September Slump Music

Chris Nicholl's shot of Elsa Hosk from Flare Magazine's Sept issue perfectly captures our melancholy mood. Image c/o fashion gone rogue

Is it just us, or does this week seem like the worst?! The weather can't make up it's mind, the week won't seem to end, and LoDo has been sick for the past few days...hence the silence on the blog front.

If your week is going as poorly as ours seems to be, here are a few songs that we hope will put a smile on your face on this gloomy Friday...

JJ - Still

This song brings us back to highschool in Cali, when Dre's Chronic 2001 had just come out and everyone was bumping it from their cars. Think of this as the updated, ladies' version...

Download it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?5lu5los15osg033

Starfucker - Bury Us Alive 

We love Starfucker's new album, Reptilians, and this is one of our favorite songs from it. Nothing more to say, really. Check it out yourself!

Download it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?uf59q461gc9zpjl

Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds

Something about this song has us sprung...whether it's the female vocals or the beat, we'll never know, but we hope you'll enjoy!

Download it here:

http://www.mediafire.com/?rcs5tznbwjd

Shake Your Bootie!

We're finally willing to admit that Fall is on the way, but still reluctant to let go of Summer. So instead of making a full wardrobe transition, we've been slowly bringing our Fall clothing and accessories out of the closet and working them into our looks. 

One of the Fall wardrobe staples that we never mind wearing, however, are boots! And this time around, we're especially loving ankle booties. Grab a flat, slouchy pair for the day and rock them with a feminine sundress or skirt to give your look a little edge, or grab a high-heeled, open-toe pair for a sophisticated look that can carry you well into the evening. 

Any way you choose to sport them, here are a few ideas to help get your bootie shaking in no time...

We love this look from Mango's Pre-Fall lookbook, pairing low boots with girly separates and a touch of denim to lend an urban cowboy feel...

LoDo wears brown leather ankle booties from Forever 21 with a jean skirt from H&M, a yellow belt from Nordstroms, white button down from Nordies as well, and a vintage pendant necklace

Ankle boots with a high heel and an open toe turn sophisticated when paired with sleek separates, like this Fall look from Elizabeth and James

LoGo pairs Dolce Vita peep-toe ankle boots with a white shirt from Mango, black draped H&M skirt, Target studded belt, and red vintage clutch

Now get the look yourself! We love the soft suede, open-toe booties on the left from Elizabeth and James ($162), and the perfectly distressed leather ankle booties on the right from Mango ($169.90) 

MAXI-mize Your Weekend!

Kate Moss dresses up this maxi dress from Topshop with silver bangles and strappy heels

Can you believe it's already Labor Day?!!

Whether you're taking a quick trip to the country with the girls (like LoDo), or opting for one last beach getaway (like LoGo), we hope you'll be living it up this weekend. Because what else is a 3-day weekend for if not to get together with friends, throw some meat on the grill, drink a few cocktails, and enjoy the last that summer has to offer? 

By now your plans for the holiday are probably set...so it all comes down to one question: what to pack? While the content of your bag largely depends on your weekend itinerary, one item that will never do you wrong is a maxi dress. Maxi dresses are so versatile - you can wear them to beach bbqs, poolside bashes, or even cocktail parties - and they create a long and lean silhouette that is flattering on everyone.

Here's how we'll be wearing them this weekend, as well as a few great maxi dresses that are on sale now, in case you're still searching for the perfect one:

Nothing says holiday weekend quite like stripes! Check out Saks' Splendid Chambray Striped Maxi Dress (on sale for $121)

LoGo goes feminine and floral in a maxi dress from Target, studded pink sandals by Cynthia Vincent, black carryall by Alexander McQueen, and Oakley shades.

 We love the tropical pattern on this ASOS Floral Maxi Dress (on sale for $62.20) 

LoDo makes a splash in a graphic printed dress by Tolani, Gucci glasses, Sam Edelman Gigi sandals, self-made necklaces and a straw fedora bought on the streets of NYC. 

This Leith Open Back Maxi Dress at Nordstrom (on sale for $99.90) is super subtle, but the back detail keeps it sexy

Pucker Up!

Bright red lips lead the way in BCBG's Fall 2011 campaign by David Roemer in this image from fashiongonerogue

Nothing captures the spirit of summer quite like a lethal dose of color incorporated into your wardrobe in the form of a bright handbag, dress or shoe. But the easiest (and often cheapest) way to add a dash of color to your look is with lipstick. 

Finding the best color for yourself is all about experimentation, so it's important to be willing to try out anything. If you hate a certain shade, wipe it off and start again - and don't be afraid to be bold! Even though our hair & skin tones couldn't be more different, we both tend to gravitate towards bright red, pink, and orange lipsticks. But really, any burst of color will do!

