#finfree

#finfree

July 30, 2014

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There's nothing I love more than when Lush e-mail pops up in my inbox and it is regarding something I am already passionate about!

 

Lush Cosmetics has partnered with Discovery Channel's Shark Week, Sharkwater filmmaker Rob Stewart and his organization, United Conservationists, to raise awareness for sharks and stop the unnecessary slaughter for their fins. Rob Stewart has a wonderful film called Shark Water. I have watched it several times, and it really makes you appreciate the beauty of sharks. Check out part Rob's story at the end of this post and join #finfree movement by signing the petition and by purchasing Lush's limited edition Shark Fin soap.

The Shark Fin soap is made of softening seaweed, scrubby fine sea salt and zesty lime oil that make it a refreshing way to cool down this summer. 100% of the price of this soap will be donated to United Conservationists, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sharks through its Fin Free movement. Now you can swim with the sharks and help protect them too!

 

The Brunette Shake is definately going to support this effort. Remember, Green is Sexy! Be kind to the environment and animals...

 

xx

Hillary

 

 

 

"In August 1999, I was a 19-year-old photographer embarking on my most exciting photo assignment yet: to photograph my favorite species, Hammerhead Sharks, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. As a “fish nerd” I spent as much time with sharks as possible, and grew to understand a very different side of sharks compared to conventional media. To me they were shy, inquisitive, sensitive and important. Being the first animal on earth with jaws, and the only large animal to have endured for 450 million years and five mass extinctions, they’re a huge part of the framework for life in the oceans. Life that gives us most of the oxygen we breathe.

Upon arriving in the Galapagos Islands, instead of finding sharks in all their majesty in the most protected marine reserve on earth, I encountered a fishing line that could stretch from earth to outer space, with thousands of baited hooks and hundreds of dead and dying sharks.
Shark fin soup is a Chinese delicacy so desirable that a single pound of shark fin can sell for more than $400 USD, leading to the practice of finning: keeping only the fins and discarding the bodies, which wastes 95% of the animal. This demand slaughters 100 million sharks each year, decimating 90% of the world’s sharks within my lifetime."



Fashion 101 | Investment Pieces

Fashion 101 | Investment Pieces

July 23, 2014

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Investment pieces can range from that studded Burberry trench coat, those glitter Miu Miu booties EVERYONE had to have a couple years ago, the quilted Chanel bag... The list goes on.

But which pieces do you splurge for? Can you resell them? Which ones do you keep?

Personally, I am described by the line in "Fashion Killa" by A$AP Rocky:

"And Versace: got a lot, but she may never wear it
But she save it so our babies will be flyer than their parents"

I save all my investment and iconic fashion pieces for my hopes that when I have a daughter, she will raid my closet and I can pass down those pieces so she can live life in them like I have!

Iconic fashion pieces are always good to splurge on, if you are financially able and if you are building a fashion collection.

I limit myself to 1 fashion investment per season, and 3 trend pieces per season. The trend pieces I purchase are budget friendly, and I usually purchase them from H&M, Free People or French Connection.

eBay is a great place to buy pieces from Fashion Collaborations from years past that you can no longer find. So of course, think of this when you are purchasing items. Will people be looking for these Missoni for Target dresses in a year? Should I buy it?

Always go for those special, one of a kind pieces when you are shopping. You are unlikely to find these again, and they can go for a pretty penny on eBay or fashion reseller sites.

It is known that accessories and shoes re-sell for a higher price over time and keep their value.

Keep all the packaging, take care of your investment pieces if you are a reseller. If you are 100% sure that you are keeping your investment piece, keep it out and show it off! You deserve it.

A couple of my Investment Pieces are:

Chanel Quilted Jacket from my Nanny
Studded Christian Louboutin Booties
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi in Blue
Prada Baroque Sunglasses in Black




How To Pronounce Designer Names 101

How To Pronounce Designer Names 101

February 1, 2014

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It is fundamentally strange how some of the best designers in the world have the most difficult names to pronounce. Not to mention how embarrassing it is when you're talking to a Vogue editor at a gala and you mispronounce a designer... It's very embarrassing, trust me on that one. I guess it's not as embarrassing as accidentally tripping a Vogue editor at Fashions Night Out but that's a whole different story.

