• Home
  • about
  • books
  • beauty
  • travel
  • contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

lipstick & literature

Fall Fashion Must-Haves and Where to Find Them

October 16, 2017

Fall is here!  Bring on the cool nights, creative Halloween costumes and makeup, the apple picking, the spooky attractions, and of course pumpkin everything! (Oh and I mean EVERYTHING!)

Although you may be ready for fall, is your wardrobe prepared? Here are some staple pieces for the new season – and shopping destination suggestions that won’t break the bank!

Ankle Boots

The past few weeks, I’ve been sooo busy hunting for the perfect pair of riding boots with absolutely no luck. Then, I thought about what other shoes are ideal for transitioning into fall, and pretty much every season…

screenshot-2017-10-16-at-11-55-56-pm.png
http://www.maurices.com

Booties. There are soo many available right now, in a variety of styles and colors – and this falls trendiest shades include muted grays, taupes and browns. Some have high heels, while others are made with a low heel for every-day wear.

Let’s shop: For under $40, there is a wide selection of name brand booties available at Off Broadway Shoes. A selection of Sam Edelman booties are available at T,J. Maxx and Marshall’s. For online shoppers, I recommend checking out Zulily or Zappos.

The Cold Shoulder Sweater

The Cold Shoulder puts a little spin on your basic sweater – and makes all the difference. Pair a white cold shoulder sweater with a pair of dark jeans, brown booties, and a patterned scarf for a simple every-day look. Or, amp up your style with this cold-shoulder sweater dress – this piece is so cute and pairs especially well with tall boots and tights!

Layered Necklaces

Minimalist jewlery is in – these pieces are simple and chic. Layered necklaces are cute and easy to pair with just about any outfit you can imagine!

Shopping tips: The LC Lauren Conrad jewelry collection sold at Kohl’s is my go-to source for simple pieces. I also really like Stargaze jewelry, which sells really unique necklaces and chokers you can layer together yourself for a one-of a kind look!

The Perfect Utility Jacket

A jacket that isn’t too heavy is totally necessary for fall. That’s why military/utility jackets are perfect – and they come in a variety of colors this season including green, navy blue, tan, and maroon.

They pair well with just about any outfit. Wear a feminine lace-trim top underneath, light wash denim, and brown booties. On cooler days, pair with your favorite sweater or flannel, thick leggings, and tall boots. Top it off with a patterned scarf, and you’re good to go!

jacket

The great thing about this jacket is that it will see you through multiple seasons – I’ll wear mine during fall and spring.

Let’s shop: For a wide selection, Macy’s. Gap and Old Navy are your best bets. Also take a look at Revolve, NastyGal, and Free People.

The Everyday Tote

You can’t go wrong with a bag that does it all – and has room for your every-day essentials whether you are going to class or work. I’m obsessed with the look and quality of everything sold by Michael Kors.

Let’s shop : For high-quality designer bags that won’t break your budget, shop off-brand retailers such as Marshall’s and Nordstrom Rack. Outlet stores such as Kate Spade are another great option. Online bargain shoppers will love the selection at BeyondtheRack , Gilt, and Tradesy.

What fashion statement do you hope to make this season? Drop your comments below.

Filed in: fashion • by lisa • 1 Comment

The Literary Chic : 5 Most Stylish Writers in History

November 23, 2016

Although most of us know better than to judge a book by its cover, it is fascinating to observe the way people dress and ponder what influences their fashion decisions. For a writer, there are numerous factors that come into play. Some writers are concerned with comfort rather than trend, however, there are others whose style of dress is just as influential and spectacular as their literary talents.

I have compiled a list of five writers and their contributions to not only the literary world, but the world of fashion.

Oscar Wilde

“One’s style is one’s signature,” Wilde once said. Wilde believed clothes were not gender biased and that people should be able to wear whatever they like. He wore lots of silk, velvet, hats, and capes.

