I love cardigans that are more than just the simple and basic fabric. Cute, feminine details can really help to pull a look together and create a classier feel to an outfit. I loved the Milly Ribbon Bow Cardigan in Black, Juicy Couture V Neck Cashmere Blend Cardigan in High Seas, and the Nanette Lepore French Kiss Cardigan in Pearl for those reasons. They are great pieces to toss on over a plain t-shirt and dark wash jeans to instantly look polished. Or pair them with a skirt for a wrap that will keep you warm without looking too casual.

However, the basic cardigan shouldn’t be underestimated. I live in these because it’s a great way to stay warm but isn’t as casual as wearing a fleece sweatshirt. Some of the best for this fall are the Free People Bubble Sleeve Sweater in Natural, Ted Baker Chunky Cable Short Sleeve Cardigan in Cream and the LA Made Pocket Cardigan in Sail Blue. These are the perfect cardigans for your casual days. Toss on some skinny jeans, Converse Chuck Taylors or slouchy boots, a t-shirt, and layer on some necklaces to finish the look.

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Gwen Stefani might be the only person who could dye her hair powder blue, get braces, slap a bindi on her forehead, throw on a pair of parachute pants, and have a line of girls behind her ready to do the exact same thing. Since her early days as the front-woman of No Doubt, Stefani has consistently played by her own style rules, much to the delight of her fans. It’s no surprise then that her jump from style icon to fashion and beauty entrepreneur has been an easy one - Stefani’s L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers fashion lines, and her first fragrance have all been widely embraced. So it was with eager anticipation that I, an avowed No Doubt superfan, awaited her next foray into fragrance. And Harajuku Lovers - not one, not two, but five distinctive perfumes inspired by the girls of Tokyo’s most fashionable district and housed in Kidrobot-like figurines - does not disappoint. Here, Stefani answers a few questions about her latest creations.

Q : When Did you first visit Harajuku, and what struck you most about it?
A : I was first in Harajuku when I was touring with No Doubt - it was like going to another planet for me. But it felt like going home in a weird way because I remember being in the shopping district and thinking, “Wow, everybody here is so creative.” It was very inspiring and that inspiration stuck with me all the way through making the dance records. I always got really excited about going back.

Q : How did you come up with the idea to connect Harajuku to a fragrance?
A : I just had this image in my mind of how cool it would be to have each Harajuku girl have her own fragrance, with each fragrance bottle being in the shape of the girl; basically a doll that holds fragrance. I asked Coty if we could do five Harajuku Lovers fragrances, not really expecting them to say yes, but when they did, the whole thing came together really quickly because I had already been thinking about the project for the last four or five years.

Q : Tell me about the characters and how they came to be.
A : They’re each based on L.A.M.B. Love is love. She’s really just this easygoing, lovable girl, soft and romantic. Angel is from L.A., the city of angels. She is also easygoing, but more of a cheerleader type. She’s got a lot of spirit and energy. Music is the tomboy, the aggressive, confident girl. Also, she is obsessed with and hugely inspired by Michael Jackson. She can be a little tough and she definitely has attitute. Baby is the youngest. She is the funniest one to me - the most conservative, but the biggest flirt out of all of them. She’s very girly and sweet. And, luckily I dot to be a part of it too as G!

Q : Did creating these characters with specific personalities and styles help to influence each of their scents?
A : Each one was created from a smell that I love and that matches each girl’s personality. I had inspiration points. Love is a soft, romantic floral with some rose and jasmine. Angel is yummy with lots of of my favorite fruity notes. Music has some real attitute with a mix of my favorite scents including pear, sweet pea, and musk. And obviously I wanted Baby to have a powdery, baby smell. With G, I used coconut and other tropical scents because I love to wear those types of scents. We’re all individuals, we’re all saying something different. And that’s what the fragrances are supposed to be - five different fragrances so you can choose which one is you.

Q: What of your fragrances do you wear yourself?
A : I actually really like G, with its tropical smell. And Love is so pretty that I can wear it both day and night - it smells just like my favorite roses. I didn’t want to have all these bottles of perfume that I couldn’t wear, so I had to make sure I loved them all.

Q : Will you add more characters to the Harajuku World?
A : The brand really lends itself to branching off in many different directions, so we’ll see!

