Modern Pin-Up

Ask me what my favorite movie is and you'll get

LOTR, Legally Blonde, Troy, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.... (Guilty as charged. I am slightly obsessed with Brad Pitt.. Always will be ♥)

But then again, I could name you so many more movies with stupid ass plot lines- movies that I still choose to love, because of their aesthetic appeal...

For instance, when I think of the classic pin-up beauty, I don't think Grace Kelly. 

I'm sorry, I'm just not from that era.

Instead, I think Kate Beckinsale from Pearl Harbor.

If you don't have a clue what I'm talking about cause you haven't seen the movie largely criticized in terms of its historic accuracy, I mean this:

A couple more images to show how much of a girl crush I have on this lady:

I still remember this scene from the movie, where Ben Affleck stares at Kate Beckinsale for a creepy ass long time and murmurs some corny line that goes: "Gah- you're so pretty."

Snort.

I mean, a completely unrealistic line, right? But if I were a guy and I was looking into THAT, I wouldn't be able to put it any other way.

Oh, and as a side note-

ladies, if you haven't seen the movie, just go and watch it.

It stars Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett- what more do I have to say?

Okay, so my point is.

The classic pin-up look consists roughly of:

-Thick, winged out black liquid liner

-Strong, defined eyebrows with a very high arch

- Porcelain skin- no bronzer, just a hint of berry blush

and bold, matte red lips.

Completely timeless beauty look that still looks stunning if you wear it out today.

But what has inspired this blogpost is a picture that I came across of Ashley Greene, our little Alice. She wore virtually the same pin-up look I described above, except she opted for glossy, berry lips instead of red. 

The lips gave the entire look a fresh take from the pin-up look, and made it very modern.

Here is the picture I am referring to:

Very pretty, I have to say.

When I think berry lips, I also think of Blair Waldorf. 

Here are two prime examples of what I am referring to:

See, Blair Waldorf's character itself revolves around classic beauty. I mean, her role model is Audrey Hepburn, so you can just take a wild guess. If Serena opts for the care-free vibe, with a shimmering nude-pink gloss thrown on to go with her Cali-girl inspired beachy waves, Blair goes for the classic, sans-frizz ringlets, and then the berry lips.

So my point is, we can still wear pin-up, but if you want to look more modern and style-savvy, try a pigmented berry gloss or moisturizing berry lipstick instead of red. I swear, so many girls I know always stay safe with the pinks and the corals-

but for once go bold- go berry! I promise you'll find that extra oomph of confidence that'll make you go woooaaaaahh where did that come from? Find that vixen within you.

And who knows?

That cute guy who looks just like Ben Affleck might come up to you and say

"Gah- you're so pretty."

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Collection Rave: Jason Wu 2011 Resort

Colorful palettes are all over the friggin place for spring and summer-

and don't get me wrong, I love my turquoise and hot pinks and pastel sky blues-

but plain white and black works magic all year round. 

Jason Wu is definitely a familiar name- I think I've often seen celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Reese Witherspoon (whom I both adore) wearing some of his cute cocktail numbers. This is my first official post and mention of the brand though, because I was completely in love with his new resort collection this year- very cute, preppy, and just fresh.

For this collection there is a lot of black and white with a mix of grays as well- but then of course he throws in some acid yellow and burnt coral to still make it very summery.

I love everything about the clothes- probably because I would buy every single piece if I could- they are so me!

So enough of me raving, here are my top picks:

I love the crisp, yet girly cut of the dress. The length is not so short either.

And then the cobalt blue touch!

Very cute, don't you think?

I've never thought of matching a necklace over a buttoned up blouse like this- which especially looks good because of the color contrast. I love the bag too! And then the sandals- I see an overriding trend of some very simple, strappy sandals for this season. It's a different kind of strappy from what we are used to, though. Nothing criss-crosses, they just strap the feet down horizontally. This one has three straps on the ankles, the ball of the feet and on the toes. I've also seen plenty with just two straps- on the ankles and the toes.

Very cute again. One of my favorites!

LOVE the purse.

I love the contrast in this look. The blouse is simple, buttoned up to the top- somewhat of a conservative, "safe" look. But then matched with a mini leather skirt, Voila! this look is not so boring compared to what could have been like paired with, for instance, a pencil skirt. 

Pleats are fashionable!

