Blog

styledbylyric3 Comments

20140421-153821.jpg

 

CONFESSIONS OF A MAKEUP BAG

Lyric was originated to focus on wardrobes & styling, but I’ve noticed an incredibly important & under-appreciated part of a woman’s wardrobe; her makeup.  While I won’t sit here & proclaim to know all-things-makeup, I do in fact know the importance of cleanliness & maintenance of your beauty products. As displayed above, today was cleaning day & I’ve decided to share the knowledge I have, my tips & tricks to keeping clean brushes & makeup bags, & some shocking statistics that may have you buying double the soap in your household. Here goes [squeamish ones beware]…

The Chicago Examiner conducted a survey & found the following results:

  • 56% of women go months without replacing their mascara [hello styes, nice to meet you]
  • 55% of women admit to sleeping with their makeup on daily [poor pillowcases]
  • 53% of women simply “forget” to wash their makeup brushes [bacteria heaven]

I noticed long ago that my skin would break out along by cheek bones, nose & forehead when I didn’t wash my bronzer brush & even my eyebrows would get a blemish or two when I didn’t clean my brow brush. Then, during my [broke] college years, I would randomly wake up with a stye on my eyelid, never noticing the relationship between sharing makeup, old makeup & my new red, eye bump. I decided it was time to change these frustrating circumstances & become aware of my makeup cleanliness & have since never looked back. To this day I clean my brushes, bags, scissors, applicators & tweezers weekly. Here’s my never-fail process:

brushes

BRUSHES:

  1. Hand wash every item in your bag with warm water & soap
  2. Grab your daily face-wash & saturate every bristled item in your bag with a drop of this product
  3. Wash thoroughly until bristles are back to their original color
  4. Repeat this process with your liquid &/or powder applicators

bag

MAKEUP BAG:

  1. Flip bag(s) inside out
  2. Wash & scrub heavily with hot water & soap
  3. Repeat this process, but with your daily face-wash [be sure not to miss the corners]
  4. Let air-dry inside out

trashed

MAKEUP SHELF LIFE:

While there are no legal requirements for makeup expiration, there are certainly suggested dates that have been compiled over the years. I recommend keeping a log of dates for each new piece of makeup as it’s purchased. Regardless, here are some tried & true timelines for your makeup:

  • Mascara: throw out your mascara [regardless of how expensive it was] after 3 months
  • Eye-Pencils: let these babies go after 2 years [keeping a clean sharpen each use]
  • Eye-shadow: dry shadows can last up to 2 years, while liquid shadows should be tossed after 12 months
  • Lipsticks: these stainers should be ditched after 2 years of use [or non-use]
  • Powders/Blushes: cream blushes & foundations can be held onto for up to a year, while powders can last up to 2 years
  • Foundation & Concealer: liquid concealer should be let go of at 12 months, while stick & moisturizing foundations can last up to 18 months

If you commit to this process weekly, you will find that your skin & pores will love you more than ever. “EVERY WEEK!?” you ask…as this experiment shows, bacteria can start growing on your brushes as quickly as 24 hours after use. Um, gross!

Your wardrobe & overall appearance is not isolated to just clothing, but rather the entire end result. These steps will elevate your look & maintain your overall well-being. Who doesn’t want that?

Happy cleaning, beauties. Xx.

 

Suit Up

styledbylyric3 Comments

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset

Acacia Swimwear is killing it this Summer with their new line of absolutely stunning suits. As a women with major hips & booty, I’ve learned that embracing my curves & highlighting them through the right pieces in my wardrobe is crucial. [Much like the above, Natasha Oakley, who is a huge inspiration]. If you dare to bare all & be a little bit bolder this Summer, then these suits are perfect for you. You can purchase pieces from their 2014 line through the following websites:

As always, know your body, trust what it wants & remember that healthy bodies are sexy bodies. Xx.

styledbylyric2 Comments

nails

Nailed It

While spending the majority of our time & energy on redefining our wardrobe & what works within it, we may forget to dress our most visible feature: our hands. Your hands are two of the first things people see [& often touch] upon an introduction & keeping them clean & polished matters just as much as the rest of you. I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite nail secrets & colors for Spring 2014, to keep you looking fresh, put together & ahead of the game. Here goes…

Image

“Butler Please” by Essie is one of my absolute musts this season. It’s a stunning, deep cobalt blue that brings life to any outfit. Never do I get more compliments on my nails than when I rock this color.

