YOUNG AND IN STYLE

Study for Finals in Style

2011-12-02T14:58:00.006-05:00

it's that time again

The end of the semester is nearing, and the pressure is on. As we prepare for marathon study sessions assembling and re-writing a semester's worth of notes, making schedules, and dotting our desks with post-its, we think we have all our bases covered. Yet, there is yet another challenge for which we must prepare. Finals week brings a slew of style challenges. Inevitably, appearance takes second (or fifteenth) priority, and the result ain't pretty.

You know what I'm talking about. Red eyes. Saggy skin. Coffee in hand. Baggy sweats. Knotted, greasy hair. The end of the semester isn't cute. And while it is only natural that fashion will take a backseat to academic needs at this crazy time, needn't completely sacrifice your look. I promise. Think of it this way: Just as you prepare to endure the academic stress of finals, you may equally prepare for the fashion challenge that awaits you. Here's how:

Set out comfortable, stylish clothing in advance. Act as though you were a stylist prepping a photo shoot, getting all the looks arranged. Comfy pants, jackets, cotton tops, cozy scarves. Identify several go-to outfits to wear during finals mayhem that will be comfortable, and easy to pull off. Think of it as a uniform. Planning ahead will save you from contemplating clothing when you have much bigger things to worry about.

But, how can you lay your clothes out if you don't know what to wear in the first place? I suggest choosing basic pieces that require little thought in throwing together. See Blake Lively's look below:

(IMG) Lively combines trusty basics: black boots, dark-wash denim, a camel coat, and a cozy scarf. You can easily achieve this type of look during exams without a second thought. Just identify your go-to basics and throw them all together. The best part? You can probably get away with wearing all of them several times in the week. Hey-No one's judging!

Make your life easier by simplifying your beauty routine. Do you usually wash your face then follow up with a series of steps? While I don't recommend forgoing hygiene altogether (for obvious reasons), you can get ready for bed in a pinch with makeup-removing face-wipes and a quick brushing of the teeth. If you have time, slap on some moisturizer. Keep it next to your bed so you don't forget!

3 Tips for Refined Fall Style

2011-10-24T12:11:00.005-04:00

Hopefully you're all enjoying the transition to Fall as much as I am. Aside from "Snowtober", which hit the Northeast this past weekend, it's been borderline blissful here. I find myself blogging about Fall weather every year. Crisp air, leaves beginning to change (on the few trees I have encountered in Manhattan), and temperatures dropping are all great excuses to dust off your wool blazer or leather boots. Fall is the season of dignified dressing: tailored jackets, dark tights, and capes; could enough to wear your favorite pieces but not so cold that they are obscured by your bulky winter coat. Simply divine.

Here are my favorite ways to feel stylish and take advantage of the opportunities for good dressing that this weather affords you.

1) SUNGLASSES

Remember your favorite shades from summer? Wear them!

Nothing screams "celeb" like the combination of traditional woolen fall clothing with a slick pair of sunglasses. Very Gwenyth Paltrow. [See Below. IMG CRED ]

As you can see, even the chilliest of weather doesn't get between Gwen and her RayBans.

2) LAYER A LIGHTWEIGHT TURTLENECK

Who said turtlenecks have to be stuffy? Shove aside those thick, bulky knits until it's really winter. Instead, I propose you try a thin, dark-colored turtleneck for your fall dressing. Pair it with your favorite peacoat or statement necklace and you'll look slim and sophisticated.

3) COMBAT BOOTS

Did you succumb to last year's combat boot craze? So did I, and I'm dusting mine off for Fall '11. Make the look less punk and more eclectic by pairing preppier pieces, like a a woolen A-line skirt and tights, with your favorite roughed up boots.

Enjoy the season.

Emma

Ralph Lauren Rugby "Tweed Run"

2011-10-15T13:34:00.005-04:00

One of the things I love most about being in New York City is that you never know what you'll run into. Seriously. Today, as I headed back from lunch with friends, I came across an unusual roadblock: A cluster of handsome models donning tweed jackets and feathers in their caps. Turns out it was a party at the Ralph Lauren Rugby Store, a shop aimed at a younger, more Gatsby-meets-Hipster audience.

