The Top Beauty Trends from New York, Milan, London, and Paris Fashion Weeks

Despite COVID-19, fashion did not leave the building, well, not exactly. However, after many virtual shows, we’re so excited for in-person fashion and the beauty looks that go with them.  Talented artists and stylists welcomed back fashionistas from all over by crafting clean, glowing complexions, as well as adding lot of charm and a touch of playfulness this season.  From classic red lips to sculptural braids, it was clear that designers, stylists and artists wanted to enhance the models’ natural beauty with a little pop.

Fashion Reverie has rounded up some of the top beauty trends from fashion weeks in New York to Paris.  Let these spring 2022 collections inspire you to have a little fun with your look too.

Christian Siriano spring 2022 images courtesy of nylon.com

Snaking Braids

Christian Siriano’s whimsical braids added a touch of fun to the runway. Jawaraw for Dyson pulled the hair back with tiny braids snaking from the hairline to the crown of the head and into a larger braid.  These larger braids were styled with colored ribbons woven into the hair and wires to complement the structure in Siriano’s spring 2022 collection in New York.

If you’re not quite daring enough to weave some wire and give your braid a unique standout shape, try recreating the gorgeous smaller braids on top and putting the rest of your hair into a low sleek bun for an edgy, elegant style that’s sure to wow!

Loewe image courtesy of vogue.com

A Touch of Pink

Paris shows in particular had everyone thinking pink.  This gorgeous hue adds a touch of cotton candy whimsy to hair, a bold look to eyes, and a sweetness on lips and cheeks. 

Weinsanto tickled the runways pink with neon braided heart crowns designed by hairstylist Kevin Jacotot and touches of pink around the eyes, on the lips and cheeks, by makeup artist Dyna Dagger.  One of our favorite pink looks from the show was a black to pink ombre lip look, a nod to ombre beauty trends from a few seasons ago.

Loewe also had us enamored by pink with models in bowl cut wigs in different shades from crimson and cobalt, but it’s the pink shade that caught our attention.  Hairstylist Guido Palau teamed up with colorists in Milan to create the look.  The pink tinted wig was paired with light pink lips for a pale bubble gum touch.  Even if you’re not looking to sport the same hairdo, if you’re looking to make a change, a soft pink adds a little romance to your style.

Monse spring 2022 images courtesy of Filippo Fior

Strong Brows

The runways at Monse’s NYFW Resort collection featured models with gorgeous skin, graphic eyeliner and very strong brows.  Charlie Riddle, Global Beauty Director of the Stila cosmetic brand, created the beauty look to play up the collection full of colorful knits and handkerchief hems.

 Season after season eyebrows are taking center stage and we’re not complaining one bit!

Alice + Olivia images courtesy of zoereport.com

Barrettes on Barrettes

As always, Alice + Olivia added a little extra charm and a dose of glamour with half a dozen pearl and crystal barrettes in slicked back ‘dos with middle parts.  After a year and a half of dressing for ZOOM calls, these accessories are just what we needed for fast, yet super luxurious style. 

If you’re layering barrettes at home, follow this runway trend by mixing and matching different shapes, sizes and textures for added interest.  You can’t go wrong with crystals, rhinestones or pearls either for a little elegance.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Graylock for Jason Wu Beauty

Classic Red Lips

Jason Wu’s signature red lip was created by Diane Kendal for Jason Wu Beauty to add a pop to the radiant look and effortlessly gorgeous skin.  Kendal recommends starting with a lip mask to keep the lips hydrated.  She used Wu’s Everyday Lip Mask formulated with natural vitamin E, squalane, sunflower seed and jojoba seed oil for smooth, supple pouts.  Kendal then swiped on Wu’s Honey Fluff, a whipped matte lip cream in the shade Hot Apple for those look-at-me lips.

Michael Kors also played up a scarlet lip for spring 2022.  After all, a red lip has always been the easiest way to instantly add a touch of drama to a look, and this season at NYFW, red looked as fresh and youthful as ever paired with gorgeous clean skin and minimal eye makeup.

Saint Laurent images courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

While in Paris, Saint Laurent’s show featured bold red lips and not much else.  With many models’ eyes hidden behind large dark sunglasses, those ruby pouts took center stage.

