Trend to Try: Retro Fascinators

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
6
2010

Retro style is making a comeback as girls of the 21st century look back to the days of Hollywood glam for inspiration. The hair and the makeup were always flawlessly and artfully done, and the accessories were ever present.

I love that I spotted a couple retro fascinators paired with cocktail dresses on New Year's Eve (myself included). :) Fascinators can be found in so many fun styles and colors, whether true vintage or just vintage-inspired. And if you need a little example of how to rock the look, Dita Von Teese never fails to impress. As a woman who lives and breathes vintage, she has got the look down.

Feeling inspired? Go ahead and give our Retro Reminisce Fascinator [sold out!] a try for the next time you want to stand out in a crowd.

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Baby It's Cold Outside

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
22
2009

After all the holiday cheer has passed and January's bitter cold sets in, we fabulous and stylish girls may find ourselves in need of some extra layers to keep us insulated from the chills that convince us to stay in bed with the covers pulled over our heads.

For me, winter used to be a long, dreary season during which I didn't really care about what I wore. My old college sweatshirt, go-to blue jeans, and a humongous, unflattering old coat would do just fine.

What I know now is that layering a winter outfit is an art in itself. An art that, once mastered, can have you looking quite put together and weather-appropriate whether you're going to work, school or running a couple of errands.

My new favorite blog to visit for fashion tips is The Freelancer's Fashionblog. This vintage lovin' lady, (whose drawing is featured above), teaches the art of layering in her newest post, "The Anatomy of Dressing When It's Really Really Cold."

I love the use of the word "Anatomy," because that's really how technical layering can be. The Freelancer's Fashionblog advises to use buildable layers of warm knits, wool and handy accessories to not only keep you looking cozy but cute. I've already borrowed some of her tips to help me out on my teeth chattering passage to work.

Accessories are my favorite part of the layering process. A hat like the Sunny Disposition Cap in Black [sold out!] will help keep your body heat from escaping. We pretty much all own this hat at the office and wear it every day, so it works!

I love layering my Argyle Addict Knee High Socks under my long john pants and skinny jeans. They go great under boots too. Last but not least, my most recent find are the High Five Arm Warmers in Purple [sold out!], which allow my hands to defrost and get typing happily again. Yay!!

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YouTube MakeUp Guru: Hollywood Noir Makeup

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
17
2009

On a typical Wednesday night, I found myself once again searching on YouTube for a cool vintage makeup tutorial. My goal was to find just the right retro look for those upcoming holiday parties.

It was then that I came across one of the best Dita Von Teese inspired tutorials I have ever seen by makeup artist and writer, Ashley, known on YouTube as HollywoodNoirMakeup.

Ashley's vids are so wonderful because you know you're seeing professional quality work brought to you in an everyday, understandable language. Ashley uses her creativity and makeup artistry experience to teach her viewers anything from how to get the perfect red lip, to how to shape your brows, to more artistic and edgy makeup looks for those looking for a little something different. She is truly a makeup wizard with a MAC brush as her wand.

Here is the Dita Von Teese look I found. Give it a view, and watch the glamorous transformation begin!

Don't forget to subscripe to HollywoodNoirMakeup for more great tutorials!!

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Creative Holiday Party Ideas

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
16
2009

We all have certain expectations of what will happen at your typical holiday party: sipping eggnog and nibbling on sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, exchanging presents in Secret Santa swaps, enduring annoying questions about your boyfriend from your aunt and grandma. (Well, maybe that's just me.)

Whatever your typical party looks like, I think it's high time we shook up the holiday season with a bit of creativity. A major fan of dressing up, I'm always looking for that next big event to get clever with your look. Why not the holidays?

IDEA #1: A Mad Men Themed Party

I just love this idea featured on Basket of Kisses, a blog devoted to all things Mad Men. As a work party idea, the Arkansas Advertising Agency, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods all dressed up as characters from the hit drama. Everyone looks just like their Mad Men counterpart, down to a tee.

I think this party would translate perfectly into a holiday theme. What could be more glamorous than a 60's updo and a high class cocktail? Dibs on Joan! If you love this pic, check out the Mad Men Holiday Card idea on vintage hair and makeup guru, Lauren Rennells's Bobby Pin Blog.

IDEA #2: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Family Portraits

The ugly Christmas sweater party idea has been growing in popularity during the holiday season, and believe it or not, I have yet to attend one (hint, hint). It's fairly easy to do if you think about it.

