Fashion, Faces and Fabulous (Month Two)

Every month, beauty expert, Courtney Rogers, and myself will be giving you the very best advice on how to model the latest fashion and makeup trends. We agree it can be a little challenging to find a balance between style and beauty. Here, we will give you the latest insight on how to choose the perfect outfit while also incorporating your basic beauty necessities. We hope that with our help you feel more fabulous than ever before. Stay stylish, dolls. 

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."

 -Sophia Loren

Hannah (Style): Growing up with a mom like mine, Halloween is kind of a big deal. Sometimes, I feel like its more important than your typical celebration. Don't ask me why, but my mom is obsessed with Halloween, it's her favorite holiday. It's almost as big of deal as Christmas (for real!) She decorates the whole house with amazing decorations and goodies. So, for me it has always been crucial and it's also the holiday that provides us all a little time to dress up and have some fun. The three looks below are some of my favorites while also essential styles you can absolutely rock without too much effort.

Courtney (Beauty): It is a great excuse to get dressed up and to do some extra fun makeup looks, too!!! I am so excited to find the perfect costume this year! My bestie is going to be in from Southern California and I have already insisted upon doing her makeup as well. We are trying to choose a fun twosome costume, or something that goes well together! If all else fails I will opt for the ever-traditional Fairy Princess!!! The three looks featured are so much fun and they all offer different pieces of makeup creativity! I just want to highlight three main tricks to achieving each look.

Hannah (Style): The look that Anne Hathaway models above is the classic Cleopatra. The perfect way to get this look is from a few basics. Grab your long white gown, a bold and stylish stoned belt, lots of gold bracelets and bangles (some that are big enough to go all the way up your arm like Anne's.) While out and about, look for a short, gold necklace. Something Egyptian looking. Last, go to your local Halloween store for the perfect Cleopatra headpiece. 

Courtney (Beauty): The first look is the traditional Cleopatra with a modern twist. Her eyeliner is what really makes this look. To achieve this you need a black gel liner and a liquid liner to put over top. Start with the gel liner and a very flat eyeliner brush. I like to start in the outer corner of my eye and do a thin line along my lash line. I just keep building onto that until I get my liner as thick as I desire. Then, make the angle using the outer corner of your brow to help guide you. For this look, you can make a very dramatic angle and still look classy! Once I have the liner the way I want it, I go over it with my liquid just to enhance it a bit!

Hannah (Style): To grab the sexy flapper look like Lauren Conrad, you totes need to run to the Halloween store. Unless you have a fringy, short dress you in your closet, you most likely will have to find it at your local costume store. Make sure you add a boa, cute clutch or shoulder bag, dazzling headpiece (with a feather of course!) and obviously those amaze long strands of pearls, which are an absolute must! Add short and sweet little heels to touch the look with the perfect twist.

Courtney (Beauty): To achieve a bold lip like Lauren that is rockin, it is important to prep your lips correctly. This will ensure that the color will stay through your Trick or Treating adventure, or your Halloween party! Start with a  lip primer (I love Smashbox's), or you can use a concealer if you don't have a primer. Literally seal your lips with the primer, and then choose a lip liner to apply to the entire lip. Now, my preference is to put on a liner that is close to my natural lip color, as opposed to trying to match the lipstick color I am going to sport. Once you line your entire lip and fill it with the liner, apply your lipstick color. Be very diligent to stay within the lines and do two coats. Now, the secret to getting your color to stay, stay, stay is to then dab on a coat of High Definition powder to seal the color. You can add a third coat of lipstick or finish with a gloss and I promise, your lipstick will not move all night long!!!

Hannah (Style): Argggh matey! Kourtney Kardashian rocks this cute pirate costume while she holds her sidekick and little frog, Mason. The best way to develop this look is by providing yourself the basics. Find a colorful dress with puffy long sleeves, corset, black booties and a pirates hat. Throw on your dress, add the corset and wah-la! Grab your booties and pirates hat (which can be found at the Halloween store as well,) add some bangles if you choose and out the door your go! Trick-or-Treat!

Courtney (Beauty): Applying lashes is a must do for any Halloween look. This can be a little tricky doing it on yourself because it is easy to get mixed up and turned around in the mirror. Just be patient and leave enough time to do it again if need be! I like to take my strip last out of the package and bend each one bit to get some flexibility. I then take one of the strips and apply a very thin amount of adhesive to it. Blow it to a tacky dry, and then apply the strip starting on the outside of your lashes and work in. Once you have the lash placed exactly where you want it, you can hold each end down and let it dry for about 20 seconds. When both lashes are on secure, apply a coat of black mascara to blend your lashes in with the strip. This will seriously amp up any Halloween look you are trying to achieve! Don't be afraid to rock some feather lashes, or ones with some bling on them and the hot thing to do this year, is to double up on your lashes.

Hannah (Style): Surely these beauty and style tips provide you some kind of help for your Halloween costume. If you need any style advice or have any questions concerning your Halloween wardrobe, please feel free to ask me. You can find me on twitter @hannahkooc or on facebook at facebook.com/Doll Maison. Enjoy a careful and fabulously fashionable Halloween!!!

