Spring Beauty Looks

Even though spring is still quite a ways off, you can wear some of the trends seen during the Spring 2013 fashion shows now for winter. New York, London, Milan, and Paris all showed us some makeup and hair that is great to start wearing now and through Spring. We saw smudged eyes, matte and bright lips and ponytails as long as that drop-waist dress that's hiding in your closet. We can't wait to try some of these trends and we're sure you can't either, so why wait?

The Smudged Eye

The heavy smudged eye seen in Paris like the one above at Guy Laroche is easy to wear now for winter as well as in Spring for those nights out. Make sure you use black or a dark grey to line all around your eyes and apply a little more mascara than you usually would to achieve this look.

Low Ponytails
Ponytails come in all different ways but spotted at Alexander Wang was the low, dropped down to the base of your neck. This look is easy to achieve whether you are running late or not because of its level of chicness.

Bold Brows + Bright Lips
Bold eyebrows and loud lips made a huge statement during New York Fashion week and have been trending for a while, which is great for transitioning from winter to spring. Jason Wu made Cara Delevingne's statement brows even more bold and added a bright red lip to polish off the look.

All photos courtesy of Beauty High

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Iconic Woman of Style: Iman

 Since she was discovered in 1975 by Peter Beard on the streets of Nairobi, Africa, Iman has been setting the bar for what a beautiful, powerful woman can achieve during as well as after a career in modeling. 

Her fist appearance in the modeling world was a spread in Vogue in 1976, and there was no stopping her from there. Throughout the 70's and 80's she was a muse for designers such as Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, and Calvin Klein. 

An actress, an activist, author, and fashion and beauty mogul, Iman has truly made an impact on the world for generations to come. She has appeared in movies along side Meryl Streep and Kevin Costner, written two books I am Iman, and The Beauty of Color. Her cosmetics line, Iman Cosmetics has been hugely successful since 1994. Her philanthropy work in creating the "I Am African" with the Keep a Child Alive program is one of her greatest achievements, bringing in support from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She was awarded with the CFDA's Fashion Icon award in 2010 for her profound and lasting influence. 

Also, check out her blog!

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Food for Life: Pan-Fried Goat Cheese

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad 

with Pan-Fried Goat Cheese

This salad brings together a brilliant combination of sweet pomegranate seeds, warm and friend goat cheese, and Brussels sprouts that is perfect for Spring. Not only does it look delicious but it tastes just as good and is perfect for an appetizer or a light lunch or dinner. How can you say no to fried goat cheese? 

YIELD: 4 side servings

 

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

ingredients:

1 pound Brussels Sprouts, ends trimmed and outer leaves removed

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (from 1/2 of a large pomegranate)

For Dressing:1 shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)1 teaspoons dijon mustard2 tablespoons red wine vinegar1 tablespoon honey1/4 cup olive oil

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Goat Cheese:1 (8 ounce) log goat cheese, cold1 large egg1/2 cup all-purpose flour1 cup panko bread crumbs2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, minced1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup olive oil, for frying

directions:

Slice the Brussels sprouts very thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place in a large bowl and set aside.

To prepare the dressing, whisk together shallots, mustard, vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Drizzle in olive oil, whisking vigorously until incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg until frothy. Place the flour in a small, shallow dish. Mix together the panko, parsley, and salt in a another small, shallow dish.

Carefully slice the goat cheese into 8 even discs. Lightly coat each slice in flour, tapping to remove any excess. Dip in egg, followed by breadcrumb mixture, gently rolling until disc is evenly coated.

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan set over medium-high heat. Gently place the goat cheese rounds in the pan and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.

Gently toss the shredded Brussels sprouts with the dressing. Transfer to a serving platter or individual serving plates. Arrange warm goat cheese rounds on top; sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.

Recipe adapted from Heather Christo. Tweet

SAG Style

Last night's 16th annual SAG awards brought out Hollywood's A-list once again, and they definitely didn't disappoint on the red carpet. The highlight for us was of course the lovely Alexis Bledel wearing a House of Lavande Vintage necklace! 

The color trend of the night, which we are also loving was navy; worn by Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen, Jessica Lange in J. Mendel, Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior, and Nicole Kidman in Vivianne Westwood. 

The Oscars are just 26 days away, and we can't wait to see what Hollywood has in store for the big night! 

Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen, Jessica Lange in J. Mendel, Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior,
Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood

Amy Poehler in Zuahir Murad, Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen, Claire Danes in Givenchy

Julienne Morre in Chanel, Kerry Washington in Rodarte, Marian Cotillard in Dior Haute Couture

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Who's Wearing What

Jessica Alba wore our House of Lavande Original Collection Sharks Tooth necklace while out and about in LA

Kerry Washington wore the House of Lavande Original Collection Everglades Sharks Tooth necklace to the Daily Beast Bi-Partisan Inaugural Brunch

Kerry Washington and Rosario Dawson together, both in House of Lavande, at the Daily Beast Bi-Partisan Inaugural Brunch!

Rosario Dawson in House of Lavande Vintage at the Daily Beast Bi-Partisan Inaugural Brunch

Rosario Dawson wore House of Lavande Vintage to the Hip Hop Inaugural Ball II in Washington, D.C. last night!