Q : Any chance you would ever do a makeup line?
A : Of course! I would love to do a L.A.M.B. makeup line some day. Makeup, like fragrance, can be an important part of creating a mood and a feeling when you’re getting dressed.

You can also request a sample of one of the five Harajuku Lovers Fragrances through Coty.

+ Aveeno Skin Relief Lotion (UK only)
+ Christina Aguilera Inspire Fragrance
+ Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani Fragrance
+ L’Oreal Skin Genesis (Canada only)
+ Nivea Q10Plus Light Day Cream (UK only)
+ Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub
+ Playtex Sport Tampons
+ Tampax Pearl Tampons

1. Report Signature Ellis Patent Shoes : These are a great pair of peep toes to pair with the menswear style collections that are going to continue to be in style this fall. Since these shoes are a feminine style with details that are more common in men’s dress shoes, they will perfectly compliment the look. They would also be a great pair to dress up and jazz up a unique item, like the Converse by John Varvatos Suspender Wide Leg Pant. Add in a blouse in a basic color with embellishments, like the Trina Turk Julien Ruffle Shirt and pair with glamorous red lips and black eyeliner to complete the look. The Report Signature Ellis Patent Shoes are available through Revolve Clothing.

2. L.A.M.B. Gianira Oxford : What I love most about these heels is that they remind me of the eternal classic saddle shoes. Inspired by the idea of saddle shoes worn with poodle skirts in the 1950’s, this grown up version would also be complimented by an A-Line Skirt. The Kyumi High Waist Belt Skirt is a great example. To play on the vintage vibe, pair it with an equally vintage looking cardigan, such as the Milly Ribbon Bow Cardigan. The L.A.M.B. Gianira Oxford is available through Revolve Clothing.

3. Forever 21 Buckled Patent Platform Stiletto : Buckled peep toes are the break out shoe this fall. They definitely have the edgiest style out of all of the peep toe heels that are going to be worn in the next few months. While I can see them worn with menswear outfits and featured them in the post Feminine Menswear For Fall, these heels are also going to be a great option for the less feminine crowd. Pair them with a great pair of skinny jeans and an over-sized tee shirt like Mary-Kate Olsen for a different feel. J wrote a great tutorial on how to wear oversized tee’s. The Buckled Patent Platform Stiletto is available through Forever 21.

4. Go Jane Crinkle Patent Buckle Peep Toe : This pair of peep toe heels is perfect for the girl in the business environment that still wants to be stylish as well as those watching their spending. The buckle is a great update on a very classic style and color of shoe. These would be great paired with a very classic look. Indigo wash straight leg denim, a sweater, and a single strand of pearls would be perfect. The Crinkle Patent Buckle Peep Toe is available through Go Jane.

5. BCBGirls Fiona Heel : This heel reminds me of one of the great fashion icons and bad girls from the 1980’s - Pat Benetar. They are sexy, stylish and edgy. Everything that Pat Benetar was. They would be perfect paired with black skinny jeans and one of the cropped leather jackets that are going to be in style this fall. Finish the look with lots of black eyeliner and dark red lips. The Ever Pleat Back Zip Up Leather Jacket with Hood is the perfect example. The BCBGirls Fiona Heel is available online here.

6. Carlos by Carlos Santana Bliss Mary Jane : If you read my post of the outfit inspired by Courtney Love, you’ll know that I consider Mary Jane heels to be a necessity. Not only that but, they are also going to be huge this fall. They are innocent and sexy enough that they can be paired with nearly any kind of style and look amazing. Whether you go grunge with ripped jeans and a corset top, pair them with an innocent baby doll dress, or pair them with a full a-line high-waisted skirt, Mary Jane heels are going to look amazing. The Carlos by Carlos Santana Bliss Mary Jane heels are available online here.

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I recently came across images from the Michael Kors Fall 2008 Ready To Wear Collection. To say that these pieces are anything other than classic and stylist would be a lie. They are the perfect inspiration for fall looks everywhere. My three favorite combinations are pictured above.