I wish I had snapped a photo of their "bicycle parking". There were rows upon rows of old-fashioned bicycles across from the store.

See their website for more info on the event: http://www.rugby.com/blog/?ab=topnav_styleblog

Sadly, I couldn't stay long. There's work to be done!

Emma

Kiko Makeup Milano: Italia's Hidden MAC

2011-10-14T11:04:00.001-04:00

I used to think that MAC Makeup offered a great variety of trendy products at moderate prices until I fell in love with Italy's chain "Kiko Makeup Milano"[See Above]. When I first saw the chain on my way to the train station in Florence, my heart skipped a beat. Sidenote: I am easily distracted from train times by makeup. For me, it was an undiscovered gem. The store's contents did not disappoint, and the low price tags (especially given the poor exchange rate) were a pleasant surprise. It was a glorious sight. Racks and racks of colored nailpolishes, domed eyeshadows doused with sparkles, and a collection of lipsticks that would make Ru Paul feel underdone. Needless to say, I made out like a bandit.

I came home with two new eyeshadows: one taupe and another shimmering black for evening. Three nailpolishes! An orange-toned lipstick to contrast the blue-red hues I'd been wearing. 2 roll-on eye shadows for ease of travel.

The difficulty came in trying to fit it all into my makeup at home...

Emma

Finally, our own domain name!

2011-10-09T21:57:00.006-04:00

WELCOME TO YOUNGANDINSTYLE.COM!

After suffering through a phone-call with the (actually quite chipper and helpful) customer service guy at GoDaddy.com, I finally bring you THE YoungAndInStyle.Com. It's far easier to remember than YoungAndInStyle.Blogspot.com, and is now easier to access than ever. And doesn't it have a ring to it?

Coming soon: fashionable observations gleaned from my life as a student, subway-rider, falafel-eater and former fashion mag intern in NYC. PhotoCred

Emma

Italian Adventures in Style: The Lipstick

2011-08-01T09:19:00.005-04:00

Before I left for my 3-week trip abroad, I decided red-lipstick was my new go-to (see post below). That lasted well until I LOST my only tube of MAC Russian Red! After searching my Florence hotel room high and low, I resolved to buy a new shade at the Italian department store La Rinascente.

There I encountered an intimidating array of makeup counters, each stocked with an Italian artist. At the Collistar counter, I eventually found my new shade of red. The process was not easy. First there was the broken communication with the makeup artist. Then the cultural gap: Do I swipe it on myself? Do I wait for him to put it on with a brush? Apparently in Italy the custom is for the customer to apply it on herself. No hygienic precautions taken. No applicators or special mirrors. Just you and the lipstick!

Once I tackled trying the lipstick on, I was relieved to find that the shade suited me. I'd hate to try to navigate the murky waters of asking to try on ANOTHER . Then came the next hurdle: How do I make it clear, in Italian, that I was ready to check out and no, thank you, I did not want to try their new eye cream? My Italian phrasebook hadn't covered this! So, with a smile and a head jerk in the direction of the cashier, I ended the transaction. It was time to take a breather at the nearest cafe with my accomplice.

Lipstick Accomplished.

More Italian Adventures in Style to come.

Emma

MAC Russian Red

2011-07-13T12:42:00.006-04:00

A friend I made in New York this summer inspired me with her go-to look: thick-rimmed glasses, side-swept bangs and a bright red pout. It was eye-catching, yet sophisticated. Her reasoning was "Well, I'm in New York. I can get away with it". I agreed, so much so that upon returning home I hurried to MAC to find my perfect red. Confronted with 10 or so variants of the same color, I faced a difficult task. The look had to be dramatic, but still flattering. After settling on Russian Red, a deep blue-red hue, I went home and traded contact lenses for my brown-rimmed glasses. Soon enough I too had the look.

Above is Penelope Cruz wearing what I believe to be the same Russian Red. The vibrant hue is gorgeous against her olive-toned skin. Of course, this is an evening look. With just some concealer and a swipe of mascara on, you can wear the same lipstick for day. It just takes guts!

