Thursday, June 25, 2009

Get Shorty!


Now, I’m no statistician, but I estimate that my legs comprise about 98.9752438% of my body. Before you start the eye-rolling and the “Boo-hoo, skinny girl!” scoffing, hear me out. Long-legged life really isn’t that great. Pants shopping often turns into a tribute show to my bony ankles. Certain shoes are designated to dress-duty exclusively. And I’ve recently discovered that on me, the maxidress is the new awkward prairie-length as even the longest frock creeps up over my feet. (SIGH!)
So, what is a lengthy-limbed gal to do? Get Shorty, of course! And with this season’s plethora of printed shorts, I am lamenting my long legs no more! From Tar-jay boutique (Target for you non “French” speakers) to shopbop.com, the options for chic short-shorts are endless.

Here are some of my top picks:

LaRok’s Diwali Shorts: I don’t know if it’s the intricate embroidery or the itsy-bitsy inseam, but I am completely OBSESSED with these shorts. They are Morocco in fabric form, ready to transport the wearer to a locale far more exotic than the USofA. Put ‘em with a plain white tank and frills-free flip-flops because these are some show-stopping shorts!

Walter’s Multi-Print Silk Short: With its intricate watercolor design, these beautiful bloomers are anything but casual. They are equally suited for a lunch with gal pals or a dinner date with Mr. Hottie. I daydream about them paired with a button down in basic black or a top with a pop of color.

sass&bide’s “A Girl Like Me” Shorts: As the name suggests, it takes a certain kind of gal to rock this sequined style. Therefore, the shy need not apply. With a hodgepodge color palette of white and metallics, these shorts can be matched with nearly anything for a funky downtown style. These “sass”-y shorts are the perfect uniform for a night of shakin’ that groove thang.

See by Chloe Jersey Striped Shorts: Anyone else totally over loungewear that screams “I’m a frickin’ awesome middle schooler! Like what’s up?” Ya know what I’m talking about- cheeky messages across the Rear End, glitter up one side and enough prints for a 3-ring circus act. Well, this See by Chloe pair is sophisticated sportswear. The white and navy stripes are subtly nautical, but very obviously summery. And the loose silhouette creates the allusion of a flouncy skirt so the look is polished and chic. Orange accents provide a fresher pop of color than the traditional red.

What better way to accessorize these short styles than with tarte’s leg bronzer
Glam Gams? It provides a pinch of shimmer, a delectable scent, but most importantly the perfect amount of faux-sun. So grab your shorts, “Glam” your gams and say “Hello, sunshine!”
xo,
Amelia

Friday, June 19, 2009

Daytime Dare: DayGlo


Let me give you a little play-by-play of a recent shopping trip:
Lotion, face wash, one or 20 items from the latest GO!International venture, a 90-pack of gum and, oh what the heck, purple eyeliner.

I know, I know. That’s not necessarily a shopping cart full of necessities, but the day that I took a chance and went for color, rather than traditional black liner, changed my beauty destiny.

With just one swipe of plum eyeliner, I created a look that was funky and unexpected. Trips to my eyebrow waxer that used to begin with “Going for the Bert look, I see,” now always start with, “Amelia, I need that purple liner of yours!”

So, Tartelettes, what is stopping you from adding a lil’ pop of color to your daytime beauty routine? Instead of going back to black, show the dayglo! Try emphaseyes high definition eye pencil in green or plum for a subtle somethin’-somethin’. Or if you’re feeling extra racy- how about a swipe of turquoise eyeshadow courtesy of the boldly hued eyeQuatic collection?

Paired with subtle cheeks and a neutral lip, your brights can go beyond night and into the workplace! Allure has a great step-by-step guide for getting purple lids worthy of royalty. Now go on, don’t be shy. Give color a try!

xo, Amelia



Thursday, June 18, 2009

Get the Look!


This week celebrity makeup artist Susan Houser created the look for Issa's Resort Collection using tarte goodies! The end result was AMAZING! Her go-to products were eye couture day-to-night palette (deep shimmery bronze & copper), eyeQuatic (turquoise & citrine), and natural cheek stain in sunkissed. Re-create this look for a night out--don't forget a swipe of mascara and a dab of gloss on your pout! Perfectly stunning.


xo,

Kristin

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A Shore Thing!

On your next jaunt out to the seaside with friends get stylish in accessories fit for the sea. Whether on the deck or at brunch, these nautical-inspired fashion pieces are definitely on the summer must list. Complete your retro look with a no-fuss hairstyle like beach waves & a coat of tarte’s lights, camera, splashes! waterproof mascara. Then turn up the volume to the perfect beat—Sloop John B by the Beach Boys and sail away.


xo,
Kristin

Friday, June 12, 2009

Clutch Play



Though “schooooool’s out for sum-mer,” I have one more teensy, weensy style lesson you must learn before fully embracing summer’s warm, sticky goodness.
Like shoes, bags should change with the seasons. Winter= oversized and dark. Summer=petite and bright. During the months of pool-lounging and burger-grubbing, do you really want to be purse-lugging? Nope, didn’t think so. Tartelettes, put away those beastly, black bags and get to looking for a chic, colorful clutch.