Image

Pastels are everything this Spring & Orly’s “Harmonious Mess” is the front runner for my tan-hand babes. This color will, unfortunately, wash out any pale-hued hands, so perhaps put this one off until the true Summer months.

pinking of you

I love the versatility of this soft pink by OPI titled “Pink-ing Of You”. It’s chic, not overdone & makes any size, shape & colored hand look gorgeous.

merino cool

If the pastel look is something you appreciate, but you can’t quite get on board with, then try “Merino Cool” by Essie. This unique purpled-taupe hue will make for an effortless Winter to Spring transition & dresses up incredibly well, without the harshness of black.

mr and mrs

I have a lot of clients & friends that have careers that prevent them from sporting bright-themed nails, so this perfect nude by OPI titled “Mimosa’s for Mr. & Mrs.” is my recommendation. This isn’t your grandmothers nude polish, it adds just a hint of color without aging your hands. Not to mention, it is the perfect wedding polish.

topcoat

And now for my secret weapon: Barielle Gel Top Coat. This extra layer will gloss & prolong your mani for up to two weeks. I use it on my [at home] pedicures & my feet look amazing for weeks! The price point is a little steep, but it’s way worth the investment, as this product will last you. I promise.

So the next time you’re on a Target run to get that loofah & those whitening strips you’ll end up forgetting throughout your trip, be sure to pay your hands & feet some mind. They deserve some dressing up just as much as you do. Xx.

The Big Reveal

styledbylyric6 Comments

20140414-170847.jpg20140414-170854.jpgI figured it was probably time for me to debut the face behind the words & show that I really am a fashion-friendly, credible source for all things style & wardrobe.

I made myself one major promise upon starting Lyric & this blog in it’s entirety & it was that I refuse to relentlessly post pictures of myself on here. I want this part of the blogesphere to be about my readers & [potential] clients & about helping them identify their own personal style, not to mimic mine. However, if you find yourself inspired by any of my pictures, outfits, jewelry, etc., when they seldom do appear on the blog please don’t hesitate to reach out & inquire!

So here it is. Me. A shameless car selfie [taken on my iPhone]. Today’s fit & gems. & some major post-manicure debris.

Happy Monday, babes! Xx.

do you have the time?

styledbylyricLeave a comment

do you have the time?

Watches are the perfect accessory for any outfit, but selecting the right one can be tricky & slightly exhausting. With the ever-trending boyfriend watch vs. the sleek & elegant feminine competitors, one can get lost in the shuffle. Let’s stop time for a minute & make some sense of it all…

Boyfriend watches: these gold, silver, mixed metal, large, strapped or linked watches can be worn with nearly anything & pull a not-so-polished look together in 1-2-3. This look can be incredibly versatile, but needs little embellishment. More often than not I see women [& men] wearing watch accents, also known as “arm candy”. Large watches are like the loudest person in the room; they need no introduction & less should be is more. Pair a thin cuff [of similar metal] or chain bracelet alongside your timepiece & call it good. I also prefer wearing my bulkier rings on the opposing hand as the watch to even out the weight differential.

Feminine Watches: these watches need friends; the more the merrier with this look. Throw on that giant gold cuff [still matching metal, please] & add varying sized bangles & chains. Texture & volume are what take this look from 0 to 60 with just an ounce of added effort. Mind you, the more wrist jewelry, the less neck & finger gems. Always remind yourself of balance & placement when adding accessories to your fit.

To get inspired or to shop for your perfect new wardrobe addition, browse through some of my favorite watch companies & designers at the moment:

Lastly, have fun with colors; don’t fear the colored dial or faced watches, as these little additions can play up a seemingly simple outfit. Your accent pieces are almost as important as the clothes surrounding them, so choose wisely & be sure they make YOU feel like the Goddess/Gods that you are. Xx.

