Sweaters, Leather, and Mesh Maxis: Theyskens' Theory AW2012

Sometimes Pinterest introduces you to new and wonderful things, like Olivier Theyskens' beautifully dark creations. This collection has outerwear, knits, and shorts paired with tights -- perfect for chillier weather. Check out the gorgeous sweaters, leather, and mesh maxis (and one bonus glittery blazer) from his Autumn and Winter 2012 runway collection.

What do you think? Will you be channeling any of these looks this fall?

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Rocker Chic Leggings for Fall

I am obsessed with leggings. Cooler weather is the perfect time to bust these out and pair them with tunics and dresses (and maybe even leather boxing shorts) to keep you comfy and warm in the fall and winter. While your basic black leggings are always a great go-to option, leggings can also be the edgy addition to your outfit. Check out these options to turn up the dial on rocker chic style this season.

Leather look leggings from American Apparel

Leather-look leggings won't break the bank but they will leave you looking sharp and hard as nails at the same time. American Apparel has a bunch of different styles. I can't wait to wear all of those this season. ASOS has similar options, including some plus size styles.

Kat Von D "Jade" Mesh legging

I love Kat Von D's "Nicole" and "Jade" mesh leggings. They're sexy and avant-garde at the same time. At around $60, these are more affordable than some of her other garments.

ASOS Curve plus size sequin panel leggings

ASOS Curve has fabulous plus-size options like these sequin panel leggings. Glitz and glam rocker chic made easy and accessible.

Black and White leggings from ASOS

ASOS also has these black and white leggings with a random stripe pattern -- like Beetlejuice on "shuffle."

Lace panel leggings from Torrid

Lace is always a great option for leggings, and Torrid offers these plus size lace-panel beauties as an option. The solid panel on the back means fewer chances to snag the sexy floral pattern.

Hue Python-look leggings

Though I personally have not had great luck with Hue, these python-look leggings look fantastic. With a black oversized tunic, they add trompe-l'oeil texture that is completely on trend.

As you may know, I love metallics. So it's no surprise I love these wet-look gunmetal and silver with pyramid detailing leggings by Black Milk Clothing.

Check out these other Black Milk Clothing -- the trendy inverted Cross of St Peter will lend edge to even the most basic cold-weather wear.

What are your favourite leggings? How do you wear them?

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Leather Studded Kiss in the Snow: Spikes on Flat Boots for Colder Weather

In my part of Canada, fall and winter can be pretty treacherous going. Flat boots might be the safest way to get through the elements, but they don't have to be the dullest. Check out these spiked leather boots as alternatives to the drab world of cold weather footwear.

To Be Announced from SoulStruck Leather upper and lining, synthetic sole.

The motorcycle boot never goes out of style. This ankle boot from SoulStruck has conical spikes to keep your edgey look throughout the colder months.

Tallberg by Aldo Leather upper, synthetic sole.

A less expensive version of the previous boot, this motorcycle boot from Aldo is higher -- perfect for deep snow. Its spikes are shorter, but the multi-colours will match anything.

Steve Madden Tropador Leather upper material.

Even higher is the Tropador boot from Steve Madden. The profile here is much more delicate, and the lace-ups are fashionable, if possibly a bit impractical for really bad weather.

Studded Ryder boot from Free People Leather upper, rubber sole.

The Studded Ryder boot combines straps and buckles with spikes just above the ankle for a seriously trendy take on colder weather footwear.

Jeffrey Campbell Seattle Love Leather upper and lining with a rubber sole.

I saved my favourite -- and the most expensive -- for last. These Jeffrey Campbells don't mess around. The conical spikes and grungey bunching mean seriously fashionable business. They're also the tallest boot on the list, and the laces look hardcore enough to stand up to snow.

As long as rust isn't an issue, these spiked flat boots are winning me over for fall and winter. What do you think?

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Deep, Dark and Dramatic Lips for Fall/Winter 2012

There are a LOT of trends that I am looking forward to for Fall 2012. Therefore, I have put together a shopping list titled ‘Non Negotiable Must Haves for Fall 2012’. It is absolutely spectacular and is a modest three pages long.

 I am thinking that most of my posts to come over the next few weeks will be geared towards my pursuit of getting these items, and my excitement when I find exactly what I am looking for... because I WILL find them.

The list is divided into sub headings, including pants, skirts, blouses, boots, flats, blazers, scarves, accessories and, of course, beauty. I think that before I was working in cosmetics, I didn’t really consider how predominant trends in the beauty industry actually were. This post is about a beauty trend I am just dying to wear, all day, every day: deep, wine coloured lips.

Gucci Fall/Winter 2012

Yves Saint Laurent Fall/Winter 2012 

Although I am a devout believer in the classic red lip, this lip trend, which has been seen all over the fall fashion runways, is super sultry and very intriguing if it’s done right.

Below are a few tips and recommendations for creating this totally trendy look.

Tips & How to: 

MAC's Prep + Prime Lips, $19.

1. Always, ALWAYS, prep lips with MAC’s Prep and Prime Lips. I’m sure that there are other suitable options out there when it comes to lip primers, but I have personally found that the MAC primer gets the job done well. Not only is it affordable (retails $19), it is really effective. I wear bright red lipstick almost every single day, and before I started using this product I found that my lipstick would feather and bleed quite a bit. It didn’t matter if I was wearing a prestige cosmetics brand, or a drug store brand; if it was a sheer finish or matte finish – it was all over the place and required quite a bit of maintenance. However, once I started using this product, that problem stopped all together. It really is the secret to how I am able to make my lipstick last all day and stay in place. Try it. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. 

MAC's Lip Pencil in Night Moth, $18.