My absolute favorite! I love the cute tuxedo look- and I love how the acid yellow chandelier earrings match the clutch! I would completely wear this look to a party- stand out in the crowd of floor-length gowns!

The finale. Very sweet-

Picture credits go to Elle.com

***

Gotta love summer!

Enjoy every minute of it, ladies.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Collection Rave: Oscar de la Renta 2011 Resort

Oscar de la Renta is the legend- he releases a collection, it's a huge deal, and celebrities are bound to be spotted wearing his gowns to major award shows. 

I've always loved Oscar de la Renta, but this year's resort collection was one of his best collections I've seen so far, and I couldn't pass up dedicating a post on it.

I've just raved about 3.1 Phillip Lim, and how his clothes are so chic because they follow by the timeless rule: less is more.

Oscar de la Renta's clothing is slightly different, to say the least.

Let me show you what I mean:

I love the hat that slightly casts a shadow on the face.

I love that the earrings color coordinate the lips and the heels. Matchy-matchy that actually works. And of course, love the dress.

Oscar de la Renta always mixes different fabrics, textures, colors and patterns. It's a big mix of anything but simple and monochromatic- but then it all ties together, and somehow they all work in harmony to create a perfect outfit. I love the cardi and skirt on this look particularly.

THIS look took my breath away- it made me determine for sure that I was going to make a post on the collection. I love that there is something Ralph Lauren about this- quite preppy, yet very elegant. I would for sure rock this outfit to work. And the pocka dotted pointy heels? Too cute.

Something about the collection also reminded me of Duchess Kate Middleton- and her elegant style. Her collection of hats is very enviable- and this outfit reminded me of her white coat she wore recently on the Queen's birthday. Except Oscar's version is a lot more sassy.

(Kate Middleton post in process of being made!)

Loved this dress too. Love the color. Very appropriate for a summer cocktail party.

I love this white shift dress. The cut and figure of it is very similar to some of Phillip Lim's mini dresses, but then the details on this one makes it a lot more feminine and elegant. Then again I love the coral red shoes that match the lips. Fabulous.

I noticed how the models' makeup looked so immaculate as well. I love the fresh, dewy skin, the strong, exaggerated eyebrows finished off with barely there eyeshadow and strong, coral red lips.

A dress too perfect for parties or premiers, don't you think?

I see someone very young- like rising star Elle Fanning- wearing something like this.

One of the greatest moments in the collection. Perfect for that red carpet princess moment.

I see Rachel Zoe being all over this dress. 

This dress was also gorgeous. I love how the torso is slightly see-through (I assume there is a nude layer underneath) to give it a sexy vibe. I love the specks of sparkle sprinkled on the dress, and I LOVE the big train.

The winner of the show.

The color,

the thigh slit,

the flow of the fabric, 

the drapings,

the shoulder cut-

everything too perfect for words.

Picture credits go to Elle.com

***

For me, fashion isn't about being materialistic or superficial.

Through fashion, women realize that there are endless ways for a woman to look and feel good about themselves.

And every girl deserves to feel exquisite, sexy, beautiful- for every second of their lives.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Collection Rave: 3.1 Phillip Lim 2011 Resort

I'm personally a huge jewelry girl- I love my big, blinged out earrings and layered chain necklaces.

Nevertheless there is one fashion trend that will never, ever in a million years go out of style: minimalism.

There are some designers specifically known for producing great minimalistic collections, including Calvin Klein and Phillip Lim. They design clothing that are crisp, clean- and it's amazing how beautiful their collections turn out to be, especially when they always make things so simple.

I love both worlds of extravagance and minimalism- and sometimes, I think we all need a little bit of both. 

Now to get to the point, I was thoroughly mesmerized by the 3.1 Phillip Lim Resort collection this year. Very modern, very clean, and yet very sexy. 

I found myself drawn to the shoes especially, so you might want to keep an eye on those feet.

I would K-I-L-L to get my hands on one of them.

Without further due, here are my top pics:

Not many images, but enough to get a taste of how amazing the collection is.

(And besides, these are my very favorite picks for the collection- I could have brought along the whole package but resisted. Computer memory.)

And notice how the models' hair and makeup was kept very simple and non-fussy as well.

I love that.

Picture credits go to Elle.com

***

I will be posting a lot of collections from now on- I have 3 or 4 saved and ready already!

