Eye See You

I usually blog about colorful clothing and accessories, but today I thought I would try something different: makeup.
Almost every girl I know likes makeup. Maybe it's just me, but there's something fun about experimenting with your appearance in a way that can be quite transformative. This kind of transformation can spice up any outfit, even the most boring ones.
If there's a day when you're having trouble throwing together things in a chic manner, there's no need to worry. Simply grab your jeans, favorite t-shirt, and put on some colorful makeup.

The inspiration:

Images from superfluouslotstar.blogspot.com

Image from nylonmag.com

Just a bit of colorful eyeliner can really brighten things up! (Pun intended.) Many people aren't willing to try a look daring like the ones above, but you don't have to wear neon pink eyeliner. A subtle navy blue eyeliner would work just as well. The idea of the look is choosing an unusual color of eyeliner for the top lid and going practically barefaced in terms of other makeup. Choose a color that suits your willingness to take risks, your outfit, and your eye color.

Some good choices for less risky eyeliner colors are purple, dark blue, and green. (This last choice is especially nice if you have green eyes.)

Urban Decay eyeliners ($18) are amazingly high quality. They stay on very well and are easy to put on. This eyeliner comes in a very large variety of colors, which are available at Sephora. The store also carries a giant box set of 15 different Urban Decay eyeliners if you feel like experimenting with lots of different colors. You can also buy the set online on the Urban Decay website.

Make Up For Ever also makes a very good eyeliner available in a lot of very beautiful colors. 

They cost $17 and are available here and in Sephora stores.

Left: Flashy Liner Waterproof, $8

Right: Glitter Eye Pencil, $8

Marine Electro 06

All eyeliner images from sephora.com

For something slightly more affordable, I really love Sephora Collection eyeliners. They don't irritate my eyes like some drugstore eyeliners do, and they last for a very long time. These two varieties both come in a good selection of pretty colors, ranging from subtle to very eye-catching. (No pun intended.)

My go-to colorful eyeliner is the Sephora Collection Glitter Eye Pencil in Marine Electro 06, shown above. On the eye, it is slightly brighter than the picture. It's a glitter eye pencil, but the glitter is nicely subtle and usually not too noticeable, unlike other glittery eyeliners.

Buy the flashy liner waterproof here.

Buy the glitter eye pencil here.

Are you more of an eyeshadow girl? Here are some colorful palettes for the adventuress inside you.

PopBeauty, $22

Image from nylonmag.com

Givenchy, $62

Image from sephora.com

Nars, $33

(Available in many more colors)

Image from sephora.com

Go experiment with colorful eye makeup. You never know, you may end up loving it! I never expected to fall in love with my turquoise liner, but now I'm obsessed.

xoxo

Afford the Rainbow

Many of the pieces I feature on Girl Loves Color are outside most people's budgets. Though these designs are beautiful to look at and admire from afar, for many women they are unattainable. This brings me to today's topic, which is affordable and colorful selections!
I've chosen some of my favorite colorful, ready-for-summer pieces from some great affordable shopping sites (linked down below, for your convenience).

Urbanog.com


Some of the selections on this website scream "teenager" and some aren't in the best taste, but the majority of the apparel is wearable and on-trend, perfect for casual spring and summer days. This site is a great source for cheap basics with that special twist that separates them from other boring basics.

Left: Stroll in Italy Top, $26.50

Right: Rock With Me Top, $22.90

The blouse on the left is perfect for so many different situations: casual day, workwear, a nice dinner out, etc. This makes it very versatile and well worth the low price.

The tank top on the right is an example of an "unusual basic." It's an ordinary tank top in a beautiful color, but the pleats add another dimension of interest.

Left: No Worries Dress, $26.90

Right: Blushing Hot Shot Dress, $37.60 (on sale!) 

Both of these dresses are unusual and great for any formal occasion. They're chic, come in great colors, and worth the money even if they're only worn twice.

I'm in love with this cool shade of blue of the No Worries Dress; it's like wearing an azure summer sky.

To buy any of the above looks or to browse the site, go to urbanog.com.

Make Me Chic

The same warning about urbanog.com applies to this site as well: beware of young, cheesy zebra stripes and polka dots here. However, this site also has a great selection of apparel, most of which is under $30.

Layered Chiffon Tunic Top, $24.20

Oversized Bow Blouse, $23.65

Also available in blue and purple

Each of these two blouses can be worn for many different occasions, and they are also perfect for work when worn with a blazer.

Pink Pleated Skirt, $18.70

Following the popular spring ballerina trend set by Natalie Portman's Black Swan and the Chloé runway show, this pleated skirt is perfect for both day and night.

Abstract Print Shorts, $25.85

Recently, I've been suffering from an unhealthy obsession with colorful printed shorts. I try on every pair that catches my eye. This artsy print is intriguing and comes in a beautiful shade of red. The length is great for a petite like me; it makes a small figure's legs look so long! This is a great buy.

