#I can see that the texture is super soft suede

[southsidestory]

I had the privilege of seeing this piece evolve from an adorable sketch in a notebook to this polished kurahi sweetness! Kurama is BESOTTED (and omg his face?? gorgeous) while Hiei is just accepting the olive branch hot cocoa. Cute af and beautiful to boot!

I’m very excited to post this, which was a secret Santa art exchange in the @yyh-revival discord server (which you should so totally join). The recipient liked it and so do I 💕

The blorbos are having a snowy date; find someone who looks at you the way Kurama looks at Hiei—or how Hiei looks at his hot chocolate.

[indignantlemur]

My dear Indi, I need your expertise !

Do you have any ideas or headcanons for Andorian outfits, from lighter to warmer? What would they look like in general, what texture is most appreciated or considered fashionable ?

Thanks ! 💙

Hello Zier! Let's see what I can do for you! Fair warning, this one is going to be image-heavy.

For the most part, Andorian fashion in my headcanons isn't unified. Different folks prefer to wear different things, same as Humans, but there are broader elements that are quite common.

Firstly, we know from ENT and subsequent appearances in the modern Treks that Andorians tend to wear a lot of leather, often embossed or tooled to have a particular sort of feel. The samples below from Discovery give me powerful 2009-2013 Gareth Pugh vibes.

Beyond that, the only other time we see Andorians is when they're in Imperial Guard or Starfleet uniforms, which mostly just gives an overall impression of leather, suede, and future-kevlar.

The Andorian ambassador in "Terra Prime" had a very different feel from these, of course, and that shiny outer robe ultimately inspired Thoris' official get-up.

By contrast, some super early screen tests and comic book depictions for everyday Andorians look rather different, however. We've got draping fabrics, robes, tunics, some thigh high boots, and what looks like bits of armoured studding and chainmail. That's quite the departure from the other depictions!

And then, of course, we have Shran's post-Imperial Guard coat. This one gets its own mention, because that coat is fabulous.

Honestly, this isn't a lot to work with. It's better than nothing, of course, but the different depictions feel very disjointed and all over the place. There's no sense of unity in the designs across the board.

So, from there I looked to real-world fashion to help me build a better idea of what I wanted my Andorians to actually look like outside of a uniform. As much as their depictions would lead us to believe that Andorians have an oddly prevalent leather kink, that's really not practical. Leather is a useful material, and certainly a heavily carnivorous population would end up with quite a lot of it, but surely that can't be everything they wear. So, I started looking around for things that felt like they fit the vague aesthetic we were given to work with.

Below are some samples from the ungodly huge pinterest board I keep for ideas and references for Andorian fashion. I think these mostly hit all the key notes for my headcanons.

A lot of these images are very bland in terms of colour, particularly by Andorian standards, but I think you should be able to see what I've drawn inspiration from.

What I ended up with was a combination of future-fashion elements, and influences from places like Japan and India - with a heavy slant towards using leather, silk, velvet and occasionally soft, drapey fabrics. Heavy ornamentation, such as embroidery, is very common but lacework on clothing is actually quite unusual. Andorians tend to find it catches on their chitin and tears too often to be worth the fuss.

In particular, I really like the idea of layers, off-set or asymmetrical necklines, and elements of structural/architectural fashion for Andorians. Tooled leather is very popular, as well.

Another detail about Andorian fashion that I've mentioned a few times in other posts is that they like to show off their chitin patterns. Often this is done using leather as the medium, but embroidery is also a perfectly acceptable option. Often times, these articles of clothing (usually outerwear but not always) will have a Clan sigil somewhere on it as well, but it's not at all a requirement. These practices accomplish a couple of different things:

Firstly, it offers prospective playmates a tantalising 'preview' of what's underneath. Andorians are not shy about these things, nor do they understand why aliens think they should be. Some Andorians find particular types of chitin patterns very attractive, while some are averse to partners with what they perceive to be too much or too little chitin - or worse, chitin patterns that are far too similar to their own, which would suggest a shared lineage somewhere.

