The Story of the Scavenger

Recently, I ran across a humble abode hidden in a strip mall dark corner here in my hometown, a little place where all designer second-hand deals hang around. I stepped in the store with my nose turned up. "Mom, this is all junk," I pronounced once I saw a few old wedding dresses from a couple bitter ex-wives. But then I saw a gorgeous Miu Miu limited edition tee hidden between two drab blouses. I jumped with mere glee when I saw the price, no I jumped up and down, skipped through the aisles, and held a grin on my little face the rest of the time I was there to be honest. Oh, and here's the best part, everything I buy just happens to go to a good cause! Yeah, a percentage of every dime I spent went to a foundation helping abused women and women in need! When I saw the sign telling me that, I didn't feel so bad about spending way too much. If you ever want to know about my best kept secret in the Indianapolis area, send me a little message. It's the best store I've been to in a while!

True Beauty 411 (Spring 2010)

I've decided to post my newest beauty choices. Check them out!

Looking Natural
As an African-American female, it has been extremely hard to find make-up that actually matches my exact skin tone, but a few days ago I found a true treasure that isn't color blind. The name it goes by is Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder; it real does work! I'm a teenager going through puberty and prone to cheek, forehead (severe), & nose acne, so I know a good product when I use one. When I bought the product, I thought the Tan 80 color choice would be way too light, and I'd end up looking like a ghost! But to my surprise, it went on wonderfully! I'm talking pimple coverage, mark coverage, under-eye bag coverage, the works, and I didn't have to use concealer! I couldn't believe I actually found coverage that actually went on as the color you see in the compact and wouldn't give me even more acne, the exact opposite actually! Apparently, the make-up has salicylic acid for blemish treatment, some sort of formula to treat and prevent breakout, and it absorbs oil! Neutrogena's all I need to get by!


I Want Candy!
Bright nail polishes for spring is the only way to go!










Versatility
Sticking to the same hairstyle is so cliché, so try different hairstyles! Here's how!

BOLD BEAUTIFUL BRAIDS

At the Alexander Wang Spring 2010 show,the models strutted down the runway with a undone long braid swept to the side. Their fly aways were untucked & pinned gently behind the ear. A simple swoop bang was also added into the mix. To get this look you may need a pack of simple extensions that matches your hair just in case your hair isn't very long like mine. A few bobby pins may also be in order and don't forget clips for your extensions; they are the best and safest way to avoid damaging your hair, no glue, no sewing, no fusing, no fuss. Just ask the clerk for help if you aren't really sure what you're doing. If you want a bang like the models, you have a few options: either curl your hair if it's too long for a blunt bang, pin your hair up or behind the ear, add in an extra clip-in extension in the front if it's too short, or go ahead and chop away if you're a brave soul! Get some little rubber bands too, because after you braid your hair, you'll need something to keep it in place! Oh, and last but not least, get some oil sheen for shine and hairspray to keep everything looking just how it did right before you left home! This is my favorite trend for spring currently, so chic and very simple!

Messy Messy Bun

If you're anything like me, you get lazy sometimes or for some cases most of the time. But thankfully the fashion world has unearthed the concept of making the bedhead and unfashionably late look hot, particularly Ms.Carolina Herrera is the one we need to thank! At the Carolina Herrera Spring 2010 show, the stylist kept it way too easy with a messy metallic bun. Here's my take on how to get this look. Oh, you'll need some extensions if you want a bigger bun. Go to your nearest Party City and get your hands on a metallic streamer if you want to capture the complete look, just in case you're feeling bold. Anyways, simply glide you fingers back through your hair, tease the roots, put your hair in a loose ponytail, and start wrapping and weaving until you get your desired look. You may even want to pull out some strands if you really want to look like you didn't do anything. Simple and easy, now that is the name of the game!

Southern Bell

Christian Dior really knows beauty, southern beauty that is. Big curls flounced down the runway for Christian Dior Spring 2010. The perfectly situated part, the lightly teased roots, and the hair contouring for face shaping was all the wild for the audience. Classic and classy all in one show! The look is effortless and straight from the '20s. Try it! I don't know where to start! Rollers? Large barrel curler? If you know the answer, help me out!

Did this post satisfy your beauty cravings? Comment folks!

Fresh Spring 2010: Clean & Conventional

As I sifted through images on Google, Style, & whoever else, I found a few designer that were able to create the main ideas circulating around the industry. Here are some of my muses.

