Korres 30% off
Code: MYOWNJUDGE
Urban Decay Friends & Family 30% off
Code: FNFF1
It Cosmetics 20% off (8/12 & 8/13 only)
code: ITCOS20
Talk It Out – Get It From Your Momma
Hey readers!
We haven’t talked it out in a whole week, and I’ve been itching to know this one thing. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but in addition – plenty people say she gets it from her momma!
There are a million occasions throughout the day in which I find myself mimicking my mother or other people in my fam. We’re all crazy mind you. But I love it. Miss Yaya wouldn’t be so if it wasn’t for the fam.
My mom taught me to stay sunny but to keep my behind out of the sun. Thanks to her, I have never come back from the beach or any vacation with my skin burnt. She’s the one who let me know that Olive Oil is my friend and that my hair requires some deep deep lovin’ (or conditioning) once in a while. Momma always said to never go to sleep with my makeup on and to use as little makeup as possible/needed.
So bring your evidence forward and talk it out! What have you gotten from your momma? Or from someone else in your tree?
Lacing Thoughts
To continue the play on words, and to offer an unusual (even if I say so myself) take on my post about lace, I have compiled a series of images of laces made in not so ordinary mediums.
Photo Credits: Lace fence – Coolbloom.net; Cake – RealSimple.com; Lace tape – DesignMom.com; Lace map, shovel, pedestrian crossing – Designboom.com; Chanel Lace sunglasses – Latimes; Lace dish – NYMag.com;
What say you about these? Surprised? I was about almost every one!
Lacing Hearts
What is a monopoly?
In economics, a monopoly (from Greek monos , alone or single + polein , to sell) exists when a specific individual or an enterprise has sufficient control over a particular product/service to determine the terms on which other individuals have access to it.[1] Monopolies are thus characterized by a lack of economic competition for the good/service that they provide and a lack of viable substitute goods. [definition via Wikipedia]
and in more layman’s terms:A situation in which a single company owns all or nearly all of the market for a given type of product or service. [via InvestorWords.com]
In the court of MOJ – there are certain unregulated and unobjected (I make up words all the time people) monopolies that can coexist in a world of competition. These come in various shapes and forms; those being trends, brands, styles, etc.
Trend on trial today: lace.
Lace, available for over 500 years (and probably longer) has maintained its status as a trend and go to fabric/design. It lays itself to tantalizing seduction via lingerie and trimming on otherwise demure (or not so much) clothing, and extends its reach even further to accessories, and beyond.
The English origin of the word lace owes something to the French lassis or lacis, but both are connected with the earlier Latin laqueus. Early French laces were also called passements; the name applied to ornamental open work formed of threads of flax, cotton, silk, gold or silver, and occasionally of mohair or aloe fiber, looped or plaited or twisted together by hand: (1) with a needle, when the work is distinctively known as needlepoint lace ; (2) with bobbins, pins and a pillow or cushion, when the work is known as pillow lace ; and (3) by steam-driven machinery, when imitations of both needlepoint and pillow laces are produced. Lace making implies the production of ornament and fabric concurrently. Without a pattern or design the fabric of lace cannot be made. [via this site here]
lace types (left to right – types 1-3)
click on image to go to source & for more detail
Lace is a trend enjoyed yearlong. There is not a season that can accuse it as inappropriate. It is such a versatile fabric that it can be used to convey innocence or obscene naughtiness, and at all times remain delicate.
And though yours truly may possibly have more than enough of clothing, I can never say I have enough accessories or shoes. With that said. Here’s what got my heart lacing. (get it? …)
[left] Elizabeth & James lace/leather pump @Saks $350
[right] Heidi Lace shoes by Georgina Goodman a la Polyvore
[right] Heidi Lace shoes by Georgina Goodman a la Polyvore
[left] Givenchy Schuhe lace bootie a la Polyvore
[right]Prada lace bowler a la Polyvore
What is your verdict on lace?
Essie + J. Crew
J.Crew seems to be doing fantastically (enjoy new words my friends) ever since they got the M.Obama endorsement. ‘What recession?’ must be the phrase of the company for this year. I say this with no animosity whatsoever.
I have always been a fan of J.Crew, though not always did I have the funds to prove as much. Going to outlets and checking out their sales was how Miss Yaya enjoyed them in high school.
As time passed, and credit card offers poured in, I can safely say there were times when I fell off the wagon and bought things for prices my thrifty and cost-conscious self would balk at. That’s not the point though is it? The point was that J.Crew is a fab store/brand. And now they have a collabo with another fab brand. Essie.
I’m here to tantalize y’all with two new colors for Essie that J.Crew has created.
The colors:
One of Kind (not a typo)
One of Kind (not a typo)
-and-
Eternal Optimist
They are $8.00 each and are available in limited stores.
Fancy buying yourself one? Click here madear!
Magazine Weekend – Ladies’ Home Journal August ’09
Happy Saturday!
Magazine Weekend is fully underway!
The clip for today is from Ladies’ Home Journal magazine for August 09. I loved this issue and especially the Julie & Julia cover – don’t they look related?!
The article I found most interesting was about taking care of your hair in this weather. Recently a lot of people have been paying closer attention to hair management and maintenance as compared to a high focus on color and change (unless you plan to shave your head – ‘cuz that’s a trend too).
