Feline Damsels

I don't wish to admit how many times in the past year I've tried to don a cat-eye look for a night out and failed. You can just correctly assume it is a large number. Every time I try, I do one perfectly, and then as I attempt the second, failure crashes all over me in the form of asymmetry. Either one eye's winged tip is too curly, the other is too straight, one is shorter, or they both just look a tad amature.

I know I'm not alone in my love of cat-eyes. I also think I am not alone in my failure at attempting a perfect rendition of one. Without further ado, might I present this dazzling YouTube makeup tutorial, which presents two ways to master the cat-eye effect, while also giving pointers as to how to keep them symmetrical?

This teacher also has an amazing Celtic accent, which I love. I hope she creates a tutorial sometime on how to master the accent as well, but for now I will have to be satisfied with just the winged eyeliner tips.

Damsels Long for Lace

Every time spring rolls around, I find myself yearning for a pretty white lace dress in which to traipse around.

I blame wedding season.

I also blame stores overflowing with options outside of my budget, only serving to make them even more desirable. Like when you're really thirsty and someone holds a glass of ice water right in front of you but won't let you have a sip. Or you put money in the vending machine and accidentally hit Peanut M&Ms, which you didn't even really want, but then they get stuck and then all of a sudden it's terribly important that you get those Peanut M&Ms out of the vending machine, but you have no more change left so you stalk the vending machine the rest of the day to see if anyone buys something to get your Peanut M&Ms out, but then when you check back your Peanut M&Ms are GONE.

What I'm saying is, this is serious.

(Clockwise: Diane von Furstenberg via Shopbop; SAM&LAVI via Revolve Clothing; Patterson J. Kincaid via Shopbop; Aqua via Bloomingdale's)

Just look at them all—so delicate and sweet, but sexy in a see-through, lingerie-reminiscent way. In other news, I recently launched a new charity: Megans Without Pretty White Lace Dresses.

I told you Damsels this was serious. Cash donations accepted.

Slouchy Damsels

Megan and I fawned over an alarming amount of merchandise today, which just served to make us depressed about our financial situations. But, it also served to creatively fuel this post, so, you win some...you lose some.

We are LOVING slouchy sweaters. They are the perfect piece for spring and summer. Switching from a day at the beach to an evening dinner? Throw a slouchy sweater over your outfit! Want to feel hardcore with leather leggings, but don't know if you can pull off edge from head-to-toe (or as Tyra says, "H to T")? Throw a slouchy sweater with those leather pants and you will be edgy, with a softer vibe.

They aren't as heavy as sweatshirts or jackets, so they won't weigh you down, but you won't freeze when it gets a little breezier at night.

Via nastygal.com

So, what am I saying? I'm saying get to a store and buy yourself a slouchy sweater, for goodness sake! If not for yourself, do it for Megan and I. We can live vicariously through your purchases and feel that much better about our situation (or just insanely jealous).

Damsels Hem Along

Is it a maxi skirt? Is it a mini skirt? No, damsels—it's my latest obsession. It's a midi skirt.

Via Lulus.com

Meet the drop hem. The dip hem. The hi low hem. At first, I too looked at this gorgeous evolution of fashion as some weird hybrid to be mocked. I deemed it a mullet for clothes, and walked on. But like colored pants and sheer cut-outs before it, the drop hem wiggled it's way into the depths of my mind. It's a backwards-awesome-mullet of fashion, all business in the back and party in the front. It's flattering. It looks easy breezy. You can dress it up with a blazer at the office, or just throw on a casual tee for your weekend strolls at the farmers market because yeah, all of a sudden you're the kind of person who strolls at farmers markets.

So now I say ALL OF THE DROP HEMS!

 Via DorothyPerkins.com

 

 Via TopShop.com

Via ASOS.com

Nah, but seriously y'all, this is pretty cute.

Minty Fresh Damsels

I've been enamored with mint lately. Mint everything—mint flavored tea in the morning, mint colored jeans, mint painted rooms, mint bags, mint shirts, mint dresses, mint shoes, mint socks, mint nail polish, mint accessories and...well, actual mints. Mint is refreshing, soothing and pretty. It's bright without being overly neon or too twee and pastel. Plus it looks great on most everyone.

So when I saw Nicole Richie out and about in this awesome mint green sweater, I obviously wanted it immediately.

Via Fabsugar.com

It's so cute. It's also so $545. I became bereft, and was left with no choice but to go on a mint online shopping rampage, which ended in me buying nothing, wanting everything, but being too scared to use my credit card after a fluke fraud debacle earlier today (true story). 

