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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Rising Star: Carey Mulligan

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
5
2010

I had never even heard of British actress Carey Mulligan until I went to see her staring role in An Education. And it wasn't until I looked her up on IMDB that I realized I'd not only seen Carey play Kitty Bennet in the remake of Pride and Prejudice, but I had actually watched her perform live in Chekhov's The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

She had always stood out to me, but it wasn't until An Education that I really took notice of the girl who's rumored to be the next Audrey Hepburn. I loved watching her character's growth throughout the movie, from the smart school girl who threw caution to the wind, to a woman who was wiser to the ways of the world but more spirited than ever.

Her fashion style also changes with her growth. She starts out in her plain school girl uniform and then experiments with her new grown-up lifestyle by donning elegant coats, dresses and updos. I loved the movie and the message, and her performance was fresh and honest. I look forward to seeing more of Carey's work in the future, and this time, I won't have to read her name in the credits to know who she is.

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Weezer Muse

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

December
28
2009

I wanted to share with you guys a fun music video by Weezer for their song, "If You're Wondering If I Want You To." It features the Weezer gang in a Pleasantville type of town called ... what else? Weezerville. They're four best friends, and life is sweet in Weezerville.

Enter the femme fatale, played by the gorgeous and charming actress, Odette Yustman. Her character is what inspired this blog and a couple YouTube hair tutorials on the web. Check out her awesome costuming, makeup and hair!! I love the soft feminine look of the dress combined with the flawlessly crafted, 40's-inspired victory rolls.

Check out the video below to see what an impact her looks make on Weezerville and the surprising ending!

And if you're inspired by her look like I was, give the hair tutorial by the talented LisaFreemontStreet a try. It shows a quick and easy way to get a similar effect.

Now, if I could only get my hands on that darling yellow dress ...

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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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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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Glee Your Style

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
18
2009

A new fashionista is making her way to Wednesday nights on Glee! Actress Jayma Mays plays Emma Pillsburry, the guidance counselor on Fox's new series Glee. We couldn't help but gush about her character's adorable style, which is a combination of vintage, prep and a little whimsy.

On a school day, you'll usually find Emma sporting a feminine blouse, colorful cardigan, high waist skirt and an eye-catching accessory. This combined with her impeccably styled red hair and charming personality has made her a fashion favorite, winning the hearts of vintage-lovers everywhere.

Steal her style with similar items [sold out!] here at LuLu*s! Here's what I think Emma would be eyeing on our website after a day with the Glee Club:

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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! ;)

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Vintage Hair: The Beehive

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

November
6
2009

I had so much fun with this look, and it definitely makes a statement.

You'll need to give yourself a little extra time in the morning and have plenty of bobby pins on hand (not kidding). The result is totally worth it! Sixties vintage for a new look!

What You'll Need:

1. A homemade "Bumpit" (made from hair extensions wrapped in a hair net) - make sure it matches your hair color.

2. Fine Tooth Comb

3. Hair spray

4. Flower or decorative hair clip

5. Bobby pins

What To Do:

1. Part hair into three sections: Front, Middle (largest section), Back. Tie each into a pony tail

2. Pin your homemade "bumpit" securely behind the middle section.

3. Pin the back ponytail up to cover the "bumpit."

4. Take the middle section out of ponytail an pin down over the hive of hair. This part should look smooth and flawless.

5. Untie the front section, make a sideways part and sweep hair softly across the forehead. Pin in place.

6. Hair spray EVERYTHING.

7. Pin a cute flower or clip on the side of the hive.

Before you begin, you must watch the tutorial below by Strawberry Koi Vintage that inspired this look. This is where I found the great homemade bumpit idea, and she's got plenty more handy tricks and tutorials on her YouTube Channel and blog. Check her out!