Sun-Kissed Complexions

M.A.C artist Allie Smith recreated glowing tan complexions for Collina Strada, illuminating the high points of the ears and hands with touches of glitter and color.   The look worked well with Collina Strada’s garden show, but the look also a great way to look like you just came back from a tropical vacation … even if you haven’t made it further than your kitchen this year.

While the look at the show was reminiscent of a fairy garden, a beautiful, bronzed glow is always in fashion … you can skip highlighting the tops of your ears to look a little less mystical if that’s not the look you’re going for.

 Dennis Basso spring 2022 images courtesy of fashionmaniac.com

Double Winged and Smoky Eyes

Whether it was dark, sultry, smoky eyes in New York at Dennis Basso or Dior’s double wings in Paris, bold eyes are clearly in for summer 2022. 

To get the double winged look at Dior, makeup artist Peter Philips created two mini flicks on both the models upper and lower lash lines.

Halpern spring 2022 images courtesy of vogue.com

In London, Halpern sent models with black and white cat eyes down the runway.  This dramatic winged look was thanks to artist Daniel Sallstrom and featured a white wing encased by two black ones on either side extending from the inner eye to the corner of the outer eye.

If you’re feeling a bit less precise, try a smoky eye.  This popular look has come back around (not that it was every truly gone!) and was featured on multiple runways from Altuzzara to Dennis Basso.  If you haven’t mastered the smoky look, now is the time to learn!

Laquan Smith spring 2022 images courtesy of crfashionbook.com

A Touch of Glitter & ‘90s Glam

This bold beauty trend is no surprise as searches for glitter makeup in particular have increased over 400% since February 2020.  It’s clear that fun with makeup, particularly bold and shimmery makeup, is on the rise.

Late ‘90s and Y2K beauty has certainly come back!  From tiny braids and hair charms to lip gloss and lots of glitter!  Blumarine graced Milan fashion week with extra shiny, glossy lips, body glitter and hair glitter.  While no one embraced the trend as much as the Bluemarine models, Marni also styled glitter ‘dos in shades of blue into mohawks for hair that stood on end, but still didn’t take away from the fashion!

Glitter lids were in shades of black, crimson or sapphire were also found in New York at Laquan Smith.  Makeup artists Jasmin Winnie Stephen and Sheika Daley crafted glitzy cat eyes for a little drama.

Alice + Olivia images courtesy of nailpro.com

Diamond Dripping Manicures

If you love a little bling on your manicure, you’re not alone.  Alice + Olivia showcased dazzling nails with “diamonds” (ok, they might have been rhinestones) going all the way down the nail and hanging off the tip.  Alicia Torello created these accent nails to accompany a few other embellished digits. 

If you’re looking to recreate the look, start by polishing the nails in OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx or Alpine Snow then add on the embellishments, in this case when it comes to a fun manicure, more is more!

No matter what you have planned the rest of the year and into next spring, these runway looks will allow you to quickly and easily change up your look.  So, throw on a few hair clips, swipe some red lipstick and brush those brows and get ready to wow. 

Fashion Week trends have never been this easy to recreate and still make such an impact!

—Janine Silver

Wednesday Sample Sale: Week of September 27, 2021

Our Wednesday Sample Sales is back after a month’s hiatus. Fashion Reverie seeks to keep its loyal readers informed of great samples sales. Just remember, product disappears quickly, so it is important to get there early.

Due to the COVID-19 health pandemic, Fashion Reverie recommends that shoppers avoid crowds, it is best to attend sales that have 10 and under 10 shoppers at a time on site. And if possible, shop online for incredible sample sales and discount.

BRAND: Saks Friends & Family Sample Sale

WHEN: 09/29–10/04

WHY: 25% off new arrivals at the Saks Friends & Family Sale. Shop a selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories. 20% off Jewelry. Designer exclusions apply.

