TUESDAY TAILOR ♥ GUMBALL 3000

Pretty cool stuff available only at Colette for the Gumball 3000 race that'll be going through Paris. These aren't listed as mens or womens....just as "special". I don't see any x-smalls...but maybe the smalls might be good if you're a tiny person, or you prefer your jackets tighter. I think these pieces are amazing in design and style and really fun. If I had a boyfriend who was into racing and style, I'd probably pick some of these up for him. Or else, maybe I'd get them for him and then steal them for myself. Did I say steal? I meant borrow. ;)♡

really cool shiny jacket with purple zipper. i think it said this is a special edition members' only jacket. pretty sweet.

really gorgeous "good wood" sunglasses. i wonder how they look on.

amazing gumball 3000 3-finger knuckle ring. LOVE.

more tuesday tailor ♥ charles anastase

images from colette

MAKEUP MONDAY ♥ MASCARA MASCARA

I thought I might carry on a bit with some of my new and old favorites, seeing as I'm a devoted/loyal product user UNTIL something more amazing comes along or catches my attention. And, like I mentioned in other posts, I've been looking and experimenting with all the latest brands and products with all this new technology. 

Mascara is a must. Though for years I didn't wear it and not too many people even noticed I didn't have any on. I like the non-mascara look sometimes. I have good lashes...I have long lashes. But when it comes to mascara, I still want something that makes my lashes look AMAZING. Lately my bare lashes haven't felt like enough...only because now I'm liking the mascara again. (Truth be told...whenever I have met a new boyfriend, I've had almost-full make up on. But once we've become serious, they all tend to say they prefer less make up, which never made any sense to me, :) and I didn't mind it.) That's not to say I don't LOVE mascara. You'll see when my book comes out (Yes! I've been working with an amazing artist named Chris Bettig on the cover ideas), that there is a ton of beauty in there and a ton of make up how-to and a ton of mentions about MASCARA. Though, it's a fiction book and not a how-to cosmetic book at all. But back to mascara.

So onto it...I wanted to tell you about one that I've been using maybe since I was a teenager and another one I just started using that I LOVE LOVE. The first will not surprise you. It's L'OREAL'S VOLUMINOUS in Carbon Black. The Carbon Black factor is newish. But I remember my best friend and I in high school and after high school always always wearing this. And I've always had it in my make up bag. My mother uses it, too. It's a very lush mascara that makes your lashes full and long. Full and long and lush...I say it creates "Teddy bear lashes". It can flake sometimes, but it's a pretty good staple piece to any cosmetic collection. 

The new one that I am loving....mind you, I've been trying out all kinds of mascara over the past few years. I used to have truckloads of product sent and delivered to me to review when I was a proper magazine editor...I've tried a lot. But I've never really given up on my Voluminous for these other mascaras. I don't know...these days I think I have a new love. It's RIMMEL'S LASH ACCELERATOR in Extreme Black. (I do like a brown mascara every once in a while when I prefer a more natural look.) This mascara is amazing! It's a mascara with "grow-lash complex" which means it has something in it that will help your lashes grow, and...IT WORKS. Yes, I know I said I have long lashes. But lately I think I've fried the ends whilst smelling lit candles (stupid, I know...but true). And I was worried they wouldn't grow back the way they were before I burned the lash tips. And when you get a bit older, your lashes get a bit light and a bit thinner than when you were 20 years old. I was gob-smacked at how LONG they were in a day or two. I'm not kidding. My lashes look like extensions. No, I'm not going to take a photo because it just won't come out, but I'm telling you the truth. I LOVE this mascara so much that I almost want to wear it while I'm sleeping just to reap the effect! The only thing is when you apply it to your lashes, you have to be careful until it dries. It does not dry instantly as other mascaras do. That's the only thing about it you have to be aware of. And I'm fine with that after I see the results. I haven't really used it on the bottom lashes yet, so I don't know if it has a lot of melting going on. But I doubt it. 

I know there are a ton of really amazing famous legendary expensive designer mascaras out there, and I've used those, too. And I do love them. But mascara is one product that I don't think it's necessary to spend so much on as there are really good products right at your drugstore. Spend that extra cash on something like blush or lipstick....I think it's more worth it to do it that way. 

Ok....this is kind of ridiculous. Clearly Zooey Deschanel is wearing fake lashes. Why do they do that? It's like the dumbest thing a cosmetic company can do for a product that actually works. Because it says "it doesn't and we have to use fake lashes to make you think it does."  It actually works, but this is not the way your lashes will look. All winged out at the ends.