Emma

I put my new shoes on...

2011-06-23T14:41:00.005-04:00

Nothing brings a fashion blogger back into the swing of things like a new pair of shoes. Laugh all you want at my (borderline unhealthy) obsession with footwear, but be warned: nothing comes between me and my new BCBGeneration50%offLadyGaga-esqueSuede WEDGES. Nothing!!!

Right now these babies are coolin' off from being suede-sprayed. Gotta protect 'em from the harsh elements!

In love.

Emma

Sonja and Anna

2011-04-11T22:40:00.003-04:00

Home from a trip to NYC that revived both my love for some good ol' fashion, but also for the city itself. Checked out one of my fave blogs, "Paris Vs.New York" and found my new favorite graphic (See below). Particularly relevant after the quality time I spent lusting after striped merchandise at the Sonya Rykiel boutique on Madison Avenue. With gamine French-accented shop clerks, Upper East Side patrons and a style that spans the cities, the Sonya Rykiel store was the crux of French-New Yorkian style. Who knew such a thing even existed?

The shop located in the heart of NYCs most luxe shopping district was the true meeting place for opposing forces Anna Wintour and Sonja Rykiel.

New York City Dreamin'

Emma

I Say, Wear Black

2011-02-14T21:16:00.005-05:00

All you need is black. Black black black. Say it. It sounds almost as delightful as it looks on you in a full length mirror.

Perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic, but you get the point. The color black, when worn well, is simple, sophisticated and versatile. Here are five reasons why you should explore it:

1) Black has no season, and it never goes out of style.

2) You can spill whatever you like on yourself.

3) No need to worry about matching.

4) Hello, it is as slimming as colors get!

5) If you're feeling dangerous, you can spice it up with colorful accent pieces.

Not yet convinced? Then you clearly haven't studied this gorgeous photo! [img]

Emma

Draper Inspiration

2011-02-03T07:13:00.008-05:00

Here's something a little glamorous to start your day off with:

With an apacolyptic ice storm hitting the Midwest, and dreary grey weather just about everywhere else, who couldn't use a little style inspiration? The characters of Don and Betty Draper from Mad Men (above) provide just that.

So smack on some Jungle Red lipstick, pretend you're cruising around or that its sunny and 75, and seize the day! Spring isn't too far…

Emma

PS. Are they not beautiful?

imgcredit

A Tragic Goodbye

2011-01-09T09:39:00.007-05:00

To my Kate Spade agenda,

I did love you,

Toting you from class to class, scribbling in you, closing your clasp.

You were, in no other terms, my friend,

A confidante in which I wrote my most heartfelt of to-do lists.

You kept me organized,

Your prim little pages reminders of appointments,

An old-fashioned record of time.

But now,

Oh, how this topic dismays me so!

Someone has taken your place,

A sleeker, newer, shinier you.

One with a glass screen, a touchpad,

With an app for more than you could ever do.

A new friend, a new calendar to track my time,

and truly a new you.

---Just a silly, albeit true post about my conversion from paper planning to digital. Although it feels wholly inappropriate to whip out my iPhone in class when I track an assignment, it is so convenient. Poor planner…

Emma

Cape-Loving

2011-01-09T09:29:00.003-05:00

If your 2011 resolution is to have more fun, or to take some risks, I have an idea for you. My suggestion is swingy, it's sassy, and it's hardly practical. The perfect subject of a stylish new year's resolution.

It's a cape.

Above, NYC "socialite" and reality TV star Olivia Palermo shows off a cape by Melene Berger.

Although, if you're looking to try this one out, you might want to wait until the weather hits the 40's or warmer (Fahrenheit). I never said a new cape would keep you warm, but it will certainly keep you chic as can be. And what's warmer than that?

Emma

2011 Shoe Purchase

2011-01-03T17:19:00.005-05:00

Never underestimate the power of a great pair of shoes. For me, even the worst of days may be turned around by the right heels or boots. Today was one of those days. Well, actually it started out fine, only to get better post shoe-purchase. You get the idea.