WHERE: Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 5th Avenue and online at saksfifthavenue.com

Image courtesy of morganelefay.com

 

BRAND: Morgane La Fay Sample Sale

WHEN: 09/30–10/06; Daily (11am–7pm)

WHY: Women’s clothing at a discount

WHERE: 150 Greene Street

Image courtesy of wwd.com

BRAND: Helmut Lang Family & Friends Sample Sale

WHEN: 09/30–10/12

WHY: Take 25% off women’s and men’s collections

WHERE: 821 Washington Street and online at helmutlang.com

Image courtesy of samplesalesnyc.com

BRAND: Prive Sample Sale

WHEN: 10/02–10/03; Saturday (noon–6pm), Sunday (noon–5pm)

WHY: Women’s, men’s, and kids apparel and accessories from a host of contemporary brands at a discount

WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue

 

—Staff

Beauty at Jason Wu: Easy Breezy Makeup for Everyday

JASON WU Spring 2022 Collection during New York Fashion Week held at 511 West 21st Street in New York City, Friday, September 10, 2021. Photo by Jennifer Graylock-Graylock.com

When it comes to an easy beauty routine, it’s all about the right products.  Jason Wu’s line of clean beauty crayons, pencils and more are perfectly creamy and gorgeously pigmented. 

Everyday beauty has been slowly changing.  Thanks to virtual work and ZOOM interactions (hello beauty filter), many people have opted to simplify their makeup routine.  Now as some offices are welcoming staffers back, and more people are going out and socializing again, many people are sticking to a condensed makeup routine.  Not only does a 5-minute routine save you precious snoozing time in the morning, but by not applying a full face of makeup, you let the real you shine through, even more.  Now that’s something to celebrate!

 

Hot Fluff & Honey Fluff

Jason Wu Beauty’s Hot Fluff, a matte lipstick, is light as air and made from a vegan formula so it’s completely animal friendly.  This highly pigmented lipstick allows you to transform your look with just a quick swipe.  Not a lipstick person? Check out Honey Fluff, a light matte lip cream.  Jason Wu featured a signature red lip at his September New York Fashion Week Show using Honey Fluff in Hot Apple (currently available on pre-order).  Either product is amazing as it can be applied to your lips, eyelids or checks for an instant polished look.  It’s the ideal lipstick (or lip cream) to keep in your purse or next to your computer for a quick virtual meeting touch-up.  A 3-in-1 product is always a major time saver and the tiny tube can easily be tucked away in even the smallest of purses. 

Jewel Sticks

Looking for another product you can apply in seconds to look put together?  Jason Wu’s Jewel Stick is a creamy and luxurious eyeshadow stick for fast beauty.  Just like the Hot Fluff, these crayons are highly pigmented with an insane amount of gorgeous shimmer. In fact, not one but four different shades of Jewel Sticks were seen on Jason Wu’s runway featured in the pale purple and dazzling green shadow look lead artist Diane Kendal created for the show.

To recreate the runway looks at home, follow Kendal’s lead.  For the gorgeous green eyes, apply Jewel Sticks in shades Green Pearl and Solid White to the crease of your eyes.  For the beautiful purple look, Kendal mixed the shades Purple Pearl, Solid White, and Pink Pearl from the crease extending to the temple.  Both looks had an 8-hour cream gloss on top for a little something extra!

Want something that looks amazing from day to night? We recommend the Sunset Pearl, a highly pigmented metallic copper hue that reflects the light beautifully.  Just drag the eyeshadow stick across your eyelids for a dose of instant glamour at the workplace or brunch, and it will look just as fantastic for cocktails later. 

Images courtesy of Jason Wu

Magic Matte Oil

As with any beauty line, there is always one product that really gets everyone excited.  With Jason Wu’s collection, our team of editors could not wait to try the Magic Matte Oil.   According to the package, “this magical oil transforms your face from oily to matte instantly.” Not only does this product do exactly what it claims to, but it also goes on powder soft.  If you’ve ever applied all your makeup and stepped out in the humidity, then you know how amazing a product that minimizes the look of oil and sweat is.  This is really the perfect way to keep your face shine-free all day and night long; our new secret weapon.

These three products will have you feeling confident and ready to take on your day in no time! Wear them alone for a super-fast, easy-breezy look or with your other favorite—either way, you really can’t go wrong.

Be sure to check out Jason Wu Beauty’s full line including a vegan liquid eyeliner, neutral shadows perfect for any complexion, liners and more available at www.JasonWuBeauty.com.

—Janine Silver

Editors’ Pick: New Cozy-Meets-Cute Rompers for Fall from Smash + Tess

With cooler temperatures drawing near, consumers may be excited to pull out their warm and comfy clothes and put away their summer dresses. And if you are still working from home, as most of us still are, comfort is key. Look no further than Smash + Tess. The new ‘cozy-meets-cute’ rompers guarantee that you are stylish while still being comfortable.

