Poll Post: Alternative!

This week, you guys voted for a music post. Since I already did a music post with just a playlist, I wanna switch it up. Today, we're gonna be talking about alternative music. All of it. Sounds pretty silly of me to try and cover the entire genre, right? Don't worry; it's actually not too complicated, and I'll be using songs from my immense collection on Spotify to illustrate each sub-genre.

Alternative music seems out there, but it's really just anything that doesn't fit perfectly into a single genre. Therefore, it's made up of tons of sub-genres. Before we go into that, let's talk about a sub-genre unique to alternative music: indie.

Indie music is generally divided into indie rock and pop. Although they are separate, they sound almost the same, with the exception of a few key elements. Indie rock uses guitar and vocals, mainly, and can sound mellower than indie pop. The background music isn't showcased as much as in indie pop; rather, it's used to support and bring out the vocals. An indie pop song consists of a flowing melody, definite beat, and bold background music, the background music's prominence varying. At times, one or all of these elements can be eccentric, especially the background music and/or instrumentals. And for indie rock and pop, the defining element, in my opinion, is the vocals. Take a listen (indie rock, left and alternative rock, right):

See how the vocals are so light and airy in 'Trojans'? In 'R U Mine?', the alt rock song, the guitar and drums are much more prominent and the vocals are melodic but have a rough-and-tough edge.

The same applies to indie pop.

I know what you're thinking. These two are totally different! But they still share the key elements we discussed above: a driving melody, a strong beat and bold background music. The occasional eccentricity of indie pop is especially clear in the beginning of 'Helena Beat'. Don't they both just make you wanna dance? 

Then again, there are quiet indie songs. 'New Slang' by the Shins is a great example. To the right is a playlist of similar songs.

Here are indie pop and rock playlists.

And now, alternative rock. This is personally my favorite as of right now. Alt rock has flowing melodies marred by a rough tone filled with lots of guitar and drums. Nowadays, as it matures as a genre, synthesizers are sometimes used for the instrumentals, but the classic old guitar and drum duo is still the most common. Here are two songs by the Arctic Monkeys that I'm loving right now. I can't choose my favorite!

Alt rock can also be punk or...sassy? (You'll see what I mean.) Green Day is a great example of the former. Many or most of their hits are full-out punk (Jesus of Suburbia), but Holiday is one that straddles the line. I had it on replay in middle school, and it's still one of my all time faves! East Jesus Nowhere is also similar to Holiday.

Now let's talk sassy. At first, The White Stripes sound like your average alt rock band: bold guitar and beat/drums, loud vocals, and a driven melody. Below is a playlist of a bunch of the White Stripes' best. I also included 'Sixteen Saltines', a single by Jack White, the group's lead singer.

Come to think of it, My Chemical Romance is super sassy. Their sound is actually really similar to the White Stripes, except the guitar and vocals have a messy, laid-back feel.

There's also alternative like the Killers, who have poppy melodies and rock-sounding guitar. Since I don't know them too well, here are their top five hits on Spotify.

One sub-genre of alternative rock I'm also not very familiar with is its "harder" side, which is like the Killers-- melodic, but with rough guitar and drums, and more aggressive. Artists with this style include Evanescence and Three Days Grace, who I had a short stint with maybe six months ago. Here's my favorite song by them.

Now, we come to one of the most mysterious sub-genres of alternative music: modern alternative. I probably listen to it the least (although that may not apply to certain songs in the playlist below); it's the closest I'll willingly get to avant-garde music. However, some modern alt songs are really cool. Here's a playlist to help you understand this sub-genre.

Whew! That was a lot. Although I definitely didn't cover all of alternative music, I hope this post gave you a good feel for it. So did anyone find a new favorite song? Have one you're dying to share with me? Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com with a Youtube link!

Poll Post: 7 Popular Styles and their Descriptions

First off, I'd like to thank the one person who voted on the poll and made this week's Poll Post possible (You know who you are!). Also, today is leather & rouge's 2-week anniversary. Yay! Now, let's get to the good stuff. (Note: I put some styles together because they're similar or have a close connection.)

