June 8, 2015June 8, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Beaches Beware

Ok ladies, whether you like it or not, Summer is here [if you live in California, you’re probably about to pass out from heat stroke today]. & with that comes bikini’s. Yes. Those dreaded pieces of string that you use to “cover” yourself in front of your friends, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, neighbors, while cleaning your car, throwing a pool party, or while dancing to the latest Beyoncé song on a boat…wherever you wear yours, you should feel confident & beautiful doing so.

Thus, I’m sharing with you my personal favorite bathing suit finds for this 2015 heat, so you can drop the towel & come out of hiding with a big smile & newfound confidence.

Liner Up Bikini Top, $80, by Lovers + Friends

Cross The Line Bikini Bottoms, $68, by Lovers + Friends

Stripe It Down One Piece, $148, by Lovers + Friends

Cloudbreak Bikini, Bird of Paradise, $145, by Acacia Swimwear

Bronx One Piece, Bird of Paradise, $212, Acacia Swimwear

Bronx One Piece, Pacific Tides, $212, by Acacia Swimwear

Nanda, Tori Praver Swimwear, $110, by Tori Praver

Kalinda, Tori Praver Swimwear, $121, by Tori Praver

Krishna, Tori Praver Swimwear, $165, by Tori Praver

Out From Under Two Piece, Red, Urban Outfitters, $80, by Urban Outfitters

Mirage One Piece, Urban Outfitters, $154, by Blue Life

Whether you’re ready for it or not, it’s time to face those awful dressing room mirrors & lights, & find the right suit for you this season. Just remember, the key to feeling beautiful is feeling like yourself. Don’t buy a suit just because you’re size 2 friends loves it or even because I love it; make smart purchases & be the goddess you are, for you. Plus, has any guy ever told you, “Meh, I don’t really want to see you half naked on a beach or by a pool with a beverage in your hand”…yeah, I didn’t think so.

Xx.

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 styledbylyric2 Comments

Co-Ordinate

Hey Mamas [enter Mother’s Day pun here], I hope you all had a beautiful weekend! I have had a wild past few weeks, but I’m back & more focused than ever to get some serious fashion deets your way to help prep you for the fast approaching Summer months.

So there’s a new trend making some serious headway & I want to talk it through. They’re called Co-Ord [coordinate] Sets. Familiar?

I’m referring to those freaking adorable two piece, matching outfits that basically make all fashion headaches go away [if executed properly]. & I’m obsessed with them. Plus, everyone loves an easy outfit trick that actually works. Think your moms favorite 90s skirt & pantsuit, but completely flipped on it’s ass. That’s basically the birthplace of a co-ord. & my absolute favorite part about this look is it’s versatility; every single one of my clients [regardless of age, body type, lifestyle, etc.] has been able to make these pieces work for them because there are hundreds of co-ord styles & sets. Not to mention, you simply throw them on & you’re set for the day. [Um, calling all people with busy lives, this outfit is your lifesaver].

But which one should you choose? What body type works best with which style? & how will you know you’re doing it right?

Hello! Enter: Lyric.

Picking The Right Co-Ord For You: with two piece outfits comes the subconscious fear of bathing suits & the painful reminder that your body just isn’t in the shape you want it to be. But the beauty of these two piece outfits [unlike bikini’s] is that you don’t have to show skin if you don’t want to. You can choose from long sleeve, short sleeve, halter, crop, pantsuit, sweater, floral, monochromatic, cotton, satin, & even chiffon co-ords. The limits are endless, allowing almost all women to adopt this style for their Summer wardrobe. Take note:

A long sleeved co-ord allows for more coverage & less fuss

A cropped tank & mini skirt co-ord says, I’ve got it & I wanna flaunt it

A cropped tank & knee length skirt co-ord works beautifully on any plus sized babe

[& my personal favorite] The pantsuit co-ord, appropriate for work & play

What Body Type Works Best With Which Style: with all things should come truth; knowing & being honest with yourself about your body type is the first step toward finding confidence in what you wear. It took me a long time to accept my body type, but now I work [patiently] with select pieces until I find what works best for me. It’s all a process, but beginning is the first step. That being said, co-ord outfits are amazing for the hyper-body-conscious woman, because they allow for so much versatility:

For my babes with tummy troubles; ample coverage, loose-fitted top, a beautiful floral print & a little highlight for the legs, this co-ord takes all the attention off of the mid-section.

For my sporty, athletic babes; a body-con, striped number draws major attention to those six pack abs, highlights thin stems, but still gives appropriate coverage to the shoulders & neckline.

