Oscars 2015

I waited rather impatiently to peek at what celebrities would be strutting on the red carpet of the Oscars this year - the wait was definitely worth it as for the most part, I was blown away by the amazing ensembles! 

Here is a collage of some of my favourite looks of the evening

 

(from top row moving on to the bottom)

 

Emma Stone in Elie Saab. Have a look at my Instagram post of my favourite Emma Stone looks - this woman is perfection!  She very rarely gets it wrong and is one of the front runners of style and elegance in Hollywood.

Jamie Chung in Yanina Couture 

Anna Kendrick in custom Thakoon

Guiliana Rancic in Mireille Dagher

Jennifer Lopez in Elie Saab

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

Rita Ora in Marchesa

Jenna Dewan-Tatum in Zuhair Murad

Scarlett Johannsen in Versace

More of my stand-out looks at the Academy Awards this year include -

Reese Witherspoon in Tom Ford

 

 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph & Russo Couture

Dakota Johnson in Saint Laurent

Jennifer Lopez ~ Love the ensemble, not so much the look

JLo made it on my list of favorites due to her gorgeous Elie Saab gowm, but I have to say I was not crazy about her entire look. The hair was boring and make-up did not compliment the outfit. Whenever JLo makes an appearance on a red carpet, we see her either sporting a straight ponytail or a head full of bouncy waves. I am bored of continuosly seeing JLo in one of these two hairstyles and would love to see her become a bit more adventurous.

 

The pink lip definitely for me did not go well with her gown and I definitely was not crazy about the eyeshadow (as opposed to the fabulous peach toned makeup which was what was exhibited originally with the gown on the runway) I think that with a more appropriate hair and makeup look, JLo would have dominated the red carpet this year for me.

Oscars 2015 - favourite hair do's

I am such a fan of updo's - they can transform an entire outfit and add such a sophisticated and elegant feel to a look. I love Emma Stones updo pictured below. A new twist on the half up half down do, the front stays down whilst the back is pinned up. Have a look at the style I had done for my cousins wedding recently, inspired by the new twist on the half up half down do.

 

 

On the other hand, when the dress and makeup make a statement the hair will have to play second fiddle. Straight and sleek hair has been seen on both runways and red carpets - if you're going to wear your hair this way, be sure to wear a stand out colour or style to compliment the look (but for me personally, you can never go wrong with an elegant up-do)

Makeup Trends

As the makeup moguls Too Faced predicted on their Instagram page - "We're predicting chiseled cheekbones & nude lips at the Oscars tonight." They could not have been more correct! Nudes and shades of peach dominated the red carpet and I am obsessed with the looks! The occasional red lip popped up here and there too. On my page next week will be a peach make-up look using some new products including a gorgeous shade of new peach lippie.

 

 

Of course, not everyone gets it right. Pictured below are some of the worst dressed at the Oscars this year. Proof that money does not buy style, I do not even bother to mention what the label on the dresses were, they were simply tasteless!

 

 

That's a wrap on Oscars 2015!

 

Positive vibes & The Mandatoy xoxo

Hali 

Spring 2015 Couture Round Up

Designers have showcased their Spring 2015 Couture Collections - they're all over Instagram and setting google alight so a trend report seemed fitting!

Colour palette 

Pastel colours were everything this season with designers such as Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad (two of my favourites!) Showcasing pastel hues of blues, purples and nudes. On the flip side Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel showed a bit of red, oranges as well as black. I can interpret this as anything goes this season in terms of colour palettes, but pastels are definitely a front-runner. Black has been seen on every runway show as well as the red carpet - black always oozes elegance and never goes out of fashion, so a few black looks are expected on every catwalk. Translating onto the red carpet, we saw loads of black dresses as well as red at the Golden Globes 2015 - watch the carpet for the outbreak of pastels which should arrive soon.