1) Modern and Trendy

Here's the thing with these two: Trendy is always modern, but modern isn't always trendy. Why? Modern style reflects the glory of industrialization. It sounds weird, but what I mean is that modern apparel is the result of sewing machines, laser cutters, and other technology. Trendy style is extremely of-the-moment. It's basically straight off the runway, except you don't have to wear a high-end version of the trend to be considered trendy. Instead, you can shop at fast-fashion brands like Forever 21, H&M, and Zara, which cater to trendsetters on a budget. Now that we've established the relationship between the two styles, let's look at each one separately.

Modern

• Cuts
• No significantly frayed or fringed hems
• cuts are always made to fit; no off-the shoulder or baggy fits
• Material
• usually synthetic; if not, generally smooth and sturdy
• polyester
• silk
• tighly-knit wool and/or wool blends
• high-count linen and cotton fabric
• Graphics
• always simple but bold
• geometric patterns
• zig-zags
• abstract shapes
• tessellations
• classic prints
• floral
• stripes
• polka dots
• Colors
• bright colors used as an accent in an outfit (pop of color)
• colorblocking
• neutrals are considered basics; examples:
• khakis
• white blazer
• black pencil skirt

Trendy

• Whatever is trending! Usually, each outfit focuses on a single trend. However, the details can also be reflections of trends.

2) Boho

If I had to describe boho style in one word, it would be natural... or hippie. I think of my style as modern boho because I personally don't like the messy cuts of some boho clothes, like extra long fringe or too-short crops (I wonder why that's considered so boho?). Generally, this style is associated with simple cuts, natural materials, and earthen colors. It shows the down-to-earth side of fashion (when done right).

• Cuts
• always simple
• include boho details, when they're part of the hem
• fringe
• frayed hems
• if the cut doesn't look exclusively boho, it's still simple
• babydoll tops and dresses (popular at Free People)
• fit-and-flare
• shift
• Material
• natural and sometimes polyester, if the material isn't the focus of the piece (e.g. an embroidered piece)
• cotton
• linen
• burlap
• hemp
• thick-knit material
• wool
• silk
• Graphics
• organic patterns
• Aztec print
• florals
• a photo print
• other patterns; usually not too bold (these are never out-stated and/or the focus of the piece)
• plaid
• small polka dots
• stripes
• Colors
• earthen colors
• neutrals
• muted colors (maroon, emerald, gray-blue, etc)
• pale colors, the best in my opinion being pale pink
• you can do bright color, but do it with a pop of color. Surround the accent color with all or some of the following: taupes, grays, blacks, and other neutrals. Some good accent colors include:
• bright green-yellow
• fuschia
• turquoise
• no crazy neons (besides the first one on this list!)

3) Edgy and Punk

Edgy and punk are basically the same, but edgy style isn't as deeply rooted in the punk movement as punk style itself. Since punk style was started in the 1970s by young people questioning society's status quo, it commonly has elements that were considered "improper" to wear at the time. Think of edgy style as a shoot-off of punk. Not that people who dress edgy aren't as into punk culture. (Movement? Culture? What? Yes, there's a punk version of those. Check out this link from the Met's website for more information on the punk movement and culture.)

Edgy

• Cuts
• normal cuts; nothing special
• sometimes details are part of the cut
• frayed hems/cutoffs
• Material
• polyester
• cotton
• basically anyhting else, but mostly the above two because when the punk movement started, those materials were popular
• Graphics
• things considered "rebellious" (in edgy style they're not that bad)
• skulls
• chains
• studs
• metallic details
• moto details
• leather
• zips
• Colors
• muted colors
• neutrals; mostly blacks and grays

Punk style is basically edgy, but the details are not only more thorough in the clothes but also in the wearer's appearance and sometimes even lifestyle. Edgy style isn't as deep; it's more focused on fashion than the punk culture. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert on punk style, so here's a collection of links to enlighten you. (I know the second link is for men, but don't worry; versions of each featured item exist for women too.)

