Fall Favorites!

Cozy sweaters, cider, falling leaves, crisp air, pumpkin pie...

Fall is magical and wonderful.

Here are some of my favorite beauty products for the Autumn months:

China Glaze in Ravishing Dahling

Dark, deep, sexy.  Halloweeny and mysterious!

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Bronzer in Deep Bronze

OOTD/A Crafter's Wet Dream

Today I took myself on a date to Mahmoudpaşa, a tangle of streets wedged between the Grand and Egyptian Bazaars that are packed to the gills with street vendors selling scarves, football jerseys, tea sets, and, most wonderfully, craft supplies. Imagine all the sequins in the whole world crammed into tiny basement shops and strings of semiprecious stones hanging from the walls.

I nearly had to take out my smelling salts, y'all.

(Outfit: Dress, Yargıcı, also seen here; muscle tank, Zara; flats, Benetton; sweater, street stall; cuff, Mango)

 

 (Just a few of my purchases: druzy, fang, and evil eye charms for about $10 USD!)

I've been having a lot of fun layering less delicate pieces with this dress, and although I try to avoid muscle tanks that scream "KATE MOSS WOULD TOTALLY WEAR THIS!!!" I was really won over by the flattering cut and the textured linen-cotton blend.

I bought the sweater for about 10USD from a street stall. It's acrylic but has the softness and warmth of cashmere. Half-sleeved sweaters are one of those things that make no real sense but are actually incredibly handy...

Hope you're all having a fabulous week!

-B

The EMMY'S

Sunday night was the Emmy awards, and I have a few things to say about that fashion!

This comes, like the Harry Potter Series, in 7 parts.

1) I am so excited about all the structured, architectural details that are on trend. 
Sexy, edgy, figure flattering...

                                                    Zosie Mamet                                 Emily Van Camp
                                               in Bihbu Mahopatra                                in J. Mendel

                                           Jenna Malone                                                Glenn Close
                                                in J. Mendel                                       in Bihbu Mahopatra 
                          (watch that Angelina leg sweetheart!)

Periwinkle Sparkle French Tips: Party Time Weekend Edition!

I just had to brag about these, you guys. Because I did 'em free hand! All by myself! I'll be sitting absolutely still for the next hour in attempts not to smudge them...

What I did:

1) 2 coats sparkle polish

2) Slowly, slowly, paint a thin tip in color of your choice. Add a second coat if necessary.

3) Apply topcoat just as the tips are almost dry- the topcoat won't smudge the tips, but it will smooth them out.

4) Marvel at your mad skillz!

-B

DIY Embellished Shades

 DIY embellished sunglasses are everywhere right now, folks. Inspired by runway looks such as Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana, sloughs of fashion bloggers have been posting creative tutorials on how to spruce up your sunnies for cheap!

It goes a little something like this:

Steps 1-3: Hot glue a ton of sparkly shit to your sunglasses.

Step 4: Wear them and be fabulous.

(Top left to right, click for tutorial: Glitter n' Glue, Refinery 29, Studs and Pearls, A Matter of Style)

(The ladies at Nissa Jewelry added some chains to their sunnies- expect to see more of these)

The beauty of this project is that you can be as subtle or outrageous ad you'd like. Pictured above are seed beads, cabochons, nail decals, and even repurposed earrings! Istanbul has a sad lack of craft stores... but it does have a CRAFT DISTRICT. And you can bet that I'll be there this weekend with a keen eye for anything that might look great on a pair of shades. I have a feeling it will be sparkly.

What do you think of these DIY eye candies? Would you rather stick with your unadorned wayfarers?

NY Fashion Week: Makeup!

Hello lovelies,

Claire here!
School is crazzzzzzzy busy, but I've had some time to think about makeup, don't you worry :D
I've been obsessing over the makeup featured at the recently adjourned New York Fashion Week.  The look of the moment is a fresh face and naked lips, sometimes with a bright pink or blue 60s inspired eye. So fun, playful, and yet very easy to do! 

Etsy Roundup Part Deux

Ladies and Gents, we present to you another Etsy Roundup, curated with love! Leave a comment and tell us what your favorite pick is!

(From left to right: Unicorn ring, Rorschach Ink Blot print, Booksi for iPod/iPhone, Butterfly collar, Nightmare Before Christmas Converse, Lolita skull earrings)

-Claire & Berit

Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time

I've never been much of a watch person. Maybe it's because I've grown up in the digital age, always using my cell to check the time, or because watches have always felt more like an adult necessity rather than another accessory. 

 For reasons unknown even to me, I brought my watch to Istanbul and haven't stopped wearing it since I arrived. I've also noticed that Turkish people are really into watches -my Turkish friends own as many stylish watches as they do bags, and they're sold everywhere by street hawkers. 

If ever there was a right time to invest in a timepiece it's Fall, when we all have to start checking the clock again and act like grown-ups. Watches are practical, versatile, and sophisticated (outshone only by the monacle). Plus, you're guaranteed to find one that suits your style and purpose. 