For my curvier babes; knee length, bright print, subtle hued co-ord’s are ideal. You can choose a cropped top dependent upon your comfort level, or go for a blousier look to add comfort & confidence.

For my petite babes; a tee & shorts co-ord is perfect. Balancing out the shoulders with a squared-off top, making the legs appear longer with hot pants, & highlighting the mid-section as your smallest point, this look will make you feel like a 6’5″ model in Paris.

For my thin babes; dare to bare. An ultra-cropped tank, racerback or tee can be the perfect addition to this look. Pair it with a fun, matching pant [for some added subtlety] & you’ll be honing your inner Twiggy in 0 seconds flat.

For my mommy’s-to-be; with bright neon hues, a loose-fitting top & bottom, & ample chest & tummy coverage, this has to be the most adorable way to wear this look. Team with your favorite accessories & you’ll be the hottest MILF in the room.

Am I Doing It Right?: the best way to know you’re following the co-ord fashion philosophies of the world is to be certain that you feel beautiful. If you are immediately trying to cut the tags off in the fitting room & find something fun to do so you can showcase this new fit…then you’re doing it right. If you stand in front of the mirror wearing your co-ord, doing pirouette after pirouette, then you’re doing it right. If you are meticulously scrutinizing all of the things you don’t like about your body & how ugly you feel in the outfit…you absolutely are not doing it right.

These pieces of fabric that we lay across our bodies day in & day out are not there to simply cover our nakedness, but rather to be representations of who we are & what we exude. Take the time. Be patient. & find what speaks to you. Confidence is 90% of the gig, & the clothes tell the other 10% of your story.

Happy Coordinating, babes.

Xx.

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015 styledbylyric3 Comments

Bach[elorette] Please

If you know anything about my personal life, you know that this year I will be attending [& participating in] 12 weddings. Yes. I just said that. TWELVE. It was one of those things where I was casually going through my 26 years of life thinking, “Hm, why doesn’t anyone invite me to their wedding…” & then. Thanks manifestation.

However, here I am, & bring on the love.

That all being said, with all this love comes engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners & obviously, the big day. But what the hell do you wear & how do you select pieces in a productive & efficient way without turning into bridesmaidzilla?

Here I am darling, to help save the day.

Seeing as I now consider myself a wedding spectator expert, I’ve consolidated my top wedding tips on what to wear without losing your mind.

ENGAGEMENT PARTY: your bff, sister, friend, cousin…whomever, has just said “Yes” & you’re invited to the engagement party…

What To Wear: engagement parties are just the beginning of the process, so going overboard is not for this affair. Opt for feminine details [dresses being easiest], solid basics, soft prints, & minimal accessories [things that prevent from taking away from the bride]. Think cottons & polys. Top it off with a fun shoe & call it good. Here’s a few examples:

BRIDAL SHOWER: it’s time to show the bride your love; likely with mimosa’s flying & afternoon sunshine beaming, today is about being your classiest self. Think tea time with a little edge.

What To Wear: I say go all floral, sequins, chiffon, & lace on the brides shower day. Make it as whimsical & beautiful as possible. & if you can’t rock a cute heel, then at least play it up with a stylized flat or sandal. Like so:

two piece

BACHELORETTE PARTY/WEEKEND: it’s bound to get wild, so put on your best Vegas & go all in.

What To Wear: chances are high that you will be at a club/bar/restaurant at some point during this time together, thus having your best hairspray & sexist LBD is vital. However, don’t forget your most comfortable sweatpants & tee shirt for the morning after. Like this:

REHEARSAL DINNER: chances are if you’re a bridesmaid, you’ll be at this event; a crucial & probably most serious part of the wedding process.

What To Wear: the rehearsal dinner is the time to put on your best professional attire & not get sideways. Grab your favorite pair of grandma-approved heels, a cute top, or maybe even a reasonably long skirt & prepare to memorize your role.

As for what to wear to their Big Day, well you’ll just have to wait & see what I conjure up in coming blog posts ;]

Regardless of when the wedding festivities begin or how badly you ~~even~~ want to go, finding great pieces that represent who you are, while remaining comfortable & theme-appropriate is not an easy task. But it also shouldn’t cost you your sanity [or your life savings]. If you like any of the pieces shown above or have questions on finding the right outfit for your specific event, feel free to reach out in the contact section.

Fashion should be fun & approachable. & so should wedding season.

Happy Bridesmaiding, babes. Xx.

