BCBG Max Azria AW14

          BCBG is one of the shows that's had the biggest impression on me in these first few days of fashion week. Maybe it's just the cold weather getting to me, but I would love to wrap myself in one of their luxurious, fur capes or coats. While their outerwear was definitely the high point of their collection, I'm also digging the color palette. Everyone's been talking about pastels for winter and BCBG incorporated them in a very understated, approachable way. Soft pinks instead of bubblegum, stripes of aqua blue, and accents of orange all lent themselves to the greys, whites, and blacks. I usually gravitate toward the latter in winter, but I'd be willing to wear these more colorful pieces without a second thought. Additionally, their acid wash print was a pleasant reminder of burning wood -- the patterns made in logs as they become charcoal. Overall, this collection felt cozy and warm, making it one I'd be dying to get my hands on come fall.

photo credit: Style.com

Latest Obsession: Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 Collection

           Just as everyone is getting over the S/S14 collections, Pre-Fall pops up with a fresh perspective. While shorts and sundresses are far in the future for most of us, this handful of shows brings us back to the reality of layers and earth tones. We can actually apply the styling to our current outfits and gather inspiration for our winter shopping.

           That's why I'm loving Jason Wu's Pre-Fall 2014 collection. I has everything I want from a fall/winter wardrobe, by balancing thick knits and leather with thin lace and silk. He applied simple layering techniques that all of us on the East Coast can appreciate, like wearing a big sweater over a flowy dress. Nothing is too complex about his pieces, just clean, comfortable clothes that are beautifully understated. His gowns are divine! Who wouldn't want to wear one to a holiday party? And I'm all about his sweater and leather jacket combo. You get the rigidity of a leather moto jacket, with all the cozy warmth of a sweater.

            Another thing I really like, while subtle, is his pairing of neutrals. For anyone who doesn't believing in wearing brown and black together, Wu proves that it can be done. Breaking the "rules" can be refreshing, especially in the winter when your biggest concern is staying warm. Lastly, the pointed toe is here to stay and his double buckle, ankle strap heels and booties are a must-have.

photo credits: Fashionista.com

Beauty Trends: 5 Fall Makeup Trends to Try

          It's so much fun to experiment with makeup colors you don't always wear. I usually fall into the same routine of four or five products to keep down on time. But there are a lot of cool, new makeup trends that I'm dying to try. Plus, most of them take no more than a couple extra brush strokes! I've put together the top five makeup trends that I'm going to try this season and if you can spare five more minutes during your beauty routine, I've given you tips on how to wear them.

 Amethyst Eye Shadow

Urban Decay in Fishnet 

A lavender-violet is just the thing if you're feeling daring. Pile it on your lids for playfulness, but keep the rest of your makeup neutral. A nude lip keeps the focus on your eyes and won't overdo your look.

Cobalt Eyeliner

 NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Abbey Road

A little cobalt can go a long way, so apply thinly to the bottom lash line and smudge for color that will blend with your mascara.

 

Chartreuse Eyeshadow 

 Make Up Forever in Chartreuse Satiny

The bright and peppy chartreuse isn't restricted to spring. A brush of this color on the eyelids and your snow days will be a little sunnier.

Rose Lipstick

 BITE Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick in Zin

Worn best with a warm, brown smokey-eye, this lip color is super sophisticated and makes for a sultry nighttime look. 

Galaxy Black Eye Shimmer

Illamasqua Pure Pigment in Zeitgeist
Add a little to the bottom of your eyelids or layer on top of your liner. This glimmer can be incorporated into your regular makeup look oh-so subtly.

Apple Picking

         Fall is one of the upsides to living in rural New Hampshire. The leaves are beautiful when I'm driving around, the air smells crisp, my family stokes up the wood stove, and of course, we go apple picking! An annual family tradition, I always look forward to the pretty apple trees and eating apple cider donuts. However, I leave the actual picking to the rest of my family. After 15 plus years, I've found that it's much more fun to walk around and test each variety while my dad and brother are climbing the trees to grab the best apples. This year, I figured the time I spent wandering around would be a great chance to do a photoshoot. The orchard had a beautiful view of the mountains and a cute, little farmhouse sitting on the top of the hill.

hat - T.J.Maxx // scarf - gift // leather jacket -T.J.Maxx

 jeans - Charlotte Russe // ankle boots - Cole Haan

 

 

Photography courtesy of Jeff Ortakales. 

To see more of his talented work, visit his webpage at

 www.jortakalesphotography.com and like his Facebook page. 

Makeup: 

mascara - Diorshow by Dior 

eyeliner - e.l.f. Glitter Eyeshadow in "Night Owl"

lip color - Estee Lauder Lip Pencil in "Apple Cordial"

lip gloss - Victoria's Secret Minty Kiss

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