winter lip color

Everything this week is wintery...I hate this phrase but, sorry I'm not sorry?

Let's talk lips. As you can see, my shades of lipstick range from rull red to pale pink...and then my collection of shades just kind of drops off. I have a nude lip that I like to wear when I'm feeling particularly throwback-ish, but other than that, my lips are naked.

So, how do we get through the winter with festive lips that aren't classic red? How do we walk into the party looking fresh to death and not at all like a clown? Think of lipstick colors as a scale, with a classic red at the very center, orange on one end, and brown on the other. Classic red is everyone's go to (alright not everyone, but most), it's comfortable, easy, it always looks good. But if we want to try something different, swing one way or the other on the scale, comme ca:

l to r: // one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight //

So, obviously, classic red is in the middle (number 5). If you're looking for something a little more cheerful, I would head into the orange shades. These look great on fair skinned folks, in a matte tint, and pair great with greens, navy, and black. If you're feeling moodier, try going more purple / brown. These also work in a matte tint, but I love the look of a creamy / glossy dark lipstick. These, of course, look incredible on olive and brown skin tones, and pair nicely with pinks and blues, as well as brown and black.

Of course, this scale is only for shades of red. I'll admit, I am biased and think that red lipstick is the best lipstick, so I would start here, find a shade that works for you, and then branch out.

Have a happy Thursday!

xoxo,

get patriotic

Last night I peeped this Instagram post from J. Crew, and I was curious (in case you hadn't noticed, I'm an easy sell)...

Wowza. Listen, I'm not super patriotic and I don't wear a lot of stars and stripes, but I DO wear a lot of red comma white comma and blue, and I can get down with these gorgeous muted colors.

Another home run for J. Crew, right!? I love the extra cushy sole. It's kind of Nurse-y orthopedic in a perfect way. I would wear this with some awesome cut-offs and a loose tank, but that's obvious, so I'm going to say...high waisted denim skirt, 50's style eyelet tank button down (this will do), and the boldest red lip on the planet. Yes? Yes.

FIVER: how to get creative with your wardrobe

In honor of From Scratch for 50 days: A Creativity Challenge, I wanted to talk about my 5 favorite ways to get creative with my outfit.  The word creativity can be kind of intimidating, but our challenge isn't to become the next Shakespeare, write an entire album or take up ballet in 50 days (though I'd like to pick your brain if you are doing that).  Our challenge is to start something new, find something out about yourself, or just get a little perspective each day.  So let's take something as simple as the shirt on our back and make it new... 1. Try new combinations of your favorite pieces. 

Sometimes I get stuck in a rut- maybe it's the week I'm having, maybe I'm just a little lazy, but I occasionally find myself wearing the exact same pant and shirt combos over and over and over. Forget the people who have to look at me- I'M bored!  I always feel a little more awake and a little more creative when I find a "new" outfit in my existing wardrobe.  Maybe it's just a different button-down with the same pair of pants I wore last week, but if I've never tried it, it's new!  Need a little inspiration?  Here's my take on one shirt, three ways.

2. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.

If I have fashion writer's block, I open up my jewelry box and look through everything.  Or I try on four different pairs of shoes.  Or I just throw on a belt.  Whatever you're wearing, it always becomes next level when you add a great accessory (or as I like to call them…add on's).  Here, here, and here are a couple I'm coveting right now.

3. Layer.

Oh this is just the BEST and so easy it's almost cheating.  As I've talked about time and time again, I love nothing more than throwing on a vest, sweater, or blazer to finish my look.  The same black dress looks completely different with a jean jacket, cardigan, or faux fur vest.

4. A little lipstick never hurt anyone.

I can't tell you how many times I've worn my go-to outfit and just slapped on some lipstick to make it a little different.  Talk about fashion on a budget!

5. When in doubt: black. 

Classic, flattering on everyone, looks good with every aforementioned suggestion.

What are you doing lately to get creative with your outfit? Show us!  Tag us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @littleredswell #scratchfor50.

all images via Pinterest.