Since one of my style resolutions for 2011 was to take more fashion risks, I chose to spend a JCrew giftcard today on a gorgeous pair of on-sale platform heels. At 5'9" I rarely wear 4 inch heels (you do the math) but today I couldn't help myself. After all, it's a new year. Plus, they were on sale. That's justified, right?

They're prettier in person. Two-toned black and teal suede. Internal platform. They'd be great with teal or black tights, a pencil skirt, an LBD, or for dressing up a pair of jeans.

That's my first splurge/fashion risk of the new year! Here's to hoping all of you take some as well.

Emma

Happy 2011

2010-12-31T16:59:00.001-05:00

2011 by Young And In Style featuring studded handbags

Silk Bow Top by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
216 GBP - my-wardrobe.com
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel t shirts »

Thakoon / Mongolian Fur Gilet
$895 - lagarconne.com
Cropped vests »

BALMAIN 5960351B BLACK LAMB SKIN 49046
2,969 GBP - farfetch.com
Leathers pants »

Gucci Suede platform pumps
$525 - net-a-porter.com
Suede shoes »

Lulu Guinness Studded Padded Lips Clutch Bag
$681 - asos.com
Studded handbags »

Judith Jack - Lustre Onyx Large Stone Ring (Sterling Silver/Onyx) -...
$199 - zappos.com
Stone jewelry »

MAC Nail Lacquer
$13 - nordstrom.com

Your New Years Resolution

2010-12-31T16:21:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year!!!

It is soon to be 2011, and that means more than just sparkling dresses, midnight kisses, and watching the ball drop. I know many of you have something more noble on your mind: your New Year's Resolutions. Starting a new year is a re-birth. It's a fresh, new time in your life for you to re-create any aspects of your life that you feel need improvement. And while many of us our guilty of setting unrealistic expectations for the new year, how can we expect to improve without something to aspire to? While I'm not of much use in the self-improvement sector, I can offer some stylish tips for the New Year that I know I will be working with in 2011.

Stylin' Resolutions for 2011

1) Travel Light

This year I hope we can all resist the temptation to overload our suitcases with clothes, makeup and the like. Travelling with a heavy, bulky suitcase makes going to the airport a nightmare. Long lines, checked baggage fees, giving your possessions away to airport strangers. It's just not worth it. I understand the temptation to have "options", but when you're out of town, does it really matter if you become an outfit repeater? The answer is no. No, no, and no. At least, that's what I'll try to teach myself in 2011! I'm planning a 5-6 week trip to Europe this summer and my goal is to take only a carry-on. Wish me luck- I have a feeling hand-wash soap will fast become my best friend...

2) Take More Risks

What is the fun of owning crazy-colored MAC eyeshadows or a pair of to-die-for platforms if you don't enjoy them? One of my more fun goals this year is to wear my more daring pieces and put them to good use. Fashion can be functional! Look to bloggers like Sea of Shoes or Karla's Closet for inspiration. They throw on the craziest of outfits in broad daylight and get away with it just fine. Guess what? So can you.

3) Avoid Excess

This resolution is in the same vein as #1. For me, 2011 will be about buying only what I need or want with all my heart. Anything else is fluff. The last thing we need are cluttered closets with more clothes than we can keep track of. As a recent clean-closet convert (I cleaned mine out a few weeks ago) I can speak to the importance of simplicity. Having trouble storing your clothes? Chances are it isn't because your closet is too small, rather your wardrobe is too big. In 2011 I want to buy less, but enjoy what I buy more.

Do you have any style resolutions?

H A P P Y 2 0 1 1

Emma

Makeup Reviews: Glamour To-Go II Palette

2010-12-29T15:18:00.008-05:00

Hello all! It is with a Starbucks cappuccino in hand, and Florida sunshine above that I return from Christmas madness to you. I hope you've all had a relaxing, and peaceful holiday. For those of you who've had flights cancelled and whatnot, my heart goes out to you. I myself missed out on a Christmas with extended family due to an overly cautious airport that cancelled all flights in anticipation of an apocolyptic blizzard. Unfortunately, we were left with a meager two inches of snow (not even good enough for a snowman) and a Christmas dinner table devoid of several irreplacable guests.