The combination of the Stretch Wool Jacket & Wool Pencil Skirt is quite possibly one of my favorite fall looks. It’s not only a great classic look reminiscent of Jackie O., but it’s also great for those who need to dress for an office job or an event but still want to look chic. The Cashmere Sweater & Gardenia Bell Skirt set reminds me so much of something the character Charlotte York from Sex & The City would wear! It’s a great classic combination of a high-waisted skirt and a stylist and sleek top. It would be great for a casual Saturday outing and to breathe a little life (and color!) into dreary fall days. The combination of these Ocelot-Print Blouse & Glenplaid Wide-Leg Pants is just a great classic look. Think of it as a great way to update the basic pantsuit by adding some fun details.

What is your favorite item from the Michael Kors Fall 2008 Ready To Wear Collection?

Just as advised in the previous entry, start off with a great tinted moisturizer and concealer on your problem areas. Dust a bit of a great pink blush, like CoverGirl Cheekers Blush in Classic Pink, on the apples of your cheeks. I’ve tried Benefit’s Thrrrob Blush, which was recommended in the previous post, and own this CoverGirl Blush. They are identical in color but the CoverGirl blush is a fraction of the cost. For a luminizer, try Underground by Rimmel London Dare to Bare Face & Body Luminizer in Make Me Blush. Just like NARS The Multiple in Orgasm, this is also a great peachy-nude shade that will create a dewy look. For gloss, try Rimmel London Vinyl Lip Lipgloss in Eastend Snob. It’s also a peachy-nude shade that is incredibly close to NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm. Another great alternative, for even cheaper too, is N.Y.C. Liquid Lip Shine Lip Gloss in Pink Sand. I have the NARS Lip Gloss and the N.Y.C. Lip Gloss. The N.Y.C. gloss is just a tad more coral in color than NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm.

Apply the shadow in the same way as described in the previous post - with a brush. When using such a vibrant shade, be sure to blow on the brush or tap it on the side of your sink to remove excess powder. This will help ensure that you won’t end up with purple underneath your eyes. One of the best drugstore shadows out there is L’Oreal H.I.P. Concentrated Shadow Duo in Charisma. These colors go on bright, don’t fade, and wear amazingly. I would suggest using the lighter shade all over your lid and to line your lower lashes. Use the darker shade in the crease of your eyelid as well as to line your upper lashes. Highlight your brows and the inner corners of your eyes with Cool Effect by Maybelline Cooling Shadow/Liner in Ice Princess. Don’t forget to blend it into the shadow around the inner corner of your eyes to really brighten them up. Finish with a few coats of CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara in Very Black. The wand takes a bit of getting used to but, once you are familiar with it, it really is an amazing mascara.

When I received the September, 2008 issue of Glamour magazine I was delighted to see a piece written by Nicole Richie giving fashion and style tips. She is, afterall, one of my Style Icons. In the piece titled How I Get Dressed, Nicole dished out many of her favorite fashion and beauty tips. In the piece, Richie shares that she’s greatly inspired by looks from the 1960’s and 1970’s, especially Keith Richards and Jackie O. She also says that the best hair tip she’s ever received was to curl her hair with a flat iron. And, my favorite quote, “My philosophy when it comes to jewelry? More is more is more!” She also dishes about what items she buys in bulk, her take on trendy styles, and her must have beauty item.

To read the Question & Answer section and to view all five photographs (so far I’ve only been able to find three online), read the rest of this entry.

Q : You have achieved a look that’s all your own - it’s boho yet sophisticated. Where does it all come from?
A : A lot of the time, it goes with whatever mood I’m in. I am also really into Native American and tribal art, which I reference in my jewelry collection, House of Harlow 1960.

Q : What are some rules you have for putting together your look?
A : Be confident in what you’re wearing. If you try to dress like somebody you’re not, it shows.

Q : Do you ever buy stuff in bulk?
A : Yes, jeans. I think it’s rare when you can find a good pair that fits.

Q : How would you describe your beauty routine when you are getting ready for a red-carpet event?
A : I have a great seventies playlist on my iPod, and the people that do my hair and makeup happen to be my good friends, so it’s like a pre-party.

Q : What’s one beauty product that’s always in your purse?
A : Kiehl’s lip balm.

Q : So many young women copy your style - what do you think of that?
A : I think that is totally flattering and inspiring!

Q : Has your personal style changed at all since you became a mom?
A : Yeah, I have to wear things that can be spit up on.