But because Spring is the perfect season for this color pallet cleanser, and because I am a selfless and loving Damsel, here are some of my most covetable, minty fresh finds.

Hudson Jeans via RevolveClothing.com

BCBGeneration Clutch via Zappos.com

Via JCrew.com

Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple via Nordstrom.com

You're welcome, world.

Hugh Damsel

Ever since I saw a pair of adorable faux-snakeskin, bright pink smoking slipper flats at Target, I've been obsessed. Yes, they're a little man-ish. Yes, they look like what Drag Queen Hugh Hefner might wear (aside: I totally want to meet Drag Queen Hugh Hefner, I bet that bitch has crazy game).

Via Target.com

But I love them.

They have an androgynous edge that sets them apart from ballet flats, and I dig it. The only problem is these are really uncomfortable. No offense, Target. You have some awesome shoes, I'm just sayin' these just do not satisfy the "slipper" requirement of "smoking slippers."

And I was all, "Aw man, I really want an awesome pair of smoking slippers, but they have to be as cute as those Target ones." Well, hello Sam Edelman!

Via Zappos.com

How badass are these?? It's like what Lisbeth Salander would wear if she wanted to don a velvet robe while puffing on a Cuban. Or Katniss Everdeen would wear these and kick President Snow IN THE FACE UNEXPECTEDLY BECAUSE YEAH, THESE ARE BADASS SMOKING SLIPPERS is what I'm saying.

Oh, and they also come in a rose gold color.

Via SoleStruck.com

And as if you needed more reason to get on this trend with me, Olivia Palermo is totally rocking it, too. Just submit now, Damsels. The Cubans are on me.

Floral Slackin' Damsels

Oh, Olivia.

Via FabSugar.com

My love for you and your flaxen hair has been well-documented. Like here. And here. You're chic and lovably cold. So maybe that's why I'm so confused. I thought I hated floral pants. They reminded me of 70-year-old women, Florida and garden parties. Maybe some shuffle board thrown in there, too.

But then you step out at London Fashion Week rocking them, and now I just don't know. Why don't I hate this? Is it you? Is it the mix of prints? The bright yellow shirt? Maybe I'm yearning for early retirement? I just don't know, but I like this. I might...love this.

What's wrong with me??

A Free Spendin' Damsel

Ok, I'm sorry, but I truly love this:

Via FreePeople.com

Yes, it's a little wacky and looks like a collar met a statement necklace and they got married and had this. But I love it. It's shiny and unexpected, plus right on-trend with all of the fancy collars I've been seeing on shirts lately.

But (luckily?) the price of $498 keeps me from impulse-buying. Which makes me wonder, would I be a crazy celebrity dresser? Because I feel if I suddenly had piles of money and I could buy whatever I wanted, I would start dressing a little nutty. Kaftan dress for $1,000? Why not! Large peacock headdress? Yes, please! Even larger furry hunting hat paired with a lace nightgown and high-waisted hot pants?

Via FabSugar.com

Sign me up.

A Bicycle Built for Damsels

I subscribe to the fantasy of having my future home look like Anthropologie. I admit this freely, and to anyone who asks/is near me when I'm shopping at Anthropologie. I realize a hundred billion other girls feel this way, but I don't care. It's mildly kitschy, extremely cute and fantastically colorful. Sue me.

So every once in a while, instead of drooling over the clothes or the accessories, I allow myself to click over to the "House & Home" tab on the homepage and browse furniture and other knick knacks. Partly to wile away my time, partly to gasp at exorbitant prices. But wholly to covet.

That is, until I stumbled into the "Hobbies & Leisure" section.

Via Anthropologie.com

What in the what? When did Anthropologie start making bicycles and selling them for--wait for it--$798. And that's the cheap one! There's another, even plainer, bicycle that costs $1,998:

Via Anthropologie.com

I'm sorry Anthro, but if you're going to sell me on a bicycle when I'm already a terrible bike rider, it better have rainbow streamers and flying unicorns painted on it, or some such nonsense. You're close with the flowers and the wooden box, but no cigar. I'm severely disappointed--Mama needs her kitsch.