• Wikipedia "Punk Fashion" article
• GQ "The 11 Essentials of Punk Style" Slideshow
• punkstyle on tumblr
• Punk fashion search results for the Huffington Post 

4) Classic and Vintage

Finally we come to the last pair of styles. Classic and vintage styles are by nature the most feminine out of all the styles we've gone over so far. Once again, let's differentiate between the two. In this case, classic style is the off-shoot of vintage style. Vintage style reflects the trends of the 40's to 60's. During this time period, especially towards the end, women's natural beauty was the focus. Voluptuous women, like actress Marilyn Monroe, were big influences on vintage style. Two-piece ensembles were glamorized as feminism rose to prominence. These, along with dresses, were cut to show off the natural shape of the female body. Makeup like red lipstick and cat-eye liner also amplified natural beauty. Classic style can be much like vintage style since vintage clothes look good on everybody. Generally, classic style involves "safe" elements of design. Classic outfits are 9/10 times visually pleasing.

Classic

• Cuts
• always universally flattering
• fit-and-flare
• shift
• babydoll
• Material
• either smooth or statement-making fabrics (more commonly the former)
• polyester
• silk
• textured fabrics
• Graphics
• classic prints
• polka dots
• stripes
• non-busy prints
• Colors
• anything- the key is to make it look good with the whole outfit

Vintage

• Cuts
• always made to accentuate the figure
• high waisted
• fit-and-flare
• babydoll
• Material
• cotton
• generally, materials that were popular from the '40s to '60s
• Graphics
• classic prints
• polka dots
• stripes
• Colors
• solids
• neutrals
• no neons; neon dye wasn't around back then!

If anything above sounds inaccurate or stereotypical, I apologize! These descriptions reflect the extent of my knowledge.

Knowing and understanding different styles is important to be able to do for several reasons. Here are the two big ones.

• You'll end up finding your own style. Knowing your own personal style is very important when it comes to understanding yourself fashion-wise. It definitely takes a while to really get it, but it the end it's more than worth it. My personal style is modern boho. I like clean cuts and some modern details and boho materials, colors, and details. The amount of elements from both styles varies from outfit to outfit. I love leather, zippers, and denim. If I choose to stray from my usual style, my rules still apply. One of my biggest rules is to never go overboard on details. I like wearing just enough to make each one stand out. When I see a great outfit, there's no better feeling than my awe at a single piece, detail, or overall harmony of the ensemble. I know my preferred style is what I described above because when I wear a different style, the outfits are nowhere near as creative or pleasing to me as those that reflect my true style. 
• If you don't identify with a style right off the bat, you'll get an understanding of the elements of design you like. Elements of design, huh? Fancy. What I mean by that is cut, material, and print. If you look at these individually, you'll find that your style probably doesn't fall into a single category. As I touched upon in my turban post, each style associates with certain materials. Let's take boho and modern style, two polar opposites, for example. Boho people like natural materials like cotton, hemp, silk, and suede. Modern style reflects modern materials, which usually means synthetic materials like rayon, micro modal, other types of polyester, and also silk since it's sleek. Smooth leather (e.g. Italian leather) is used in many accessories, mainly handbags. Just as these two styles are associated with certain materials, they are also associated with certain cuts and prints. Boho is to fringe and natural stone details as modern is to polished metal and other smooth and/or shiny details. An Aztec print is boho and a geometric print is modern. Aside from these, there are other elements that don't necessarily have to do with a certain style. The simplest example is color. Do you like brights or neutrals? I must say, I'm head-over-heels for neutrals and earth tones. As you identify your preferences one by one, your style will emerge. 

So, did this article help you further understand style? Did you find any cool new facts from the links? Comment below and shoot me an email at leatherandrouge@gmail.com. 

7 Cute Cosmetic Bags

Recently, I've been searching high and low for a good makeup bag so I can keep my things organized. My grandparents are over and we have to share bathroom space, so I seriously need one! Here, I'm showcasing 7 of my favorite finds.

Lulu Guinness Wink Makeup Bag, $92.82, asos.com

This bag caught my eye because of the cute graphic print. The black and white helps bring out the design. The satin back and lining give the bag a luxe feel.

Ted Baker 'Roses in a Row - small" Cosmetics Case, $40, nordstrom.com

Even though 50's and 60's style isn't really my thing, this rose-printed bag is one of the cutest vintage accessories I've seen. This is great for all you girly girls!

kate spade new york Davie Print Cosmetic Case, $60, bloomingdales.com

This bag is similar to the previous Ted Baker pick we just looked at, but with a whimsical, city-oriented print.