Check out our experiments with bright lips, our favorite lip colors, and more inspiring images below to get you thinking out of the makeup box...

 LoDo (L) tries out a reddish-orange shade while LoGo (R) opts for more of a fire-engine red.

Some of our favorite red lip colors(from left to right):

Estee Lauder's Pure Color Lipstick in Red Velvet ($24) is a classic red that stays put and won't smear

Lancome's Coloring Stick with Brush in Rougelle ($19.89) is easy to apply and helps keep color in place

Laura Mercier's Gel Lipcolor in Hibiscus Bloom ($22) is a more modern, traffic-stopping red

Isabeli Fontana's lips sizzle in this shoot by Terry Richardson for Mango's Fall 2011 collection

We love this shot of Marilyn Monroe sporting an orange-hued lip color instead of her usual red

We were big fans of Alexis Bledel and Emma Stone's hot pink lips on the red carpet

 Get your own coral, orange and pink lip fixes with these bad boys (from left to right):

MAC Lipmix in Crimson ($14.50) has a great, creamy texture and intense staying power

Urban Decay's Super Saturated High-Gloss Lip Color in Punch Drunk ($19) is a great orange shade that's so easy to apply

MAC Lipstick in Pink Nouveau ($14.50) is one of the best, bright pink shades out there, and often sells out in-store

Brilliant Blouses!

A lot has happened since you last heard from us. But after a few quick jaunts to LA and San Francisco, 2 weddings, a handful of road trips and countless days at the beach, we're back...and just in time for a few more summer-themed posts! Personally, we still start sweating every time we look at what lies ahead in fall fashion, so don't be surprised if we try to keep the spirit of summer alive for as long as possible.

One of the things we most look forward to this time of year are the epic clothing sales that occur as stores start making room for fall merchandise. While it's never a bad idea to stock up on sandals and swimsuits, one of our favorite sale items to watch out for are blouses. Whether they come in bright colors, crisp whites, or pretty patterns, blouses make perfect transition pieces from summer to fall, and will keep your wardrobe shining long after Labor Day weekend. Here's how we like to wear them, mixed in with a few of the best deals we've found:

 LoDo pairs a thrifted, lime green blouse with a bright, silk skirt by Lush and suede wedges from Banana Republic.

Soft blouses in neutral shades are a wardrobe staple any time of year. We're digging The Addison Story's silk blouse at Saks, on sale for $55.99

xLoGo wears a coral blouse by Matthew Williamson for Impulse, black Zara shorts, Dolce Vita snakeskin platform sandals, and an H&M color-block purse.

Tank blouses are perfect in summer heat, but double as great layering pieces for fall. Check out this Sleeveless blouse with Lace Detail at ASOS, which is a steal for only $17.24

We love the subtle print and loose cut of this Japanese Floral Smock Shirt by ASOS, on sale for $24.13

Two Girls, Two Bottles of Wine, One Photobooth App

After a lovely dinner of lemon chicken piccatta and white wine we started playing with the Pocketbooth photobooth app on LoDo's iphone and well...let's just say it snow-balled a little.

But we think it's safe to say we discovered what might be our favorite app for the summer! Check out all the fun settings below, then hurry up and download it for yourself. It's definitely the most fun you can have for $0.99...

 

The 1975 filter on a black border is our fave! 

 

Here's the antique filter on black and white borders. 

 

The black and white lens on both black and white borders ain't too shabby. 

 

And last but not least, here's the sepia filter on white borders. 

We also experimented with turning the lens horizontally, which reminded us of a film strip and enabled us to make a quick film for your viewing pleasure....

A Pig's Life

Now get out there and have some fun for yourself!

Double Bag It!

Shannan Click sporting two summer sacs in Juicy Couture's Fall 2011 lookbook (image from Fashiongonerogue)

It's no secret a girl can't live without her bag, and during the long days of summer, there's nothing more important than filling it with items that will keep you prepared in any circumstance. Need some help deciding what to carry? Here is a glimpse of what we'll be hauling around this summer...

Whether you're packing for a day at the beach or just another day in the city, stock your favorite tote, purse or handbag with a few of these summer essentials and you'll be prepared for (almost) everything!

 

LoDo sports a navy blue tote by Carpisa. This is the perfect bag for summer, big enough for a laptop and all of your beach essentials. Check out what's inside: 

Retro poka dot Bathing Suit by Calzedonia 

A Multi Color silk scarf can brighten any summer outfit, LoDo's fave is this vintage one. 

Black patten leather sandals by Sam Edelman: You can dress these up or down and they always look great.

The classic blue RayBans sunglasses, always timeless.

