Memosne: July 2015

Styling Staples: The Black Skater Skirt Part 2


In my previous post, I showed you how I styled this black skater skirt in a "casual and chic" way, something that you can just throw on in the morning, but still look put together. However, I can totally understand if you'd want to dress it up a little more.

Top: Zara, Blazer: Club Moncaco (Old), Skirt: Zara (Old), Bag: Coach, Shoes: D&G 
Black is my favorite color, it goes with anything! Stark whites, jewel tones, and even...pinky pastels! I think some people feel that the strength of black can overwhelm a delicate pastel top, but I think the key is in texture and pairing the right pieces together. The fun skater cut of the skirt matches the loose cut of my blazer. Most everything that I'm wearing I already had in my closet for several seasons, but I purchased this top recently from Zara. Unfortunately, I can't find it on the website and easily link it here, but it should still be in stores as of July 29th. 


I'm a bit of a nun so I think the skirt is a little short to wear to work, but I'd wear this outfit in any other setting and feel perfectly comfortable. I kept the purse the same and the accessories minimal. To keep the color tones in the same family, I paired the outfit with a sleek patent leather heel. 


Thanks for tuning in! Stay tuned for the final look in part 3 of this "Styling Staples" miniseries.

Styling Staples: The Black Skater Skirt


The "not-so-basic" basic. I think it's a generally well-known rule that everyone needs to have a "little black dress" in their closet arsenal. One that can be dressed up, down, and sideways. Why not a black skirt as well?


Since I've been a little behind on the blog posts lately, I've styled this little black skater skirt in three different ways that I'll release over the next few days. The first look I want to show you is the most casual.


I like the the sleek look of color-blocking gray with black. It's not as jarring as a white and black contrast and gives a more casual vibe. The turtleneck had enough structure and shape for me. I didn't want to over accessorize so I kept things simple and sporty with casual sneakers and my trusty coach legacy purse. 


You can barely see my accessories in the photos above, but in line with the purse I've gone with a buttery leather bracelet, some gold stud earrings, and a girly druzy ring.



My personal favorite item of clothing is a skirt. You'll see me wearing dresses and skirts more often than shorts and pants. I think they're girly and sweet. By cutting your little black dress in half, you have increased options for picking your outfits!

Accidental Death Glare
Thanks for reading this little micro-post! See you in part 2!

NARS Audacious Lipstick - Juliette Review


I have a weakness when it comes to makeup, but I have EXTREME weakness when it comes to lip products. Generally with everything else I kind of suck. My skin is in a constant state of flux, so I can never truly enjoy trying out foundation for fear of breaking out and other adverse effects...My eyelid space is quite tiny, so it takes me a year to use one eye shadow...but anyone can rock a bold lip.


 I purchased the Nars Audacious Lipstick on a whim during the December Sephora VIB Rouge Sale. Again, I fully intended to start my blog all the way back in December, but I got side tracked by some unfortunate circumstances (we'll get into that at another time). I chose Juliette because I was immediately drawn to its striking "pinky-coral." That and the boy liked it immediately, so that was an added bonus.


NARS is known for its minimalist packaging, its raunchy penchant for provocative product names and its carefully curated color selection. The Audacious Lipsticks were released to much fanfare and generally positive reviews. According to the NARS Website the Audacious Lipsticks are "One stroke, full coverage creamy wearing, long lasting, and luxurious in texture and enriched with ingredients to smooth and nourish the skin." They have over 40 shades in the whole collection, so you'll be able to pick anything from the most natural of nudes to the prettiest of pinks to the most bodacious berries.

There's nothing prettier than a freshly opened  lipstick. 
The lipstick bullet is sleek and sticks to the overall NARS Aesthetic. One thing I'm particularly fond of is the magnetization of the lipstick cap. If you put it on the wrong way it switches so that the cap and the "NARS" logo are correct and unbroken. It's a neat little detail that subtly shows you the thoughtfulness of their design.


True coral makes my teeth look awfully yellow so I tend to lean toward more pinky corals. I find the lasting power of this lipstick to be above average, so I don't have to reapply constantly throughout the day. After meals I usually have to take a "lipstick pitstop," but other than that I'm generally good to go.

Excuse the Raptor Hand
The only downside to this lipstick is that it's a little bit drying. I've read, from trolling other makeup review sites, that other colors are worse in terms of moisturizing your lips, but with Juliette I just don't feel my lips being moisturized. I also feel a light tugging as I wear Juliette throughout the day.


All in all, it is an expensive lipstick, but its lasting power, thoughtful design and and synergy with my skin tone will make me want to not only repurchase Juliette, but try other colors in the Audacious collection.

Thanks for reading! Have you tried any Audacious Lipsticks? What are you favorite colors?