Longchamp Dome Cosmetic Case, $120, bloomingdales.com

I was drawn to this bag's simple, sturdy build. The poppy orange offers a trendy pop of color while the leather makes it durable. If you are looking to investment in a new cosmetic bag, this is a good option.

Disaster Designs 'Holding Pattern' Makeup Bag, $23.99, modcloth.com

Once again, I stumbled upon a bag with an eye-catching abstract print. This one is made of faux leather and has prints of different sewing directions on it, with a cute little tape measure bow on top.

kate spade new york 'South of the Border - Gia' Pouch, $78, bloomingdales.com

This bag has an old-school, vintagey vibe, what with the off-white canvas, painted letters, and simple phrase. You can even take this bag out as a casual clutch with certain outfits.

Zara Printed Clutch Bag, $19.99 (on sale), zara.com

I liked this bag because of the simple but chic geometric print. It wasn't meant to be a makeup bag, but what clutch can't serve as one? Plus, it's a steal at $20!

Which bag is your favorite? Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com. And remember, the Poll Post is in 5 days! Vote!

7 Shocking Neon Lipsticks

Hello!

Although I've read an infinite number of articles about it, one cosmetic I have yet to buy for myself is lipstick. However, I am determined to change that, and one of the first colors I buy will be a neon. But there are so many options: reds, pinks, and oranges. Here, I've compiled 7 of the best neon lipsticks I could find, along with tips to make sure you meet your match (before it's fall and we have to start wearing deep reds).

1) Pink

Topshop Sheer Lipstick in Lolly, $16, us.topshop.com

Right now you may be wondering what the difference between neon pink and hot pink is. This lipstick does look very similar in color to the hot pink one below. However, if you click the above link and take a look at the color swatch, you can see that it is much lighter than hot pink. It even looks a little florescent. This lipstick is great because of its sheer formula, which makes it easy to use day and night. Wear it sheer for an everyday look and build it up for a statement lip.

2) Hot Pink

NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Schiap, $26, narscosmetics.com

This brilliant pink is great for all skin tones. If you have cool undertones and this overpowers your complexions, try a sheer finish. All it takes to get even the most opaque lipstick to give you a sheer finish is a little time and patience to blot! (If it still doesn't work, consider a hot pink with a different color base.)

3) Orange

Lancome 'Rouge in Love' Lipstick in Miss Coquelicot, $26, nordstrom.com

This color is a true orange that is bold, bright, and made for a statement lip. Because of this, I recommend you go try it in-store to make sure the color is right for you. Generally, this color looks best on people with warm complexions because orange is a very warm color. However, there are many strong shades of orange for cool complexions to wear; this Lancome pick is just an example.

4) Red-orange

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor in Vibrant Madarin, $7.49, ulta.com

This orange is very deep with a strong red base. It's way safer than the true orange because it isn't as bright and is closer to a red, which stands out on all complexions.

5) Coral

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Lipstick Fushion Lipstick in Coral Orange, $35, sephora.com

Ever since coral makeup became a hit last year, endless variations of the color have popped up, each company calling it the same thing: coral. Despite all these versions, coral is always a pink-orange color. There are so many shades of coral because those tinted with more pink are casual while those with more orange are much brighter. And within those, everyone has their own preferences. This shade is very orange with the slightest hint of pink (hence the name Coral Orange), making it a great neon lipstick.

6) Magenta

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Hoochie, $18, sephora.com

Magenta is a hot pink with a just-noticeable touch of purple. The color of this product is a great shade of magenta because it has perfect amount of purple in it. A lot of times, companies forget the purple and instead offer a darker shade of hot pink. But that's not what magenta is! This pretty shade works on many skin tones, so consider this color before the others if you don't have any neons yet and are thinking of buying some. (Note: The product featured here is very opaque, so it won't blot very well if you want a sheer finish.)

7) Lilac

Maybelline New York Color Whisper Sensational Lipcolor in Oh La Lilac, $5.94, amazon.com

This color is very similar to that of the light pink Topshop lipstick, but with a lavender twist. It's really trendy, and since it's such a light shade, it can be easily transitioned from day to night. The  sheer buildable finish doesn't hurt, either.