March 30, 2015March 30, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

Basic Bunnies

Whether you’re meeting your significant other’s family for the first time, or simply spending time with your ~~least~~ favorite relatives, Easter outfits can be a tricky thing. Department store racks are currently spilling over with floral ensembles, so I’ve decided to not let you go the easy route; just say no to floral this holiday #dontbebasic. Instead, I’ve put together my six favorite Easter 2015 looks, so you too can get inspired & find your inner creative pastel bunny, in hopes to make this Sunday’s outfit one you’ll actually want to look back on.

Let’s go.

Ditch the typical floral maxi, find yourself a beautiful lavender, soft pink, even powder blue one instead. Keeping with the pastel theme, this dress will make you feel like a princess in a room full of frogs [don’t worry, they all have the potential to be princes].

Keep it fresh with an unexpected print like this oversized polka dot tunic; it adds texture & dimension to a once simple design. Find one in a gorgeous pastel? Well, you’ve won the freaking lottery.

The one cliché fabric that I’ll always let slide is lace. This always beautiful, always chic, effortless garment stands alone without fuss. Julia Engel rocked this one above with her amazing [$1,000] Valentino pointed-toe slingbacks, but a playful gladiator sandal or wedge would team just as well.

Not feeling a dress this Easter Sunday? Try a monochromatic look instead. Julie Sarinana [my favorite style blogger on the planet] is the white on white queen. Pair neutral colors together [white, tan, grey, charcoal, black, taupe] & don’t look back. Just be sure you’re ultra stain-conscious throughout the day.

As much as I love a stand-alone maxi, I’m more interested in unique pieces like this tie-dyed beauty. A stylish way to ring in the Spring season without looking like you just stepped out of High Times Magazine. Top it off with a sexy heel & you’ll feel like JLo on the red carpet circa 2000.

& finally, one of my favorites; shorts. This look is perfect for a chilly morning brunch turned afternoon hellish sun. Team a waffle knit sweater with a soft pair of shorts & you’ll be the most prepared fashionista in the room.

Lastly, make me one single promise this Easter Sunday & say it out loud to yourself: “I will not ruin my adorable Easter outfit that Lyric helped me style with an awful pair of old flip flops. I will take the time to pair the appropriate footwear to finalize my outfit & not break Lyric’s heart.”

Nothing makes me more devastated in my clients than when I catch them being lazy with their footwear decisions. Always take the time to top off your entire fit.

& with that, I wish you well in all of your outfit decisions. & remember, regardless of anything, this is a day to spend time together, to love on one another & to feel good about yourself.

Happy Styling.

Xx.

March 9, 2015March 9, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

White Out

Does anyone else have a full fledged meltdown when white denim starts positioning itself on the shelves of your favorite retailers? As it is, I have a legitimate issue with denim; I need every wash, ever created. #certifiable. But white denim is my kryptonite. I want 100 pairs, all the exact same shade, no matter the cost. But. I cannot, for the life of me, find a thick enough pair that doesn’t show every single tiny little imperfection of my legs. Nobody wants to see that I ate an entire wheel of brie this past weekend. That’s not ever cute. So why do designers continue to make these flimsy, see-through versions year in & year out?

The struggle is real.

Thus, today, after scouring the internet, department stores & questioning friends & family alike, I’m posting my absolute favorite white denim finds. One’s with serious structure & texture, to prevent from looking like an awful 80s jazzercise outtake. In hopes that all of my fashion-hungry babes can attain this chic, clean look this Spring without compromising their comfort & security.

Here goes…

AG ‘The Prima’ Mid Rise Cigarette Jeans, Nordstrom, $164

For a more relaxed, everyday-wear pair, these AG’s are my favorite. They’re thick, hug every flattering inch of your lower half & are perfect from day to night. [Order up, they run small].

KUT From The Kloth ‘Catherine’ Boyfriend Jeans, Nordstrom, $79.50

We all know how much I love a great boyfriend jean & these KUT From The Kloth jeans are no exception. For a more relaxed fit & aesthetic, these crops hit right above the ankle & are perfect for the beach. [Order down, they run big].

Mid Rise Destroyed Cropped Jean, Express, $79.90

There is always a time & a place for a distressed pair of denim & these Express pair hit the mark. Keep in mind, they are a skinny jean, so they hug…a lot. More ideal for my thin legged babes, these jeans are the perfect partner to Spring tunics & days in the sun.

Reid Cone Denim Jean, J.Crew, $95 [on sale now]

J.Crew can pretty much do no wrong in my book when it comes to denim, but they seriously nailed it this Spring with their Reid Cone jeans. Soft, breathable, structured…need I say more? You will live in these this Spring//Summer. & they’re on sale right now [use code: SPRINGSTYLE]

MiH Marrakesh Flare Jeans, Anthropologie, $195

& for my boho babes who need a little flare, come these MiH pair. Rich in texture, they have the perfect fan around the bottom to create an element of surprise & interest. Perfect for Summer concerts or BBQing with friends; these are a must have.

