Splurge VS. Urge: The M.O.D. Squad

Currently Listening to: "What is Love?" by Haddaway...YEP. Sue me. 

Hey, Seizurettes! 

Just checking in for today. Again. I have to thank my one official fan, vixenchick, for the blog love! Please spread the word and give your input on my blog as often as you'd like! I like the song "Still in Love" by Girlicious, too...it's just totally hard for me to admit that I love them. And your screenname is familiar...did you find me from SYB? Love Tia Williams. She's the reason I believe I can be a writer and into fashion. She says Iman is her beauty fairy godmother? She's my beauty fairy godmother. So Iman is pretty much my beauty fairy grand godmother...or something. 

So anyway, I'm a huge fan of the M.O.D.look, or Model Off Duty. The term was coined by designer Alexander Wang to describe the look that fashion models wear when they're not working. I mean, think about it: models wear tons and tons of makeup all the time when they're working. And they're pulled and prodded and stuffed into tiny sample sizes (yep, sometimes even models don't fit the clothes). When they get off, they just want to wear comfortable, simple clothing and barely any makeup. Well, I'm so into that. It's like, strategically placed pieces that don't look like you tried to look hot. Sort of like, "Oh? This old thing?" Plus you can always add crazy-sexy-cool jewelry to vamp up the look. Here are some pieces from Wang's Fall 2009 collection that make for perfect M.O.D. greatness. (All are available at Nordstrom and net-a-porter.com) I also think I'll include some cheapie counterparts. It's fun looking at expensive clothes, but more fun to buy cheaper ones that look just like them. 

 Splurge: This is the perfect "I'm just going to Whole Foods but still want to look hot" tank, $70. I like the looseness of it, and it would look cute tucked into a skirt or with a functional jacket and skinny jeans.

Urge: This is much more practical for a simple tank top. It looks like the Alexander Wang one and has that long fit, too. Plus this one comes in like six million colors and is available at Urban Outfitters two for $30! These go great with any kind of pant or bottom, so that's what makes them so M.O.D. approved. 

 Splurge: Speaking of pants, I love these stretch pants, $395. I just like skinny pants. I think they're the most flattering cut. Okay, stop looking at the shoes--I know they're bossy. (I'll research to find out where they're from) 

Urge: It's totally easy to find skinny pants cheap, and these were no different. Once again from Urban Outfitters, these cigarette pants are stretchy and comfy, probably just as good as the Alexander Wang ones. And they're $54 versus $400. 

Splurge: However, if you're not into skinny pants as much as I am (or just want a change from the norm in terms of fit), these harem pants, around $425 are the way to go. They're kind of baggy up top, but tapered at the ankle. Cute with the tank top above and metallic gladiator sandals. How '90's is it that harem pants are coming back? *watches In Living Color* 

Urge: Because of the resurgence of harem pants, they're everywhere and uber popular. Therefore, there's no need to spend crazy money on them (especially since they're kind of trendy and could be out of style any moment now...). So here are some cute ones from Urban Outfitters (it's so easy to find great knockoffs there!) These are $38 too and come in grey as well (another great thing about cheapie clothes...you actually have more options!). 

Splurge: I'm really into those '90's grung-looking baggy shorts that everybody's rocking these days. Love, love, love the wash. The Wangmeister (that sounds like a porno name...tee hee!) has his own pair, $285. I like how they're kind of worn-in, I'm-a-construction-worker type of shorts. I'd pair them with some really heavy, industrial boots and a loose top. Oh, and you can't forget the fedora. 

Urge: These are a different wash, but you get the idea: grunged-up shorts that aren't booty shorts and are a little destroyed. These are once again from Urban Outfitters and, though they're Urban Renewal Levi's, they're $28. Yeah. 

Splurge: As I constantly say, I love things that I can pair with a basic tee that makes it look extra speshul. That's why I'm dying over this vest, $267. I love how it looks like a tuxedo that someone cut the arms off of in badass rebellion. It's totally effortless and very M.O.D. and how can you resist the tuxedo/blazer-style collar and that bright color? 

Urge: Okay, it's not available in that hot robin's egg blue color. And it's Urban Outfitters again. But you have to admit, this is almost a deadringer for the Alexander Wang jacket. And, at $58, it costs a hell of a lot less. 

So what did we learn today, Seizurettes? 1) Alexander Wang is da bomb; 2) The M.O.D. look is totally doable and can be totally cheap! 3) Urban Outfitters seems to be totally aware of whatever is currently on the runway. Take this and learn, grasshopper. PS: Tell me some of your Splurge Vs. Urge favorites. What have you been coveting and finally found for tons less? Lemme know! *does head move-y thingy to Haddaway a la Night at the Roxbury* 

Ta ta, 

B.C. 

Stuff I'm Diggin' Right Now...