Believe that you were beautiful yesterday,

that you are beautiful today,

and that you will be beautiful tomorrow-

and you will be.
It's all in your head.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Personal Scribbles: Let it go, honey... Just let it go.

I decided I wanted to incorporate some personal chit chatting once in a while in this blog, for those times when I dearly need some writing to confide in myself with.

Writing, as so, is such a beautiful form of art- it heals my heart inside and out.

About letting go, forgiving and forgetting what your friends had done to you.

When I have too much time in my hands, I begin thinking too much into things.

I get worked up in the small details in my life that cause everything to be slightly less perfect.

Put in more simple terms, I have always been one to never, EVER want any flaw in my life.

I hated flaws- I still do.

I hated that my life couldn't be 100% perfect all the time- that something always had to be wrong.

Why is that? Why can't I have a day- a week- a month- a year without any worry or anxiety- without any disappointments, failures, heartbreaks- any of that?

Why can't my life be perfect?

A few months back when I was going through this crisis- one that I've been struggling with for all my life- I came across this book called "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," written by Richard Carlson. The book basically speaks for itself- it's meant for people exactly like me, who dwell over the small flaws in their lives so much that they can't move on. Carlson keeps reminding me to basically to let the fuck go.

This book (I'm reading the one for teens) covers a lot of stuff that teenagers- or young adults deal with on a daily basis- and Carlson taught me a whole lot of valuable lessons (for instance, one chapter tells me to "be selective when choosing your battles"- meaning, some things are just not worth battling about- they are not worth the time nor the energy.)

One particular chapter that I found was helpful to me read this: "Drop the Drama."

Ah- drama.

Any teeange girl who had gone through middle school and high school would know a lot about drama. A lot. A lot. A LOT of drama. 

The funny thing is, we know it's all unnecessary drama- but we still (or I..still..) dwell over it, get angry about it, get all caught up about it that we fail to recognize the more important things in our lives. For instance, we fail to see what a beautiful day it is outside, how we are so lucky to have caring parents, or how we should be grateful to be breathing air, drinking clean water, eating healthy food, and sleeping with roof above our heads. So many things we miss out on- because we just can't drop the drama. 

Here are a few excerpts of the chapter:

"A friend, for example, might make a mistake or say something wrong. Rather than forget about it and get on with our day, we allow ourselves to feel offended and annoyed. We think about the mistake during the rest of the day, feeling more and more justified in our irritation. Many of us might even go home and tell others about it, or call a friend and commiserate, rather than simply letting it go."

"While it can be really tempting to blow these types of things out of proportion, it's ultimately better for your sanity, your friendships, and your happiness to learn to let them go."

"The problem with sweating the small stuff is that there is, and always will be, an endless supply of things to sweat over. There always will be friends making mistakes, strangers cutting us off, things being lost, plans going astray, and all the rest."

"As you learn to let some of these things go, you'll find yourself experiencing far less stress and aggravation. You'll be left with more mental energy and creativity in order to live life to it's fullest."

Enough said. 

Just yesterday, I did it again.

An old time friend and I met up for a quick movie and some catching up. We casually came across to talk about a guy we mutually knew- a guy who, I once had been very close with, but through certain misunderstandings had drifted apart. I began getting very upset over even talking about him, and starting defending myself, saying how I wasn't the one to blame- and that it was his fault we weren't as close anymore. I then stopped and asked my friend what I should do- and she shrugged and just said, "just forget about it." It was right then and there when I realized that I was making such a big ass deal about this one thing- this one flaw in my life- which everyone else could tell was nothing to worry about-because all I needed to do was "forget about it."

I've always been this way, though.

I get in an argument with a friend, I struggle to fall asleep. I can't do my homework.

I retort back to a teacher, I replay the scene over and over and before I realize I can't concentrate on anything else.

I get upset about what a friend did or said about me- I just can't let it go.

This is one of my favorite quotes, said by Marilyn Monroe:

"I believe everything happens for a reason,

People change so that we can learn to let go,

things go wrong so that you can appreciate them

when they're right, you believe lies so you eventually

learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes

good things fall apart so better things can fall together."

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Things go wrong... So that you can appreciate them when they're right...

Another random quote to ponder upon:

"I've made mistakes in my life,

I've let people take advantage of me,

and I accepted way less than I deserved

But, I learned from my bad choices and

even though there are some things I can never

get back and people who will never be sorry,

I'll know better next time and

I won't settle for any less than I deserve."

