THURSDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: COLOR BLOCK PREP

I must start with a lil photo of my sequin tee I DID decide to wear today to the office. It's cool and airy and muted FAB... I couldn't get a good pic of it myself (didn't have anyone to take one and the one's I took turned out terrible, but here's a snapshot of the pattern. You can check out a pic of the whole tee's look here.)

 

Wore this with tangerine crop pants and nude pointy, 2 1/2 inch pumps similar to these: 

Nine West; Calvin Klein

Now on to today's obsession. I have never been a fan of oxfords for women. First off, usually they're worn without socks and the really nice ones are hard on the inside and end up cutting my delicate (LOL) feet. Secondly, I have a size 9 foot, thus, they're just not flattering on me. Thirdly (I know that's not a word LOL), I often buy pieces that will wear so much 'til the wheels (heels, soles, toes, straps, stitches) fall off, and oxfords simply don't fit into my usual wardrobe like that.

BUT, I love them on others. And I love preppy style from my days as a cool elementary school geek who wore penny loafers (WITH THE PENNY), blazers (yes, in the 4th grade) and Cosby sweaters (I had a favorite one that was purple with fringe... yes... geek chic at 10 years old).

I recently saw that J. Crew celebrated the CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund honors with a limited-edition four-piece collection, Creatures of the Wind, that mixes prep and color blocking. I think the pieces are FAB and def. could pull some major weight in anyone's wardrobe, whether you like prep or not. And if you don't know how to properly color block (which I will touch on when the obsessive fashion spirit moves me), you can just throw on one of these pieces (or mix and match them all) and you're officially FABulously color blocked!

(I'm not THAT crazy about the oxfords, but love the colors. I'm sure one of my FAB divas can channel their inner Janelle Monae and cause a fire with their color-splash prep style).

 

Here are some other great preppy pieces I found around the net that can mix and match for a color blocking effect:

 

 

Asos; Forever21; Nasty Gal; Asos;  

 Jil Saunder;

Asos

 

Steve Madden

I wouldn't recommend mixing all these pieces together (well, maybe the yellow & white shirt withe that pleated skirt might be cute). I'll leave the FAB tutorial on colorblocking to another post. Sooooo many people have done it and done it wrong that I was almost over the trend, but those J. Crew pieces gave me enough life to blog about it today. 

Xisses FAB ladies. 'Til next time.... Miss Jane

WEDNESDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: LUCITE & PAISLEY

Hi FAB ladies! Coming to you with a QUICK post on today's obsessions: Lucite and Paisley...

Now, we all think paisley is a pattern of the past. Our moms and aunties wore it in the '70s and '80s, and some of it was ugly as hell. Well, today's paisley has more pop in color and is updated by way of the fabric. A nice silk or cotton paisley def. is the bizness (vs a polyester '70s number). It all depends on the silhouette and the fabric to make it updated and FAB.

Today, I decided to wear a piece I picked up from H&M's sale ($20). It includes two of my favorite things: quarter sleeves and a baby doll hem. I have long legs, and even as a teen I loved wearing the baby doll dresses with a choker. (Remember those? LOL... I swear I went through that "Clueless" phase of wearing baby doll dresses with chokers and long socks... And I had a Toni Braxton cut too so I guess I thought I was a living doll back then LOL!)

  (I hate taking pics ladies ... so I prob look quite awkward and un-model-like LOL... Just want you to get a sense of the dress).

Try these FAB paisley pieces:

Wallis; J.Crew; Oasis; Topshop

 

Preen;  KarmaLoop;  Melina; CoutourCandy

 

Old Navy;  Forever21;  StyleBop; Harrods


Also I'm crazy about LUCITE! I'm soooo crazy about clear and plastic-looking accessories, especially this necklace (H&M). I bought this one in clear and mint green. I think they have a soft pink too. Just looks like rock candy ice on your neck!

 (Just a note FAB ladies, lucite is a synthetic material once trademarked as Plexiglass, so REAL lucite items can be quite expensive, yet long-lasting. Just wanted to note that. Many fashion accessories and footwear can be referred to as LUCITE but it's simply that clear look but really made of plastic or acrylic--- options that are obviously less expensive. Whatever the case may be, it's FAB!)

Try these Lucite/see-through accessories:

Michael Kors  

 

Prada 

Teatro Monderne 

Max & Chloe  

BKE 

Topshop  

Asos 

 Asos 

Tarina Tarantino

So ladies, get into the popping paisleys, turn up your vintage FAB a notch and add a few Lucite pieces as well!

P.S. Today I'm wearing my Wet n Wild "Club Havana" that I blogged about yesterday.

Xisses Miss Jane

EYELASHES!!! THE MYSTERY SOLVED.

