NYFW Spring/Summer 2014 Spotlight: Costello Tagliapietra

As we fashionistas all know we are in the middle of one of the most important weeks ever...Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week! I always watch the shows of my choice online but this time I have decided to take a different approach.  For everyday of NYFW (September 5-12) I am going to pick a designer that I am not familiar with and feature them here. We all know about BCBG Max Azria, Nicole Miller, Jason Wu and countless others, but a lot of magic happens with the designers and labels that aren't as mainstream. So representing Thursday September 5 shows is Costello Tagliapietra!



I did a little reading up on these guys and it turns out they are a couple living in New York. They both have massive experience and education in the field and have earned many awards to commemorate such, including but not limited to the CFDA/Lexus Hybrid Living award in 2010 and the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award in 2005.  Their most recent collection (C&T) can be found at Barney's and UNIQLO.  I visited my first UNIQLO this summer in NYC and I must admit their line totally fits the atmosphere.




I checked out their NYFW Runway Show on CostelloTagliapietra.com and here are my thoughts.  The models graced the runway will au naturale makeup looks (in a way I am in support of because you know I don't normally appreciate that look) and a simple braid or pixie cut.  They all wore flat goddess sandals, some with an evenly stacked low platform.

This collection is giving me a very Retro (MOD), androgynous feel. The look is perfect for a casual chic PhD student walking the streets of a major US city.  The women who would wear these clothes are educated, confident and have somewhere to go.  She cares about her appearance but at the same time doesn't care what others think of her. She is an on the go risk taker and won't take crap from anyone.

The color story for their spring/summer line, although reminiscent of traditional fall colors is perfect for what seems to be their target market. Blood orange, bright mustard, various shades of blue, and olives are the main hues in this collection with a surprisingly beautiful pop of berry as the finale piece.

 

The contrasting line and cutout placement in various pieces lets me know these guys are very familiar with the female body and know how to create garments to fit and flatter the goddesses of our world!

 


My favorite look of the collection was this two-toned, high waisted skirt. This skirt is such a quietly sexy piece that any women could benefit from.  It can be dressed up or down and worn to a vast array of events.  I would pair it with a patterned silk tank and some sort of brightly colored pumps.

I enjoyed the Costello Tagliapietra show and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future. In the meantime I gotta find that skirt!

Fab or Faux?

Think you know your brands??? Can you spot which look is $121 and which is $6785????

Well.....If you guessed the expensive one to be with the yellow jacket you are correct!  But how cute is the cheaper option?? See everything doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg! Happy Bargain shopping!

Yellow Floral Blazer Set 

Includes Stella McCartney, Tory Burch, Givenchy, House of Harlow and Alexander McQueen to name a few...

top $96

blazer $608

leather leggings $2,618

bag $1880

earrings $95

shoes $448

bracelet $245

bracelet $745

ring $50

=$6,785

Tan/Black Floral Blazer Set
Most items are Target and Forever 21!

blazer $21

pants $24

shoes $49

shirt $30

bag $49

earrings $3.80

ring $4.80

necklace $2.80

bracelet $8.80 and $6.8

=$121

Ombre Lips Tutorial

Hey ladies!  I wanted to share with you an easy makeup technique that has been very popular lately, Ombre lips! We all have lipstick colors we are tired of, or sometimes you just want an extra pop. Well this is an easy way to jazz it up using colors you already own!

You most definitely want to moisturize before adding anything to your lips, for an easier application, comfort and the best look as an end result.  I highly recommend BabyLips which is just a drugstore lip moisturizer that will cost you less than $5.

The lightest pink used in the center of my lips is Pout by Smashbox.  Followed by a hot pink from the Sephora brand (#11) and I lined my lips with a dark purple by Makeup Forever (#15).  Its super quick and easy, just make sure not to rub your lips together too much to ensure you don't loose the gradient look! Enjoy!!

Smooches with a RED lip! :)

*music played is not in anyway owned by me :)

You've been ShoeKissed! Spotlight: Zara

Hello friends! Today I want to confess my undying love for the beautiful, unique, trendy, fashion forward, affordable, beautiful shoes that hail from the one and only Zara. For the past few months I have been absolutely addicted.  Unfortunately there is not a Zara location in my area so Zara.com has become a favorite on all my devices.  My first experience with this store was a few years back on one of my yearly trips to Chicago.  Next I visited in Dallas and again most recently in New York City. The pieces made a lasting impression on me because it truly feels like they are straight off the runway and tailored just for me and my pocketbook.  Today we are just going to talk shoes, specifically the Spring/Summer 2013 and a few from Fall 2013.

This first pair is one I own and is truly a favorite......

They give you a tribal yet urban feel by mixing the pattern and the stud detail. They are surprisingly comfortable and thank god for that since I had a packing mishap on my last trip to NYC and these were the only heels that made it into my suitcase.  Luckily they are a dear love of mine or I would have been very upset with myself for making that dreadful mistake.

