#3 classic/red

red/classic by catiebeatty featuring silk tops

Ok, well red lips are more than a trend, I suppose. All the same, they are very popular right now. In my opinion, though, it's always a good time to sport classic red lips.

The models at the Gucci and Dior Spring 2011 shows all sported this classic look. (If you have seen the Dior show, go watch it now! The dresses are possibly the most beautiful things ever created.)

I prefer a warm red, but most people like a cooler shade. I think it is mostly up to preference. If you like warmer tones, try Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in "Ravish Me Red." If you like the look of cooler reds, try "Fire & Ice."

Red lips can be quite overpowering, so it's best to keep the rest of your look simple. Go for a natural looking shadow and a little bit of mascara.

#2 burgundy/maroon

burgundy/maroon by catiebeatty featuring bikini bathing suits

Maybe bright is the wrong word for this lipstick shade, but we can all agree, it is anything but dull! This bold look was seen at YSL's Spring 2011 show, as well as on the runways at Louis Vuitton.

Dark burgundy and maroon lips are harder to pull off, but can look amazing if done correctly. I think it looks best on very pale or very dark complexions. If you're pale and NOT a model (like me) try for a very simple eye. A little bit of eyeliner or mascara is all you need. I also use Clinique's Redness Reducing Powder to even out my skin tone and give me an even fairer complexion.

Try YSL's No. 151 "Sweet Dark" or MAC's "Velvet Teen". I own "Viva Glam" from MAC, but I'm not sure if it's still available in stores.

Side Note: OMG I'M GETTING MARRIED IN AN HOUR! WHY AM I BLOGGING?? Seriously, this is the most laid back wedding day ever. Thank you all for your warm wishes and kind words :) I'm glad I can share this day with such a great community!

gowns

Wedding attire was the topic of the day. I spent hours at University Village with my fiance's sister and even splurged on a British Vogue that is a special wedding issue.

I nearly spent $500 on a beautiful dream-gown at J.Crew, but opted for more casual, fun, and unique. All I have to say is that I will be wearing ALL American Apparel when we get married on Thursday. (Makes me laugh)

The dress I wanted at J.Crew looked almost exactly like the one I am wearing in these photos. Same color and length with an empire waist; same column style. The Taryn, as J.Crew calls it, is made of silk chiffon, though, and has a twisted bodice instead of a smocked bodice. Mine is definitely more casual, but you can't beat $10!


Everything is happening all of a sudden, but it's ok. I was a little worried I was missing out on the traditions of longer engagements, but this weekend we bought an engagement ring, so I'm happy :) Especially since it is my dream ring. Sapphire is all I wanted. I could careless about everything else when it comes to engagement rings.

I'm sure you noticed it's on the wrong finger, but at the moment it doesn't fit me! We need to have it for the ceremony, so we've postponed having it re-sized till afterward.

Back to writing announcements :)

In these photos:
Forever21 dress
J.Crew cardigan
Chloe flats
Sapphire & diamond ring from Alana Antique & Estate Jewelry

#1: Pink/Fuchsia

This week I have a little series planned. I love all the lipstick colors that are out right now, so I've made Polyvore sets for four of my favorite shades and written little articles for each. Enjoy!

Pink/Fuchsia by catiebeatty featuring a zip handbag

Neon pink and fuchsia lips have been popping up all over the place lately! Everyone from the models at the Spring 2011 Jil Sander show to Emma Stone have been donning this vibrant yet wearable color.

This color is so bright that it kind of breaks all the skin tone rules out there. I'm pretty sure anybody can pull off this look! It looks lovely paired with soft pastels, but can also be worn with other bold colors.

Try MAC's Lipstick in "Quite Cute". If you can find it! It's been very popular and has sold out at many MAC counters. If you can't find it or prefer something cheaper, try Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipcolor in "Fuchsia Fever." I own this one and it is pretty much identical to the MAC shade. Pair with eyeliner and false lashes for a super flirty look.

oh hi

Now that Blogger is back up, I will tell you my big news.