To buy any of the above looks or to browse the site, go to makemechic.com.

Lulu's

This site is my go-to place for affordable clothing, hands down. Everything here is interesting, stylish, and wearable. I also love their vintage section, which is just as wallet-friendly and contains a large selection of apparel and accessories. The price range here is more varied than the above two sites and can reach the moderate price range, but for the most part everything is very well priced.

Frenzied Fireworks Print Crop Top, $28

I fell in love with this top at first sight. The color palette is extraordinarily gorgeous and the abstract pattern is equally beautiful. I can't properly describe how much I adore this shirt.

Sea Kelp Green Top, $31

This vibrant emerald green tank top looks like a basic, but just turn around and a whimsical ruffled back becomes visible. I love the cute surprise here, and the ruffle looks playful instead of cheesy.

Real McCoy Dress, $34.50

Also available in coral and cobalt blue

This dress is another example of a stunning back. I love the front silhouette, but the strappy back takes the cake for the most interesting element. This dress looks like it should be hundreds of dollars, instead of just $35. What a steal! This would be suitable for casual daywear or for a fancier event, depending on how it's accessorized.

To buy any of the above looks or to browse the site, go to lulus.com.

The site's selection of vintage pieces can be found here.

Sure, expensive clothing is always gorgeous and unusual, but I hope this post has inspired you to go shopping for some great, affordable pieces! There are many unexpected treasures waiting to be found.

Next on my list: trips to Macy's and H&M!

xoxo

Color on the Runway: Marni

Marni always seems to have a fun take on everything. Consuelo Castiglioni's fall 2011 ready-to-wear collection for the brand featured loose, body-skimming silhouettes in a variety of bright patterns, primarily geometric. The collection was inspired by architectural lines and Castiglioni's mantra "severe elegance." These elements are quite evident, yet with a twist: both furs and long, wintry coats were characterized by unusually bright colors.
I especially loved the uniqueness of each pattern and the color schemes chosen for them; the matching open coats, tops, and skirts à la Chanel; and the styling of each look.

These stunning, bold geometrics are both eye-catching and sophisticated. 

The first look (on the left) is accessorized to create a luxe, working woman with an excellent fashion sense and a glamourous personality. The pairing of the long, short sleeve coat over a knee-length skirt is unexpected and ends up looking unconventionally chic. The green shade is stunning. 

The look on the right is more of fun and exudes a cool girl vibe. I always love orange and blue paired together because the combination looks amazing every time. The sleeves add unexpected texture and give the appearance of a fur stole on the shoulders. The yellow necklace (that could also be a neckline; it's difficult to say!) adds a cute touch that doesn't take away from the grown-up feel, which is emphasized by the to-the-knee length and the lack of exposed skin. The platform shoes and sunglasses add a sporty quality to the overall look.

The look on the left is a very autumnal example of color blocking. The shades all give off that fall feel and the fur coat certainly helps this. By far, this two-tone fur coat is the most unusual piece in this collection. Although I am morally opposed to fur, I admire the design of this coat: fur is almost always found in natural shades and exceptions look cheesy. This coat avoids the cheesiness, going instead for ladylike glamour with good tailoring and a sophisticated color. The emerald green is beautifully vibrant. The coat distracts from the garments underneath, however, which are simple but pretty. I like the salmon pink/honeysuckle shade. The green necklace adds an extra dose of glamour to the look.
The bright pattern used in the look on the right is definitely wild, but if worn separately, these two pieces would become surprisingly wearable with everyday garb. The length of the below-the-knee skirt is prevented from looking old lady-ish because of the fun, modern pattern. The coat has an unusual silhouette with a strange collar and buttons on the far left, but this just makes the garment a lot of fun, when coats are almost always dull and boring.


Below are more looks that stood out to me:

All images from style.com

Click here to view the entire Marni fall 2011 RTW collection.

Marni's website can be found at marni.com.

xoxo

NYLON + Housing Works

I apologize deeply for the lack of posts in the past few days. I had no Internet access, unfortunately. I am so happy to be blogging again!
Due to the aforementioned problem, I was unable to write about my fabulous time at an event I attended a week ago, hosted by NYLON magazine, a publication that I read religiously and love every time. The magazine sponsored a shopping event to benefit Housing Works, a thrift store that supports people living with HIV/AIDS, even donating several new selections especially for the event.

While I was there, I had the wonderful opportunity to meet J. Erico, NYLON's fashion director, as well as snag some great merchandise along with my mom.