All products from Smash + Tess are designed in Vancouver, Canada and produced within North America. The company was started by a mother and daughter (Teresa and Ashley Freeborn) and the daughter’s best friends. Together they have created a clothing line that contains comfortable and stylish pieces that can be worn during any season and at almost jointure of your day. At Smash + Tess it is important that they make ethically produced clothing for everybody, so that people of all sizes feel celebrated while wearing their clothes. Smash + Tess have also collaborated with many causes that resonate with them including WHO COVID-19 Global Response Fund, NAACP, and Alliance of Moms.

The new fall 2021 pieces from Smash + Tess revolve around a classic fall color palette that involves jewel tones. The Monday romper should be your go-to when battling a case of Mondays. In the color ultramarine, this style is sure to be a go-to when braving your least favorite day of week. The Friday romper, that is now available in bold burgundy, is the perfect foundation when adding on layers to brave the cooler temperatures. It is your decision whether those layers include a cozy cardigan and fluffy socks, or boots and a beautiful coat.

Images courtesy of Nine Point Agency

Now available in midnight black and winter cream, the Aria romper with its V-neck, short sleeves, and cute cuffed legs is a great piece for easing in to fall when the season is temperate. The last piece of the release, the Romperalls, are featured in a French terry fabric in blue tartan plaid. These Romperalls take inspiration from the 90’s which is a trend that is sure to be popular this fall.

Any romper from Smash + Tess is guaranteed to make the transition to autumn easy and comfortable. With a variety to choose from, you are sure to find a style that works for you. The new fall collection is now available to shop on the Smash + Tess website.

—Phoebe Howard

Ladies’ Fall 2021 Fragrances

Image courtesy of makeup.com

How far have we’ve come in a year!  In the fall of 2020 everyone was so sad, we had no COVID -19 vaccine, it was getting too cold to eat outside, and practically every movie that was supposed to come out was postponed. According to manufacturers, everyone was so apathetic about our personal grooming that some folks had stopped purchasing soap and deodorant. Yuck!!

But this is fall 2021! Movie theaters are open, Broadway is coming back, and we can safely gather for communal meals indoors again! So, you’d better smell good if you want to still be around people and be welcome.

Maybe brands were holding back releasing new fragrances because of the health pandemic because now there are so many new perfumes for fall 2021! Usually, brands do their big releases in spring, but let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth. These are the scents Fashion Reverie is excited about and you will be, too.

Image courtesy of allure.com

Nomad – Bond No 9

Bond No 9 has come out with a new fragrance to celebrate yet another New York neighborhood called Nomad. If you are scratching your head that means “North of Madison Square Park” or as the locals call it, Chelsea. The scent will contain base notes of oud, sandalwood and vanilla with gentle fruity top notes. It screams “autumn in New York.” A limited-edition, Moroccan blue bottle encrusted with 74 Swarovski crystals will be available for a short period and retailing at $440 for 100 ML. It’s definitely the most indulgent perfume on this list, but it will make your vanity look so good.

Image courtesy of Ulta Beauty

Perfect Intense – Marc Jacobs

Florals for spring are hardly groundbreaking—as noted by Miranda Priestly in the” Devil Wears Prada”—but florals for autumn are not typical. But since when has Marc Jacobs ever done anything “typical”? The scent described as ‘warm amber floral” was created by celebrated perfumer Domitille Michalon Bertier with top notes of narcissus and night blooming jasmine, the middle note is almond, and its base note is sandalwood. Some say wearing it is like strolling through an autumn forest.

Image courtesy of Aerin

Cedar Violet Eau de Parfum – Aerin

Another warm floral fragrance, this one has key notes of violet leaf, cedarwood, and amber.  Perfumer Aerin said the perfume was inspired by his own walks though sun-dappled forests in the Adirondack mountains of Virginia, saying the gold hued fragrance was “the perfect sense of escape from city life.”

Image courtesy of Floral Street

Sunflower Pop by Floral Street

Not quite ready to let go of bright sunshiny days? Check out this new offering from Neon Street. Sunflower Pop is floral, fruity gourmand that is fresh, citrusy, vegan, cruelty-free, and unisex. You’ll be transported to the sunny fields of Amsterdam with the delicate aromas of mandarin orange, passionfruit, and plum blossom with a musky base of honey and amber.

