mohawk.

Everyone has their own rules to abide by when it comes to personal style.

I wholeheartedly agree with having a few, classic great pieces that I've invested in to be the staples of a wardrobe. After that, most of my clothing is eclectic, inexpensive or off the cuff finds from everywhere from Costco to vintage stores. 

My one unbreakable rule? When in doubt, invest in a good haircut. 

Think about it. You wear your hair every single day. Yes, we want to throw it back in a ponytail most days, but with a little effort and time, you can be wearing a potato sack with a great hairstyle and look chic. 

Now, let's turn this on its head - I also have a think for mohawks. 

Nothing wild, but definitely a good faux-hawk on most ladies is glamourous way to mix up your look for a dressy occasion. Example: check out Julianna Hough's coiffure at the Golden Globes below. 

When I was in my second year of university, my hair was just short enough to not get away with doing it everyday. I didn't mind that, but like anyone, sometimes I was running late to class. 

That's when I started to favour my faux-hawk. Trust me, it's not too much for day to day life. In fact, I find it more flattering and a bit more pulled together than a messy pony. 

It took a little bit of time, but I started working with YouTube tutorials before finding my own technique to work with my hair texture (and personal style). I love this video below, I think this might have been one I first worked with. 

Here are two more examples of great mohawk/faux-hawks. Simple, chic and all you see are both these ladies beautiful eyes (even from behind, I'm still looking at Pink's long lashes!) 

There is still a part of my that wants to be a hardcore rocker with a permanent mohawk - I think that might just be my alter ego that comes out when I perform. Who knows? Maybe I'll Miley Cryus up this 'do one of these days...

Happy styling and enjoy the rest of your weekend! 

contest.

Happy Sunday!

My giveaway contest officially starts today and I will announce the winner next Tuesday (because of Thanksgiving and such), October 11.

Why is she doing this?

Well, I gotta admit that I'm still pretty pumped that I made it to over 20,000 views and want to celebrate some new projects/features that will be coming up this autumn.

Funny enough, my Twitter account will also have reached 2,000 tweets soon, so this seems like the perfect time to celebrate and connect both of these milestones (can I say that?)

So what's in it for me?

Oh this is a good prize. It's going to be more female-influenced with some fashion, beauty products and music items...

What do I have to do?

Easy peasy lemon squeezy, although you will need a Twitter or email account.

If you have Twitter:DM me with your name and what your favourite post is/was from 2011. If you have feedback and want to put it in under 140 characters (positive or negative, it's all good) go for it!

My Twitter is www.twitter.com/PortiaLoretta

If you have only email: E-mail me your name and what your favourite post is/was from 2011 at plfavro@yahoo.com

I'll put all the names in a generator which will select the name of the winner. All you have to do it message/email me once, and your name goes into the hat! Feel free to spread it along friends, family, etc.

Thanks again for all your support and let the games begin!

taylor.

My beauty inspiration for the fall is the ever beautiful Elizabeth Taylor (RIP). Dark hair, red lips, clean brows and black-lined eyes. Stunning.

Add a turban, diamonds and a nipped in waist, and you may pass for the iconic beauty herself (a la Kate Winslet in V Magazine)

kisses.

Fall beauty goal: wear more lipstick.

“The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender.”- Emil Ludwig

blushing.

It's that time of year again.

I'm in the library way overdressed with a scattering of books and notes across my workstation in the hopes of getting a rough draft of my essay done before this evening.

Although I would rather be in several different places than here right now (including sweating the Pacific Ocean at my hot yoga studio) this work has gotta be done.

I find that during exam/study time my peers usually don the typical comfort look of sweats and a hoodie (and I don't blame them! For my friends in very difficult program, this is such a high time of stress). However, no matter how laid back you choose to dress for hours of study sessions, I think that doing your makeup is a really good thing during the exam period.

Think about it: even if you feel not dressed to your best, at least you still feel comfortable that you look gorgeous. And it can be easy, I promise.

1. Rose Silk blush by Covergirl is a universally flattering colour on any skin tone. Swipe across your cheekbones for a dewy and rosy glow. It's under $10 and has a light scent of roses, perfect for thinking and daydreaming of spring. (Shoppers).
- You can also put a touch of it on your eyelids too for a little sparkle.

2. Throw a little mascara on your lashes to open up your eyes - I use two types daily, but if you're in a rush, throw a coat on your top lashes only. This is a product that I really believe doesn't matter what your price point is, I've found some of the cheaper ones work even better than the more expensive wands.
Currently loving: One by One mascara by Maybelline (about $9)
Currently lusting for: Buxom Lash ($18)

3. Squirt on a few puffs of your favourite perfume and a swipe of chap stick.

4. Hair pulled back, and just for fun, tie a square scarf around to make a more interesting headband and keep your bangs out of your face.

5. Happy studying!