I am getting married in 6 days.

That's right, we are eloping. I don't even have a ring yet, sheesh.

Ok, bye.

pink

I've been to Value Village 3 times in the past week or so. I will probably regret it after paying bills, but for now I am happy with all the cool things I've found. I've had such luck! Velvet skirts, bright pink silk dresses, fur collars, a lovely sun hat, and so much 80's vintage you will probably want to puke. The funny part is that most of it is pink. I don't have enough in my wardrobe and I just so happen to be finding lots of pink pieces!



This headband is one example. It's like a punch in the face of pink.



Anyway, look out for more warm weather clothing, as my foot is doing much better! I'm so relieved.

AND I have big news to share, but the details haven't been worked out yet,so stay tuned.

In these photos:
Vintage scarf
American Apparel leotard
Vintage skirt
Vintage purse
Payless shoes

just a note

I wanted to share some of my cards with everyone. These are three of my favorite "Happy Birthday" designs.



I've been drawing for about as long as I've been playing dress up. Possibly longer! I'm not sure which pastime is my favorite.



The first two cards are hand-drawn designs and the last one has handwritten text and flourishes. I cut out the flowers with little tiny detail scissors. It was tedious! It's been one of the few cards I've reproduced en mass, and I have to cut the flowers for each card. For some reason, I can't figure out how to reproduce things in a timely fashion. Printing is expensive and doesn't always work for my designs. Oh well, it just means all my cards are one of a kind :)

Versatile Blogger

First, I must apologize, because I believe one of my blogger friends has already given me this wonderful award, but I didn't remember till just now! I am sorry I am so feather-brained.
Second, the beautiful and talented Ashley over at StyleCurrent has bestowed this award on me again and written the most wonderful things about me. It made me cry. (Stay tuned for a post dedicated completely to Ashley's amazing sense of style!)

Seven things you might not know about me:
1. I was a ballet dancer from the ages of 3 years to 9 years. I even danced in the Nutcracker!

2. I really, really like bugs & spiders, and have since a young age. I am still thinking about becoming an entomolgist when I grow up. I have all the gear and even pin my own beetles and have spiders in preserving fluid.

3. I have fighter pilot vision. I will be so sad when my eyesight goes, because I won't be able to draw itty-bitty anymore.

4. I lived in Basingstoke, Hampshire for 7 months and I've been there on vacation 2 other times. England is my first true love.

5. The only thing I'm allergic to is shrimp; the little tiny cocktail kind. I puke a lot. The strange thing is that I can eat every other kind of shrimp and shellfish in existence.

6. I have a short attention span. Seven things is too many.

7. When I was little I used to plan huge reenactments of Disney movies. I would make my little sisters dress up like mermaids and we would perform Little Mermaid songs for our dinner guests. I also spent the 2 weeks before my 7th birthday rehearsing Beauty & The Beast and assigning parts to my guests, but it never happened. We didn't have enough kids for all the parts.

And now to pass the award along!

Haiku Ambulance: Zoe is so nice and so cool! Gorgeous, talented, funny; what more could you want! Her blog is always a pleasure to read, so make sure you don't just gawk at the great outfits! Read!

This Charming Style: Harriet has such a unique style and great personality. Definitely a Style Icon!

Papillon Chouette : I'm lucky to know Angie. Like all the girls on this list, I wish I knew her in real life! She's a great writer, as well as having a style all her own, so I encourage you to read her blog!

RedPoppy Fashion: Tanya is an amazing local blogger, who I completely admire. She's insightful and has a great eye for fashion. She also makes gorgeous hats!

RAGS against the MACHINE: Terri is a great writer and has such a classic sense of style!

Statements In Fashion : Collette is so inspirational. She is talented and incredibly hardworking. She is also gorgeous and has a great sense of style. I think she is an important voice in the blogging world, and you should be paying attention to her!