[Bohemian] Mermaid Inspiration <3

June 22, 2015June 22, 2015michelleleighwrites 3 Comments

When I was a kid, I wasn’t too much into Disney or the abundance of Disney princesses. Don’t get me wrong I watched the movies, but I wasn’t a fanatic. However, there were two princesses I found I favored; Pocahontas, and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Putting a fantasy into reality, I transformed myself into a mermaid this weekend for the Coney Island Mermaid Parade.

I have only been one other time before, and I just The-Little-Mermaid-Ariel[1] remember thinking this would be so much more satisfying if I were to join in the dressing up festivities. Because that’s all you see there. An array of colors, and it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it is crowded and you need to either have patience, be really outgoing/carefree or be drunk. 😉 I was none of those and I survived so, you can too! (shout out to my anxiety keeping cool! #claustrophiacity) And did I mention, someone stepped on my shoe causing it to break…yea that wasn’t fun. But thankfully it was a cool day, a little sun would have been nice, but I wasn’t complaining, because no one wants to stand for hours, standing in a crowd of people, in the heat.

The parade is funky, it’s definitely eccentric and anything goes. It never fails, you will see boobs, it’s just a given. But I will say that what I realized was that the parade has a message far greater than just what you see at it’s surface. It’s about acceptance. About having an open mind, appreciating everyone, and everything they are. Being proud of your weirdness, or uniqueness. There is no shame in being who you are. That’s what I got from my second experience there. And I think that in itself is a beautiful thing.

So here’s me transforming myself into a mermaid esque character. With the help of makeup, some glitter, a few accessories and a quick little DIY.

You didn’t think I’d leave you without some crappy cellphone pics did you? 😉 One of these days I’ll get my act together.

Ariel listen to Sebastian, “the human world is a mess…”

Listen as you read…

BECOMING MERMAID…

HAIR & MAKEUP

Michelle *The Mermaid

My eye makeup was made up of a mixture of purples, greens, blues, and pinks. Then using purples and blues I contoured my forehead, cheeks, and jaw line. A little bronzer and coral colored blush were a nice touch too. I used jewels and glitter to add some “scale” affects to the sides of my face. Then I put some glitter along my collar bone too.

Ariel knows best.

For my hair, I washed it the night before and braided it before going to bed. It dried while in the braid, and I left it that way as I did my makeup, then I took it out and it left me with these really cool crimped waves. Very beachy, very mermaid-y. So I didn’t have to do too much, I just added some mousse, and dry shampoo for extra volume and curl. I sparingly curled a few pieces too with my curling wand, mostly just my bangs to frame my face more. Then a bunch of hair spray, before finally having a reason to use the teal colored hair chalk I bought a few years ago. (my hair is dark so it doesn’t last too long, but it gives it this gray blue textured look, so its worth it) I also clipped in a teal hair extension, that matched the chalk, a little more hairspray and the added touch of my starfish hairclip and my hair was mermaid ready.

OUTFIT

As for my outfit, I just went with some flowy/bohemian, blue pieces. A very free spirited, comfortable look. And with my hair and makeup and accessories, I think it came together nicely. I didn’t have anything too mermaid-y, so I worked with what I had. This is if you want an understated mermaid look. (although not much is understated at that parade, but I still felt like I did my part) 😉

Blue’s your color girl

ACCESSORIES & NAILS

Glitter, Jewels, Hair chalk, Nail Polish, Pearls, Oceanic colored bracelets and rings. And a DIY starfish hair clip.

OPI Nicole’s “Mer-maid for each other” is a shiny metallic green,

perfect for mermaid inspired nails.

Walgreens actually sells a Little Mermaid nail line, that I wish I would have known about before buying my other nail color. But either way it worked out.

Where I got some of my ideas from…

LINK

LINK

Gotta love YouTube, you wouldn’t believe how many people want to be mermaids! 😉

DIY starfish hairclip

This was the last piece of the puzzle, I wanted a starfish for my hair so bad, and after searching and searching, my mom was the one who found a package of starfish for like a dollar in a 99 cent store. I was super excited. So then I found some other hair clips to work into my hair piece. The cream colored net was attached to a bow hair clip, so I just removed it and then the actual hair clip used to clip it into my hair was from a big flower clip. So I just hot glued all the necessary pieces and voila! I think the net really made the difference, it made it look very ocean inspired. The starfish had a bit of a weight to it so I just used two extra bobby pins to fasten it into my hair, for a better hold.

Some pics from the parade…

Oh and I ran into some friends of mine…

Princesses Unite 😉

Mermaid Michelle swimming off…(see what I did there…) Got my lemonade, shishkabob and corndog. I really enjoyed my time on dry land and getting to be a part of your world. Now time to get back to my sea friends.

“Legs are meant for jumping, dancing…”

You are so right Ariel!

There you have it, my quick, crappy pictured Mermaid inspired look. Try it out! It’s super fun, except be prepared to be covered in glitter and hair chalk. But it’s all in good fun!

So Ariel has Flounder, and Sebastian.

If you were a mermaid, what sea creature would you want as your sidekick?

I’m thinking like a seahorse that could drive/swim me around or something…you know when I get tired of swimming myself. 😉 His name would be Skylar.

Ariel’s Seahorse Herald

*I do not take credit for any videos/songs, gifs, or Little Mermaid pics

All others are my own.*

-<3-

Part 10 of Love Conflicted coming your way…Thursday!

Catch up HERE

[Modernized] Flapper Fashion.

March 30, 2015March 29, 2015michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

This past weekend, I went out to dinner with some friends to celebrate my 24th Birthday. It was low key, which was nice, but as the dinner got closer it dawned on me. My usual over the top birthday party planning skills weren’t being put to any use. [see my 80’s party blog] The truth is I just had a Valentine’s party and I wasn’t up for planning another so soon after. So I settled on dinner at a nice restaurant with some close friends. But I wanted something to make the night a little more festive, something to make it sparkle. So as I rummaged my closet for the perfect birthday night outfit, I had a fun light bulb idea. I wanted to dress up like I lived in the 1920’s. Me and my themes. I just can’t get enough of them! I always say how I want to be able to dress and pretend to live a day in every major fashion era. So after a little sifting and searching I settled on some key pieces to make my outfit 1920’s flapper inspired.