XOXO your personal stylist,

Hannah Cook - Doll Maison

Courtney (Beauty): This holiday is an excuse to go all out and have fun! Hopefully you will be able to use one or all of these tips in your Halloween look. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to tweet me at humanybeautyinc, or you can find me on facebook at humanbeauty! Have fun, play safe and be beauty!!!!

XOXO your makeup artist,

Courtney Rogers - Human Beauty

Fall Fash 411

While I sit and write on this chilly and rainy afternoon, I realize it is time to let fall back into our lives again and what better way to do that than with fashion! Below are some fun new ways to add to your autumn filled wardrobe. 

Collar Necklaces

Collar Necklaces have become very popular lately and are such a versatile accessory. Be sure to pair them with plain tops or dresses, like Elizabeth Banks. For more detail or volume, add a sparkly collar necklace over your neutral one.

Mustard Yellow Blouses

Mustard Yellow is a darker shade of the yellow you sport in summer. This color presents a fall vibe and looks awesome on most people. Be sure to accompany your blouse with dark washed jeans like Kristen Dunst.

Leather Leggings

Leather Leggings are one of falls most exciting trends. Sport your leather like Kim Kardashian with cute and funky tops and accessorize with neutral and simple jewelry.

Purple Heels

Opt for some fantastic purple heels and model them around work or while out shopping. Work them with an all black ensemble like Megan Fox or with a cute LBD and flashy jewels.

Mixed Greens

Jessica Alba knows what is up while she totes around an adorable mixed green shoulder bag. Look for accessories with different shades of green and pair them with neutral colors and prints.

All Navy

Navy is like the new neutral. You can flaunt an all navy ensemble and look totally put together like Camilla Belle. She goes gorge in this color while working together some classic pieces.

Enchanting Necklaces

Collar necklaces are your way to making a statement with accessories this fall. You will be seeing lots of different ways to work these with your daily wardrobe. Here are some tips on how to work a collar necklace with your fabulous collection of clothing. 

-Toss it over dark separates (dark/fall color tops)

-Layer over lace (blouse or dress)

-Cover up a deep v-neck (v-neck tops or sweaters)

-Mix up textures (fuzzy sweater with embellished necklace)

-Slide on sequins (sequin necklace with neutral or plain blouse)

-Mix and match patterns (striped shirt with floral collar necklace)

-Neon with metallic (neon pops with metallic collar necklace)

-Double up (2 collar necklaces paired together - one sparkly of course!)

-Pair with printed accessories (black collar necklace with leopard accessories)

Elizabeth Banks dazzles in a classy red dress while she mixes an adorable golden bronze collar necklace and soft waves.

Holland Roden looks charming in a lace blouse and yellow skirt. She details the ensemble with a sparkly collar necklace and matching silver clutch.

FALaLa (Fall Preview 2012)

As I was browsing through some brilliant "September Issue" magazines today, I seriously had some "OMG!," "Die!," and "I want that soooo bad" kinda moments. Really. I have never been more ready for fall. Maybe because I am working retail and boots and cute pants are arriving or  possibly because I am dreaming of when the 100 degree temps will suffocate. Either way, I totes have to share with you what I found, for what to expect and flaunt this fall. 

Flared LBD's

Get this Sheer Accent Flared Dress at Armani Exchange ($128) as your signature fall statement frock. The sheer lace adds the perfect amount of sexy while still keeping it simple and classy. Add fun bangles and earrings to complete the A+ look. 

Pendant Necklaces

Snatch one of these desired Kate Spade New York 'Desert Stone' Long Pendant Necklaces ($98). These are perfect to wear with jeans and a t-shirt. Try keeping everything else simple in your ensemble while adding the perfect touch with this ornate piece.

Bright Coats

Touch up your fall look with a bright coat to liven the outfit. This gorgeous Juicy Couture Chelsea Coat  ($398) is great for those fall days and nights. While most coats are going to be pricey, remember you are investing in something that will last several years. Pick a color that will always be in style such as red or black.

Festive Pants

Totally in love with these Women's Tribal Print Leggings by Kardashian Kollection ($22). While they may market them as leggings, they are thick and comfortable just like a pant. Absolutely a must have! (Top Secret: If you can't get your size online, check your local Sears store. I saw tons this weekend!)

Sparkly Headbands

This spunky headband is great to wear with any outfit you choose for the afternoon. The flirty, Sparkling Beaded Headband ($7) can be found at Forever 21. Toss this on while your beachy locks are blowing in the wind or while sporting a sassy, high pony tail.

Collar Necklaces

Pair your collar necklace over dark separates or a lace blouse. You can also rock one of these with a plunging v-neck to hide a bit of skin, or spice your look up with two collar necklaces, making a simple top look high-end. This Enamel and Python Chain Back Collar Necklace can be purchased at Express ($40).

Purple, Please

One of my favorite colors is having a HUGE, MAJ, moment this fall. Get your purple on whether it be your tops, pants, accessories, sunnies or handbags. You cannot go wrong. These grape colored heels are perfection. Get your tush to Target now and get these Paisley Platform Pumps ($30) just in time for the crisp weather.