This fabulous guide to pronouncing names was published on Harpers Bazaar a few days ago and I HAD to share. As a fashion lover, stylist and writer I couldn't not share with you! 

Make sure you're alone if you start pronouncing these out loud, you might get funny looks on the subway if you don't. 

Let's get started!! Don't forget to have fun with this lovelies! Fashion is supposed to be fun. 

Anna Sui: anna swee

Ann Demeulemeester: ann de-mule-eh-meester

Azzedine Alaia: azz-eh-deen ah-lie-ah

Badgley Mischka: badge-lee meesh-kah

Balenciaga: bah-len-see-ah-gah

Balmain: bahl-mahhhhn

Bottega Veneta: bow-tay-guh vah-netta

Christian Lacroix: christian luh-kwa

Christian Louboutin: christian loo-boo-tan

Comme des Garçons: comb dey gah-sown

Dolce & Gabbana: dol-chey and gab-ana

Dries Van Noten: drees van know-ten

Gareth Pugh: gareth pew

Giambattista Valli: gee-am-bah-tease-ta vah-lee

Gianfranco Ferre: gee-ahn-franco feh-ray

Givenchy: zjee-von-shee

Hermès: er-mez

Hervé Léger: air-vay lay-jah

Hussein Chalayan: hoo-sane sha-lion

Issey Miyake: iss-ee mee-yah-key

Jean Paul Gaultier: zhon paul go-tee-ay

Junya Watanabe: jun-yah wat-an-ah-bey

Kinder Aggugini: kinder ag-ooh-gee-nee

Lanvin: lahn-vahn

Loewe: loh-wev-eh

Louis Vuitton: loo-wee vwee-tahn

L'Wren Scott: la-ren scott

Maison Martin Margiela: may-sohn martin mar-jhell-ah

Marchesa: mar-kay-sah

Mary Katrantzou: mary cat-trant-zoo

Miu Miu: mew-mew

Monique Lhuillier: monique le-hu-lee-ay

Moschino: mos-key-no

Olivier Theyskens: oh-liv-ee-ay tay-skins

Proenza Schouler: pro-en-zuh skool-er

Rochas: row-shahs

Rodarte: row-dar-tay

Roksanda Ilincic: roksanda ill-in-chik

Salvatore Ferragamo: sal-vah-tor-re fer-ra-gah-moh

Sonia Rykiel: sewn-yah ree-key-el

Thakoon: tah-koon

Versace: vur-sah-chee

Yves Saint Laurent: eve san lau-ron

Yohji Yamamoto: yoh-jee yam-ah-mo-to

Source: How to pronounce Moschino, Hermes, Miu Miu and more designer names - Harper's BAZAAR

Happy 27th Birthday, Mary-Kate and Ashley!

Happy 27th Birthday, Mary-Kate and Ashley!

June 13, 2013

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I grew up with the Olsen twins. 

I used to spend their birthday (June 13th) watching a marathon of the MKA videos. I'd start with my most favorite "Our Lips are Sealed" and end up "Costume Party". I know all of the lines, all of the lyrics to the songs... I'm pretty sure any true 90's girl does too! 

Today is Mary-Kate and Ashley's 27th birthday! 

They have went from Michelle Tanner on Full House to fashion design power houses. They really are an unstoppable force! 

Let's check out some of my favorite photos of MKA in celebration of their 27th birthday! 

"CLICK TO SEE MORE BELOW!!!"

Glamour July 2013 | Lily Collins

Glamour July 2013 | Lily Collins

June 7, 2013

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Lily Collins. 

I've been in awe of this young thing for years. Those brows! That style! 

I am so pleased that she is getting more popular in Hollywood, that means I can buy more magazines with her on the cover! Like this fabulous Glamour cover and shoot.

It was shot in Bergdorf Goodman. So basically it's already amazing. Add Glamour Mag + Lily Collins to the mix and we have some magical stuff here people. 

In all seriousness, this is one of my favorite shoots I've seen in a while. I can't wait to purchase a copy of this magazine for my collection!

Check out some photos below from the Glamour site, and a sneak peek at her interview too! If you're feeling like you want more Lily keep on scrolling, I've included her fashion files from the past few years. I know, I know, you love me. 

