Smart & Stylish—Red Carpet to Reality

I, like many women, spend oodles of time paging through Vogue and admiring celebrities wearing the latest couture.  Seeking the latest in anti aging products, the best mascara, the hot new lip stick color, all the tips and tricks that make those women so glamorous!  They seem to be able to achieve these looks so effortlessly. What we forget, is that often times, there is a TEAM of people working with them. Someone following them around making sure their make up is flawless, their skirt is not tucked into their underwear, and they don't have lipstick on their teeth.  I want a team!  Where is my team??? I  know I am not alone- right ladies?

As women we spend billions of dollars chasing "the look". This industry has proven to be recession proof!  After all when you are stressed out and feeling down what could be better than a new tube of bright lipstick?  It's an instant pick me up.  So the question is, with so many trends and products, where do we start???  How do we snag a little piece of the red carpet for us gals here in suburbia?

It can sometimes be hard to translate the runway to real life.  The key is to focus on an aspect of the look.  

We all love Drew Barrymore's perfect Ombre hair.  It is stunning!  Problem is here in real life it can look like we just have roots waiting to be colored.  Keep it a very soft and subtle transition from dark to light and it will look like your hair has been kissed by the sun.  if you prefer a more dramatic style make sure that the color has deliberate placement and tone.  Make sure there is enough contrast between the darkest and lightest color to show that it was intentional. This look is actually very user friendly and easy to maintain.  Since your roots are typically a little darker, that means more time in between retouches!

Another trend hitting the runways for fall is Metallics!  I am so excited for this!  Its time to shine ladies!  The trick to this is not to over do it. Do not outfit your self in gold and silver from head to toe.  This trend is best done in small doses.  Think accessories!  A gold statement necklace paired with a black or neutral top will stand out and look beautiful. Remember those bangle bracelets from the 80's?  Bring them back out and stack them on your wrist. Mixed metals can be used in this way also. They don't need to be matchey matchey- gold, silver, copper, bring it on! There are some great metallic nail polish colors coming out for fall also. A shimmery copper will look beautiful on both fingers and toes.  Perhaps my favorite way to be on trend is a pop of silver or gold in your eye makeup. A light silver or champagne color just under the brow bone will serve as a highlighter and will open up the eye. Another trick is to place a metallic shadow in the center of the eye lid. This will make your eyes pop and appear brighter. If you are feeling extra daring add a little sparkle to your look with a little bit of glitter over the top of your eye liner. A great product for this is the Urban Decay Heavy Metal liner. This product has just the right amount of sophisticated shimmer and is so simple to apply!

So as you can see staying on trend does not have to be a struggle or break the bank!  Focus on staying true to your own style while incorporating the latest trends. Make every step you take your own little walk down the red carpet!