Sweather Weather Tag

I have been seeing this tag floating around the internet lately (such as here), and I thought, why not do it? I'll tell you why not: we don't get fall here in Colombia! We are right on the Equator, so we don't have any seasons. Whatsoever. Except maybe two: the rainy, and the not-so-rainy. But hey, at least I can get in the fall spirit, even if it is currently 92F outside, can't I? sort of a glass-half-full mindset, if you will.

Anyway, let's get started on my not-exactly-sweater-weather tag:

1. Favorite Candle Scent?
My favorite candle scent will have to be Leaves, from Bath and Body Works. It smells so good and so autumny, that just by turning the ac on, I can pretend it is really fall. I have some trouble describing scents, but just believe me when I say that you won't regret getting it. The website says it smells of "golden nectar, red apple and spiced berries". Can't get much more autumny than that!

2, Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?
Definitely coffee. I will drink a warm cuppa coffee anytime regardless of the weather.

3. What's the best fall memory you have?
My best fall memory is from 2005 in Germany. I would bike to school every morning, enjoying the crisp air and just marveling at all the beautiful leaves on the ground. It was my first ever true fall experience, and I was completely awed by it. It was incredibly beautiful.

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer, dark lips or winged eyeliner?
I wrote a whole blog post on dark lips last week. I am currently digging the deep red or deep oxblood lip. I specially wear it on date nights or for parties. I believe it looks appropriate and sexy for those occasions, even in the terrible heat.

5. Skinny jeans or leggings?
I like skinny jeans, but lately I have been obsessed with leggings. They are way more comfortable than skinny jeans, no question about that, and I love how they can be dressed up or down, and you still look put together. They can be worn with dresses, tops, skirts, you name it, they are so versatile!
Some of my favorite leggings looks (from Pinterest):

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6. Hats or scarves?
Well, I'd have to be crazy to wear scarves over here (how I miss them!) so I'll go with hats. Well, beach hats, to be exact.

7. Combat boots or uggs?
Combat boots by far. When I was in New Zealand I loved wearing them. Although Uggs seem so comfy and cozy, I have never owned them, I always just went with really thick socks and warm fuzzy slippers instead.

8. What is your favorite thing about fall?
The display of colors is breathtaking. And the fashion is still fun, yet more sophisticated than in summer, so I love it too.

I definitely look forward to many more real autumns, though. There is something that feels magical about it, and to someone who has only experienced a hand full of them, it is all the more exciting and enjoyable!

If you do get fall where you live, what is your absolute favorite thing about it?

Lipspiration

Dark lips are perfect for fall; they send a message that you are confident, sexy and not afraid to go out of your comfort zone. However, I might still be a little too traditional to go all vamp and wear a deep plum or wine lip color. But a deep red or oxblood I will wear. This trend is also perfect for the holiday season approaching. Don't be too safe this year and try it!

Pixiwoo has a wonderful tutorial here, where she pairs red lips with soft eye makeup, creating a lovely look that you can easily recreate.

Here is a collection of some amazing looks with red and oxblood lips I found floating around the internet:

Image from Vogue.co.uk

Image from Lucky Magazine

Image from Rebloggy

Image from Jada Beauty

Image from Mase TV

Image from The Budget Fashionista

If you notice, none of these looks have dramatic eyes. The lips truly are the stars of the show, so let them shine and wear subtle eye makeup to complement them, not compete against them.

Top 5: Pantone in Fashion and Beauty

I am hopeless at design. Just awful. But I do still become mesmerized by the wonderful world of color that is Pantone, and I do love incorporating different colors and experimenting with them in my wardrobe.

It was not an easy task, but I finally narrowed it down to five Pantone colors that have caught my eye, obsessed me, and now make up the biggest percentage of my closet:

1. Crimson
One of my favorite colors, as a good girly-girl, is pink. However, this Pantone color is a more grown-up pink, very close to red, that works perfectly for both day and night, and adds a stunning pop of color to any outfit to make it stand out.

A crimson accessory is the perfect complement to a neutral outfit to add that pop of color that will make it stand out, like this one from Sir Jack's

2. Atlantic Deep
What I love most about this color is its ability to be combined in endless possibilities, giving your outfit a boost of elegance.

A gorgeous Atlantic Deep dress, paired with leggings is an easy yet chic option. This one is from Opus Fashion

3. Emerald
This didn't win Pantone "Color of the Year 2013" for nothing: it is gorgeous and vibrant, but for me its biggest attribute of this color is that it is flattering for most skin colors and body types, so most women look amazing in it.

