Now that we are all enjoying the sunshine, and before we embark on our summer get-aways, it’s time to pick out the perfect pair of sunnies.  It’s vital that you choose sunglasses that you love but also that fit your face shape.  No one wants to look like a bug and believe it or not if you choose the wrong shape, your face can actually look wider or longer.   Here are a few guidelines to keep you in check before hitting the mall:

• If you have an oval face shape (face is symmetrical): any type of sunnies work for you!  Aviators, wraparound and round will look great!
• If you have a round face shape (the widest point of your face being your cheekbones): Rectangle shape and wide frames will make your face look longer.
• If you have a square face shape (you have a prominent jawline):  round and cat-eye frames are flattering because they’ll balance your jaw-line.
• If you have a triangle face shape (face is the most narrow at your chin): cat-eye, aviator and rimless styles flatter you!

Our fave sunnies by style:

Rebecca Minkoff Bedford

Ray-Ban Cats 1000

Kate Spade New York Angelique

Ray-Ban Large Metal Aviator

Armani Exchange Vintage Metal Aviator

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators

Rebecca Minkoff Perry

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh II

Kenneth Cole Reaction Navigator

Armani Exchange Plastic Aviator

Custom Eyes Oversized Metal Aviator

A few things other things to know:

• Don’t leave your new beauties in the sun – sun and heat damage can distort the frame.
• Add a scratch-resistant coating to protect against small scratches (however, this will not protect against all scratches!)
• Keep glasses in their case as often as possible (we’ve all broken a pair, or two!)
• Don’t wear your sunnies as a headband as this stretches their arms.
• Only use the soft cloth that comes with your sunglasses to clean them; paper towels or rough cotton (like denim) will cause scratches.

Now go enjoy the sunshine!

Kelli & Lisa

Summer is on the horizon and sunshiny days have already begun for most of us which means it’s time for sunscreen and self-tanner!  Proper sun protection is a summer must so today we’ll help you achieve a natural glow while protecting your skin!  First step, sunscreen:

Clockwise from left: Philosophy head-to-toe ‘sunny girl’ age defense sun care collection features ‘here comes the sun’ spf 40 uva/uvb broad spectrum sunscreen for your face, ‘here comes the sun’ spf 30 uva/uvb broad spectrum sunscreen and ‘kiss of hope’ spf 15 lip treatment, Bare Minerals spf 30 natural sunscreen mineral formula leaves you without a greasy finish and comes in three shades, Benefit benetint spf 15 rose tinted lip balm, Peter Thomas Roth uber-dry spf 30 sunscreen absorbs so quickly you won’t even know you put it on *perfect for him!*, Lancôme absolute hand anti-aging spf 15 sunscreen – don’t forget to protect your hands too!

Next step, self-tanner:

Clarins self-tanning instant gel, Origins faux glow radiant self-tanner for the face, Shiseido brilliant bronze tinted self-tanning gel

Self-tanners are tricky, you’re better off pale than looking like a sweet potato or walking around with zebra streaks.  Here are a few useful tricks of the trade:

• Always exfoliate before applying a self-tanner.  This is a must.
• Make sure to use moisturizer liberally the next few days so that your tan lasts longer.
• We’re big fans of the ‘instant gel’ which absorbs immediately so you can see the color right away – this works wonders in finding the perfect tone for your skin and gives you immediate results.  Best feature?  No surprise streaks later!
• Mix vitamin E (or any type of body oil) with your everyday body lotion to leave your skin with a healthy, gorgeous glow!

We hope you enjoy the summer sunshine with a perfect, healthy glow!

Kelli & Lisa

For most of us, summer weather is here!  That means it’s time to switch our makeup routine a little by bringing out the bronzing, highlighting, shine-busting, waterproof-ing products we love!  Here’s a round-up of our favorites:

Philosophy Summer Grace Fragrance Layering Set: features summer grace perfumed firming body emulsion and spray fragrance.  So fresh for spring!

Crabtree & Evelyn’s new Avocado, Olive & Basil Collection: this ultra-moisturizing collection nourishes, restores and is antioxidant rich to keep your summer skin supple and glowing!

1. Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer gives you a natural-looking, sun-kissed radiance!

2. Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream absorbs quick and is SO hydrating we love it!

3. Benefit High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer is a satiny pink liquid highlighter that accents cheek & brow bones for a radiant glow.  Famously dubbed the “supermodel in a bottle”!