Image courtesy of Valentino Beauty

Voce Viva Intensa – Valentino

This intense fragrance is a fresh blend of florals with a vanilla base and bergamot mandarin married with complex woody notes to create a scent for strong women everywhere. It’s not surprising that none other than Lady Gaga herself is the brand ambassador. (Gaga is ironically starring in a film about Gucci this fall.)  Tremendous care went into the design of the bottle which is a sleek glass block with V shaped notches designed to capture light and create a collar for the bottle giving a modern edgy elegance, topped off with Valentino’s signature deep burgundy red.

Image courtesy of birdie.com

Fenty Eau de Parfum

It would be impossible to put Rihanna in a box, but could you perhaps put her in a bottle? Fenty now has its own fragrance named what else? Fenty!  Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, the master perfumer for Louis Vuitton, worked directly with Rihanna to create the scent (largely over Zoom due to the pandemic). The woodsy floral is an enchanting sexy mix of magnolia, musk, tangerine, and blueberry with hints of Bulgarian rose absolute, geranium and patchouli. The sensual scent is perfect for fall. Selling out almost instantly the day of its release, it’s available again. Grab yours before they are all gone again.

Images courtesy of harpersbazaar.com

Scent from Above – Dolly Parton

Looking for something that doesn’t have quite the hefty price tag as the designer scents listed above. Look no further than Dolly Parton’s debut fragrance, Scent from Above. If Parton seems a bit late to the party in the world of celebrity scents, it was well worth the wait. The musky floral, which combines notes of mandarin, peony blossoms, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, and patchouli, retails for $59 for a 1 oz bottle and is available exclusively from HSN.com. Parton was inspired to create the perfume by fans who would tell her she smelled amazing. She explained it was due to a mixture of oils and lotions Parton used as part of her daily grooming routine. Parton even wrote a song to promote the new offering. Word of warning, if you decide to download the tune, the catchy earworm will be stuck in your head for days.  

Image courtesy of dossier.com

Woody Chestnut – Dossier

During the 80’s due to explosion of high-end fragrances, a company was formed called Designer Imposters that offered recreations of famous scents like Giorgio of Beverly Hills or Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door and had taglines like “If you like Dior’s Poison, you’ll love our Potion!” Sold at chain drug stores for $10 a bottle they smelled like …. well like perfume you purchased at a drugstore for $10.

Dossier was a company founded on the same general principle as Designer Imposters (amazingly still in business) but with a radically different business approach. Dossier recreates famous designer scents but uses high quality oils and essences that are ethically sustainably, sourced to create high quality ingredients. Additionally, their vegan and eco-friendly fragrances are 100% non-toxic and cruelty-free, containing no parabens or phthalates. And if that wasn’t enough, their packaging comes from post-consumer recycled cardboard.   Dossier recognizes that 90% of a perfume markup comes from advertising and promotional costs such as hiring Lady Gaga to be your spokesperson, so their offerings retails between $29 and $49 dollars for the high-quality long-lasting scents as they rely largely on word of mouth to advertise.

Fashion Reverie recommends Woody Chestnut, a recreation of Maison Magela’s, By the Fireplace. It is the perfect scent for snuggling in front of a roaring fire with your honey when crisp autumn winds begin to blow. With subtle notes of pink pepper and cloves swirled in smoky chestnut, you won’t be able to tell the difference, but your wallet will. 

—Cameron Grey Rose

Editors’ Beauty Pick: Rinna Beauty’s Newest Icon Lip Kit Sasha

Sasha is the newest of the Icon Lip Kit personalities from Rinna Beauty, which was established in 2020 by Lisa Rinna. Rinna is recognized as being a bold personality on reality television and for her lip enhancement. Because of her celebrity status, Lisa Rinna has created products that accentuate natural beauty as well as bring out inner beauty. Sasha, with its burgundy tone, is sure to complement any skin tone and anyone who is wearing it is sure to get attention.