An Emerald accessory like this Marc Jacobs Paradise In Rio bag is a perfect choice to dress up your day attire and transition it into a fancy date look. 

4. Acai
A must-have for Fall and Winter, Acai is a fun, vibrant purple that will brighten up a serious look without making it look childish. This is the fall equivalent of Crimson (which looks specially amazing during Spring and Summer).

I found this pretty iPhone case on Etsy, with light purple and Acai diamonds. Acai balances the light purple, making this iPhone case just the right amount of girly and cute.

5. Pink Lemonade
I can't help it. I am a lover of all things pink, so here it features again, and this time, Pink Lemonade is a soft, girly pink which I am crazy about. It is sweet and flirty, and I try to use it as often as possible, incorporating it in subtle ways so I don't end up looking like a four-year-old.

This MAC Lipglass, which shares its name with the Pantone color, will be sure to add a sweet and flirty touch to your finished look, so you can channel your inner romantic.

There is an entire world of color to explore, and a million ways in which they can be combined. If you want to check out Pantone's Spring/Summer 2014 Fashion Color Report, you can do so here. It is a collection of the colors predicted to become the highest trends of those seasons, so make sure to head over there and stay ahead of fashion.

Yummy Fall Treats

Boy, do I have a treat for y'all!

Fall has come. It is a fact. For some people, the summer memories are hard to let go of, and they try to hold on to them as long as possible. For others, like me, it is a happy time, with the crisp air, the ankle booties, and the oh-so-delicious treats. Either way, I have compiled a list of super easy ideas to make your Fall that much better and tastier:


1. Candy Corn Marshmallows: not only are they delicious, they are also stinking cute and a perfect treat/decoration for Halloween.

Image from Knead To Cook Blog

2. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: who can resist them? if you can, my hat off to you, Sir!

Image from TwoAidsAMilking

3. Why not also add some fall to your breakfast? Indulge in some pumpkin pecan waffles to start the day off right. Bonus: there is a Bath & Body Works candle to match!

Image from In The Long Kitchen

4. The classic caramel apple. And hey, it still counts as one of your five-a-day!

I hope you are enjoying your fall so far, and whenever you are feeling some summer-is-truly-over blues, head over to this post and get inspired by some yummy yummy treats! What is your favorite fall dessert or food?

Beauty Trend: Nude Nails

While spring and summer are seasons known for fun, flirty and relaxed trends in beauty and fashion, fall is really where the most sophisticated, feminine and elegant trends come to life.

This season one of the biggest trends that I am in love with are nude nails.  Not only are they gorgeous, but they are also super versatile: they transition ever so smoothly between day and night, work and fun. They really are appropriate for any occasion (which is not the case with other nail trends, like magnetic polish or 3D accents). 

If your skin is on the darker side, this is definitely a must-try, as the nails will stand out beautifully against your skin. However, nude nails don't only suit darker-skinned girls: pale girls can benefit from wearing sheerer shades of nude, so as not to create an undesirable contrast with their skin. A good rule to follow when choosing a flesh-colored lacquer is to go for one that matches your foundation, and that way your nails won't clash with your overall look.

Regardless of your skin tone, clean nails and cuticles are crucial in order to rock this trend as any dirt will definitely show. 

If you love being adventurous with your nails, fear not: this trend doesn't have to be plain or boring. Here are some tips to add an edge to your mani:

1. Add nail strips over the lacquer. Here, YouTube beauty guru MissGlamorazzi is rocking a stunning, chic manicure wearing Essie Topless & Barefoot underneath, and Revlon by Marchesa nail strips on top, in Beaded Couture:

Image from Ingrid Nilsen's Instagram account, @TheGridMonster

2.  Add an accent nail:

Image by Bellasugar

3. Incorporate nude shades into some fun nail art:

Image from Stylosophy

There is an endless selection of nude hues to choose from now, from really sheer, barely-there tones to light brownish nudes. To make it easier for you to choose, I have rounded up my three favorite options: a light nude, a medium nude and a darker one.

Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer in 104 Funny Girl

Essie Ballet Slippers

O.P.I. in Barefoot in Barcelona

Finally, I did my own nude nails. I am absolutely terrible at doing my nails, but I do them from time to time anyway in hope that practice makes perfect (or at least acceptable!), so please forgive the quality of my manicure:

What is your favorite nail trend this fall? And are you going to be wearing the nude nail trend?