Lulus Fashion Lounge - Blog - A La Mode

  • Smoky Eye Tutorial with Sigma Beauty

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    April
    26
    2012

     
    If there is one look you ought to know how to do, it's a perfect smoky eye. This quintessential look crosses all boundaries between casual and dressy, and will work with absolutely ANY color of clothing. The smoky eye is easy to master, you just need a nice neutral eye shadow palette, and some good brushes. I mean, if you want an editorial-quality look, you've got to start with good brushes, right?
     
    This tutorial features products by Sigma Beauty which, if you haven't heard, carry an amazing line of professional and everyday cosmetic brushes. Our photo studio is currently using a wide variety of brushes by Sigma, which makes our job just that much easier.
    Products Used in this Tutorial
     
    a. Make Me Classy Professional Brush Kit with Two-Sided Brush Container
    b. Performance Eyes Kit
    c. Sigma Beauty Eye Shadow Palette in Bare; we used the four center shades in order to create a robust look with plenty of depth.
     
    1. Start with a clean face and apply foundation primer and foundation of your choice with Sigma's Foundation Brush F60.
     
    2. We used Sigma's Eye Shading Brush E55 with the light golden shade Command over the full lid.
     
    3. Then we stepped up to the next darkest shade, Act, and swept a small amount across the bottom half of the lid with Precision Tapered Brush P86 in order to create depth.
     
    4. We started the smoky effect using the Medium Angled Brush E70, concentrating the light charcoal grey shade Snoop on the outer half of lid, and following the natural crease of the eye.
     
    The fourth and final shade Hitch (a deep brown shade) is applied to the very outside corner using the Shader Crease Brush E47.
     
    *To transform from a day to evening look, add a little extra Hitch.*
     
    5. Finally we added a black liner to define the lash line followed by a touch of mascara and a swipe of dusty rose blush. Our new favorite red lipstick; Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Red Label adds the final pop!
     

  • How-To: Hair Chalking

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    April
    17
    2012


    Talk about non-committal, if you've ever wanted to add non-permanent color to your hair, then you might consider hair chalking. After seeing tons of fashion editorials that included casually-colored wisps, I decided to try it with our daring studio assistant, Sarah. I used soft pastels from the art store, and because Sarah's hair is light, it took color very well. The entire look took maybe ten minutes to complete.
     
    Notes: Do not mix the soft pastels with any water (unless you have dark hair).
    The chalk will naturally release throughout the day, so your look will eventually fade out.
     
    What colors would YOU do?
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  • Beauty How To: Runway Color Pop Eyeshadow

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    April
    6
    2012

     
    Eye, yay, yay! In every color and every style, the bold and brightly-colored eye has been color-popping its way onto runways across the globe. We love the look, but can you actually wear that???
     
      
     
    This week we took our beauty inspiration from the looks of Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, and Prabal Gurung (pictured above) and did a little modifying to create looks for the everyday girl. Check it out:
    On Olivia, we took inspiration from Miu Miu's red color-bars by applying Obsessive Compulsive's eye shadow in Burning just across the lid. Paired with turquoise or aqua (and perhaps a matching red nail lacquer) you've got a bright little experiment that's not too over-the-top.
    After falling in love with Dries Van Noten's up-to-the-eyebrow runway look, we went with a chartreuse/yellow shadow on Grace, and darkened the eyebrow. Add a soft pink lip and enjoy the shades of spring!
    Prabal Gurung's diagonal swipes of blue had such a bold space-age look that we decided to tone them down by working a modified cat-eye across the lid, and around the inner eye. Perfect for the medium to dark complexion!
     
    Obsessive Compulsive Loose Color Concentrates in Burning, Wasabi, and Saturate.

    Would YOU wear any of these looks?

  • Interior Motives: How To Decorate Antique Eclectic

    Posted by: Sienna Orlando

    April
    2
    2012

     
     
    This week I'm celebrating my favorite style of interior design, Antique Eclectic, where vintage furniture and knick-knacks are mixed with modern pieces, and textures and color abound. One of the best things about this style is you can do it on a budget. Second-hand pieces can be brought to their full glory, and if you are at all crafty, you'll have fun repainting furniture or making your own throw pillows or curtains.
     

     

     
     
    Pick a Color, Any Color: Like any space, you'll want to start by picking a color that is interesting but not overwhelming for you. You can take inspiration from a piece of art or decor that you already own. Below is a great example of working around an aqua blue. The color shows up on an accent wall, as well is in the painting, vase and throw pillows.
     

