Beauty 101: Try A Dark Berry Lip

Before I go all out to educate and inform you that a dark berry lip is one of this season's hottest stains for the above skin tones, I will also let you know that I'm a rookie at wearing bold lips. If you're an avid reader of this blog you would remember my tips and ideas on wearing brights lacquers but as gorgeous as they looked on the face of Beyonce or Rihanna I was still reluctant to try a bold lip. A little inspiration from PurpleALaMode (for my favorite MAC lavender shade) and TheStyleAndBeautyDoctor (the hottest YSL vintage red ever) I now consider myself a pro and would rock any shade that works well with my complexion if you dare. With that being said, I've met people just like myself who has a hard time pumping up the boldness in their shades. My advice, take it one hue at a time eventually and eventually you'll get there. 

Okay, so I love this shade. Like I really do love this dark berry lip color. The perfect day and night lacquer! and to avoid looking to dark, go soft on the eyes. Well defined lashes, nude exterior gives this look a perfect finish and less gothic.

berry Lipstick

Will you be trying this dark berry hue? If you have share your thoughts...

How To Pair Colored Solid Pieces

Photo credit: Byju Devan  

A fashion faux pas goes a long way and if this were anything like the era a few seasons ago, both Rihanna and Blake Lively would be under arrest in the latter pages of US Weekly's Fashion Police. I remember the days when mix-match outfits were a no-go. Too much color in one ensemble were for clowns and its counter parts at the circus. Too bad this generation of style is throwing rules and regulations out the door and pushing envelopes to express themselves. The fashionably inclined hit series Gossip Girls, raising fashion icon and the tastemakers behind Gucci's Spring 2011 gives pairing bold colored solid it's stamp of approval. You know, the go ahead to pair a royal blue trouser with a shimmery gold blazer like Blake while filming an episode of GG in Paris or Rihanna's high wasted orange pants and a purple cropped sweater while doing her usual catwalk meets sidewalk in Europe. The key to wearing these pieces isn't magic, however there are factors to keep in mind while excecuting the look. When it comes to pairing bold colored solids less is more, that means little to no accessories will be just fine. We're in an era where most of the rules of dressing are out the window but this one is a keeper: WEAR PIECES THAT COMPLIMENTS YOUR FIGURE. Rihanna made it okay to walk around with a beautifully toned stomach and it definitely works for her, but let me put it like this, it's not for everyone. Try tucking your blouse like Blake or throw on accessories (not necessarily jewelry). Multicolored pieces are out of the equation, keep the bold solid pattern throughout your ensemble, take this model lead spotted on the runway at Gucci's Spring 2011 runway show. Thoughts?

Accessories Report: Crystal Head Bands

Get a little flirtatious with your choice of accessories. A girly bedazzled, sequin or jewel piece will give you an extra "girly" and glam look. 

crystal hair bands

Rihanna and Lala Keeps Summer Alive With Bright Florals

I'm pretty sure Lala and Rihanna got the memo on earth tones, carmel, military, leopard and all these exciting patterns and trends for the fall. Come on, with a stylist like Mariel Hann and a growing icon (yes I said icon, it's still growing on me) Rihanna and style savvy Lala has this covered. This is why they threw all rules out the window and brought out the brights. Who said summer was only three months? Lala's strapless mini and Ri's skirt and cardigan set is the epitome of bold florals. Their figures, hair and makeup compliments their garden inspired attire which I love. 

Are you wearing bold florals this fall? or are they below your storage bin. I joined the dark on dark bandwagon this fall but this is inspiration to pull out the bold pieces atleast once during this cold season.

And speaking of Rihanna... have you seen her new video? 

If not here's Ri's "Only Girl In The World"...

Photo credit: Theybf and RihannaDaily...

Earth Tone Hues For Fall

I'm a firm believer in translating summer to fall pieces. After going all out to get the best trendy staples this summer it would be heart wrenching to see them all go to the bottom of storage. As much as I believer in making your pieces work all year round, I also stand by revamping and freshening your look as the seasons change. This summer it was all about the floral, digital prints, bright geometric patterns, bold colors so as we slowly sip into the mood of fall I'm creating a new wardrobe.

January is when we make all our new years resolutions of what we should accomplish in the upcoming year, we sometimes tend to change our image whether is style or beauty but in Vogue's September Issue Documentary it was made official that September is the fashion's new year. So while you go back to school, back to work, back to wearing those lace up boots and cashmere pieces let's incorporate in little trendy pattern. Earth tone hues can help with this transition.

H and M trench.

This JCrew model is wearing a full earth tone ensemble. Khaki jacket mixed with the different ground shades of brown and grey makes it even more fun...

Nicholas K models.

photos via Style.com

Fall Trend Alert: Tweed Jackets

This Queen Elizabeth inspired should occupy a hanger or two from your fall closet. Rachel Zoe orgasms over her packages from Chanel with multiple tweed jackets on the season premier of TRZ Project, but we can do the same on a basic budget.