4. LAVANILA The Healthy Deodorant is 100% natural, safe, and… it works!  We promise!   Formulated without: Parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, aluminum or mineral oils- now that’s a healthy deodorant!

5. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner doesn’t smear, doesn’t crease, and doesn’t budge.  Perfect for hot, humid and muggy summer days!

6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is sheer, lightweight and adds a hint of color and a healthy shimmery-glow.  We have loved this for years!

Now onto our favorite oil-fighters!

7. Bobbi Brown Oil Control Lotion with SPF 15: Keeps skin smooth and shine free with a matte finish.  Lisa loves this!

8. Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers: Powder-free tissues absorb shiny t-zones!  And they’re in an adorable refillable case with mirror perfect for your handbag!

9. Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder: This shine-absorbing, oil-free powder gives skin a fresh, matte appearance.

Cheers to a beautiful, glowing summer complexion!

Kelli & Lisa

Death trended this past weekend… when all we saw were visions of bright white lights on the 2012 Oscars red carpet!

One white hot trendsetter after the next…

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford (utterly cape-tivating!)

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad;  Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

SO? Most important question here: when you…

Wash off the spray tan, peel off the chicken cutlet boobs, pluck out the false eyelashes, rip out the hair extensions, un-lace the Spanx corset… oh, and then wash out and off your $2,000 hair and makeup job…

…how, then, after a complete body-shedding, man-defying experience, could some ‘ol gals like us look this good in white?

The answer is clear…

FAKE IT.

Tan: Kiehl’s Sun Free Self Tanning Formula, $22.50. Use every other morning as your regular face and body moisturizer and watch one by one Dermatologist go out of business…

Lashes: Any beauty shop or local drugstore will carry a version of POP disposable (but oh-so-reusable) false lashes, $10. Co’mon, everyone’s doing it!

Weave: Wonder why you’re never as coiffed as a national morning news anchor? Yea, secret’s out… Even the short-haired girls on-air are sporting the clip-ins. Full body is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! Visit a wig shop and get yo’ weave on for $30 and up.

Spanx: If this is your first lesson in Spanx, then we have to have a sit-down and discuss why you’re so tech savvy (what a great blog you follow, kudos!), but honey, you’re hardly fashion conscious! Loose 10 lbs by way of ultimate vacuum suckage. Made to fit any “tight” situation, prices vary with style.

So there you have it. Wearing white is easy if you know the insider tricks. Get on board with 2012 “fake it ’til you make it” trend, and preserve the ultimate you! Warning: These “enhancements” are completely natural and can be applied and tossed nightly.

Fashion has never been so transcendent!

xoxo, elshane

Dear Mirror,

I’m so tired of my earthy eyeshadow, rouge blush, and mauve lips. The makeup consultant at my department store beauty counter says these are my only colors. So, gasp! I cannot change my colors. I cannot alter my routine! I cannot dare to follow the beauty trends of the 2012 runways! Not me! No way!

Sincerely,

Stuck in my Dried Out Mascara Tube

***

Tears… The saddest Dear Mirror entry I’ve ever read.

Dear all Stuck in my Dried Out Mascara Tube-rs out there,

Hypnotized in a beauty routine? Plah-lease! If everyone had  just one beauty look that worked for her, wouldn’t actresses have the same “face” on everyday? Wouldn’t designer runways display the same beauty trends, season after season? Need one more analogy? Thanks. Staying on top of beauty trends is maja importante!!

For this installation of Beauty Supply, I present the perfect face for a paparazzi flash… The Cat Eye with the bold Red Lip… Sounds like the next Dr. Seuss book!

The Modern Cat Eye: Can’t remember the last day I left the house without my cat eye rolling deep. Sharp, quick, swift movements angling my upper eyelid towards my temple. Gorgi-lady alert!

1. Start with a clean, dry eyelid. Apply primer to the lid, followed by a sheer, nude base eyeshadow. {I like Stila Hydrating Primer}

2. Close the eye and lift eyebrow to reduce your skin around your eye from wrinkling together and causing uneven application.

3. Apply a strong, steady line directly above the upper lash line, working your pencil from inside out. {I like NARS powder liner} ** Pro tip: Liners come in many forms: Start with a liquid liner for a clean, sharp line. A powder line is slightly chicer, but takes some practice!

4. When you reach the outer corner of your eye, drag the line diagonally upward towards your temple, tapering the up-tick to a fine point. {This step gets REALLY fun once you’re experienced}. It’s an art!