EYELASHES!!! THE MYSTERY SOLVED

I have so many ladies who say, "I dont mess with lashes my cousin eyes got stuck together," or "I wanna wear em but I can get it right." Well ladies, this post is for you! Eyelashes are the great eye enhancer, aside from adding eyeliner or mascara. Done right, it can give you the dramatica for a night on the town or that fresh look of bright eyes looking wide open for your wedding photo. Whether the reason your wearing eyelashes is for volume or just because you like them, I will show you how! Keep reading *winks.*

First look at the package eyelashes come in its in the shape of a horseshoe. The reason being its maintaining a shape.Imagine that being your eyelid.

1. Take the lash off package
2.   Apply glue to the lash very lightly. Hold lash in between 1st finger and thumb for at least 12 secs.
3. Place eyelash on your eyelid from inner corner to opposite corner.
4. Now pat eyelash in place. You can use finger, Q-tip or Toothpick. (Be very careful.)
5. If you did step 1 thru 4 right, the eyelash should line up perfectly.

Now for my visual people. Heres a photo:

ufashiontrends.com

Above was the experienced application. Now I know some of us may require more direction. Below is a step by step for a novice user. Enjoy!

First step: You will have to clean your eyelids with an oil-free makeup remover.

Second step: Choose the color and length of lash you want. If you want a more natural look, don't go for the ones that are extra dark or long. Try one that looks similar to your natural lashes to add fullness or try those that gradually get darker toward the ends.

Third step: If lashes are too long for you, you can trim them lashes according to the natural look and shape with small scissors. Be care doing this step. If you're a novice, get some assistance via a makeup artist or eye brow/eye lash specialist.

Forth step: To add the adhesive (glue) for fixing the eyelashes. the dark color glue helps to define the lash line. You can use toothpick for this along the line of the lash. Don’t use too much glue.

Fifth step: While looking the mirror, start applying the lashes at the inside corner to the outside corner, then press and hold it. You can also use a Q-tip to do this because your fingers may stick LOL. Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time. Be patient and take your time. Be sure the ends are down good.

Sixth step: After applying eyelashes, let them for dry for a few seconds.

Seventh step: Use the eyeliner and mascara to unify the look of our lashes.

I normally don't have to curl my eyelashes, but for some you divas, you may have long eyelashes, or maybe shorty curly eyelashes. To avoid your falsies not looking cohesive, curl them and add mascara first. The after effect should look uniformed. 

Here are some examples I found of the good & bad when done right & wrong. These are playful, natural & dramatic looks appropriate for any occasion you feel meets these looks. Have fun!

Now some NOT so flattering...

Now my point is, ladies anything that's for you should look & feel good. You should NOT be able to see your eyelashes when you open your eyes. Never should  they look off track when you close your eyes.

When adding something, it should not take away from your beauty. Hopefully, today's post is helpful & you're now a bit more comfy about wearing falsies. Remember, it's trail & error. If at first you don't succeed try again. *winks*

Some of my work

Now on myself, I LOVE switching my lashes up daily. I apply black liner to give that POW! Smokey eyes goes well with my bigger lashes. Don't knock it til you try it!

Thanks for staying tuned ladies! 'Til next post! Stay True Stay You Stay FaBB
Smooches MJ xoxo

TUESDAY'S FASHION OBSESSION: DAYTIME SEQUINS and CHIC CHEAP POLISH

You ever hear that whole old-school "after 5" rule... You know, the stuff you're not supposed to wear until evening hours... ie mini skirts, sky-high heels, and -- the focus of today's post -- SEQUINS.

Well, it's not the 90s, I'm not a senior citizen, and I barely like to follow "rules" so I decided to break out of that old hangup and embrace a little daytime sparkle.

And don't worry about those folk that will say "Who does she think she is all fancy during the DAY???" Your response, vibe, and presence should say, "I don't THINK-- I KNOW I'm FAB... so keeping chatting and admiring!" LOL

While I was out shopping, trying to turn around what had become a very annoying work week, I found this great cream/blush, floral-print sequin tee on sale at H&M for $15 (similar in color and shape to the one below. And no, the model does it NO justice. Just think of it as more fitted on me with floral print and better sequin layering). I know... ALLLLL that???  Yes, all that and all FAB. (I guess I should've taken a pic of the top! LOL! Maybe I'll take an outfit of the day pic when I wear it.)

 

It has a muted glamor about it and seems very versatile. Can't wait to pair it with some skinny crop pants or shorts or maybe even a pleated skirt. 

Rasheeda (of Love & HipHop ATL ... yet another #realityTV obsession of mine lately) wore one in last night's episode that was nice.

***(I can't vouch for the accessories though. Don't think the triple herringbones, the yellow drop earrings and that chunky cocktail finger candy was a good match, but I digress)***

Here are a couple more hot sequin tops on my wish list: 

 

Asos ; Telltale Hearts ;  Topshop; Asos

I have to shout out my gyal Sirita for being the queen of daytime sequins and vintage sequin tops. She would always wear them fearlessly and well, and I eventually got into it myself! So shouts to my FAB sis! 