Sheer Genius 

As seen at the Golden Globes, sheer-bottom skirts and dresses are everywhere this season. From the runways of Valentino to Ralph & Russo as well as Elie Saab to Armani Privé, sheer dressed are rocking the runways and red carpets. I love the look, but it is very easy for this look to go from fabulous to frumpy - keep the outfit simple, and keep the sheer-ness to a minimum (enough to be noticable, but not too much to look trashy)

Feathers

Elie Saab amongst other designers has been flaunting feathers in the Haute Couture range and it seems as if they're here to stay! Feathers are not for everyone and too much could end up looking like a chicken gone wrong! However, the right amount with the right details could provide a wow factor. If it's good enough for Zuhair Murad, it's good enough for us!

Cape dress

The cape dress has been seen on most runways and seems as if its here to stay for a while.When worn correctly, this style oozes elegance.

New York Fashion Week 2015 has commenced and designers are showcasing their AW 15 collections - keep your eyes on my Instagram page for my favourite looks from my favourite designers. 

Positive Vibes & The Mandatory xoxo

Hali

Trend Alert

Hello 2015! It's been a while since I've blogged as I've been away on holiday and recovering from jet lag this week. There's no better post to begin with other than a look at some trend alerts. Some of these trends we've seen in previous seasons which take a huge lift this season and some are back from the 1970's (Hello Palazzo!)

1. Fringed & Fabulous

We saw fringes pop up last season on skirts, kimonos and shirts; this season we're seeing them everywhere! It's a good idea to invest in one great fringed piece whether it be a bag, shoe or even one or two statement fringe clothing pieces as it seems here to stay for a good few more months.

Designers Steve Madden and Michael Kors amongst other designers have jumped on the fringe wagon by releasing fringed shoes and bags in various styles and colours. If you're going to be rocking the fringed look this season,  it's a good idea to wear one or at the most two statement fringed items and not three or more together - you do not want to look like you've just stepped out of a western movie!  (a bag and shoe with a simple outfit or a shirt and a shoe could work) Needless to say I won't be packing away my fringed kimonos just yet!

2.  Sling Bags 

Also known as crossover bags, these take me back to younger days when these bags were everything! Recently I've seen an increase in these bags and I love them because they add a hip edge to any outfit. Celebrities have been rocking them and the street circuit is no different. Every designers range of handbags included a few small sling bags & their bigger bags came together with a sling too! Sling it over a casual outfit or whilst out and about, makes for a great mommy handbag too (hands-free!) 

3. Hello, Palazzo

Palazzo pants are everything this season and if you haven't already been wearing them yet, best get a pair or two soon! I love that they can be dressed up or down and that they look great with tight-fitting as well as loose-fitting tops. Pair it with a great belt and heels and you're good to go! Pleated palazzo pants are all the rage ~ take a look at some celebrities and street style looks of both regular and pleated palazzo's 

 

4. Colour of the season - LIME Lovin'

The colour of the season for me has got to be lime. I saw this colour EVERYWHERE. From shoes to bags to blazers designers were definitely not lime-shy this season. It is a bright colour so it's a good idea to wear one statement piece of lime at a time to keep it simple and classy. Other colours huge for this season are tan, white and peach. 

Keep an eye on my blog for more trend alerts, mommy tales as well as destination reviews, coming soon!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Toddler Travels

It's almost time for us to jet set, and my toddler is all packed and ready to fly! Besides her huge bag-full of snacks as well as clothing and Winter accessories, I packed her her own little hand luggage. She is absolutely excited about this and even helped me to pack it! In this post I will let you take a peek into Nuhas Trunki which can be used as a good base as to what to pack into a kids carry-on.

 

A Trunki is a childrens ride-on suitcase. It's perfect for when your kids are bored and tired at airports, as they're able to ride on steering themselves with the front 'horns' or you could even pull them along. It's a great little suitcase in which you can put in all their clothing and essentials for a plane journey and comes in pretty colours and styles! {Available for purchase at Toys R Us!} 

I have filled Nuha's Trunki up with essentials for the plane ride. Here's what I have packed in thus far (I will add on if I remember anything else until we leave, but for now I think I have it pretty much covered!)

