison; Striped High Waist Skirt with Belt, Alice + Olivia

Middle Row (L-R): Andrea Bustier Dress, Alice + Olivia; Starry Knit Leggings, Forever 21; Pave Star Studs, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Bottom Row (L-R): Denim and Stripe Bandeau Bikini, Rosa Cha; Long Sleeve Dress, Derek Lam; Striped Zip Up Hoodie, Forever 21

Image Source: Forever21.com, Net-a-Porter.com, ShopBop.com, Style.com

I’m loving what Derek Lam sent down the runway for his Spring 2010 collection.  Drawing inspirations from East Coast summer destinations, the looks were fun, young and free-spirited yet feminine and seductive.  Here are some of his edgier looks.

I love the denim jacket with the belt in the center.

He had some bathing suits meant for lounging on decks…not meant for swimming.  So feminine!

For more of Derek Lam’s Spring 2010 collection, click here.

Image Source: Style.com

What happens when a girl from a gang collides with an American Indian? You get a fierce look from Rodarte’s Spring 2010 collection.

Case in point:

From the intricate weaving to the complicated draping to the clever use of scraps of material, the Mulleavy sisters’ ability to create couture-like pieces have once again left me in awe.  The collection, inspired by big, black vultures that faced extinction in the late 80s, was filled with elaborate pieces made with materials such as burnt plaid, cheesecloth, feathers and sandpapered silk.  The looks were dark with lots of blood red and burnt black.  The gross colour of the smoke-filled runway accompanied by the goth-inspired makeup and body art just added to the beauty of this collection.

For more of Rodarte’s Spring 2010 collection, click here.

Image Source: Style.com

It boggles me as to how Marc Jacobs just manages to nail it season after season – especially with the things he tries to pull off.

For the Spring 2010 season, he imagined ballerinas on the way home from a performance or showgirls going to Raido City for their rehearsal.  The resulting look had his models in pulled up stockings, tightly pulled back hair, geisha inspired makeup paired with everyday things – like fanny packs!

Marc Jacobs is truly an amazing stylist.  He is able to combine the romance of frills with the rigidity of sharp edges.  He is the master of playing with clothes and proportions to create a desired shape.  Linda Fargo, Senior Vice-President of the fashion office at Bergdorf Goodman said it extremely well, “He (Marc) has that way of always turning our world inside out – the corsetry on top of a little touch of men’s suiting but the men’s suiting was very feminine with the ruffles.”

Only you Marc, only you.

For more of Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2010 RTW, click here.

Image Source: Style.com