Some of my faves:
Marc Jacobs “Love Story” Clutch is truly a lesson in romance with its layers upon layers of leathery hearts. After reading of my devotion for the Juicy Couture heart bracelet, I know you’re thinking, “Hmmm…sounds like somebody like likes that heart motif.” Well, I confess, tartelettes. I have discovered yet another heart-themed piece that gets my thumper racing.
Industry Cross Stitch Clutch Though a devoted Notre Domer, I don’t just adore this style because it showcases the colors of my beloved alma mater. More importantly, it boasts some simple, yet funkdafied details like that over&odd-sized button and its triple cross stitch.
Genevieve Jones Shagreen Clutch From the moment I saw her tiny little frame in totally ToDieFor designer duds, I was hooked on Ms. Jones. Her recently launched accessories line is making me L-O-V-E her even more. Made of ultra-lux stingray, the Shagreen Clutch is the perfect purse for bringing a simple summer ‘fit to a whole other level of chicness. The fringey tassel emblazoned with Gene’s monogram logo is a little unexpected and off-beat, just like her enviable sense of style.
Kimchi Blue Tie-Dye Clutch Though dipped in the darkest dye, this piece is anything but doom&gloom. Instead it’s rocker-chic. Say Nicole Richie, Vanessa Hudgens? I’m imagining this paired with some distressed boyfriends and a wifebeater tank for the perfect “who the hell” cares ensemble. And its roomy shape is big enough for loads of tarte products, including the 3-in-1 Infinite Glow palette, complete with color for every inch of the face.
Tory Burch’s T Clutch There is little in the world that I love more than Tory Burch. She is the Picasso of Purses, the Amstel of Accessories…shall I go on? So imagine my delight when I stumbled on her latest little masterpiece? The hues of blue are phenomenal. The mix of leather and canvas is cheeky. The oversized “T” identifying yet another BurchBeauty is confident, not cocky. This clutch is Tor-turously chic.

Ok, style students, I have given you a list of summer satchels that covers every price range, but most importantly offers styles that are simply irresistible. So take a break from the sunning and get to shopping!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Summer Beach Reads!

My ultimate relaxation is lounging by the ocean with a morning cup of java in one hand and a ‘can’t put it down’ page-turner in the other! This summer snag these best sellers and totally engulf yourself in their stories— just don’t forget to re-apply your SPF while you’re at it!

  • Queen Takes King by Gigi Levangie Grazer—In Manhattan’s concrete jungle this is the tale of a society divorce & all the juicy drama!

  • Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner—If you haven’t yet read anything from this best-selling, chick-lit author, then it’s the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon. This is an adventure of betrayal and loyalty of lifelong sometimes-friends.

  • The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman— Elle Mag’s June pick! Follow Claire, Meg, and Elv into troubled adulthood and to their grandmother in Paris, where old burdens fade and tragic new truths emerge.

  • Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single by Heather McElhatton—Jennifer’s an off-beat, single gal in search of Mr.Right (sound familiar?) This will definitely give you more than a few laughs!

  • My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult—Read the book before it hits the big screen on June 26th! One of my personal favorites (I sobbed through it); this tells the emotional tale of illness on a family. I promise you won’t put it down!


Happy reading!

Xo,
Kristin

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Lady in Red



Daytime Dare

Welcome to Daytime Dare, tarte’s newest blog feature! Now before you start having flashbacks of traumatic Truth/Dare sessions from adolescence, allow me to explain. Daytime Dare will be a bi-monthly post that will challenge you to incorporate an element of style and beauty that seems strictly p.m., into your a.m. life.

Remember my Mother’s Day post when I totally ripped on my poor mother for her red lipstick addiction? Well, insert foot into mouth. I was wrong! Mama Thompson was (kinda) on to something sporting that rouge mouth of hers. From the models of J.Crew to everyone’s fave “Good Girl Gone Bad,” Rihanna, all signs seem to point to red!

Daytime’s new rouge pout gets an update by being paired with casual garb and perfectly rumpled hair. It’s the polish of the 1940’s with a 2000s twist. While our grandmothers piled on the paint to look more glam, we use red lipstick to infuse a little unexpected pop to our a.m. wear.

For those looking to rock out in red Gwen Stefani style, try tarte’s Vitamin Infused lipstick in Vinyasa, which they describe as “siren red.” Wanting a more subtle hint of rouge? Go for tarte’s Rise&Shine lip-stain in Cherry.

So, whether you go all-out glam or keep it more low-key, this summer take a risk with red. Because during these times of recessional heartache, it’s the little things that truly count.
xo,
Amelia