Luckily, I've had a chance over this break to review a couple of beauty products that were given to me as gifts this holiday season. This post is inspired by the world of YouTube beauty gurus and video bloggers, who are highly devoted to reviewing (and buying) the latest products. I thought I would give it a try myself, with YAIS readers in mind. Today I will talk about one of my new holiday sets:

Too Faced Glamour To-Go II Palette

Grade: 2.5/5 stars

This palette is by Too Faced cosmetics, a brand sold in Sephora. If you want a breakdown of the dimensions of the palette or specific ingredients I suggest you visit this link to avoid my being redundant. I was given this as a Christmas present, although it was lingering on my wishlist for awhile. I was originally attracted to it as an affordable, comprehensive palette I could throw into my school bag for ease and convenience. As you can tell from the picture, it provides four lip-gloss colors, a blush, and 8 eye shadows in varying shades.

While this palette seemed great in principle, I was quite disappointed with it when I opened it and began using it. The shadows have poor color pay-off ( the colors don't show up well) and the glosses are sticky and difficult to apply. Worst of all, the blush (perhaps the biggest draw of the palette) crumbled into pieces my first day using it! This suggests very poor quality control on the part of the brand, or just improper shipping. Without the blush, this palette is rendered useless, as neither the eye shadows nor the glosses are worth carrying around. It was the total package that once made this palette appealing.

Allow me to break it down into Pros vs. Cons:

Pros:

For $19.50 you get all the products you need for a basic face of makeup.
It is lightweight and easy to throw in your purse
Large Mirror Included
Attractive looking

Cons:

Chalky colors
Lip-glosses are difficult to apply
Blush broke!
You get what you pay for

While this review may have been more positive had the blush not crumbled, I do not hesitate to say that Too Faced's Glamour To-Go II palette is probably not worth the buy. However, if you are hellbent on having a small, all-inclusive palette to carry with you, and are not a stickler about quality, then perhaps you would want to give this a try. Otherwise, skip it.

Hope that was helpful! I definitely tried to keep it honest. Let me know if you like these makeup reviews and want to see more.

Emma

Paris Vs. NYC

2010-12-19T11:52:00.010-05:00

Sometimes I sit, and I think. And I think, and think and become overwhelmed trying to answer this unanswerable question: Paris or New York?...And think and think… But even with all this incessant pondering, I still can't decide...So I have to call in back up: Pro/Con lists. Ah, yes finally a rationale with which to approach this problem. Oh, I scribble and I try to decide between the two...

...But even weighing the pros and cons, I can't decide which city is preferable. So I enlist even more help….

Alas! http://parisvsnyc.blogspot.com/

Finally a tool to help me answer the unanswerable! The author of this blog, Vahram Muratyan, calls it "A visual but friendly match between those two cities seen by a lover of Paris wandering through New York's infinite details, clichés and contradictions : this way, please."

"Paris Versus New York" is full of adorable little sketches comparing the two cities, just the help I need in my search:

Ah, it seems I now only have more to consider. Computer architecture or actual architecture? Bagels or baguettes? Apartments or lofts?

More importantly: Paris or NYC?

Which do you prefer?

Emma

Makeup Jewelry by Tarte

2010-11-13T12:28:00.004-05:00

"Not only is it fun and girly, and you're getting all this amazing makeup. It's also good for you."

Who knew spending $52 on a set of eyeshadows could be so healthy? Thank you, Tarte cosmetics lady for giving me a pseudo-righteous reason to buy this makeup palette.

But really, after I saw this little golden jewel in Sephora the other day, I've thought of little else. I can still feel the swatches of highly-pigmented shadows on the backs of my hands...

A girl can dream.

Emma

Social Primer

2010-11-11T08:21:00.003-05:00

Social Primer. I can't believe I had not discovered you earlier. Well, thank goodness for friends. Recently, a very etiquette-conscious pal of mine pointed me towards a blog by an Auburn grad called 'Social Primer'. It's 2 days later and I can't imagine life without it.

http://www.socialprimer.com/

Though you must take his advice with a grain of salt, (I happen to disagree with his idea that once two at a dinner have been served, they may proceed to stuff their faces) it is full of lively insights as to how to behave in the modern world. From wearing tweed to 'Yacht Party Rules' (an article I can't imagine ever needing to open), Social Primer covers everything you'll need to know.

