MK & A

I fancy myself quite the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen fan slash know-it-all. I realize that maybe this is not a bragging matter, but nonetheless I can't seem to stop myself from publicly obsessing over their absolute fabulousness. I think my infatuation started when I was in elementary school with the beginning of Full House. I bought all of their straight-to-DVD movies (even the ones where they pretended to be able to sing but really couldn't...) Anyway, I really wanted to join the MK & A fan club but my mom wouldn't spot me the $20 to enroll (still a little bitter. I bet I could have gotten a sweet faux-autographed picture of them.) To this day, every time either (or both) MK & A are on the cover of a magazine, doing an appearance on a talk show, or are cameo-ing in a movie, I MUST partake of whatever pop culture they are participating in. If only I could afford anything from either of their uber-chic fashion houses, The Row or Elizabeth and James.

{As with any unhealthy-preoccupation, I recognize that I refuse to believe the worst of MK & A. Eating disorders? Please. Drug addiction? Don't be ridiculous.}

But along with my bizarre knowledge of all things Olsen comes with my uncanny ability to differentiate between the twins. Sometimes even magazines get it wrong and they will call Ashley Mary-Kate, or vice versa (do your homework, people!!) Just for fun, let's see if you guys can guess who's who?

I'll start you off with an easy one...

"I don’t know—you’re either on the worst-dressed list or you’ve started a fashion trend. I think there’s a real disconnect between the media’s perception of fashion and the fashion world’s idea of fashion. I don’t know why I wear some of the things I wear. I like wearing crazy things sometimes. I like being playful. Sometimes I feel like I’m playing dress-up and becoming a character. It’s sort of like an art. It can change your mood or the way that people are attracted to you.” MK

I wanted these sunglasses so bad circa 2007 when they wore them...

Well, what did you come up with??

Weekend Wardrobe: Two Timing

When you shop with a friend do the two of you usually go home with the same thing?

Well 9 times out of 10 C and I do.

Our closets are practically identical.

We dream of a day that we can just share a closet: thus doubling our wardrobe.

So here's a recap of this weekend:

We were discussing this very matter Thursday night. Friday afternoon, we went shopping. C bought the loveliest of black tees and I exercised my restraint. C insisted I get it but I was trying to be "good" {I like to space out my shopping sprees- as if a week makes any difference} Saturday rolls around and BAM! What do ya know? I get an email from Gap, begging me {practically paying me} to come in.

So there I am standing at the counter. Shirt; in hand, slightly ashamed.

Here we go again...

Sequin Pocket Tee: Gap

Skirt: J Crew {still in stores}

Patterned Tights: Last Chance

Black Heels: Jessica Simpson

Hoops: Walmart-holla!

fTf

This week's edition of fTf comes courtesy of a reader question, presented to us by the darling Nicole, who writes:

"I have this sassy p-leather jacket and I don't know what to wear it with! I also dont want to look like a biker chick HELPPP."

First off, we love that she calls her faux leather p-leather. Hilar.

Okay this is a common inquiry with a simple answer. I am assuming that we are all at least vaguely aware of how popular leather jackets are this season (leather or p-leather. either or.)I personally am LOVING this trend and I found the best Member's Only grey leather jacket at Nordstrom Rack a while back (I probably already told you this...?) anyway I am still seething about it because I didn't buy it. Consequentely I am still waiting for a (cheaper) option to jump out at me, as I am not actively searching for a leather jacket. However, if I DID buy one, I def would not want to look like a "biker chick" either, N. I think leather jackets look best when paired with feminine separates and/or statement jewelry.

Here's some specific ideas of what to do with a leather jacket:

Either a wide leg trouser jean or some jeggings would perfectly fit the bill to compliment a leather jacket, especially if it is cropped.

Buy the jacket in an unexpected color, i.e. camel, grey, even dark purple (or teal, just like Serena VDW).

Keep in mind that a leather jacket with a girlie dress is the perfect mix of masculine and feminine.

We also LOVE the look with a blousy white T and an awesome statement necklace (just for the sake of argument, I will put it out there that I do not like the necklace that is in this picture)

THIS necklace (in any of the three vivid colors it is available in) would look gorg. Especially with this yummy grey jacket.

or this one...

Hope this helps, N!