Fall Style Tips II: Right on Time by raincitystylistas2 featuring asos

Rubber watch, $64 / Watch / ASOS / Geneva wrap watch / ASOS , $35

(Via LookBook)

I'm beginning to appreciate watches as both a practicality and an opportunity to make a statement. What's your verdict?

-B 

Style Profile: Florence Welch

Can we all just stop for a minute and recognize how amazing Florence Welch is?

(If you don't know, she is the Florence from Florence + the Machine.
If you don't know, Florence + the Machine makes great music)

Her voice is both powerful and tender, her hair is fiery and fabulous, and her style is superb.

Plus she is british so she speaks english in a far more attractive way that I do. 

She effortlessly blends romantic and dreamy with edgy and punky 

and tosses in some eccentricity and weirdness to boot. 

I love her penchant for evocative bohemian prints and floaty fabric. 

And man can she bring the DRAMA.  

It's astonishing how hard she rocks her look, this sugar is taking no prisoners.   

Let her be an inspiration to us all.  Oh, I love you Flo.

Any celebrities/artists that you think have inspiring style?

Stay lovely!

♥ 

Claire

Trippy Business: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection & OOTD

I've always been really taken with the use of symmetrical inkblot-style imagery, especially Rorschach patterns, in fashion. I think it began with Alexander McQueen (doesn't everything begin with McQueen?), but at any rate, it's a technique that has surfaced here and there on the runways but rarely in places where non-millionares can purchase them. 

The most recent appearance of of these acid trip-evoking textiles in couture was executed most elegantly by Prabal Gurung, a newer kid on the fashion block who has lived, worked, and studied all throughout Southern Asia. Here's a few pieces from his Spring 2012 collection:

Botany + Psychology: Prabal Gurung's Orchid Rorschach Collection by raincitystylistas2 featuring a floral blazer

Prabal Gurung floral print dress, $1,120 / Prabal Gurung floral top, $670 / Prabal Gurung floral blazer, $1,485

Imagine my delight when I found this floral shift on a sale rack in Turkey for under $20 USD! Though the pattern is much less subtle than Gurung's, sometimes you just have to wear the plainest shoes you can find and let the garment do it's thing.

 (Plus the *subtle* presence of flora on my pelvis is totally a metaphor for my feminine mystique!)

Do these kind of prints whet your whistles whatsoever? Alliteration. 

-B 

P.S. Happy September! 

UPDATE:  
Guess what Kate Middleton wore this week during her Royal tour of Asia with the Duke?

Product Review: LUSH Solid Shampoo and Conditioner

Ok, so about LUSH.  

They have a great philosophy:

-from the website

However, their products are really hit or miss.  

Luckily you have ME to let you know which products are amazing and which are not-so-much!  

Today, I wanna talk about the Solid Hair Products.  

First: the Solid Shampoo Bars.   AMAZING.  

They all smell good, and they are amazing for your hair, 

the packaging is super environmentally friendly (no packaging at all!) 

and you can always get the perfect amount in your hair (no more estimating in your hand) 

by rubbing it straight onto your scalp.  

I love Jumping Juniper 

(Juniper, lemon, and lime oils, Rosemary and lavender decoction) 

and Ultimate Shine 

(ylang ylang and violet leaf oils with some delicious gardenia extract)

 but I would visit a LUSH store, or the website, to find one that is just right for your hair.  

Second, Jungle - the solid conditioner.  

Avoid this product.  

It is expensive and it DOES NOT WORK.  

It boasts cocoa butter and fruit extract, but it is a FAIL.

There is no way to get it to actually apply to your hair, and it doesn't condition!

Such a bummer, it is a great idea.  

But DO go for their liquid potted conditioners, such as:

 Retread

"Fruity hair reclamation"

or Okra

"for hair in phenomenally bad condition"

 

These are yummy and make your hair ohhhhhhh so soft and luxurious.

To summarize: DEFINITELY invest in a solid shampoo and a liquid or potted conditioner.  

AVOID the solid conditioner.  

Ok, hugs and kisses

♥

Claire

NEW SERIES: Etsy Roundup!

We are pleased to announce a new series here at RCS! As some of you may know, we're pretty big fans of Etsy around here (and also the satire site Regretsy, which skewers the stranger items on the site). Not only is it a venue for purchasing unique items you can't find anywhere else, but your money directly supports small-scale crafters, designers, and vintage curators (Just watch out for those resellers though, a.k.a. avoid owl pendants).  

So, from time to time we'll feature some Etsy listings we've picked out of the fray, because they're stylish, intriguing, or simply amusing. We're always doin' it for the lulz.

Without further ado:

(From left to right: Finger Print Embroidery Hoop, Gem Brooch Set, Batman Pendant, Lionel Ritchie Tea Mug, Mermaid Fins, Crochet Viking Hat)

What do y'all think of our picks?

-Berit & Claire

P.S. If you have a moment, check out Berit's Etsy shop! Because what's a post without some shameless self-promotion?

OOTD: Floaty Fabrics

Today I did that thing where I combine two pieces that don't match at all, but somehow work because they share the same texture. This dress was a gift to me for Bayram from a Turkish-designed label called Yargıcı (Yar-guh-juh) that specializes in soft, feminine pieces nautical-inspired gear.

