Stilettos and Substance

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Dear Stilettos & Substance Readers,

We have now moved our blog to a more permanent domain! Follow our latest Fashion and Beauty blog posts at

www.stilettosandsubstance.com

Monday, February 11, 2013

Personal Style: Goth Chic

Combining complimentary separates in different textures and fabrics can help you create a striking custom-made evening look that you wont find on the rack. Experimentalism is the key to creating a high-impact look, as this darkly glamorous look illustrates.

Collar necklaces are an easy way to instantly transform the mood and tone of any outfit. This yellow and black baroque print top is given a Victorian-esque feel and an additional element of interest and with the detachable black and white lace collar accessory.

This theatrical maxi-length skirt is embellished with rhinestones and provides a goth contrast to the girlie top. The dark tulle functions as the focal point of this outfit, injecting additional drama into this ensemble.

A strong look such as this calls for minimal accessories as to not overpower the theme or make it seem contrived. The small black clutch and pointy black pumps are the perfect choices to top off this girlie-goth look; their colour ties in with the look’s dark undertones, and the clutch’s velvet material keeps things texturally interesting. Additionally, the dark lipstick is a great example of how you can include your makeup look in your sartorial endeavours.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Mona Al-Marzoqi JonesStyling and Modeling by Mona HamidWriting by Reem BuhazzaOutfit Details: 1. Lace Printed Top: Karen Millen. 2. Tulle Skirt: France Haneva (via Green Bird Boutique, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E). 3. Embellished Collar: Global Village, Dubai, U.A.E (Chinese Market). 4. Shoes: Dune. 5. Velvet Clutch: Banana Republic (Style: Anna Karenina jasmine box clutch).6. Bracelet: Karen Millen.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Beauty: Our Makeup Bag Essentials

We Stilettos and Substance girls aren't just obsessed with style - we love beauty too! For our first ever beauty post, we've each compiled a list of 5 favourite beauty products from our makeup bags that we just can't live without.

MONA'S TOP 5

1. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm
“I rock this all day, every day. My favorite product of all time - I cant live without it!

2. L’Oreal True Match Compact Makeup in Soft Sable
“Perfect for when I am on-the-go and I don’t want to carry too much makeup in a cute tiny purse."

3. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer inNC45
“I needed a concealer that was long lasting and didn’t look cakey. This does the job - it’s a new favorite.”

4. Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple
“This beautiful mint colour surprisingly compliments of all my outfits and is and great option for all seasons.”

5. Clinique Intense Eyeliner in Intense Midnight
“This is my favorite black eyeliner at the moment! I love that it’s long lasting so I never need to re-apply.”

REEM'S TOP 5
1. Urban Decay Baked Bronzer in Gilded
“I’m a huge fan of bronzer, and I love the golden shimmer in this one. I use it as a highlighter too!”

2. Too Faced Glamour Gloss in Pillow Talk
“I’m obsessed with lipgloss, and this one is my favourite right now. The nude colour is gorgeous and it has a minty tingle to it."

3. MAC blush in I’m The One
“I can never seem to find a shade of pink blush that suits me, but this one does.”

4. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep
“I cant live without powder. I really love this one because its lightweight and the minerals in it are good for your skin.”

5. Sephora Liquid Eyeliner in Black
“I’ve been wearing liquid eyeliner every single day for years! This one is really easy to apply and it stays on all day.”

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Personal Style: Lady Wears the Blues

Monochrome dressing can be just as fun and visually striking as colour blocking. However, it is not as simple as throwing on different items in the exact same shade and calling it a day - it takes thought and creativity to strike a perfect balance when using different shades of the same colour to put together an outfit.

An assortment of blues was used to put together this ladylike ensemble. The key to successfully putting together a monochrome look is to create contrast by choosing shades that compliment each other and to create variety by using different materials, patterns and textures to break up the look and make it interesting.

The geometric black pattern on this royal blue shirt is an example of how patterns can add visual interest to a monochromatic look. The darker shade of blue of the high-waist skirt creates colour contrast, and its bandeau panels add texture. The dark blue long leather gloves and indigo fur scarf are elegant accessories that keep in with the colour theme of this outfit as well as add textural interest.

The handbag encompasses contrasting shades of blue and is made up of different materials, making it the perfect accompaniment to this monochrome outfit. To finish off this look, black tights and black booties make for a leg-lengthening combination that echoes the pattern of the shirt and doesn’t overwhelm the outfit’s blue colour palette.

-Reem Buhazza

Photographs by Ayah Amin

Styling and Modeling by Mona Hamid

Writing by Reem Buhazza

Outfit Details:

1. Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren. Similar here.

2. Fur Scarf: KYI KYI at Bloomingdales. Similar here.

3. Blouse: Amanda Uprichard at Bloomingdales. Available here.

4. Gloves: Barneys. Similar here.

5. Bag: Charles & Keith. Available here.

6. Skirt: Reiss. Similar here.

7. Booties: Franco Sarto, available here.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Personal Style: Winter Wonderland

This Alice in Wonderland inspired ensemble illustrates how a playful pattern such as the polka dot can easily add a kick of whimsy-chic to dreary winter palettes.

The polka dot patterns of the statement tights and round cross-body bag are great examples of how you can put separate polka dot pieces together, as the prints are different yet complimentary. When wearing more than one polka dot piece, avoid taking the matchy-matchy route as this can make your look seem dated and contrived. Artfully combining polka dots of different sizes, colours, and spacing looks much more chic and fashion-forward.

The belted navy trench and angora-collared powder blue sweater tie in with the delicately feminine theme of this look, and black round-toed booties add an innocent touch. The polka dot fun continues with the purple umbrella, a great example of how practical everyday items can also function as a stylish extension of your outfit.

-Reem Buhazza