Fall Trend: Leopard Print

Who would ever thought that this animal inspired trend would resurrect from the pits of the tragic spring/ summer stampede of bold , digital, mixed, flourished prints and patterns to a must have trendy piece this fall?  With a hint of jungle fever and a tint of tan, camel and mud hues designers tapped into their animal instincts through an array of designs and texture. Whether it is the faux wildlife fur, classic spotted silhouettes or a menagerie inspired jewels you cannot go wrong with animal print this season. Chic savvy celebs and guru risk takers Rihanna and Willow Smith made this trend red carpet as well as cat walk meets sidewalk cool. Oh! And who said you can’t wear animal on animal? Follow their lead, if you are in the mood to layer a zebra on a tiger pattern then go for it. The Chic-Report recommends atleast one solid staple or embellished piece to execute an edgy flawless look. This fall Dolce and Gabbana, Mochsinco and Balmain breathed life into the hottest animal inspired separates. Go for the wild! 


Graphic designs by ByjuMDevan  .

Gossip Girl Heart's Ronson

Blaire Leighton Meester was spotted in Manhattan playfully yet intelligently pairing low end designer and mixed patterned fabrics to her stylish ensemble. Mixed prints are huge! There's no doubt about that but was it geniously-chic for a girl whose known for wearing Herve Ledger skin tight mini's, Oscar De La Renta gowns or Marc Jacob frocks? Leighton brilliantly pairs a $17 Charlotte Ronson for JC Penny floral skirt with jewel toned digital print tank. Absolutely love her choice of separates.

Beauty: The Orange Lip

I'm addicted to the MAC counter! There I said it... lol. I'm always looking for new colors and textures when it comes to wearing lipstick, whether matte or glossy, bold or neutral it has to look right and feel right. Lately the orange lip has become a red carpet/runway beauty phenomena and its taking the cosmetic clan by storm. This look is best kept with a nude face, and its also important when pairing the tangerine hue to accent it with bold eye lashes. Pull out the mascara in this case maybe more than one, or fake lashes could work if you know how to put it on.

My pick: MAC retails at $14.99. I own this product so I'm a bit bais when it comes to recommendations but I'm sure there are great finds at other cosmetic brands. Try NARS, MAC, or BENEFIT if you're looking to create this look.

MAC Pro Amplified Creme Lipstick -- Neon Orange

I love the matte look on Solange. She pulls off everything vibrant.

Rihanna in a deeper orange. Great contour.

Tried it? Your thoughts?

Summer Must Haves: Rompers

Happy Memorial Day...Hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday whether you went out to a picinic, barbeque or relaxed at home I'm sure you are very excited about the hot summer days approaching. Have trouble figuring out what to add to your shopping list? Dont worry The Chic Report is here to save you! There are fabulously afforable must have staples and key pieces appropriate for summer. A great statement this season is the retired romper. Its back and more fashionable than ever. Take a look at the sets below.

1. Never forget to accessories however in some cases less is more...

2. Whether its mixed, digital, animal or tribal print add some pattern to your wardrobe.

3. Ever heard the "All-denim-everything" if you have a hard time putting denim pieces together then the light acid wash romper makes it easier.

4.Floral is the new black! Like patterened garments floral prints are vibrant this season. Play with your look adding dash of colors to your wardrobe

CHIC PICK: The Abstract Scarf / Pashmina

I've always been a sucka for a bright patterned pashmina during the Spring/ Summer and Fall. I cant live without them. A scarf can do so many things to uplift or transform a simple sophisticated look. So you want the ultimate "look du jour" and accessories are one of you main options. However, you would like to accomplish the look without the use of chunky necklaces, chains, crystals or beads then a patterned pashmina is the way to go. The best thing about this staple is that you have a variety of options depending on your style. Fringe, floral, tribal / digital prints or a solid hue are my favorite options. Basic boyfriend cut jeans, sandals, a v neck white tee and a bright patterned pashmina would be the ultimate "look du jour".
I really love the fringed scarf below. Not only is it bold and bright it completes the look from head to toe. H and M is home of the abstract pashmina/scarf.

Celebs spotted wearing abstract scarfs.

Sarah Jessica Parker in bright pink scarf. I love how she played risky with her outfit. Each piece plays a different role in color that way the scarf falls right in place.

Hilary Duff has an exceptional sense of style which I love. This dark floral scarf is a must have.

Zoe Saldana brings it down a notch with a small/thinner yet outlandish version of the "it" scarf. I really love how it accents her outfit as well as her nude makeup.

How do you feel about the abstract scarf/pashmina as a key wardrobe staple? How many do you own? These are just a few I found while writing this post... trust me I doubt its even half. lol I get one everytime I go shopping, let me rephrase everytime I enter a store. (Sorry for my horrible display).

