Pop Color Confession...

Doesn't Joan look beautiful?! 

I've always been drawn to a barely-there, fresh face with the ultimate 'pop' of lip color topping it all off.

My Confession; however: I usually look something like this (me, today)...

(Sans the camouflage cap, of course...it was a work thing, don't ask...)

...not exactly what I'd call a colorful 'pop' of anything, I know.

Fresh faced, yes. Colorful, not at all. 

My skin is a honey-colored brown and that's usually what I add to it in the form of cosmetics - brown with maybe a few rosy pinks.

Let's just say I'm a 'natural beauty'.

But given the truth that I admire a pretty, color-saturated lip, aaaannnd that we can still call this a 'new' year, I plan to try the look myself. Let's not call it a resolution though. More like an intention.

So with that intention set, I'll be on and poppin' before you know it. 

When I do, I'll be sure to post. For now, I'll leave you with a bit more inspiration for my experimental new look.

I'm goin' all in, so stay tuned Chicas!...

(GORGEOUS!!! - I think I'll try this one above...)

Lots of Love & Light,

Carla

Photos: Pinterest | Joan Smalls | Jessie-Leigh Photography | and ME!

Big Side Braid

I love this look.

Even with my whole "transitioning" (from relaxed to natural) state of being, I'm still going to try it out. Not quite sure how yet, but I'm inspired. Especially when I see beauties like Ms. Zoe perfecting the look...

...and one of my fav hair looks of all time {I've been saving this photo on my inspiration board forever} - Jessica Alba. LOVE!!...

Any way this style (when done right, of course) is so fresh & appealing.

The two models below are adorable.

So cute...

Love. Love. Love.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here, here, and here)

Chanel + Brooches

So a recent trip to The Beauty File led me to Chanel News. Love.

This all-things-Chanel site is intriguing. While happily browsing, I came across these beautiful backstage photos of Chanel's Fall/Winter 2011 show. What caught my eye most were the brooches the models were wearing. Not just on their clothes, but in their hair.

Have a look...

It inspired me to search around for a few great brooches. Here's what I came up with:

Kenneth Jay Lane

Net-a-Porter, $240

Forever21, $6.80

Valentino

Net-a-Porter, $450

Lanvin

Net-a-Porter, $440

I'm feeling inspired to try this look out. When I do, I'll be sure to post pics.

What do you think? Would you try it out too?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Chanel News, Net-a-Porter, Forever21)

Lace Beauty Bar, Miami Beach

As promised, I have an "exciting showing of pretty" to share with you today.

My friend Karelle invited me to Lace Nail & Beauty Bar in Miami Beach for a grown-up-girl's- playdate. Karelle is head designer for her amazing fashion line, Krelwear, and Lace was hosting a pop up shop for her.

When you first walk in, you're pleasantly over-taken with "pretty". There's color everywhere! Turquoise, bright green, fuchsia & other shades of pink. It's so girly & fun.

Here's a look at Krelwear's pop up shop...

...and a close up of some of the baubles displayed on a table...

...below's an even closer glance at Karelle's beautiful hand knits. So pretty!...

{Even Nicki Minaj loves them}

Here's Deanna at the check-in/check-out desk. Love the fresh & bright color combo.

And alas, the entry way to heaven on earth. Even the ceiling is dressed for the occasion!

Here's me at my station (behind the bright light) getting ready to be pampered. Love the pink pillows & white leather chairs.

I chose Essie's new neutral, Topless & Barefoot. Love!

A little reading...

...and the end result.

So pleeeze, I beg you, stop in Lace when you're at South Beach. I assure you, good times are sure to be had. Not from around this area? Here's yet another reason to take a vacay. There's 2 locations on the beach. Twice the pampering, twice the pretty.

{You'll thank me later, Dahlin'}

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via moi!)

Love is in the hair...

I t's Valentine's Day Loves.