Now for a Sneak Peek at Lily's Interview! 

Glamour: Did you ever ask your dad for help?
Lily Collins: No, I always wanted to do it on my own. I never wanted anyone making phone calls. A name can open doors, but there’s a quote I like: “Personality can open doors, but only character can keep them open.”

Glamour: In your new movie Stuck in Love, your character, Samantha, is a little like you: a writer with a famous father.
Lily Collins: It’s my most meaningful project so far. I fought for the role for seven months. I read the script and thought, No one but me can play this. Samantha is promiscuous, cynical, sarcastic—qualities that are not me, but fun to channel. I also liked her relationship with her dad.

Glamour: Do you consider anyone your mentor?
Lily Collins: My mom. It has nothing to do with acting. She guides me through my personal life, telling me to experiment. She lets me borrow her vintage. She has Chanel and eighties stuff from Yohji Yamamoto and Vivienne Westwood that she got when vintage wasn’t cool. She’d wear them to events with my dad, and everyone would ask what she had on; when she said “vintage,” they’d go, “Oh, that’s nice,” and, you know, turn the corner.

Glamour: You recently ran into Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris. How does that work? Does he simply appear from a plume of smoke?
Lily Collins: That’s how he should arrive, right? We’d met briefly before, and I was shopping at Colette when he just walked in and said, “Ah, Lily!” Karl Lagerfeld in Paris. Epic.

Glamour: The Mortal Instruments is going to be epic too.
Lily Collins: I’m so excited! I had read and really loved the books.

Glamour: The anticipation level is pretty crazy. Readers have a lot of opinions about the movie.
Lily Collins: The fans [in Toronto, during filming] were amazing. They’d bring us cookies, mugs, tea, drawings, everything. I want to make sure I live up to their expectations as Clary.

Glamour: It all reminds me of where Jennifer Lawrence was right before The Hunger Games.
LC: She’s a friend; she’s awesome. The choices Jennifer has made have been really interesting. And I loved how she carried herself after her trip [going up onstage] at the Oscars. I was like, “You go, girl!”

Glamour: Do you have many actor friends?
Lily Collins: It’s funny, but the friends I’ve made in this business, some of us started out getting each other’s phone numbers in audition rooms because we were like, “I see you all the time. Why are we not hanging out?”

Glamour: We have to ask: Have you started getting dressed in the morning with the paparazzi in mind?
Lily Collins: Even in L.A., where everyone’s in yoga pants, I’ve never been the girl to run around in sweats. I love fashion and always have something put together, but I won’t wear anything specifically to be photographed in. I have become more cautious of making funny faces in public.

Glamour: So, Ms. Next Big Thing, what keeps you grounded?
Lily Collins: My mom. She has always encouraged me to feel like being me is enough. That’s really special, especially in a place like Hollywood. She’s my best friend.

Lily's Fashion Files

Fashion changes every second. So do people. So that just means that people's style change over time as well! But of course, there are those whose style just keeps getting better and keeps us on our toes...Lily is one of them. 

<<<<<<<<<Be sure to CLICK TO SEE MORE to see Lily's Fashion Files! 

Currently Obsessed | Flower Crowns

Currently Obsessed | Flower Crowns

May 31, 2013

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This statement is so me. I may love the glitz and glam of diamonds, but "me" is flowers in my hair. 

I've been coveting a flower crown for what seems like years, I found some really great DIY video's on YouTube that I have shared below. I also included a great "shop this post" section too if you're not a DIY'er!

So, next week I'm going to be making flower crowns like it's my job. I can't wait to experiment with different flowers and colours. Of course, the photo shoots after I make them are going to be so much fun and  I will (of course!) be sharing the photos with you. 

I have included most of my flower crown inspiration below for all of YOU to get inspired too! Nothing screams Spring/Summer more than flowers in your hair. 

I remember making flower crowns when I was really young, I'd make them out of dandelions or daisies when I was playing outside. Did you ever do that?

DIY Tutorial via YouTube

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Beautify Yourself | Coconut Oil

Beautify Yourself | Coconut Oil

May 29, 2013

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ph: Free People Blog

The uses for coconut oil are endless.  Not only is it one of my favorite beauty products (no joke!), but it is healthy to use everyday in your meals or even just a spoon a day!  Coconut oil is said to improve the immune system, increase metabolism, and aid kidney problems and heart disease.  It’s something that I use for both cooking and beauty. Here are some of the most popular/favorite ways to use magical coconut oil!

