Fashionista514 » beauty

Want it… should I get it?

Robyn — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:20:49 +0000

Falling in love with the look of a nose ring. What do you think? Should I take the plunge and go for it?

These gorgeous ladies make it look sooooo good….

Whaddya think son?

M.A.C. Back to Black – texture obsession

Robyn — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:01:00 +0000

Aight, I’m hoping that no one is hearing this for the first time and is out there experiencing the ABSOLUTELY REVOLUTIONARY line M.A.C has recently released… Back to Black. Back to black indeed – I never left it! Dabbling in shimmers, creams, powders and glosses, black has never EVER looked so good.

I have snapped up quite a few items from this collection (and what perfect planetary alignment between runway trends and the halloween season)… cream eyeshadow for intentional rockstar creasing (yuuuuuuuuum!), black lipstick to get that second glance from oncomers on the street, and oh my god have you tried the volcanic ash thermal mask?!?! M.A.C. I know you got game… but this time you really stepped it up – I am beyond impressed.

First up… lets focus on this volcanic ash concept for skincare. I love the mess it makes (brings me back to days of playing dirty in the mud)… everything insta-darkness. It is for all skin types, but there is something about the ash that is a great remedy for oily and acne prone skin types. While I have found many exfoliators I enjoy much more, the thermal mask is a new staple in my skincare regime. Applied to damp skin it heats up to “extract” impurities. Wether it actually extracted anything or not, my skin’s texture definately tightened up and feels decongested. My favorite thing about M.A.C skincare? It perfectly preps your face for flawless makeup application every time. Bravo! Good luck getting your little hands on the thermal mask though… I had to stalk three stores to snatch mine up! Seems I’m far from the only one making this a must-have…

M.A.C. has also perfected the mineral baked makeup series it continually releases. Not only are the pots gorgeous to look at (swirled and vibrant in color… not to mention the most beautiful of metallics when wet…), but they work with everything for a subtle or overdone look. The nudes and bronzes they have in-store and online are great blended in with a matte foundation for a natural “glowing” effect. I know all you girls out there have one already… so try it out… yet another guaranteed addiction… from my life to yours

The most refreshing and appealing thing about this collection in my opinion is how carefree and easy it is. Made for the glam rocker girl that we all need to release more often than we may like to admit, it is makeup that looks amazing just thrown on. Not much blending, no need for the same precision as smokey eyes requiring layers, lines and different tones. Black is black. Totally approchable makeup application for the girl who wants to look exactly the opposite.

I LOVE IT ALL!!!!!!! My favorite M.A.C. collection of all time (and that is SAYIN’ somethin’!)

My favorite product from this collection is definately the cream eyeshadow in Black (… obviously…) shown above and the Feline ultra creamy eyeliner. It gives that wet unfinished smudged look… and somehow the fact that it creases only makes it’s appeal stronger. Blend it out into your skin with a cotton pad and voila! Finito. You have the sexiest, easiest, lowest maintenance rocker eye you could ever hope for. The meaning of effortless chic – brought to makeup… straight off the catwalk.

I have yet to break out the black lipstick, but when I do… there will be a 514 Outfit Post for all to see… can’t wait

A Must See – Coco before Chanel

Robyn — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

So last night I was finally able to indulge in a long awaited movie night… and man have I been lusting, drooling, and pulling my hair out in anticipation for this movie to come out. Coco before Chanel. The life story of the woman who brought menswear to women. Breathability, simplicity and function in a time where corsets and overly lavish accessories reigned. The beauty of difference. The personality of dress.

The beautiful, and insanely talented Audrey Tatou plays her in the movie that focuses on where she came from and how she adopted many of her signature looks and styles. What I think I loved the most is how they pointed out where she got her inspiration from and how she transformed it into something completely unique and fresh… completely ahead of her time.

The other very relateable emotional undertone of this movie is independance and love. Mostly a mixture of the two. Being able to fully indulge in a romance without social fences and boundaries, as well as stand apart as a woman from a man. It seems her life was about survival of the key emotional ingredients… love, independance, success and pride. She did all of the above in the most unconventional of ways… yet always remained a cut above the rest when performing it all in an elegant and classy way.