The base of my outfit was a pair of black skinny dress pants, and a black lace sleeveless shirt. I paired that with a black sequined shrug, for some sparkle. Then added a pair of nude, low heeled pumps, a long pearl necklace, some flashy gold and pearl jewelry, a makeshift headband and the star of the night; a faux fur scarf. In my opinion the fur scarf and headband are what really sold the outfit . And can I just say the scarf came with a hat and the whole set was found in the 99 cents store for like 7 bucks. So… bargain. Yes! And my headband was a headband I found at a clothing store in the accessories section for around 4 dollars and I had a pair of peacock feathered earrings that I don’t wear much anymore so I just repurposed the feather and sewed it onto the headband and viola!

As for makeup I stuck to the traditional 20’s inspired look; dark eyes, and deep red lips. I mixed a lot of browns, blacks, and shimmery white and taupe colors to get that smokey look. And the lipstick was a mixture of first outlining my lips with a bright red lip liner then on one lip bright red and the other dark red, then smooch, and blend, it gives you this nice mix.

Moving onto my hair. First I just curled by hair completely with an Infinity Conair curling wand. This look works best on second day hair. Then I made a small pony tail and folded it under at the back of my head and got to bobby pinning away. Bobby Pins are going to be your best friend for this look. I just pinned all along the nape of my neck to secure it and make it look like a bob, like they wore in the 20’s. I left my bangs out along with some other longer curls to frame my face and make the look more full. I also sprayed a lot of hair spray, added a bit of dry shampoo to my hands and work it into the crown of my hair just to fluff it up and add some texture and volume to the look. It’s really just a play around with it until you get your desired length and fullness look. It was easier then I thought.

I’ve always wanted to dress like a flapper for Halloween and I’ve never liked any of the costumes I came across. So this way I still got to dress like a flapper but put my own spin on it, to make it a little more wearable for this generation’s fashion. I’ve always been intrigued by the fashion of The Roaring Twenties. It was a time where women began to take risks with their fashion. It was a time where they were no longer being restricted by corsets. The hem lines got shorter, makeup got heavier and the fabrics got more luxurious. Women were taking a stand and using fashion as a way to tell their stories, a way to express themselves. Sound familiar? Not much has changed. The relationship between women and their fashion is one that remains the same. Constant. No matter what the decade.

1920’s Flapper Fashion

bobbedhair[1]

My Modernized Version

I have to admit I’m pretty reserved and shy. I’m not the type of person to draw attention to myself. So I was a little like “oh crap people are gonna look at me like I’m crazy.” But once I got dressed I got so excited about my outfit and finally getting to dress like I lived in the 20’s for a night that I just ignored anything else and any weird looks. I just owned it and hey if people looked, I smiled and rocked it. Strangers were even saying Happy Birthday to me! I was happy and I was just being my weird unique self. So if you are dying to try on a 1920’s inspired look, you totally should! And don’t let anyone sway your sparkle.

Some pictures from Dinner

The outfit in action. 😉

Red lips on point! And shout out to my girls for throwing in some beads and 20’s touches! 😀

Oh and this happened 😉

Happy Birthday to my fellow March babies!

*I do not take credit for the actual 1920’s fashion pictures.*

Check Out My 80’s Party Fashion HERE!

-<3-

Spring 2015

March 23, 2015March 21, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So if you live on the East coast then you should know what a crappy winter we have had. And just as Spring rolls around, we are all singing our hallelujahs. Except stop right there friends. Because on March 20th, our beloved “First Day of Spring” was graced not with budding flowers, or chirping birds, not even a ray of sunshine was seen. No it was full on snowing. The age old saying about March how it “comes in like a lion and out like a lamb,” is a load of bull crap. My birthday is in the end of March and for the past I want to say 2 or 3 years my day has been freezing and just very un-lamb like. And quite frankly it sucks and I’m over it. Winter you here that, I’m over you. I think I speak for everyone when I say Winter, you are overrated. So forge ahead with me my friends and let’s hope this recent snow fall is the last of it. We need some Spring time happiness am I right or am I right? Just in case you were confused…I’m right. 😉

***The top 10 things I’m looking forward to this Spring***

Light Jackets/Kimonos

(I am so tired of bundling up and having to wear layers upon layers.)

Wearing Bright Colors

(I seriously have been in black and gray far too long. Bring on the Pastels!)

Spring Fashion/Accessories

(Ummm yes let’s talk about the new Essie nail polish colors that are bound to catch our eyes! And I can’t wait to break out my flower crowns!)

Easter

(Time of religious glory and spending time with family…oh and I get to make my God Daughter her Easter basket…I already bought everything and plan to do an Easter egg hunt with her. She’s gonna be so much fun to color eggs with this year!)

Sunshine and cool breezes

(The perfect weather balance, one that you can actually walk in and enjoy…better weather, better feels.)

Grabbing Frozen Yogurt with friends

(Because ain’t nobody got time for that in the winter!)

TV show premieres

(Finding Carter *MTV and Young & Hungry *abc family.)

Spring Break

(This no longer applies to me, but a bunch of my friends are teachers and some are getting their masters too so their Spring break is our time to see each other and catch up!)

Flowers and Trees

(The world just looks refreshed and happy again….nature’s way of decorating!)

My Birthday!

(I turn 24 this week, yes getting older sucks, but it’s definitely an excuse to celebrate with your friends and family!)

* I do not take any credit for any images *

Happy Spring!