     
    Create Space: You'll want to start by adding interesting shelves and tables in solid colors. Feel free to choose interesting colors that tie into the room, maybe mint, red or cream. If you're not sure, brown or white is a perfectly acceptable and neutral way to begin.
     
     
    Containers and Trays: Now that you've got the big surfaces taken care of, you can start filling them in. Vintage apothecary jars and painted trays are great for storage as well as "layering" the eclectic appeal of your space.
     
     
    Add a Granny Square!: Use the vintage color palettes in your favorite afghan to pull out other colors in your space, and don't forget to add plenty of throw pillows!

  • Nifty and Thrifty: How to Buy Vintage Clothing

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    February
    29
    2012

    Crowded racks full of lost fashion treasures can be fun for most, and overwhelming for some, but buying vintage has many pros! It’s budget-friendly, it’s good for the Earth (you’re recycling!), and you can find unique clothes to can call your very own!
     
    If you're wondering where do you start, check out my guide to achieving thrift store success!
     
     
    Location! Location! Location!
    Large cities are usually fashion goldmines, but if you’re a small town girl, don’t fret! Small thrift stores and antique stores are stocked full of great finds, plus, there’s less chance that someone will snatch up an item you love. 
     
    It’s also great to be familiar with sale and stocking days. Some stores have days that are 75% off everything, and if you’re there on stocking days, you’ll be the first to scope out new items!
     
     
    Wear and Tear
    Finding a beautiful one-of-a-kind dress for a deal can be exciting until you come home and take a closer look. Moth holes, stains, and sometimes even mold, can plague your newly acquired clothes. 
     
    While at the store, examine the garment from all angles, even turn it inside out. Check elbows, knees, backsides, cuffs, collars, hems, and armpits for excessive wear as they are the parts of clothing that endure the most stress. Holes at the seam can be mended, but other holes can be unfixable. 
     
    Moths prefer darker clothing so double check dark colored items. And be sure to get the item dry cleaned and washed in hot water to prevent further damage. 
     
    If you spot a stain on your clothing, you might be able to get it out if it's recent. Stains that have been set in for a long time are nearly impossible to remove, so be sure to use your good judgment. Is the stain somewhere noticeable? If not, then you may want to snatch that item up before it’s gone!
     
     
    What's My Size?!
    Buying an item that was made before the 1980s can have tricky sizing. A general rule of thumb is to double your current size, so if you’re a 6 in today’s sizing, you would be a size 12 in vintage sizing. But generally, sizing of the past does not correlate with today.
     
    If you know your bust, waist, and hip measurements, you can always bring a measuring tape to measure the clothes, but the best thing you can do is try the item on. If an item is oversized, it can always be taken in, and if you’re not a master seamstress, make friends with your local tailor! 
     
    Storing Your Precious New Finds
    For vintage items, you want to do your best to preserve its beauty. To do this, always keep these items in a dark and cool place. Most cotton items can be hung and wrapped in muslin. For very special items, wrap them in white acid-free tissue and muslin and put them in well-ventilated boxes. Be sure to include moth balls! 
     
     
    And of course, don’t forget to show off your new items! Lookin’ good!
     
    xoxo
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  • How To: Style Your Fall Scarves

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    November
    18
    2011

     
    Finally, temperatures are dropping, leaves are turning, and scarves are busting their way out of my closet like bats out of hell. I've been anxiously counting the numbers as they drop off of my thermometer, all because I am a layer addict, and scarves are my drug of choice.
     
    Now, that being said, I'm no expert at tying/wrapping/whatever-you-wanna-call-it-ing them. Several family members have asked me how to wear them properly, to which I reply: "Uh, I dunno. You just, like, wrap it and swirl and tug, and yeah...". So, to satisfy not only my own curiosity, I went searching and found the best tutorial ever from Who What Wear, and recreated it here, with a few extra notes and tips for a flawless execution.
     

     
    There are five styles to choose from: The Classic, The Boho, The Prep, The Modern, and The City. Yes, some of them are quite similar, but playing around with some subtle switch-ups keeps the boredom at bay.
     
    Up first: The Classic
     
    Step 1:
    (a) Drape the scarf around your neck, and...
    (b) loop so one side is longer. (How much longer? Enough to wrap back around your neck twice, because, guess what comes next...).
     
