I'm Rockin'

Hello, Gorgeous


Today I'm showing my purchases from the Rock && Republic beauty sale on Hautelook!
(They actually brought it back again today! 1/24- go look, go look!)


I'm sure you already know about HauteLook, so I won't get into too much detail about the site. But in case you haven't, the site offers sales on pricier designer brand clothing as well as beauty products. It makes it so you can access items you wouldn't normally be able to (whether due to cost or sheer availability). You have to register to look at the site, but it's easy and free. Click here for the site

I already knew I liked Rock && Republic cosmetics from my purchasing several items when the brand first launched its beauty line. I am a die hard RR denim lover- so them coming out with makeup was crazy news! The packaging is GORGEOUS and the products are great- buuuuut they are definitely pricey. Pricier than most high end cosmetics (there's a bronzer/highlighter duo that ran for $220. Seriously?!).
I'm not sure if the company is fazing out their cosmetics, but it's SO hard to find these products!! So YAY for HauteLook!

It's nearly impossible to tell the shadow colors from just the display picture alone- while I was shopping I would search the shadow in google images and look up blog swatches that appeared to determine if I liked it or not. I took some pictures that might hopefully help you in case you're also looking to try out some of the items!

I already knew I loved the eyeshadow- the pigmentation is great, they blend easily and they stay on all day. This picture does NOT do the shadows justice! It doesn't show the shimmer in the shadows Snakeskin, Exile, Sabotage, Chronic or Revenge (the others are matte) and I feel like some of the colors look washed out in comparison to their real appearance. (For instance, Revenge is a more purple shade than the brown it photographed) but hopefully this will still give you a basic idea:

The blushes are amazing- you get a HUGE compact and the colors are so vivid and beautiful.

 I already owned the shade 'Bedroom' (a peachy coral tone) but here are the three I purchased from the sale, as well as a swatch of a darker pressed powder I plan to use as a matte contour

Forgive my spotted sketchpad

Shameless has shimmer to it and is also not as brown as it is photographing. I'm wearing X-Rated in my 2 in 1 Messy Braided Half Up Do tutorial in case you want to see the color in a video

Here are the two lipglosses I purchased in the sale. I also already owned the shade "Drama Queen", a peachy orange-ish color. Runaway is a golden pink color that is SO pretty- I find that I CAN wear this goldish sheen (unlike Nars Orgasm, which will just never look good on me) and I LOVE loudmouth- it is also what I'm wearing in my last video

I also bought three of the trickery tinted illuminizers- these are great mixed in with your foundation or used as a stand alone highlight. I also purchased a darker color to mix with lighter foundations or lotion for an all over deep body glow

I also bought some of the makeup brushes! I didn't even know they HAD brushes, so I was super excited to see them on sale! They are silver and black (my favorite decorating aesthetic!) so naturally, I was in love. Have you tried R&R Cosmetics? Love or not impressed? Did you get anything from the sale? Hope these swatches help you if you decide to check it out! :)

C'est Fini

xox,

Carly

2 in 1 Messy Half Up Do

^That's my morning in three pictures. Oh waking up, how I despise you. Melodramatic? Maybe. The last thing I feel like doing in the morning is getting out of my bed, don't even get me started on getting ready. I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore sleep- so much so that I set my alarm for ten minutes before I have to leave. So I'm left with two options: 

1.Sacrifice sleep and wake up early

OR

2. Figure out how to do my hair in five minutes

I accept said challenge.

Enter the braided half up-do:

1. Part your hair over the arch of the brow on the side you want it parted

(You can part further if you'd like a longer extended braid)

2. Section the top layer from the part, and divide in half

3. Section the back piece into half again

(The first piece of the braid is larger so it looks better pulling off of your face)

4. French Braid only from the front- only add hair when coming off of the face

Continue french braiding until slightly past your ear- this keeps the braid down the side of the face but then allows you to move the braid around your hair and act as a band. 

Finish braiding hair regularly and secure with an invisible elastic tie 

(Clear bands can be bought at walgreens, target, etc in hair aisle)

Tease the first layers of the crown and sides

Pull the hair from slightly above your ear back towards the center 

Twist the sides and secure with bobby pins in an X formation

Join braid by wrapping it up and around the back and securing with a bobby pin

The braid/poof combo takes less than five minutes to do- and is perfect for messy or dirty hair

At night when I intensely condition my hair, I'll wake up and braid the front instead of

styling it again so the conditioner has more time to set and heal my hair

This lazy style can be transformed from a sheer messy/boho do to a 

romantic, wavy look with a clampless iron

(mine is the fahrenheit 4 in 1 from www.beautychoice.com, 

I've gotten all of my clampless irons from there)

The only complaint I had with my previous clampless irons was that

the temperature was not adjustable- these irons get HOT!

My hair is thin and already damaged, it does not need intense heat to hold a curl!

So I was happy they let me pick out this iron (thanks beauty choice!) 

because the temperature can be changed! Hallelujah. 