Wilde’s writings in fashion, including his essay The Philosophy of Dress have been collected in Oscar Wilde on Dress, which was published in 1885. He was also editor of Woman’s Fashion World. In his work, Wilde states that fashion is a feminist art. In a time where women’s fashion was dominated by frills and corsets, he was a fashion activist who believed that fashion should liberate women, not restrict them.

He predicted that women’s fashion would adopt many male styles – pants, sewing pockets onto skirts, and sporty jackets. And he was right. Many of these styles were later introduced by designer Coco Chanel, who like Wilde, also believed in the liberation of women. In fact, one of Chanel’s most famous quotes is an allusion to Wilde. “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”  Wilde wrote “Fashion is ephemeral. Art is eternal.” Great minds think alike.

Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway took the literary world by storm with works such as Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises, and The Old Man and the Sea. But writing wasn’t always his main focus. He once said, “My boxing is everything, my writing is nothing.”

As much as Hemingway was a writer, he was an adventure-seeker. When he wasn’t busy writing, he was participating in a fishing tournament in the Gulf Stream, hunting on an African safari, bullfighting in Spain, and of course – boxing in the Key West.

His wardrobe consisted of classic brown, gray, and black hues. For formal attire, he wore loose-fitted, less structured suits. During the summer, he often wore a simple button-down linen shirt with shorts.

Hemingway wore a lot of denif3362fd282af7ae59b8dc2eca9707981.jpgm and khakis and was even featured in one of Gap’s Who Wore Khaki’s Campaign.

So although he may be known for his iconic style of writing, one can also note his timeless style of dress – one that embraced quality and durability; essential for the true sportsman he was.

Ernest Hemingway has left a lasting impact on both the literary world and fashion. The Ernest Hemingway Collection produces apparel and home furnishings that capture the spirit of Hemingway, his enthusiasm for adventure, and the essence of his lifestyle. Check it out here.

 

Mary McCarthy

Novelist, critic, and political activisit Mary McCarthy is often characterized by her wit. She wrote as a critic for The New Republic, the Nation, and the Partisan Review and made satiric and often controversial commentaries on politics, marriage, sexual expression, empowerment and more.

 

She had a voice that could not be ignored. Her book, The Group was set in the 1930’s and tells the story of eight women who have just graduated college. With descriptions of sex, contraception, and breast-feeding, the novel created a huge scandal at its time of publication in 1963.

hbz-literary-babes-mary-mccarthy-gettyNot only did McCarthy want to be heard, she wanted to be seen. In her autobiography, Memories of a Catholic Girlhood, McCarthy wrote: “It was the idea of being noticed that consumed all my attention. The rest, it seemed to me, would come of itself.”

McCarthy’s style is influenced by Parisian culture, as she spent much of her time there. She was a wearer of the iconic Chanel suit.  This piece, designed by Coco Chanel, consisted of a tweed jacket with matching pants or skirt, and symbolized taste, elegance, and luxury.

McCarthy loved clothes – so much so that she brought eight suitcases with her when travelling to Vietnam. But no matter what she was doing – whether it be writing, critiquing, or travelling – she was tailored, stylish, and perfectly put-together.

Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath is characterized by her somber writing reflective of her own struggles. Her only published novel, The Bell Jar, has been noted for the parallels between the life of the self-destructive protagonist, Esther, and the author herself.

She is also known as one of the greatest contributors to confessional poetry – this style of groundbreaking poetry emerged in the 1950’s and dealt with personal subject matters and experiences such as death, trauma, and depression. In her poem, Apprehension, Plath writes “Is there no way out of the mind?”

Much like the honest style of her writing, Sylvia Plath signature look was simple and free of frills. She incorporates both feminine and masculine pieces into every-day looks – clean-lined blazers, collared blouses, and pleated skirts.

She accessorized with wide belts, pearls, patterned headbands, and flats. She steers away from ornate clothing, and instead uses fashion-forward colors and prints.

Years later, Sylvia Plath continues to shine for the beautiful poet she is, and readers today continue to resonate with her work.

Maya Angelou

‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Maya Angelou’s legacy began with her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as the first nonfiction bestseller by an African-American woman. But she didn’t stop there. This book was only the first in a series of six autobiographies.

