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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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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Glam and Edgey Inspiration abounds on Tumblr and Pinterest!

Check out these gorgeous Gareth Pugh thigh highs from the AW2011 runway collection

Want more Spikes and Diamonds fashion inspiration in your life? Don't fret -- we're on Tumblr and Pinterest! We're pinning and blogging the glammest and edgiest the internet has to offer, so be sure to follow and never miss out!

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Slashed Look and Slashed Prices: Kimberly Ovitz Open-knit Sweater for 65% off

Guess who snagged the last large Kimberly Ovitz "Corin" sweater at 65% off from The Outnet? THIS guy! (Sorry for the phone pics!)

Front

Back

The Outnet is fantastic. This sweater was originally $320 and I got it for $120. It arrived within a couple of days of ordering. It love the open-knit because it creates a slashed look. I can't wait to wear it this fall!

Have you had any great shopping experiences at The Outnet?

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Black leather boxing shorts are what I never knew I always wanted

One of my favourite bloggers, Fashion Snag, posted this great outfit. I've already sung praises for Kimberly Ovitz, and the sweater in that post just legitimizes my praise. But what really made my jaw hit the floor was those leather boxing shorts. When I read the post's title, I didn't picture anything as awesome as these babies.

Haute Hippie

Jacqueline Rose links to this pair of shorts. What I love so much about them is that you can wear them over leggings (just like Jacqueline Rose does) in the fall and not have to worry about showing too much. You can wear them with shorter tops or longer ones, and the boxing short style is really flattering. The only problem, for me, at least, is the 355 GBP price tag. So I went looking for less expensive alternatives for this fall would-be staple for my obsession with leggings, long tops, texture, and of course, black.

Vero Moda Very

At 129 Euro, these Vero Moda Very 100% leather shorts come very close to the originals Jacqueline Rose posted. They keep the boxing short style without costing as much.

Tripp NYC at Nasty Gal

Tripp NYC has these vegan leather shorts available at Nasty Gal for $55. They don't provide the same flowing style as the boxing shorts, but they still cover up and add great (and cruelty-free) texture.

Forever 21

These faux-leather shorts from Forever 21 have a little more give than Tripp NYC's option. At less than $20, these are definite contenders to try this look.

Forever 21

Forever 21 also has a plus size version of faux-leather shorts, again for less than $20. The only difference is these ones have the added feature of a beaded front panel. These shorts take the look a step further and add even more texture.

What do you think of black leather (or faux-leather) shorts? I personally can't stop thinking about how great these would look as part of my fall wardrobe. While you're mulling it over, be sure to check out Fashion Snag for more great ideas from Jacqueline Rose.

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Dark and Edgy Texture: Kimberly Ovitz AW2012

Asymmetry, texture, and black on black on black sums up Kimberly Ovitz Autumn/Winter 2012 runway line. Let's bask in the dark glory of this line of my dreams, shall we? 

This outfit had me at the Murai leather jacket -- but the Jorah tank and
amazing texture on the Vara legging seal the deal.

The Rainer dress' leather and what looks like horse hair overskirt evokes a goth Viking.

The Hisu dress recalls the Vara legging's texture. I love the mesh sleeves with elbow detail.

The Xander zip jacket was my friend Soha's fav -- and for good reason! The top it's paired with here is also gorgeous -- I love gunmetal used to subtly break up a black outfit.

The Lonzo blazer, Dorman shirt, and Hiyo pant are combine to make a sexy suit that plays with the menswear trend. I love the cutout on the top.

I can't wait to see more of the Pai coat -- its tails are making me swoon. 

Another Murai jacket, this time with a Beltar dress. The dress looks so satiny and shiny, and the colour is beautiful. 

Get a load of the Tero coat in what looks like black fur! The shiny fur plays up the satiny Kamau pant and they make a great team with the asymmetrical Noland sweater. 

The Kosi dress' tails are sure to turn heads.

The Xino coat takes the menswear trend and pushes it to the oversized extreme.

The Phito dress is perfect for those who love to layer. And that black fur shoulder accessory can't be missed.

These are some of my favourites, but there are many more outfits on the site. What do you think of Kimberly Ovitz's tribute to the dark days of fall and winter?

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