Whether you choose a pair mentioned above or find yourself shopping for others that better suit your fancy, just remember that fit, fabric & coverage are the key factors to perfecting white denim. & babes, don’t pair them with bright undies. You’re just setting yourself up for failure.

Happy Hunting. Xx.

March 2, 2015March 2, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

Forget That. Get This.

After finishing up my past few consults & conversing with my clients about their major needs//wants out of this industry, I’ve concluded that people love a good deal. & bargain shopping is at an all time high. As much as we all love designer brands & high-end everything, it’s not realistic for the average human to spend $1,000 on new Jimmy Choo’s or a great handbag. One day. But not every day. So for those other 364, I’ve decided to help a babe out.

Today’s post is for my bargain shoppers who want a great product [or five] without the all the guilt. I’ve selected a few of my favorite 2015 shoes & found [reasonably priced] comparable products that you can purchase instead, without lacking quality. Capiche?

If there’s one thing I want my clients to learn through Lyric, it’s that personal style does not have to cost thousands of dollars; find pieces you love, that work for you & forget the rest. Thus, I’ll be doing a Forget That. Get This. post every month with my favorite bargain finds, to prove that personal style can be incredibly affordable & fun.

Today’s focus: SHOES. Let’s get started.

Forget That: Stuart Wietzman Nudist Single Band Sandals, $398

Get This: Mossimo’s Pamela Heeled Sandal, $29.99

Forget That: Sergio Rossi Mermaid Cage Booties, $1,895Get This: Zigi Soho Duran Bootie, $79.95

Forget That: Pour La Victoire Camila Lace Up Sandals, $265

Get This: Impo Tanny Sandal, $39.95

Forget That: Joie A La Plage Sable Two Band Sandals, $125

Get This: Joie Sable Flat Sandal [nearly the same sandal], $64.95

Forget That: Joie Dalton Suede Booties, $325

Get This: Crown Vintage Rita Booties, $39.95

Forget That: Derek Lam 10 Crosby Campbell Wedge Sandal, $295

Get This: Crown Vintage Rebecca Wedge Sandal, $39.95

Clearly these are very small examples of a much larger concept; seek & you shall find. In this case however, ask me & I’ll seek for you; if you have any questions about a specific product & are on the hunt for a similar but price friendly version, shoot me an email [see contact tab for details] & I’m more than happy to help!

Happy Hunting, babes. & remember, don’t just buy it because it’s designer.

Xx.

February 25, 2015February 25, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

L&G

I’ve decided that there’s no better day than today to share some of my favorite little gems from one of my favorite little websites, Lulu & Georgia. Yes, interior design is also a key component behind identifying who you are & what your personal style says about you. & L&G have some of the most unique, unusual, & beautiful interior design pieces to help you better identify where you stand.

As perfectly worded in their Who We Are, “Lulu & Georgia is for the next generation of trend-seekers. It’s for the modern woman: the 9-5er, the housewife, the artist, the executive, and the one who’s all four.” Sara, the companies owner & operator, has roots deep in the interior design field & her passion shines through each of her pieces. Below are a few of my absolute faves [I think it means my personal interior design style is shabby chic], but don’t just take my word for it…see for yourself.

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

NYFW15

Is it terrible that more so than enjoying the [brilliant] designers works of art, prowling the runways with their magical prints & textures during fashion week, I prefer the street fashion? Oops. I feel bad about it. Honest.

But I do.

It’s absolutely nothing against the designers. I mean really, these phenomenal human beings are the only ones with balls big enough to spend their entire year [sometimes life] creating the perfect line for the coming seasons that they debut in front of basically the entire world. No big.

But I just love the creativity of the participants during NYFW; the wild, crazy, sexy, chic, sophisticated, almost always avant-garde stylings of New York’s finest fashionista[o]s, flaunting their creations for all the world to see, as if they’re celebrating their very own fashion lines. Not to mention, these events are like the perfect conglomeration of every single person I would want to shop with, get coffee with, write blog posts with, style photoshoots with, take a road trip with, & probably get really really drunk with [just to see where the night takes us] in one part of the world, all at the same time. Magic.

But their clothing. That’s why I’m here.

The genius ways in which these artists [I deem them this because they truly are] put colors & prints & textures & eras together in one outfit…it’s mesmerizing. Don’t believe me? Just take a look; these are my 10 favorite street style looks from New York Fashion Week 2015 thus far…

Photos by Ryan Kibler & Phil Oh

February 9, 2015February 18, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

The Friend Zone

You know that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be. The noncommittal place where making any kind of move seems sudden & unprepared. The grey area that seems safer than anything finite. Yeah. This place. This is what I call February & March.