-<3-

My 2015 Oscars Red Carpet Fashion Favorites

February 23, 2015February 23, 2015michelleleighwrites Leave a comment

So I finally got to watch a live red carpet this awards season. The red carpets are always my favorite parts. I’m not going to sit here and pretend to know the ins and outs of high designer fashion, I barely know how to pronounce some of these designer names. But I can be a girly girl at times. I enjoy getting dressed up and picking out and pulling together an outfit. There is something so fun about experimenting with your look and trying new things. Everything from the hair, to the makeup, to the accessories, to the nails, to the dress, to the shoes. It’s a lot to go through, and it takes time. It’s sometimes exhausting, but fun, really fun. So I definitely appreciate everything these women go through to bring us their amazing and stunning red carpet looks. With that being said, I will love to share with you some favorite looks of the night and why they stuck out for me. In no particular order…

Giuliana Rancic– E! News Host & Fashion Police Co-host

In Mireille Dagher

I think wearing red on the red carpet is one of those ironically beautiful things. I love the lace and how it compliments the sheer chest. I really love the red lip (surprise surprise) and minimal jewelry, the dress really did the talking. And the fact that she darkened her hair really gives the red a warmth.

Gina Rodriguez

In an *eco friendly dress as part of Suzy Amis Cameron Red Carpet Green Dress campaign w/ designer Manon Gabard

So Gina is like my new girl crush. She stars on The CW’s “Jane The Virgin” and I just really love how pure and organic her acting comes across. She just seems so humble and the show is so amazing. Really clever and something new to television. I love everything about this look. She looks like a Latin Princess. She was the first star I saw on the red carpet and I knew she would be a favorite. I love the color, I love her hair. I’m a big fan of the side bun. And I really love how simple the jewelry is, it matches the simplicity of the dress but adds just enough sparkle. And her makeup was just so sleek and subtle. The only thing was I wish I found a picture of her shoes. I wonder what she went with. My guess is a strappy silver heel.

America Ferrara – “How To Train A Dragon”

In Jenny Packham

America how I’ve loved you since “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and then in “Ugly Betty.” I feel like she reminds me a lot of Gina Rodriguez. I like this dress a lot, I like the flow, and the sheer overlay, and the ombre effect. I love the belt and her earrings. And I can’t tell if her clutch is burgundy or just mirrored the color from the carpet. But either way, it works. However, I’m not too crazy about the cleavage. I think the different layers on top make it look kind of messy. I think the cleavage would have been more effective if the sheer layer wasn’t there, just on the top. The sheer on the bottom is gorgeous. And lastly, I’m not too much a fan of the middle part and the loose hair tuck behind the ear bit. (I noticed Reese Witherspoon did it too) But I do think America pulls it off for this look.

Cate Blanchett

In Maison Margiela Couture by John Galliano

I have to admit I debated putting this is my favorites, but the more I looked at it the more I just fell in love. Black is classic. I love wearing black. But I also try to stray away when I’m going to bigger functions. Just because I feel like I wear it enough on a daily basis. But that aside, this dress is so simple, so chic, and clean cut that I can’t deny it. It’s what appears to be a velvet material and the arms have this fringed, tethered effect that make it edgy and then that makeup and that messy hair, oh I love it! Let’s not forget about the only piece of jewelry Cate is wearing, that crystal, turquoise blue statement necklace. It matches her best natural accessory; her eyes. Just gorgeous, really.

Jamie Chung – “Big Hero 6”

In Yanina Couture

This dress was just visually enjoyable. She looked like a pretty firework display.

Dakota Johnson

In Saint Laurent

So since “50 Shades of Grey” came out, she has been the “it” girl. I like this dress on her. I like the simplicity of her pony tail and how the dress is so sleek and simple when you look at it from the front. But then she turns and you see the sexy slit and the strappy sexy silver sandals that tie in her one shoulder silver roped embellishment. I love that she went for the red lip too! She really tied this whole look up. 😉

Margot Robbie

In Saint Laurent

So like I said before I tend to look down upon black dresses at these functions because I just feel like there are so many colors of the rainbow to showcase at these amazing events, that black just seems too predictable. But the more I kept looking at this dress and this whole entire look, I just fell in love. I love the flowy, relaxed look of this, it doesn’t swallow her figure up either. The sheer long sleeves and the plunging swoop of a neckline is just so effortlessly classy. I adore the way the dress kind of pools onto the red carpet at the bottom. I love the black with the red lip, it’s a sure fire combination in my book. And her hair is so bold and blonde and the cut is so blunt, I think it just makes the look punky and edgy. And last but not least the statement piece hanging around her neck, is a steal. Absolutely gorgeous.

Jennifer Lopez

In Elie Saab

JLo the woman we had all been waiting for. JLo can never do wrong. I LOVE this dress and this look. For most people I feel like this color would wash them out, but not JLo if anything it just enhances her youthfulness and her glowy skin. I love the beading embellishment. The belt synching her waist, makes the flowy princess feel, more sexy and sophisticated. I love that everything; the dress, the accessories, the makeup, the nails, were all kept in this nude color tone family. I don’t think anything else would have worked as effortlessly. She looks like a Latina princess. Absolutely stunning. And the fact that she added a long flirty ponytail and some sheer pink lip gloss, makes the look even more breathtaking. I ADORE THIS. I do however, think she could have covered up the girls, just this once. Not that I don’t like the neckline, because I think it gives the sweet princess look some sexy appeal. Which when you think of JLo sexy appeal is right at the top of the list. But I just felt like from the side view I was sold and then she turned and I was like oh boobs in my face. I didn’t expect it and I felt like she didn’t need it. I thought the dress would have been equally beautiful if it was a straight across neckline with some beading.

Jennifer Aniston– “Cake”

In Versace

I like this dress on Jennifer. I like the sweetheart style, I like how it’s sheer toward the legs, I love the slit. And I love her simple makeup, to go along with her simple colored dress. However, my only issue was her hair. I just wanted to see a little bit of a wisky wave. Not too much, just something. She’s been doing this normal straight, no fuss, no muss hair do and I’m just like I need a little oompf ya know?