Tips:

• The number one thing to do before applying any color to your lips is exfoliating and moisturizing!
• If a color seems to overwhelm your face, try toning it down (make it sheer[er] by blotting). If that doesn't work or looks worse, find a color as close as possible to that with the same undertones (cool, warm, or neutral) as your skin.
• As I mentioned many times above, these neons can easily be used during day and night! Mild neons (e.g. pink and lilac) can be worn opaque for the whole day, while for more outstated colors, the key is making sure you wear a sheer finish during the day and a nice opaque one for the evening/night. 
• If your lips are naturally two-toned like mine (usually, this means a dark upper lip and pink lower lip) and it's keeping your lipcolor from standing out, exfoliate and moisturize your lips and do one of the following before reapplying your lipstick(whichever works the best for you, so the best thing to do would be to test them all out!):
• Use a lip pencil that matches your lipstick.
• Apply your usual foundation to your lips.
• Use a lip primer. 

So, which neon do you have your eyes on? I'm thinking about the orange! Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.

Poll Post: How to Find Your Skin's Undertones

Hi ladies!

I want this first Poll Post to help you understand one of the most important things there is to know about beauty: your skin's undertone. This is the underlying tint of your skin. These tints are classified into three categories: cool, warm, and neutral. Knowing your undertone makes it easier to talk to makeup professionals when finding the right makeup for you. After a while, you will be able to use this knowledge to find it yourself.

So, what undertones go where?

Cool: Reds, blues, and purples
Warm: Oranges and yellows
Neutral: A balanced combination of cool and warm undertones

Here's how to find yours:

1) Clear your face. Wash off your makeup and pull back your hair. Now nothing is physically in the way of your face.

2) Adjust your environment. Look in a mirror after making sure your environment is well-lit with natural light. Harsh white or colored light can wash out your complexion.

3) Try to find your undertone directly. If you can see a color clearly in your skin, you most probably have a very cool or warm complexion. The two most easily identifiable colors are red and yellow. However, even if you think you are sure of your undertone, go on to the next steps to make sure.

4) Your veins. Now look at the vein(s) on your wrist. If they are blue, you probably have a cool complexion. If they are green, you probably have a warm complexion.

5) The Jewelry Test. This will be an important step for you if you suspect you have a neutral complexion. It's really simple. Just answer this question: Do you look better in gold or silver? If you said gold, you have a warm complexion. If you said silver, you have a cool complexion. If both look fine, you most likely have a neutral complexion.

Although there are many other ways to find your undertone, these are the some of the most common techniques. If you're still stuck, there are 3 things you can do.

• The first is to see a beauty professional. They will most definitely be able to tell you, and furthermore, can give you makeup suggestions. After doing this a significant number of times, you will eventually gain the experience and knowledge to find your own makeup. 
• If you are bent on finding your undertone independently, the best thing thing to do is to get to a beauty store like Sephora or Ulta and try. it. on! The more you try on different brands and colors, the better you will get to know the products you're interested in and how they work for you. Right now you may be daydreaming about that new limited edition lipstick color, but if it ends up not looking good on your complexion, thinking about it at all will have become a huge waste of energy. 
• The only thing left to do is your research! If this post didn't help, try other sources. Here are a few links to get you started: 
• Seventeen "What's Your Skintone?" Quiz
• The Beauty Department- "Going Undercover: Undertones"
• About.com- "How to Determine Your Skin's Undertone"

What did you guys think of our first Poll Post? Are you going to go out and buy more colored makeup now? Or were you unable to figure out your complexion? Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com. [There's another poll up- vote!!(: ]

Current Trend: The Headwrap/Turban Headband

Hi everyone! It's been a busy weekend. Saturday I hit the beach, and Sunday I went on a hiking daytrip with family and friends. 

First time all summer...LOL.

Recently, the turban headband, or headwrap, has been popping up everywhere, from fast fashion stores (e.g. Forever 21 and Zara) to the runway. They come in a wide variety of prints, materials, shapes, and prices. Here are some examples to give you an idea of all the available options. 

Forever 21 Knotted Polka Dot Headwrap, $3.80
 forever21.com

Tasha 'Sneaky Snake' Headwrap, $22
nordstrom.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Headwrap, $78
bloomingdales.com

Berry 'Pirate Skull' Faux Suede Headwrap, $16
nordstrom.com 

Obviously, like any other accessory, you should buy a headwrap that matches your style. I'll target the four most common styles: classic, casual boho/vintage, modern/trendy, and edgy/punk.