What? You ask.

The seven weeks between Winter & Spring that should [frankly] be their own damn season. Where you constantly feel uncomfortable because none of your clothes breathe enough, or keep you warm enough, or let in enough air…the list goes on & on. Regardless, it’s the annoying friend zone of the fashion world that you want to get out of as quickly as humanly possible. & I’m here to not only help that transition, but help you enjoy it, too.

There are five small changes you can make to prepare for this awful land of limbo. Let’s get to it.

1. Lessen The Load: swap out those heavy wool layers & opt for lighter fabrics. Layering with softer, light-weight fabrics can still keep you plenty warm without that gross overheated feeling.

Outfit Recommendations:

A light weight blazer//sweater//jacket, over a soft tank & a great pair of wide leg pants.

For a more casual feel; pair a cute pullover sweater, with your favorite boyfriend denim, add a leather jacket for some edge & top it off with a super feminine pair of flats//heels. Done & done.

One of my favorite looks during this season; a fitted white tee, denim//chambray topper, awesome printed pants & a simple heel. Effortlessly chic.

2. Add Some Va Va Voom: color is everything during this transition. To help you relinquish your desperate need for an all black ensemble & reintroduce you to pinks, blues, peaches…anything that makes you think of Spring, you’ll need to reach for colors that are complimentary in your color wheel & throw them in the mix. You don’t have to pack away all those darks just yet, but adding Spring-focused colors to each outfit [even as simple as your handbag] can help things move along quickly.

Outfit Recommendations:

Chartreuse & black are the ultimate duo. Adding this pop of color to your Winter-focused outfit can hurry the Spring season along in a major way.

Don’t want to change out those dark colors just yet? Understandable. Just invest in a fun, bright handbag to keep your look fresh & transitional. A small change that makes you look more fashion forward than ever.

By now you should all know my ~~obsession~~ love for an amazing blazer, & this is the perfect time to bust one of those babies out. A [colored] fitted blazer will help you ditch those heavy coats & bring a softer layer to your outfit. Not to mention, make you look prepped for basically anything.

3. Print It Up: ditch that entirely solid ensemble you’ve been rocking all Winter & reintroduce yourself to prints. Yes, those floral, patterned, beautiful things that you’ve let sit in the back of your closet for the past eight weeks or so. But don’t forget, you have options here; tribal, floral, animal, chevron, houndstooth, etc. Get creative.

Outfit Recommendations:

A printed shoe can be exactly what you need to add a little pop of Spring to your once Winter outfit.

A monochromatic printed pant is a subtle way to add dimension, but not take away from the basic feel of an outfit.

Don’t limit yourself to typical prints. Challenge yourself this season to find the most unique & outspoken print you can find, team it with subtle pieces & voila, you’re a fashion icon.

4. OMG Shoes: nothing shows that you’re more prepared for the coming season than the perfect shoe. I know it sounds ridiculous, but how many times have you witnessed an amazing outfit be completely ruined by the wrong shoe? Uhg. Pet Peeve #1. If you’re going to make all the effort in the world on your top half, pay mind to the bottom half while you’re at it. Starting with your feet. Your outfit & stylist [me] will thank you.

Shoe Recommendations:

One of the easiest ways to transition your footwear is by rocking a black//grey//taupe, edgy sandal with tons of hardware. The dark color & heavy hardware gives a cool Winter feel, with breeziness fit for Spring sunshine.

Not ready to put your cute Winter boots away just yet? Totally fine. Just try to find yourself a pair with a peep-toe for a little sex appeal & a major nod to Spring. [Be sure to wear an awesome, bright toe polish to top it off].

Much like a good blazer, pointed toe flats are basically the loves of my life. They’re so sexy, so chic, & so practical. You can run errands in them, go out with friends, rock a date night, or look like the most put together employee at your next company meeting. Try them in red, blue or grey for an added edge & you’ll be the hottest thing the room.

5. Shaded: clothing is not the only staple that needs revamping between seasons. Your lips should get some love, too. Find yourself a few fun, bold shades that will bring your kissers from the dark to light with one quick swipe.

Color Recommendations:

Twig by MAC is the perfect daily neutral for those of you not quite prepared for Spring just yet.

For some major Spring pop, Candy Yum-Yum by MAC is my go-to color.

MAC’s Kinda Sexy is a fun, subdued transitional color for your lips, if you aren’t prepared to go rogue just yet.