    Step 2: Loop the long side around your neck once more.
     

     
    Step 3: Take both ends (they'll be uneven) and tie them in a knot. Then tuck the longer side in the fold, letting the shorter end peek out a bit at the bottom. Done!
     


     
    Now, The Boho:
     
    Step 1:
    (a) Drape the scarf evenly across your shoulders, then...
    (b) loop around your neck so both sides are even.
     

     
    Step 2: Tie a knot with the loose the ends, leaving about 6" to dangle.
     

     
    Step 3: Pull the circle/loop over the knot, and let the ends dangle out the bottom. Voila!
     

    (this one is great because you can even do it with shorter scarves)

     
    How about... The Prep:
    (Hint: Steps 1 & 2 are the same as the Classic, but for the sake of continuity....)
     
    Step 1:
    (a) Drape the scarf around your neck, and...
    (b) loop so one side is longer.
     
    Step 2: Loop the long side around your neck once more.
     

     
    Step 3:
    (a) Grab the end of that (longer) side and...
    (b) pull it through the (outer) circle around the neck.
     

     
    Step 4: Tie both ends together with a loose knot. Le Fin!
     


     
    Or maybe you feel like, say, The Modern 
    (or what I call the "Homemade Infinity Scarf")
     
    Step 1: Wrap the scarf around the neck evenly.
     
    Step 2: Tie the ends together (at the tips) in a double knot.
     

     
    Step 3: Twist, and...
     
    Step 4: Back over the head. Tada!
     


     
    Best for last? It's The City!:
    (Guess what. Once again, steps 1 & 2 are the same as The Classic, but for the sake of continuity....)
     
    Step 1:
    (a) Drape the scarf around your neck and...
    (b) loop so one side is longer.
     
    Step 2: Loop the long side around your neck once more.
     

     
    Step 3: Tug on the longer side until the shorter tip is hidden.
     

     
    Step 4: Take the tip of the long side and tuck it into the top of the opposite side (behind the neck). That's it!
     


    How easy was that! So get experimenting, and remember, the perfect scarf styling lends itself to some serious tugging, pulling and fluffing, so feel free to fuss!
     
    And don't forget to check the fabulous selection of scarves here at LuLu*s!
     
     

     

  • How To: Mini Skirts In Winter

    Posted by: Cara Fox-Galassi

    November
    8
    2011

    Winter is here, which means colder weather and tons of layers. But just because it gets a bit chilly doesn't mean that you can't still wear some of your summer and fall favorites. Wearing tights with shorts has been a big trend for a couple years now (gotta love the 90s revival!), but what about wearing your mini skirt in the winter?

    Well don't fret ladies, we got you covered. Below are three amazing looks styled to perfection just for you. So sit back, relax, and let us walk you through these simple and easy styling tips!

     
     

     

     

    Double Up

    For a wonderful layered day look, pair a printed skirt with what I like to call the "double up." This is when you wear a pair of opaque tights with matching thick thigh-highs for extra warmth and a subtle texture!

    We put black booties with the double up to help elongate the leg and keep the focus on the mix of the warm knit and printed skirt. Add a bit of sophistication by wearing a button-up under a loose knit crop top!

     
    Details
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Comfy Collegiate

    This is the perfect combination of comfy chic that is perfect for the college scene. Pairing an oversized shirt over a monochromatic mini is a basic outfit that I still use to this day.  

    Pair the mini with a pair of patterned sheer tights to give it a bit of edge. Add a pair of bright contrast thigh-highs, but slouch them over the knees to represent  that "devil may care" attitude that college is all about.   

    Match your mini with a pair of simple oxfords wedges to complete the look. All you need is a oversized anorak and you're ready for the door!

     
    Details
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     


     
     
    California Dreamin'

    Here on the west coast it doesn't get as cold as other places, but that doesn't mean we can't still have our winter fashion fun. By matching a pair of chunky knit thigh-highs to the perfect banded mini you can keep yourself looking hot without breaking too much of a winter sweat.  

    Paired with a high-low graphic tee and a loose knit cardi, you'll fit in to Cali's laid back style in no time.   

    Add some kick to the ensemble by adding in some platform lace-up booties with a military twist.  

     
    Details
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     

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  • Beauty How-To: DIY Ombré Nails

    Posted by: Annie Roos

    October
    7
    2011

    We already love it for our hair, so why not let our nails in on some ombré love!
     