Um…epic ❤

Emma Stone– “Birdman”

In Elie Saab

Emma, Emma, my sweet little Emma. I cannot with this dress. It is perfection and I adore it. The color, the long sleeves, the slit, the beading, those what I can only assume are like diamond wrist cufflings, the matching colored heels, the hair color, the hair style, and that orangey red lip. To die for. It’s amazing and the back was just completely open, which gave it a sexier, younger look.

Scarlett Johansson

In Versace

I love this color. I love the fit. I love the deep v-neckline and how it accentuates her bust without needing cleavage. And I don’t know if that’s a necklace or it’s a collar to the dress, but it is amazing. I love this look.

Katie Cassidy

In Julien MacDonald

I feel like we’ve seen this type of dress many times. But I always love this style. I just think it’s a way to look sexy, and chic, but still be girly and covered up. I love the design pattern and I love the zipper detail on the forearms. That definitely funks it up. And I appreciate how Katie styled her hair and went for a dark wine red nail color. She reminds me of that old Hollywood glamor.

Well there you have it my top picks for fashion at this year’s 2015 Oscars. The only thing I wish was different was that we would get to see their shoes. I mean I get it it’s the Oscars, it’s glitz, it’s glamor, it’s floor length gowns. But I mean if you can’t show off them heels, why the heck are you wearing them. Put me in my moccasins any day! No one’s gonna see anyway and maybe you won’t have to worry about tripping. 😉 Just once I wish a mega star would roll up on the red carpet in a no name dress. Just like oh I’m wearing this dress from the thrift store I got it for $20. That would be amazing. I mean the amount of money these starlets walk around wearing is just insane, and for what, one night? And to be uncomfortable in the audience that you have to sit in for 3 plus hours. Hell no, I’d be like… flowy dress it is. No fitted, too tight to breathe crap for me. Who’s with me?

All kidding aside these ladies looked amazing, and it’s so empowering how fashion can be such a beautiful way of expressing oneself.

*I do not take credit for any of these images*

-<3-

2015 Grammy Award Highlights

February 9, 2015February 9, 2015michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

I’ll be honest I didn’t get to watch the full show. I have been seriously slacking this award season. Haven’t really caught any. And the red carpets are my FAVORITE part, but I just either keep forgetting or am just not home to watch. In other news The Walking Dead came back from it’s winter hiatus on the same night and that’s kind of a big deal in my house. So I have to go where my loyalties lie. And no I do not have DVR, I’m just not that fancy. Besides the Grammys are covered from every angle, The Walking Dead; if you don’t watch it live social media will ruin in for you. But I did try and catch bits of the Grammys by going back and forth during commercial breaks. However, to be honest I don’t think I missed that great of a show. From what I gather, it was kind of humdrum despite being packed with performances, which gave the winners little time for their speeches. And nothing makes me more anxious then watching someone accept an award and have them being forced to wrap up by the dreadful music kiss off. It makes me squirm in my seat and feel embarrassed for that person. It’s just rude! So I’m glad I missed that. Haha. But I did catch a few moments, and I’m going to share some of my favorites with you.

Winners/Acceptance Speeches

Sam Smith won big last night closing the night with 4 Grammys; Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year (and although he won over Ed Sheeran and my girl Taylor Swift) I do think Sam is incredible and deserved it! Happy Days!

Sam Smith’s last speech…

He’s amazing, he’s like the male version of Adele. Stay With Me = “Someone Like You”? Doesn’t it just make you want to clock his ex boyfriend over the head with a frying pan, because I do….but hey like Sam said, the heartbreak got him 4 Grammys! (hmmm so wonder he and Tay Swift are besties? 😉 I recall her making a similar speech, oh Harry Styles you were wrong to let her go!) Congratulations Sam, we are so proud!

Performances

Stay With Me– Sam Smith ft. Mary J. Blige

I love their voices together, it’s so soulful and Stay With Me is a song that just gives you all the feels no matter who you are or who you fall in love with. Gay or Straight, this song tears at your heartstrings.

Thinking Out Loud– Ed Sheeran ft. John Mayer & Quest Love (from The Roots)

I swear John Mayer on a guitar is just ridiculous, the guy is talented. But I have to admit I adore when it’s just Ed and his guitar and his loop peddle, but granted “Thinking Out Loud” has more production involved and it was the Grammys so he had to keep in fancy and upscale, I guess. It’s just once I watched (and rewatched and rewatched AND REWATCHED) Ed’s Live in Dublin Show it’s very hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that he can’t always be a one man band. It’s just that there’s something so personal about him and his music that when it’s just him there’s this amazing delivery and a really sincere connection with him and the audience. But needless to say I did love it. I mean come on John Mayer on guitar and Quest Love on drums… like, what? Very cool.

The Fashion

Ms. Taylor Swift hung on the mic last night and served as a presenter, but she did so in a stunning two tone; turquoise/teal hi-low, Elie Saab flowy gown. Absolutely gorgeous. Her Lorraine Schwartz accessories were funky aqua/crystal blue big statement earrings, a funky statement ring to match and some simple fuchsia rings to tie in those fuchsia Giuseppe Zanotti heels, an amazing combination. Taylor tied up the look with a subtle smokey eye, and a nude lip paired with her simple straight hair with a sweeping side, which really made the look very high fashion chic, she let the dress be the focus, yet she wore that dress, it didn’t wear her. She looked amazing. I loved the colors and how the dress fit her. How the dress was short and sexy to show off her long lengthy fangirl dancing legs, but than flowy in the back to make her look like a Grammy red carpet walking princess. I can only imagine how beautiful this dress must have looked on the red carpet. It was definitely my favorite dress of the night. She may not taken home a Grammy but she won best dressed for me for sure! And she brought her best friend as her date, and danced her little heart out as usual which in my book makes her even more of a freakin’ Queen. Later Beyoncé. Tay Tay Do your thing girl.

US-MUSIC-GRAMMY AWARDS-ARRIVALS

*I do not take credit for any images or videos used*

-<3-

My infatuation with RED lipstick

January 29, 2015January 29, 2015michelleleighwrites 1 Comment

It feels like just yesterday I was plastering on layers and layers of ~~unflattering~~ frosty pink lip gloss.