First, start with a great natural base. Try some tinted moisturizer and dot some lightweight concealer on any problem areas. Apply a thin dusting of Benefit Thrrrob Blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will add a natural “just ran a few blocks in the cold” pink to your cheeks. Smooth on a highlighting stick, such as NARS The Multiple in Orgasm, over the blush to achieve this gorgeous dewy look. Apply a coat of a peachy-nude gloss to your lips. NARS Lip Gloss in Orgasm is perfect for fair skinned girls like Sophia.

Apply a pencil highlighter under your brows and on the inner corners of your eyes. I love Benefit Eye Bright because it’s a very natural looking highlighter that is easy to blend. Blend in the direction of your arches, towards the very inner corner of your eye, and over any remaining dark circles nearby your nose. Using a brush, sweep NARS Single Eye Shadow in Night Fairy (pale violet with gold pearls) over your lids. If you want to add some extra glam, apply extra shadow at the base of your top lashes with a sponge tip applicator to double as liner. Using a thin brush, or a sponge tip applicator, line the bottom lashes as well. Extend a small line of the Eye Bright over the inner corner of your top lashes. Finish with several coats of a great mascara, such as Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black.

Look for the follow up to this post, containing tips to achieve this look with drugstore cosmetics, tomorrow!

1. Dare to mix flip-flops with an extravagant evening gown.
2. Try to wear white or neutral colours year-round – not just in the summer.
3. Consider red lips.
4. Incorporate one piece of animal-print clothing into your look.
5. Ditch the wrap and, instead, try a chic little jacket for a night out.
6. Look for something brocade. It is rich and adds texture to your look.
7. Treat metallic shades as if they were neutrals.
8. Buy a fabulous evening coat.
9. Pin up your hair to reveal the nape of your neck – it is automatically sexy.
10. Wear some sparkle and shine to share a festive mood.
11. Send yourself a gorgeous potted white orchid, just because.
12. Eat caviar straight from the jar.
13. Dress your man in a black cashmere pullover, jeans and loafers without socks. It is the perfect look.
14. Fill your home with books on the work of Slim Aarons, the preeminent society photographer.

Personally, I’m lusting over the Wicked Lovely Eye Shadow Duo in Sexy/ Demure, which is a combination of shimmering charcoal and shimmering peach. I also love the Wicked Lovely Lip Gloss in Coy, which is a sheer nude shade.

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Have you tried an oil cleansing method before? What were your experiences?

With the end of summer also comes the start of the end of all of the traditional floral prints that everyone, myself included, has been wearing since spring. Fall seems to usher in a new wave of prints - the Nature Print. I decided to create what would be my perfect outfit for the cool summer nights that are coming up. I hope that some of you like it as well.

The main piece in this outfit is the Kimchi Blue Nature Printed Top in Grey from Urban Outfitters. To me, it’s the perfect example of the nature prints that are going to be huge this fall. Pair it with a longer cardigan, such as the Abercrombie & Fitch Rachel Cardigan in Light Grey, to help keep warm when it starts to get a bit chilly outside. I love the Abercrombie & Fitch Greta Shorts in Medium Destroy. They are the perfect cuffed shorts because they aren’t too short but aren’t too long either. They are perfect for covering up any thigh issues or concerns that you might have while still looking cute. Take advantage of wearing cute sandals while you can! I love the All Saints Ankle Detail Flat Sandals in Silver from ASOS because it combines two great trends - metallic sandals and gladiator sandals.

When wearing such a great top, keep accessories simple. Everyone needs a great pair of sunglasses, like the Retro Sunglasses from Forever 21 in Brown & Gold, at all times. I love the shape and style of those shades. A great basic necklace, like the Polished Key Necklace from Forever 21 in Cream & Silver, is never going to go out of style and is a great way to add a bit of polish to any outfit. I also loved the natural look of the Large Round Faceted Glass Ring in Pink & Silver from ASOS. For this fall, dark nail colors are coming back. I still love black nail polish and would suggest picking up the OPI Classics Nail Polish in Black Onyx. Eggplant, burgundy, and forest green are also going to be great colors to have for fall as well.

Ask me to take pictures of any aspect of my life that you’re interested in or curious about — it can be anything from the house I live in to my favorite book. I’ll post the pictures in a later entry. Feel free to make your requests as mundane or creative as you like!