Lipstick Makes a Comeback. Be not afraid. Be that girl at the party with the brightest lipstick, ever of all time.

Lately, I admit I have been reverting to my 90’s teenage heart.  Buried away like an amnesiac grasping for a memory, “Wait a second. Ohmigod, I remember…lipstick!  It looks so good on.”  For a decade, I put away my M.A.C. matte Viva Glam in favour of lipgloss or Chapstick.  But I have been enjoying a renaissance of sorts what with the off the charts ROC (return on compliment) that my pop-art fuschia lips have been inspiring from friends…and random strangers.  By the way, you know it’s a winning look when you get stopped by strangers.  Just take it and say ‘thank you.’

While I profess my love of M.A.C., I don’t think it’s necessary to splurge all the time on lipstick.  I mean, you also need money to fund your shoes and grocery.  You can find some lovely hues at the drugstore and like me, you won’t shed tears when you lose your favourite gloss or get it confiscated at the airport security.  Here are my Top Summer picks:

1. Coral Crush – I think that Coral is one of the most flattering hues to wear in Summer, what with your tan, white eyelet summer dress already going for you.  Whenever you wear a bright lipstick, I think it’s best to keep the rest of your makeup somewhat neutral with shades of taupes or browns and a gentle application of mascara.  

2. In the Mood for Nude -  Nude is sooooo 90’s matched with your M.A.C. Spice lipiner.  Ahhh, we were freshmen then.  Le sigh.  I love a nude lipstick with a baby pink undertone – this is very Edie Sedgwick circa Andy Warhol’s The Factory.  Looks amazing paired with a heavy handed smokey eye and dramatic swirl of cat-eye liquid eyeliner. Meow!

Nude done right: Is it just me or is Drew Barrymore getting more beautiful? Every time I see her in an ad, I want to buy CoverGirl. And she's my idol reforming a bad boy whose father was a CEO at Chanel.

3. Red Never Dies – My mom was trying to make me buy red lipstick today.  It is the classic go-to.  The key to red lipstick is first finding the hue that suits your complexion then practicing to achieve a perfect shape and applying enough coats so that the colour is opaque.  Here is a mini tutorial on how to get The Perfect Red Pout.  Special trick: If you have trouble lining your lips, start filling in your lips working your way out so you don’t line outside your natural lipline.  Ronald McDonald is a definite don’t.  Please be a DO!

Bet on red: I know I wax poetic about my girlcrush Emma Stone but girl can wear a red lipstick like no ones business. This image alone should make you stop what you're doing, get in the car and find a beauty consultant to test shades on your pout. Phew! Run-on sentence.

Shake it out! You wish you were Florence Welch with her poise and regal Elizabethan good looks. She epitomizes fashionistah adventuress in this McQueen.

Every Spring, the fashionistahs flock to worship at the altar of Anna Wintour.  En masse, they come in droves to fete the designers and out ballgown each other at an annual event, The Met Gala.  The soiree marks the opening of the fashion exhibition of two Italian designers, Impossible Conversations: Elsa Schiaparelli and Muiccia Prada at the MOMA.  If you are in New York and a lover of fashion history, you should probably check it out.

Now back to the extravagance and audacity that is the Gala.  Best-dressed lists are subjective and my point of view is that these celebs chose to go a more adventurous route, the path less beaten, choices more playful and memorable in their selection, statements so individual, they seared into the fashionistah collective consciousness. 

Fashionistah Grain of Wisdom:  When selecting evening attire, you must wear the dress and not let the dress wear you.

My girlcrush Emma Stone unafraid to rock a red floral Lanvin mini. Red lipstick + red dress. Why? Why not?

Pow! January Jones punches you in the face with her vibrant yellow Versace. Love how she paired the architectural detail of her structured peplum with a turquoise Art Deco necklace.

Gwyneth tips off her figurative hat to Prada in this satin hi-low mini dress. Deceptively modest in the front, daring in the back!

My heart belongs somewhere in Andalucia and I have an affinity for anything related to Spanish culture – the food, the people, music and fashion.  While the celebration of Cinco de Mayo is based on a historical event (the battle of Pueblo Mexico), I thought it would be fun to give you a few creative ideas to celebrate. 

Forget Vicky Christina Barcelona. This is quintessential Penelope Cruz in Volver. You must. You REALLY must.

Ole! Wear something bright and preferably ruffled. Vanessa Hugens in a striking canary yellow gown at the Journey 2 premiere. Chiffon always makes one look & feel like a goddess.

Rise of the Espadrille! Loving the rope detail and the softest pastel blue of this Dolce Vita wedge sandal.

If you ever happen to find yourself in Spain, you must check out the distinctively national fashions of Almatrichi. Combining opulent fabrics, inspired by flamenco and tropical living, this line has the most beautiful dresses and flowy skirts.

Book a trip to Cabo San Lucas. I've been to Mexico a few times and I love the turquoise water, daytripping and the delicious food. I support your desire for travel!

And last but not least, perhaps you want to enjoy some Spanish cuisine whilst wishing upon that Super Moon – check out some Mexican dining options via BlogTO.

Powder blue dress & red lips. Yes please. Charlize Theron covers UK Vogue May 2012

“Whooaa, amber is the colour of your energy…” – 311

I really like that song.  It reminds me of sitting on my contemplation rock by the beach, listening to the crashing waves and letting the heat of the setting sun toast my skin.  On the subject of colour, Spring/Summer 2012 is giving us lots to celebrate – this season there are so many ways to work new hues into your wardrobe.