To Nourish

I added in a variety of snacks for the long plane journeys and airport hauls. I will take out one every 2-3 hours, as snacks also serve as a form of keeping her busy! I packed in : Cheesecurls, Peanuts, Jumping Jack Popcorn, Ultra Mel sippy custard, 2 fruit juices, 1 bowl and spoon, 1 packet of 2 minute noodles, Mini Cheddars & A box of smarties (I know that I am breaking my own 'no sweets' rule by taking a box of Smarties along, but this is to be taken out in absolute dire circumstances only!) I packed all the snacks into a snack bag (in case of spilling so as to save the clothes.) If your child does not eat 2 minute noodles, it's a good idea to carry along a quick snack such as chicken pops, chicken nuggets etc. because as we know kids are unpredictable and could refuse plane food altogether - can't really blame them, they're kids but they're still human beings! It's also a great idea to carry along extra snacks even if your kid isn't big on snacking - remember that Murphys law seems to apply most to kids!

To Entertain

It's always good to tailor-make your child's entertainment pack according to their likes. For younger children, something other than the television shows and in-flight games are necessary to entertain them. I have packed play dough (certain to keep her entertained for a while!) as well as her mini mirror,  lipstick a f hairbrush - it's shocking how long this keeps her entertained!! I have packed in one of her favourite books and of course, I have also packed in her fully charged and loaded tablet which is certain to keep her entertained for hours!

To Medicate

I have packed in for fever - nurofen, for pain - stopayn, to aid in putting her off to sleep - allergex as well a chamomila tablets in case of a serious tantrum. These medicines are for the plane ride and her additional just-in-case medication can be found in our checked-in luggage.


To Refresh

I packed in a little bag of cosmetics containing essentials pictured below.

Just In Case

I also packed along two sets of clothing, a set of pyjamas and a warmer jacket and hat for stepping off into the Los Angeles chill.

Now about me and my overpacking tendencies - you've seen what I wanted to pack, now have a look below at what I really did pack -

1. 1 pair of blue jeans and 1 pair of leather leggings as well as a pencil skirt

2. 5 shirts and 1 tshirt

3. 3 pairs of boots (in my defense, two are to be left behind) 

4. 2 pairs of gloves, 2 beanies, 1 hat and 1 scarf.

5. 2 pairs of sunglasses

6. 3 jackets

7. 3 necklaces and 2 pairs of earrings

8. 1 handbag

Not bad for an over-packer, I'd say! This is my last post for the year as I am departing for a month-long holiday, I will return in January with my tales of travels, outfit posts and maybe even a special giveaway or two! Keep an eye on my Instagram page for updates on my journey and some Winter fashion inspiration.

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo

Hali    

Is Winged Eyeshadow the New Gel Liner?

Move over gel liner, you're about to be over shadowed!

Ever since I came across the winged eyeshadow looks featured on Make Up Geek followed by an array of looks popping up on my Instagram feed, I have been wanting to give it a try; and finally did so today.

It seems as if winged eyeshadow will soon take-over the winged eyeliner sensation. What's great about this trend is that your imagination is the limit with regard to colours (being a neutral eye kind of girl, I will most likely stick to my nudes with a pop of smokey or little pop of colour here and there, but I am certain that introducing colour into this technique would look amazing!) I love the winged eyeshadow look, gives off such a pretty finish and not as harsh as winged liner but somehow more dramatic.

Have a look at some winged eyeshadow looks as well as some pictorial tutorials on how to achieve this look.

  

 

I gave the winged eyeshadow look a try today using the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette - a simple day-look ~ here is a step to step on how to achieve this look.

Step 1 - Apply white chocolate all over eyelid and above eyelid up until the brow.
Step 2 - Apply Marzipan to the inner corner.
Step 3 - Apply Creme Brulee to the lid, starting from the point that the Marzipan ends (be sure to blend well using a good eyeshadow brush)
Step 4 - Using an angled brush, create a wing using Triple Fudge (have a look at my previous post Winging It to see how to achieve the perfect wing) and glide your brush along the crease, stopping halfway.
Steap 5 - Blend in Black Forest Truffle to the outer corner of the eye.
Step 6 - Apply a thin line of gel liner to the eyelid (I used MAC Blacktrack) Do not extend the eyeliner outwards.
Step 7 - Apply mascara

*It is great to apply an eyeshadow primer before application, although I did not use one for this look, I sometimes do use the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
** Too Faced has released the new Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar palette, which incorporates warmer toned colours, definitely a must-buy if you do not already own the original pallete!