Color Me Mine

styledbylyricLeave a comment

Color Me Mine

Have you ever found that every time you wear that one particular top people consistently throw compliments your way? Or that certain dress that makes you feel absolutely out of your mind beautiful? It’s more than likely that these pieces are working within your color wheel. Believe it or not, your kindergarten teacher did have a purpose behind teaching you every color of the rainbow & now is your time to use it.

A person’s eye color is entirely complimentary of their clothing & wardrobe. You weren’t given those perfectly placed eyeballs for nothing, so lets find what accents yours & help them truly shine.

The best colors for:

  • Blue Eyes: neutrals, navy, black & white should overtake your closet, but add in there some rosy reds, blush pinks, cobalt blues, lemon & soft greens to truly make your eyes the focal point of your outfit.
  • Green Eyes: olive, forrest green, plum, lavender & deep purples are your go-to’s. Black & navy come in as a close second, but can often times wash out the heavy green hue to your eyes. Swap out yellow for gold & pale blue for pear & you’ll be show-stopping.
  • Brown Eyes: blueberry, turquoise, reds, oranges, soft yellows, & pastels will bring out the rich caramel color in your eyes. Opt out on black & try taupe instead, as well as olives, greens & plenty of whites to highlight the beautiful darkness in your eyes.

Following these basic color wheel rules will help you identify [much more fluidly] your own personal style & palette & will make this Summer’s shopping spree that much more authentic.

Stay tuned for more color wheel advice & tips…Xx.

All Things Jeweled

styledbylyricLeave a comment

layered

 

Need a place to shop for the best Spring & Summer jewelry? Gorjana has amazing pieces & just teamed up with one of my favorite fashionistas, Courtney Kerr. Their jewelry doesn’t turn into terrible brassy one-time-wearers & are well worth the investment. Their designs are so unique & fashion forward; scoop up the right pieces for you, today! Xx.

Foot Fetish

styledbylyricLeave a comment

blocked

The shoe game is strong this Spring & I want to help break down what styles work for what body types & why. You may love caged gladiator sandals or block heeled wedges, but these styles flatter particular parts of the body & may not be fit for you. I’m going to showcase some of Fashion Week’s biggest sandal trends of 2014 & help you decide which footwear you want to rock the next two seasons.

Gladiators

  • Avoid knee length gladiators unless you are 5’10 with thin, model legs. If this look does in fact work for your figure, then opt for lightly detailed ones, in the neutral colored family.
  • For those unable to enjoy this style, shop for a great, short gladiator sandal with thin straps along the ankle. These straps will help elongate the body & prevent thickening of the legs.
  • The best gladiator style for thick legs is that with a heel, as this makes the legs appear longer.
  • Avoid wide straps around the ankle, regardless of the shape of your legs, as this will cut you off at your thinnest point, making any leg look stumpy.

Block Heels

  • I am absolutely obsessed with this look; a block heel is great for women with large calves, as it helps balance out the size of the legs.
  • Height is everything with this style; be sure to choose a heel that is feasible for your lifestyle.
  • A block heel can come in dozens of shapes & prints, but don’t fear a bold color. Drawing attention to the lowest part of the body means less attention on other parts you’d prefer unseen.

Single Strap Stiletto

  • The simplicity of this look can make any women incredibly sexy & feminine, but color is everything. Opting for a nude is ideal, as any shoe in a nude hue elongates the legs [& who doesn’t want longer looking stems?]
  • The day-to-night versatility of this look is so freeing & fresh, who doesn’t love accessible fashion?
  • This style is meant for women with thin, narrow feet, as this shoe is incredibly minimal & leaves little to the imagination.

If possible, try to select shoes with comparable metals as the jewelry you are wearing. Sounds a little over the top, but I, personally, find mixing gold jewelry with silver hardware a bit distracting [to each their own]. Lastly, I always remind my clients that flip flops are meant for the beach & if you are willing to take the time on the top half of your outfit, then do the same for your footwear. Your feet will thank you, as will your wardrobe & all of those eyeing your gorgeous Spring & Summer fits this year. I promise. Xx.

Rear View

styledbylyric3 Comments

butt

I’ve debated taking on this next topic for fear that it may offend, however, after having witnessed far too many saggy booties the past few days, I’ve decided it’s time…

Let’s talk butts.