Chic Pick: Steve Madden Clog

I thought it would be fun to add a few chic picks every Tuesday where The Chic Report's readers could see whats on my style radar and the buzz on the must have trends. Models, celebs and fashionistas alike can't get enough of the "all nude everything" this spring. The head to toe nude trend will not be completely edged out if not paired with the ultimate "it" shoe. I remember my early teenage years wearing clogs clearly owning about six pairs. I LOVED THEM!( I would get a pair of plain clogs and bedazzle the clear canvas with rhinestones). Well you know in this style era everything ancient is new...revamped and trending again. My Chic Pick for the week is this Steve Madden (DAYNTY) clog that I absolutely love. The fun details like the gommettes and studs sides gives the shoe a more flirty new twist. Any thoughts on this pick? Comment below. Let me know...

Retails for $99.95 online and at Steve Madden stores.

All photos used in this post are readily available on www.stevemadden.com

Chic Pick: Milly by Michelle Smith Trench

My favorite season has crept up upon me and I have to say that I am definitely unprepared style wise. With the preparation of my vacation (reason why I haven't been posting) in the tropics I've forgotten all about the gorgeous Spring climate. Now that I'm back it has just hit me that my Spring selection is extremely low. During a moderately 70 degree week in NYC its important that you dress stylishly and appropriately executing the "it" trend flawlessly. I've always been an advocate for wearing trenches, but for the "fashionista on a budget" its difficult to own that famous Burberry Poseum trench. The trench always revamps itself season after season but with the military trend at its bloom it gives this staple its stamp of approval. Its a cute versatile piece that can be worn formally when paired with boots or heels or throw on flats and comfortable shoes for a more casual look. Milly by Michelle Smith sent one of her models down the Fall 2010 runway wearing a Burberry inspired trench which I think is so rich because of its unusual deep hue. The ultimate Chic Pick for the week.

Spring Trend Alert: Sailor Stripes

Spring is finally here... HALLELJAH! Its getting warm outside so you know what that means; an opportunity to be stylish with a lighter more workable wardrobe. I've decided to track our favorite trends from the Spring 2010 runways, dissect them to the core to bring you The Chic Report's list of "SPRING MUST HAVES" sauteed with a twist of elegance and affordability. In my next few posts you will find incite on fresh ways to work your wardrobe incorporating the trends from high end designers for the fashionista-on-a-budget. Some looks might be of benefit from having a fresh dated stamp on them (e.g "embellished/statement shoulders") but not this trend which is number one on our must have list. Remember the "fashion rule" that stripes make you look bigger? Someone once told me that rules were meant to be broken, so in this new fashion era we're throwing all rules out the window and taking risks with our choices. Although Sailor Stripes might receive less recognition because of it simplicity its proven versatility wins over everything. This nautical trend is spotted on the racks, shelves and show windows of every store I've visited this past week. Urban Outfitters, TopShop, New York and Company, H and M and even Forever 21 have joined the sailor stripe band wagon for Spring/Summer 2010. The sailor inspired collection brings classical pieces back to earth and its best to pair them with easy, all American basics. Guess whose wearing stripes?

The City's/Elle Magazine's Oliver Palermo in Club Monaco Tee.

In a flirty red and white striped dress. Black bow, silver jewelry, black booties and clutch adds edge to such a simple staple.

Alexa Chung paired her blue and white striped tee top with navy blue jumper shorts. Simple but this is a great look.
Need inspiration? I've created two sets with nautical/ sailor stripes inspired pieces...

Let me know what you think about this trend...Comment below! and follow!

Beauty: Vintage Red Lips

HEY! Happy Saturday!!! There's a new contributor in town to ditch everything beauty... get familair with the name Megan McCormick! Dont forget to give feedback! I'm excited are you???

Trend Alert: Prep-Chic

For most of you, school days are over... I remember the days of dressing up my uniforms wearing

my skirts a couple inches shorter, tighter shirts, wearing accessories even though they weren't appropriate and were against the school rules. I lived for giving my uniforms a sassy twist.Glad these

days are over and I can do absolutely anything in the name of fashion to become the utimate prepstar! Yes! thats without a trip to the principals officie. Creating this simple/classy/quirky look is easier than you'd think. Channel your inner stylist and choose daring colors and patterns that compliment each other. Vintage inspired blazers/ sweaters and caridigans will also put the edge to your look. Never forget to accessorise! Sunglasses, Bracelets, or a Handbag will finish the look.... For more inspiration watch Gossip Girls and pay close attention to fashionistas like Angela Simmons and Taylor Swift.....

Are you inspired by Ang and Taylor's outfits??? The Chic Report has something that will help you acquire the look! In no time you will be PREPPY! CHIC and SEXY!!!

Leotard Chic

Throughout the year 2009 we've seen alot of trends but our most fashionable celebs has made the Leotard street chic. Yes, I'm talking about Lady Gaga and recently PCD's Melody Thorton actually parading the streets with the Leotard look. Beyonce wore her her bedazzled Theiry
Mugler piece on stage during her I Am tour while performing her Sasha Fierce hits. Likewise, Rihanna and Ciara followed this trend, but is it a hit or a miss? I absolutely love the leotard look. I think you need the confidence and the body to wear them. But please don't walk the streets wearing no pants. AND PLEASE wear stockings!

I created this set for the Leotard lovers ...but please dont walk the street like this.