As much as she was a writer, she was an activist, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. In 1993, she recited her poem, On the Pulse of Morning at Bill Clinton’s inaugural speech, calling for peace and unity of all people.

627fcc9d6849f4834c0c1ed6c262937a Even before her days as an award-winning writer and influential civil rights activist, Maya Angelou was an icon. Studying dance and singing in night clubs in New York City, she was seen sporting sultry yet sophisticated attire. She was vibrant in a  strapless floor-length dress and daring in her one-piece jumpsuit. Throughout the years, her style continued to flourish. She was always well accessorized with a statement necklace, hoop earrings, or a patterned head wrap.

Maya Angelou had a free-spirited attitude that translated into nearly every aspect of her life, even her wardrobe. What she wore said it all – her confidence, her determination, and most importantly, her ability to inspire the world.

As writers, we possess the ability to use written words to craft a story. But our clothing can also tell an interesting story. What story will you tell?

Filed in: books, fashion • by lisa • Leave a Comment

Gucci : A Lifestyle and Legacy

March 10, 2016

On Sunday, I decided to visit the Gucci museum, or Museo Gucci, which is located right here in Florence in Piazza della Signoria. This Italian luxury brand was first found in Florence in 1921 by Guccio Guccio.

The exhibition consists of three floors of beautiful, vintage Gucci fashion – handbags, dresses, scarves, belts,  shoes, and  even a Gucci upholstered Cadillac .

IMG_1889.JPG

But there’s more.. There are items that complete nearly every aspect of the Gucci lifestyle- tennis, golfing, and hunting goods, parlor sets, fine china, glasses, thermoses, lamps, picnic sets.

gucciii

gucci dishes.jpg

The museum starts out with pieces that have the classic red and green stripe and diamond logo that are still on many of the Gucci products today. Here, you can also see some beautiful vintage luggage sets and bamboo-handled bags.

Processed with VSCOcam with q3 preset

gucciiiiiii.jpg

Processed with VSCOcam with q3 preset

Processed with VSCOcam with q3 preset

My favorite part of the museum, however, was the room full of evening dresses worn at the exclusive events by the most prestige and elite – Blake Lively, Hilary Swank,  Cameron Diaz. Pictures truly cannot do justice to these beautiful pieces of couture. Each gown was immaculate with tiny details – layers of ostrich feathers, tiny beading and diamonds. This exhibit especially adds to the overall sense of glamour that the Gucci evokes. It was amazing to be able to get up close to each of these beautiful pieces.

IMG_1874

guccidressss.jpg

gucci dress.jpg

Another exhibit that also really stood out to me was Flora World, which  consisted of beautiful handbags, dresses, and scarves with bright floral patterns. This collection was vibrant and youthful, setting a new mood to the brand.

IMG_1895.JPG

gucci flora 2

gucci flora 3
gucci flora

Aldo Gucci, Guccio Gucci’s oldest son, once said “Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.” Although I can only dream of owning a Gucci bag, visiting the museum gave me the opportunity to witness the outstanding beauty of the fashion brand and examine the craftmanship and careful detail that went into each piece. It truly was an experience I will never forget.

 

 

 

Filed in: fashion • by lisa • 1 Comment

« Previous Page
Photo of me, Lisa Allard, a beauty and book blogger.

​​Hello, beautiful!
And welcome to my blog. I'm Lisa and I don't go anywhere without a book — or my favorite lipstick. I love wellness, fitness — and most of all, expressing myself through my writing.

About me

Let’s get social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • beauty
  • books
  • fashion
  • travel

Most-loved posts:

Culture Shock! My First Week Abroad

The Guide to Picture-Perfect Lashes

Simple Steps for Achieving Everyday Glamour

Stay in the know.

Copyright © 2023 · Theme by Blog Pixie

Copyright © 2023 · Coffee & Sundays Theme on Genesis Framework · Create a website or blog at WordPress.com · Log in

 

Loading Comments...