No garlic needed.

This is more of a glog (gush blog) than a true post today.
Yes, I’m veering off into my personal life. But, I should. This topic deserves its own praise.

IN 18 DAYS I WILL BE SEEING VAMPIRE WEEKEND IN CONCERT.

This was the fruit of many efforts, including memorizing all the lyrics to California English from habitual listening and telling my mom to take the ticket money out of my savings account. I can’t deny that I got a rush of teenage hormonal excitement when I zapped the CONFIRM button on the online ticket. Because I totally did.

I never like all the songs an album puts out. But since the first day of last summer, I can easily say that Vampire Weekend has been my counterexample! Their album is my sleep playlist; I’ve even had dreams of being their back-up dancers. You could imagine my sheer disappointment when I realize that I’m not jamming to Mansard Roof but stuck in a cocoon of blankets with a I-have-sweaters-on-my-teeth feeling. Sigh.

There is a long list of exactly why I am so excited. Maybe it’s the sick instrumentals, their understated prep vibe, or their degrees from Columbia. Not to mention their deliciously infectious lyrics and array of sunglasses. It’s a combination of all it. Plus, lead singer Ezra Koenig doesn’t hurt (and that’s a definite understatement!)

You can’t call something like that hot. It’s just not appropriate. Haute is suitable. Beautiful. Gorgeous. ______ (any adjective your heart desires!)

But I can’t just mention Ezra. Rostam Batmanglij (keyboardist), Chris Baio (bassist), and Chris Thomson (drummer) are all super-talented. I also love Discovery, Rostam’s experimental electronic group (check out So Insane and Swing Tree). Baio is also a DJ. Lawd knows how many late nights I have spent tweet-stalking them. It’s a hardcore obsession, folks.
  

In a nutshell, these guys are brilliant. If you haven’t heard their latest album, Contra, I highly suggest you purchase it or snag a copy from a friend. You won't be disappointed.

Meow Mix.

"I like ruffles, I like glitter, meow mix meow mix please deliver!"

Inspiration: Vintage egyptian-inspired cat ring. Kind of reminds me of the Great Sphinx of Giza, but wearable.

Objective: Make a frishkay outfit out of it.

I started out with quirky kitty tank from Forever 21- their expressions are priceless! I layered it with a basic cami and a grungy denim mini-vest. To capture the intricate detail of the ring, I paired the tank with a bit of blingage. This cascade silver necklace from Urban is one of my favorite pieces- an understated yet off-the-wall elegance.

Marshall’s Mega Shoe Store is my shop of choice to scavenge for shoes! It is a little gem often glossed over for DSW, Macy’s, and the like. The prices are anything but glossy. I guess I let the cat out of the bag. Speaking of Macy’s, look what I discovered at the store only hours after I bought my steal sandals: Steve Madden's "Dazler" for $89.99.

Pretty close, eh? Except mine were a DAZZLING $68 less! Purrfect.

Cat got your tongue, Steve?

I added a feminine touch with a champagne ruffle skirt from Target to soften up the outfit. It seems like I can’t go anywhere without some sort of pastel.

I’m feline fine. I hope I delivered!

REDy, Set, Pout.

The 40s rocked it. Stefani rocks it. We can rock it. The classic red lip look.
I have always admired this timeless trend. It's the perfect way to be bold yet effortlessly elegant. The key is balance- lighten up the rich red with a minimal eye.

I know you may be giving that daunting little tube the stink eye in a bathroom counter battle. I know what you may be thinking: I will look like a(n) _________ (fill in the blank with an insult of your choice). Don't let that little insecurity lurk in the back of your mind...just go for it. Remember, Marilyn Monroe is applauding you. If that doesn't do it for you, I don't know what will.

Instead of submitting to your usual beauty routine (or should I say regime), mix up your makeup! Trade out that tired gloss for a red pick-me-up! If you are still hesitant about going full-on-red, ease yourself in with Revlon's Sheer Coral; it’s less intimidating. This lipstick allows you to adjust the color with layers without compromising the punch of red. For a more authentic color reminiscent of the 40s, Retro by Rimmel does the trick. Its matte texture provides creamy coverage with an orangey undertone.

The love is evident.

I tried to channel my own inner Marilyn with my favorite beauty weapon: the killer MAC bullet. MAC Red is a brilliant red with a fuchsia flair. Simply stated, the muse of my lipstick collection. One secret to red lipstick is to focus attention on one element of the face. Use a cream-colored shadow to cover the eye and a coffee-colored shadow for the crease. Line the eye with small wings or a cat eye shape. Follow with your favorite mascara and a sweep of light pink blush on the apples of the cheek. Tah dah! Marilyn is still applauding.

In the words of a modern day starlet:
“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick ass red lipstick.”
-Gwyneth Paltrow










A special thank you to the lovely Laura for her wonderful photography and patience.