Secondly, it shows off Clan affiliations, especially for Clan members who were not born with their Clan's 'typical' chitin pattern. (Married individuals will often wear things that show their affiliation to both their birth Clan and their marriage Clan, as well, though these are usually ornamental items such as jewellery or hair pieces.)

Thirdly, wearing one's Clan affiliations stamped on their sleeves can sometimes serve as a conflict deterrent. Some Clans are just not worth picking a fight with, and knowing who's who ahead of time instead of after someone says something spectacularly stupid tends to save lives. Since the Unification, the need for these sorts of deterrents has dropped substantially, but it's never entirely gone from Andorian society.

This is not to say that I imagine that all Andorians wear the same things. Being able to express individual preferences is very important, especially in a society where most other individualistic pursuits are seen as counter-productive to the harmony and unity of a community.

Shral, for example, deviates from the norm by preferring dark colours and minimal ornamentation. To other Andorians, his sartorial choices are almost conspicuously bland. On the other end of the spectrum, Thelen adores vivid colours - neon oranges, shocking yellows, acid greens - and fully embraces the bombastic colour palettes his people are known for. Thoris is doomed to be trapped in billowing robes he'd much rather burn in a steel drum behind the embassy under cover of darkness, but he prefers layered tunics, boots, and breeches that don't inhibit his movement. Vrath is in the middle of the road, favouring bold colours and practical clothing but never quite able to resist bits of ornamentation that give her wealthy Tha'an Clan allegiance away. Miraal, on the other hand, adore soft, draping fabrics and wears very little leather, or any other similarly heavy materials, and she prefers to wear minimal ornamentation so as not to distract from her wares.

In terms of seasonal clothing, Andorians can tolerate very broad rangers of temperatures, and they have thermal regulators built into much of their clothing. They can get away with quite a lot, in terms of weather, but a heavily cultivated sense of caution generally prevents them from wandering out into surface conditions wearing anything less than full winter gear - though, naturally, their idea of full winter gear is rather lighter than what a Human would go in for. In extreme heat, Andorians have no problem wearing as little as possible - often to the consternation of other species who do not share their total lack of nudity taboos.

Regarding colours, I headcanon that much like how Vulcans view green as a traditional mating colour owing to the hue of their blood, and Humans view red much the same way, so too do Andorians with the colour blue. Just wearing blue alone isn't an invitation for anything, but it is very noticeable and considered a very attractive colour. Wearing a particularly fetching shade of blue while lurking in a bar and being very noticeably single, however...

Andorian silk is a luxury item, and one in high demand. Made from cocoons harvested from a domesticated relative of the infamous Andorian ice borers, it's ten times stronger than Terran silk, rendering it resistant to slashing and piercing damage. It can be woven into heavy brocades or crafted into a diaphanous, organza-like material, or blended with other fibres. It almost always has a slight iridescent or even metallic shine to it, a highly coveted property, and it is ludicrously expensive.

Hope this helps! <3

[squeakadeeks]

I'm on my knees BEGGING for an Austin Powers cosplay from you holy shit you would make it insane!!! Side question: My biggest issue I have with sewing is deciding which fabric I should use for specific projects/pieces. Trying to find an answer on that online is not easy as usually tutorials just say like "With your fabric, do X" without saying which fabric to look for 😭How do you personally choose your fabric when doing your cosplays? Do you have a cheat-sheet of like what to look for?

I'm about to have a micro-lull in projects so who knows! maybe now is the time for Austin Powers.

To tell true, my strategy for choosing fabrics is kind of a goofy one. if you look at everything i've made, you'll notice that I tend to use a lot of the same fabrics repeatedly. Microsuede, mystique spandex, pleather, stretch twill/sateen, stretch denim, and matte satins. I dont have a lot of access to fabric stores anymore where I can go in person choose it based on inspection, so instead I take what I know and work with it! So I tend to either choose projects based on a fabric that I'm familiar with, or I take the design and make it compatible with one I like. for example on Thistle, i'm sure using something like taffeta, dupioni, or velvet wouldve worked for his design, but I chose microsuede because I like it and I leaned into properties it has like a textured appearance and stiffness.

