All eyes on you

I’m not a big make wearer. My face generally greets the world naked as the day it came into the world. I just don’t do it well enough and would rather not embarrass myself. But surprisingly, this non make up addict actually bought a lovely eye shadow pallet of 120 colors on ebay. Do I need 120 colors…yeah-like- no…but I figure if I do want to play around on my face, it’s best to have a good set of colors at my disposal.  

I’ve always admired girls that can really doll up their faces. It’s true that different make up styles can change your outfit. I was thus driven to gawk at some amazing eye makeup works that I found recently.

Springtime celebrations

After much anticipation the official contest page is now up :)
In the trenches is holding its first contest to cheer on the fact that I actually post regularly and have not abandoned it. This has to be the first blog where I haven’t lost any enthusiasm in writing and keeping it up. I also want to cheer my readers. All those lovely people who take the time to read my blurbs--thank you. I honestly wish I could send out a gift to all of you but alas that’s not an option. Besides contests are fun!
The prize pack includes various bath and beauty items.

Visit the contest page to find out more and enter

Mackage Jules Trench Coat in Black

Go ahead and shed a tear, this coat is sold out. I should have known it wouldn't last long after the sale...*sigh* Well available or not it's still a great coat. It's a statement piece for sure with it's A-line asymmetrical hem and wide corsey style belt.

 

I liked the shoe style used the picture and used it as inspiration when looking for my accessories. However, I went with gold instead of black. I figured a stunner of a coat like this needed equally eye popping shoes. The 31/4 lengh sleeves gave me permission to include another one of my favorite accessories...gloves. I chose long black ones and instead of a handbag I went with a gadget. Any girl who is going to out in this coat needs nothing more than her trusty blackberry.

Accessories

BCBGirls Women's Lexs High Heel Dress Sandal,Gold,6 M US

Stella Mccartney perforated gloves

BlackBerry Curve 8320 Phone, Pale Gold (T-Mobile)

May Trench Pic Of The Month

This guy looks like he's on his way to meet an equally well dressed girl for a fun day in the park, or maybe a ride in his small aircraft... I'm just saying right now, I wouldn't mind be cast as said well dressed girlfriend.

I love men in trench coats. They exude sophistication without looking pretentious, and this black one is so sophisticated. He's also well accessorized with his aviator sunglasses and "man bag." Spring has sprung and some are looking damn good. 

Remembering McQueen

Of all the fashion designers that have glazed the glossy pages of fashion magazines and pushed models down  runways donning  their collection, the one that made a real impression on me was Alexander McQueen. While other members of the fashion and style industry were creating clothes, McQueen was creating fantasy.  So when I found out that he had passed away on February 11, 2010 I wondered if all my far out fashion dreams would die too.

I don't remember where I was exactly when I first learned of his existence, but I remember the picture and the feeling it gave me. The vogue magazine was featuring a spread of his gowns courtesy of Oscar night. I remember looking down and thinking, if these are clothes, what the heck have I been wearing all this time! It was the first time where the person behind the clothes mattered to me, and not just because I liked his clothes, I liked the presence the women in them portrayed.

Suddenly "femininity" had a new definition for me. It wasn't all pink bows and cute curls. It was confidence. And lets be honest, you have to be someone of great confidence to pull off some of the outlandish designs Alexander has put out over the years.

Alexander McQueen isn't just picky about the way he makes his clothes, but about who he lets showcase them on the runway. He tends to use models that are proudly gay or proud supporters. He himself was never shy about his sexuality calling himself a "big fat queer" in more than one of his interviews. And has admitted that he makes clothes with his lesbian friends in mind. But it wasn't because these women were gay that McQueen opted for them. They were confident.

They didn't necessarily have the type of beauty pinned on cover girl models, but when watching them walk down the runway their head turning potential surpassed most pretty faces. I wanted to be one of those models. To exude the same power and strength they did. Not because I was in a great designer but because I was doing something most designers don't give their customers permission to do--dress for themselves.  

Now the closest I've gotten to his clothes was being able to model a belt once for a fashion show. And at that time his name didn't mean anything to me. Now of course I'm screaming, "I modeled a McQueen!!!"

 To say Alexander is my only style inspiration is a unfair to everything else that moves me to dress the way I do. But he somehow gets me. For example, I am currently writing a novel series about celestial angels and demons. Something I started last fall. My characters attire is greatly inspired by Byzantine culture. Yesterday, I was browsing to see what the designers were coming out with for fall this year and saw that McQueen has nailed the fashions I imagine in my book. He also got some of his inspiration from Byzantine :)
Talk about a great fashion connection.

I morn the loss of a fashion king, and doubt anyone will truly be able to take over his empire, but in keeping his memory alive I will continue to dream and dress beyond the rack, beyond mainstream acceptance, and even beyond my own preconceived notions.