Autumn's Transformation from High School Graduate to Chic Sophisticate

A couple of weeks ago my dearest, little sister came to me and decided that she needed a whole new look! You see, she was about to be done with high school, and she felt it was time to grow up! (By this she meant she wanted a new hair color, hair style, new clothes, make-up and a pedicure!) Wooh! Well good thing I am her personal stylist and I was up to the challenge. After our consultation yesterday afternoon, Autumn told me she wanted to be three things: Blonde, Grown-Up, and a High School Graduate.  So we started our 3 hour journey with highlights, a new haircut, and a little make-up to spice things up.  I wanted to share our journey with all of you so you can get in on some of the fun we had yesterday!

Autumn received face-framing highlights all over, as well as a new, cropped bob for her summer vacation.  I used just a touch of eye-shadow, mascara and blush.  The rest was Autumn’s pure beauty shining through. I am so proud of her and we had a blast creating her new, sophisticated look as she embarks on her life as a twenty-something!

Work watcha MAMMA gave ya!

Hello Ladies of the Lipstick! I’m so excited to share with you our new post that’s dedicated to MOMMY’S! We have received many requests to showcase stylish outfits and wardrobing ideas for moms that are both age appropriate, stylish and that will compliment your new mommy figure! Whether you are back to your pre-baby weight or you are still on your way, you will be sure to find a style that is perfect for you! Most moms I know have the same challenges with their wardrobing feeling that they look frumpy and feel overwhelmed with not having the time to pamper themselves like they did before. We know that all their time is spent tending to their new bundle of joy, but that shouldn’t make you feel guilty for wanting a second for yourself! Well I’m here to tell you that with a small amount of time and an ounce of creativity, you can revamp your current wardrobe to look like a bombshell mom in no time! After researching some of my favorite celebrity moms, I found some awesome ideas to help you gals out! My favorite celeb moms are none other than Kourtney Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and Reese Witherspoon. These ladies not only dress age appropriate but mom appropriate too! And NO they do not don the infamous “mom jeans” that Jessica Simpson tried to pull off not too long ago. Bleh, I’m still trying to get that image out of my head. Anyhow, whether you’re throwing on something to run errands, meet for a play date, or have a hot date with your hubby you are sure to look amazing without the effort! Don’t you think I forgot about all the working moms out there! I have something special for you guys too! Going Casual: When you need to run around town with your brood and you want to keep it casual and (most importantly) comfortable, try going for these simple yet classic looks.

- Basic Tee: You can find these relatively inexpensive and in any variety of colors that compliment you best (scoop neck, vneck, boatneck, etc.) - Skinny Jeans: If skinny jeans aren’t your cup of tea, try wearing boyfriend jeans. They are super comfortable and very svelte! - Shorts: Yes! Shorts!! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about daisy dukes here! Some things need to be left to the 14 year olds! I’m talking, trendy, casual, yet sexy shorts that are at an appropriate length! Grab a pair on your next shopping trip. The picture of Kourtney Kardashian is a great example of how they should be flaunted! - Ballet Flats: You can find these anywhere right now! I would suggest getting something simple and in a basic black. - Accessorize: Adding a light weight scarf is a wonderful way to camouflage any tummy insecurities you may have. You can also add stylish Sunglasses; when you’re having a rough day with lack of sleep, adding shades to your outfit is a great way to hide your look of exhaustion! Lastly, you can always don a denim jacket of some sort; it adds versatility to your outfit! It’s always good to keep this on hand in your backseat; you never know when you need to throw one on for a chilly store!

Date Night: When you are blessed with an evening alone with your honey, you want to make sure you look your best! Let’s get this straight, not only for him but for yourself too! You deserve a night out and to get dolled up, you will feel like your old self before you know it! Here’s how to start looking fabulous.

- Dress: Try going with a floral print, it’s the go to print this summer and will leave you feeling romantically in love with your man….AND your new style! - Outerwear: If you find yourself a new dress that feels like it shows a little too much skin, you can always rely on a cardigan to sweeten up the look. Also, adding a sleek blazer adds a sophisticated touch too! - High Heels: I know most moms have let your high heels collect spider webs by now, but it’s time to dust them off and put them on for an evening! High heels are your go-to item if you want to instantly feel confident and attractive! - Accessorize: Adding sweet pearls or even a nice bangle bracelet to your dress will make you feel put together without any effort!