Sasha is the newest personality of the Icon Lip Kits. She is joining her sister lip kits Heidi, Kiki, and Pinky. Each lip kit is sure to bring out a different side of your personality. Lisa Rinna says, “Sasha dares you to call her out on her actions, and she doesn’t need your approval.” In Rinna’s words Sasha “is unbound by convention and willing to risk it all, which is why she is a standout among our Lip Icon Kits.”

The Sasha Lip Kit includes a lip liner, gloss, and lipstick. Each part of the lip kit is bold enough on their own, but when used together the combination is sure to stop anyone in their tracks. The “After Party Lip Liner” is the base of this combination, which is a rich chocolate burgundy in color, and sets the other two parts of the kit up for success. The “Dirty Talk Lipstick,” which is the second product in the lip kit is described as having a shiny grape wine color and hints of chocolate undertones. The last product of this unstoppable trio is the “Shake It Lip Gloss” which comes in a seductive wine color with rose undertones.

Images courtesy of 360bespoke.com

Sasha fits in perfectly amidst the colors of the changing leaves that comes with autumn. The lipsticks creamy texture, the boldness and stability of the liner, and shine and durability of the gloss all together create the perfect sexy, shiny fall lip that is sure to turn heads. The Sasha Lip Kit is available on the Rinna Beauty website. Now is the time to purchase, just as the leaves are starting to change color.

—Phoebe Howard

Pre-fall 2021 Trend Shopping Guide

Image courtesy of runwaymagazine.com

Though it doesn’t feel like it, summer is almost over. As seasons change, so does our wardrobe. But not everyone is ready to change over their closets for the autumn weather. Luckily for us, there are the pre-fall collections—the bridge collections that help us gently transition from summer to fall. The pre-fall collections usually give us a sneak peak of what designers and retailers have in mind for the colder months, but these collections also give consumers a jump on the upcoming fall trends.

So, to prepare you for your seasonal style makeover, Fashion Reverie has put together our seven favorite fashion trends from the pre-fall collections. These tips will give you a head start on your friends, and these items will serve you well into the spring.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Rainbow Sweaters

This year has been a doozy, and we can all use a pick me up. Brighten up your day with a little rainbow of fun. We know outfits can help elevate our moods, so why not give yourself an extra boost with multi-colored rays of sun. You can opt for just a little shine with this sweater from Boden, or you can go full out with an all-over color explosion by The Elder Statesman.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Dark Florals

In “The Devil Wears Prada,” Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly famously says “Florals … for spring. Groundbreaking.” But who knew that florals for fall could actually be so exciting? But we’re not talking about bright, beaming florals. No, we’re talking about dark florals that are just as vivid and vibrant as their radiant counterparts. A clear standout are these silk floral pants by Escada and equally surprising is the gray Dries Van Noten trench with pink roses.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Pink

Speaking of pink, it seems to be the color of the season. Interestingly, about a century ago, pink was associated with boys and blue was associated with girls. In the 1920’s that changed as people started to buy more pink clothes for little girls. Now, pink isn’t just for little girls, anymore. Women are seemingly replacing some of their vibrant reds with dainty pinks to express their demure side. Don’t get it twisted, these pinks may be toned down, but they can be just as sexy as red and as impactful as blue. You’re guaranteed to get a few double takes when you walk by in this body-hugging Chiari Boni dress or this dazzling Naeem Khan top.

Images courtesy of their respective brands

Cutout Details

It’s not just the color of your outfit that gets attention, but the subtle details also make someone take a second glance. Cutout details lead the eye to where you want people to focus. Maybe you want to show off your sexy belly button, like with this Burberry tee. Maybe your back is your strong feature, and you want everyone to know it in this Alice + Olivia dress. Or maybe you want to play a little skin peekaboo with this Gabriela Hearst jacket. With cutouts, you can choose whether to show a little, or show a lot. You can even layer them over other items (including a bodysuit) if you just like the illusion, but don’t want to show your skin.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Midi Dresses

Not everyone wants to show skin. Miniskirts isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and some women don’t want to wear a maxi dress. The midi dress is a wonderful compromise. The hem of the dress comes down to your calves, the dress still accentuates your shape, and you’re comfortably covered up as much as you want to be. Some midi dresses cover your legs and let you highlight other parts of your body, like this dress from Farm Rio. Others cover you from neck to knee, and let their beautiful design speak for you, like this Teri Jon by Rickies Freeman dress.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Eye-catching Leggings