But that being said, even if you help yourself by working with a more limited scope of fabrics, how do you choose between fabric A and fabric B for an application? Typically what influences how a fabric behaves is its weight (ie is this a super light fabric that blows in the breeze, or something heavy like what you might find on a couch), its drape (will this fabric hang straight down or be stiff and fold more like paper), and its finish (is this something shiny and reflective, or matte? does it have a texture, or a totally smooth surface?).

in general if you want something fitted and structured like a crisp jacket, bodice, or a skirt that holds its shape, you tend to want heavier, stiffer fabrics. if you want something to look soft and flowy, then lighter, more draping fabrics are best. (thers also the mechanical issue that if you're working on something big like say a ballgown, if you chose a heavy fabric, you will need to account for the scaling weight. making a short skirt vs a long skirt out of a heavy fabric will have very different outcomes.) it's hard to give specific advice about fabrics in general, since each project has its own specific needs and each project can be made with any variety of fabrics, but will result in different appearances in the overall garment.

BUT i do have a mini word of wisdom, which is if you have a fabric in mind but you're not sure it will work, you can always try looking up like....."matte satin dresses", or "suede jackets" and see if you can find any examples of the fabric you're thinking of being used in the garment you want to make (or in general) to check if it gives the look you want. you can even go backwards and look up like...."prince costume" and try to identify common fabrics that usually come up for that garment style.

[raminify]

How To Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner

Why Write This Article

Hey, I’m R. Taylor. My friend Samuel and I were shopping at his house a few days ago. Just then, I felt the soles of my boots coming apart. I shared the matter with Samuel and asked if he had any superglue at home. He thoughtfully said that he didn’t have any super glue, but he did have a pair of suede shoes I could use for shopping later.

The shoes were nice but a little dirty. In a shy voice, Samuel said he didn’t have any suede cleaner. I smiled and asked him to bring some tools. After some time, we cleaned the shoes and went out shopping. My friend was amazed to see how I cleaned suede shoes without a suede cleaner and asked me to write an article on this so that many people like him could benefit.

How to Clean Suede Shoes Without Suede Cleaner

There are many cleaning kits available in the market for cleaning suede shoes, which makes the process easy. However, in this article, we will learn how to clean suede shoes without a suede cleaner. This approach will help you clean and maintain your suede shoes in addition to using cleaning kits. Let’s find out what tools you will need at home.

What You’ll Need

Microfiber towel

Toothbrush

Pencil eraser

White vinegar/alcohol

Suede protector spray

How to Clean Suede Shoes

You will definitely need the above-mentioned tools to learn how to clean suede shoes without a suede cleaner. Now, let’s go through the steps for cleaning suede shoes.

Step 1: Start with the Basics

First, gently wipe the shoes with a microfiber towel to remove loose dirt and dust. Suede is delicate, so use light strokes and wipe in one direction, working your way up. I believe this first step alone can make a big difference if you need to quickly refresh your shoes.

Step 2: Brush Out Stubborn Dirt

Use a soft toothbrush on the dirtiest areas. I find that a gentle circular motion works best. Don’t rush—patience is key when it comes to cleaning suede.

https://raminify.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/htcsswsc-i-3.png.webp

Step 3: Erase Scuffs Like Magic

If there are stains or marks, a clean pencil eraser works best as an alternative to a suede eraser. I’ve used this technique countless times and found it surprisingly effective. Just keep rubbing the eraser until the scuff disappears.

Step 4: Treat Stains with Vinegar or Alcohol

For tough stains, apply a small amount of white vinegar or alcohol to a microfiber towel. Gently rub the stain, being careful not to soak the area. Then, dry the shoes completely and brush the area with a toothbrush to restore the soft texture. This method helped me remove most stains, but some stains—such as water stains, salt stains, ink stains, wax stains, gum stains, grease, and oil stains—may require a little more effort to remove.

If you want to know how to clean suede shoes without suede cleaner, I have also outlined the process for removing these stains below.