Listening to: Lady Gaga, "The Fame"

Mornin', Fellow Seizurettes!

Since the development of my blog, I've just been compelled to write and write. I have so much to say about fashion so don't be surprised if I'm posting several times throughout any given day. I wanted to include a section of just all kinds of things I'm into at the moment--music, fashion, food, clothes, everything. So here goes: 

• Drake.  For those of you not into hip hop (or teen melodramas), this Canadian rapper used to be in the show Degrassi: The Next Generation. After a bunch of mixtapes and whatnot, he's finally got a debut album, So Far Gone, coming out very soon. I love his song, "Best I Ever Had", "Every Girl", a surefire summer hit with Lil Wayne and Young Money, and a mixtape song he has with Bun B and Lil Wayne called "Uptown". Call me vain, but what got me so interested in him was the fact that he's so darn cute! (I mean, we are looking at the same picture, right? Only normal, since he's an October baby--his birthday is three days before mine. *le swoon*) And, get this, he can actually sing, too! And the fact that he and Rihanna have a rumored romance have his songs playing on every radio station. Either way, Drizzy Drake is definitely someone to watch out for. 

• I'm really into girlifying badass things, like this American Retro vest. I'd wear it as shown, or for added glamour, a sexy minidress (I'm on an Herve Leger fix right now so I could see this with one of their signature bandage dresses) with sky-high heels. 

• I've been seeing many variations of this Balmain jacket and I am in love. Rihanna's been prancing around town with it and jeans, it's been on runways and red carpets galore. One thing you'll learn about me is that I like anything that you can easily dress up or down with just the addition of a few accessories. With this jacket, you can pair it with a sexy, flowy dress and platforms for a edgy-but-glam night on the town, or you can dress it down for day with seemingly-painted-on jeans, an effortless tee and flats. 
• Okay, call me biased because I work at Victoria's Secret, but I went in for work the other day and we have these cute rings filled with solid perfume! I don't know if you've ever tried the Dream Angels line of products, but I hate them. I think they smell like mosquito spray. And supposedly, Dream Angels Heavenly perfume is the number one perfume in the United States. I don't know if that's true because I'd never heard of the stuff until I started working at VS, but whatever. Anyway, Dream Angels Heavenly has a subline of products called Heavenly Bloom, and I was surprised that I liked it. I also tend to like trompe l'oeil rings, those huge cocktail rings that most people glare at in horror because they feel that they could never wear something so huge and standout-y. But I love them, and this ring is a huge and heavy bouquet of flowers. Just rotate the bouquet and inside lies the solid perfume. A subtle way to reapply during parties, no? My only peeve: I was constantly worrying I'd chip it or break it. Then again, that might be because I hadn't paid for it yet and was just wearing it for the day. 

• I'm obsessed with nail polish. Okay, I know I'm obsessed with everything I write about, and that's why I write about it, but when it comes to nail polish, I need it. Gotta have it. I don't leave the house without a fresh coat of paint. Right now I'm digging Revlon Nail Enamel in Tropical Temptation. It goes on like OPI and it's actually glossy (something that can be lacking in cheaper nail polishes). Plus the color is to die. It's like the right amount of pink and orange and red and who knows what else. I guess it'd be a member of the coral family. It's gorge. And totally apropos for the summer months. 

• Orange Soda. Well, I'm always loving orange soda. 

• '80's music. '80's fashion. '80's lifestyle. My pal Amanda from work sometimes gives me rides home, which rocks (given the two hour bus trip I'd otherwise have to endure). We're frightening similar. We love Rent, '80's music, and karaoke. And whenever we ride home, we blast all kinds of '80's favorites from Human League, Wham!, and Rick Springfield. I consider myself a '90's kid just because I grew up in the time of Rugrats and Gak, not Members Only Dayglo jackets and tutus as outerwear. Still, Mandy Lou and I both agree that we should have been this age in the era I call "Rise of the Synth", and we're making plans to attend an '80's night at a bar nearby. I'm planning on wearing a silk, flowy dress with my favorite Guess leathery motorcycle-esque jacket (saw it in Miami. Was too small. Came back to Virginia. Ordered it immediately.) and platforms or ankle boots. As far as makeup, I'm thinking baby pink lipstick with jet blue eyeliner? Side pony? Teased hair? I need opinions! I'll tell you how it goes! 

Ta ta, 

B.C. 

My Style Girl Crush

Currently Listening To: "Epiphany" by Chrisette Michele (it won't get out of my head!) 

Come on, we all have a style girl crush! And I tend to get a lot of them. There are just so many celebs out there who either have an awesome sense of style all on their own, or have kickass stylists. My current SGC is probably the former. Zoe Kravitz is my favorite person right now. I mean, I know I'm only a little bit older than her, but I can't believe that Denise Huxtable's and Lenny Kravitz's baby is all grown-up! I mean, don't you remember watching the Cosby Show and seeing Lisa Bonet up there, in all her crazy hairstyles and easy-going-but-sexy-girl glory? (Okay, when I was watching them they were reruns but whatever.) Now her daughter seems to have channelled both of her awesome rockstar royalty parents. And the results are fly. 

