The Met Ball 2011: Colorful Standouts:

These are just a few of my picks from fashion's "Superbowl", The Met Ball, that took place yesterday. Love these bright pops of color on Jennifer, Zoe, and Eva. So pretty.

What were your fav looks from last night?

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images Just Jared)

Big Side Braid

I love this look.

Even with my whole "transitioning" (from relaxed to natural) state of being, I'm still going to try it out. Not quite sure how yet, but I'm inspired. Especially when I see beauties like Ms. Zoe perfecting the look...

...and one of my fav hair looks of all time {I've been saving this photo on my inspiration board forever} - Jessica Alba. LOVE!!...

Any way this style (when done right, of course) is so fresh & appealing.

The two models below are adorable.

So cute...

Love. Love. Love.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here, here, and here)

Giving Good Face

Ariel Meredith

Amanda Hill

Chantaille Elkerson

Israela Avtau

Usually reserved for just one Monday's Muse, today I thought I'd bring you a beautiful group of four up-and-comers.

All beautiful. All equally talented. All Giving Good Face.

For that reason, they are each this Monday's Muses.

Watch out for them. At the rate they're going, they'll easily turn into Tuesday's, Wednesday's, Thursday's, Friday's, Saturday's, and Sunday's Muse too!

Happy Monday!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here)

No Hiding Behind Your Hat...

With Easter on it's way, Sunday to be exact, it's not too hard to bend your mind toward hats.

Especially if you celebrate this special occasion and go anywhere near a church. Often big, elaborate, floral hats abound. Me, not being the big-elaborate-hat-wearer, I started looking around for alternatives.

Many are familiar with Philip Treacy, the extravagant hat designer. Naomi is sporting one of his designs below...

...a little cooky, but none-the-less fabulous.

And no one does cooky-hat-look better than the wonderfully eccentric Anna Della Russo.

Ok, so granted, I will not be trying to pull this look off any time soon (translation: never).

I did find these beautiful hats by Jennifer Behr though. They're bridal, but so pretty. I really think I can make the look below work...I mean, maybe...If I had too...

At any rate, both floral hats are stunning.

Be inspired to try on something equally as stunning this Easter. Or for those of you not partaking in this celebratory experience, try one on for fun. Take a cue from Anna, shock the neighbors and walk your dog in it. You'll be on the side of every animal rights activist and loved by every die hard fashionphile.

What do you think? Brave enough to pull it off?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Jennifer Behr, Philip Treacy, unknown)

Khloe Kardashian: Closet Envy

How pretty is she here?! Love her entire look.

Well apparently her closet's just as beautiful as she is. I found these pics on elle.

{more shoes}

I know, I know.

It's okay. A little swooning never hurt anyone.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via elle)

Color Therapy

Lovin' the "painterly" trend going on.

Just as I suppose a good therapy session might, it lifts my spirit.

Rihanna isn't 100% reppin' the look, but I think she's cute here & her shorts somewhat fit the trend.

Hope this inspires you to try on a little creative color.

Happy Monday!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here & unknown)

Estee Lauder - New Beauty Ad Campaign

Estee Lauder has launched a new beauty ad campaign featuring models of varying hues & ethnicities. The purpose? To prove their new philosophy that "Every Woman Can Be Beautiful". Estee Lauder was once thought of as a brand that was formulated for a bit more "seasoned", lighter-hued woman. Well no more. Looking at models Joan Smalls (African American), Constance Jablonski (Caucasian), and Liu Wen (Asian) together definitely helps hammer home their point. Something we knew to be true all along!

Have another look at Joan Smalls below...

So pretty!

When I saw the new focus of the brand, I knew I had to share my viewpoint. I've been using Estee Lauder's foundation for about a year and a half now. I was tipped off by a friend/aesthetician who recommended it to me.

Because my skin is what I call "hyper" combination skin, I really need something that does what I need it to do - well. By "hyper" I mean, my oily parts (forehead, nose, chin) tend to get very oily. Especially in this tropical South Florida weather (Nice for the body/mind/spirit. Not so much for the face.) Because if that, I'm always on the hunt for a good oil control/oil absorbent foundation that's also a perfect match for my skin tone. Enter Estee Lauder.

So, I'm putting myself (face first) on the line in order to demonstrate my point:

Below is a shot of me sans makeup. (Only a tiny bit of eyebrow pencil, bit NOTHING else)...

...YIKES, I know.

Not so flattering. And the oily t-zone thing is quite evident...

...Well, below is my trusted Estee Lauder Double Matte Oil Control foundation in Warm Ginger. (It's also oil absorbent with spf 15.) LOVE...

...And this, below, is happy me after application.

See? Muuuuch better, right?!!

I realize that finding that perfect product that is just-right for you can be an ongoing challenge. Especially for women of color. If your skin is anything like mine, I highly recommend Estee Lauder's Double Matte line to you. It definitely does what it says it will.

Try it out and let me know what you think. Just not a fan? Tell me what your go-to product is. I love Beauty Chit Chat.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Estee Lauder & Moi!)