Next up is my most recent purchase, these caged studded sandal flats that are great for those days that I feel like I need a fresh pedi but still don't quite want to wear a full shoe. I wear these to work at least twice a week and they are great for dressing up an uber plain look. I really excited about taking these into the fall by adding opaque tights with my shorts and dresses. This pair and the aforementioned were finds on Poshmark that I got after they had sold out on the Zara site. I got them both at a cheaper rate so I can't explain how happy that makes me!

Next up is a few more of Zara's most popular styles from the Spring/Summer 2013 collection.  These styles are being sold on ebay and other sites at four times the original rate at this point. One thing about Zara is if you like a style you better get it before it sells out because it most likely will not be back! 

Im loving the one strap across the toe look and was devastated when I tried on the shoe with the gold heel and it didn't fit my foot properly.  Had this been a few years back that wouldn't have stopped me but lately I need a shoe that feels half way decent.  I cannot handle pain within the first five minutes of wearing a shoe. I just can't take it anymore. Maybe I'm getting old.

That leopard pair will be mine at some point. Trust and believe.  I just have to find it listed at a price that isn't $190 plus.  They replenished the black version of this shoe in my size on the website (pictured below) but I really do not need another black shoe in my life. Seriously.  The blue patterned shoe is beautiful but it's not a priority above the others.

The colorblock pump came in various colors and is beautiful but its too is overpriced on all sites at this moment. People on Poshmark were reselling those babies for $150 plus, used. I repeat, USED, and not even in good condition.  I'm the queen of thrifting and buying gently used items, but the key word in my statement is "gently."

Next let's talk current events...FALL 2013 is upon us ladies and gents! What does Zara have to offer you ask? Some definite must-haves if I may say so myself.  First off, Wine, Mustard, Navy, and Olive are some colors we all need in our fall ensemble and today I am going to focus on wine and mustard options in the Zara fall 2013 collection.

It's so funny how I don't mind the combination of burgandy and yellow but a true red with yellow makes my skin crawl.  I hate ketchup and mustard! Eww! However these colors I can handle, they will be a beautiful combo for the upcoming season.


The first pair is great for a shoe that can go from the office straight out to play! I love the high front and the sharp lines of this shoe.


Next up, this mustard pump is giving me a formal vibe.  It would be a great pop of color with a solid jewel toned dress.  Royal purple, royal blue, emerald green, even black and white would be awesome set off with this shoe.


 This colorblocked flat is so cute! I could see these with sloutchy boyfriend jeans, an oversized tee and cute accessories.  I'm considering ordering these but I'm on Zara punishment right now.....sigh.

 Lastly I just want to share a few additional styles from the fall 2013 collection that make me smile. 

I love how this one is a bootie but not quite. The exposed ankle gives it just a taste of sex appeal. 

Yall already know how I feel about this one.....The two-piece flats are really cute for a casual chic look......

Well ladies, do you understand why Im addicted to Zara shoes? Now get off of my blog and go shop! Tell them I sent you! 

Smooches with a RED lip!

*Note, all pictures in this post (except the one with my foot in it) came from zara.com or google.com and are not owned by me! 

Old Video I Never Posted-MAKEUP HAUL!

Hey guys! This video is a few months old, I never posted it or started making youtube vids.  I found it on my iPad and wanted to share. Sorry about the length! If you watch it all I appreciate you! Let me know if you want to see more videos in the future.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

When did going outside naked become ok?

Ok, I know I'm not the only one who cringes when they see certain trends that simply will not fade away no matter how terrible they are.  There are many fads and fashion-no's out there but one that has been grinding my gears lately is this au-naturale look that has been on the runways the last few years.  And you know runway is one thing but people are starting to think its ok to show up at events like this! Why must we leave the house with naked faces? Why? It's offensive!

I was compelled to speak on this when I saw the latest lookbook from H&M.  The guests at the fall/winter 2013 fashion show in Paris all looked as if they had rolled out of bed around noon and got a last minute invite to a 1pm fashion show. Yes, I know for most celebs a fashion show is just another thing on the to-do list, so spending hours in hair and makeup for every event isn't possible.  But everyone on the page had on little to no makeup, tussled hair and blah outfits.  

In other news I want everyone to know it is ok to NOT have natural hair. Being natural isn't for everyone and just like it did in the early 80's it will go out of style.  For some ladies being natural is a lifestyle and a preference, not a fad and you are the exception. But the rest of you bandwagoners will be back on straight hair as soon as everyone else starts to have creamy crack relapses. And that's fine too.  I've been natural for 3.5 years and I'm tired.  I have put too much energy into this hair of mine, and it's just hair. Im done.

Fabulyse Update.....

Helloooooo! Is anyone out there?

Ok, so clearly I haven't blogged since Founder's Day 2011 which is pretty ridiculous.  Needless to say, a lot has changed, thankfully for the good.  I finally moved into my own apartment (unfortunately it is in St. Louis, but that's another story for another post), I have a job that I enjoy (for the most part), a great boyfriend, a new doggy and new hair!

Let's start with the apartment.  I moved to the U. City loop area (don't stalk me please) last December.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the St. Louis area, the University City Loop is just a popular strip with restaurants, bars, and boutiques that us St. Louisians hang out at from time to time.

I love my apartment and I love the area.  It makes me not mind living in St. Louis as much anymore.  It feels like a whole new city full of new spots and new adventures.  I still don't get out that often, but hey it's a start. 