The fact of the matter is, 

These friends are never going to be with me forever.

It's just going to be me, God, and those very few people who will be with me until the end.

I can think of a couple from the top of my head:

my dad, the biggest, most annoying supporter in my life

my big brother, my bodyguard, my guardian angel

my mom, my secret keeper from heaven.

When it comes to friends, I never know.

I believe in strong friendship- I had one or two over the years.

But ultimately, they come and go.

That's what I've realized, after having graduated high school.

Friends all come and go. 

But we have to appreciate them the same, and even more because of this.

Sure, they don't last,

but they still find us, and they still bring great joy and laughter into our lives.

***

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

-- Oprah Winfrey 

“Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head.” – Ann Landers

“Every breath is an opportunity to receive and let go. I receive love and I let go of pain.” – Brenda MacIntyre

“Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to.” – Anonymous

“There’s no need to miss someone from your past- There’s a reason they didn’t make it to your future” – Unknown

People make mistakes, all the time.

I have made mistakes- I have hurt people, have let them down- and to some I may have never gotten the chance to even properly apologize.

It's the same for the people around me- they are just like me- they are human.

They will hurt me , they will let me down, and some may not ever muster the courage (or even admit it) to say sorry. 

But that's just the way it is. There is nothing I can do about it.

And you know what? It's okay.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Look of the Day: Taylor Swift

Summer is in the air!

Where I live the weather is getting pretty hot, with lots and lots of sunshine.

When this time of the year comes around, I love, love, LOVE finding the perfect summer dress.

I came across this too-sweet-for-words summer look Taylor Swift sported out and about:

Very cute, eh?

Now this look is peeerfect for early June, because we got sunshine during the day,

but when nighttime comes it might get a little chilly. So a light, airy cardigan is a must-have to roll up inside your purse.

So then I was on a little shopping spree this past week, and found the perfect dupe for this look! I usually don't like floral prints too much, because they're either too tacky looking or too grandma-ish, but this dress I found at F21 was completely adorable to pass up.

(can't find the dress on the F21 website- shame.)

So if you haven't done so, spend some time looking for your perfect summer dress.

They are so versatile- wear it to a casual luncheon with some embellished flats, a sweet date with some wedges, or throw on a leather bomber jacket and killer heels for a night out!

Sweet meets sassy.

Sealed With Glitter,

CN

Star Style Coveted: Sienna Miller

There are a number of actresses, models, singers with whom I am completely obsessed with.

The ones who I believe are some of the most beautiful women in the world.

They include: 

Reese Witherspoon (completely adorable and respectable because she's got a good head on her shoulders,) model Lily Donaldson, Kim Kardashian (although she earns her money out of her scary ass booty,) Kate Beckinsale (didn't fall for Josh Hartnett OR Ben Affleck but for this girl when I watched Pearl Harbor) and Cheryl Cole- just to name a couple from the top of my head.

But then this list would never be complete, without Sienna Miller.

I know there is- and will always be- a lot of drama and gossip about this girl, because of her love life. Quite frankly, who she dates is really out of my concern- and should never be anyone else's business either, because what I love about Sienna is her chic sense of style that always looks put together, and her drop dead gorgeous facial features.

Right now, I'm talking about this beauty:

One thing- other than her sense of fashion- that I love so much about Sienna is her smile that has a tendency to warm up her entire ambiance.

It gives off such a lovely-and-sweet-girl-next-door vibe that is so rare these days- especially when people constantly yearn for girls with "fierce, fiery, sultry" eyes and big, pouty lips- who are, of course, beautiful on their own, but we need a little less sexy and a little more sweet at times.

Now let's look at Sienna's red-carpet style.

Can you saw sweeeeet?

Then yet again- she rocks sexy, edgy, chic dresses very often as well.

This glittering emerald mini is from her own clothing line, I believe. With a statement dress like this, you only need a complementing clutch and killer heels.

Very old Hollywood glam. 

One of my favorite red carpet moments of Sienna. The gold gown is simply amazing, with her platinum blonde hair curled in a classic pin-up style, complemented by the dark red lip.

And yet the LBD....It never- EVER - will go out of style.