While there's no shortage of beautiful people & lovely couple-type things around to feature, I thought it'd be fun to show a little NYFW love with some interesting hair shots. The picture above is so strikingly beautiful. {Seeing lots a grey with pops of brilliant color. Love the hot pink. More to come soon...}

...Of course, billows of wavy curls always work...

...But these crazy photos from Gaultier Couture are well, crazy. I love them though. Not that anyone would dare exit their home donning such a look, but they certainly do make for interesting conversation.

And you have to admit, the pictures are so pretty!

At any rate, enjoy this off beat Valentine's post. And Happy Love Day!!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Full Frontal Fashion & Go backstage)

...Daydreaming...

...Just happy, thinking about the weekend & the fact that it's Friiiidayyy!

*Sigh*

Hope your weekend is as beautiful as this photo.

Until Monday - Happy Friday Loves!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Image via??...Help once again)

I Love...

Prada's crochet headbands.

The fashion house featured this look in their Fall '10 fashion show & I LOVE!

How striking is this icy blue? Gorge, right?

I also love how most of them seem to disappear into the massive beehive of hair, like here...

...and here...

...and here... {Love the blonde}

And now take a look at the back. All you need is a super teased beehive pinned up in the back, and this cute little crocheted piece to tuck under the bottom.

{So feeling the textured tights below.}

The whole thing was very 1960's conservative vamp. Lovely. And being the "Jackie-of-All-Trades" that I am *wink wink*, of course I know how to crochet. {of course Dahlin', of course!} I think I might just have to venture into Prada-land and make myself a few of these treats. When I do, I'll be sure to post a pic so you can have a look!

Happy Coveting!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via style)

Bright Eyes

Have you noticed one of the newest beauty trends: bright, colorful eyes? You almost can't help but notice. Eyelids beautifully saturated with intense color seem to be popping up everywhere. Especially on the Spring '11 runways. Take a look around and you'll see gorgeous shades of green like on Oscar De La Renta's runway {above}.

You'll see fantastic shades of fuchsia like on Dior's runway {above}.

But chances are you'll also find colorful eyes 'smizing' {taken from the incomparable Tyra} everywhere on the street. Chanel Iman brilliantly displays the look while out and about {above}.

Not too long ago though I told you all about my experience with Jones Magazine as part of the host committee for their Meet Me In Miami event. Well one of the weekend's featured events was a design competition held at Miami Design District's oh-so-chic Mai Tardi. One of the participating designers followed suit with this beauty trend and glammed her models up in eye-poppin' eye color.

Take a look at the stunner of a model above. How amazing is her look?! Love the mix of lavender & green.

{Sick. Sick. Sick.}

This particular design competitor, fortunately for us, showed the look on a variety of skin tones. {Check the shot that I took above.} These pics are great examples of how women of all hues can incorporate the current beauty trend into everyday life.

So go ahead, play around a little. You'll be surprised at the beauty you can create with some amazing color, a brush, a little bit of courage, and lots of creativity!

Happy playing & tell us what you come up with!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via style & Moi!!)

Beat The Heat

With the weather being down right steamy in most parts of the country, it can get kind of tricky to keep summer hair cute and polished. My go-to look for beating summer heat is some version of the all-traditional bun.

...Zoe's classic look is always a tried and true winner...

...The newest version though, the top knot, is probably my fav...

(So cute!)

...Of course, "messy" always works well too

(especially when smothered in humidity)...

Recently though, I came across this pic of Christina Milian looking so bright, colorful and cheery. This low bun at the nape of her neck with the side-swept bang has been my personal go-to look forever.

I couldn't help but notice the similarity to the hairstyle in one of my head shots (seen above).

Then I couldn't help but notice the beautiful cover of Essence magazine's September issue. Naomi, Liya and The Legendary Iman are always stunners, but Iman just happens to be donning my go-to look as well. I must say it feels good to be in such great company! Tell me, what's your favorite go-to summer style?

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Essence, unknown, and Me!)