Monday, October 27, 2014

Red Lip Classic



 




TODAY'S LOOK
Leather Jacket: Macy's (Brand: Bar III)
 
Red-Plaid Knee Length Dress: Marshall's (Brand: Sans Souci)
 
I really love this dress. The length is very classy but the print makes it so different. Very fun to wear.
 
Black Chanel Bag
 
Circular Rimmed Sunglasses (Faded Black Coloring): Nordstrom
 
Black Leather Booties: Steve Madden (featured in previous posts)
 
Black Patent Leather Simple Strap Heels: Nordstrom
(Can also be found for a cheaper price @: Forever 21, Body Central, Macy's, Marshall's, etc.)
 
I started off with a leather jacket and my leather boots. If you are looking to dress up an outfit, such as this one, I recommend a black blazer and a pair of heels.
 
HAIR
Curled with a wand (1 inch barrel)
Brand: GVP (found at Sally's)
-shown in "Weekly Favorites"
 
MAKEUP
Eyes: two coats of They're Real! mascara by Benefit
 
Lips: Buxom Lipstick (Color: Provocateur)
 
TIP OF THE DAY: When wearing a bold lip color throughout the normal day, it's best to wear simple eye makeup. I usually stop at a couple of coats of mascara. Feel free to apply more shadow, eyeliner, etc. when going out in the evening or for special occasions.

P.S. New "Weekly Favorites" post up.
 
xoxo
Kara Bennett
 



Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Pop of Color



 
 
Today's Outfit
 
Black/White Striped Sweater Dress: recently bought @ Express - $59.95
 
Black Leather Jacket- Express
 
Black Solid Knit Leggings: Forever 21 - $3.80
 
Black Ankle Booties: Forever 21
 
Neon Pink Knit Scarf: Forever 21 (no longer sold)
Similar Scarf @ Target- $12.00
 
This outfit is cute/comfy/classy and achromatically colored. By adding the leather jacket and the neon pink scarf, a more fun vibe is present. I absolutely love this scarf, and it is perfect for the weather we have now. The color is great! Any other bright color would do.
  
 

 
 Today, I arrived at school to discover that my friend, Mikayla, had the same concept with her outfit choice. She rocked her Forever 21 Polka Dot Sweater and her Black Combat Boots from Charlotte Russe. Now, instead of a bright scarf to go with her outfit, she used a MAC lipstick (shade: Candy Yum Yum) All in all, she looked awesome.
 
TIP OF THE DAY: It is starting to get really cold outside. If your skin is anything like mine, your face is dry/peeling like crazy. Make sure to moisturize before bed and when you wake up in the morning. I recommend CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion. It can be found at CVS.
 
xoxo
Kara Bennett 


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

"Heartbreaker"






 
-Vintage/Band T-shirts-
Honestly this is one of my favorite outfits, and it shows my personal style so well.
You could use any t-shirt that you please. Using a school shirt for this outfit would look really great for games. Using a vintage/band t-shirts gives it a little edge.
 
-Burgundy Skinny Jeans-
Bought at: Nordstrom (Brand: Articles of Society)
A skater skirt w/ tights could be worn as a substitute.
 
-Leather Jacket-
Bought at: Express
A jean jacket would work for this outfit too!
 
-Black Leather Boots-
Bought at: Nordstrom (Brand: Steve Madden)
*(Boots pictured in the "Comfort with an Edge" post)*
 
-Burgundy Beanie-
Bought at: Zumiez (Brand: Neff) 
It's the perfect time for beanies, and they work with almost every outfit.
The colors are unlimited! They are also convenient for days when you don't feel like fixing your hair, or if you just don't have the time. Pacsun is another place to buy them.
 
-Sunglasses-
Bought at: Pacsun
 
-Hair-
Today was definitely a day that I didn't feel like fixing my hair. A hairbrush is all it saw. Thank goodness for my beanie.
 