2. Line and fill in lips. I know some professionals choose not to fill in the lip or simply line after applying the lip colour, but this is my blog and I’ll blog how I want to. For a nice deep liner, I like MAC’s Lip Pencil in Night Moth, $18. 

3, Next, swipe a deep wine colour on the lip. If you are more comfortable with a deep cranberry red, this is also acceptable for trendy fall lip colours. The look I created had more of a purple undertone and was very striking. The lip colour I have been using was from Dior’s Rouge Dior lip collection in number 862, $36. 

Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer, $30.

4.  Now, because these colours are so deep, it is important to clean up the edges of the lip with a concealer using the corner or a sponge or a concealer brush. Then go over the outside edges with the lip pencil to ensure they are smooth and uniform. I like Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer, $30. 

Clinique's Full Potential Lips in Playful Plump 

5. Add a pop of gloss! This look is very dramatic and seductive, but if you want to glam it up a little bit and draw even more attention to that pout, I would recommend putting a dab of a lighter coloured gloss just on the center of the lips. My absolute favourite lip gloss in the whole world is called Playful Plump from the Full Potential Lips line at Clinique. It has an incredibly glossy finish, lasts all day and isn't sticky. Plus, since it is a soft pink, it goes with nearly everything. I put a pop of it on my dark lips the other day and really liked the end result. What do you think?

My end result featuring all of the products listed above. 

 To complete the look I would suggest the following:

·         A full coverage foundation. There are lots out there! Choose one that is suitable for your skin type and will last all day. If you would like for me to recommend one, leave me a comment!

·         Defined brows. This is a general rule of thumb. Defined brows help to frame the face, lift the eye and make you look younger.

·         A bronzed cheek. A contoured cheek looks absolutely fabulous with dark lips, but if you are looking for a soft look, I would suggest a soft cheek colour of the same undertone.

·         Simple eyes. If you are going out with your girlfriends and want to go all out, by all means, do up the eyes if the mood strikes you. But to make this look chic and wearable, I highly recommend a simple eye. A sweep of shimmery gold or bronze would complement any deep plums or reds very nicely. Apply lots of black mascara.

·         A matching nail colour. This is another major trend going on in the beauty industry right now! Not to sound redundant, but Dior has a line of perfectly matching nail and lip colours. Simply marvelous if you ask me. If you can't find a perfect match, simply put on another deep fall colour

·         Confidence. This certainly is the type of look that requires some fierceness, so be confident. After all, you are fabulous.

Chanel Fall 2012 Beauty Campaign. This is a very dramatic approach to the look. Absolutely stunning!! 

From the same Chanel Fall 2012 Beauty Campaign: This is a great example of a toned down approach appropriate for both work and play. 

So happy that I am now able to cross one item off from the beauty category on my shopping list!! 

What do you guys think? I absolutely love the look and have received a ton of compliments over the last week or so. Will you be trying out this trend this fall and winter? Which deep shades are your personal faves? 

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Dark Outerwear for Dark Days: DKNY AW2012

Fall is just around the corner, and with it, at least in my part of the country, comes the cold weather. DKNY is a brand I've never been too interested in before... and clearly I've been missing out. I was awe-struck by their AW2012 line's black on black on black outfits. Heavy materials like leather and wool provide a great contrast in textures, and the fits are sophisticated and edgy. Let's check out DKNY's runway of dark fall outerwear.

"Shiny shearling" and leather accents make this cardigan and skirt a great dark pair for cold weather.

A leather jacket and leather peplum skirt are outwear and chic leather suit in one.

This shearling collar coat and wide belt almost evoke Dr. Zhivago reimagined by Tim Burton.

My favourite: a wool jacket with leather sleeves and trim.

And just because I think the actual runway look is even more impressive, here's that last one, my favourite wool jacket with the leather sleeves, again:

I love that tailored look, especially for outerwear. If you can't tell, you should really go check out the runway looks on the runway itself, over at DKNY.

What do you think of DKNY's dark outerwear for the dark days of Autumn and Winter 2012?

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Oversized Original Designs Handmade by Babooshka Boutique

Recently I had the pleasure of buying two pieces from Babooshka Boutique, an Etsy company based in Pennsylvania run solely by the owner and designer, Francesca. Francesca sews all pieces to order and her oversized, monochromatic tops, dresses, and leggings have won me over.

Peek A Boo Oversized T-Shirt Dress

I love my Peek A Boo oversized t-shirt dress. I've been wearing it this summer and I'll continue to wear it into the fall with leggings. The shoulder peek-a-boos are really flattering and make this dress stand out.

Geometric Cardigan

 This geometric cardigan has got to be the most unique cardigan available. Its lopsided design takes a would-be boring wardrobe staple and makes it the most intriguing part of any outfit.

Melt-Tee

The lines on the Melt-Tee are sharp but flowy at the same time. Great over shorts in the summer or jeans in the winter.

Vent-Tee Maxi Dress

My second purchase from Babooshka was this Vent-Tee Maxi Dress (but in black, naturally). You have to see this dress to believe it -- it can be worn in so many different ways that it's sure to remain my favourite for years. And since I just got super excited about leather shorts, I can complete this kick-ass look.

Discoid Dress

Speaking of kick-ass, check out one of the new designs: the Discoid Dress. I love how it drapes and how it exposes the forearm -- perfect for those amazing bangles.

Patent Leather Thigh-High Legging

Babooshka Boutique also makes these wet-look panel leggings. I love the monochromatic colour-block effect, and wet-look leather always wins in my book.

Metallic Gunmetal Panel Legging

My pieces from Babooshka Boutique were just as I expected and the quality is great. I'm so glad I found this Etsy shop. What do you think of Francesca's designs?

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