It came with 4 different sizes and even a different shape 

(the cone kind, a 1/2 inch, a 1 inch and a 1 1/2 inch) I've seen one sized irons 

running from $50-100, so this one is $99 for 4 different barrels-

but I have a coupon code for 20 dollars off!! Here's the link/code:

http://www.beautychoice.com/landing/CarlyCristman.html

Promo code: CTBFH2

So just section off pieces of the loose hair to be curled. I'm taking about 1 inch sections, but you can do smaller pieces depending on how many curls/ how tight you want them to be. You can also alternate size of sections to keep it more random and loose

After letting the curls cool, brush them out to create waves

Brushing the curls out doesn't ruin your work or damage the style

They will stay in place even longer!

My makeup for this look is how I've been wearing my makeup every day recently

Foundation: Boots No. 7 Foundation from Target Shade 15 Buff (just found this! <3 it!)

-Mixed with Rock n Republic Trickery Illuminator in Roxanne

Concealer: Hard Candy Glamouflage in Medium (Walmart!)

Powder: Lancome Dual Finish

Cheeks: Rock && Republic in X-Rated

(I waited for this for 45 minutes on HauteLook!!)

Lips: Rock && Republic in Loudmouth (Hautelook as well)

link for HauteLook: http://www.hautelook.com/invite/CCristman712

Lid Shadow: Rock && Republic Exile (MY NEW FAVORITE!) (Hautelook)

Crease color: NARS Brown shade from duo Brousse (OTHER NEW FAV!) (Gina gave me this!)

Brow bone: Smashbox in Vanilla

Liner: Smashbox cream liner in plum

Mascara: Lancome L'oscillation in black

Highlighter: Jemma Kidd Dual Illuminator in Champagne

Shirt: Free People

Let me know if you try this style out!
Watch the video for this here

C'est Fini

xox,

Carly

Outfit of the Day #11

Hello, Gorgeous

Today I am wearing this layer skirted trench with black tights and grey heels.

Pairing color contrasts and neutrals is a simple yet chic way to stay cute even when it's freezing. The black and cream pop when paired opposite the other, and the lighter heel adds some fun.

Under my coat, I'm wearing this basic white tee and sequined silver vest

1. White Tee: Victoria's Secret PINK, Size XS (Was 2 for $25 at purchase)

2. Sequin Vest: Free People, Size Medium, $68

I love this vest! My obsession with sequins is beginning to define me- but they're fabulous! The white tee is sized to fit loosely- my favorite way to wear t-shirts! This style is typically relaxed and comfortable (a basic tee and a hanging vest) but the sequins dress it up in such a cute, different way. This is an unexpected spin on one of my style staples- a classic white tee and leggings.

My vest is from Free People- I purchased the vest in a size medium so it would hang and be relaxed as opposed to a tight vest- the more relaxed the vest, the more enhanced the effect (relaxed yet glamorous).

1. Leggings: Trouvé, Nordstroms, Size XS, $24.90 (on sale online now!)

2. Ankle Boots: Forever 21, Size 9, $27.80

You already know my obsession with these heeled ankle boots- my sister gave me the same pair but in grey suede! One of the most exciting gifts for me. The grey picks up the tones in the vest and provides a nice contrast again the black leggings as opposed to matching black shoes. It's a nice addition with the vest to a very simple outfit. The texture of the shoe and the color make the outfit much more exciting! While it's only grey, any type of colored shoe paired with opaque leggings or tights in the winter is a great way to stay styled and add some personality.

These leggings are stretchy, almost a mix between a tight and a legging. They're thick and opaque enough to wear as leggings, but stretchy and tight enough to act as a body shaper as opposed to an under layer- it sucks in your skin and shapes your legs. I wear these under my jeans in the winter, not only for warmth, but also because the smooth your entire leg and shape.

1. Layer skirted trench: Kensie, Size XS, Carson's, $138

2. Studded Belt: Patricia Field, $60 (half off sale online now!)

It's way too cold to walk outside in just a tee and skimpy vest- the shoes and tights provide a good base for pretty much any solid colored jacket. A black coat would look just as nice as this white one, but I like the contrasting color pop against my legs. 

I LOVE the layers on this trench! This jacket reminds me of the Burberry Prorsum Trenches that I have been staring at for so long. My refusal to pay thousands for a simple spring trench left me searching for an adequate replacement- I found it!! The layers are so feminine and pretty, and also add volume to my straight, boyish figure. A-line hems and ruffled layers add volume, and the belt tightens and defines the waist- to create an overall voluminous line that simulates curves. 

You probably recognize this belt- it's the one from the first Sex and the City movie that Carrie wore with practically every outfit. I was OBSESSED with it in the movie! Belts can also be worn OVER your coat- it's a cool way to look great and keep your shape! Placing the belt at the small of your waist lengthens your legs- this belt creates curves and volume in the right places while drawing attention to your waist AND visually lengthening your legs. So many things by just adding one belt! 

