Loving Now - Black Accents

I've always loved black more than brown. Rich browns are beautiful but I guess it's the rocker chick in me that loves black. It's tough, classy, a neutral, and all round awesome. My purchases and go to items lately are no exception. 

click on the photos above for more information

This veiled beanie was a holiday DIY project for me. It was super easy and I love the results. There is a post coming soon. I snagged this scarf last spring at Target. It's not available online any longer but I've seen it in stores. It looks similar to an Alexander McQueen scarf that costs hundreds more and I love it. These 3.1 Phillip Lim sunglasses are my new faves. They were a super sale buy from Neiman Marcus Last Call ($60, originally $225). They will have to be my substitute for the Pashli. This Stella & Dot bracelet is one of my new favorites. It's in heavy rotation. I'm lusting after these Zara boots. They're fantastic but I'm not sure that they are in my budget. I'm still debating. My mom gave me this ASOS jacket for my birthday. I love it and only put it away when I need a super heavy coat. It reminds me of the jacket that Poppy Montgomery's character wears on Unforgetable. A nude eye with black liner is my go to makeup. This Revlon ColorStay pen draws a precise line and lasts all day.

Fashion Inspired by Heart

We decided to take a very short honeymoon trip to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame (we're taking a longer trip later this year). It's in keeping with our rock inspired wedding and it was an economical trip after spending much of our money on the wedding.  I know Cleveland isn't everyone's ideas of a  romantic honeymoon destination but {msL} and I have a great time no matter where we go. This week the female fronted rock band, Heart will be inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.  I think it's about time. They are one of my favorite bands.  Not only did Ann and Nancy Wilson sing but they wrote the songs and played instruments too.  Trailblazers! In honor of these two talented and stylish ladies, I thought I'd show how their style is influential, event today.

Click above for info on the fashion.

The style of Ann and Nancy has evolved over the years.  They went from bohemian, to 70's tailored fashion, to 80's over the top and now they've settled into their own style.  I love their early influences, boots, pants with tuxedo stripes, chokers, fur, and lots of black eyeliner.

I'm looking forward to our visit to the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. Check out Heart's biography here.

Makeup - Layering Isn't Just for Clothes

One of the best lessons I've learned, in the many years I've been applying my makeup, layering.  To get the best results you need to layer products.  We are constantly taught to layer clothing but layering makeup products is rarely taught.  All sorts of companies claim that their products are "All in One".  They say, you can save time and you only need this one step.  Well, that's a great pipe dream but I've rarely found one product that does it all.  My eyes are the place I do the most layering, on my lashes and under my eyes.

Layering - Concealer

I have chronic dark circles. I've mentioned them before. The battle to cover them has been raging ever since I started wearing makeup. Sleep helps a little but they are never completely gone.  My sister shares this same struggle and my mom has a hint of them, so I know they're hereditary. I could live without blush, eyeshadow and even lipstick but I can't live without concealer. The first step is a depuffing roller and serum.  I use Garnier. I follow with a rich eye cream, like Physicians Formula Intensive Wrinkle Corrector Eye Cream. Moisturizing is crucial for concealer. Then I add Benefit Lemon Aid on the darkest areas.  It neutralizes the bluish tones.  Then I add Cle de Peau concealer, with a brush. It's my miracle product. It covers better than any concealer I've ever used. It's pricey but a tube lasts me almost a year and it's worth every penny. I follow with a long wearing creamy concealer (like Revlon ColorStay concealer).  Then I finish with a light dusting of powder to set it all. This multilayer combination virtually eliminates my chronic and very dark circles, which is an amazing accomplishment.

Layering - Mascara

Mascara is another layering trick.  I heard this tip from a makeup artist and I never gone back to just one mascara.  A few months ago I started using Physicians Formula Eye Booster Eyeliner + Serum.  I was skeptical that it would really grow my lashes.  I'd tried drugstore serums before but to be honest, I wasn't consistent with use.  I use eyeliner daily and got it on sale.  It gets fantastic reviews.  I have to say, it lives up to the reviews and the hype.  My short stubby lashes really are longer and fuller.  I love this product!  I apply my liner first then I begin layering mascara.  I start with Maybelline Lash Stiletto.  It lengthens my lashes and defines them.  Then I add Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume mascara (or another volume type mascara).  Last I use Clinique Bottom Lash mascara to get the inner and outer corners of my eyes.  I know it's for lower lashes but the tiny brush is perfect for the tight corners of my eyes and my lower lashes too. This layering process gives me thick, long lashes without false lashes or extensions. It works great. I love many of the expensive mascaras but frankly, I've found great economical options at the drugstore that work just as well for me as the pricey brands.  I get three different mascaras for the price of one high end brand.  Clinique is a department store brand but the lower lash mascara is only $10 at Sephora.

Do you layer any of your products?

Inspiration - Classic Makeup

Although the thought behind this post is wedding related, this one is something that anyone who loves the classic look of black eyeliner and a red lip could use.  My wedding dress is a being custom made for me by my Mom and it's a vintage Vogue pattern from the 1950's.  I don't want to look costumey, like I'm going for a 50's theme but the classic makeup of that time period is beautiful and timeless.  I wear black liner on a regular basis and I also love a bold lip.  Choosing this classic look but in an amped up version means I won't look overly made up but I'll just be a better version of my everyday self.

Over the weekend I caught a replay of the movie Burlesque on TV.  The scene where Christina is singing "Bound To You" is incredibly striking.  The song is beautiful but her look in that scene is stunning.  I love her makeup.  In this movie of over the top costumes and crazy makeup and hair, this scene is a stark contrast.  She looks sultry but also soft and beautiful. For more on my classic and retro inspired wedding makeup, including some great tutorials, read more after the jump.