Too Faced Semi Sweet Chocolate Bar

I am looking forward to trying out some winged eyeshadow techniques, I may even try a pop of blue on a day that I am feeling a bit adventurous! Being a novice, this seemingly simple look took me a bit of time to achieve; if you're planning on giving it a try, remember not to give up at the first attempt (I almost did!) Just keep thinking of the make-up mantra ~ practice makes perfect!

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

Pre-Holiday Problems

It's the most wonderful time of the year...I know, I have already began a post like this recently, but I can't help it! Every time I visit a mall and come across the tinsel-clad railings and lit-up celings; Every time I switch on the TV and there is a Christmas-themed movie showing and everytime anyone speaks to me about their travels, I can't help but sing the song in my head, over and over again (I'm sure I'm not the only one!)

I embark on my American adventure next week - but this post is not about that, this post is about everything that happens before this trip.  As my mom was putting the finishing touches on her packing (her bags are ready to be locked and are good to go!) she asks me, "Did you put any washing powder into your bag?" to which I responded "Not yet, because I haven't packed yet." The look on her face went from shock to disbelief to annoyance  - all in less than a minute. "What do you mean your bags aren't packed yet?? We're leaving in seven days!!" she said in the mom-tone that makes everyone's heart skip a beat.

This brings me to my first pre-holiday problem ~ I am a last-minute packer. I almost always forget something, so I have learnt my lesson over and over again - which is why I have decided to change this. As of this morning, I decided to change my packing procrastination and become an early packer - (yes mom, packing 6 days prior to a trip is considered early by most standards!) 

This brings me to my second problem; which believe it or not, I came to realize in another conversation with mom that I must share with you all. Again yesterday, during moms final-touches-of-packing she asks me "How many pairs of  boots are you taking with you?" to which I cautiously replied that I would be taking two pairs along (I lied, I was planning on taking at least 4 pairs along.) "What do you mean you are taking 2 pairs with you, how can you ever do such a thing, what are you going to then do with all the pairs of boots that you are still going to buy, I cannot believe that you are taking so much of stuff with you, you always do this, your bags are going to get so full, I am shocked." I added in commas to give you a chance to pause and breathe whilst reading - I'm pretty sure that she did not pause nor breathe whilst saying it. This is what she replied to my taking two pairs of boots along. Imagine if she knew how many I was really planning on taking - needless to say I did not volunteer than information (although she's about to find out as she reads this - sorry, mom.) 

My second problem - I overpack; and like most young women, I love shopping so often I end up with too much of stuff (both old and new) and too little space. I have had to leave many a beautiful clothing item behind simply because I could not possibly squeeze in another thing in. I  still remember the perfectly good black coat I left behind in London, and the pair of blue heels left in my hotel room in Hong Kong. This time, I decided that I really should not overpack just so that I will not have to leave loved items behind for the lack of space. 

On that note, here is a list of clothing (besides essentials) that I WANT to pack -

1. 1 pair of blue jeans, 1 pair of black jeans, leather leggings, 1 pair of white jeans, 1 black formal pants, 1 pair of yellow jeans and 2 pencil skirts.
2. 8 shirts (of different styles - flowy, furry, collared etc.) and 2 tshirts.
3. 1 dress.
4. 4 pairs of gloves, 4 beanies, 2 hats and 4 scarves.
5. 3 pairs of sunglasses.
6. 4 jackets.
7. 4 pairs of boots - 1 white, 1 black, 1 red and 1 tan.
8. 5 necklaces and 3 pairs of earrings.
9. 3 handbags

One day ago, prior to the two-pairs-of-boots lecture, I was actually going to pack all of this stuff. Now, I realise that I cannot possibly pack it all!

Once I am all packed and ready, I will share what the new and improved light-packer in me really did pack (A post on How To Pack Light, perhaps?)

Wish me luck ~ I hope that the hoarder in me allows me to pack as light as my mom says I should.

Positive vibes & The Mandatory xoxo
Hali

*pictures are not my own, please click on images for photo credit