• If your style is classic and feminine- think pearl earrings, riding boots, cardigans, and skinnies- I'd go for one similar to the Forever 21 style above. The navy-and-white polka dot print is girly and can't go out of style (Duh- they're the new stripes?) and the knot detail is a nice feminine touch. Here's a styling idea:



Clockwise from top left:
DV by Dolce Vita Marv Oxford flats, $79, macys.com
Forever 21 Essential Eyelash Lace Dress, $24.80, forever 21.com
Forever 21 Knotted Polka Dot Headwrap, $3.80, forever21.com
AEO Pearl Stud Earrings, $12.50, ae.com

• Likewise, I'd recommend the Tasha headwrap to people with casual boho/vintage style (We'll call it "boho" for short.). Boho girls are often into materials like leather, washed denim, and natural fabrics. They gravitate towards details like earthy colors, fringe and natural stone (e.g. quartz and turquoise) This headwrap looks and feels like crepe made of cotton or some other natural fiber. Natural details are an essential element in boho style. That said, the soft snake print and earthen red and neutrals of the accessory greatly contribute to its "boho-ness". (PS: To make this headwrap look ten times more boho, wear it like the model in the picture below.)

Here's a styling idea:

Left to right by column:
Madewell pixelbloom top, $98, madewell.com
J. Crew Piled Stones Bracelet, $75, jcrew.com
Wet Seal Triangle Two Finger Ring, $6.50, wetseal.com
UNIF 'Penny' Denim Suspender Shorts, $110, nastygal.com
Sixty-Seven 'Nilus' Gladiator Sandal, $85, nastygal.com
J. Crew Colorblock bracelet, $68, jcrew.com


Tasha 'Sneaky Snake' Headwrap, $22, nordstrom.com

• Now we come to the Marc Jacobs headwrap. This is best suited for all the trendsetters out there. Modern girls like clean cuts, bold prints and colors, statement details, and of course, the latest trends. So does this headwrap make the cut? Its smooth look and feel (no doubt polyester) make it sleek, and the bold, colorblocked geometric print is totally trendy. Since trendy = modern, this is a perfect modern accessory. Here's a styling idea:

Left to right by column:
Marc by Marc Jacobs Headwrap, $78, bloomingdales.com
Babaton 'Quinn' Skirt, $64.99 (on sale), aritzia.com
Bordeaux Vegan Leather Peplum Top, $88, anthropologie.com
Wet Seal Ankle Strap Heels, $22.95, wetseal.com

kate spade new york Oval Stud Earrings, $38, nordstrom.com

• Finally, let's look at the Berry headwrap. People with edgy style like muted colors and details like chains, skulls, studs, and metallics in general. The amount of detail preferred varies from person to person, but overall, it's safe to say that you never wanna go overboard with statement and metallic details. For example, you want to avoid the 'trendy' skull-printed top or stud-covered anything. The turban I chose to represent edgy style matches well because although it has a lot of studs, they are balanced by the faux suede of the band and are the only major detail of the headwrap. Here's a styling idea:

Left to right by column:
Shredded Cable Knit, $34 (on sale), nastygal.com
Rag & Bone 'Jekyll' mid-rise stretch-leather and twill skinnies, $284.98 (on sale), theoutnet.com
Report 'Seymore' Boot, $130, piperlime.com
Berry 'Pirate Skull' Faux Suede Headwrap, $16, nordstrom.com

Aldo 'Prudka' Ear Accessory, $12, aldoshoes.com

If you still aren't sure about how to style a turban, here are a few pointers. 

