Clockwise from top: Snob, Morange, and So Chaud: All MAC 

As much as I love fashion and makeup, I’ve only started wearing real, “grown-up” lipstick in the past few years– and I attribute this to one fact: I have a tiny mouth (literally, definitely NOT figuratively!) I always thought that lipstick was for girls with Julia Roberts’ – style mouths– big canvases for bright colors that I thought I could never wear.  It was actually years of flipping through J.Crew catalogues that finally inspired me to take the plunge–even their “petite”-lipped Asian (like me!) models rocked bright hues.

After trying numerous shades and brands, I’ve really become a fan of MAC lipsticks– while delivering on quality and perfect shades, they are also under $20 a stick.  Here are my favorite three shades, ALWAYS, (really, always) on rotation:

MAC “Snob”: My favorite creamy pink, kinda “mod”, very feminine, not too bubblegum.

MAC “So Chaud” (pronounced “So Show”: meaning “so hot” in French): My take on the classic red, with a slight orange-ish, rather than blue undertone, which I like on my complexion.

MAC “Morange”: Probably my go-to shade that makes me feel the most “me”: an orange with a slight tint of red.

Since I’m doing a beauty post, I figured I’d share the rest of my go-to makeup staples, worn throughout these pics:

Nars “Orgasm” Blush: a classic for a reason– perfect gold-based pink with a slight shimmer to it.

Too Faced Bronzer in “Sun Bunny”: I’ve worn Too Faced Bronzer for YEARS and it is by far my fave beauty product- perfect bronzed, but natural glow.

Clockwise from top: MAC eye-shadows in “Dazzlelight: a champagne-gold used on inner corners of eyes and under brow bone; “Honesty”: a deep bronze-brown-gold used on lids and in crease; and “Sweet Lust”: the lightest shimmery pink used to blend over the other two shades, or sometimes worn on its own for a more natural look.

So those are my makeup staples! What shades, in lipsticks and other makeup products are your go-to’s? Share your favorites in the comments section!

xo,

Christine

Gold Leather Monogrammed Clutch: GiGi New York c/o|Mirrored Sunglasses: Wildfox Couture|Black leather booties (seen throughout): Vince

Gold Leather Monogrammed Clutch: Gigi New York c/o |Watch: Michael Kors | Gold Cuff: J.Crew

“Optimist” T-Shirt: Cynthia Rowley |Denim Jacket: Topshop |Leather Skirt: Leith via Nordstrom (sold out, similar here) |Black Sparkle Booties: Zara |Gold Chain necklace: Baublebar

You know when you wear an outfit that feels just especially “you”? Well this is that outfit for me: I love a funny t-shirt (in this case, this Cynthia Rowley “optimist” tee couldn’t be more “me”!), paired with a leather skirt and booties; it’s one of my go-to favorite looks that makes me feel the most like myself.  The ONLY thing that makes this outfit even BETTER — this GiGi New York gold monogrammed tassel clutch! When I took it out of the box, I knew it was love at first sight– its GOLD, number one…has a TASSEL, second…and is even monogrammed with my initials?! Plus, it’s super soft, high quality leather…and the perfect size for all the essentials.  I can’t think of a look that this clutch WON’T go with! The only problem is…I think this could be the start of an addiction…GiGi’s leather goods are pretty reasonably priced and super high-quality…this clutch alone comes in a rainbow of colors and textures…and the fact that their pieces are monogrammable?? I definitely see more in my future…

xo,

Christine

Camo Pants

“Good times” grey sweatshirt: American Eagle |Camo pants with zippers: BDG at Urban Outfitters (similar here and here)| Neon floral heels: J.Crew (sold out, but similar here)|Gold choker: vintage via Brooklyn Flea Market (see previous gold choker post for ideas)|Watch: Michael Kors |Gold cuff: J.Crew

Blush sequin sweatshirt: J.Crew (sold out, similar here)| Camo pants (see above)|Silver heels: J.Crew |Gold cuffs : J.Crew | Crystal and gold earrings: J.Crew (sold out, similar here)

Mustard sweater: J.Crew |Camo pants: (see above)|Gold heels: Zara (Sold out, similar here)|Black and gold sunglasses: Retro Superfuture |Watch: Michael Kors|Gold cuffs: J.Crew

Black lace blouse: Joie via Bloomingdales |Camo pants: (see above)|Neon pink heels: J.Crew (sold out, similar here)|Gold chain bracelets: J.Crew| Crystal earrings: Baublebar

To me, camo (or camouflage) print pants are a neutral–like jeans or black skinnies, they really do go with way more than you think.  If you treat them as such, you’ll find that you can put together a whole bunch of new looks…and aren’t we always looking for a new “neutral”, go with everything piece to add as a foundation piece to our wardrobes?

Camo pants are nothing new– hardly a “trend”, I’d definitely consider them a modern classic– updated for the 2015 girl in skinny form, although I’ve seen a couple boyfriend-shaped, baggier pairs every now and again that fit the bill as well.  This particular pair, I’ve had for almost six years now!  They are worn in, soft as butter, and fit like a glove– the best part is that I found them at Urban Outfitters, from their in-house brand “BDG”, for under $50.  The two things I like best about these are the gold zippers at the ankles and the deep cargo-style pockets…I would be majorly depressed if I lost these guys!

Styling camo pants can go two ways: tomboy-chic or juxtaposed (English teacher vocabulary alert!) with something girly or feminine– either way, you definitely want to avoid looking like you are actually enlisting in the army or partaking in combat.  The first look above shows the camo pants paired with a worn in grey sweatshirt (another wardrobe staple if you ask me!), neon pink heels for the feminine/unexpected element, and of course, sleek gold accessories to keep the look modern.  The second outfit runs along similar lines, but adds a sequin-lined blush sweatshirt instead for an even more girly contrast– camo and blush, seemingly polar opposites, are actually one of my all time favorite pairings. The jeweled dangly earrings add an extra touch of glamour to the boyishness of the pants.  The third look pairs another color mainstay in my wardrobe, mustard/gold, with the camo pants, showing that they really DO function as a neutral…the sweater is definitely classic in feel, and the nubby texture plays nicely off the worn-in-ness of the camo pants…the gold heels here are the unexpected element that keeps the outfit dressy.  Lastly, this is one of my fave outfits ever! I’ve worn this look in a few different iterations, with the core of lace and camo paired together as the base.  Like all good things in life, it’s the MIX or balance of the masculinity of the pants and the femininity of the lace top that keeps the outfit interesting and engaging to look at…the neon pink heels and jewelry keep the look modern and fresh as well.

Hope this inspires you to dig out your old camo pants and restyle them– or pick up some new ones to add to your mix! Have a great week guys!

xo,

Christine