Standing Out from Our Peers and Standing on the Pier

Taylor, who recently returned from NYC with a suitcase full of new goodies, is showing off her spunky side in Urban Outfitters jacket, sweater and shorts. The boots and jacket give an edgy feel, while the fun pattern of the sweater and the cute high-waisted shorts add a fun, springy attitude. Tamar went in a different direction with a nautical, 1940s-esque look. Stripes and neutrals are two big spring trends and, fortunately enough, the easiest to find! Balancing patterns is easy when they are monochromatic. And to break up the neutrals, add a splash of color, like Tamar did with her cherry lipstick.

Our 12 Best Beauty Buys

Cosmetics are a vital part of a truly great outfit. They can add flair or femininity, sophistication or sultriness. Whatever it does, makeup gives an opportunity for fun and experimentation. Today we want to show and tell you about our favorite cosmetics that we can't live without. Hopefully our long-sustained trial-and-error process will make your search for your perfect cosmetics a little easier.

Taylor's Choices

(from left to right)

1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on eye pencil (Lust and Covet) - $18
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette - $38
3. Maybelline One by One Mascara - $7.99
4. Urban Decay De Slick Oil Control Setting Spray - $29
5. Maybelline Mineral Power foundation - $7
6. Physician's Formula Glow-boosting Blush - $11.95

Taylor: The Urban Decay eye-pencils are really vibrant, smudge-proof, and they really last all day. I love Urban Decay's eyeshadow palette because it has all the shadows I need for a neutral, smokey, or funky eye. The Maybelline One by One mascara has a plastic brush which is great for preventing clumping and it gives my lashes great volume. I can't live without my Urban Decay De Slick as it keep my face shine-free all day long with the help of Maybelline's Mineral Power, a light powder foundation. Lastly, the Glow-boosting blush has a really nice sheer tint that gives me a pretty glow.

Tamar's Choices

(from left to right)

1. Covergirl Exact Eyelights Mascara (Hazel) - $8.49
2. Almay Intense i-color liquid eyeliner - $7.49
3. Covergirl Natureluxe (Peony and Marble) - $5.99
4. Chapstick - $1.99
5. Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (Pink Chic) - $5.99
6. Givenchy "Ange ou Démon: le secret" Perfume - $53

Tamar: The Covergirl mascara is absolutely amazing! It is specialized for every eye-color (hazel has gold-flecks in it to highlight green and gold) and goes on smoothly and clump-free thanks to the rubber brush. The Almay eyeliner follows the same concept (it is specialized by eye-color) but really stands out from others because of it's great color and easy to use applicator. I originally bought the "marble" color Covergirl gloss balm and loved it so much I had to get "peony" as well. It adds just enough tint to make your lips pop, but goes on like a nice lip-balm. Rule #1 in Tamar's book of life rules: never ever ever ever ever leave home without Chapstick. The "Pink Chic" color from Rimmel London is perfect for spring, bright and fun, and wears nicely. Finally, I completely love Givenchy's "Ange ou Démon" perfume, with it's light citrus scent that lingers without being cloying.

Fun, Fun, Fun in the Afternoon Sun

Spring is on its way! But, like aliens and sugar-free snacks that don't taste like cardboard, it's not here yet. It can be kind of awkward finding an outfit that hits a balance between light and warm. Taylor finds this mix by pairing an airy, floral dress with a light cardigan and her first pair of real boots! *Tamar wipes a proud tear from her eye* Tamar gets the same effect by wearing light cotton pieces and fierce open-toed boots with flowery, feminine tights. If you're craving a spring outfit, but are afraid to brave possible chills, try this: Find a focus piece that makes you happy (like a floral dress). Then form your outfit around that, using accent pieces like cardigans, tights, scarves, hats or knee-high socks that will add spunk and warmth to your outfit. You'll be cute, comfortable, and ready for any weather that comes your way!

A Domestic Interlude

Hey there, followers! It's Tamar here from your favorite fashion duo! Today is a solo post about one of my beloved pastimes: baking delicious treats. I like making sweet things for my friends and family to show them that, though things get crazy sometimes, I love them and appreciate them. This recipe for chocolate cupcakes will say all that in just one bite. Seriously, these cupcakes are true to their name of "Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling" from the magazine Cooks Illustrated. The cake is a perfect combo of texture and flavor, while the creamy filling is bursting with dark chocolate and coffee. The icing is just, well, icing on the cake. Mix in a little love and Bon Appétit!

To find the original recipe: http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/login.asp?docid=23637
If you do not have a subscription go here: http://www.wor710.com/Cook-s--Illustrated--Ultimate-Chocolate-Cupcake-wi/6801521

Photo-shoot, February 2011

We've been working on this project for a long time and we are ready to present our FIRST PHOTO-SHOOT! We shot these at some abandoned train tracks where the light was beautiful and the scenery was diverse. We wanted this photo-shoot to celebrate the coming spring, so in it you will see some spring classics (florals, neutrals and flowy silhouettes) and some new trends for this spring (lace, white, and classic feminine shapes).

A touch of seafoam

a glimpse of a forest nymph

into the woods

practically a covergirl shot

Looking back at your love one last time...

"This is what happiness looks like"

Multitudinous Ties!!!!

So our follower Chris, who is also one of our close friends, has excellent taste in ties and great color-coordination. We know we don't feature many guys on here so we wanna give a shout out to the guys in our follower list (Holla!). We know that fashion is often considered "girly"....WRONG! Guys can have a great eye for color and pairing, as demonstrated by Chris. The colors of his shirts go nicely with his ties without being overpoweringly monochromatic. He is not afraid to experiment with designs like paisley and stripes, and trying daring combinations like his mauve shirt and purple tie. In all, this creates a clean, sharp look that shows his true passion for fashion and awesome style.

A Disingenuous Ingenue

At first glance, Tamar's outfit may seem innocent and sweet, an Eiffel tower necklace around her neck and a sweet beret on her head. But all may not be as it seems. Her modest, 50s style dress is scarlet and she's wearing not a sweet, light sweater but a daring leather jacket. She may be wearing sensible tights, but they are tucked into a pair of buckled boots. However, what brings the outfit together is the synthesis of the accessories. Black and Red always have and always will go beautifully together. It's the details that make this outfit what it is. The silver buckles and the silver necklace tie the bottom and middle together, while the burst of red in the cap brings the middle and top together. This makes the outfit flow instead of making it to busy. The girly-tough look is incredibly popular right now, but not as easy to pull off as it may seem. Balance is essential when creating a girly-tough ensemble. The focus can be primarily girly (like a sweet floral dress with butt-kicking boots and a cool jacket) or mainly tough (like a black leather dress, peep-toe heels with a floral or bow accent and a light, brightly toned coat) or an equal balance of both (like Tamar's look). It may take some thought to plan and a bit of trial-and-error, but anyone can rock a chic look like this.