Ready to go pink? Try Pink Plaid by MAC & your wish is my command. Perfect for warm Spring days, this color will help ease the transition away from Winter.

So the next time you find yourself in that terribly awkward place between what is & what should be, remember these tips & solidify exactly how you want to be personified. Stand out & be ahead of the game. Because the grey area sucks anyway.

Xx.

January 27, 2015February 18, 2015 styledbylyric2 Comments

Shredded.

This time of year, pretty much every year, my lips start to absolutely fall apart. They stare at me blankly in the mirror, with their shredded edges & cracked lines, as if to prove once more that I’ve neglected their entire existence. However, this is the furthest from the truth. I drink endless amounts of lemon water, devour vegetables, & even drink my coffee//tea through a straw [I’ve convinced myself that this helps my lips somehow]. But it’s the constant dry outdoor air mixed with blasting heater vents that eventually destroys your smoochers. Thus, I’ve decided to do a post on my favorite lip rescue treatments, so you & yours can get back to lip locking this blustery 2015.

Let’s start with the facts: lippies with salicylic acid, camphor, menthol & phenol can actually make your lips drier, irritated & more chapped than when you started. Not to mention, some ingredients are completely synthetic. Annoying right? [Everything is a business, after all]. If you do a little research & truly think about some of the ingredients used on our mouth multiple times a day, you might have a borderline freak out. [Don’t worry I had mine, too]. But fear not, there are still honest companies out there that want to better your kisser without all the crap.

What to look for: lips are incredibly self sufficient; Winter adds extra stress, but your lips retain moisture relatively naturally. To give them a little extra help during harsh weather months, try to lessen your lip licking, find lip treatments with cetyl alcohol & petrolatum [in small doses, as it can suffocate your lips if used too often], & be picky about your lip scrubs.

My Favorites: as a woman with some major lips, I’m incredibly selective about what I put on them. I love me a good lip color, but I always use a chapstick prior to every application. Below are a few of my favorite pre-lipstick-application brands & products.

Favorite Daily Wear: Smith’s Rosebud Salve [original scent]
Favorite Organic Balm: Osmia Organics Lip Balm
Favorite Non-Organic Balm: Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment
Favorite Scrub: Fresh Sugar Polish
Favorite Lip Cure: Dr. Dewy Lip Cure

What to abolish from your makeup bag: as well-marketed & cute as some lip moisturizing brands can be, you should always educate yourself on what to truly never waste your time with. However, considering you probably don’t have the time to sit & read up on all kinds of lip treatment ingredients, I’ll do the work of you [that’s just the kind of girl I am]. Consider the following blacklisted:

eos Medicated Tangerine Lip Balm: as a big eos fan myself, I was incredibly disappointed to find that they used “phenol” in this particular ball of supposed Tangerine goodness. I literally wrote eos a letter & sent this product back to them. Click above [phenol click-through] to get all the nasty ingredient deets. I would recommend the rest of their line for a quick go-to purse chapstick, but always read the fine print.
Carmex: a brand that has been under scrutiny for years now & continues to alarm me. Any brand using acids, phenols & menthol all in one balm should be banned. Period. Lest we forget the fiberglass rumor of the early 2000’s? Just saying…
e.l.f. Studio Lip Balm: SPF 15 is certainly a great additive to your lip balm, but masking it with harmful chemicals, acids & cheap waxes doesn’t make for a good product or purchase. Treat yourself & your lips right & spend a few more than $3 on your next lip treatment.

Winter doesn’t get to take all the fun out of kissing, so long as you take the initiative to protect your lips the right way. So the next time you get that pesky crack or sore on your lip, remember what you’ve learned here & put your knowledge to good use. Your lips will thank you. & so will those smoochin you.

Happy Kissing.

**Please keep in mind that the brands mentioned above are my opinion. They aren’t meant to harm or hinder anyone’s use of a particular product, but rather open our minds to what we’re potentially ingesting day in & day out.**

January 19, 2015January 20, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

Alexis Russell

As you’ve probably caught on by now, I’m basically a slut for jewelry…in the nicest way possible. The more dainty & delicate the piece, the heavier I’m drooling//panting//doing whatever it takes to make it mine. [& yes, I react the same way over statement jewelry, but we’ve already done a few blog posts on that. Duh.] Thus, Alexis Russell has become my new love affair [sorry babe, I’m leaving you for fine, gold & diamond gems]. I legitimately find myself spending countless hours on her website, Instagram & Twitter, imagining all the ways I could style her pieces with my current wardrobe & for my clients. She mixes classic metals with edgy angles & shapes, & tops it all off with a perfect little diamond or stone. Who needs more than that? Oh & Brides-To-Be, she’s got a bridal collection, too. Oof.