Mandy Moore, get it girl. #youworkthatfrostypink

Ah the 90’s. The Best.

But what I’ve recently been gravitating toward is the bold red lip. Now I don’t know when or why I started picking up on this timeless trend.

taylor-swift-shake-it-off-video-2-2014-billboard-650[1]

The haters don’t like your red lips…#shakeitoff

Maybe it is due to my graceful respect of Taylor Swift and all her gloriousness…

But wherever my infatuation came from was cause enough to be a driving force for a main source of imagery in my series Mysterious Attraction.

*^Click and read from the beginning.

But never the less red was never my color.

Which is odd considering it’s my mother’s favorite color and basically the color of CHRISTMAS!

Photo By: Robert DeSantos Jr.

But I just never gravitated toward it.

I didn’t hate it, I just never really thought about it as a favorite.

I think I own maybe a handful of red clothes at best.

But I will say that when it comes to the bold lip lately, red has been my go to.

Now I get that not everyone feels they can pull off a red lip. Sometimes I put it on, and rethink it myself. Or sometimes I’m just like ok you’ve been wearing it too much lately, Michelle. Give it a rest, and use one of the other hundreds of lip colors you own. (lip products and nail polishes are my weakness!)

And granted maybe there are people out there, who think that I can’t pull off a red lip as well as I think I can.

But I like it and that is simply all that matters.

So for any girls out there who have been wanting to try a bold red lip but are nervous to, I’d say go for it!

There are many shades of red too, you got your bright reds, your dark reds, your wine reds, your burgundy reds, your orangey reds. I can promise you, you can find at least one that suits your skin tone, and makes you feel timeless.

Because that’s the thing about a red lip, it transports us back to the glamorous days of old Hollywood, and silent/black and white films (even in a black and white film you know that girl was wearing a red lip!), or that old Marilyn Monroe picture of her in her white dress and it blowing in the wind.

There is just something sexy and classic about wearing a red lip.

And I for one LOVE IT! Do you girls get me?

Did you think I’d let this go any further without a little soundtrack?

notice the girl’s lip color 😉

HOW TO STYLE A BOLD RED LIP:

Featuring my fashion queen Demi Lovato

Black with red accents is always an A+

In these Demi looks that I chose to showcase, Demi pairs a bright red lip often with an LBD (little black dress) or some form of a white and black base with red accents. I love black, white, and red together. I love how neutral the white and black are and then BAM RED! I love to include red nails too. And if you’ve got some red jewelry or red heels include them! Gold or silver jewelry works fine too, depending on the outfit! Just be careful not to overload / over accessorize! Note: You don’t have to be all decked out in a dress to rock a red lip, as you can see in the second set of Demi pictures, she is simply wearing a more grunge leather look and still chose the red lip. The leather meets red lip is fire in my opinion, it’s spunky meets classy. It’s just about how you pull everything together.

************************************

Just some personal photos of how I worked in red accents to a black & white jumpsuit.

**************************************

Another way Demi chose to embrace a red lip is to embrace red throughout her whole look!

Demi stuns that red carpet! When I saw her walk out in that dress, I was so proud of her! She’s actively spoken about her struggles with body image and to see her embracing her curves, and her body was a really inspiring thing. We Latina girls have hips, and butts, it’s just the way it is. We can’t help it. So work it girls! Own your style.

Red Lip Sistas! My friend was reserved about wearing the red lip, but I told her to go for it, and she rocked it!

*Check out my 2014 Demi Lovato Style Steal HERE

KISSES

* I do not take credit for any images used that aren’t specified as my own. *

-<3-

What is “Sexy”?

January 15, 2015January 15, 2015michelleleighwrites 4 Comments

SEXY. It’s a term we all use. Thanks to Victoria’s Secret catalogs it’s a term we’re slapped in the face with…during the commercial breaks for our favorite tv shows. Often times used to describe someone’s physical appearance. You see someone walk by and they catch your attention and it’s like word vomit if you’re into cat calling and such (gag), for the rest of us it’s an inner thought encased in our own mind and possibly conversed to a friend walking beside us.

“He’s Sexy.” “She’s Sexy.”

But when you really think about it, what is sexy? What about that person, makes them sexy? Beyond that first glance.

I remember back in 2006 when Justin Timberlake released his very controversial yet highly praised and danced to; mega hit “SexyBack.” As the lyric states Justin claimed he was “bringing sexy back.” Because you know clearly it had left on vacation in the time span between his first and second solo albums. It did. Music is just sexier when Justin Timberlake’s on the charts. #Truestory.

Anyhow, moving on. I remember him doing the whole press round up during that time. Being interviewed time and time again, being asked the same questions over and over again. I wonder how they just don’t pull their hair out! Anyway, I can’t remember if he was on Ellen or Oprah or some other talk show and I’ve tried to find the clip continuously but have come up empty handed. But allow me to explain it for you. When asked what “SexyBack” was about and how he defined the word sexy, Justin simply stated;

“Sexy is a walk, it’s a talk, it’s a state of mind.”

And I have always remembered that quote because to me it was beautiful and profound on some level.

I think what he said is so true. Sexy is not defined solely by a person’s physical appearance. Sure it obviously contributes to your initial attraction. But that can all change once you get to know a person. Sexy is about how one carries themselves, it’s about personality. For me sexy is tied to class. Class is tied to confidence. Confidence is often rooted in the fashion you wear, in the profile you hold with the list of checks you embody on your life’s to do list. Confidence in one’s self is important but over confidence or cockiness is usually a turn off. You have to understand that no one is perfect, and you have to be willing to except opinions that may not coincide with your own. Everyone is different.