Oh, wait, never mind, Damsels:

Damsels Heart Disney Hipsters

OK, normally, we Damsels would be hipster-haters. But, we stumbled upon this earlier today, and we kind of love it. Mostly because it involves Disney, and what person born in our generation (with a soul) does not adore Disney? Before I go on a Disney rant, I will get to the point. Not only do I wish several of these pieces existed, but also I covet all of their hair. Let me give you a glimpse of what I speak of:

Via thegloss.com

I'm into Cinderella's hairband, and definitely love Pocahontas's fur vest. I already own Ariel's pants and please, a dress like Tiana's is awesome anyway you look at it (dying over that mustard color right now). Don't worry, the rest of the princesses made it too (Jasmine is my favorite in this grouping - get it girl!):

Via thegloss.com

What do you make of these princesses shopping at their local Urban Outfitters? (I know, don't get me started on Anastasia - who doesn't know she wasn't Disney? Outrage!)

It's Chambray or the Highway, Damsels!

I really, really, really, really, really want a chambray top.

 Via Madewell.com

Really.

The idea of a jeans-on-top-look doesn't necessarily appeal to me, though I have been known to enjoy a good denim jacket every once in a while. But jean shirts -- especially jean button down shirts -- were always a little too country and "yee-haw!" for my taste.

Chambray, however, is different. I love how soft the shirts always look, and how well they pair with a patterned skirt or colorful pants. It's like a jean shirt that someone loved A LOT and washed over and over and over again for years until it became a faded, worn-in version of itself. A sun-bleached, pebble-beaten, charming version. And my newest obsession.

P.S. Madewell -- I'm diggin' the ombre.

Damsels Wu-ed by Target

Welp, procrastination has saved me once again, Damsels. There I was last night, all set to write a post about the few preview pieces for the Jason Wu for Target collection. I had the photos, I was perusing them, but I felt unexcited. This is not a reflection of Jason Wu's collection, mind you. It was more from every fashion website and their mother covering the sample pictures. Cute dresses, structured bags, "I'll be shopping these steals for sure," blah, blah, blah. I just couldn't muster the gag reflex to write it, so I closed my computer and went to bed.

But today I awoke to all 53 pieces in their unveiled glory, and to say it reinvigorated my enthusiasm is an understatement! Everything feels so nautical and French. I'm giddy from all the bows, belts and collars, not to mention the seasonal whimsy of stripes.

Yet my favorite item, the one I will be rushing to the store to get, is one I expect to be fully judged for coveting. Behold, number one on my wishlist: the cat scarf.

Via Fabsugar.com

Don't hate it because it's awesome. Hate it because you're not.

You may think I'm joking, but those who know me well shall be both ashamed and deliciously delighted with this future purchase of mine.

Not enough Wu for you? See my other two favorite pieces after the JUMP!

Damsels Pine for Spring

Despite what the interwebs may be telling you, it is not May outside. After we all counted 2011 away and officially shut the book on the holiday season, bloggers, stores and fashion mags jumped crazy-first into Spring-frenzy-mode. "Trends for Spring!" and "Resort 2012" titles are all smacking me over the head with visions of pastels and cute dresses, blatantly ignoring that half the country is still covered in snow.

And as if this weren't enough, it turns out I'm also a masochist for warmer weather and decided to have a mini Southern movie marathon by watching both The Help and The Ya-Ya Sisterhood. This left me feeling two things: 1.) I wanted to watch The Blind Side for the bazillionth time, and maybe have a Sandra Bullock marathon because 1a.) She's AWESOME, and 1b.) She's almost 50 years old which sincerely makes me want to go run upstairs and put on anti-aging cream while I run on the treadmill while watching The Blind Side, but then in a fit of self-hatred throw away all my white skinny jeans because she just looks SO GOOD IN THEM and how's a girl to compete, anyway?

Ahem. And 2.) I really, really, really want a '50s sleeveless, button down spring dress with collar and skinny belt that I can wear while saying things like, "Oh, let me run and throw on my cardigan before we hit the Shake Shack!"

À la this Mcginn Printed Shirtdress at Nordstrom:

Via Nordstrom.com

I sincerely hope this style takes off and Forever21 starts making these because I definitely can't afford the hefty $345 price tag. Damn you, Eugenia Skeeter Phelan!

Damsels Don't Mesh Around

Let's cut to the chase: sometimes girls like to be a little skanky. Before you say, "I know where this post is going. Who skanked it up this week?" Let me inform you that this is not a diss post. It is a bliss post.

Bliss because, yeah, I'm owning up to having a certain part of me that likes to cause a splash. Who doesn't want a little extra attention now and then? This is where mesh comes into play. Mesh allows us to do things that may otherwise be considered skanky: large cut-outs and low necklines, for example. But, it also adds depth to an otherwise unremarkable bodycon dress.