5. Repeat step 3 to darken the sharp line. Avoid repeating step 4 if your hand is not yet steady– the up-tick of the liner is the most noticed part of the look, so a sharp, fine, unaltered line is key.

6. Take a pointed Q-Tip with Vaseline {world’s most friendly eye makeup remover} to shape up any mistakes.

7. Apply liquid or powder foundation to the face and neck. Follow with very light blush. *Note, this is a good step to do after the eyes. That way, if you make a mistake on your Cat Eye, you can wash your face without guilt. {I like Stila One Step bronzer}

8. Finish the face with mascara and a bold red lip with liner. But, make sure you preview your hue! Red lipsticks come in both orange tones and blue tones. Each gals unique complexion is best fit for one of these shades, but not the other. I’m an orange-red lip kinda gal! {I like Givenchy and Tom Ford lipsticks}

Both liners are Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Eye wear alert! For those four-eyes out there {me! me!}, a cat eye is the perfect makeup choice. This accentuates your eyes while keeping magnifying eyeshadow on the lowdown!

Fashionite alert! Color your cat eyes in your favorite new hue. Urban Decay is the king of colored liners!

xoxo,

elshane

Farewell 2011, hello 2012!  Last year gave us plenty to smile about, but what really has us giddy is our new list of favorite things all thanks to 2011. Much like Oprah, this is a Bud & Leo tradition; only our list doesn’t appear at your doorstep…sorry! You’re still welcome to get just as excited!

1.     Sheets!

There’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep and the perfect set of sheets is oh-so-important to getting some good shuteye. Our fave is Hotel Collection’s Egyptian Cotton 700 thread count sheets. Ahhhh.

2.     Candles!

Candles are a staple in our homes. Our noses can’t get enough of these Lafco candles. There are so many great scents like chamomile lavender but you really can’t go wrong! Your guests will think they’ve walked into a botanical garden!

3.     Glossy!

We keep our lips shiny with NARS lip gloss. As with all of their products, you get the perfect amount of sparkle and a polished look. It’s so hard to pick just one favorite, but this shade deemed “pillow talk” adds the right amount of color!

4.     And a perfect Nude Lip!

And the perfect nude lip goes to…. YSL ‘Rouge Volupte’ in Sensual Silk.  It stays on all night and really gives you the perfect nude lip to complement a smoky eye and an lbd!

5.     Teavana!

Delicious teas with amazing health benefits… we were sold at our first sip!  Our fave flavors: Blueberry Bliss & Pineapple Kona Pop, Youthberry & Wild Orange Blossom  and Samurai Chai Mate & White Ayurvedic Chai.  If you haven’t stopped by, you need to asap!

6.     Clarisonic!

This skincare system removes 4x the dirt and makeup and makes your skin feel like butter (seriously feels like you just had microdermabrasion).  So soft and smooth!  We love it!

7.     Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner!

After years of feeling like a raccoon after long work days, this eyeliner changed our lives!  Stays in place for the entire day… it’s a dream come true!

8.     Acai Toner!

Kiehl’s Acai Toning Mist is the perfect way to lock in your look. Spray this on after applying makeup for a complete and finished look. Not only does it moisturize, keep makeup on longer, but is smells amazing!

9.     Pure Bliss!

If you’ve recently visited a W Hotel or spa, you’re very familiar with Bliss Body Butter.  One sniff of this lemon sage potion will have you addicted!

We can’t wait to see what products make the cut in 2012!  Happy New Year!

Kelli & Lisa

(Seven For All Mankind shirt; vintage skirt; Ray-Ban sunnies; Helena + Troy handbag; Christian Louboutin shoes)

***

As winter nears (all 56 degrees of it here in Hollywood), laziness rings like our morning alarm.  So we roll out of bed, throw on what most closely resembles a down comforter in the form of wearable garb, and we head off to a day filled with… tax evasion trials, movie auditions, dog walking, vegetable picking, rhinoplasty consultations. STOP right there! We’re all thinking the same thing in utter repulsion. For such a glamorous day ahead, why did we pick such a {snooze-fest} of {lewk}?

Blame it on routine! {rou • tine : snooze button pressin’, teeth brushin’, jeans-at-the-top-of-the-laundry-pile sqeezin’, largest-sweater-in-the-closet throwin’, oatmeal eatin’, newspaper readin’, boots-already-snow-salt-stained stompin’}. Holy heart attack! Edging for that promotion? Not so fast, sloppy Susan.

Beat that {lazy lewk} with one of the oldest and easiest tricks in the book: tone-on-tone dressing!