As a young woman I speak on behalf of us all, when our hair comes out right and our outfit is something we’re excited about, our nails are done and we (and by we I mean me) feel like actually taking the time to do our makeup, it’s an instant confidence booster. And it makes us feel good. The same way I’m sure guys feel untouchable when they put on a suit and tie or a tux. Ughhhh guys have it so easy….suit, tie, shoes, gel the hair, shave a little (or don’t…scruff is nice) and boom, done. But hidden secret; girls don’t dress for guys, we dress for other girls like us. I mean come on. Chances are your boyfriend doesn’t know a crop top from a regular top. He doesn’t get it, and it’s not his fault, it’s in the genes. So when I dress up I do it because I feel like doing it, and because it’s an instant conversation starter for me and my girls. Where’d you get your top? I love your lip-gloss. That’s basically what dinner with my friends sounds like.

Sexy is about what you wear, but it’s also about how you wear it. Sexy is about making them work for it. Sexy is about your laugh, your smile, the way you talk to people. Are you polite? Do you hold doors open? Do you pull out chairs? Are you respectful of your elders? Do you value a person’s opinion and thoughts? Are you a family person? Are you a good listener? What kind of music speaks to you? What dreams does your heart hold? Do you look past the exterior and take a deeper look? Sometimes when you do, you find the truth. Maybe it’s something that attracts you more, maybe it’s not. But that deeper look is important. Otherwise why are you wasting your time?

It’s easy to say sexy is defined by muscles, a six pack, cleavage, racy outfits, or arrogance. It’s easy to fall for someone because they have a cool car, or are able to buy you fancy things. But all of that changes perspective when you push pass the physical and materialistic items. Add class. Sexy is not without imperfections it’s about how you accept them and own them and make them work in you favor.

Sexy is about being who you are. And being ok with that. Sexy is about everything that makes up who you are. Your likes and dislikes, your quirky habits, your favorite television shows, whether you’re a wine or beer drinker. Or if you don’t drink at all.

It’s no secret that I’m a huge Justin Timberlake fan. It’s no secret that I think he’s sexy. But granted, yea that includes his looks, but it’s more about the whole package. And no I am not referencing his “D in a B” skit. So get your minds out of the gutter. I am merely stating that his sexiness is tied to more. Like his class, his gentleman side, his talent, his voice, his ability to make people laugh, his personality. Fame is a tricky business. We only see what they want us to see. So until I meet him for myself let’s just say he seems like a real nice guy. I just think Sexy needs to be grounded in who are person truly is. Because that’s where their heart lies.

Classy ladies, who always get it right…

Sophia-Bush-Tonight-Show-With-Jimmy-Fallon[1]

Sophia Bush; Actress, Feminist, Activist. Avid live tweeter with Chicago PD fans! BADASS.

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Bethany Joy Lenz; Mother, Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Writer, Feminist. BADASS.

Demi Lovato; Singer/Songwriter, Actress, Social Environmentalist BADASS.

Taylor Swift….that pretty much says it all. BADASS.

Jennifer Lopez; Mother, Singer, Actress, Executive Producer, Business Woman, Best Booty in Hollywood, Proud Latina! BADASS.

Selena Gomez; Singer, Actress. BADASS.

Emma Stone; America’s Sweetheart and all around goofball. Actress, Activist. BADASS.

Lauren Cohan; Actress. Slaying Zombies every Sunday night like a BADASS, (and looking flawless while doing it) That deserves a second BADASS.

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Lucy Hale; Actress, Country Singer. This little liar may look like Selena Gomez, but she’s just as sweet too!

Tamera+Mowry+NBC+Universal+2012+Winter+TCA+z_fkLDH43Ryl[1]

Tamera Mowry- Housley; Mother, Wife, Twin, Actress, Talk Show Host, Reality TV Star, Business Woman. BADASS.

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Jessica Biel….I know I know. She picked Justin’s wife? I thought she hated her? Well I don’t. I think she is gorgeous (next to JLo I think she’s in the running for best Hollywood booty.) However, she also seems incredibly sweet and humbled. And I think that as annoying as it is to be a fan of Justin’s and never see him and his wife act like a couple, I completely respect why. Fame is scary and the more you let people in, the harder it is to take back your privacy. So I get it. Some things are sacred. Jessica Biel; Actress, Wife, Soon to be mother? BADASS. Did I mention I used to be obsessed with her movie Summer Catch?

When I sat down and tried to think of all the beautiful women in Hollywood that I actually admire, these are the first few that popped into my head. Not only are they gorgeous physically, but they are gorgeous on the inside too. These women are mostly singers and actresses, but also have a mind for business. The singers share their melodic voices and the songwriters write the lyrics that pull on your heart strings or make you wanna shake yo booty. (tally on how many times I’ve used the word booty?) The actresses help you connect to characters and embrace storytelling. They are serious, they are lighthearted, they are strong, they can make us laugh, make us cry, make us feel through their art. They can make us feel like someone out there gets it, gets us. The media will try to put them on a pedestal and lift them up making you think their beauty is untouchable but you know better. They are like us, like me, like you. They are women, and we relate to each other for that simple fact. Women are funny, and funny is sexy. There was once a time when women were cast on the side lines of comedy. But now we have Melissa McCarthy and Tina Fey and many more. Sexy is quirky. These women can go from posing on a red carpet looking flawless to sticking their tongues out or blowing a kiss to the paparazzi. Each of these women put out something into the world that paves the way for the next woman. Each of these women make me proud to be a woman. They carry themselves with poise and class, and they strive for their goals. They know when it’s the right time to show a little leg or a little cleavage and when it’s time to dress a little bit more conservatively. They know the difference between classy vs. trashy or sexy vs. slutty. They utilize their talents and voice, they share their gifts with us. They realize that as a celebrity they have a way of changing the world and making it a better place. They bring awareness to worldly issues. They believe in love and motherhood. “Sexy is a walk, it’s a talk, it’s a state of mind.” Sexy is beauty and brains, talent, heart. Sexy is you.

So….What makes YOU sexy?

-<3-

*I take no credit for any images used*

Becoming Mrs. Daryl Dixon

November 2, 2014November 2, 2014michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

In my last post I showed you how I DIY’d my leather vest to look like Daryl Dixon’s from The Walking Dead. Click HERE to view that.