Is your dress too short? No worries. Mesh gave you sleeves, so it all balances out. Is your stomach showing? Who cares, it is kind of covered with mesh! Is that neckline dabbling with showing just a little too much cleave? Nah, mesh has you covered there too! Isn't mesh great? It's like a best friend who has your back, no matter what.

So what am I saying? I'm saying let's give mesh a high-five. For giving those of us who just want to make the occasional scandalous foray into the world of nightlife something to hold on to.

Via nastygal.com

Judge me if you want, but you know you like this dress.

Damsels Love the Holidays

Rachel and I want to wish you all a very merry holiday season, as well as a happy new year! We'll be back in 2012 to bring you all the latest on what we love and hate, but until then a huge thank you and internet hug to all of our favorite damsels.

Fashionably and faithfully yours,
Rachel and Megan

P.S. Michael Bublé loves you, too!

Damsels Play Hunger Games

So, here's a shocking confession: I haven't read The Hunger Games yet. Partly because I am busy, but partly because the book covers look like Ayn Rand covers, and I just don't feel like going that deep into philosophy and Objectivism at this time in my life. Before this year, and the Entertainment Weekly covers (thank you man-sel Liam Hemsworth for your hotness and Miley-devotion), hunger games to me were merely the tests of will I encountered with various salty snacks. My everyday battles with chips and doughnuts are far less epic, I've been told, than the novels themselves. So, I am willing to give it a chance. I got the first book on Amazon, and I will read it soon (I will let you know my thoughts, but not before I read my newest romance novel - priorities). I have chosen to give in and finally read this book mostly for the following reasons:

1) The female protagonist's name is Katniss, and that is just plain cool. It sounds a tad like catnip, but it is spelled with a K, so you know she's in league with the Kardashians. Any friend of Bruce Jenner's is a friend of mine. (Hey Katniss, can you get me in with Khloe and Lam-Lam? Their lives are awesome.)

2) I feel a moral obligation to read most books before I see their screen-versions (The one exception? Twilight. But I do love Twilight, and I know I will read it soon, even though Harry Potter is way better and nothing could possibly compare. JK Rowling,  you are a genius - among other things).

3) But, two things specifically happened today to irrevocably change my mind about not reading The Hunger Games:

     a) Miley Cyrus showed up with Liam at an event to which she wore this hairstyle, described as a Katniss braid. I love this braid, and I can get by any story character who's hair is this cool. She looks super cute, despite a plunging neckline.

Via gofugyourself.com

     b) Design sketches of Katniss' fire dress were released by Christian Siriano, Rachel Roy and Charlotte Ronson (I wish I had a fire dress, whatever it may be, because it sounds legit.) Katniss' fire dress is described in the book (allegedly) as a close-fitting black jump suit, with an orange, yellow and red cape and boots that lace up to her knees. See the first photo below, the Charlotte Ronson version (which, I have to admit, is pretty bad-ass and awesome. I wish I was a super hero, or had some other reason to run around the city looking like this.):

Via style.mtv.com

Christian Siriano (his sketch pictured below on the left) took a similar approach to Ronson. And here is where I swoon. Rachel Roy's version is to-die-for. I have no reason to wear something like this, and neither, I'm sure, does Katniss, if she is galavanting in a forest, battling for her life for her whole community to see. But this is completely awesome. This interpretation of her fire dress makes me weak in the knees. The boots! Did you see the boots? LOVE. This is why I will surely be reading The Hunger Games very, very soon. Katniss, her awesome name, her affiliation with the Kardashians, and this awesome version of her fire dress better be ready to impress. I judge harshly.

Via style.mtv.com

No really, did you see the boots?

Damsels Marry the Night

Before reading this post, it is easiest if you watch Lady Gaga's latest music video, Marry the Night. Be patient, it is literally 13-some minutes long, with only the last 3-ish minutes containing the actual song. Here's the link.

Lady Gaga's latest foray into editorial-feature-film-music-videos is her track, Marry the Night. Watching said video left me with a chronic expression of confusion on my face. It's so deep, so meaningful, so—wait, why is she eating Cheerios like that and dancing in front of flaming streets? Why is she in a psych ward/hospital? What hospital would allow these conditions? What does this plot line have to actually do with the song and its meaning? Does the song have meaning?