The perfect summer lotion by Philosophy: White Petals and Bergamot Body Lotion

 and the best after sun lotion (hard to find on the main land) MauiBabe After Sun. 

While at the beach spray Fekkai Beach Waves to keep those perfect salt water curls 

and protect your lips with Chapsticks Sun Care. 

After hitting the beach all day, keep your tan glowing by sporting a bright lip, like MAC Sheen Supreme in Full Speed and to keep your skin clear and healthy try Neutrogena's Skin clearing Liquid Makeup, super light for those hot summer days. 

LoDo always has her Kindle for reading on the train or rooftop and is usually wearing her favorite vintage bamboo bangles.

For her bag of choice, LoGo picked this satchel from Carpisa in Italy, as the pale pink shade goes with nearly every color in her wardrobe. Her essentials include:

X-Mini Speakers (around $22): Hands down, these are the BEST portable speakers out there. Stick one of these in your bag and you can have your own soundtrack at the beach, the park, rooftop bars, etc. Don't let the small size fool you...these speakers can bump!

Audio-Technica Onto Headphones ($49.99): These little guys come in nearly every color, and the seamless headband is lightweight and won't get tangled in your hair.

Covergirl Outlast Lip Stain in Wild Berry Wink ($8.69): Finally, a touch of lipcolor that won't smear off!

Sephora Bamboo Charcoal Blotting Papers ($8): Use these to sop away sweat on those humid summer days...

Neutrogena Skin Clearing Mineral Powder ($10.63): This lightweight powder bans shiny skin, while also treating it.

Comme des Garcons Leather Pouch: Perfect for storing makeup, or toss your camera, phone and valuables in it 

to make them easier to find in your bag.

Victoria's Secret Bandeau Top ($24) & Side-Ruched Low-Rise Bottoms ($16): Because you never

know when you'll need a swimsuit!

Essie Nailpolish in Big Spender ($8): This color screams summer...

Listerine Pocket Mist (2 for $5.49): Fresh breath is just a spray away.

Kerastase After-Sun Shampoo ($36): After a day in the sun, this will help moisturize your tresses, and it's 

especially great for color-treated hair.

Napoleon Perdis 15th Anniversary Lip Set (a gift): So many fun colors to choose from, in such a compact set!

Beat This!

LSquared loves the summer...maybe it's because we hail from the SUNSHINE state or maybe because we just can't get enough of the rooftop parties, free concerts, and outdoor festivals that New York has to offer during this season of all seasons. 

Regardless, here are a few more songs to help you get the party started! So get your dancing shoes shined and your party pants pressed...

Deadmaus - Raise Your Weapon (Madeon Remix)

We love this Deadmau5 remix by Madeon. Totally gets the party started...a great tune for when you are getting ready for a night out!

Kelis - 4th of July

Oddly enough, we first heard this song on July 4th...and couldn't get enough! This kept us moving all through the night. 

Have any other summer song suggestions? We love discovering new music...so please leave a comment with your picks!

White Out!

With the passing of July 4th weekend, summer is officially here! Now's the time to let loose and bust out those standout pieces in your wardrobe that you've been waiting to wear all year. For us, nothing beats the classic look of white in the summer. Chic, clean and eye-catching, an all-white ensemble can be preppy, modern or eclectic...it's all in the styling.

Some of our favorite ways to wear white are pairing a little white dress (we especially love eyelet lace) with accessories made of natural fiber, like a straw bag or hat. This look is versatile and laid-back for the day; slap on some bright lipstick, and it can easily carry you into the evening.

Another favorite way to wear white is to mix in neutral colors like beige and brown for a subtle, monochromatic look. Add in a touch of metal or a few thrifted accessories for an urban-safari feel. Here are a few more ways we'll be wearing white this summer, along with some of our own white-washed inspirations:

 No one does whites + neutrals quite like Chloe, as you'll see in their most recent Spring 2011 collection. We love this look in particular for its clean lines and edgy feel.

 

LoGo in her own version of whites + neutrals, wearing a white Mango shirt, off-white Zara silk shorts, Dolce Vita for Target shoes and a thrifted straw hat & vintage chain belt.

Thakoon's Spring/Summer 2011 line was full of fun, flirty white dresses, like this ruched tube dress. We're also really digging the shoes, sunnies and bag.

LoDo takes on the LWD in an eyelet dress from Delias, shoes by Aldo, a vintage woven bag, and her latest obsession, a Michal Kors white and gold watch, paired with a yellow leather wrap bracelet bought on her recent trip to Italy.

Christie Turlington, sporting a white button-up shirt and maxi skirt set against a lush, tropical backdrop, proves that an all-white ensemble can work in any environment. Image by Ellen von Unwerth for Madame le Figaro magazine, from fashiongonerogue.