Workin’ 9-to-5: This is for all my working moms! On top of being a homemaker, you have to report to a job everyday outside your call of duty at home! Who says you can’t look stylish and professional at the same time? I say you can, and here’s how…

- Slacks: Ladies, this is important! You will want to take the time to try on different styles and brands of slacks. I don’t think you have to buy the most expensive pair, but I do think splurging a little is a must. I have owned less expensive pairs of slacks that did me NO justice! Taking the time to find a nice, well tailored pair of work slacks will make you look pounds thinner! - Blazer: This is totally optional, but well tailored blazers give your silhouette a slimming shape, and could hide any insecurity you may have. - Blouse: Wearing a nice shell top is always grand, but you have a great opportunity to mix it up here if you want. You can wear a bright colored top, sleeveless or not, with the right accessorizes you will look sophisticated and fabulous in no time! You can also wear a crazy print/pattern and throw your cardigan or blazer over it to tone it down a notch for the office. Get out of your blasé box and live a little! - Flats/Heels: Here is where you can wear what is best for you! Depending if you are sitting all day long, or if you have to run marathons at work, you may want to choose the ladder of the two. Retailers are now selling low heel pumps that are super stylish and very practical! A few of my favorite places to find trendy yet affordable pieces are Macy’s, TJ Maxx, Kohl’s, and NY & Co. I hope you enjoyed this post! Please do NOT hesitate to give feedback on upcoming topics you would like to learn more about! Stay Stylish Ladies!

Seasoned Women of the Lipstick

Natalie and I have now gotten quite a few requests from our more seasoned, sophisticated crowd of followers that they would like to see more posts geared toward their age group.  So....we have taken them up on their requests and are offering our tips for these fabulous followers and their friends.  As you all remember, I have raved about the book The One Hundred by: Nina Garcia.  One of the staple items found in this book, and might I add found in every style book I have read this past year, is the white-button down shirt. This closet staple is a must-have for every age group with such versatility and style that you will be kicking yourself that you haven't bought one until now!  Now, here are a couple of different ways that you can wear this classic from weekend to night out:

White button down with classic black skirt - this could mean a black pencil skirt, a full black circle skirt, or a long flowing black skirt.

Take this look for example from Kristin Davis:

Now you can always do a white-button down shirt with jean capris which is one of my favs.  It is kind of like modern day Gap meets Audrey Hepburn.  Dress it up with a pearl necklace and nude ballet flats or dress it down with some brown leather sandals, maybe even gladiators which are appropriate for all age groups:

You can find all of these basics at so many different shopping locations such as Ann Taylor Loft, The Gap, Talbots, Kohls, or even T.J. Maxx.

I hope this will give our Celebrated Women of the Lipstick a little push in the right direction to start their wardrobe building!

A Little Tidbit for My Baby Mammas

For all of our mommas who want some stylish baby accessories such as onesies, clip-on flowers, burp clothes, blinged-up shoes plus much more, click away to http://2littlelovelies.blogspot.com. They are one of our fellow blogging-friends that started their business a couple of years ago, and they are now carrying their lovely accessories in boutiques!! It is absolutely worth your time to give them a once over and check out these hand-made goodies for your little ones.

Make Over America comes to HOUSTON!!

Hey friends of the lipstick! Guess what?? Clinton Kelly from What Not to Wear will be gracing Houston with his presence tomorrow May 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the Memorial City Mall.  He will be teaming up with Macy's and Azur Salon to makeover twelve Houston women.  These women will strut their new looks at The Macy's - Memorial City mall tomorrow! What an exciting event for all!!

Go and support our local fashion-starved friends and see their new and improved diva-licious looks!!

A Little Inspiration!

" I believe in manicures. I believe in overdressing. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest. I believe in being strong when everything else seems to be going wrong. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles." - Audrey Hepburn I recently renovated my spare bedroom and converted it into a "wardrobe room". My inspiration for my wardrobe room was this quote from Audrey Hepburn. She is the epitome of style and class, so I knew this quote would inspire me to dress and live classy! I found this same quote in a wall cling and it is now on my wall for inspiration when I get dressed! I hope this inspires you to be the beautiful woman that you are!

My Summer Necessities!