-Makeup-
To match the look, I loaded up on the eyeliner and mascara. Since my eyes were so bold, I went with a subtle pink for the lips.
Lipstick: Kat Von D (shade: LOVECRAFT)
I highly recommend Kat Von D lipstick. It doesn't dry out your lips like most lipsticks do.
 
TIP OF THE DAY: Flat irons are not only used for straightening your hair. They can also create beautiful, soft waves. Take 1 inch sections and clamp the flat iron on the hair and turn it to the right as you run it down the length of the hair.
 
xoxo
Kara Bennett
 
 


Monday, October 13, 2014

Wild

 








 
We all have to love rompers! It's just so convenient to have your whole outfit created with just one item. Even though it's getting colder out, who says we have to throw them in a box until summer comes back around? A revision to rompers for the season is so easy to make.
ADD TIGHTS!!
Of course, plain tights are always a must have, and can come in handy when you are going for the more simple look. But do not forget about all the crazy, wild patterns of tights out there too! My personal favorites are the polka dot tights (as you can obviously see). Fishnet, floral, and geometric are just a few examples of the patterns you can find on tights. And don't forget about the different colors! I guess the moral of the story is that tights not only help you stay a TAD warmer, but also help dress/spice up the outfit.
 
Today's outfit consisted of my Abstract Skort Romper from Forever 21 (http://www.forever21.com/Mobile/Product/Product.aspx?br=mobile&category=jumpsuit_romper&ProductID=2000068696&Page=1) - $19.80, which was paired with my black jacket. It also came from Forever 21. My Black Suede Booties came from Macy's and are Style&Co. branded. I topped the outfit off with a small, black crossover purse from Charming Charlie's.
 
As for hair and makeup, I went pretty simple:
-straightened hair
-light makeup (mascara & blush only)
 
If you rather not go as dressy as I did with today's outfit, I recommend a leather jacket and Converse. I would throw my hair into a messy ponytail as well. 
 
TIP OF THE DAY: Start applying Vaseline onto your eyelashes before bed. Though some results with take a couple of weeks for some, or up to a month for others, Vaseline is known for increasing the growth of lashes. Not only does it help them grow, but they will gradually become stronger, healthier, and fuller.
 
xoxo
Kara Bennett

Friday, October 10, 2014

Exploring Today's Outfit

Funny story... My mom handed me this life jacket and oar and said, "Kara, tell them to explore fashion!" *laughing hysterically* So here I am, doing just that. 
 





Most of the time my outfits will consist of items that are no longer in stock, but I try my best to search for items that are almost identical to what I'm wearing.
 
Green Army Jacket w/ Leather Detail
I originally bought this jacket a few months ago, at Forever 21. Since it is no longer being sold, I found one that has the same kind of feel.
 
-Leatherette Sleeve Army Jacket- ($22.95)
 
Black Harem Pants
I bought mine at Pacsun. These pants have become pretty popular in the past couple months, and are very easy to find.
 
-Black Pleated Harem Pants- ($17.80)

Black Aldo Flats - ($39.99)
These shoes are so comfortable and can be paired with tons of outfits. They are definitely worth the price.
 
Also check out:
-Black Pointed Faux Suede Flats- ($17.80)
 
Black Messenger Bag 
I purchased this bag when I went to Costa Rica this summer. Fortunately, I found one very similar to it.
 
-Black Leather Cross-Body- ($24.80)

 Since I made my makeup a bit more bold, I decided to go with a simple hairstyle.
The products I used are below.

Hair
-Straightened
-Both sides pinned back in front
 
Makeup
-Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette
("Strange"- Brow bone, "Burnout"- Lid, "Nooner"- Crease, "Trick"- Inner corner)

-Eyeliner: Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner
I prefer liquid over cream liner any day. Liquid liner lasts all day, if you can find one with a great quality. I think one of most people's makeup mistakes is trying to create cat eyes with a cream stick liner. No! No! No! Liquid liner makes perfect lines, and it is so much easier to work with. From my experience, I have found that Maybelline's liners are prolong-wear, and the range of liner applicators are endless. Whatever liner look you are going for: thin and simple, or thick and bold, they have it. Don't spend 20 dollars on an expensive brand of liner if you don't have to. A lot of my favorite makeup comes from Walmart, and it's pricing range is so much better.