So check it out. And let me know what you think. I am addicted to the new Rimmel mascara, and I don't know how to tell my long-time favorite that it's close to being fully replaced. Maybe I'll just let my lashes do the talking. ♡

more makeup monday ♥ paper-cut lashes

SUNDAY MATINEE ♥ GYPSY & ORRY-KELLY

Recently the original playwright of GYPSY, ARTHUR LAURENTS,  passed away, which made me want to do a post on the film because it's really a gorgeous fun musical. (Laurents also wrote West Side Story, another one of my favorites starring Natalie Wood.) I know not everyone can handle a musical, but in my home we grew up with them...we grew up with all kinds of old movies. And, to this day, my brother and I are uber movie buffs. Gypsy is one of those must-see films if you are into costume design or costume history because it's so gorgeous that way. And of course with Natalie Wood (I already mentioned she is in many of my all-time fave movies) and Rosalind Russell (who always ends up wearing the most amazing get-ups in her films), it's a good film to watch. It's also a sort-of doc about the real burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, which you can see real film of below. The costumes are credited to one Orry-Kelly. (If you love vintage, you might have come across an old debutante dress with his label on it.)

EVENING GOWNS BY ORRY-KELLY

After painting murals in a nightclub, Orry George Kelly (his birth name) was discovered and started to work at Fox East Coast studios, then ended up moving to Hollywood (1932) where he worked for the first Warner Bros. studios and then all the other greats like RKO, Universal and MGM. He, like Edith Head, designed for all the great actresses. And when you see Natalie Wood's costumes in this, you'll see why he was so revered. Everyone always goes on and on about the big designers of Haute Couture and Pret-a-Porter. But a lot of the styles came from these big-time Hollywood film costume designers. It's why I think so many people miss out on the references...like, I see a ton of old movies in almost all of Marc Jacobs' collections. I can look at some of my shoes and name the film that it was influenced by....stuff like that. Also interesting, Howard Shoup isn't credited in the film, but he is credited on IMDB as one of the costume designers, so I'll have to research that a bit more. 

ORRY-KELLY WITH KAY FRANCIS AND HIS SKETCHES. AMAZING.

Orry-Kelly was nominated for an Oscar for Costume Design for Gypsy. He also won three Oscars in Costume Design for three other films (Some Like It Hot, Les Girls and An American in Paris...all amazing films), which is also why if you're into fashion or aspire to work in fashion that you ought to know who he is. If you have some time to absorb it, on a rainy day when you're tired and you need something light-hearted to watch with fantastic costumes as well as a bit of real-life story, or you love burlesque, have some tea and watch GYPSY.♡

really gorgeous everything...including the set.

natalie wood has the most amazing figure....like shirley maclaine's.

can you see the beginnings of what britney (spears) wore many many many years later? can you see how similar it is?

what she's wearing in this scene is a ma zing.

with rosalind russell, whom i also love love to watch.

gorgeous period/stage costumes.

gorgeous film still from gypsy

i wish i could have found more images of her other costumes...but you'll just have to watch the movie!

THE ORIGINAL GYPSY ROSE LEE BELOW:

AND GYPSY ROSE LEE PERFORMING IN THE MOST AMAZING OUTFIT:

more sunday matinee ♥ chelsea girls

images from sinlesslinks.com, poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com, doctormacro.com, julianstark-moviesandotherthings.blogspot.com, sensesofcinema.com,moviemobsters.com, todressvintage.blogspot.com

SATURDAY SHOPPING ♥ BLUSH REVIEW part 2

Wow...I was quite surprised to see how popular part 1 of the Blush Review was with all the reviews out there on the Web. But happy about it, nonetheless. So here is the BLUSH REVIEW part 2. I am going to include a couple of other blushes I found in my make up case that I do like, even if I haven't really used them too too much. So...here we go. 

TODAY I'LL FINISH OFF WITH THE JEMMA KIDD BLUSHES, PAULA DORF, ELF BRONZE/BLUSH DUO...AND I'LL ALSO BE MENTIONING AN OLDER KEVYN AUCOIN HYPER PINK POWDER BLUSH AS WELL AS A SURPRISE MENTION OF A WET-N-WILD DUPE FOR ORGASM. OR CLOSE TO IT.

JEMMA KIDD CHEEK ID COLOR ADAPT BLUSH

JEMMA KIDD CHEEK ID COLOR ADAPT BLUSH

When I saw this blush in a Jemma Kidd tutorial vid', I was in love. This is exactly the type of blush I love and have been looking for to replace the Pixi Water Blush I've been using. Similar color, but more "dew" and less dryness. I don't exactly understand the concept...well I do understand it, but I'm not sure it actually works that way on everyone. It's supposed to bring out your natural flush and sort of stain your cheeks that way. It does look gorgeous on and it's easy to apply and the packaging is amazing (I am a big fan of Jemma Kidd products). But it just doesn't last on me. And I'm not an oily-skinned girl where it's going to just slide off. So dunno. The verdict is still out on this one. I think it's a good one for me to take if I'm on a job and I want some refreshment later in the day. And it also looks good on the lips. But for the price, I expect it to work. Again, it could just be my own skin and not the product at all. As I do trust JK products.  $18.00 at Target.

