Spring into the 70's

Spring into the 70's by karalynrae featuring a chain necklace

The 70's are definitely in for spring with their use of suede and platform shoes. This post is not sponsored by Lucky or luckyshops.com but is part of a contest.

Exhibition Review: FIT's YSL and Halston: Fashioning the 70's

YSL Rive Gauche Le Smoking, Courtesy of FIT

The 1970's was a time for big changes in fashion, namely the demise of haute couture and the rise of pret-a-porter. In the Museum at FIT's current show, Yves Saint Laurent and Halston are the title of "biggest designers of the 1970's". With their work shown side by side, one can see that there were indeed consistent trends in this decade.

The 70's mark the rise of the designer as personality. Both YSL and Halston were featured on tv shows and partied at the infamous Studio 54. The exhibit itself mimics the infamous club with its white floors, disco ball and 70's dance music. The designers differ in how their careers ended. Halston's career declined by the end of the decade while YSL was seen as a hero of fashion upon his death. 

The exhibit features certain themes, including menswear inspiration, exoticism, and historicism. The best example of menswear inspiration is Saint Laurent's Le Smoking (above). Both designers drew on history for inspiration. For YSl this involved following in French designer Paul Poiret's orientalism with an exotic use of color. On the other hand, Halston rejected such ornamentalism. Instead, Halston drew inspiration from designers such as Vionnet and her complicated use of the bias cut and Claire McCardel's American sportswear.

When museum exhibits focus on two designers in a single decade one can forget that there were many other influential designers at the time. Such a side by side comparison seems simplistic for an entire decade.

The exhibition is open until April 18th.

Case of the Tuesdays

Every Tuesday starts off the same with my regular kripalu yoga class. As the day goes on however, I can't help but feel depressed. By 5pm I want the day to just end. I couldn't help but wonder why this dark feeling was so linked to this particular day in the week. Shouldn't a day that begins with relaxing yoga bring relaxation and peacefulness? In particular, I noticed that my self esteem was pretty low on this particular day.

As I reflected, I realized it all had to do with what I was wearing; my yoga clothes. Because of laziness, I didn't feel the need to change my outfit after yoga practice just to do work in the teachers lounge. However, my ripped yoga pants, sneakers, and ponytail don't make me feel beautiful. My make up free face still makes me feel uncomfortable, though I would never exercise with it on.

The days that I carefully pick out my outfits, do my hair and make up, are the days when my attitude improves. Should the way I dress really affect my self confidence so much? Maybe, maybe not. Psychology believes that self confidence does not come from nowhere. One thing I know is that I'm not alone. How one dresses can affect what one does, how they act and even think. Dress is very much a situated bodily practice.

Ready for Spring

Ali Ro Baby blue and navy stretch cotton blend colorblock sleeveless dress   (see more navy sleeveless dresses)

 I'm definitely ready for spring. Going outside with 5 layers on just isn't doing it for me anymore. Thank god its officially. Winter always makes me feel like I have to wear a lot of dark colors so I can't wait to pop out the brightness.

This is a very dark winter look. Dress is Madewell, Lipstick is Chanel.

5 Things That Aren't Worth Investing In

There are investment pieces and then there are pieces that are not worth spending a lot of money on. Here are some things not to invest in and some alternatives.

1.  Fashion Sneakers- Sneakers in general do not last, especially when they are worn a great number of times. Instead try Vans or Converse as they are still classic sneakers but a quarter of the price.
   
   
   
   VANS Authentic canvas trainers   (see more laced shoes)
2. Trendy nail polish- No trend moves faster than nail polish. Instead, a classic color is the reddish black of Chanel's Vamp.
   
   
   
   Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in Bitches Brew Opaque Pearl Mulberry   (see more pearl nail polishes)
3. Work out wear- Items like sports bras are only meant to last about 6 month -1 year with the constant wear and washing. Work out clothes from Target and Old Navy are just as good as quality.
   
   
   
   Champion Absolute Workout II Sports Bra 6715   (see more champion activewears)
4. Lipstick- High end brand lipsticks can be expensive and they aren't necessarily better. What you're really paying for is the name and the packaging. Drugstore brands like Revlon are just as good and sometimes last longer.
   
   
   
   TOPSHOP Lips in Drive   (see more Topshop)
5. Statement heels- One minute minimalist heels are in, very bold heels the next. Better to just invest in classic heels.
   
   
   
   Stuart Weitzman Pinot Leather Pointed-Toe Pump, Black   (see more pointed toe pumps)

Product Review: Valentia Even Glow Anti-aging serum

I would like to thank Valentia Skin Care for allowing me to review their product. This product can be purchased on Amazon.com I used this product for about a month with fairly decent results. Though I do not have many wrinkles, the idea is that you can never start too early.

Pros

• This serum has a great citrus scent, which really makes it stand out.
• Not as heavy as other anti-aging serum and can be worn under moisturizer and makeup.
• Dries rapidly.
• Eye dropper bottle easy to use.

Cons

• Can cause acne. Acne may go away with continued use. I used very little in the areas where I am prone to acne. I would not recommend this product for those who are prone to adult acne.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE by karalynrae featuring a glass candle