• Generally, turbans with knot or loop details as a focal point give off a more casual vibe. We can see this in the examples above. (The Berry headwrap is an exception. We'll get to that later.) Both the Forever 21 and Marc Jacobs styles have knot or loop details, but its not the focal point of the Marc Jacobs one. This gives it a more polished look and feel. The plain style of the Tasha turban gives it a little bit more versatility. It definitely works with casual outfits- the material and print are perfect for it- and it can also be slightly dressed up. However, it can't be as dressed up as the Marc Jacobs turban because it's made of a natural material. Other than just casual, the Tasha turban would work best in a casual-dressy outfit.
• Now let's talk about why the Berry headwrap is an exception. Firstly, it's more of a headband than a headwrap. Anyhow, it's casual because instead of having a knot or loop detail, it has stud detailing.
• As far as material goes, natural = [boho] casual and synthetic and silk = classic, modern, or edgy. This is because the material is an important element of boho casual, modern/trendy, and classic styles. In boho casual style, natural materials are key. In modern, classic, and edgy styles, clean silhouettes, which can be achieved by wearing smooth materials (e.g. polyester and silk), are key. It's important in modern style because modern materials are synthetic. The same goes for classic style. Smooth materials are key in edgy styles because there, the details should be the focal point. 

As for me, I wore this turban, my new favorite hair accessory, to the beach on Saturday (my first time there this whole summer!). It features an abstract geometric print in black against a taupe background.

I got it from American Eagle for around $10. Since I really like neutrals, the color of the headband appealed to me. It will also go with a lot of my wardrobe since many of my clothes are also neutral. The front loop detail gives it a casual, vintage/boho feel, which I absolutely love. (I love dressing boho-y.) The second I saw it online, I knew I had to have it!

So what do you think? Did this post give you new insight into the turban trend? Let's talk! Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com. 

Summer playlist

Hi everyone!

So today, as I was writing my next post [..(;], I thought that since my weekend was so summery, and the summer is almost over, I'd make a Spotify playlist in honor of it. Plus, if I don't post something soon I'll be up all night on here.

There are 25 tracks. Enjoy(:



And remember, feedback! How'd you like the playlist? Yay or nay? Comment below and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.

Marc Jacobs Beauty is new at Sephora!

So, soon after writing my very first blog post, I found myself extremely eager to do another one.

I know I said I haven't been to Sephora many times, but I am in the know from their emails. (To sign up online, go to http://www.sephora.com/, scroll all the way down, and enter your email into the box next to the envelope icon with the words "sign up for Sephora emails".)

Today, I got one announcing Marc Jacobs' first full beauty collection. See it here.

In recent years Marc Jacobs has been hailed for the ultra popular perfumes Daisy and Honey.

As I scrolled through, I found one product I really wanna try: the "Magic Marc'er Precision Pen". It's a waterproof liquid eyeliner pen.

It caught my eye at first because I looove eye makeup. It's the only type of makeup I'll buy without trying on thousands of times. In fact, I buy it at the drugstore.

Anyway, liquid eyeliner is my number one cosmetic because of my unnaturally thin lashes. I find eyeliner pens to be the easiest type to use because all the others require a very steady hand, which I unfortunately lack.

To add to those, all of the reviewers at Sephora.com raved about the intensity of the ink, the staying power of the formula, or both. And each review was five stars. Not bad for a first, Marc.

As with anything else, however, there are a few downsides. At $30, it isn't cheap. It also only comes in black right now, which may be disappointing to fair-skinned girls seeking a more natural look.

However, this isn't the only new product available. Remember to check out the rest of the collection here.

So, what do you guys think? Are you gonna try the eyeliner? Talk to me about the rest of the collection! Leave comments and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.

Welcome!

Hey guys!

As you may know from my "About me" blurb, my name is Amulya, and leather & rouge is my very first blog. I made it on a whim, but so far I have high hopes for its future. Getting to the point, I want to dedicate this post to the who-what-wear (buh-dum-tshhh) of the blog.

Right now I don't have a schedule for posting, but I do want to make sure I get at least one in every week. We'll take it from there.

Here's an idea of the upcoming content of leather & rouge:

40% Fashion
20% Beauty
20% Music
20% Other

My main mission is going to be to get that Beauty percentage up. (I can count on my fingers the amount of times I've been to Sephora. Not good for an aspiring beauty junkie.)

I love getting feedback, so in addition to posts inspired by my own life, I wanna get some through a weekly poll! Here's how it'll work: Every week, I'll put up a poll, and whichever option wins will be featured in a weekly "Poll Post". If no one votes, there won't be a Poll Post that week. So make sure you vote!

And that's all I got for now.

-Amulya