Visit your local thrift store and find the ugliest, cheesiest, most hideous Christmas sweater you can. Some may have smiling reindeer and snowman. Some even have twinkling Christmas lights and tinsel. The more outrageous, the better!

And to top it all off, why not take a fun group photo to send out to all your relatives? I can't help but smile when I look at these two portraits by Seattle-based photographer, John Keatley. Visit his blog to read the funny stories behind them!

Overall, the idea is not classy by a long shot, but hey, we're always dressing up to look better, so why not make yourself look as awkward and dorky as possible. There's definitely some charm to that.

Happy Holidays Lulu*s fans! What cool holiday party ideas do you have?

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Fashion in Flight

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
11
2009

Ahhhh, the holidays. 'Tis the season for families to reunite and exchange hugs and gifts. Long-lost sons and daughters will be returning home from college or out of town to enjoy a much appreciated home-cooked meal. This may be you, and this may mean you'll be hopping on a plane in the weeks to come.

But what to wear?

The dress code for flying has changed over the years. Flying was once a special occasion that required formal attire. But with the stress of holiday travel, airport security, flight delays and cramped cabin seating, those high heels and nylons may loose their appeal when you start to blister and itch.

Courtesy of People Stylewatch, we've got some great pics of celebs who, though having to travel frequently, manage to maintain their star quality and style when everything's up in the air.

Above, I like how Ashlee Simpson's look is so basic yet still a statement by topping it all off with a chic hat. Meanwhile, New Moon cutie Ashley Greene pairs an elegant faux fur jacket with skinny blue jeans for a warm and casual look. Rihanna keeps her cool with a stylin' black cap and funky work boots.

Taking hints from all these styles, my most put-together outfit for air travel would have to be: an oversized top, like the Euclidean Space Top by Brandy Melville [sold out!], skinny Kill City Jeans with stylish detailing, and a cute ladies fedora to top it all off. All this paired with shades will have you fightin' off the paparazzi like a star.

Now if you want to take flight the old-fashioned way, just take a look at Mad Men star John Hamm and burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese. These two take the cake when it comes to style. Go them!

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Trend to Try: Bold Shoulders

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
2
2009

Seen first in the 1940's and again in the 80's, shoulder padding and accents are once again making a comeback. Ruffled, sequined and blazed shoulders are all over the place, especially on celebs like Victoria Beckham.

The look is not only bold and eye-catching, but it can do wonders for your frame. It gives the illusion of broad, straight shoulders, making you stand tall just like a model on the runway.

To get in on the look, give our Karen O Top [sold out!], Beautiful Voice Top and Disconnect Top a try.

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Ladies We Love: Zooey Deschanel

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
1
2009

Women everywhere may find themselves developing an unavoidable girl-crush on actress and singer Zooey Deschanel. Maybe it's her curious blue eyes, quirky sense of humor, or her unique and individual style, but not only is Zooey a star women love to love, but a style icon of her own making.

Zooey's style doesn't seem to follow any specific fashion trend but that of her own whim. It manages to be at once playfully tomboy and feminine all at the same time. Zooey never shies away from wearing girly accessories, sporting a bow or flower in her hair and pulling it off effortlessly without looking too dainty. The difference is having confidence and a sense of adventure when it comes to putting together an outfit.

To get her look, experiment with flashes of bold color by tying a piece of bright red or blue ribbon in your hair. Don a vintage-inspired locket or statement hat. Balance the color and flair with subtle touches elsewhere, and don't be afraid to stand out.

Perhaps what's most essential to Zooey's style is a wink and a smile. You can just tell she's having fun and loving life. Now that's a fashion trend to follow. :)

**LULU*S PICKS**

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Get Glowing, Gorgeous Skin

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
17
2009

Beautiful skin with a healthy glow never goes out of style.

Below are pics of celebrities that I absolutely admire for the radiance of their skin. From the flawless luminescence of Dita Von Teese, to the sun-kissed glow of Jessica Alba and the dewiness of Liv Tyler, there is much evidence to show that a soft, candlelight glow can go a long way in enhancing your look.