Enough talk…just scope her stuff out for yourself. But grab a napkin, you’ll need it.

[Images Courtesy of AlexisRussell.com 2015]

January 13, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyric1 Comment

New Do. New You.

Fresh year. Fresh resolutions [do we still do this to ourselves?] Fresh locks. Wait, what? Yes. It’s time. A new hairstyle is a resolution you can actually conquer. So let’s talk on it for a second.

As a woman who has serious anxiety about chopping her locks, I am more than empathetic towards this topic. However, it’s a new year & it’s time to continue that whole becoming a bigger, better, more well-rounded human thing that we’re placed on this earth to do. [Did I just compare a haircut to evolution? Yes. Yes, I did.] So, in hopes to get you warmed up to the entire concept, I’ve broken down my favorite styles making headway [ha]. Let’s decipher how you can change your look this 2015.

Here goes.

1. Parted: don’t want to chop your hair off just yet? Fine. Then keep it fresh by switching up the direction, style, or shape of your part. A simple trick that adds major change with little effort.

Center Part

Soft Side Part

Diagonal Part

Deep Side Part

Zig Zag Part

2. The New Pixie: a pixie cut has always seemed heart-stopping to me, but this new, modern take on a classic [& once terrifying] cut could be just what the doctor ordered. Think Sienna Miller circa 2006, but with a little more styling ability. This cut is undoubtedly ballsy, but so chic & will be everywhere this 2015. The key to owning it: a good texture spray//gel//cream.

3. The Pony: no not the one you used to throw into place before gym class, but the new, intentional pony. Olivia Palermo is the queen of this look [see below]. It can be worn to events, coffee//lunch dates, running errands, picking up the kids…& is so easy to style. It likely won’t change your entire world this 2015, but it will make you feel like the chicest chick in the room. The key: finding minimalist hair ties to keep the look in place without taking away from it’s clean approach [Scrunchies anyone].

Loose Pony

Messy Pony

Curled Pony

Tight Pony

4. The Soft Ombré: a softer version of the ever-overstated ombré look that’s been holding on for about four years now [it was time to finally change this up], this look takes a more delicate approach to a once severe do. Switching up the color of your hair can change everything, given you have an amazing hairstylist that you know & trust. I recommend this look for nearly any hair type, & I promise, it will make you feel like an entirely new person, without all the effort. #whycantistoptouchingmyhair

5. Shoulder Length Everything: 2015 is going to be all about shoulder-length hair. Period. It just is. & to you babes who feel the need for mega change, this is the time to take the plunge & chop it off. Truth be told, this is probably my favorite style of the year & if I had the huevos to do it, I so would. This look screams I’m a mom, but I’m sexy as fuck, so deal with it [no, you don’t have to actually have children…it’s just at thing]. & did I mention it sheds serious minutes off your morning routine.

So when should you make all these changes you ask? Don’t worry, there’s an app for that, too. Oh wait, more like an entire study & article: Lunar Hair Chart. Seriously.

As a woman who is ridiculously attached to her hair, I vow to switch it up this year, so long as you’ll do it with me. Deal?

See you babes on the other side…ya know, the new you, new do, 2015 side.

Xx.

January 12, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyricLeave a comment

StyledbyLyric has been up & running for just under a year now & I wanted to get on here & say a quick [but major] thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your feedback. Thank you for your judgements. Thank you for reading all the verbiage I spew at you regularly. Thank you for letting me curse when I just can’t explain things any other way. Thank you for telling your friends, family, loved ones, co-workers, etc., about me & what I’m doing in this little blogosphere of the social media world. Thank you for believing in the positivity behind this brand. Thank you for being on the forefront of this vision I have for the fashion industry. Thank you.

As a fresh business owner, I find the future daunting, exhilarating, immeasurable, but mostly, ours for the taking. I hope you’ll continue to ride on throughout this journey with StyledbyLyric & get out of it exactly what I envision for all my clients: your own personal experience & style.

Peace&love.

Xx.

January 5, 2015January 19, 2015 styledbylyric4 Comments

Similarly Opposite

As I scoured department stores the past few weeks [not forgetting to add congratulations to us all for surviving yet another holiday shopping season without a warrant for our arrest] for that “perfect gift” [whatever that even means] for my loved ones, I naturally found myself doing what I do best: fashion stalking. No, I don’t get weird or harm anyone. I just look. A lot. I silently survey fellow shoppers, I view mannequins, I look at wall decor, & colors & patterns & sidewalks, & I touch everything; clothes, hardware, curtains, blankets, jewelry…I’m basically a freak for texture. I watch for patterns, trends, habits, pretty much anything that tends to lead the pack in one general direction or another. & then…I break it. Mentally, of course. I imagine a world turned upside-down, where these trends no longer drive a major group & I conjure up ways in which I can educate my clients on how to do it differently & for their own self.