Southern Charm

This evening, Bachelorette, Emily Maynard chose the love of her life and best friend on the Bachelorette: Final Rose. While she had a difficult time letting go of one of the final two men, deep down, she knew she made the right decision. You could tell from watching, Emily was ready to turn the page in her story book of love and embark upon a new journey. Below are some of Emily's cutest looks (with her adorbs daughter of course). After going through all she has gone through pre Bachelor and Bachelorette, she deserves nothing but the world. We wish Emily happiness with her new little family. 

At her daughter Ricki's glam camp themed birthday party, Emily shines in a fab white mini dress and detailed, beaded belt. 

Out and about, Ems looks super spirited and radiant in a gray and turquoise dress. She added a simple gold necklace, fun bracelets and small, tan clutch to complete the ensemble. 

Running errands with her daughter, Miss Maynard rocks the boho, chic, summer vibe in a striped gray and white maxi dress detailed with a spunky scarf and matching headband. 

'Cause Baby You're A Firework

As I prepare for a 4th of July party this afternoon, I find myself conflicted with what to wear. Do I wear shorts, leggings, red, white, blue? While my style is like an ever lasting mood ring, I wear whatever speaks to me, I find it harder to choose something when you have some type of "guide." While technically it is not a rule that you must wear red, white or blue for the 4th, I like to be festive and fun for holidays, like most people. If you find yourself running through similar questions like I did this afternoon, here are some adorb ideas for your sparkling holiday!

Purchase these Striped Cotton Back Zipper Tee ($38) and pair it with a chic white short. Add these sassy and bold Sequin Bangles (Striped bangles-$25 each, Starfish bangles-$32 each). Complete this look with cute gold wedges or sandals.

Snatch a pair of these funky Falling Imprint Cotton Side Zip Shorts ($58) and work a white or gray tee with them. Select this gorge Kate Spade New York 'Gerbera Garden' floral necklace ($378) and a pair of nude or tan wedges (as shown) to perfect this ensemble.

Hey Stella; Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose

One of the premiere means for amplifying your ensembles' volume is accessories and one of the premiere organizations you should employ is Stella and Dot, a brand whose enthusiasts include Nina Dobrev, Ali Fedotowsky, Lucy Hale, Katherine Heigl, Kourtney Kardashian, Melissa McCarthy, Katy Perry, Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Ripa, and Betty White. Below are four sizzling selections which will instantly intensify a previously brand top, dull skirt, or an exhausted pair of jeans.

These sexy and super versatile Chantilly Lace Chandelier Earrings ($49) are an extreme necessity if you own a jewelry box.

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This bold and sassy Palamino Necklace ($138) pairs perfectly with any solid colored t-shirt or dress and will have every one of your besties asking where they can score theirs.

One of my favorite S&D pieces is the Sloane Enamel Bangle ($59) whose sparkle gushes girl's night out and whose beach ivory color whispers afternoon on the beach.

The natural stone of this Odyssey Ring ($59) will have your boho mind strolling through Soho even if you are merely pumping gas outside of Speedway.

Jewelry 4:11

As an avid fan and patron of Virgins, Saints, & Angels (VSA), I seriously must share my unabashed love of this brand. Handmade in Mexico and worth every penny, the style and versatility of Cheryl Finnegan’s creation is simply incomparable. “The common thread amongst all VSA wearers is that they want to make a statement,” says the 2008 Council of Fashion Designers of America inductee. “They are confident - inspired by fashion, art, beauty, or symbolism.”

This quartet are some of my favorite VSA pieces!

These Rose of Venus Earrings, which reference the Sisterhood of Mary Magdalena, pair perfectly with a black top and leggings and they will exquisitely accentuate a teal colored wedge.

This eye catching San Benito Oval Charm defines the phrase ensemble staple. Throw this necklace over a casual t-shirt and jeans or a cute floral dress.

The Antigua Cuff will beautifully interplay elegant simplicity and spectacular expression, no matter your choice of afternoon or evening apparel. Compliment this cuff with the above Rose Of Venus earrings, a darling necklace, or a ring!

This Resurrection Jesus Ring, which depicts one of religion's most sacred occurrences, is sincerely beyond words. You can easily wear this ring with any outfit you could ever purchase.

Below are a collage of celebs who share my crush on VSA!

Leven Rambin, notable for her Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice recurring role as Dr. McSteamy's pregnant daughter Sloan Riley, flawlessly accessorized her lacy Isabel Lu dress with a peacock bead “Magdalena” necklace.

Miley Cyrus supplements a relaxed black and white t-shirt and jeans look with an accessory almost as delicious as boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, the previously referenced Magdalena necklace. The So Undercover and LOL star infuses a bold pop of purple via her Marc By Marc Jacobs shoulder bag.

America's first sisters of reality, Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney Kardashian, who have their own VSA Kardashian Collection, wear selected pieces while signing for fans at Kitson. The girls, whose Armenian heritage inspired their pieces, have dedicated the venture to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.