(Dress, Yargıcı; scarf, Grand Bazaar; boots, GeeWaWa; earrings, Mom's; bangles, Pull & Bear; necklace, Istanbul boutique)

-B

Fall Style Tips: Metal Capped-Toe Shoes

As Fall quickly approaches, many of us will reluctantly bid farewell to our sandals in lieu of more weather-appropriate footwear. In the fashion world, Autumn is synonymous with chicness and polish because of the melding of summer and winter styles, plus consistently mild weather that lends to layering for the purpose of style rather than utility.

Enter the metal capped-toe shoe. In a myriad of styles and colors, this trend offers polished intrigue without sacrificing versatility. It looks expensive without trying too hard and is a great building block for accessorizing.

Valentino kitten heel shoes / Yves Saint Laurent cap toe shoes, $710 / Rachel Roy slip on shoes / ASOS high heel pumps / Wallis flat shoes / Oasis cap toe shoes, $60

Blessedly, this smart-looking trend has descended from the upper echelons of the fashion heavens to more affordable locations, including, not surprisingly, your local Forever21.

 I don't know about you guys, but I'll be snatching up a decently priced pair of these shit-kickers ASAP. Thoughts?

-B

Body Love

This post is about body love.

Spending the past two months in Turkey means that all the hospitable Turkish people I meet are constantly feeding me. Have seconds, thirds, don't you eat more than that? Aren't you hungry? Turkish life revolves around food, and if you've got a guest, well, you pretty much feed them until they can't breathe properly. Food = love.

So yes, naturally I've put on a few pounds since arriving in the city of Delicious Buttery Börek (basically the Turkish hot pocket), where I've relished all the incredible food I've been able to eat.  

And despite all the self-love mantras my friends and I say, and all the affirming literature I read, and though I try to avoid magazines with models who have had 20% of their body weight photoshopped off or something, I have to confess that I have not been loving my body lately. I've been obsessing over how "gross" I feel. Being out of my usual routine and typical diet has thrown me for a loop where I've ended up heaping salad onto my plate (salad? I hate salad.) and worrying about the tightness of my pants.

I suppose this is all a prime example of the power cultural beauty norms perpetuated by the media have over women and the way they view themselves. Instead of admiring my curvier body or my happy psychological state or acknowledging that it's okay for weight to fluctuate, I'm beating myself up. After recognizing these obsessive new behaviors I also realized that hating my body isn't making me any happier or healthier. Furthermore, I don't want to lose my enthusiasm for Turkish food, which is fucking delicious.
This article from Rookiemag really spoke to me because it doesn't chirp the same "U R BEAUTIFUL ALWAYS, AND STUFF" message that kind of loses it's meaning the more one hears it. Instead, it says: eat the fucking brownie if you want to, but if you do, you need to enjoy it.

The author writes: "Here I am making a vast and sweeping gender stereotype, but do you ever, ever hear dudes say “I just want a little bite” or “This is so bad, you guys, but I totally ate a whole pint of Ben & Jerry’s last night”? No! Because it’s OK for men to eat! Men get hongray! Men need frozen dinners called “Hungry-Man”! Men need Manwich! Boys are allowed to grow into men, but “attractive” women in our culture are expected to stay at pretty much an eternal pre-adolescent weight. What’s society’s current ideal man look like? Fit. Big muscles. What’s society’s current ideal woman look like? Thin. Really thin. No hips. No belly. Hairless except for the head. Basically a 10-year-old girl with boobs added for sex appeal."

(Adele gives no fucks about what the world thinks of her figure. She's too busy being awesome.)

So yes, I'm all for eating healthy and taking care of myself. But no, I'm not okay with the double standard that women are held to where they must remain perpetually thin and feel guilty about enjoying food. Even if that brownie isn't as nourishing as some kale chips or whatever, the fact that it comes along with a blissed-out sugar high is sometimes JUST AS GOOD.

Physical and emotional health doesn't begin with a hateful relationship with food and our bodies. So next time I have a snack, I'm going to try to just enjoy it for what it is, no strings attached.

I know this isn't the most academic thing I've ever written, and I may not be using the right terminology. What I do know is that every woman (and man) is affected by negative body and gender norms in some way. My hope is that someone will read this and feel empowered and encouraged like I did.     -B

Basic Eye Makeup: Enhancing Small Eyes

Using our friend Allison's enchanting hazel eyes...

(start with well groomed eyebrows, and a well defined arch to open up the lid)

cover the whole lid and inner corner with a light shimmery eye shadow 

(i used MAC Naked Lunch)

soften the lid using a neutral tone shadow just above the crease

(i used MAC Concrete)

 add definition by using a dark shadow in the outer corner
(i used MAC Charcoal Brown)

run a black shadow or liner thinly along the lash line
(i used MAC Carbon)

 run the same neutral crease color softly under the outer edge of the bottom lashline

 curl lashes and add mascara!
(i used a Shu Uemera Lash Curler and Covergirl Lashblast Volume Waterproof)

comment, share, follow!

♥

 Claire