Here are 3 key trends that will be fun ways to up the ante on your current fashionistah stylings:

New Kid on the Colour Block – Colour blocking is not a new trend but this season, many designers are making it as easy as putting on a top or dress.  The best way to colour block is strikingly graphic or extremely saturated, inspiring coos of passerby’s, “Ooh, I would never, ev-errrr, in a million years think of combining those colours, but heck, I LIKE it!” 

This DVF Lou Dress is Colour Theory 101: Complimentary on the colour wheel and sure to elicit mad props.

Happy Accident: This Gryphon Dip Dye Dress is colour-block and high-low. 2 Trends Become 1 (to tune of Spice Girls).

NEON – Your t-shirt’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.  If like me, you had a Hypercolour sweatshirt, crimped your hair and watched the Facts of Life in the 80’s, you may hesitate to leave this trend to your too-cool for school niece (insert eye-roll).  Or you can take a tamer approach and accessorize with a neon skinny belt or wear a warm neutral to offset the stimulating bright of neon. 

Dree Hemingway sets it off in Valentino Couture. Blinding vibrant yellow meets nude. Well played.

Neon in the details: Loving the subtle pop-art pink piping on these ALDO Brimfield Wedges

Sorbet Pastels -  Seeing pastel hued clothing reminds of me of the Art Deco buildings in South Beach.  Any of the soft colours can be worn to compliment your skin tone – butter yellows, mint, cream tangerine, baby blue and cotton candy pinks.  This season we are seeing many retailers show really great skinny jeans in ice cream colours.  Pick your flavour? 

Dude. Sweet. Pastel Skinnies via Paris Vogue.

How are you going to integrate colour into your wardrobe? Do tell.

For extra tips on adding colour this Spring, read more on BlogHer and don’t forget to enter The Life Well Lived Sweepstakes.

Blake Lively frolicks on the beach with her perfectly tousled blonde hair, silver tunic dress, legs up to there and gladiator sandals.

A friend once commented, “You are always taking glamourous vacations.”  To this I replied, “It’s glamourous vacations ONLY…with fun friends.”  Stay-cations are fine if you’re moving or you need an extended period of time to do monotonous errands, but I say book me the next airplane ticket out of here and it better include beach, ocean and caftans.

Not a fan of going North of 20th, but I might to hit that giant pool at the Fontainebleau. Oh yeahx3!

I am very excited to return to my stomping grounds, my Latino home away from home, South Beach.  Over the years, I have accumulated travel compulsions knowledge that have carried me many a Resort season.  If only real life could include higher levels of sun and fun, our troubles would melt away like the last ice cube in your salty margarita.  Here are some of those pearls of wisdom just in time for vacation season…

Apply a liberal coating of bronzer on thy legs before wearing bright short shorts: Free People Lace Shorts

Rise from the tides and brunch in this Nanette Lepore Marseilles Tunic. A sideways braid is the perfect way to get your salty ocean hair to chill out.

Espadrille meets Wedge in the Charles David Baja Sandal: The shoe that keeps on giving can be worn for more than a block. The perfect pair for an evening of Salsa or a day of shop-shop-shopping!

I am G-L-A-M-O-U-R: In order to have a glamourous vacation, you must channel your inner socialite. Dear heiress, try this watercolour Maggie London Maxi for size.

Pastels will dominate: I never had Teen Vogue growing up. Just Vogue. Aging myself.

Dearies, in every attempt to be The Love Collage in real life, I like to give how I live, which means bohogi or bust!  Socials are my favourite way to meet readers and share some of my personal interests. 

A very FUN charity I am involved with is The Corsage Project - a volunteer-organization that helps graduating highschool women who are unable to afford the expense of Prom by outfitting them from head-to-toe with a prom dress, accessories and shoes.  Since its inception, the founders dreamed of being able to provide scholarships to outstanding individuals who are pursuing post-secondary education.  Every year, we have a huge Boutique Ball and it’s very exciting to be a part of movement of women who are helping their little sisters.  Fairy Godmothers for the next generation!  Girl power.

Every year, when I meet and talk with the volunteers, many are eager to help more because the experience is extremely moving.  I am excited to partner with Nathalie-Roze Fischer to bring you a crafternoon of prom, crafts and witty banter!

Fascinating Fascinators, a “Make & Donate” Workshop
Hostessed by Nathalie-Roze Fischer benefitting The Corsage Project 
Date: Sunday, April 15th, 2012
Time: 1-4pm
Place: Nathalie Roze Fischer
1015 Queen St East  
Toronto, ON
M4M 1K3
 
Follow her on Twitter: @NRandCo and @CorsageProject
Nathalie-Roze and I will be providing the supplies and snacks; participants can bring their favourite sewing needle, glue gun, any sequins, notions they would like to use during this crafternoon.  If anyone is interested in dropping off their donations, this funky boutique in Leslieville will be accepting donations of new purses, pashminas & prom accessories until April 15th, 2012.

There are 2 timeslots:  Group A/1PM  & Group B/2:30PM.  Please email vanessa@corsageproject.ca to sign up for a timeslot as spaces are limited.  Beginners and sewing goddesses welcome – Don’t wait!  Don’t hesitate!

Go big or go home: Kate Middleton likes her feathers young, wild & free like a Wiz Khalifa track.

You're crazy wildcat: In High School Musical 3, my celluloid date to Prom is Zac Efron. And I am obviously played by Vanessa Hudgens. All that dancing and tulle looks like fun. Know of any good Proms worth crashing?

Do you remember being obsessed with the Prom Issue of Seventeen?