Regardless of Gaga's wakadoo narrative arcs, I paid particular attention to her footwear during the film/video. We've been trained to search for her crazy fashion tendencies ever since her first video, Just Dance. From her lightning facial decals to her McQueen armadillo shoes in Bad Romance, we can expect her to be on the cutting edge, towing the line between fashion genius and insanity.

In Marry the Night, she sports no-heel heels, or as some are calling them, pony shoes (because of their resemblance to hooves - literally). I can't decide if this is a ridiculous avant garde trend that no one normal will wear, or if it actually is kind of cute.

Gaga sports this sparkly silver pair while thrashing around in a bathtub (for no obvious reason, other than it seems to be a compulsory theme in most of her vids).

Via Celebuzz.com

The shoes in the vid could be Jeffrey Campbell's Night Walk shoes in silver, pictured below. Am I crazy? I actually find these kind of cute! I have no idea how one is supposed to actually walk in them, but they are girly, not too horse-y, and kind of sexy? I have trouble walking in regular heels (refer to my graduation stage anecdote), so I have no idea how to successfully accomplish stepping in these contraptions, but I am thinking maybe it is easier. Just walk on the tips of your toes all day, and you'll be fine.

Via shoewawa.com

Then, there is the ballerina scene (relevance to the plot of the psych ward goes unexplained), in which she wears an extreme ballet version of these shoes, pictured below.

Via undefinedgrace.tumblr.com

Okay, the ballet point shoes are ludicrous. Am I crazy to go along with Gaga? These shoes are extreme and ridiculous, but I still think they are cute! What do you think?

Damsels Love Duffles

It's hardly a secret around here that I like two-tone bags. It's even less of a secret that I enjoy tote bags -- the bigger the purse, the better. How does one go about town without a small suitcase to carry out the day-to-day necessities of life?

The extreme of this obsession takes it's form in the luxe duffle bag, or weekender. Being that it's time for me to upgrade from my Nike soccer duffle bag (from high school), I've been looking around for the best way to class up my luggage needs.

Here are a few options I find enjoyable.

1. The Duluth Pack Large Sportsman Duffle in Burgundy. I'm loving burgundy right now. It could be the holidays or the fact that it is winter, but I can't get enough of the richer, creamier reds. This two-tone action plays up the burgundy with brown leather accents, which also make the bag sturdier. The leather accents add a touch of class to the otherwise canvas bag, but allow those of us with post-grad budgets to not break the bank with an all leather bag.

Via duluthpack.com

2. This Pendleton bag from Urban Outfitters takes the original duffle and gives it some pizazz. The Navajo-inspired print makes it cultured, unique and unexpected, while the leather allows for structure and strength. A perfect match for a more daring duffler. 

Via urbanoutfitters,com

3. Ah, there's nothing quite like genuine leather. Dependable, trustworthy, sturdy and strong, a leather duffle bag could be worth its salt (whatever that means). Who mentioned post-grad budgets? This Damsel could be in denial about those. This example of duffle hails from Pottery Barn, and reminds us that duffles are perfect for the holidays -- with so many packing needs, why not get a duffle that will get you though the close-quartered family time in your future?

Via potterybarn.com

Well, there you have it, Damsels. My obsession with duffles is out there for anyone to see. What do you think? Are weekender bags worth the dough, or would you rather stick with your high school gym bag?

Damsels Love Cyber Monday

I woke up to 18 new emails this morning, all from stores seducing me to their sites with promises of percents off and free shipping. It was a smorgasborg of deals that left me feeling as excited, nay, even more excited than Black Friday. See, on Black Friday you have to stand behind hoards of crabby shoppers suffering from sleep deprivation and low blood sugar (guilty). But Cyber Monday? Oh, Damsels. Cyber Monday rocks my socks.

My favorite website today so far has been Rachel Roy, who's had 40% off RRR purchases, 20% off RR purchases and free shipping on all of it. Including jewelry! And sale items!

Like this awesome elephant ring that I may or may not have purchased immediately upon first sight.

Sometimes, you just know. What impulse buys have you been making today?

Damsels Eat Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving, Damsels! Here at Damsel Headquarters, we're thankful for friends, family, health, happiness and stuffing. Oh, and all the fashionable wears we'll be shopping for tomorrow!

The trend I'm most thankful for today? Brightly colored peacoats.

Via ASOS.com

What better way to stay warm? And this one is even Kelly green! Tell us what trend you're thankful for in the comments, and have a happy (and wonderfull)Turkey Day!