(Trying hot pink lips.)
For fall, I usually go with darker makeup colors, especially when it comes to lipstick and gloss. I’ve been wearing the oxblood colors I tried last year, but I’ve been craving something unexpected, too. I first heard about Ardency Inn’s amazing mascara while reading Door Sixteen, and since Anna’s been honest about her skin issues in the past, which are quite similar to mine, I really trusted her product review. I’ve been using the lash wax for several months now, and I can honestly say that it’s the best mascara I’ve ever used.
So I decided to try Ardency Inn’s lip products, and maybe because I was feeling brave that day, I chose a bright hot pink gloss and lipstick shade. The thing about pink lipstick is that, if you aren’t careful, you’ll end up looking like a Mary Kay consultant from 1993. I know, because I used to wear pink Mary Kay lipstick back in the 90s, and then I sold it (and all of the products) for a while after college, too.
But Ardency Inn’s products are very young and rockstar-chic, if that’s even a style, so I wasn’t too afraid of looking dated. I was more afraid of looking like I was trying too hard, but it’s just lipstick, which wipes right off, so why not live a little?
(Ardency Inn’s Punker Unrivaled Volume & Curl Lash Wax, Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Circa Rose, and Modster Long Play Lip Vinyl in Club Remix.)
I used Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Circa Rose and Modster Long Play Lip Vinyl in Club Remix, which are both bright pink tints with blue undertones. The lip color is more muted and can be a bit Mary Kay-ish on its own, but with the lip vinyl, which is incredibly shiny and definitely vinyl-like, it really goes up to eleven, to use a bad This is Spinal Tap reference. Also, a little of the lip vinyl goes a long, long way, so be sure to use it sparingly.
Wearing a bright lip really draws the focus of your face downward, and since I normally wear darker eye makeup, I toned it down quite a bit with a bit of pink and purple shadow. I really like the look for dressier occasions or for fun, and when I want to go a bit lighter, I just use a softer lip gloss over the lipstick.
(Wearing Ardency Inn’s lip color, lip vinyl, and lash wax while looking pensive squinting in the sun.)
Overall, I’m thrilled with my new Ardency Inn products and I really want to try more lipstick shades soon. Would you ever try a bright lip color?
(Anthropologie’s Lace Pane Top by Weston Wear, with Jeans by Paige Denim.)
I’m in the middle of my new series featuring Anthropologie’s American-made brands, and I first thought of the idea while shopping for myself. I love the store and try to find responsible pieces there, and my handwritten list of brands was growing enough to share with you. One of the first brands I discovered was Weston Wear, and I wore one of their dresses to Texas Style Council this past summer.
I found the Lace Pane Top on sale recently, and knew it would be perfect year-round. It’s sheer and requires a tank underneath, so I paired it with a black camisole, though it could also work well with white. This is one of the pieces that is listed as imported on Anthropologie’s site, but you can clearly see in their picture that it is made in San Francisco. My top’s label says the same.
I’m also wearing the Paige Jimmy Jimmy Skinny Boyfriend Jeans (say that three times fast!), which are also made in the United States. Since I live in jeans almost year-round, I decided to invest in a sturdy pair, rather than buying new ones every season. Jeans are always a gamble, but these work really well and I’m thrilled with them!
(A detail of the pretty lace used in many of Weston Wear’s pieces.)
I hope these pieces will inspire you to seek out ethically made items on your next shopping trip. It does take a bit of detective work sometimes, but I hope I’m doing most of that for you, and it’s easy to incorporate more thoughtful items into your regular wardrobe.
This is the second part of my new series featuring Anthropologie’s American-made clothing lines. To fit my criteria, the brand must have at least five pieces currently for sale at Anthropologie, all of which must be made in the United States.
(Left: Clu & Willoughby’s Somerset Pullover. Right: The Varese Dress Topper by Dolan.)
Clu & Willoughby: This line of gorgeous pullover sweaters with unusual details currently features six pieces in their collection at Anthropologie. One sweater is listed as imported, but I’m guessing that is a mistake. I have seen this happen several times on the website, even when the picture clearly showed a “Made in the USA” label. If in doubt, you can always call or email the company. I love these sweaters for their versatility and unexpected embellishments. Anthropologie is currently running their Cozy Drive Sweater Swap, and you can earn a $10 gift card when you bring in a new or gently used sweater, which will be donated.
Dolan: Jodie Dolan’s line is quite large and diverse, and she features pieces that are casual, but charming. Most of the collection is made in the United States, though I did find at least two pieces that were listed as imported.
Eva Franco: A line of stunning tops, skirts, and dresses. Some of the pieces are specifically designed for petites.
J. Brand: A higher-end denim line with a wide variety of styles. I’m a fan of the boyfriend jeans shown above.
I hope you enjoy this second installment of Anthro: USA, and please feel free to offer your comments and suggestions on the series! I plan to show you a few of my own pieces from these brands soon.