Denim is one of the most wearable fabrics & can make any body type incredibly sexy, if worn properly. More often than not I see pockets that are ill-fit for the bodies wearing them & would like to break down the best shaped jeans for the best buns. Here goes:

  • Flat booty babes: be bold; denim with flap pockets & detailing [no rhinestones, ever] will add volume & shape to your rear. Seek jeans with pockets that are placed high on the butt, as this gives a rounder look.
  • Wide booty babes: less is more; medium sized, central-placed pockets make the butt appear smaller & creates an optical illusion by breaking up the expanse of the butt. Be sure to stay away from embellishments & details & always remember: flap pockets are your nemesis.
  • Saggy booty babes: lift & fit; loose fitting denim is not your friend. Tight, fitted denim is ideal for your body type. Avoid long pockets & opt for high-seated ones to help give the illusion of a lift; the bottom of the pockets should never sit lower than the very top of the leg.

Lastly, be sure to respect your waistline & it’s true fit. There are few things more tragic than a perfect pocket & an ill-fitting waist. Muffin top has never & will never be a look; if need-be, always hop a size up & invest in a great belt. Think longevity & future wear, not what will fit for the next day or so if you skip out on your morning coffee & croissant.

Much love & happy hunting. Xx.

summertime & the living should be easy

styledbylyric1 Comment

summer

The warm air is creeping in & Summer is drawing near, which means BBQ’s, music festivals & way less clothing. This idea is terrifying for some of my readers & liberating for others, so let’s come together & hash this thing out.

First things first: know & trust what your body is telling you. The entire concept behind purchasing clothing & building a wardrobe is to build one that fits your lifestyle & body. If you know that shorts will never be a staple in your wardrobe, then opt for a beautifully breathable maxi dress instead. If you fear showing off your arms, grab a capped-sleeve, loose fitting tee & play around with skirts & denim for an effortless Summer look. For my boho babes, wide legged, printed pants are everywhere this season, so snatch up your favorite pair & team them with a great tank or crop.

The biggest additive to any & every look are accessories. Throwing on a great hat, a scarf to add print or color, or some bright necklaces can change the entirety of an outfit. Here are a few of my favorite pieces for the coming season:

HATS:

NECKLACES:

FULL LOOKS [for inspiration]:

And last but absolutely not least, promise me you will try each new piece of your wardrobe on as an entire outfit. Too often my clients get frustrated trying clothes on because they aren’t putting the whole look together, but rather team tops & bottoms together that aren’t conceptual. Find a complimentary item to try on in the store [whether purchasing it or not] to give a realistic interpretation of the outfit as a whole & prevent frustrations & returns later.

I’m so excited for this warm weathered season & to watch the creativity of my readers build throughout. Just be sure to remind yourself that fashion is about building a wardrobe that fits YOUR lifestyle & body. Happy shopping!

Xx.

the boyfriend

styledbylyricLeave a comment

boyfriend

I have seen the distressed boyfriend jean on every street corner this week & have finally decided to help navigate my readers with this potentially difficult look. This stylized concept stemmed from the idea of borrowing a boyfriend’s clothing; Katie Holmes helped launch this look back in 2009. Regardless, this look has skyrocketed since & can be incredibly chic if executed properly.

The three rules to styling boyfriend denim:

1. Too much distress is overkill [the idea is not to look dirty & disheveled, but rather so chic & confident that you can rock menswear & still look sexy]
2. Always add feminine pieces [a slouchy tee & a fitted blazer are perfect additives to this look, but be sure to throw on a heel or some great jewelry to offset the masculinity of the outfit]
3. Fit still matters [focus on the waistline & the length; too oversized just looks lazy & unkempt]

The thing I love most about this look is that it’s incredibly attainable for every body type. Follow along:

Short legs: a tapered, dark, slim jean is ideal for you [making the legs appear longer]
Full legs: a straight, dark wash, with cuffs right at the ankles [showing off the thinnest part of the leg] are your go-to
Thin legs: light or dark, wide-hipped pairs of these jeans are meant for you [giving the illusion of curves in the hips & butt]

This look is so versatile & can be worn day or night. Just be sure to follow the rules above & you will be loving your wardrobe that much more this Spring. Xx.

dress your truth

styledbylyricLeave a comment

mannequin

Tonight’s bit of honesty may be harder to hear & openly agree to for some of my readers, but I assure you my words come from a place of compassion & care. That being said…

Let’s be frank, the fashion industry is an entire world based upon image. Yes, I did just say that. HOWEVER, a person’s image makes up 97% of first impressions during the first 5-30 seconds upon meeting someone new & the fashion industry is the medium from which your wardrobe speaks. Which is why choosing the right pieces for YOU is dire.

