What's the Word?

Clubmaster

No, it's not just a word for you on your weekends.
We're all familiar with the Wayfarer sunglasses made and popularized by Ray-Ban:

Original Wayfarer (Ray-Ban)

But it's slightly more sophisticated sibling isn't found in every dollar store in various shockingly bright plastic colors. The Clubmaster looks like the Wayfarer but is only plastic on the brow and arms. The bottom rims are lined with only metal. A new retro craze and shows like Mad Men have brought this look back in a big way for Spring 2013.

The origin: These were invented in 1947 then soared in popularity to account for over half of all sunglasses sales in the 1950's. Like the Wayfarers, Clubmasters were popularized by Ray-Ban. They were originally called "brownies," which is short for "Browline Glasses."Both Malcolm X and Colonel Sanders famously are pictured sporting Clubmasters.

Clubmaster (Ray-Ban)

Matte Brown Tortoiseshell Monroe (Rag & Bone)

Bernard (Need Supply Co.)

Protect your eyes while looking fabulous!

Bisous,
Irene

To DIY For

Button Earrings

I wear more button earrings than real ones! They're super easy to make and depending on the size of the button, they can be great statement jewelry. 

Plus, one pair costs about $2 to make. What a deal!

You need:

Hot glue gun

Glue stick (for the gun)

Earring posts & pushes (you can buy them act craft stores, I got these silver-plated ones from Amazon. Click here for the link)

Suit Buttons (ones without holes--they should have the loop on the back. You can use metal or plastic and go crazy with the design!)

Wire-cutter (I don't know why this one looks so scary)

This is what your suit buttons should look like off the packaging

Use the wire cutters to chop off the loop on the back of the buttons. Try to cut as close to the flat part as you can.

Your buttons should have a flat back (I tried)

 With the hot glue gun, glue one post to the flat side of one earring

Make sure to press the post down and I like to move some glue around to ensure the post won't fall off. Even if it does, it's super easy to fix.

Voila! Lovely statement earrings!

The total cost for me was about $2.50. Now I actually wear these so frequently! Highly recommended.

Have fun!

Bisous,

Irene

Beauty How-to

Cat-eye Makeup

What? Makeup? From Irene?
Granted, Makeup is not my strong suit, but I have a foolproof way of doing cat-eye liner! I used to have such difficulties with this look, but now it's fast and easy. It is super on trend and versatile.

You need: gel/pencil eye liner and liquid liner. I am using Maybelline's gel eyeliner and stiletto liquid eyeliner.
Start with clean eyes.

Line the top with gel or pencil liner. I am using gel liner and a brush.

Go over the pencil liner with liquid liner. Increase the volume as the brush goes to the edge of the eye.

Place a dot half way between the edge of the eye and the end of the eyebrow

Draw a triangle connecting the dot to the edge of the eye and the peak of the liner on the lid.

Fill in the triangle.

If you'd like, carry on the liner from the edge of the eye down underneath the eye. Stop half-way.

Voila!

There is no need for mascara or eye shadows, since the look is already so bold. Rock this look, mes cheris!

Bisous,
Irene

Happy 2013!

The color of the year is...

Emerald Green

Pantone named the official color of 2013. To see the webpage, click here. They describe it:

"Lively. Radiant. Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

A beautiful color for my beautiful readers! Let's see some Spring 2013 looks in this gemstone color.

Vera Wang (Courtesy of Vogue)

Zac Posen (Courtesy of fashionologie)

Burberry (Courtesy of Vogue)

Michael Kors (Courtesy of Vogue)

And with emerald in the spotlight, all green shades are on trend this season. Make your friends green with envy!

Bisous,

Irene

Nailed It.

Checkerboard Nails.

I love this design, and I almost consider it my signature!

What you need (from left to right):
Contrast color polish, top coat, base color polish, base coat, dotter (or a toothpick)

Base coat!! Always!!

Then put on a base color. It is best to use a lighter color, since you will be painting on top.

Make a square as the first checker in your checkerboard.

Fill in that square and create/fill in more squares diagonal to the original. I first start with making squares, but honestly after the second one I just blob some nail polish and shape it like a square.

When you do your other fingers, try to alternate where the blocks are on the nails.

Top coat it for a scintillating shine!

Wear it well, my dears.

Bisous,
Irene

You Need...

Graphic Sweaters.

One of the best parts of the Cosby show was Bill Cosby's sweaters, and they're back on runways now!

Try simple geometry

Or an oversize and fair-isle-eque pullover

Flowers can be super Fall/Winter as long as you pay attention to colors and styling

Comic book/pop art sweaters are super high fashion now (especially with a faux hawk!)

Go cozy with metallic hints. Bonus points if there are designs on the arms!

Start your winter warm! Get a graphic sweater.

Bisous,
Irene

Here's a Tip!

Match your accessories by color family, not exact color

Sometimes we love to make sure our belts, shoes, bags and hats are all the exact color, but by keeping them in the same color family instead of the same color will save you time and money, and look even better!

Kelly Patent Leather Belt (ASOS)

Leather Bag (H&M)

An easy way to start is with brown leathers. There are so many different shades that are so readily available.

Hi Boot Brown

Then, move on to different colors!
However, this does not give mean black belts and brown shoes are okay. Please avoid this!

Bisous,
Irene

What's the word?

d'Orsay Pump

These are super flattering shoes with a low front and cut-outs on the side. They show the arch of your foot and are traditionally stilettos. (Note: the side of the shoe is actually called the "vamp" of the shoe!)

Zya d'Orsay Pumps (Anne Klein)

The origin: Count Alfred d'Orsay created these shoes in the 19th century for men. The cut-outs were meant to accommodate wider feet. Fun fact: d'Orsay was a dandy and good friend of Lord Byron!

Ava d'Orsay Pumps (3.1 Phillip Lim)

Logan Glitter d'Orsay Pump (Jimmy Choo)

How fab are these??

Bisous,

Irene

You Need...

Oversize Sweaters

Approximately 90% of all my sweaters are oversize and it feels great! Just remember to wear tight pants or skinny jeans to balance the volume on top.

Try a hand-knit pompom sweater:

Or try a grandma-chic weaved sweater. The chain on the top gives it a bit of edge, no?

Praise the fashion gods for making a trend so comfortable!

Bisous,
Irene