Step One: Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Water refreshes the skin and keeps it hydrated and dewy. Have a glass first thing in the morning to wake up your complexion.
GET PLENTY OF SLEEP: Nothing dulls down your skin like sleep depravation. Get enough rest each night and your skin will be ready to rise and shine.
EAT SMART: This one is a no brainer. Your skin needs to be nourished from the inside out. Cut back on refined sugars and starches while stocking up on whole grains, fruits, veggies, and stomach friendly probiotics like yogurt and kefir. All will keep your digestion system running efficiently while delivering nutrients to the skin.

Step Two: Adopt a Pro-Active Skin Care Regimen

EXFOLIATE: Exfoliating 2-3 times a week will remove dead skin cells, allowing younger skin to shine through. It will also help your foundation glide on smoother. Try the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser by Yes to Carrots or Biore's Refresh Daily Cleansing Cloths if your skin is more delicate.
WASH BEFORE BED: Never, never, ever go to bed with a day's worth of makeup on. Your foundation and eye makeup will cake, smear and clog pores. Get into the habit of washing your face before bed, even if it's a late night. Your skin will thank you in the morning.
HYDRATE: If you're in the market for skin care products, moisturizer is the thing you want to spend your money on. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type and use it twice a day. It will plump your skin and seal in moisture. My favorite moisturizers of all time: Mario Badescu's Buttermilk Moisturizer and Kinerase's Clear Skin Moisture Light.

Step Three: Try These Makeup Bag Tricks

Get a luminescent glow by dusting your face with a sheer, light reflecting powder to set your foundation or light up bare skin. One such powder that is gaining much popularity is Make Up For Ever's HD Micro Finish Powder. If it's made to make you look flawless in HD, then just imagine what it can do for a day at class or work.
Apply a highlighter to places where light reflects naturally on your face. I like to press Stila's Eyeshadow in Starlight on the tops of the cheekbones, down the nose, at the cupid's bow of the lip, and at the brow bone for a radiant lift.
if you're skin is starting to dull by mid-day, boost your completion with a spritz of hydration. I love love love Mario Badescu's Facial Spray It will give your skin a dose of dewy while putting new life back into your foundation.

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Trend Alert: How To Wear Knee High Socks

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
16
2009

No longer just a uniform accessory for school girls, knee high socks are making a big comeback this season for women of all ages. Spied constantly on the stars and repeatedly on the set of Gossip Girl, these socks are truly strutting their stuff!

The look is so easy, simple and cute. These socks especially make a great transition piece for fall, allowing you to transform shorts or a skirt into a colorful, weather appropriate outfit.

I love them paired with a sophisticated oxford heel or cute bootie, as seen on Blake Lively below. They also make a perfect couple with the growing trend of tall boots as seen on Victoria Beckham and Jessica Alba (below).

Available in many different colors and prints, these stylin' socks are taking the center stage when it comes to fall wardrobes everywhere. If you want in on the trend, check out our new collection of knee highs.

My favorites? The Argyle Addict Knee High Socks in Brown and the Kawaii Crocheted Knee High Socks in Teal.

Vintage Hair: 1930's Faux Bob

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
12
2009

My freshman year of college, I took one of the most risky leaps when it comes to hair: I chopped off my long locks into a 20's style bob. I left the salon with chin length hair that was shaved in back with short pixie bangs in front.

The look was a blast, but I eventually missed the versatility of my long hair, which took a whole year to grow back. Now,when I get a hankering for short hair again, I'll know just to do this look - a faux bob - sported by women in the 30's. Very old Hollywood.

Short hair for a day without the salon visit or the year long commitment? Yes please!

What You'll Need

1. Sponge Roller Set - about $10 at Target

2. Spray Bottle

3. Bobby Pins

4. Hair Spray

5. Hair Net

What to Do

1. Spray your hair damp with some water

2. Roll hair in sponge rollers (please see video below for placement)

3. Secure rollers in a hair net

4. Sleep on overnight (surprisingly comfy) or let air dry for at least 3hrs.

5. In the morning, remove rollers closest to the face and brush each out individually, smoothing with pomade

6. Remove rollers in back, pin back hair to the nape of the neck so it looks bob-length

7. Let the front curls frame your face

8. Hair spray!!

9. Just for fun, tell everyone you cut your hair :)

I highly recommend watching the video below by the talented LisaFreemontStreet that inspired me to do this look. She works wonders when it comes to vintage hair styling. I've been learning so much about how to use hot rollers, sponge rollers, pin curls, and pillow rollers just by watching her vids. Happy styling! ;)