Leaving the theatre made me smile… even though Chanel was born in 1883, she still holds a one-up on even today’s generation. Walking out of a film filled with natural beauty, sophistication and pure elegance into a theatre filled with women in sweatpants and sneakers… just goes to show that she is STILL far ahead of her time.

Please go see this movie. It will breathe creative life into your everyday existence!

Fashionista Finds – Peruvian Delights!

Robyn — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:59:00 +0000

First off, I want to say a big warm thank you to all who left a positive comment on my last post! I was not expecting to get that strong of a response and I am truly flattered with everything everyone had to say! I would like to thank the anonymous hater for writing that comment… it really showed me who my cyber friends are and that I have an awesome support system right here in my own “backyard”. Love you guys… really, I cannot say it enough. You made my day and made me smile to the point of no return. YOU GUYS ROCK!!! Best followers in the WORLD!!!

So… I have to be brief, as the internet cafe is closing soon and the internet is so slow here it took about an hour to upload all these pics… leaving not much time for chit-chat. Also… Vlad is falling asleep right beside me and constantly reminding me that he wants to go to sleep… can someone please tell me what is so different about having kids or a bf?!? I still end up feeling sometimes like a babysitter ;p

Alright! Finally some Peruvian fashion finds! We stumbled upon a complete bridal mall when we were in downtown Lima… these are some of the super cool, super imaginative dresses on display. How effing cool?!!?

Love the “nipple daisies”

What an awesome theme for a wedding… tacky… yes… but love love love the concept!

Peru has some of the most beautiful architecture I have ever seen. I have never been to Europe aside from London, however I imagine a lot of the style and influence comes from Spain… lots of Baroque styling and pastel colors. The balconey’s here are to die for! All hand carved with handmade glass. Gorgeous!

Beautiful knockers for oversized doors. Makes me wish I owned a door worthy of one!

Chillin’! Vlad and I actually fell asleep here for about an hour the first day in Lima… we were soooo tired and jetlagged! There was a flute player right across the street who played lullaby-like tunes until we dozed off.

Street signs! Love the font!

My own bag, with little peoples on it!!!

I picked up a red pair of these flats… I adore them and they were something like $12.oo USD! Crazy, and handmade in Peru!

Hopefully I will get to see a live llama by the time the trip is over ;p

Syl and Babe

Okay, really… this is not as disgusting as I made it look here. Deserts here are a lot of jello’s, puddings, and flans… really yummy stuff!

Did I mention how much I am ADORING the food here?!?!

Roast beef, rice and potato puree… super yums! Rice and potatoes seem to be a big thing here… I’m all for it!

Uggs… they get me through the day – don’t hate on ‘em!

Mini biker taxis

Making friends! Woot Woot!!!

More pictures and adventures to come when the mission part of our journey is done! We will be having more free time soon to play tourists and show you guys a bit more of the beautiful Peru!

Oh… and in case you may have forgotten…

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!! HAPPY MID-WEEK!!!

BESOS!

514 Outfit post from Hawaii – Enchanted Japanese Garden

Robyn — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:39:00 +0000

Take a good look… this is where zen lives.

Today was a day filled with endless, natural, complex beauty. Time took to reunite with a lost part of my soul. Time to reconnect with all things missed when you live and breathe your life in the city. Today was a real reminder that although I am a downtown girl at heart, I am equally a country bumpkin that wishes she could just be chillin‘ with animals all day…

We visited the beautiful Valley of the Temples Memorial in Oahu this afternoon and found this gorgeous slice of zen right here in paradise. A beautiful rendition of a traditional Japanese temple and it’s sacred grounds.

I can’t even begin to express how much all of these little critters helped to enlighten my mood. Morning hardships (waking up too early on vacation, stomach ache from Mc Donalds ODing, my phone being reset and losing all my contacts, etc…) turned to dust got carried away with the breeze…

The birds, the koi fish (man are they gorgeous – and huge!), the turtles, swans and even peacocks (although they were hiding) were astounding. Everything free to roam as it pleased… and in SUCH a stunning surrounding!