I cannot stress enough how aggrivating it is to watch my friends, family & clients struggle through department stores, only to come home with the entire outfit that the [size zero] mannequin was rocking. They swear they love it, place it in the deep, dark, sad corner of their closet [with the tags still on it] & then donate it to Goodwill or a friend when they’re participating in their yearly Spring purge. Or better yet [& my personal favorite], the “I’m going to lose weight for this” outfit…we’ve ALL done it & I love the intensity, but chances are life will happen first.

So why don’t we cut the crap & just be real, honest shoppers. Be real about our body type & honest about what clothes truly work for us. Trends are the exception, not the rule. They are the building blocks from which consumers are to be inspired, not mimicked. If you know a particular shape or cut doesn’t work for your body type or doesn’t make you feel like a better version of yourself, then it needs to be left behind.

I always tell my clients that they should never make a purchase unless they agree to these tried & true questions:

1. Will I wake up tomorrow & want to immediately put it on?
2. Will I be wearing it in a year? [Always consider the investment & it’s longevity]
3. Do I absolutely LOVE it in the store? If not, don’t buy. [Department stores are perfectly groomed & planned out to help motivate their shoppers to buy, so if it ain’t working in the fitting room, it’ll work even less at home].

If you can answer those three questions with a yes, regardless of a trending item or not, then it’s worth your money. I just ask that the next time you find yourself aimlessly shopping, that you consider whether or not your purchase is bettering the way you feel about yourself & your intrapersonal perception. Let’s change the way we view shopping as a whole & start creating our best self, today. We deserve it. Xx

make the shoe fit

styledbylyricLeave a comment

shoes

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about shoes lately & wanted to address a few key rules to this seemingly confusing area of the fashion world. So here goes…

Round Toe: a round toe shoe [also known as an “almond toe”] gives a much more classic feel to an outfit. Whether it be a cute mary jane or a great pump, round toe shoes are well-suited for those with long, lean legs. This style of shoe is also ideal for those with larger feet, as it makes the feet appear small & more compact.

Pointed toe: a pointed toe shoe adds a more tailored feel to an outfit. Versatility is the name of the game with this style of heel, flat or bootie. The look is perfect from day-to-night & works best for women with short, thick legs, as it elongates the thinnest part of the limb [even more so in nude & cream tones].

As for color requirements- there really are none! Shoes are the most unique part of a wardrobe, as they allow for freedom & creativity to help elevate an entire outfit. There’s nothing more exciting than wearing a simple LBD with a fantastically vibrant pump or boot to make heads spin. The most important element of personal style is choosing items that YOU like, not what the pushy sales person says you should like. Just remember that fit is everything & the rest is yours to decide. If only everything in life were this liberating!

Happy hunting. Xx.

Under wear?

styledbylyricLeave a comment

undertones

Ever wondered what all this talk about “undertones” is & how you can discover your own? A person’s wardrobe & personal style is entirely dependent upon their color wheel & tones. Yes, these things really do matter, go figure!

To find your true undertone flip your wrist right-side-up. If the veins at your wrist are blue or purple you have “cool” undertones & if your veins are olive or green you have “warm” undertones. It’s as simple as that!

Now, you ask, how does this have ANYTHING to do with your wardrobe? Well,  your wardrobe & personal color palette are directly dependent upon your undertones. Follow along…

If you have cool undertones: think ocean; fabrics of blue, black, plum, white, slate, lavender, taupe & navy should dominate your closet & silver jewelry should be your go-to.
If you have warm undertones: think earth; fabrics of green, yellow, tan, orange, taupe, cream & maple red should be dressing your bones, while yellow & rose gold jewelry are in your wheelhouse.

So the next time you hit your favorite store consider these tips & purchase accordingly. You won’t regret it I promise. Xx