Also showcased at the event were hair and makeup artists Lauren E. Hack and Vanessa Ungaro, known as Lauren & Vanessa. They have their own salon in Soho and specialize in hair and makeup for wedding parties. The duo met Anna at a wedding expo in the city, and have since discussed doing an event together. The two were promoting their new cosmetic line, specifically the two new shades in their creamy lipstick: Pink Truffle and Bordeaux. We're loving the highly pigmented yet hydrating colors, which you can find here.

An event without some sweet treats would be incomplete. La Cure Gourmande supplied a variety of french confections that did not disappoint. The setup included various caramels (salted, fig, and chocolate), dark chocolate covered almonds, and calissons (chocolate marzipan). The company was founded in France in 1989, but opened their first U.S. store last March in New York's financial district. Working for the company's North American expansion, Mathilde Chamouton was excited to inform us about the candies as well as the company. You can order any of their delicious treats straight from the South of France off of there website.

We're also so glad our photographer was able to come along to capture this wonderful event and showcase these emerging brands.

Because Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, it's a great day to do brunch. For this meal, it is refreshing to keep your color palette light (note Emily's summer brunch outfit); the blush pants also add a fun touch of pink for the holiday. A white button front shirt keeps the outfit clean and simple, and the combo makes a great outfit for a daytime date. To keep the outfit balanced she chose a light toned snakeskin pump. We definitely suggest a pointed toe as it is more feminine, especially if you choose to do a flat or low heel.
Shirt: Madewell, similar here / Pants: J.Crew / Shoes: Nine West, also love these / Watch: Anne Klein, similar here

Dinner

When going out for a romantic dinner, you don't have to wear the classic red and pink. Statistic from Rent the Runway have surprisingly shown that red and pink are actually out this year (WhoWhatWear article on the matter found here). Lexie chose to dress up her striped fitted dress. The tight fit allows it to be sexy while the neckline and length keep it classy. The midi length is also on trend, and the tight fit makes it more flattering for a wider range of body types. Add a clutch and a fun pair of pumps to dress it up, and you're ready to go.

Dress: Marshalls, I also like this midi dress / Heels: Kate Spade, another fun pair / Clutch: Target, similar here / Necklace: Old Navy, similar one here

GNO

Emily's look for a V-day girls night out is super fun. Her fringe top is more playful than romantic which makes it great for a night out. The tuxedo pants balance out the top to make the look more sophisticated. To add a pop to the black outfit she chose a leopard pair of kitten heels--kitten heels are a great way to stay comfy all night. She finished her look with a clutch and her everyday watch and rings.

Top: Banana Republic, good option here / Pants: Barney's, nice pair of tailored pants here
/ Heels: French Connection, similar / Clutch: Express, similar / Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive, found here



Obviously these are not the only fashion forward ways to style your hair, they're just my favorite of the bunch.

So many of the haircuts I've been seeing recently have been blunt, with minimal texturing on the bottom, and short. Bobs are definitely back and I am in full support. This time around, they're a bit edgier than sleek. I wanted to try this out, but because of my natural curl my hairstylist gave me a bit more layering. However, if your hair is straight or wavy, this look would work well with your hair.

In the end, I see my hair as something to experiment with. No matter how you cut it, it's going to grow back. With that said, definitely do your research before going to a hair salon. If you're going for a different look, you want to be in good hands. I found it helpful to show a picture of the style I wanted. And Pinterest is your friend! It is definitely the best way to find a variety of pictures. If you're also not sure what's trending at the moment, I would recommend looking to celebrities; behind every celebrity haircut is a genius hairstylist.

Anyways, I hope this has encouraged you to be a bit more adventurous!

xx, Claire

Statement coats have been very popular this season; Claire even wore one in her last post! They're super fun and let your style show through even during the cold winter months when most of the time, your coat is your outfit. 

I got mine from Anthropologie, and what I really like about it, is how it mixes both black and navy, which makes it more versatile. Because it has a very bold print, I decided to keep my outfit underneath completely neutral and plain. But obviously, it's just your coat, so if you're planning on taking it off, you can really wear anything under it.

I can see how the idea of a statement coat can be intimidating, especially one as out there as mine! But when paired with the right outfit, it can be so cool. And if you aren't ready for something as bold, try a statement coat in any kind of print with neutral colors.

Coat: Anthropologie, cheaper one / Tshirt: Madewell, get it here / Skirt: Forever 21, get it here / Heels: Sam Edelman, similar here

When paired with the classic white button up, I was able to create a very professional and clean look. The overalls contrast the formality of the button up but the dark wash and flare help to make it more cohesive. I finished this outfit with a clean, black heeled bootie to keep it simple but sophisticated.

 

Although the flare can be associated with looking more formal, these overalls can still work in a more casual outfit. A sweater and scarf form a more relaxed look while remaining stylish. Also, I surprisingly found--after trying it on--that my sneakers did tie in smoothly with the flare to make it more sporty and laid-back.

**Of course a heel helps to elongate your legs when wearing a flare pant--so most are made a bit longer than normal pants--but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear your flares with flats. If you have flares and believe you will be more likely wearing flat shoes with them I would highly suggest getting them hemmed. No one wants to let their pants be drug through the streets while getting ruined in the process.