** Pick a color, and stick with it.

** Start uber-chic by experimenting with neutral hues (grey or beige or khaki). Using two tones of the hue, break up the gradient with a stark white, black, or brown punch (a-la beige blazer, off-white pants, brown leather belt), and finish with a shoe that pairs back to the strongest, most comfortable color (in this case, brown).

** When experimenting with brights, keep the gradient of the color close to a constant. What works: olive green and deep, smoky green. What doesn’t? Grass green and seafoam green.

** Keep fabrications similar. Silky, airy fabrications should stick together, as should stronger fabrics like wool and denim.

** Experiment mostly with solids, throwing in small prints only as accents, like a printed silk scarf with a skirt suit.

** Top off the {lewk} with neutral makeup that accents your bone structure for a clean finish.

DON’T:

** Mix prints while attempting this technique. There’s always a time and place for print-on-print {my favorite!}, but while tone-on-tone dressing, the equation is clean + chic = luxe !

** Wear blue eye shadow if you’re creating a blue look, or a pink lip with a pink look. {costumery, gasp!}

It’s as simple as that. {rou • tine : snooze button pressin’, teeth brushin’, nearest-khaki-ensemble-in-your-closet pairin’, oatmeal eatin’, newspaper readin’) …

Promotion? Check.

xo, elshane

The Holidays are in full swing, which means it’s time to get you ready for your Holiday gatherings!  We can’t get enough of glitzy and glamorous looks. A whole lot of sparkle adds the perfect touch to the holidays!

(Ali Ro sequin stripe dress – Cusp, Joan & David patent pumps – Nordstrom, Necessary Objects boyfriend blazer – Nordstrom, Sparkle clutch – Express)

(Loft, J Crew, Banana, Nordstrom, Stella & Dot)

Don’t forget your nails! After all, your hands are going to be doing most of the talking with all of the giving and receiving you’ll be doing!  Our favorite mani features a punch of sparkle and getting this look is easy. Start off with a regular mani and add glitter to the bottom half of your nail. If you’re feeling French, add glitter to the tips instead!

Sparkly pieces we’re coveting to complete some of your holiday looks!

1) Rebecca Minkoff sequin becky jacket in rose 2) Delias sequin knit glove 3) Reiss sparkle court in rose gold 4) Benefit starlit lash 5) French Connection lucinda sequin shorts

Now that you’re all dressed up and ready to hit the party circuit you need a little something to make you go “Mmmmm!”.  Try our new favorite, a Moscow Mule (don’t forget to add SPARKLE around the rim with adorable edible star glitter- it’s a show stopper!):

Moscow Mule

½ ounce simple sugar syrup

2 ounces of vodka

½ lime

4 ounces of ginger beer

Lime juice

Pour vodka over ice, add simple sugar syrup and lime juice.  Top with ginger beer and stir.  Add some pizazz with mint and a lime- and your sparkle!  Trust us, you’ll love it!

Now we’ll send you off to dodge the mistletoe and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year… in the most glamorous way!

Kelli and Lisa

Hi, I’m elshane (aka Lauren Shane)! A lifetime devoted to fashion and beauty, I live by the candy colored religion that anything (and everything) goes! I’m thrilled to start a mah-ja {slang: multi major} journey with this blog as the Fashion and Beauty eye, reporting live from Hollywood into your homes—never skipping a beat, trend, ultimate fashion moment, or in-the-know slang! My goal: To keep “you” {yes you, mom! and you, college-ite! and you, working woman!} so informed that each evening, you can’t wait to go to sleep, just so you can wake up and start your next fashion moment tomorrow. And why trust me?

As the first and only Diane Von Furstenberg Stylist for her brand in the New York headquarters, I was responsible for the entire Celebrity and VIP services program nationwide! This was a title that Ms. Von Furstenberg hand selected for me for my visionary take on styling and understanding of trends {mah-ja}! As the company grew, they coined the famous nickname for me, “elshane”, after a runway dress Diane named for me that was as candy-colored as my spirit.

The journey of elshane continued when, in 2011, I left everything behind: my dream job, best friends, and family, to blindly move to Los Angeles to follow love. And within two months of settling into my modern Beverly Hills pad, I was coined E! Entertainment’s newest Stylist, responsible for the face of the network, Giuliana Rancic’s entire wardrobe. Although a full-time commitment, this celebrity styling gig has since snowballed into a successful side career of celebrity, editorial, and advertising styling. Never a dull moment!

…and I can’t wait to take you along for the ride!