The Clean & Conventional Award winners are...

Akris: Clean lines were used to structure confidence and status for each piece a part of the Akris Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear Collection; the collection definitely defined the wardrobe of a busy, confident, professional, & realistic woman, yet each piece kept it's femininity, some staying in earth tones & nudes and others with vibrant color. The long gowns were also gorgeous, all completely practical. The torso draping with belts on the maxi dresses were clean & feminine; the maxi dresses with the translucent torsos added sexiness and versatility. I have to say that the designer defined realism. The look of tomorrow.



Donna Karan: Flowing translucent chiffon gowns & structured power suits glided down the runway, the pieces of the Donna Karan Spring Ready-to-Wear Collection. Transitioned pencil skirts with rugged blazer overlays captured the sense of being beyond just business. The layered dresses and gowns cultivated me, absolutely stunning! I have to say that this has been an extremely successful season for Donna Karan!




Alberta Ferreti: Gorgeous pastel chiffon frocks stole my heart as I clicked through the Spring Ready-to-Wear Collection. Such innocent pieces with undermined sex appeal. Translucent chiffon dresses with pastel patchwork and garden inspired outfits marched to their own feminine beat. No wonder why it was love at first site!





Well, how do you like my picks?

The Beginning

Well, before I open a pure can of fashion whoop-ass on all of you, I'd like to say one thing: thank you. Thank you to all of those who have decided to view my first post. There is a long journey ahead of me, and I promise to keep this blog up and running, so no worries. Now back to what this little post is really about, fashion.

Fashion, what is it really? A system built on trends that condition the human mind, seducing the viewers to believe what they see is how they should be? Is it a simple guideline to be taut with your own personal view on style? No, it isn't any of that, those who think it is need to wake up and smell the fresh box of Jimmy Choo stilettos.

Fashion is for self expression. Designers are artists who create masterpieces, some quality art and some a sad excuse for creativity. I don't remember the last time I saw independent fashion sense, other than Lady Gaga (still not a true original). Heck! I was conditioned by a woman today with some banging shoes! I had to go home, pamper myself, change clothes (loved her outfit so much I copied it), and then check the mirror a million times, a true pity, oh, and then finally left the house. And, with that being said, you see why I'm putting an emphasis on self expression. Be as independent and sporadic as your heart desires! I'm being a complete hypocrite right now, but I honestly can say that I will never do it again. I am going against my own grain as I say this, but being different is what makes you. True words.

Hey! I'm not saying you should walk out of the house with fish tank hooker heels, but be an individual and not a copy! To be honest, I'm the most insecure person when I try to be "different", too scared of what people are thinking as they look at me, are they thinking: "Hey, nice outfit!" or "What happened to that poor girl's other glove?" Riddle me that!

I love trends though; I breath them! Fashion trends keep me feeling on top and fresh. But sometimes the fashion industry loses their realism, but it wouldn't be fashion if it was practical, that's for sure! The newest spring trends aren't to0 bad actually: nudes, military, tribal, romance, pastels, light & flirty, denim, get the picture? I've already got my spring essential list tucked away on my iPod, but I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with a brown pair of combat boots, cute but hard to match up with things. So many choices, so little time until something new replaces what's hot currently. Could it be that I'm getting tired of the same things? I feel as if the fashion world really hasn't come up with a NEW trend. Bringing the 80's back definitely isn't one! Maybe they need something fresh and unheard of, plastic clothing for the new decade? Joking. We might just see it by 2012; it will be a sign that we are all definitely doomed! I don't think I'll be flaunting that trend if it pops up...

Now for my favorite, celebrity bashing and praising! Now first, sense this is my first post, I'll start off with a praise! The winner is Victoria Beckham! I have to give it to her; she is the most fashionable and put together celebrity there is right now, balancing children and a husband! Her outfits are to die for, and her hair is always cute! She's just so posh! On to the bashing--the winner is...............................no one! It wouldn't be right for me to already begin my bashing, need to read up on my 'bloids! Expect to hear some bashing and praising, maybe not the next post, but you'll see some. I kept this post extremely brief and didn't go into much detail on style, beauty, & fashion, my expertise. I promise you'll get a nice little somethin' somethin' by Sunday night. Stay tuned! Happy holidays!

Fashion, style, what is it to you? How did you guys like my first post, hot or not?