But now I’m going to show you how I pulled the whole look together to become MRS. Daryl Dixon.

Create a bloody/dirty/worn out shirt…

to make it look like you’ve been slaying zombies left and right.

What you will need…A light colored shirt, paper bags, fake blood, cotton balls, a bowl, some bronzer, red food coloring, and a paintbrush.

First lay your plastic bags down before working.

Spread out your shirt.

Pour some of the bronzer powder into a bowl (I used bare minerals warmth).

Take your cotton ball and dip it into the bronzer and sparingly make your “dirt” marks all over your shirt.

My shirt was very sheer and actually had a shredded back to it so it looked really warn as is, and because it was sheer the markings went through to the back as well, which saved me some time.

Focus on the armpit areas and the neck to convey a worn sweaty/dirty affect. You’ve been traveling through a zombie apocalypse. This is not the time to be a fashionista.

Next… bloody it up.

I didn’t go too crazy. I’m not the zombie…

#BeenThereDoneThat

I’m the slayer.

So I was going for a more splattered blood #IJustKilledAFewWalkers look.

The fake blood I bought was a bit too thick to create a splattered affect so I used red food color and dipped a paint brush into it and shook it onto the shirt sparingly.

The more noticeable blood drips were achieved with the fake blood, and a paintbrush.

My brother took care of that part.

So once you get the right bloody/dirty look you hang the shirt up to dry over night. The thinner your shirt the quicker the dry time.

Now that you’ve made both your angel wings vest and your bloody shirt…you can pull from your own wardrobe for the rest of this look.

Including:

Vest

Leather Jacket

Sleeveless plaid button down

Bloody Shirt

Black jeggings

Black combat boots

The Full Look:

(A closer look at ) The Make Up & Hair:

I went for a really natural (grungy) look.

[Because let’s be real ain’t nobody got time for smokey eyes and bold red lips in the apocalypse.]

I did a basic face

bb cream

under eye concealer

curled lashes

very small amount of mascara

pinkish blush (flushed cheeks…run girl run save your ammo)

Fill in the eyebrows (no time for tweezing either haha)

Using bronzer to deepen all your features…basically highlight every crease in your face, cheek bones, nose, under eyes, etc. Basically darkening your features to make yourself look like you’ve been on the go weathering the struggle just trying to survive. Imperfections are okay.

For the lips I used a combination of a concealer stick and some darker burgundy lipstick, to create a flushed look.

For my hair (worked best on second day hair)

[ain’t nobody got time to wash their hair luxuriously when your tryna stay alive]

First I curled lightly with a straightener/curler

Then I went over with a curling iron

Hairspray in between as usual

Adding products as you see fit

Then once you get a wavy curl flip your head over shake it out

Comb out to loosen and give a more messy natural wave.

I ended up tying it into a side pony tail and leaving some pieces out

I look pissed…haha #stayingincharacter

Accessories:

Handkerchief (I tied it to my belt hoop)

Some leather rope bracelets

A silver chain with a saint on it (because you still need to keep your faith in the zombie apocalypse)

fake tattoos (Daryl has a few)

I did start the night with a pair of lace “biker” gloves but eventually those came off, (Daryl wears leather ones sometimes and I had the lace pair so I made it work)

I chose to put this one on my fore arm…

Daryl’s tattoo

And if you really wanna commit to the role of Mrs. Daryl Dixon…throw in some fake bling 😉

Hey if Maggie got a ring…Daryl’s girl can have one too…didn’t cost a thing 😉 P.S. I didn’t actually wear these out! haha

I stuck to clear nail polish because I wanted to stay as close to character as possible.

And can’t forget… a weapon of choice #fakeofcourse

I went with a fake bloody knife

Oh well I guess she was bitten…

So there you have it…how to transform into Daryl Dixon’s wife.

It was fun playing the part, after all that’s what Halloween is about right….immersing yourself into a new character for a night and owning it.

AMC give me a call…Daryl deserves some love too!

Who’s ready for tonight’s episode…we finally get to see what happened to Beth!

Happy Watching!

-<3-

So now that I’ve been a zombie and a zombie killer…who’s next…maybe I’ll take on Michonne next year… What do you think?

DIY Daryl Dixon Angel Wings Vest

November 1, 2014November 2, 2014michelleleighwrites 12 Comments

It’s no secret that I’m a Walking Dead fan, and it’s even less of a secret that I love Daryl Dixon. So when Halloween costumes began rolling around in my brain I was considering being either Michonne or Daryl. However I didn’t like the quality of the Michonne wig they were selling and I knew I wouldn’t keep it on the whole night so I opted for Daryl. But Michelle you’re a girl….yes I’m well aware of that. But it’s Halloween and I can do and be what or whomever I want. You make your own rules. So I am [Female] Daryl Dixon….or Mrs. Daryl Dixon if you will. I even have the vest to prove. I’ll show you how I transformed into character…come along!

Phase 1: Materials & Creating the Wings

What you will need…A leather vest (not too cheap in quality), some light colored fabric (preferably a beige color) that can be easily manipulated and cut, some white computer paper, and some tracing paper.

The fabric I bought was actually flexible/easier to cut and durable and glued nicely because it had a felt type back…keep that in mind when choosing your fabric.

The faux leather vest I used was from spirit Halloween…I found it in the “biker” section.

CLICK HERE for link.

Here is the evolution of Daryl’s signature wings…

First I found a printable template of his wings online. CLICK HERE for link.

Then I had my brother draw them out to scale.

***BE SUPER CAREFUL CUTTING THESE WINGS OUT, it’s a pain in the ass because it’s so intricate.***

Then I traced them onto the tracing paper and was able to rub that out onto the fabric giving me an outline to work with.

Don’t mind my cookie monster shirt/my niece’s book haha

Next the bro came in and traced over the stencil markings with a fine tip black sharpie marker and free handed the shading and details….thanks dude,

Should look a little something like this…our tip for the opposite wing…turn over and trace the opposite side of wing and repeat process.