If you like this tidbit as much as I did – get yourself a magazine!
and don’t forget to check out their website either! They have a cool outfit planner tool that I’m sure you’ll enjoy while at ::ahem:: work.
Shoot me an e-mail to MyOwnJudge@gmail.com if you would like me to explore other/have topics and/or magazines, or for general opinions of what’s in magazine weekend.
Illamasqua for the Masses
So you’ve probably heard the buzz about the brand. Illamasqua, a hugely popular UK brand has made it’s way over into powerhouse Sephora to entertain the US masses!
Here comes the education:
Introducing the brand (via Sephora)
“Unlike any other color collection, Illamasqua’s ultimate goal is to empower women (and men!) to express themselves through makeup and to discover their bolder, sexier side.
With the help of professional makeup artists, including Artistic Director and world-renowned makeup artist Alex Box, Illamasqua was developed in London by a team of leading chemists and high-performance makeup manufacturers in November 2008—and the nighttime makeup brand has been making a scene on the UK scene ever since. With a vast color range of pro-grade products backed by stunning imagery and theatrical extravagance, Illamasqua has already earned cult status with a dedicated following—including celeb fans.
Illamasqua encourages self-expression and individuality, capturing the imagination of anyone who wants to accentuate their look through makeup. Inspired by a mix of influences—like the dark and dramatic 1920s Berlin club scene and the creative and expressive London underground scene—Illamasqua encompasses makeup’s rich heritage in film and theater.
With an amazing array of inspiring colors and textures, Illamasqua offers everyone a palette to play with; free reign to experiment; and ultimately, full artistic license to take your makeup to the max.”
I love all their looks and photographs as part of their marketing and advertising, and their nail polish packaging reminds me a bit of Chanel.
Here is some product info from Sephora and I’ll come back shortly with photos and tidbits as well. If you can’t wait and must have it all now – check out my girlie Adina from KraseyBeauty.com – she has a killer collection of swatches for your eyes.
Implementing Changes – NOTD
I noticed a lot of blogs have been posting shorter posts for more interactive communication with their readers in between longer posts. The more I saw, the clearer it got that this was a great idea.
So without further ado, I bring to you the new upcoming features to pop up frequently to keep your reading eyes entertained:
Face of the Day(s) b/c I don’t wear makeup every day y’all(FOTD),
Nail of the Day(s) (NOTD),
and many more!
Right now y’all must see my bright version of a DIY french mani.
I know it’s not healthy to talk yourself up – but really… I am really happy with the outcome!
Some of you may not believe me when I say bright colors, but this is certainly proof.
That’s my bright fuchsia/hot pinkish iPhone cover… Believe me now??
These are the full polish swatches/bottle pics for the two bright buggers 🙂
Oops- didn’t realize the size of these pics was so different. Pink Flame on the left and Orange Revenge on the right. The orange is a little less … radioactive looking in person but they are both pretty true to color. Don’t you love it!?
Nail Polish Used: Color Club – Pink Flame, Orange Revenge
What are your nails rocking right now?
ShopBop Interviews Current/Elliott
Remember my Chickdowntown.com Current/Elliott giveaway? You still have time to enter it!
Serendipity must be the word of the month, as Shopbop.com posted an interview with the founders of the denim company. Here is a snippet of the interview, and click here to see the rest!
SB:We’ve read that you’re both big fans of vintage jeans, and that you launched Current/Elliott (in part) to recreate your favorite styles from the past. But clearly your line is much more than a trip down (denim) memory lane: how do you find that balance of innovation and nostalgia in your designs?
C/E: The wonderful part about vintage is that it is absolutely limitless! We always look to history for inspiration, but challenge ourselves to make everything relevant, comfortable, and flattering. We rely on our fashion instinct to understand what proportions, fabrics, and details are needed in the marketplace and then magic!…our favorite pieces!SB: Your label can be credited with bringing the boyfriend jean to prominence. When did you start to understand you had a huge hit on your hands? Why do you think women responded so strongly to this new silhouette?
C/E: We have been wearing the boyfriend jean for as long as we can remember! We love it! A looser, more relaxed fit always has a home in every woman’s closet: it is a timeless denim must-have. We think everyone was craving this easy, worn silhouette as a departure from a sea of tight, dark denim. It perfectly complements the kind of tops and shoes women are loving right now.Unlike the va-va-voom appeal of a painted-on skinny, your styles have more of an unstudied sexiness. Did you set out to change the direction of denim with your relaxed, boyish fits?
C/E: We just knew it didn’t exist! We think sexy IS effortlessness. Denim is best when it’s comfortable and worn with ease. Our fits are inspired by vintage and menswear bodies, mixed with our secret design methods that make women look and feel fantastic.
Don’t forget to enter my giveaway here!
Magazine Katy
Order in the Court!
I bring you Ladies and Gents of the Jury here today because we have a repeat offender. Katy Perry has graced (in the past year) at least 17 magazine covers. The range goes from Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Missbehave, Flare, Nylon, Complex, Glamour, FHM, the list is endless!
But let me be not my own hypocrite, but My Own Judge 🙂 I am a fan of Miss Perry, and despite being happy for her succeeding to snag so many covers in the span of one year (She’s on three August covers alone)- I would like more variety in the magazine selections.
What’s your verdict Ladies and Gents of the Jury?
Is it a genius’ manipulation, or over saturation?
Photo Credit: KatyPerry.com & Who’s Date Who.Com
Sometimes Yaya 