New Year-New Look

Written by Juliane Torczon

Now that the dust has settled from fashion shows around the globe, and the yearly competition between magazines over “who can have the biggest September issue” is complete, it is now time for our brains to process it all.

Major trends were set for hair and make-up. For instance, have you noticed more and more people are wearing lipstick instead of lip-gloss? This once iconic “notion of the past,” is back and better than ever. Carrying around a tube of lipstick like past generations did is now front and center. Many major fashion houses are coming out with signature colors of lipstick for about $40 a pop. The look of colorful lips goes exceptionally well with the classic make-up trend: red lips, lined lashes, bold brows, and flawless skin.

For hair, there were many different styles on the runway but they all had the same intention: effortless. Bouncy, beachy blowouts; tousled waves and braids; high buns; easy up-dos; and hair parted down the center. The whole idea is to create a perfect mess.

Then there are nails (don’t forget about the nails). To me, forgetting about your nails is like baking a cake, taking the time to ice it, getting candles on top of it, and then not lighting the candles. It’s that extra little touch that pulls it all together. Nails can be the boldest beauty accessory that costs very little (time and money). On the runway, metallic and crazy designs were the reoccurring theme. One thing to keep in mind, whatever design or color you use, is that a constant in nail fashion is a high-shine glossy finish.

Here are a few trendy tips:

1. Biglashes. My ultimate favorite Mascara is Diorshow ($26). It can be a bit pricey but I’m telling you it’s well worth it and once you try it, nothing else will ever suffice again. However, if you’re scared to fall into a possibly pricey trap try M.A.C. Zoomlash ($15). Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand upward to the tips.

2. RedLips. Try M.A.C.’s Ruby Woo ($14.50). It’s a dry, matte lipstick that won’t smudge. For a more natural look, diffuse the outer edges of your lips using a Q-tip (that way you don’t have a harsh line).

3. LooseWaves. Blow-dry your hair with your fingers in order to create waves and natural texture. But it really comes down to clothes.

4. TheFashionFrocks. Trying to narrow it down and pick just a handful of looks was a daunting task. There were so many eye-catching trends on the runways. Everything from lace, colored fur and feathers, polka dots, bright colors, to floral and tribal patterns, statement jackets and coats, menswear for women, and python clutches. My head was literally spinning in excitement with all the choices in clothes! We all know Bakersfield has a more casual state of mind, so I put together three looks based on three exciting fashion forward trends. Why not give these looks a try in 2012.

Look 1: Sequins. It’s really hard to go wrong with sequins. Glitter? Yes. Sequins? No. Well…it’s only bad if you wear it from head to toe.

By wearing an article of clothing that has a sequin embellishment on it will give your outfit a little sparkle and shine without being over-the-top. The metallic shine is that “little something” unexpected, especially when paired with other textures such as faux fur, leather, woven sweaters, etc. It also adds a feminine touch to menswear styles. For my look, I paired a sequined skirt with a long white tank top and made the look casual with a denim button down. The casual look of the denim and the feminine look of the sequins make a great pair—opposites always attract. I then paired the skirt with blue heels. You could definitely change out the shoes to give it different looks—army boots, nude heels, leather flats, etc. Lastly, you could do almost anything for jewelry. Any color would go with the outfit, and any design except something with lots of glitter and rhinestones, that’s too much bling-bling if you know what I mean.

Look 2: Red

Another major trend is the color red. Let me start out by saying, I hated the color red with a passion. There are just those colors that you connect with and some you don’t. When I saw that red was coming back, bigger and better than ever, I cringed. However, being the obsessive shopper that I am, I decided it wouldn’t hurt to buy something red and try it out. I bought a see-through red/orange button up shirt and got numerous compliments. Red is definitely a “look at me” color but there’s many different ways to subtly wear it—a lipstick, scarf, or bangles would be my recommendation. After my heart softened and I fell in love with red, I bought a pair of red skinny jeans. I like wearing red with grey, nude, black, and blue. For this look I wore a lace (texture) grey tank, tucked in, and a black faux leather jacket. To tie the look together I wore black wedges and gold tone jewelry—red and gold are best friends.

Look 3: Galaxy/Star Pattern

Again, I have to admit, I was a bit leery of this pattern.

I started to see people wearing dresses, leggings, and shirts with stars on them. But then, I saw a full constellation on Dolce and Gabbana’s runway and fell in love. I found a see through button up shirt with a very similar pattern. I paired it with dark denim jeans and tucked it in to create a waistline. To break up all the darkness I chose to wear my nude suede shoes with a chunky heel. Again,

I picked gold jewelry to brighten up the look even more.

Keep in mind, fashion tastes are subjective, and that’s what I love about this industry. I hope that my tips and highlights of some of the fashion forwards will inspire your own perspectives as we move into the New Year.

Juliane Torczon is a marketing consultant and avid fashion blogger. You can check out more of her fashion and beauty advice on her website, myemptycloset.com.

Article appeared in our 28-5 Issue - December 2011