Okay, so on to the next: Cheap chic polish. Doesn't it seem like the hood spots with the cheap/mani pedis have the BEST selection of colors that POP but not in the quality of the polish? It's usually that $1 polish that chips after ONE or TWO hand/dish/hair washing sessions? I hate it. I usually either bring my own polish or only go to the spots I know have Essie or Opi polish offerings. BUT, Wet & Wild has saved the day! 

Remember Wet n Wild used to be the cheap drugstore brand that teenyboppers and teens could rely on when you couldn't afford Cover Girl or Maybelline? (This was BEFORE the MAC days... I guess I'm showing my age a bit). Anywho, they have a $2 polish that, to me, is just as good as Essie (when it comes to the density, color hues and thickness of the polish.) 

I recently picked up their new MegaLast Salon Nail Colors and I LOVE THEM. Lately, I been obsessed with sherbert colors, (kinda over my usual obsession with hot/neon pink) and I def. love a brush that covers most of the nail with one swipe. That kind of brush makes your nails look like you actually got them done professionally because there's less likelihood of making a mistake when you only have to do one or two swipes on your nail to paint it and the shape of the tip is perfect for your nails.

 

Club Havana; On A Trip; Heatwave; Refresh-Mint

I'm crazy about On A Trip, Club Havana, and Refresh-Mint the most. Use a good top coat (try Beauty Secrets or Seche Vite) and it will literally look like you just came from the nail salon. I get many compliments, and though I do regularly get my nails and toes done, I can usually reply with  "Nah, haven't been to the nail shop in a week." LOL. 

**Again sorry about the photo quality... Gotta get into the digicam world like the rest of the bloggers! Soon come!**

Well that's it for me today. See ya at the next FAB post. 

Xisses Miss Jane.

TREND ALERT: LIP FAB! CAN YOU HANDLE COLOR?

Ok, ladies so I know you all have noticed a new ambiance of this blog and I gotta first start off by saying THANK GOD, I finally have help: NYC resident & FBF Miss Jane (You ROCK *kisses*).

I been so busy keeping up the updates on all my other social networks that I barely had time tp update this blog, but nevermind that! A sista got ammo & ready to aim and fire!

Today, I want to discuss the latest trends in makeup, which this summer is BOLD lips. Of course, I can hear ya'll now: Oh I'm too dark for color or it's NOT for me. Let me tell you to each her own but DON'T knock it 'til you try it! Makeup is NOT permanent and the fact that you're reading this gives you a cheat sheet to decide what will suite you best, so enjoy!


For starters, knowing your skin tone will help discover what shade looks most flattering, but hell, who has the time to swatch & research!? Make it easy for yourself and actually use the trial and error method.

Try it ON LOL! I personally have loved bright colors since I was able to wear makeup but that's me. For others, it's a delayed acquired taste. No worries! I'm an avid believer that seeing is believing & daring to be DIFFERENT should be a motto. I mean whats the worst that could happen? You actually like it, right?

Start with using a darker shade around the lip. Back in the day, FAB divas used lip pencils, which is a no-no today for me. I say use a darker lipstick, which is more practical and less harsh looking. NOTHING worst than all your lipstick being gone and a hard lip line left standing. OMG #Truestory (*_#)

As you see, in this picture the lips are outlined with a darker, soft line by lipstick. (You can also use a thick lip pencil. You know, those chunky ones.)

luciesbeautyboxblog.blogspot.com

Afterward,  on the inside of your lips, apply the color you like. It could be a softer shade, let's say soft pink, or glitzy nude pink if you will ,should turn out like so below.

As you can see ladies this can be VERY simple if you follow this cheat trick , Let me know how it works out , I would love feedback & even picks of your new found Divatude in LipPOW. Enjoy. xoxo MJ

As a makeup artist, I'm always on the hunt for the BEST, so I apologize in advance for you ladies who are  Gospel MAC users.  I don't approve of all their selections for woman of color. I have tried their lipsticks and have fell in Love with Lady Ga Ga, but I will leave that explanation for another post. 

Here's some pics of me wearing Lady Ga Ga and Neon Pink from my collection. I havent been able to put it down and in fact, my coworkers always ask me why I'm not wearing it when I do decide to change it up. I love it for the high gloss and most definetly for its long-lasting wear. It's so highly pigmented. You can buy Neon Pink as well as other bright shades from my retail site www.shesfab.com.

Neon Pink

UV Neon Red

UV Neon Cranberry

Lime                                                                  MAC Lady Ga Ga

Gloss & Uv Lipstick sold online @ www.shesfab.com

UV Colors are available on my Website as individual or sets, as shown. They light up and are perfect for body art photo shoots. Buy online @ www.shesfab.com

Here are a few pics of makeup clients who chose the FAB and decided to take a chance on a BRIGHT, BOLD lip:

 

Honestly, NONE of these ladies would have EVER thought they could pull it off. So the proof in the pudding.

I would love to see pics of what you accomplished with today's post. Futhermore, I just wanna see you look FABulous! Who's got your back??? I do!!!!

Stay True Stay You Stay FABB, til next post.

*Kisses* XOXO MJ