Now, go buy yourself some leather. Or, if you are an environmentalist, invest in some p-leather :)

Exfoliate 101

Dearest readers,

I am concerned that many of you are not properly exfoliating your skin. I get MANY questions about skin care, and often times I receive emails that make me wonder if most people ever obtain proper skin care knowledge? I personally did not know that much about my skin and what I was doing to it {or schmearing onto it} before I went to aesthetics school. Obvi, everyone isn't going to go to school to learn about skin care. Some people don't even care {!} about their skin. Well it's time to start taking accountability, people. After my crash course in skin care 101, you won't be able say that you weren't ever told WHAT to do or HOW to do it...

Today's lesson will be on exfoliating. I know many times purchasing exfoliators can be terribly intimidating, because, really WHY do you need to exfoliate? Well, I will tell you.

Here's the scoop. Your skin constantly has layers and layers (and layers) of dead skin cells building up. If you don't scrub them off once in a while {via a physical or chemical exfoliant--more on that later} then everything else you are putting on your skin, i.e. moisturizers, eye cream, serums, etc. etc., is just sitting on top of impenetrable layers of dead flakes. Gross, right? So, you are spending hundreds of dollars on La Mer face cream? Awesome, but it means nothing if you aren't providing the means for it to sink into your pretty skin.

There are two different kinds of exfoliators--physical and chemical. Physical refers to the gritty beads that are in some masques or face washes that basically just rip the skin off your face. As you can see, I'm not a super-fan of physical exfoliants. Why? Because people abuse them. And now we all must suffer the consequences. Just kidding, but seriously. If you scrubby scrub scrub your face with those beads til you're red and tingly, guess what is going to happen? Your face will be inflamed, sensitive, AND you might even break some blood vessels. SO what have we learned here? Say it with me, "It is not better to scrub harder."

The other type of exfoliant is chemical. This refers to a plethora of options: lactic, salicylic, glycolic acids, as well as fruit enzymes and things such as oatmeal. This form of exfoliator digests the skin cells and allows for premium penetration of product, thereby freeing your skin from its trap of dullness. The chemical exfoliants are the ingredients that you want to look for in a good exfoliant.

Most over-the-counter (a.k.a. drugstore) exfoliants are physical only. That said, there are many washes that contain salicylic acid. Let me make this clear: unless your skin is acneic, using salicylic acid is too harsh for everyday use. Exfoliating with salicylic acid is fine, but it should be more of a once a week occasion. Doing it too often will strip your skin and can cause a myriad of other problems we won't get into today.

Here are a couple drugstore options for exfoliants:

Canus Nature All Natural Hydrating Facial Scrub (dry skin)

St. Ives Naturally Clear Green Tea Scrub (oily or acneic skin) {But please, please, please...DO NOT use St. Ives Apricot Scrub!!!}

As for professional product, I recommend:

Image Total Resurfacing Masque

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment

That's all for the skin care lesson today, I don't want to keep going for fear of information over-loading you. Next up on the skin care block: DIY techniques.

Before I sign off, I do have to ask...is there an exfoliant that you swear by? Share your secrets, please!!

LC

It's confirmed! Lauren Conrad is doing another reality show on MTV!!! After much speculation we finally heard the words come from her own mouth,

"The new project will follow me as I develop my new contemporary line and also touch on my other businesses. I'm so excited to take on this new project that really focuses on my true passion"

I, for one, cannot wait. Why is she always so perfection? Is it bad that I covet everything she does/has?

It is?? Well, sue me.

Doll face. And you're kidding yourself if you say you don't have a small platonic crush. If nothing else, on her hair alone.

The new show will highlight her as she launches her new fashion line, which shouldn't disappoint. Some peeps are giving her slack for doing another reality show after leaving "The Hills". To that she says this one will NOT be about her personal life, but about her business. Unfortunately for us..

Has anyone picked up her new book? If so, what do you think??

In other news, some of her "Hills" co-stars are making headlines as well. Audrina is doing her own reality show on VH1, something tells me LC's ratings will be better, just sayin.

And then there's good ol' Speidi {Spencer and Heidi} who are still trying to make headlines. Supposedly they got "officially" married yesterday {Sunday}. I'm thinking they're on their 16th minute of their 15 minutes, or do we still care?

