Poll Post: Cold-Weather Leather

Club Monaco knows what's up.

Leather (as in leather & rouge). A while ago, you guys chose it as your favorite texture for the winter. Makes sense. Leather is a symbol of luxury not only in the world of fashion but also in society. It's classic and beautiful in a unique, natural way. Its durability and sturdiness make it a wardrobe staple. Leather is classic, but at the same time it's ultra versatile. It comes in many finishes and textures within itself, the three most popular being suede, patent, and matte (not necessarily in that order). It comes in tons of colors and is used alone or with other materials in mixed media pieces. Designers try out all kinds of trends on leather, like cut outs, for example. Although leather is made for year-round wear, the generally heavy material is great for showing off during the cold winter months. Neutrals are a great choice both because you can wear them often and because the muted colors are perfect for the season.

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Let's not forget about color. Keep in mind that you won't find many winter pieces in color. You'll mostly find layerable pieces like dresses, skirts and short-sleeved. High fashion designers are usually the ones to experiment with all-out leather cold-weather wear.

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Which pieces above are your favorite? Comment, email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com, and pin away! 

Poll Post: Mixed Prints

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Hey guys. It's the first Poll Post of 2014 and I'm ready.

I've been against mixed prints for as long as I can remember. As more and more people catch on and prove me wrong, however, I now feel obligated as a blogger to give it a second chance. Ironically enough, it was probably the worst fashion faux-pas commitable before it became a huge trend. Mixing prints is basically all about visual appeal, so in a way there's not much to it. Just play around until you make a match made in heaven. But if you've been avoiding it and that seems daunting, have no fear! There are just a few basic things to keep in mind when taking on this daring trend. 

1) Keep your overall ensemble simple. Mixed prints make a statement, so let only two printed pieces take the spotlight. Any more than that will look chaotic. Try not to add too many other pieces and accessories. What you do add should complement the mixed prints. Also, highlight either the prints or the underlying elements. 

2) It's gotta be symbiotic. For those of you who forgot everything you learned in high school bio the second the bell rang, my nerdy side is trying to say that both prints have to work with each other. I don't say "balanced" because that's too specific. It means that they can't clash. But clashing- granted, harmonious clashing- is the entire point of mixing prints. So while you can balance your prints, you don't have to. Remember, in the end you have to ask yourself if it looks good, because that's all that really matters.

3) Look past the prints. It can be really hard to like an outfit with clashing pieces. Everything looks off and it just doesn't look good. But if you look past the prints while putting it together, the outfit as a whole will look really cool. What I mean by "looking past the prints" is that you should focus on the color scheme, cut of each piece, texture, and other elements before you look at the prints.

Finally, remember: don't just mix prints for the sake of doing it. If you are unsure, just look in the mirror and decide if it's truly aesthetically appealing. 

Since I don't do this often, let's look to the real experts for some inspo.

Leandra Medine, aka The Man Repeller

My favorite pieces here are the jacket and shorts. The top features a small print but mostly serves as a neutral. I personally don't understand the choice of shoes here, but I guess when you're mixing prints, why not?

Camille Charriere of Camille Over the Rainbow

Camille keeps it simple in this all-neutral ensemble. She keeps the focus on the prints with the simple color scheme- her simple black bag and nude heels are understated and don't clash with her top and skirt. The prints work well with each other; the medium sized animal print draws your eyes down from the bold thick stripes. 

By Rebecca Laurie of Raspberry & Rouge

I found this blog back when I started leather & rouge while checking to make sure that the name was all mine. While I wouldn't wear this look, it's not completely unacceptable as the pants' light pastel print is brought out by the strong leopard print of the shoes.

 If you liked the examples above check out my Blogroll gadget (on the bottom of the left sidebar) to find the links to the websites. What do you think of mixed prints? Which picture was your favorite? Comment and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.

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.

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.