JK JEMMA KIDD STAIN,FLUSH, BLUSH CONCENTRATE IN MASQUERADE

JEMMA KIDD STAIN, FLUSH, BLUSH CONCENTRATE IN MASQUERADE

I couldn't really find a good image of this blush. It's much brighter than the image. Almost a coral-y vibrant pink color...but very deep in hue. Very pigmented. And I'm not sure she's even selling this anymore as I couldn't find it online to link for you to buy. Again, I love the color on the cheeks, I love the feeling of the creaminess and the dew and the brightness of the shade. But, again, it does not stain. It doesn't last very long. I literally will look back in a few minutes and it's faded a bit. Dunno what's up but maybe this is why it's not being sold anymore. But the color is amazing and again again, I do love her products so I'm going to keep trying with it. 

PAULA DORF CHEEK COLOR CREME IN CHA CHA

PAULA DORF CHEEK COLOR CREME IN CHA CHA

This is a rich rich fancy girl product in my opinion. It's pro quality. It's deep deep and dark in the pot. But when you brush a bit on your cheeks (I prefer using a brush with this even though with most creme blushes, I usually use my fingers), it gives a really lovely dolly pinky look. I've only used this a couple of times, but I've been happy with it. I also love the name Cha Cha because I think it immediately tells you this is not a blush for the wallflower girl who just wants a hint of nude peach on her cheeks. :) It's not cheap, but it is a good product. It's $23 at Dermstore.com. I know for some of you, this will become your holy grail blusher. I didn't really include it in this review, but another Paula Dorf blush worth mentioning is the powder blush in Baby Face, which is very soft and peachy and much less dramatic but equally gorgeous and dolly. I do love how that warms my face up. It's on sale here for $15! A steal for PD which are premium beauty products.

AND THE WINNER IS...You won't really believe it, but oh well! :)

ELF CONTOURING BLUSH & BRONZING POWDER

DOESN'T REALLY SHOW THE COLOR HERE. BUT UP CLOSE, LOOKS LIKE A DUPE FOR NARS ORGASM BLUSH AND LAGUNA BRONZER.

BUT LOOK AT THAT! LOVELY LOVELY.

ELF CONTOURING BLUSH & BRONZING POWDER

Yep. This is the blush I've been using every day for about 3 weeks. And I LOVE LOVE it. I haven't really used the bronzer on the right which is clearly a dupe for Nars Laguna. I don't really need bronzers unless I want to look really sun-kissed (when my body is super tan). But the blusher on the left...it's GORGEOUS. The packaging is really nice, again a copy of -Nars. I'm really loving this. I don't know what else to say other than when I put it on (with my ELF blush brush), I'm instantly warmed up and I love how it looks on my skin and it lasts a pretty long time. And for the price....ONLY $3 on the ELF site (LOVE THEM), it's worth trying. I've even seen a slew of YouTube reviews that claim this is a dupe for the Nars duo. ELF are so great in that if you are seeking a new look or to experiment with a new type of product, they allow you to do so without breaking your bank account. I mean, I bought the Nars Orgasm blush and I returned it. Maybe I'd like it again now that I've been using this for a while. But I've been so so so happy with my ELF blush that I'm not really interested in abandoning it for its richer sister. :) You can see how gorgeous the colors are in the close-up above. So think about it. Clearly I love rich product, but you can see how many of them don't last and so I wanted to give this a go and I'm so happy I did. 

Another honorable mention or two at super opposite ends of the universe are an oldie but goodie and a drugstore brand. First is the Kevyn Aucoin Pure Powder Glow in Myracle. It's hot hot hot pink and very pigmented. And very expensive at $37. But it's one of my favorite things I own and I do like it every once in a while. Plus, I love Kevyn Aucoin (ever since I was really really super young) and I love having this blush with his name on the package. It's too bad we lost him so soon. Imagine all the products and looks he'd be creating if he was still with us. :( The other blush at the other end of the spectrum you might want to try just for fun because it's so damn cheap and pretty is Wet-n-Wild's Color Icon Blusher in Pearlescent Pink. Which is also of a Nars Orgasm vibe. It's only $2.99 at any drugstore. Definitely worth trying.

KEVYN AUCOIN PURE POWDER GLOW IN MYRACLE...LOOK AT THAT PINK! VERY BABYDOLL.

WET N WILD PEARLESCENT PINK BLUSH...LOOKS SO MUCH LIKE NARS ORGASM.

That's it for now. Hope you enjoyed that. If you have any questions or anything, do let me know. These posts are really long, and I didn't want to keep going on and on. I have so many beauty products to review, so keep a looking for those in the future and thanks for reading, lovelies! x♡

more saturday shopping ♥ magazine clutch

all images either my own or from makeupalley.com which is a great site for reviews.