I love how she takes a lot of risks too- wearing clothes that, to the naked public eye, could not be easily acceptable. And yet she makes it somehow work. Maybe it's the hair and skin that is always so impeccable. (yet carefree, as if done in a matter of minutes.)

The Devil Wears Prada moment? yes.

There's something really easy about her beauty style as well. Her hair- perfect, but as if she just rolled out of bed. Her skin- perfect, again, but as if she just slabbed a tinted moisturizer and called it a day. It's the kind of beauty that is very contrasting to the Kardashian sisters (whom you can tell spend hours and hours perfecting the skin, gluing on the eyelashes, etc. etc.) Although I love both styles.

As for this look, I love it to death! I couldn't quite put my finger on the color of the dress- Miranda Priestly probably could- but it is gorgeous nonetheless ("purple" would not do it justice!) Then the heavy gold hardware on the neck. Genius!

I've noticed she enjoys a good red lip as a beauty staple. Which makes sense, considering she keeps everything on her face fairly understated. And by the way, I love this look she wore while promoting her movie. Very nautical, but not in the common way you see in red and blue stripes. Love the white blouse with gold detailing- paired with semi-harem, semi-boyfriend black pants with matching gold detailing. The otherwise boring look was put up a notch with some funky shoes.

Whenever her fashion isn't the best for the night, she just flashes a smile. 

That's the way to go, ladies!

Now with her most coveted street fashion.

There is something about this look (very commonly worn by Sienna) that is so approachable because anyone could re-create it! Gray skinnies? check. Basic black flats? check. Basic black jacket? check. A colored v-neck? check. Just add a unique scarf and some vintage jewelry peeping behind the scarf to make this look so- lovely. Ready for school? I think yes.

On the other hand this look is perfect for a classy date with the special someone. Pair a neutral blush-colored blouse with matching shorts. Pair on tights if it's a chilly night, and some neutral colored heels as well. A fur jacket along the same color code is going to add so much to the outfit, but leave the accent on the leopard print clutch. Who said leopard was too intimidating for men? Then Sienna added her own style to this outfit, with some dainty gold jewelry and of course, a classic red lip.

I gasped when I first saw this look. I remembering nudging my friend beside me and saying, "I NEED A RED CAPE!" Never found the perfect one like hers, unfortunately, but this look is definitely one of my favorite Sienna moments. A leopard print dress (as it looks like) with black tights with black boots, all covered neat and sweet under a striking red cape that screams Little Red Riding Hood. 

And there it is again...her hair...her skin...her smile... Girl crush alert!

Now do you realize what I mean by, her smile?

So I can't blame all the boys wanting her. 

Another classic street style. Sienna loves skinnes, and basic t-shirts with basic cardis and jackets. But pay attention to the details in this outfit that make it so not basic. The ankle booties? Very unique and very chic. Then the brown leather belt somehow goes so well with the sunnies, and then the scarf adds something extra too. It's all in the subtle details...

Another major cape moment for Sienna... This outfit is brilliant for the airport- like where Sienna wore it- because it hides a lot. Just throw on some comfortable jeans and flat ankle booties like Sienna, with your favorite statement cape. Tres chic in minutes! I also love the white tote, the tied-back and out of the fact hair, and even the glasses... Looks as if put together in seconds, eh? Still magic.

Envision a fun night out with the girls. A sparkling LBD paired with another classic piece- the black blazer. Cuffed at the sleeves would give a casual touch to the otherwise formal look. Simple yet not so simple? How does she always do that? Maybe it is the smile :)

HAHA yo whats up, Channing ;)

I love shift minis on Sienna- they elongate her legs so well. I've seen those studded ankle booties on Sienna so many times- it's a piece she loves! I see Sienna as one of those people who splurge on good, classic, always-going-to-be-worn pieces. Something I need to learn from her desperately.

She loves her grays, blacks, greens- the dark colors that make great contrast with her light hair. 

***

Sigh.

Wishful thinking made with a picture of the perfect couple that used to be.

But for what it's worth, some things just aren't meant to be.

And a random thought- coming across this picture made me think this would make a good-looking couple as well! Far better than Channing and Jenna, IMO. But oh wells.

***

In a closing note, I think I've established it clear that I love Sienna Miller for so many reasons. I don't know enough about her to say she's the greatest person ever, but good people emanate good vibes. Or at least that's what I believe. 

Sealed With Glitter,

CN