Get Stuffed!

One of the best things about living in New York is THE FOOD! Which makes it almost impossible to narrow down which restaurants we want to highlight as our favorites...

Instead, we've compiled a list of some of the best dishes (at $10 and under) that we've eaten in the past week. From steamy dumplings (always a favorite), to the best sandwiches available 24/7, to overstuffed tacos, we hope you'll get a chance to try these plates at least once in your lifetime. Until then, maybe you can just salivate over our photos.

M Shanghai in Williamsburg is one of our favorite places to go, period. The Steamed Juicy Pork Buns pictured here are only $5.00 for an order of 6, and come with a tangy, gingery sauce that the waiters mix up for you at the table.

There must be crack in these Spicy Wontons, also from M Shanghai, because we find ourselves craving them all the time. They come drenched in a rich peanut sauce, and at only $6.00 for 6 pieces, it's not rare for us to get two orders each.

Coming from Los Angeles, it is hard to find good, cheap Mexican food in Manhattan, but we've always been a litle obsessed with La Esquina. We especially love hitting up the cafe during the day, when the place is a bit more low-key and you can opt to sit at one of the outdoor tables if the weather is right. The Bistec Tacos pictured above are stuffed with perfectly-seasoned meat that's grilled to perfection, and at $10.00 for two, fit nicely into our budget.

For everyone living in the East Village or Lower East Side, there should be one eatery on your speed-dial: Sunny & Annie's. This unassuming deli on Ave B and 6th Street has come to be one of our favorite sandwich makers in New York. With a never-ending list of incredibly creative sandwiches, all under $10, you can't really go wrong. Try the Bush, pictured here, which is stuffed with Teriyaki chicken, avocado, mozzarella cheese, jalapenos, red onions, seaweed and ranch dressing. Or go for the Pho Real, hand-crafted to resemble a bowl of Pho noodle soup, complete with roast beef, onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, hoisin and sriracha sauce.

Like what you see? Don't worry, we have plenty more food and restaurant recommendations to come...so don't fill up!

Belmont Recap!

Well, we've finally recovered from our experience at Belmont, and finally found a free moment of time to do a post in-between LoDo getting sick this past week and our never-ending workload. 

That said, you know you've had way too much fun somewhere when you check out your camera the next day and half of the images are blurry, while the other half you thought you took don't even exist. Ah, the memories! Here's a quick recap of what we wore to another amazing day at the races...

LoDo sporting her Mango strapless dress (with the bow tied around a re-furbished DIY Belmont hat), a vintage pearl necklace, and blue Ray Ban shades.

LoGo with her dapper date. On her: ASOS striped dress, canvas American Eagle for Payless wedges, and a blue fringe Monoprix bag. On him: Topman checkered shirt,  Zara blazer, thrifted bow tie and beige seersucker shorts, & Sperry for J Crew topsiders.

Our friends Rose (l) and Micol (r) sporting their own Belmont-y dresses by Zara and ASOS, respectively.

Can't wait until next year!

Summer Blaze

Being from California, our happiness throughout the day is often directly proportionate to the amount of sunlight that we're exposed to. Unfortunately in New York--even on the hottest summer day--the weather does not always create the ideal environment for these conditions. 

So how do we deal? Well, we're still trying to work it out to be honest, but this summer we'll be experimenting in new ways by adding a little burst of sunshine to our lives in the form of bright, blazing hues. We'll be feeling anything but drab in these firey frocks & accessories that we've hand-picked based on their ability to put a smile on our faces. Check out the product details for yourself below...and let's blaze!

1. Pink Zara tulip dress - $99.00

2. 'All Fired Up' Sally Hansen nail polish - $7.99

3. Orange Zara tunic dress - $168.00

4. Feathery Zara necklace - $29.00

5. Succulent Mango sunnies - $19.90

6. Tangerine Stila lip gloss - $22.00

7. Splashy yellow Fry handbag - $336.00

8. Coral Forever 21 ring - $4.80

9. Punchy Mango t-shirt - $49.90

10. Tangy ASOS cropped pants - $64.63

11. Red Franco Sarto Gadget heels - $59.50

Shove these in your playlist...

Loving the Mad-hatter styling in this shoot from Jalouse magazine's July 2011 issue that we stumbled upon from Fashion Gone Rogue

Not going to lie...we're finding it harder than ever to find time to keep up with our posts this week, as we're helping design the in-store art for a huge event taking place next week at Macy's in NYC (more on that later)...

But that doesn't mean we're going to leave you in the dark! So here are two songs to help push you through a busy work week, and maybe fill up that summer playlist a little bit more. We know we'll need em.


Matt & Kim - Block After Block

Calvin Harris - I'm Not Alone (Deadmau5 Remix)