I felt like a little girl again…feeding the animals at a petting zoo… reading their personalities and appreciating all the little things that make them so important and special. Love shared between two mortal beings. Wanting to connect with another who’s perspective is a mystery. A common respect and caring… I guess a feeling of wanting to nurture and protect another living thing. Either this place set off my maternal clock or mother nature/Aphrodite instilled a feeling within me… I guess I’ll never know…

I absolutely adore the feeling of feeding and holding birds in my hand. They are such delicate animals symbolic of freedom in my eyes… Their physical ability to fly inspires my own life motto to always remain true to myself and be free. In spirit, in life and most importantly in my heart. I truly believe that where freedom starts, passion follows and love lasts.

Say hello to my little friend… this loosey goose/swan was a true buddy. Very chill to hang with… I can now say I made friends with the locals in Hawaii

I have feather envy… what a beautiful shape… it’s like the curly hair of featherdom!

I also had the opportunity to go snorkeling today (first time ever!) Man o MAN did I fall in love. Hard. I spent the afternoon swimming with four sea turtles who were the COOLEST, most chill and relaxed guys I could have hoped to hang with. They gave me a personalized tour of the ocean coral reefs Shout out to my tourtels!!! I will be back to ride on your back demain…. hehehehehe… turtle HARASSMENT!!!

Goosey likes my new Coach bag… to eat???

What I’m Wearing

Armani Exchange black tee
Bebe chain and crochet vest
Abercrombie & Fitch denim shorts
Browns snake sandal flats
Coach purse
Thomas Sabo charm necklace
John Hardy bamboo hoop earrings
Ray Ban classic aviators

Happy Day to you all ))))

Tattoo Mania!

Robyn — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:15:00 +0000

Tattoos are EVERYWHERE these days… the beautiful expression of art etched into your skin… forever… Okay, I’m sorry – that was NOT supposed to sound as morbid as it did

I absolutely ADORE tattoos and truly believe that the people who pull them off always look completely unattainably cool… however I don’t know if I could ever be one of those people…. it just seems like a bit of a stretch for me.

Besides… I practically have ADD when it comes to EVERYTHING (lose interest pretty damn quickly… although that IS something I am working hard at), so picking just one design that I need to stick with for all of eternity seems like a pretty bad idea…

I once went for a consultation with a tattoo artist because I was utterly convinced I was going to get a Polynesian style bird design on my foot (bird = robin = Robyn *my name*… symbolism crap… I thought it was pretty clever too…). I was all prepared and psyched until he started telling me about how tattoos normally age… details blur into each other, colors fade, etc… I started to freak. You see, I don’t mind eternally altering my body for art… however it must keep looking good eternally! So, I backed out and that was the end of that!

I have never been able to find a design I am completely in love with or that holds significant symbolic relevance to me. I do know the addiction associated to getting a tattoo… the feeling that one is no longer enough, and you want one here and there… until finally your body is doused in them! I have a belly button piercing and LOVE it, and still to this day consider piercing all sorts of places… however at the end of the day I look at myself in the mirror and laugh – cause I would look like a total white trash fool if I did that to myself… I’m just too preppy or something… I don’t have the cool factor needed to successfully pull it off Boooooo! Kudos to those who can! Rock on yo!

Beside all of my tattoo paranoia, I think they are absolutely SPECTACULAR! They are everything their image portrays… sexy, intricate, meaningful, spectacular, mysterious… and mostly – a beautiful piece of ART!

And I truly believe that a tattoo tells you a maddening amount about who the person on the inside is… external beauty that represents inner. An excuse to bond, to question and meet with others… and that is exactly what the world needs – forms of unity expressed in different ways.

So, anybody DO have a tattoo/tattoos?

If you do, I’d love to see a pic that I could later feature in a post e-mail me at fashionista514@gmail.com or drop the link in the comment box

Thanks!

Luxury Lust – Designer Inspiration Makeup Contest!

Robyn — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:46:00 +0000

It’s just that time again folks… Another Makeup Contest courtesy of the 514!!!

Alright… so lets not waste any more time (I know you are all eyeing the Chanel yummies… don’t act like you aren’t!!! Soooooo BUSTED!)

