Fall Fashion 2009!!!

So Fall is right around the corner and I have the dish for you. Do not be left out this Fall/Winter wearing last season or last year's fashions! I did some in mall research as well as magazine surfing to find out what is going to be the rave this Fall and here are my top 10:

1. The 80's are back and here to stay this Fall!!! Look out for the bold and optimistic statements that made this decade so unique. I am talking velvet bustiers, poufy mini-dresses, neon hues and stirrup leggings... Oh my!!! So just go back to your favorite 80's movie find the lead and mimic their style with a modern twist, do not get lost in the decade!!!

2. Style embellishment... it is a continuing trend from the spring/ summer. Bling out your clothing and accessories to give every outfit a bit of uniqueness and that extra umph! We will see an increase in hardware adorned gloves, bags, shoes and other accessories this season as well as an increase in hardware adorned layering items (vests, tanks...). Although it is the current trend, do not over do it or you will look like a chump.

3. Knee high, Over the knee, and Thigh high boots... The sky is the limit this Fall when it comes to the height of your boots, and the higher the better!!! Look for boots in GENUINE leather in shades such as olive greens, grays, creams/neutrals or Suedes in black, brown, gray, maroon, or just plain PRETTY. Shearling/ wool lined boots will also be key this season. AVOID- chunky heels and high sheen patent finishes if you do not want to be confused with your local "Ladies of the Night".

4. Capes, caplets, and cloaks... Will be seen all throughout the Fall season as a practical layering item that is completely fashionable. From cropped to ankle length, in all the colors and fibers of Fall.

5. Ponchos... are back with a vengeance. Similar to capes and caplets, but allow for a less formal layering item great with everything from jeans to skirts.

6. See through clothing- Be a tease by showing off what your mama gave you while still leaving something to the imagination, but not too much!

7. One Shoulder- Dresses and shirts are everywhere this fall. With and without frill and ruffles, embellished or stand alone these make a statement, by showing a little skin without being overly revealing.

8. Military inspired- Jackets, vests, hats. Be well tailored without having to go through boot camp. Often seen in khaki, navy blue, army green, browns, and blacks with brass, silver, and golden buttons and embellishments.

9. Metallics- Night and Day!!! Glitz and shine is no longer just for the night time, especially when it starts to get darker earlier. So, whip out your golds, silvers, coppers, pewters... all day ling and shine on.

10. Pops of Gold- Brighten up this fall/winter when paired with any fall color and trend.

AVOID AVOID AVOID-- DOUBLE DENIM!!!! It's just not sexy!!!

CoastalScents.com

So my first order from Coastal Scents arrived today and I am very happy. I placed my order Friday morning, it shipped Saturday and arrived on Tuesday, that is great turn around time. Shipping was reasonable ($1.56) and all my products arrived in tip top shape. I ordered 4 Hot pots(individual eye shadow) and a 4 plate palette. The payoff is great when used with a primer and a base and the color is long lasting. I was most impressed by my S13 pot which is a shimmery purple with pink undertones, next I like the S06 pot, it is not a dupe (fake out double) of MAC's Plum Dressing, but it is still really pretty and I have worn it almost everyday since it has arrived. S06 is a shimmery rose color that looks really great with nude or champagne colors like wood winked (MAC). My least favorite thus far has been the M13 which is a matte bubblegum pink. It lacks intensity no matter how much you pack on and what type of brush you use. I am going to to attempt tp use it as a blush... we will see how that goes. S20 is a slightly shimmery almost neon purple which I LUV!!! It is intense and looks great in a smokey eye with deep grapes such as Fertile (MAC) or blues like clarity (MAC). Exciting.
Overall I was really satisfied with my colors.
The palette is really cute as well. It has a matte black finish with no logo and the mirror is large enough for application. The pan itself is magnetic and there is a tiny pin well so that you can pop out one pot and replace it, that way you can have your fave 4 colors with you at all times. My only gripe is that it came with a double ended sponge applicator...ugh!!! A nice mini all over shader brush would have been perfect, but that's just me.
So ladies place your orders and start your make up adventure with coastal scents!!!

Until next time...

FYI... I have heard some good and bad things about the multi colored palettes so be cautious... this review was only for the hot pots.

How to's from Gurus!!!

Yes, I am a Face booker, My Spacer, and You Tuber, but why not. It is just like saying that I have a Costco (which I do), Kroger, Safeway, Harris Teeter, or CVS card (which I do). I say this because I use these social networking vehicles as they were intended... to network socially, play games, and learn how to. I do not use these sites as my personal eHarmony, or Chemistry.com's, because honestly you have better luck out on the street jogging, grocery shopping, at the mall, a upscale bar/lounge... to meet someone worthwhile. Anyway, so on YouTube.com one of my BFF's has opened my eyes completely to the world of how to's, especially in the make up categories. These people are AWESOME, at least most of them, they take you step by step though the processes to complete a certain look ( ie: The Smokey Eye). There are random people who feel that they have skills in an area and want to share, bless their hearts and then there are REAL supernaturally talented make up artists (MUAs), oh, and of course those talented people in between that just want to help others look great too (gotta love 'em). Type in what you need help or instruction on and they then check out some videos, once you find someone(s) you love or really trust, subscribe to their pages and take it all in. From start to finish they will guide you so that you come out looking like a pro!!!

Until next time...

The Lasting Affect of Imperialism

A few days ago while sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast, I was listening to a report on the increased amount of gang- style rapes in South Africa, by NPR. These rapes have nothing to do with gangs in the way that we in the west associate with gangs, the word was simply being used to describe the group or gathering of boys and men that come together to carry out these heinous acts. The top of the story focused on how a famous South African soccer player and activist, Eudy Simelane, was gang raped and murdered outside of Johannesburg because she was openly homosexual. Men there have taken it upon themselves to attempt to "cure" lesbians through rape, to insert masculinity between two women where there is none. On the flip side, young boys and men gang up on young girls and women who have spurned them or who they have drugged up and rape to prove their masculinity or to punish the victim. A reporter spoke to a group of South African men at a bar and they spoke candidly about how it is alright for them to carry on in this manner because most women do not report it, the woman has agreed to sleep with one of the men in the group, and due to the fact that many of the women are under the influence of alcohol and drugs given to them by the rapist, they do not oppose what is happening to them because they do not know what is happening to them. The government is looking into ways to improve communications between the community and law enforcement which is usually unsympathetic to women and girls who cry rape to make it more comfortable for women and girls who have been raped to come forward. A rape survivor and activist said that it is very important that young men and boys are taught in the home that rape is unacceptable and are allowed to express feelings of more than just anger to prevent the continuation of increased rapes. It was also noted that Apartheid was greatly at fault for creating many of the sexually abused men that project on to the women and girls today and even that developed some of the younger offenders of today. These men were never allowed to be men because they were always treated and referred to as "boy" by their white counterparts, so this is their way of asserting themselves now.
Imperialism and it's forced subjugation have left scars and many open wounds on South Africa that are so parallel to scars that African Americans have been trying to heal for centuries. Hopefully with the continued usage of fresh eyes on the developing situations we can finally find a solution and seriously begin to heal.

Until next time...