Even on the red carpet, Zoe keeps it real with little makeup and softly tousled hair. She seems to let her clothing be the star of the show. Her look is part hippie, part rockstar, and all her. Though she is my SGC, I must say I hate her guts. She's freakin' gorgeous to the point of injustice. She's one of those girls who doesn't need much--or any makeup to look good, and in fact, they probably would look better without it (I should be so lucky). And did I mention she's in a band? It's her effortless style, hip New York City coolness, and carefree fashion attitude that makes her a trendsetter--and thus, my Style Girl Crush. Or at least one of them. What do you guys think? Who are your Style Girl Crushes? (Don't be afraid!)  

Ta ta, 

B.C. 

Currently Foaming Over...

Listening to: "Gibberish" by Ryan Leslie

Hello, fellow Fashion Seizurettes! 

Currently Foaming Over...is a part of my blog where I dish over my favorite makeup/hair and fashion combos. You know, like the smoky eye/LBD combo, the onyx leather jacket/ red lipstick combo...You get the idea. 

Today I thought I'd start posting about my current makeup and fashion combo, which is the Bright Blush + Hippie Chick look. Lately the runways have been brimming with bright colors, and they haven't stopped short of the face. Now, I'm sure most people are squeamish when it comes to taking a runway look to real life, but this look is totally doable, I promise. As a girl of color, I find that Cargo's Blush in Laguna works totally well for me. It's super intimidating in the adorable little tin it comes in; it looks orange, but on darker skintones (think Iman or Kerry Washington) it looks divine. I also love Lorac's Blush/Bronzer Duo in Hot Flash. The packaging is ca-yute. You open it up and it's a half super bright pinky blush, half I'm-from-Brazil bronzer, and underneath that is a neat and fluffy brush with which to sweep on the delightful hues! (I'd been coveting this one for a looong time, and I only use it every now and then because it's my special-occasion blush!) Lighter-complected Seizurettes can find that they might like MAC's Blush in Foolish Me, which is great and peachy, or something rosy, like Stila Convertible Color in Lilium, a creamy formula that you can also sweep over eyes and lips. 

To achieve bright blush, make sure that's the only thing standing out on your face. Skip eyeliner, or if you do wear it, opt out of black--try dark brown instead (lighter complextions--try light brown!). Skip the bright lipstick or gloss, too--this look is all about the cheeks. Also, make sure your face is well-exfoliated and flawless. Since your cheeks (and thus your face) is the main thing of this look, it's easy to spot a blemish. I like lots of mascara to sex up eyes (I'm currently in love with Sexy Curves Mascara by Rimmel), and for lips, I like nude (try NP Set by Napoleon Perdis Lip Gloss in Mauritius-- you can find this at Target stores). 

The naturally sexy flushy look of the bright blush looks great with my equally current obsession with the hippie chick look. Braids, flowers, hairbands and wide-legged trousers are back in a really cool way. I like to pair a tough-girl vest with a good-girl dress (I like the T-back tribal print dress from Pink Ice, below) for a really neat look. Add handmade (or at least handmade-looking) baubles, gladiator sandals, and a groovy hat, and the look is complete. To avoid looking like the Olsen twins, if you're wearing loose-fitting pants, wear a form-fitting shirt, and vice versa. We want to channel Homewreckin' Hottie, not Homeless Hobo.

Now I'm dying to know what you guys are currently foaming over! Tell me some of your favorite beauty and fashion combos that you swear by. Looking forward to your comments! 

Ta ta, 

Brittney

Welcome to Fashion Seizure!

Howdy! I'm so glad you decided to look at my bliggidy blog! A little about me: My name's Brittney. I'm a sales associate at Victoria's Secret/college dropout/blog failure. I love fashion and beauty and am constantly trying to find a new way to present it to people. I would like to work in fashion merchandising (anything but design--I can't draw for beans and I'm not that creative) but if I weren't working in fashion, I'd want to work in music somehow. I loooove music. You might find that out a lot during the journey that is this blog! I like feedback so please keep reading and giving your input--I love it! I call this blog Fashion Seizure because that's how I constantly describe my style. I'm punk one minute, preppy the next, and after that's said and done I'm feeling hippie. I'm a walking fashion seizure--see? I'm thinking of incorporating a Facebook group and maybe...maybe a Twitter page...as for now I hate Twitter so I'll definitely have to see. 

Like I said, thanks so much for checking me out and keep peeking at my blog every now and then because things are only going to get better and better! 

Ta ta, 

Brittney