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite summer picks! This past weekend I stumbled across this adorable (and might I add, very comfortable) romper from NY&Co at a steal of a deal! After meddling on the ideas of how and what I can put together with this fab romper, I came up with what you see above! The collection above is more of a weekend look, something quick to grab in your closet when you are having a day on the town running errands, or even Sunday brunch with friends! Regardless of how you mix and match your romper, you're sure to look classy and fabulous! You have endless options, whether you throw it with gladiator sandals and the ivory husk necklace above, or by mixing it up with pearls, heels, and a sweet classy cardigan! You'll be an instant icon in your circle of divas and they will admire your taste! Have fun with your style this summer! Mix it up and don't be cookie cutter!

(Romper: NY&Co / Gladiator Sandals: Jessica Simpson / Necklace: Rachel Rachel Roy / Fedora Hat: Forever 21)

The Minnie

J. Crew is just what a girl needs sometimes.  It's like the good ole faithful where you can find any and every basic piece you ever needed, yet it still has the little kick just to keep you on the edge of trendy.  My husband and I are both huge J. Crew fans, although I would have to say that Will is probably the bigger fan out of the both of us. BUT, anyway, I found the hottest, little pants there called the Minnie pant.  Now picture a modern day Audrey Hepburn with a black pair of these Minnie pants, your white-button down basic boyfriend shirt, and some red liptick! Might I suggest the new MAC Viva Glam Cyndi?? It's the perfect hint or red, but subtle enough even for daytime.  How could you resist??

Finding the perfect swimsuit AND looking good in it!

Over the weekend the "party pooper" fairy paid me a visit. She thumped me on the head with her discouraging wand and said "Natalie, do you realize it is the middle of May and you are not bikini ready?!" As the sound of this made me want to regurgitate my afternoon meal, I held it down and kept my cool because I knew this didn't have to be discouraging news but a wonderful opportunity to kick myself in shape! On the other hand, I quickly realized that I am in dying need of a new swimsuit! Although my favorite suits from last year are adorable, they do not look very flattering after the wear and tear they've been through from my many tanning sessions under God's big beautiful sun!

So here comes the dreadful part that us ladies avoid at all cost....SWIMSUIT SHOPPING! A series of questions bombard my mind before I begin this journey...So where do I begin? What's "in" this summer? What style flatters my shape best? And most important to me, what is this going to cost me? All of these questions help me conquer my quest in finding the perfect swimsuit for me! Another thing that helps, is taking a girlfriend with me to try on suits. Although you are your worst critic, it helps to take a close friend with you to help in making the decision. Most of the time, this helps build your confidence because your friends will help you realize that the small amount of "side boobs" you've got going on, doesn't actually exist to the rest of the world....don't be so hard on yourself!! Sheesh!

So here's to us ladies who are taking the plunge on strutting a swimsuit in the near few months!

Now it's time to get in shape! My fitness magazine this month (:ahem: featuring SATC's Kristin Davis) debuts their article "Bikini-Ready in Just 4 Weeks"! It'll be life changing! Take the challenge with me! While you visit them on their website http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/, you can also check out their article on finding the best swimsuit for your body shape!

Now for you gentlemen who are reading this....please bring your lady home flowers and chocolates, she'll deserve it after all the stress she'll be putting herself through to look good this summer!

Best of luck to all of you! Feel free to comment below on your progress! I'd love to read it!! :)

Betsey Baby!!

I just watched the Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion show on ITUNES. Yes, I know it's nuts that we are watching Fall/Winter already in the month of May in the extreme heat of Houston, but that's how the fashion world works! Always 2 steps ahead!
So the show started out with Kelly Osbourne (YEP! Ozzy Osbourne's daughter) opening for the show in an army-inspired blazer with red hot leggings.  I am not sure what the deal is with the bandanas on everyones' faces, but I am guessing it has something to do with the fact that most of the models were carrying toy guns throughout the show.  There was also a shout out to the late Alexander McQueen with a sign carried by one of the models.  It is well worth watching the runway show! If any of you have ITUNES, you can go to the podcasts section of ITUNES and click on Fashion TV where you can directly download the Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 2010 runway show.  It is about 8:30 long, but well worth the watch! Whoever thought Kelly Osbourne was going to be a runway model!

The Gucci Belt Bag....A Must Have!!