After slamming two [possibly three] Cinnamon Hazelnut Latte’s from Peets & heading home, I reviewed my findings. & I recognized a major common thread among many of the men & women I’d seen during my research: over-planning. Outfits that reeked of over-intention & matchy-ness. & I started to wonder, what is it that makes for a successful outfit?

My answer: the sweet spot. The similarly opposite place in your world that holds all things in balance.

The sweet spot is the tiny nook in your fashionista[o] world where color, individuality, comfort, pattern, intention, practicality, & flair all come together to make a beautiful outfit baby. & it exists. Without much energy exerted on your behalf. Yes, really. [That’s why I’m here].

Where do we start? The color wheel.

To understand fashion [or basically life itself] one must first know & understand the color wheel & what it all really means. Most importantly: color harmony [the theory of which colors are analogous with others]. Layman’s terms: find the color you’re feeling that day on the wheel above & match it with the three colors next to it. Literally. That’s color harmony. The second most important concept of the color wheel: complementary colors. Take the color you want to focus on//rock the hell out of that day & pair it with the three to four colors across from it on the color wheel. This ain’t rocket science people.

& now you’re a color expert.

But visuals make everything better…

[Pink meets Mint meets Yellow meets Blue meets Leopard]

[Chartreuse meets Blue meets Leopard]

[Purple meets Green meets Brown meets Stripes meets Coral]

[Navy meets Orange meets Chevron]

[Gold meets Grey meets Coral meets Black]

Need I say more?

Sometimes those two pieces you never imagined working side by side are dying for you to finally bring them together. & you should. For fashion’s sake & for your own creative identity.

& the next time you find yourself reaching for that black on black ensemble that you’ve been working all Winter long, try some color on for size. After all, creativity drives greatness.

Happy 2015 babes. Xx.

November 17, 2014October 21, 2021 styledbylyric2 Comments

Be Jeweled.

Having had about a hundred people compliment//question//touch my stackable, hammered, gold band rings throughout the past few weeks, I’ve decided it’s time to do a post on one of my absolute favorite jewelry staples in my wardrobe; delicate jewels.

Although I can’t share with you the woman who makes mine, because she’s an amazing gypsy-goddess that travels all over the world selling her pieces & only comes to Berkeley a few times a year with her 30 inches of stick straight, amazing, grey locks…I can share with you some seriously swoon-worthy jewelry brands that I’ve been pining over lately.

Deal? Deal.

Chisel & Chain: Angela Herrera’s designs are absolute insanity; they’re so beyond their years, so unique & seriously sexy. She mixes gold with gemstones & textures that you couldn’t even imagine. Not to mention she’s from one of my most favorite cities in the world [Encinitas, Ca]. Check her pieces & try not to go totally broke. I dare you.

Torch Light Jewelry: A Santa Barbara based brand, these babes do it all; leather goods, silver, gold, & accessories. Founder, Louisa Kimble is inspired by mystic, vagabond style & seems limitless with her designs. Their Sundown collection is my absolute favorite [I think I’ll take it all, please], but their Lyra collection takes a strong second place. Their entire website is a designers dream; it’s clean, organized & showcases each & every one of their amazing pieces. Just go. Now. Seriously, go.

Hunter Gatherer Jewelry: Australia is hitting the jewelry game hard lately & this amazing brand is no different. Renée creates amazing jewels for gypsy souls. Her pieces hold authenticity like nothing I have ever seen before & her pricing is incredibly reasonable. I challenge you to not get completely lost in her site…because you will. I promise.

Amarilo Jewelry: Ali Heiss’ LA based designs are probably my favorite of them all. Her concepts are delicate but strong, tough but sweet & simple but incredibly unique. She works with 14kt gold, Argentium sterling silver, & high quality gemstones. My absolute favorite piece in her current collection is the Amelia Wrap Ring. It is so chic & goes with literally everything. Not to mention, her Stackbook on the website will have you drooling. Go get yourself a few pieces of this goddesses work before it’s all gone. I mean hello, Christmas is coming soon.

With the holiday’s fast approaching, you deserve a new piece [or twelve] for all the parties you’ll be attending. Not to mention, each of these beautiful designs would make perfect Christmas presents for your girlfriends or loved ones. Not sayin…just sayin.

Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays, babefriends. Thanks for being wonderful.

Xx.