     
    I stumbled upon a tutorial on Stylelist, inspired by the nails on the Jen Kao Spring 2012 runway, and just knew I had to give it a try. So, let's just see how easy it really is!
     
    The Supplies:
     
    Aside from the prep work (emery board, nail polish remover, you know...), you'll need a base coat, two nail lacquers in the same color family, one light and one dark, and a clear top coat.
    Step 1: Trim and file nails into your desired length and shape.  As you can see, I like mine as short as can be! Then apply a base coat.
     
     
    Step 2: Start with the darker shade (I went with dark purple), and paint from the cuticle base up to the halfway point of your nail. Don't worry about making a perfect line. Remember, you're going to smear this at the end, so embrace the sloppy factor.

    Step 3: Swipe your lighter shade (I love this greyish lavender from OPI) from the middle to the tip.

     
    Step 4: This is the most important, and fun, part! Before your polish has dried (this is crucial!), brush a layer of clear top coat from cuticle to tip to blend the two shades. Let dry.
     
     
    Voila! Ombre nails, without an airbrush or a salon.
     
    Feel free to experiment with different color combos; I know I'm already eyeing some of the greens I have in my collection...
     
    (Runway photos courtesy of CND)

  • How To: Make Your Own Eye Makeup Remover

    Posted by: LuLu*s !

    April
    13
    2011

     
    Hi everyone! I'm Samantha, a new marketing intern here at Lulu*s, and cute clothing is just one of the many things that excite me! Makeup is another hobby of mine, and having worked at a makeup counter, I have learned tons of do-it-yourself tricks that save me a lot of time and money. Let me share one of my favorites with you: how to make your own (natural) eye makeup remover!
     
    This is incredibly simple and one of the best money-saving beauty tricks I have ever learned; plus, the olive oil you use is a natural conditioner for your lashes!
     
    Step 1:
      Gather the supplies. You will need a small bottle with a cap; you can most likely find this in the cosmetics department of any drug store. (Usually, they are in the bins with all of the travel size shampoos and soaps). Next, pick up some witch hazel and some extra virgin olive oil. If you just have regular olive oil in your cabinet at home that will work fine too!

     

     Step 2:
    Time to mix! Create a 50/50 mixture of olive oil and witch hazel and fill up your empty bottle! Shake it up and voila! You have an all-natural (not to mention inexpensive) eye makeup remover!
     
    One more quick tip:
    Just dip the end of a Q-tip in the mixture to wipe away any smudges or mistakes you might make while doing your makeup! 

     
     
    Happy removing!

    Do you have any beauty tricks of your own? Please share in the comments below!
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  • Trend to Try: How to Wear Maxi Skirts

    Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

    January
    10
    2011

    After a few years of short hemlines ruling the streets a new fresh take has emerged. With a flowing, long maxi and your choice of top this trend is definitely one to try. Let's take a look at some inspirational photos and how these stylish ladies choose to make the trend their own.

    Using an all black color pallete this gothic inspired look stands out because of the lacy skirt and the layered necklaces. Image from thrifted on Chictopia.

    I love the vintage inspired long lace maxi dress shown here. With platforms, simple hair and makeup, this look is a perfect spring transition. Image from meat market on Chictopia.

    These two lovelies decided on a skeer maxi with beautiful animal prints or pleats. I love the floppy hat paired with the animal print shown first on Carolina of Fashion Squad. In a navi sheer maxi, Rhiannon of Liebemarlene, pairs a striped crop top for the ultimate in effortless style. Both of these ladies always look flawless!

    In the above photo, from Vanessa Jackman, is one of my favorite examples of the maxi trend done right. This photo went viral so fast and for good reason. Taken during Paris Fashion Week this beauty has combined an oversized grey sweater with a perfect black maxi and platform boots. From the hair to the sunnies and the red lipstick this photo always stands out in my mind as styling at its finest.

    Finally we have this stunning example from The Haute Pursuit on Chictopia. I love the leopard panel on this maxi paired with a crop top and oversized sweater. You can never go wrong with animal prints!

    Wanna try the trend yourself? Here are some fabulous maxi options for your consideration.

    Here we have the Enchanted Evening Black Lace Maxi Skirt and the Extra Toppings Brown Maxi Skirt. I love the sheer black lace which allows you to layer! The perfect taupey-brown of the second skirt makes it super easy to match with whatever strikes your fancy.

    Will you be trying this trend?

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