My living room is grey, white and black and my kitchen is purple. 

I made those pictures on my living room wall and I am rather proud of them. *pats self on back *  I still haven't decorated my bathroom or bedroom the way I want so they aren't even worth mentioning. 

Annndd.....I finally have my second bedroom that I made into a closet! This makes me so happy eventhough I don't wear 87% of the clothes and shoes I own. Everyone looks in that second room and expects to see an office or a guest bedroom with a daybed or futon.  Instead it a rounder full of barely worn clothes, an ironing board and loads of jewelry.

Next up, the job...

Awhile back I set a short-term goal for myself to be a store manager at some retail store by the age of 25.  I reached that goal about 1.5 months after I turned 26! Not too shabby! :) I am currently working as a store manager at a small nationwide jewelry retailer. Y'all have heard of it, but it shall remain nameless. My goal is to be promoted to a buying position in the corporate office.  I was hired on as an assistant manager and was running my own store within 3 months! Go me! I make my own schedule, have holidays off, and have no boss to answer to on a daily basis. Most office workers get these perks anyway, but that's really hard to find in retail. Plus I play in accessories all day! Weeeeee!

Next....my new boo.....

I have a new love in my life, we have been official for about 6 months.  The funny thing about it is I wasn't looking for a man at all.  A relationship was actually that last thing on my mind.  The way we met is a funny story....like to hear it? Here it go...

We followed eachother on twitter for about a year and a half before we ever talked.  August of 2011, I was on the way to the Bahamas with Sorors when I got stuck in Atlanta (where he lives) over night.  We exchanged numbers at that point so he could come rescue me if I got stuck there again on the way back.  We still didn't start talking at this point.  Somewhere in October we started randomly texting eachother.  The texts became more frequent then we started to wonder what eachother's voices sounded like.  I told him I sounded like a middle aged white woman (which anyone who knows me knows thats true lol) and sent him a video to prove it.  We exchanged a few videos after that.  On Saturday October 29th I was in Springfield, Missouri at my alta mater for Delta week/Homecoming. I was headed to get my nose pierced with my line sister and I sent him a text that said "I'm so scared!" He called me for the first time in response to that text message to ask why I was scared.  Yes I remember the first time he called me. DJM....

After constant facetiming and phone calls we decided that we wanted to meet.  January 3, 2012 I flew into Atlanta to meet him and we have been an item ever since.  January 3rd is our anniversary, the day we first met, first hugged, first kissed, first...well....lets just say all our firsts happened on January 3rd. We now see eachother every month, either in Atlanta or St. Louis, we take turns.

Next...my new doggy.....

On June 7th I adopted a sweet 9 pound terrier mix named Bella.  She is approximately 5 years old and I don't really know anymore information about her because she was found as a stray.  I went to a neighborhood shelter really just to look at the puppies, I wasn't even sure if I wanted one.  I saw her and instantly knew I wanted to play with her.  We went into the little room and played around for a few minutes.  I wanted to ask more questions about her medical history, etc. so I was heading toward the front desk. This was the first shelter I visited that day and actually planned to check around a little more before making a decision. 

When I came out of the visiting room there was this loud, mean, drug addict looking toothless man that demanded to take her home! He said "I want her! I want to take that dog home! She's coming with me!" I said, "Excuse me sir, but I was visiting with her first!" At that point I knew she was mine because I was not letting this sweet little dog go home with that big scary man! So I headed to the front desk to see what I needed to do to take her.  Then he ran up in my face saying he was a cancer patient and I should let him have her! I was genuinely shaken up! The workers had to tell him to back up and that he needed to choose another dog or leave.  It was intense.  But I'm honestly glad it happened because even though she can he a hand full she is so sweet, and I love her to death! She is my shadow and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! We are in the midst of potty training but other than that she's a joy. We started training classes last Tuesday so we'll see how that works out.

Lastly...this natural hair of mine.  I have been relaxer free for a little under 2.5 years and I am still not 100% comfortable in my own skin when I wear my 'fro.  I get so much love and so many compliments from everyone but when I look in the mirror I feel just ok.  You know how you have those days when you get dressed but you just don't feel quite cute no matter how much makeup you add or how many times you change? Thats pretty much how I feel all the time.  So after these braids come out my straight hair might be making a comeback.....

Part of the problem is some of my hair is damaged from the constant flat ironing so all of it doesnt curl up as much as it should.  At this point I need to commit to being straight or just go natural 100% because all the flat ironing is catching up with me.



So that in a nutshell is what is going on in my life.  I really am going to try to start blogging on a more consistent basis.  Don't expect anything too serious, this isn't one of those blogs that I want to BLOW UP or anything like that.  I just like to have a place to display my ramblings from time to time.

Smooches with a RED lip! :)

98 years ago....

HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY  to my Sorors of
Delta Sigma Theta!
Oh how I love thee. ;)

98 years old and still lookin' good....

Elephant hugs and Smooches with a RED lip!

Elyse J. Byrd

DKA DEUCErn

Rho Beta Chapter

#2 S.S. Hollywood

April 30, 2005 2:13am