What if you want your legs to be the star of the show? You’ve been putting in extra work in your spin classes, and you want to celebrate your efforts. Forego the skirts and dresses, and put your yams and gams (butt and legs) on display. You’ve earned it! We’re not saying walk around in your gym tights. No. In all things, be stylish. So turn heads with leggings that make a statement. Tell people you’re haute without saying a word by sporting these logo’d leggings by Balmain. Turn your outfit up a notch in these latex stirrup leggings by Wolford; they are slick and sexy, and make Sandy from “Grease” look like an amateur.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Soft Leather

Leather is for lovers, and you’ll fall in lust with these soft leather items for the fall. Save your thick moto-style jackets for November. Until then, style and profile in soft leather tops and bottoms. The Gestuz shorts feel great on your skin, as does the cropped top by St. John. Whether you opt of real leather or vegan leather, you will looks and feel amazing. And as sure as winter is coming, this aesthetic will aid your style transition into the new year.

—Carl Ayers

Editors’ Pick: Fall 2021 Back to School and Back to the Office Essentials

Slowly, but surely, the world seems like we’re getting to some semblance of a new normal. Yes, we are still in a pandemic (we’re up to 13 COVID-19 variants across the globe). But schools and businesses are beginning to retract from learning and working from home, and bringing people back to campuses and offices. That means a lot of us have to ditch the everyday shorts, sweats, and tees we’ve worn for the past year, readjust to having a daily commute, and prepare ourselves for the daily grind of in-person interaction. But as we always preach here at Fashion Reverie, whatever you do and where ever you go, do it with style. So with that in mind, we’ve assembled an assortment of essential items to help you reacclimate to the outside world.

Conscious consumerism is a leading sustainability trend and everyone should be helping preserve planet Earth. Whether it’s by reducing waste or by upcycling already made materials, we all have to do our part. One brand that is leading the charge is Nike. Nike’s “Move to Zero” campaign is their “journey toward zero carbon and zero waste to help protect the future of sport.” The brand has released a number of their classic silhouettes reimagined with at least 20 percent recycled content by weight, including recycled cork and recycled poly-canvas, and designed with natural plant dye. Now you can walk across campus or the office while being style conscious and eco-friendly.

As we start heading back to the office and college campuses, we have to adjust getting back into the groove of things. No more two-minute treks from the bedroom to the living room to start our day. Now, we must be alert and face a considerable commute early in the morning. Some of us are coffee people. Some of us need an extra pick me up. The hand-operated (no batteries needed) Nanopresso portable espresso maker will provide you that extra jolt on the go. Simply add one serving of ground coffee or a Nespresso capsule into the container, add hot water, pressurize the container by pumping several times, then enjoy your brown nectar of the gods!

It seems almost everyone is now focusing on their facial skincare. Maybe it’s in response to developing “maskne” during the pandemic, but there is certainly an uptick in new facial products and regimens. But what is new to some has been a long-time practice for others. Sure, you can purchase expensive cremes and serums from companies that have just popped up out of the blue. Or you can turn to brands that are tried and true, like Amway. Yes, that right, Amway.

There’s a reason Amway is a multi-billion-dollar company, annually. They provide quality products that people need and want at an affordable price. Their Artistry Skin Nutrition line is a range of beauty and skincare products that rival the latest celebrity-hyped brands. From cleansers and toners to masks and moisturizers, Amway’s Artistry line provides customers with quality products at cost-conscious prices.

Sometimes, you want your style to be subtle. Other times, you want to noticeably stand out from the crowd. Enter Sprayground, the apparel and accessories brand that’s been giving us the best of both worlds for over a decade.

Sprayground is globally renowned for its flashy and colorful backpacks and duffle bags. But the company also provides more toned-down but equally eye-catching carryalls that work for a more reserved lifestyle. On top of that, they offer an array of shirts, shorts, jackets, accessories. This fun brand isn’t just for the young, but for the young at heart. With an ever-changing assortment of options, you’ll always be able to find a new purchase to add to your collection.