WW: back in black

This weekend I wasn't concentrating fully on my outfits because I have been way too busy purchasing a whole new wardrobe composed of exclusively black clothing items. Why black, you may ask? Because I am officially the newest MAC employee at Nordstrom Scottsdale in Fashion Square! I have been debating about returning to work at MAC for a while, but it hasn't quite worked out timing-wise. This last few weeks, I had the opportunity to pursue a position at MAC and everything came together!

Needless to say, I have been scurrying around trying to get myself outfitted with trendy black clothes and accessories before starting work on Tuesday. This may seem an easy task, but when you have to wear black on black on black, certain items must stand out. Texture, pattern and detail {coupled with professionalism} all come to the forefront. Luckily when working for a fabulous company like MAC, you are free to express your individuality through your clothing choices. Here are just a few {of my admittedly many} recent purchases:

These shoes, super comfy with a great rhinestone detail:

That said, anyone have any suggestions for the perfect comfortable yet stylish work shoe?

This shirt, love the ruffle:

Faux Leather leggings:

This darling skirt:

Plus, approximately one million pairs of black textured tights, of course :)

btw, I highly recommend getting a job that requires you to purchase a whole new wardrobe. Best excuse to go shopping EVER.

Fashion Tip Friday: Bold Colors

Bold color. Monochromatic. Jewel Tones.

What do these have in common? We saw lots and lots of it at this years CMA awards. Looks like this trend is gonna stick around for awhile. So if you don't already have a wardrobe full of bright pieces, then start small by adding 'pops' of color through accessories.

On anther note, can someone get T Swift a sandwich?

Guess what? Bright, bold colors are also all over the runway. Can you believe? Which means we're all gonna stand out amongst the sea of black this winter!

Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, Fendi, Carlos Miele

Who was your favorite from the CMA's? I LOVED Carrie Underwoods hair and makeup and my favorite dress has to go to my gal, T Swift. XO

Rachel McAdams

Is it bad that I have a mild-to-moderate girl crush on the gorgeous {and un-fairly flawless} Rachel McAdams? She first flew into my radar as mean girl Regina George. But let's all admit it- we fell in love with her as Allie in the Notebook (arguably the greatest love story ever told. If you didn't cry while watching it then you are officially soul-less).

As if it weren't enough to star in one of my favorite book-to-screen adaptations, Rachel had to go make The Time Traveler's Wife, which is one of the best books I've ever read. {swoon}

Anyway, I have loved Rachel (yup, first name basis) for forever. She almost ruined my life when her and Ryan Gossling (a.k.a. Noah Calhoun) broke up in real life. But her acting ability and fabulous character representations are not the only reasons I adore her.

Let's take a look at some of R's defining beauty moments, including her spread in this month's In Style...

Oh hi there, Brigitte Bardot - I mean, Rachel. She has fan-freaking-tastic hair and the most glowing skin ever.

So pretty. Love her as a blondey-blonde. But she is one of those girls that can pull off any hair color (if I didn't love her, I would hate her.)

The hair, the makeup and the wardrobe in this shoot are perfect genius. She really knows how to work the 60's mod era and utilize the playful sex-kitten vibe.

This pic makes me never, ever want to give up winged eyeliner. Not that I wanted to in the first place. But if I ever start doubting myself I will put this picture on my fridge.

What is your favorite Rachel McAdams movie??

granted, it is hard to choose. but mine has to be the Notebook, because it is one of the few movies that I simply must watch if i see that it is on t.v. {plus her outfits in it are to.die.for.}

money can't buy you style

I sometimes find myself saying things like "oh maybe someday when I have a million dollars, I'll be able to have the cutest outfits ever." But if there's one thing I've learned from watching Fashion Police, and stalking celebs via magazines & blogs - it's that MONEY CAN'T BUY YOU STYLE.

Just take a gander at some of these recent celeb mishaps for yourself:

Perhaps Anne Hathaway's icon is MC Hammer?

Christina Ricci's stomach is purging a bad salad she had earlier?

Nothing says split personality like Julianne Moore's dress she wore at Bulgari Express.

How many times do we have to say it? Just because it's vintage does NOT mean you should wear it.

Shenae Grimes...I'm so sorry for your loss.

Taylor- I'm not even surprised anymore. Thanks for lightening up the eye shadow?

Scary pattern Nicole- Yikes!

This is actually a good picture from this night. Her hair was a hot mess. Whoever styled her needs their licensed revoked asap!