And as much as I hate to direct you all to ANOTHER blog...

Jokes.

Seriously, add it to your Google Reader! And if you have yet to create one, then get with the times.

Emma

Shoetastic

2010-11-08T17:32:00.004-05:00

Affordable Shoes at ShopRuche.Com

A friend recently tipped me off to this trendy, relatively inexpensive website called "ShopRuche". Though I have yet to investigate its reliability, the shoes are definitely cute. And they have a wide variety of styles, ranging from oxfords to heeled booties to rugged combat boots.

After having conducted a thorough investigation, I've settled on the above pair as my favorite. Unfortunately they are on the slightly more expensive side at $55.99.

I can already picture wearing them with lace tights, a wintery dress, and a chic vest. Or maybe with matchstick cords and an oversized sweater.

Emma

A Letter to Blake Lively

2010-11-06T10:45:00.003-04:00

Dear Blake Lively,

I think we can all agree that you are exceptionally good-looking, almost unnaturally so. I say this on behalf of teenage America. As much as I love to watch you play a painfully rich socialite on that hit series you're on, Gossip Girl, there's something I have to tell you. Your outfit is an atrocity of epic proportions. It's okay, just hear me out.

No, Blake, I am not criticizing you for being a risk taker. I happen to like a nice oxford cloth shirt, or a sassy sparkly mini-skirt. I'm being very reasonable about this. I'm not even going to mention that in this picture you are wearing black heeled booties, a trend of many seasons ago. The fundamental problem, you see, is that you look like you stepped out of an 80's disco for gender-confused equestrians. Okay, there I said it. I'm sorry.

I hope you take this in stride. Maybe just lose the belt and pull up the shirt?

Your friend,

Emma

When Graffiti Hits the Mainstream

2010-11-05T07:21:00.008-04:00

I remember the days when graffiti was still considered taboo, when it wasn't in vogue to be a rogue. (chuckle, chuckle). But really, memories of this now lost era make me feel more octogenarian than "Young and in Style". Once the past time of warring gangs, graffiti seems to have hit the main stream. Heck, it's practically the new Monet. Everywhere you turn is 'graffiti-inspired wall paper' or some other building being defaced [see 'artist' Banksy below]. All in the name of art? And, of course, with all this new found acceptance comes its influence in fashion.

Exhibit A: this mysterious 'Banksy' character that artsy types every where are going goo-goo ga-ga over. Even I, someone who happens to like a nice clean public building, have to admit that his work is, well, kinda cool.

Graffiti artists can be clever, too, you know.

As much as I may feign an interest in so-called 'art', what really gets me going is graffiti's influence in the luggage industry...Right?

Though when WWD announced that Tumi, your favorite over-priced suitcase-seller, is introducing the art of graffiti pioneer John "Crash" Matos, I got to thinking.

It seems that graffiti has not only hit the main stream, but also the elite. And I may even be late in my observation. Remember when these graffiti'd Louis Vuitton bags came out, causing quite a stir? Look, Paris Hilton thinks graffiti is okay, and you should too!

So if you want to get with the times, I say you grab a can of spray paint.

After all, cleanliness and, like, a fresh coat of white paint are both so 2005.

You didn't hear it from me.

Emma

2010-10-31T10:07:00.001-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

hoping you all spend it stylishly, whether at home passing out candy or out at a friend's

Emma

Haute Tech: iPad

2010-10-20T08:09:00.003-04:00

With each new invention, Apple seems to combine up-to-the-minute style with state of the art technology. They specialize in sleek, sophisticated designs fit to be seen carried alongside equally sleek handbags and shoes. And I don't know how they do it, but Mac bridges the gap between fashion and technology. Enter the iPad.

[image source]

Ahah! The Style.com (Vogue's website) App is now available for the iPad. Yes! Great!

Oh, wait....

No iPad....

Emma