My theme for this makeup contest is Luxury Lust – Designer Inspiration! We all drool over the goodies and delectable handbags, shoes, and insatiable clothing designers dish out every season right?!? Well I wanna see a makeup look inspired by the very fabulous fashion creators of the world!!! Having studied design myself… I just gotta give credit where credit is due…

I wanna feel the energy, the essence, the tradition of one brand/pic that you have selected as inspiration (k… trying not to sound too Mugatu… lol). Think to yourself… what does Gucci stand for? Well to me I think of black snakeskin, smokey eyes, sky-high sexy heels, red lips… Dolce & Gabbana brings to mind cheetah-print and red lips, satin bustiers and peep toe pumps… Chanel…. pearls, chains, quilted leather, pastels, black and white… etc…

Pick an inspiration photo… It can be a pic of a handbag, a pair of shoes, architecture, jewellery… even the logo of the brand – and makeup away! Make it clear which designer you take inspiration from and why (write a mini-blurb that I can feature with your pic). Dressing the part always helps with the overall theme – don’t be shy!

Don’t worry about listing the products you used – it’s really not necessary! This contest is open to international readers and to everyone (with or without a blog)!

Contest ends August 1st 2009!!! Get those entries in!!!

Submit your pics (makeup look, blurb and inspiration pic) to fashionista514@gmail.com!

Winner will be chosen by moi (and my judging panel of experts… lol)

A runner-up prize will be chosen at random for all those who twitter (1 entry) this contest and post it (1 entry) on their blogs (this is open to everyone, whether they submitted a makeup look or not)!

Please leave the links in the comment box below

Prizes exactly are not yet confirmed… however I am thinking of something really good… be it Designer makeup (YSL, Chanel, Givenchy, etc…), OR a Marc by Marc Jacobs clutch… winner chooses…

Runner-up prize… Makeup!!! Designer of course…

P.S. I am one of the insanely LUCKY girls to win the beautiful Ketmany’s Giveaway!!! Can you believe!?! I must have a horseshoe up my @ss!!! Watch her video announcing (and drawing) the winners!!!

514 Outfit Post – Style Warrior Summer

Robyn — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:42:00 +0000

What I’m Wearing

Abercrombie & Fitch jean shorts (they seriously make the best)
Nine West Wedges
Tank top I got at a clothing swap party
Belt from I don’t know where (Rudsak, The Gap?)
Bone Necklace bought in South Africa at the market
Freshwater pearl stud earrings (my great aunts)
MAC lipglass in Style Warrior
MAC eyeshadows in Patina, Grand Entrance & Dazzlelight
Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara!

Beat the Acne Heat

Robyn — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Summer is finally here, and with it (at least here in Mtl.) comes some INSANE humidity.
Humidity = ZITS!!!
Ewwwwwwww….

Sooo… I have compiled what I consider to be the perfect attack to knock them suckers out before they take residency on YOUR FACE!!! Here is my summer clear skin survival troup… HUP HUP TWO THREE…

Beta Wash

Acne wash for normal to oily skin

“Beta Wash is a powerful oil-free gel cleanser with algae extracts to detoxify the skin and chamomile to calm irritation. It also contains beta hydroxy acid, to combat breakouts, plus rosemary, sage, and myrrh – known botanical acne healers. It penetrates pores to interrupt the acne production cycle and absorbs oil without dehydrating the skin. Perfect for teenagers and adults alike.”

Love this, and it leaves your skin feeling tingly and fresh…

Beta Mask

Blemish treatment for normal to oily skin

“This targeted treatment is a multi-faced approach to combating acne. It contains one percent salicylic acid for mild exfoliation, willow bark extract to reduce sebum secretion and kaolin to absorb excess shine. Because blemished skin is sensitive, calendula, arnica and sage are added to tone and moisturize, while peppermint and eucalyptus provide antibacterial benefits.”

This mask has the same feeling as the wash – refreshing and deep cleansing. Great to use right before your period when breakouts are more prone (I slap it on EVERY CHANCE I get before that dreaded time of the month arrives… ugh…)

C10 (P.M.)

Brightening night cream for all skin types

“This formula contains 10 percent vitamin C, the highest allowable dose, to effect brighter skin, fewer dark spots and a visibly younger look with repeated use. Ceramides work to recharge skin’s natural brighteners. And seven powerful extracts tone and firm the complexion. Unlike some vitamin C products, this treatment also softens and hydrates.”