-Mascara: L'Oreal Paris Telescopic (Gold Tube)

-Lips: Buxom (Provocateur)

TIP: For super soft hair, melt a spoon full of coconut oil and then apply to your hair. Wrap a towel around your head, and let it soak in for about two hours. There are so many ways to pass the time: watch a movie, read a book, or my favorite is to just take a nap! Afterwards, wash the oil out of your hair and let it air dry. It will leave your hair feeling silky as ever!
 
xoxo
Kara Bennett
 

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Sweater Weather








 
 So it's getting to be that time of year again... SWEATER WEATHER. Woohoo!
*virtual fist bump*
 Fall is, without a doubt, my favorite season. I can't express how pumped I am for the upcoming fall fashion. Let me make one thing clear though: Sweaters will always be in.
There are so many styles of sweaters, whether you like yours thin or thick, plain or patterned, etc. That's what I love the most about them, it's so easy to give them your own twist.
 
Usually people say, as Fall comes around, that you should start dressing in darker color schemes. While I see the reasoning, I personally think it's okay to throw some bright colors in every now and then (But don't get me wrong, I still love my dark colors).
 
Adding my colorful, thick beaded necklace and paring it with my hot pink flower earrings was just one way to brighten up my neutral colored sweater. You can never go wrong with ripped boyfriend style capris. As for shoes, I wore a black pair of short ankle booties. I also added my black watch to tie the shoes in.

I used a 1-1/2 in. curling iron on my hair, parting it down the middle and curling away from my face.
 
Substitutes:
-Instead of a necklace, add a scarf.
-If you are feeling bold, switch out the capris with a pair of colored skinny jeans.
 
Where I got them:
 
Forever 21
Nude Knit Sweater
Colorful Beaded Necklace
Black Ankle Booties
 
Betsey Johnson
Hot Pink Flower Earrings
 
Charming Charlie's
Black Watch w/ Gold Detail
 
TIP: When doing makeup in the morning, add a bit of gold eyeshadow to the inner corners of your eyes. This makes you appear as though you are more awake.
 
Have a great day!
xoxo
Kara Bennett
 
 (iPhone Photography by Kelsey Curry)
Thank you love!

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Comfort with an Edge

We all have those days where we want to be comfortable, but still look cute.
Combine leggings, a flannel, and a giant fuzzy sweater, and you have just that!
Don't forget to spice up the look with your favorite shoes and handbag.
Here is my take on comfort with an edge.
<3
      Forever 21 Plaid Flannel Shirt/Dress - $17.90
Order at link below. (Now only available in red)

Steve Madden Black Leather Booties: MOTTOO - $189.90
 
Those looking for a cheaper substitute, check out these:
Forever 21 Black Faux Leather Buckled Boots - $32.80
 
H&M Black Shoulder Bag - $29.95
 
 
Tuck & Pin
 
Honestly, any hairstyle would look great with this kind of outfit.
Today I threw my hair up just to get it out of my face. My hair is shoulder length, so this took about 5 minutes. Experiment to find out what works for you.
 
And if you are anything like I am, I normally get fully ready and then decide to throw on a few more accessories. You can always spice it up by adding a bold scarf, big earrings and a necklace, and of course rock a bright lip color.

A lot of lipsticks can really dry out your lips. I've found that Revlon's Lip Butter products add vibrant color AND it keeps your lips as smooth as "butter!" (Pun intended) 
Today's lip color: Revlon's ColorBurst Lip Butter, in the shade "Sweet Tart"
I definitely recommend this product. 
 
A different way to wear this outfit is to unbutton the flannel and take advantage of layering. Adding a long sleeve sheer lace top underneath would look amazing.
 
TIP: Have fun with whatever you do, and don't ever be afraid to try different things. I've learned that as long as you are confident in what you wear, you can make just about anything look awesome!
 
I apologize for the quality of the photos. I'm working on it.
xoxo
Kara Bennett