Ok, so as we told you before, Natalie is the shoe hussy and I am the label hussy. I have a weakness for labels, but as I realize they are very expensive, I will really hone in on the items that I think are absolutely worth their price!
The Gucci Belt Bag has been around for a few years now, and I know you are thinking why in the world would I buy a fanny-pack? Didn't those go out in the early 90s? Well they did, but the Gucci Belt Bag is an amazing alternative to the purses the cross body purse. You know the purse you carry when you are going to be on the run and you don't want to carry your huge, clunky, tote?? Now if you need one more stamp of approval before you are convinced, then I have it for you. Sarah Jessica Parker (My favorite actress ever!) wore it throughout most of Season 4 of Sex and The City. I looked for the belt bag while I was as the Houston Galleria this past weekend, and it retails for $465 and it is 9 in W and 5 in H.  There are a few other sites that sell it for a discounted price, but I am always skeptical of sites that put designers on sale just because if you are going to splurge for the new designer handbag, you better dang sure know it is authentic!!


Here is the link to the Gucci Online Store:
http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/spring-summer-10/luggage/#0-1214050-28566RF4FOR9791

Quote for Fashion Inspiration!!

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
-CoCo Chanel

Shoe Dazzle - The NEW Shoe Society!

I recently joined a fabulous shoe society that has completely changed my outlook on shoes! Kim Kardashian's newest entrepreneur venture, Shoe Dazzle is taking women (and feet) by storm!

This simple, creative, and might I add genius, way of providing a personal styling service to women is on it's way to revolutionize fashionable women, and their shopping rituals! Although I'm a self proclaimed shoe-hussy, believe it or not, I always find it challenging to buy the perfect shoe that will compliment my wardrobe. Shoe Dazzle provides a great service, with great quality, and most importantly at a great price!

For those of you interested, here is how Shoe Dazzle works!

• Visit http://www.shoedazzle.com/
• Take a Fashion Survey
• Each month stylists will pick 5 shoes for you
• You choose which pair you want
• Membership is only $39.95 / pair

The BEST part about this shoe society is that it's very customer friendly! If you decide you don't like your choices, you can ask the stylist to send you new shoe options! I've personally done this a few times, not because I didn't like the shoes, but because I was going for a certain style that month, and within a day I received new choices!

To make matters easier, you can always choose the "skip this month" option if you don't see anything that makes your heart skip a beat!

I look forward to you joining me in this new SHOE REVOLUTION! Thank you Kim K. for making our shoe fantasies come true!! My next step is to start a support group for myself and my fellow shoe-junkies!

Here are my shoe options for May! They are all so cute! How am I going to pick just one?!

The Bob Will Always Be Around

It seems as if all we have heard for years about hair cuts is the bob, bob, bob. Now everything seems to be different variations of the bob!  This haircut is so simple to style and keep up with everyday.  You just blow-dry, smooth with a flat-iron and BOOM! You are ready to head out the door.  Here is just one rendition of the true bob with extremely, blunt cut bangs worn by none other than the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Magazine, Anna Wintour.

A Little Quote for your Closet

Sex and The City is my all-time favorite TV show as well as my all-time favorite movie! So, I will also be referring to this show and quoting from it quite often, as it pertains to our posts.  I just wanted to give you all a little inspiration for your closet ladies!


“I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet.” - Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and The City

More Books for your Closet

The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia is an amazing book that will help navigate you to explore all kinds of inspiration when it comes to finding your own style! She even suggests watching some old, classic movies just to see how some of the characters were dressed.  The only reason that I went out and bought the movie Scarface was because she noted that Michelle Pfeiffer was wearing a beautiful, turquoise, silk gown while coming down the see-through elevator to meet her love.  It was a really intense movie for sure, but her dress made the moving well worth watching and the $10 it cost!


So, go ahead and spring for this one to add to The One Hundred by Nina Garcia.  These books will not disappoint!

Today's quote from Marilyn!

"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world." -Marilyn Monroe

I couldn't have said it better myself! Not only is Marilyn the ultimate bombshell of the century, she knows what is most important to women, SHOES!!

The September Issue

Vogue magazine is like the bible for all fashionistas and style junkies alike. The biggest issue this magazine has is their September issue. They plan all year for the September issue release. So Vogue magazine decided to make a documentary of how the issue is put together and all of the work that goes into it. It is such an interesting movie and you can even get a closer look at the editor in chief Anna Wintour! You can see what it's like to run a fashion empire! (How do you get that job??!!) So check it out, you will not waste your time, I promise.