Ummm… not only does it fade your acne scars and sun spots over time, but this baby smells like orange creamsicles… SOLD!!!

www.ernolaszlo.com

Mario Badescu’s Drying lotion is like nothing else I have ever tried… it actually FREAKIN WORKS on drying up them imposters ASAP!!! I dap some of this on to my breakouts with a Q-tip and POOF! The next morning it is considerably better if not completely GONE! Amazing! A definate must-have all year round for every girl/guy out there (yes, my boyfriend has been know to use it A LOT – works great at healing mosquito bites too

www.mariobadescu.com

Alright, so finally you have washed, masked, creamed and dried every possible pore on the surface of your skin… you are positively GLOWING… however that drying lotion can be a bit rough and cause some dry skin… the perfect remedy? Calendula cream! You can purchase this at any drug store (usually used as a naturopath version of Polysporin to aid in healing cuts, scrapes and burns) or health food store. Seriously works at getting your chapped zit area back into creamy smooth skin (and seems to help avoid scarring from developping)! I only use this once the acne itself has completely been extracted and is on it’s healing run – not when it is still infected!

I hope this helps you as much as it is helping me

Tried, tested and TRUE!!!

My Head is Hard as a Rock…

Robyn — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Ummm… when I die, please do this to my skeleton

That is my official deathwish!

Kimberly Tia – Crochet Goddess!

Robyn — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 01:48:00 +0000

The Miss Kimberly Tia…

She ain’t no crochet grandma!

My pug crochet doll is ready! The gorgeous blogger Kimberly Tia knows the art of the needle, and makes these adorable custom pet orders or any of your favorite Hello Kitty/cartoon characters!

It seems like I just placed the order yesterday, and somehow she is already done! Crazy lady! I thought she did my pug Bella justice and even caught the curled pig tail detail

Seriously, how friggen cool is she?!? Talented, beautiful and intelligent… I can’t wait to get my model version of Bella! The custom order was $25.00 and all I had to do was send a pic of my pugger! Amazing gifts for friends and family

To check out her crafts blog and to place an order visit:

http://kawaiicraftsbytia.blogspot.com

Intricate Beauty

Robyn — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:25:00 +0000

The GORGEOUS Agyness Deyn seems to be taking over the fashion world alongside conquering every look she comes across! This girls face is so striking it seems she can pull absolutely anything off!

Agyness played muse to Jean Paul Gaulthier for his launch of new perfume “MaDame”, which he mixed in her spirit. Young daring and beautiful.

We just can’t get enough!

Oh la Dita!

Robyn — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Born Heather Sweet, this sweetfaced blonde from West Branch Michigan transformed herself into the daringly sexy and provocative Dita Von Teese. Bringing back the style of old hollywood, she is always presented in public with utter elegance and pristine perfection. A true fashionista if I may say so – playing muse to a wide array of fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Jean-Paul Gaulthier and Zac Posen. Attending events in numbers snatched off the runways presented merely days before.

Performing her classic martini glass burlesque show from London England to Los Angeles, this girl is the cats meow of the burlesque world! Known for her head to toe outfits encrusted with hundreds if not thousands of Swarovski crystals she is well known for her shows at hot designers events (Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Chopard and Roland Mouret). Also a spokesperson for MAC Viva Glam, she is a proud supporter of the HIV/AIDS cause.

Dita’s beautiful two-sided book “Burlesque – Art of the Teese” (both burlesque fashions and bondage) is available on-line on her website – SIGNED! Gorgeous color photos of Dita in many of her glamourous fashions and fetishistic getups… Makes a great gift and re-inspires the sex kitten in all of us!

http://www.ditasdomain.com/sweets/misc.php?sid=0&moreinfo=1&code=DITAO0018

Bug Beauty

Robyn — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Gorgeous Redheads

Robyn — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:21:00 +0000

Is it just me, or do redheads seem to have all the fun? Crazy hair, fiery tempers… all around dangerous! Naturally gorgeous it seems and willing to walk on the wild side – I am seriously reconsidering brunette

Don’t miss the ravishing red-headed Isla Fisher in this months blockbuster “Confessions of a Shopaholic”! In theatres feb 13th!