Can’t Afford the Runway? Rent It.

One of the most fabulous inventions of our time…it’s not the iPhone (although I’m obsessed with mine)…it’s RENT THE RUNWAY. Ever look in your closet and feel you have nothing to wear for that special day coming up? Whether it by a cocktail party, a wedding, New Years Eve, a date night, or whatever you’re attending, Rent the Runway has a dress for you! The best part is…you don’t have to pay the retail price tag of these fabulous dresses. It’s like hitting the jackpot!

So, how does Rent the Runway work?

First, you sign up at www.renttherunway.com (totally free by the way) and start browsing. Browse by Designers, What’s New, Trends, Style or Occasion. Rental prices range from $50 to $200 (depending on the retail price/value of the dress). Pick the dress of your choice (and a second size, just in case, for free) and pick a second dress for $25 in case your first option doesn’t work. Enter your shipping zip code and the day you would like it to be delivered, and in just a few days…you will have the perfect dress for your special occasion or fabulous event. If you live in New York City, there’s a plus…you can get same day delivery!

From the moment I came across Rent The Runway, I thought this was the best idea anyone’s had since Project Runway. I mean seriously…when you own a fabulous dress, you wear it once anyway, right? Even my [knows-nothing-about-fashion] boyfriend came across an article about Rent The Runway and told me about it right away…he thought it was a great idea too! He was slightly disappointed when I told him I was already signed up for it, but when you’re as obsessed with fashion as I am, what do you expect? 🙂

Some of my personal favorites Rent The Runway carries include: ADAM, Alice & Olivia, Gryphon, Haute Hippie, Helmut Lang, and Proenza Schouler.

New Years Eve is coming up girls! If you don’t have an outfit (or even if you do) I highly suggest checking this out at www.renttherunway.com

Ever used Rent The Runway? Let me know your thoughts. Even if you haven’t, I want your opinion!

Celeb Style: Rachel Bilson

I have loved Rachel Bilson since the moment I saw her on The O.C. (I miss that show by the way). I obviously think she’s gorgeous but I have always particularly loved her style. Whether she’s rockin the red carpet or running errands with a Starbucks cup in hand, she never seems to have a dull moment. Rachel’s day-time style tends to be boho vintage but she’s never afraid to try something new. A typical casual outfit for Rachel includes skinny jeans paired with a tank top or t-shirt with a great blazer or jacket. She accessorizes with a long-strap purse or hobo bag, some fabulous boots or ankle booties and often a light color or printed scarf.

Shoes: Brian Atwood, Shirt: MiH , Jeans: J Brand, Jacket: Theory, Scarf: Topshop, Purse: See by Chloe, Sunglasses: Rayban

Rachel’s red carpet look is different from her everyday style. No matter what the event, she always looks perfect.

Here is Rachel looking fabulous in Herve Leger:

Here is Rachel looking classy and quite stunning in Dior:

What do you think of Rachel Bilson’s style? Who is your favorite style icon? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Headbands

Headbands. What can I say? They’re like jewelry for your hair. Whether you’re having a bad hair day or your outfit is in need of some color or sparkle, a never-fail accessory–the headband–is here to the rescue. Headbands can be stretchy (going all the way around your head) or hard (going a little more than half way around your head). They can have beads, feathers, flowers, or bows and be made of various materials like silk, leather, satin, and more. Now keep in mind, not every headband style necessarily looks good on everyone. Personally, I am a big fan of the stretchy headband because they look better in my hair and complement the shape of my head. It might sound strange, but if you try on a lot of headbands, you’ll see what I mean. If you have (what I like to call) side-swipe bangs, then the more stiff headbands with a jewel or bow on the side will look great on you (and I’m super jealous). For people like me, whose hair has a mind of its own, the stretchy headband might be a better choice for you.

Here are some of my favorite headbands:

Top Row (left to right): 3.1 Phillip Lim Embellished Moire Headband ($125 at net-a-porter.com), Louis Marielle Lola Swarovski Crystal Hairband ($145 at net-a-porter.com), Vintage Collection Crystal Cluster Headband ($60 at chickdowntown.com), Pewter Flower Headband ($13 at misselfridge.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Athena Headband ($59 at barneys.com), ASOS Statement Fabric Vintage Style Bead and Sequin Headband ($20 at asos.com), Deepa Gurnani Headband ($85 at jades24.com), Jennifer Behr Red Grosgrain Stretch Headband ($229 at asos.com)

The great thing about the stretchy headbands is that they can be worn vertically or horizonally around your head (depending if you want to channel your inner hippie/1920s flapper girl or not).

Some celebs sporting their fabulous headbands:

It’s nearly impossible to write/talk about headbands without mentioning the one girl who is truly known for her ever-growing headband collection…Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl of course!