My hair is in ..shocker... loose waves! Haha, this has been my favorite hairstyle as of late. It's relaxed and pretty but adds volume to my usually lifeless hair. This is the first curled style that truly holds in my thin hair. I used a 4 in 1 curling iron from www.beautychoice.com (it has four interchangeable rods to pick your size instead of just purchasing an iron in only one size). My curls are the 1" size from a clampless iron. For some reason, my hair holds SO much better when using this iron as opposed to a curling iron with a clamp. It lasts all day and looks prettier as the day goes on- the more relaxed the curl, the better the look!

The makeup I'm wearing is

1. Foundation- No. 7 Foundation from Target- my new favorite foundation- mixed with Jemma Kidd Mannequin Skin Illuminator 

2. Powder: Lancome Dual Finish

3. Blush: NARS Lovejoy used as contour

4. Lipgloss: Stila in Star Fruit

5. Eyes: NARS Shadow Duo in Brousse

6. Liner: Violet cream liner from the Smashbox 'eye wish' palette

7. Mascara: Lancome L'Oscillation in Black

Hopefully these tips helped inspire you or gave you some ideas for your winter fashion- I LOVE reading fashion blogs for ideas or just seeing cool outfits other girls come up with! 

Thanks to my friend Melissa who braved the cold and took these pictures for me! She has an awesome eye for photography and is so talented with her own work. I was so happy when she said she'd take my pictures!

These pictures were taken with my Nikon D5000- my birthday present come early! I've done 35mm film work and really wanted to branch out into digital photography. My original choice was the Nikon D90, but that camera is $1,000+! This camera is 40% cheaper with many of the same essential aspects that make the D90 so great. I thought I'd include this information incase you were looking into dSLRs or have your own blog! I searched for a long time to decide which camera I finally wanted- do your research before deciding on which to purchase! All my photo editing, like my videos, is done by me

C'est Fini

xox,

Carly

Outfit of the Day #10

Hello, Gorgeous

Today I'm wearing a sheer black layered top with a tank dress on top. This is a great way to still wear tops or dresses that previously were only wearable in warmer temperatures, or hidden under blazers and jackets. Instead of hiding the cool side and back detailing under layers, put it on top! Sheer shirts like this are great for adding warmth and interest without appearing too bulky with a dress on top

Shirt: Free People, Size XSMALL, $29.90 (I found it on sale at Nordstroms, the FP site was still full price)
Tank: Urban Outfitters, Brand Silence and Noise, Size SMALL
Socks: Thigh High Black socks, Target

I'm wearing a nude bra under the sheer shirt- since the top has back and side straps, you can wear a bra and still have it concealed. A flesh toned one works best. If you plan on wearing the top alone, however, make sure you wear a tank layered under it!

This looks like a new take on a typical long sleeved dress. It has the same silhouette, but you're pairing different pieces in your closet to create a totally new dress! It's warm, cute, different and surprising.

Just because it's cold doesn't mean you still can't look cute. Here's the jacket I pair with this look:

Coat: Knitted Dove the "Willoughby" coat, size: XSMALL, $88 from Von Maur

This jacket is perfect for my body type because it's shape enhancing features: The cinched waist emphasizes my small build, while creating the illusion of fuller hips with the short A line hem. The zipper only runs half way to create a more dress-like appearance instead of regular coat. The hem is shorter than the dress, so the black color pops against the cream. This doesn't entirely cover your cute outfit and the contrast between the colors is cute on its own right. This is where the socks truly shine- they look so cute paired with the jacket as opposed to regular leggings. They keep you warm while keeping things interesting! It is FREEZING in Chicago during the winter- so I always look for cute coats that keep me warm while still being stylish. To avoid the outfit looking costumey (it IS alot: thigh high socks, sheer shirt, back detailing-) stay simple with black flats. Since there is SO much going on, tone down the drama by balancing the style with simple hair and makeup:

My hair is in large, loose curls that start at different levels around my head to look more natural and random as opposed to perfect curls. To achieve this look I used a 1" clipless curling iron (Mine is the Le Angelique iron $49 at www.beautychoice.com) and I pulled the shorter layers off from my face with a regular braid pinned back.

Avoid the 'trying too hard' look by having less than perfect hair. Keep your hair and makeup relaxed when wearing trendy pieces, because otherwise you look like you're competing with your outfit as opposed to having a natural style.

My makeup is natural- I have a peach flushed cheek and lip with a light brown shadow in my crease and simple black mascara. I've contoured my face with a darker colored blush instead of a bronzer- the blushes blend together to create a gradient of color as opposed to a harsh line, making a more natural definition

Foundation: No. 7 Mousse Foundation: Target (I am loving this new foundation I found! It's from target, a brand I've never heard of before, but it covers like a dream. It's cakier than liquid but your skin looks like a porcelain dolls when you're finished!) 

Blush: Rock and Republic, Bedroom

Contour blush: NARS, Lovejoy

Lipgloss: Rock and Republic, Drama Queen

Mascara: Lancome L'Oscillation in Black

If you haven't seen the video for this look, click here!

C'est Fini
xox,
Carly