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Spring 2013 Couture Wrap Up

The 2013 Spring Couture shows have officially come to a close, and they were nothing short of elegant and amazing. The craftsmanship, man hours, and raw talent that go into these collections continues to provide us with inspiration for the coming warmer months. Check out the full collections over at 

style.com

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Get the Look: Lemon Zest

As one of Pantone's Spring 2013 colors and a color that was seen on many runways, yellow is a perfect sunshine tone that is optimistic and playful. Perfect to pair with chambray, this color will be sure to brighten up any outfit.

Get the Look:

Alexander McQueen yellow whipsnake clutch

Chloe leather ballet flats

butter LONDON Cheeky Chops nail polish

Stella McCartney Romilly Crepe top

Diane Von Furstenberg Missy skirt

Valentino double handle bag

Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume 

Jewelry:

House of Lavande

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Iconic Woman Of Style: Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel. One of the most recognized faces in the world of fashion today, she continues to inspire us with her self confidence and imagination. She brings a fun element of fantasy into a world where it is sometimes lacking. Born in Queens in the 1920's, Iris is a celebrated interior designer who over the years has worked at the White House for nine presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan and Clinton. Over the past few years her success has reached new heights with jewelry, makeup, handbag and shoe lines. Eric Boman has captured the true essence of Iris in his book Rare Bird of Fashion; an in depth look into the fabric, designers, and elements of what truly sets Iris apart. We are continually inspired and look toward letting our own originality shine through just a little more, when we think of The lovely Mrs. Apfel. 

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Jewelry Trend: Blue Crush

Lately, we've started to notice a trend in the jewelry world. Everyone who comes to us seems to want one thing: blue jewelry. The many shades of this color make it so that there is something for everyone, whether you enjoy dark navy or light sky blues. These are some of our favorite pieces that are every shade of blue.

All items available for purchase

www.shop.houseoflavande.com

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Who's Wearing What

Mary Elizabeth Winstead wore a House of Lavande Vintage locket to the W Magazine Golden Globes party, held at the Chateau Marmont.

Sally Field wearing House of Lavande Vintage bracelets during the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, where she won best supporting actress for her role in Lincoln!

Jena Malone wearing House of Lavande Vintage to the InStyle Golden Globes party last night.

Connie Britton wore HOL bracelets to the Audi Pre-Golden Globes party in LA

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Get the Look: Emerald City

As the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year, emerald has been described as " Lively. Radiant. Lush... A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and happiness." We've put together some of our favorite emerald items for this year that will sure be necessities in every woman's wardrobe.

Get the Look:

All jewelry at House of Lavande Vintage

Juicy Couture charm wristlet iPad zip case

Bouchra Jarrar A-line summer dress

Mawi for Bruno Magli Koroneia pump

Jil Sander leather tote

Asprey Regent python envelope clutch

NARS vintage shades nail polish in Zulu

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Style Trend: Boho Chic

The etherial, boho chic vibe is a classic look that is easily achievable. Pair a maxi dress with great vintage pieces, wavy locks and a comfortable pair of flats and you have a look that can't miss.  

House of Lavande Vintage ring, necklace, earrings and stacked bracelets

Missoni crochet maxi dress

Ralph Lauren fringe cross body bag

Melpomeni braided sandals

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Food for Life: Croque Madame

Food for life: croque madame

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and sometimes it gets boring eating the same thing every morning.. yogurt, granola bar, toast, eggs. So why not switch it up with this delicious Croque Madame? If you don't think ham sounds good first thing in the morning, switch it up and use fresh sliced tomatoes instead.

ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (I use skim)
• 1 pinch salt and black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 large eggs
• 4 slices of wheat bread
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese

directions

1. Place a small saucepan over medium-low heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and bring to a slow bubble, then drop heat to low.
3. Season the sauce mixture with salt and pepper. Add the nutmeg and Dijon; stir. When the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon, turn the heat off.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. When melted, crack in the eggs, keeping the whites from touching. Cook until desired doneness.
5. Butter the bread with the remaining butter. Spread the Dijon sauce on the inside and build your sandwich, using 2 slices of ham and Swiss cheese on each.
6. Place sandwiches in the skillet, butter-sides down, and cook until golden brown. Transfer to plate.
7. Top each sandwich with a cooked egg and more sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of parsley.
8. Chow down!

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Red Carpet Recap: Golden Globes

The Golden Globe Awards are known for being the most fun, and most relaxed of the season's award shows, and last night was no exception. The red carpet was as entertaining as the show itself, with some major best-dressed moments. Here are a few of our favorites of the night. Not to mention some of the dapper men of the evening, as well! 

Anne Hathaway in Chanel // Lea Michele in Elie Saab // Isla Fisher in Reem Acra // 

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior haute couture // Naomi Watts in Zac Posen // 

Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta // Jennifer Garner in Vivienne Westwood

 Michelle Dockery in Alexander Vauthier // Megan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana // 

Amy Adams in Marchesa // Hayden Panettiere in Roberto Cavalli 

 Tin Fey in L'Wren Scott // Claire Danes in Atelier Versace //  Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney // Sally Field in Alberta Ferretti

Jodie Foster in Giorgio Armani // Taylor Swift in Donna Karen Atelier // Halle Berry in Versace // Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein 

Hugh Jackan in Louis Vuitton // Leonardo DiCaprio in Tom Ford // Bradley Cooper in Tom Ford // Ben Affleck in Gucci

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