And who is the master behind Blair’s fabulous headband collection? Jennifer Ouellette! She has the most amazing collection of every style headband you could imagine. Although a bit pricey, it is worth the splurge because once you feel them, you know they’re made with great quality materials and of course they’re all absolutely beautiful. Click Here to Shop for Jennifer Ouellette Headbands

As you can see, whatever your style may be, there’s a headband for you. If you tend to dress more conservatively, a solid color headband is perfect for you. If your style is more boho chic, check out some of the styles Nicole Richie and Mischa Barton wear. Prepster? Blair Waldorf styles are for you! 

Which headbands are your favorite? Leave me some comments and let me know your thoughts!

Phillip Lim: 3.1 Edition

Phillip Lim debuted his line in the Fall of 2005 which turned into instant success. In 2007, he won the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Swarovski Award for emerging talent in womenswear. Since then, he has expanded into menswear and kids clothing. His work has been featured in various reputable magazines such as Elle, InStyle, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. Celebrities like Rachel Bilson, Lauren Conrad, Kristen Bell and Diane Kruger are fans of Phillip Lim. If you haven’t guessed already…so am I!

Here he is at his Spring 2009 runway show.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a piece of his work I did not like. Here is a selection of my favorite pieces.

His pieces are simple (but not too simple) with unexpected detail that will make you go crazy for his amazing outfits. From a fabulous sequin dress to a more toned-down (yet still amazing) cardian or jacket, there is a 3.1 Phillip Lim piece for everybody.

Although purchasing a 3.1 hillip Lim outfit can be pricey, it is definitely worth the investment. [Click here to see more by 3.1 Phillip Lim]

What are your thoughts on Phillip Lim? Leave me some comments and let me know!

NARS

As much as I love fashion, I think it’s just as important to love your skin care products and makeup as much as you love your outfit. Taking care of your skin is SUPER important, especially for your makeup to look the best it can. Although it’s not the only brand I use, I do love NARS cosmetics and skincare products.

My two simple rules of thumb when it comes to your skin:

1) Use a moisturizer during the day with SPF (Although not NARS, I use Trish McEvoy Protective Shield Moisturizer with SPF 15)

2) Wash your face! I know so my girls who get “too lazy” and go to sleep with a full face of makeup on (and not just after a long night out)…and they wonder why their faces are so broken out the next day! Wash it. Tone it. Moisturize it. Every day. Every night.

Here are some of my NARS favorites:

Top row, Skin Care (left to right): NARS Nourishing Eye Cream ($76 at Neimanmarcus.com), NARS Essential Vitamin Serum ($75 at sephora.com), NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream ($76 at sephora.com)

Bottom row, Cosmetics (left to right): NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara ($25 at barneys.com), NARS Bronzing Powder ($30 at neimanmarcus.com), NARS Concealer ($22 at sephora.com), NARS Limited Edition Nail Polish in Tallulah ($16 at Nordstrom.com), NARS ‘Everlasting Love’ 15th Anniversary Bold Makeup Palette ($75 at Nordstrom.com)

Why these are my favorites:

NARS Nourishing Eye Cream: I have used many eye creams in my life, and none as powerful and hydrating as this one. I only use a tiny bit every morning and every night. I notice a difference right away. Dark under-eye circles run in my family and the moment I put this on, they’re gone. No joke! Never used an eye cream like it.

NARS Essential Vitamin Serum: This is something I use more in the winter than in the summer to give my skin a little extra hydration for the day time. It can be used whenever, but I like to use it under my day time moisturizer. It’s like a multi-vitamin for your skin!

NARS Hydrating Moisture Cream: This is what I use as my night time moisturizer. Another example of a little going a long way…only a dime size amount of this intense moisturizer is needed. It smells fantastic and leaves your skin hydrated and silky smooth.

NARS Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara: How many masacaras have you tried in your life? I know I’ve tried way too many. They’re either too clumpy, not enough lengthening or not enough volume. This baby does it all! It makes your lashes look amazing.

NARS Bronzing Powder: Bronzer is another thing I’ve experimented with throughout life and I have stuck with my favorite by NARS (I use the color “Laguna”) for a couple years now. It gives you a great glow with a hint of shimmer, and without looking overly tan.

NARS Concealer: Everyone needs a great concealer. NARS’s concealer is light, smooth and great at covering up any skin imperfections. When applying eyeshadow, I use this as a base to make my shadows last longer and go on more smoothly. Also a plus…the concealer is enriched with Vitamin E.

NARS Limited Edition Nail Polish in Tallulah: I’m weirdly obsessed with nailpolish (see my “Nailpolish” post) so whenever I find a great color, I have to write about it (and usually buy it). It’s a beautiful purple with a perfect about of shimmer. I love NARS nailpolish in general because it lasts a long time on your nails and they always have a great line of colors.

NARS ‘Everlasting Love’ 15th Anniversary Bold Makeup Palette: Celebrating their 15 year anniversary, NARS has come out with this awesome combo palette of eyeshadows, blushes and lip colors. The idea behind it is to create a smoky eye with neutral lips and a subtle glow of the cheeks.

Well, there you have it…my NARS favorites. What’s your favorite cosmetic/skin care item by NARS? Leave me some comments and let me know!