As a Moisturizer

Coconut oil is incredibly moisturizing.  If you be sure to buy organic coconut oil, there are no chemicals in it that could potentially harm your skin, hello major plus! I don't even want to know the amount of chemicals that is in my old night cream... The coconut may feel feel greasy at first but it absorbs quickly and contains natural nutrients like vitamin E that are great for your skin – it even fights against bacteria to even out blemishes and has anti-aging properties. I can totally vouch for this too. I used coconut oil on my face after an allergic reaction to an anti-blemish cream and not only did my rash disappear by the next day, my blemish was gone too!

For the Hair

This is my number one favorite way to use coconut oil. My hair tends to get very dry, especially in these Summer months. So I have been putting some coconut oil on my hands and running them through my hair, focusing on the ends, to add some moisture.  Applying coconut oil directly to the ends is also a fabulous remedy for those pesky split ends.  I love to use coconut oil when making sea salt spray – just add water and salt, shake it up and spray onto hair for beachy locks! Coconut oil is amazing. 

For the Lips & Hands

Coconut oil is a great alternative to chapstick or vaseline.  The oil locks in moisture and the vitamins and nutrients it contains are great for keeping lips smooth and moist and kissable.  Hours after using it your lips will still feel incredibly soft – and you don’t feel the urge to constantly reapply, and you won't need to!  A little bit of coconut oil goes a very long way. You can also use the coconut oil on your cuticles or hands if they are dry and overnight you'll notice a difference and your hands will be nice and soft.

For Cooking

Next time you cook a meal requiring olive oil, vegetable oil or some type of cooking oil, substitute coconut oil instead.  I understand that you may be nervous about the flavor, but it’s very subtle and actually quite nice.  The benefits of using coconut oil as opposed to other oils are numerous, and far too many to list here!  It improves the immune system, contains natural antioxidants, increases metabolism, and helps maintain a healthy heart and cholesterol level... Plus, the flavor it adds to dishes is subtle and delicious!

So what do you think? Will you be trying out coconut oil in your beauty routine?

Beautify Yourself | Sunscreen 101

Beautify Yourself | Sunscreen 101

May 22, 2013

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I can picture it now; the sun is shining, waves are crashing, laying on my towel at the beach, laughing with friends in my favorite new one-piece cut-out bathing suit with sunscreen from head to toe. Due to a skin condition, I have worn sunscreen religiously for the past 15 years. 

While in high school, all of the "popular" girls went to tanning beds every week and were tan (and a wee bit orange) all year round. Those very same girls now have wrinkly foreheads, terrible skin tone and sun spots. Sure, I have wrinkles... but they are laugh lines around my eyes that you can only see if you look closely, and I love them! Wouldn't you rather have wrinkles from laughing than because you tanned all year round?

You should cherish the skin you're in. After all, it's what keeps you all together! It's the what everyone can see. Why wouldn't you take care of it? 

Not using sunscreen can create major skin issues. Yes, that's right the "C" word is one of them. Cancer. If that doesn't scare you into using sunscreen (even occasionally) I don't know what will! Other skin issues from non-use of sunscreen is aging and sun damage. Um...ew! I'd rather keep my porcelain skin thanks. 

My #1 tip for sunscreen is that if you think you missed a spot but you're not sure,  just put extra sunscreen on it! More sunscreen isn't going to hurt you. My #2 tip is to be sure to read the label when buying sunscreen, make sure you are protected against BOTH UVB and UVA rays!

Even celebrities wear sunscreen, so don't think that it makes you "lame" to wear sunscreen. Krysten Ritter carries Bliss Suncream in her bag! You don't have to be tan during the summer! I'm white as a ghost and I love it. My skin is happy, and so am I. 

Now, time for my choice sunscreens. The sunscreen that was recommended to me by my dermatologist was "Ombrelle" sunscreen, and I use it almost everyday! My 2nd favorite is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70.

Happy Summer Shopping! Sunscreen is a staple for every outfit this Summer.