Here's what I found:

Image from hfm.co.jp

Marc by Marc Jacobs silk pleated dress

One of the brand new donations from NYLON magazine, I fell in love with this dress at first sight. The pattern is a gorgeous geometric design in rich colors that stand out without looking fourth-of-July-ish. The silhouette is perfect: the dress hits me a few inches above the knee, below mid-thigh, the peplum fold is surprisingly flattering on my figure, and the pleated skirt is a beautiful detail. The fold is strategically placed mid-torso, so it evens out a shape like mine, with bigger hips and a smaller waist. The dress skims the body without being too tight or too sack-like. The silk is high quality and is extremely soft.
Overall, it feels like this dress was tailored to me. And at a small fraction of the original price, what a fabulous find!

Tucker by Target blouse top

The colors incorporated in this top are what drew me to the piece. One can see why: the sleeves, hem, and neckline are beautifully detailed with a colorful geometric pattern. The rest of the top is just as interesting, the torso characterized by a bright fuschia. The fit is wonderful and the material is super soft.

What I like most about this piece is that the blouse-like fabric and fit of the top allows it to be worn for a formal occasion or to work (if only I had a job), but the overall simplicity also allows it to be worn casually.

Furla patent leather handbag

The reason I bought this purse is because of the unusual color and the great size. Yellow, especially in this shade, is rarely used for handbags, so I was inspired by this bag. I never wear colors like this, so I liked challenging myself to incorporate a new color into my wardrobe and mix and match it with items I already own. The size is perfect because it is big enough to fit everything I need (i.e. phone, keys, wallet,  chapstick) but it is still small and dainty, almost like a piece of jewelry worn on the shoulder. The patent leather is very good quality and the lining is so soft. I also love the shiny silver details on the strap and zipper.

White crossbody bag

I find this bag very striking because it's white, also an unusual color for a handbag. I love all the details of this bag: the gold hardware Xs and buckle, the fun tassel charm, and the practical rectangular shape. The bag is roomy and fits a lot without being bulky and I love the soft material (faux-leather, perhaps). The strap is a bit long for my petite frame, but the fact that it is adjustable gives me the opportunity to punch in more holes if I so wish. This bag feels summery and light and will be perfect with my warm-weather outfits.

This event was a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to the many times I will use these items in the future! I know I'll definitely try to attend more NYLON events!

Photos, unless specified, taken by me.

On another note: expect a lot of posts coming your way, due to my unexpected absence!

xoxo

Brand I Love: Zimmermann

The warm weather is approaching, which means that it's time for swimsuit shopping! (Unless you happen to be an extremely organized person who buys seasonal wares such as a bathing suit far in advance.) In honor of this, I'd like to feature another brand I love very much.

Zimmermann is an Australian brand focused on swimwear, although there is also a variety of ready-to-wear and accessories available. Like much Australian clothing, the designs feature cheery, colorful patterns. All of the designs have such a light, summery feel to them that transport the wearer to a paradise where summer never ends.
Each pattern, except for maybe one or two, is used in a variety of swimwear shapes that include bikinis, bandeau bikinis, and one-pieces. The patterns can also be found on a variety of clothing, including dresses and rompers.
Zimmermann also makes swim separates in solid colors, which, although less unusual than the unique patterned suits, share the same beautiful swimwear shapes.
The swim designs are so creative; I've never seen anything else like it.

Blossom Loop Bikini

Labyrinth Wrap Bandeau Bikini

Whisper Frill Bandeau Bikini

Posy Frill 1pc

Lyre Lyre Spliced Corset 1pc

The clothes featured under the "Swim" category are just as gorgeous as the swimsuits.

Valentine Drape Dress

Labyrinth Twist Dress

Posy Layer Scallop Maxi

Whisper Spliced Playsuit

The ready-to-wear items that Zimmermann has to offer are elegant and well-made. The silhouettes of the clothes are just as unusual as those of the swimsuits, with architectural cut-outs, artistic drapes, and a wide selection of beautiful colors. The patterns may not be as bright and summery as those printed on the swimwear, but this gives the clothes a combined summery-fall feel, so they can be worn year-round.

The extensive ready-to-wear collection has a little bit of everything, including feminine dresses and rompers; tailored blazers and coats; and a variety of skirts, pants, and shorts.

Chatter Floral Playsuit

Trivial Draped Velvet Ribbon Skirt

Ballerina Silk Drape Dress

Trivial Garden Origami Dress

Trivial Two-Piece Coat

All images in this post from zimmermanstore.com

Zimmermann swimwear is on the moderately expensive to expensive side, with costs in the $200s for a majority of the suits. Ready-to-wear is more expensive: excluding clothes meant as swim cover-ups, most selections are $350 and up. Prices of accessories vary.

If you live in Australia or New Zealand, you can shop at Zimmermann's online store. Stores, including outlets, can be found all over Australia.

If you live elsewhere, Zimmermann can be found online on various websites. Net-A-Porter has a small selection; the selection on Shopbop and Saks.com is somewhat more extensive.

Zimmermann lookbooks can be found here, as well as information about stockists. 

Other Brand I Love posts can be found here and here.

xoxo