Too often, our schedules get the best of us. We get so bogged down in our work that we often forget to take a break and refuel, and don’t realize anything is wrong until we’re hungry! Honey Stinger has an array of products that combine honey, carbohydrates, proteins, and electrolytes to help you prepare for, perform, and recover from physical activities. Honey Stinger products are a go-to energy source for athletes, and their waffles are also great as a snack to get through the mid-afternoon slump. Keep a few in your desk, briefcase or gym bag, and you’ll always have fuel on hand to battle the day.

Every stylish person wants to know who the great up and coming designers are. Well Daily Paper is the next big thing! Daily Paper is an Amsterdam-based fashion and lifestyle brand, which began as a blog, is fueled by the rich heritage of African culture wrapped in contemporary designs. Daily Paper is one of the fastest growing fashion brands out of Europe. They create two collections a year, focusing on both men and womenswear, in which they offer timeless designs across accessories, ready to wear and a range of capsules across the season.

As vaccination rates increase, mask wearing is starting to decrease. That means more people are face to face once more, barrier free, able to be assaulted by … bad breath. NO ONE likes bad breath—it’s a crime against humanity. Make sure you don’t assault people in close proximity by using TheraBreath oral rinse. Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by a number of reasons, and these 24-hour mouthwashes are 100% guaranteed to relieve symptoms of bad breath or you get your money back! TheraBreath even created different formulas to promote healthy gums, whiten teeth, attend to dry mouth, and fight cavities. Safe enough for kids, yet strong enough for adults, TheraBreath oral rinses are the no-nonsense fog mouth fighters that everyone needs.

All images are courtesy of their respective brands

Not everyone is ready to forego their masks just yet. With the onslaught of the COVID-19 Delta variant, even those who are vaccinated don’t want to take any chances. So, if you still plan to wear a mask until we’re given the all clear, you should do it in style, of course. During the Tokyo Olympics, we saw Team USA donning the Nike Venturer performance face mask. Designed for use during athletic activity, it has a built in nose cushion and chin insert to keep it in place, and it is constructed for optimal breathability. Now you can own a small piece of Team USA paraphernalia, show your support for our Olympians and Paralympians, and keep yourself and others safe all at the same time.

—Carl Ayers

Beauty Pick: HAOMA’s Earth Collection

Boy, it’s really hot!! No matter where you live in the US and some locales outside the US, temperatures are soaring. And all the heat and humidity  can take a toll on your skin. The last thing you want in these last lazy days of summer is beat up lackluster skin.

Fashion Reverie to the rescue!! HAOMA has become one of the beauty industry’s newest go-to CBD beauty brands. HAOMA launched Cannabidiol Collection in 2019, the beauty industry’s only five step skincare system that utilizes the anti-inflammatory powers of CBD.  

Now, HAOMA has launched its Earth Collection, skincare for the whole body. The Earth Collection features the detoxifying, toning, and fortifying powers of various clays and other minerals. The collection includes four body care staples: Earth Deodorant, Earth Soap, Earth Mask, and Earth Scrub.

As with all our beauty picks, Fashion Reverie extensively samples what we present to our viewers. Although we love all the products in HAOMA’s Earth Collection, the Earth Scrub and Earth Deodorant are our favorites.

The Earth Scrub

This exfoliating face and body scrub has been formulated with French green clay and chlorella to purify and nourish with a wide array of nutrients and minerals to encourage new cell growth. Mineral silica offers the perfect texture for a gentle at-home microdermabrasion treatment, while Blue Tansy Oil calms inflammation and redness and offers a soothing aromatherapy experience. Orange peel is uplifting and antibacterial to prevent breakouts without stripping skin of its natural oils for a fresh look and even complexion. Vitamin C enhances collagen production and rejuvenation.

Earth Deodorant

The deodorant formula is 100% plant[1]derived and free of petroleums and aluminum. Diatomaceous Earth neutralizes odor and absorbs moisture with the added bonus of drawing out toxins and heavy metals from the body. Tangerine, grapefruit, Siberian Fir, and cypress are all anti-bacterial aromatics. Anti-inflammatory Frankincense brings a sacred energy to the mix along with Witch Hazel, a gentle natural astringent.

Don’t let the steamy, intense temperatures of the lazy days of summer leave your skin looking listless and uninspired. Let HAOMA’s Earth Collection brighten your skin and brighten your mood. It may be close to the end of summer, but it doesn’t mean the party is over. Celebrate your skin with HAOMA’s Earth Collection.

William S. Gooch

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