Phase 2: Gluing the Wings to the Vest

What you will need…Hot glue gun, glue sticks, ruler, white crayon, and cardboard to put between the vest, to protect the other side when gluing.

First place the cardboard between the vest.

Lay your wings onto the back of the vest and center them…using a ruler you can measure the distances from the sides, the top, the bottom, to make sure it’s all even.

When you’re all set, mark key points of where the wings go with the white crayon, this will help guide you if the wings shift during the gluing process.

Last but not least start gluing!

I recommend putting a dot of glue in the middle of each wing somewhere as to keep them in place while you glue the edges down and remember to be quick and careful. The clue dries quick and it’s hot as hell! [you will burn yourself about 5,000 times but it’s the price of wanting to look like a badass zombie killing genius]

Glue and stick, Glue and stick. Don’t try and glue too much at once, because the glue will dry before you get to do so. Seems like common sense but I just wanna cover my bases here.

And when it’s all said and done it should look a little like this…

Phase 3: Distressing the vest…

to ya know make it look like you’ve been through the zombie apocalypse

I got some of my ideas from HERE

You will need…A wire brush, sand paper, and that cardboard again.

Start will the sandpaper first making sure to scrape gently…too much will create more damage then you are looking for

Next use the wire brush…when using both tools focus more so on the seems…by the neck, the armpits the bottom…this is where it would be most worn out

There’s really no precise method I went back and forth between using these two tools and I was pretty satisfied with my distressed look…

It’s a little bit difficult to tell in these photos…but the vest did get distressed and the texture is rather nice now…and there’s definitely less shine. ALSO I left he wings alone….too much effort went into those suckers!

***********

QUICK PRICE COMPARISON:

The Daryl Vest in Spirit Halloween (too big on me anyway, it just looked silly) is cheaply made, and the wings aren’t that detailed and it’s $29.99

The Spirit Halloween biker vest was $16.99 and the fabric I used for the wings was $7 in a local fabric store (for a yard of material) putting me at around $24…so I saved a few bucks and even though it was more work, I still think mine looks better and a hell of a lot more realistic I enjoyed doing it and creating something I can use and be proud of … 😀

So there you have it…my Daryl Dixon Vest DIY tutorial.

Shout out to my bro for helping me with the wings….it was definitely a team effort! 😀

What do you think?

I will be rocking this on Sundays!

Stay Tuned for my FULL outfit as I transform into Mrs. Daryl Dixon for Halloween.

Got my Cross Bow…

Mom…I’m married for the night! 😉

-<3-

Meet “Erin Davis.”

September 24, 2014September 24, 2014michelleleighwrites 2 Comments

The Fashion fusing of

Fashion maven Brooke Davis from One Tree Hill

And laid back badass Detective Erin Lindsay from Chicago PD

Both portrayed by one of my fashion icons and all around “idols”

The lovely Sophia Bush.

**********

I first fell in love with Ms.Bush as perky yet overly angsty teenager turned woman Brooke Davis. I watched as she fought her way through life and love and finally found her happy ending. Now as Sophia Bush embarks on her latest television drama we get a different side of her, as she fights her way through Chicago breaking down doors and arresting the bad guys as a detective.

With September 23rd being the One Tree Hill anniversary of when the show first aired 11 years ago, and September 24th being the premiere date for Chicago PD’s second season, I thought what better way to celebrate then by doing a little fashion inspired somethin’ somethin’. A style steal or get the look post….if you will.

Let’s start off with the role that brought us Sophia Bush…Brooke Davis

Brooke’s style varied over the years, but one thing was for sure, she always looked fabulous. Her fashion ranged from cheerleading uniforms and sweats, casual cute for school, dressed to kill fashionista, business chic and even as a mom she still rocked mini skirts and sexy high heels.

Here’s my Brooke Davis Fashion Pick:

OTH 5×01

My Recreation:

For Brooke’s makeup: I added to Erin’s natural look, silver and black eyeshadow to make the eyes pop a little more and appear more dramatic, added some goldish, copper lipstick and lip gloss, and some brownzer and blush for more warmth.*Plus some bouncy curls for her hair.

My version of a Brooke Davis Selfie. #Sassy #Coffee

***************

Onto Det. Lindsay..

Erin Lindsay’s style is very relaxed, laid back, casual. It has to be comfortable after all she’s constantly chasing after drug dealers and solving homicides. She has a bit of a “tom boy” effect to her style. Her look is very natural and she still looks beautiful, and kicks ass at the same time. #beauty&brains #deadlycombination

Here’s my Erin Lindsay Fashion Pick:

Chicago PD 1×03

My Recreation:

For Erin’s make up: I kept it very natural;some black eye liner, mascara, natural pink lip balm, and gotta fill in those eyebrows! *Plus simple curly hair.

My version of a Det. Lindsay Selfie. #Badass

Does the title make sense to you now?

Meet “Erin Davis.”

Erin Lindsay

Brooke Davis

See what I did there?

So thank you One Tree Hill for the many amazing memories I can hold dear to my heart with friendships I’ve created because of the show and Happy Anniversary! You will forever live on in our dvd box sets! I still break those out, when I get the urge to visit tree hill for a night.

Now who’s ready to watch Sophia rock it in Chicago PD’s Season 2 premiere tonight?

I know I am.

Live tweet with the cast during the premiere tonight! 😀

Who are you rooting for…

Lindsay & Halstead or Lindsay & Severide?

#TeamLindstead

Happy Watching!

-<3-

Michelle Leigh Writes

A safe place for the written word <3 New Posts Two Days A Week

Fashion

[Bohemian] Mermaid Inspiration <3

[Modernized] Flapper Fashion.

Spring 2015

My 2015 Oscars Red Carpet Fashion Favorites

2015 Grammy Award Highlights

My infatuation with RED lipstick

What is “Sexy”?

Becoming Mrs. Daryl Dixon

DIY Daryl Dixon Angel Wings Vest

Meet “Erin Davis.”