Step 5: Apply Suede Protector Spray

Applying a suede protector spray will extend the life of your shoes. It’s like adding an extra layer of protection. This layer will waterproof your suede shoes and help keep heavy stains away from the material. Be sure to choose a protector spray specifically designed for suede, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

read the full article: click here

[thedevillionaire]

Illusionary

Cerberus, Kia, domestic bedroom snz scene with a little magic, little romance? Hmm, yeah, sounds like me. 😏 --- Wrapped in a full-length darkest burgundy dressing robe, feeling somewhat refreshed but still more than a little coldhazy, Cerberus emerges post-shower to the sight of Kia, changed from her earlier black velvet bodice and jeans into a burnished deep gold satin negligee, lying on her stomach across the bed, head resting on her hands, attention fixed on the Testing papers in front of her. He pauses at the threshold, leans against the door frame to simply look at her awhile, silently enraptured, a soft smile on his face.

:Just so you know, babe,: Mindsends Kia, keeping her eyes on the papers, :it’s not possible for you to enter a room and not be noticed.: She glances back over her shoulder at him and grins wickedly. “You’d be a terrible spy.”

Cerberus chuckles, walking over to settle beside her on the bed. “Hard to argue given the circumstances, I suppose.” He toys with her hair, looking down at the papers. “Which Level are you applying for?” A light sniffle, and he frowns slightly, rubs his nose against an irritation rising anew.

“6.” Kia sighs. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I can get that, but…I don’t know, I’m not…evenly skilled across the options or something.” She rolls over to sit up, cross-legged. “There’s a bunch of stuff I can do really well, and some other stuff I’m…just not very good at, I guess.” She gives him a rueful smile. “But I think if I maybe…”

“What is it you’re not sure of?” Cerberus reaches across her and picks up the papers, flicking through them as he moves to sit leaning back against the bedhead, rearranging the array of pillows and cushions to suit. Another sniffle, more sharply this time and he recognises the battle as lost, his focus dissolving captive to undeniable need, and he turns from Kia in surrender to an adversary already his conqueror many times over today. “HHAHTSSCCHU! Damn it, I swear Healing deal in placebos. Comple…ehh-HH ..completely…hh… Ahh-HEHTSSCH-uu!” He sniffles again and fixes Kia with a look conveying irrefutable vindication, raises an eyebrow. “*snf!*Hm? As evidenced. Completely ineffectual,” he states with authority, and takes several tissues from the box on the bedside. “Excuse me a mome… hh-HH... Oh, for f… HHAHTSSCCHU! Ah, gods. *SNF!* Pardon me, love.” He blows his nose in an attempt to stop any further irritation, at least in the short term, though he holds very little faith in that regard, and incinerates the tissues in a flashblaze of aetherfire.

“Bless you, sweetheart,” Kia says, gently strokes his forearm. “I’m fairly sure the meds have helped a bit, though,” she suggests. “Compared to earlier, at least.”

“Oh, well, yes, I’m sure I’ve had at least ten minutes respite here and there,” mutters Cerberus sardonically, though he concedes to his bonded’s wry smirk quickly enough, places a kiss on her forehead. “Ah, I’m sorry, darkling. It’s just that as a rule, I’m rather fond of breathing.” Resting back against the pillows once more, he sighs again, absently rubs his nose, and returns his attention to the papers, making a quiet hum of thought as he flicks through them, in consideration.

“Sweetheart?” Kia, curious, shuffles up along the bed a little more to kneel beside him, resting her head on his shoulder, trying to read what he was reading. “What are you doing?”

Cerberus points to the skillset of Illusion, listed as a subcategory within Hypnotics, several thick and emphatic lines scrawled beneath it. “This is underlined because…?”

Kia scoffed. “Because I suck at it,” she says, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I mean, I can do the basics, but…” She looks up at him, nestling into him, trailing absent patterns across his chest with her fingers. “It’s just…it’s like…you have to sort of direct what someone else sees, so it’s…putting your images into their eyes without actually seeingthrough their eyes, so you don’t know if it’s actually working, you just kind of have to hope for it, and I can’t figure out when it is working so then I get distracted and the whole thing pretty much falls apart.”

“It’s a skill Demonics covers as well.” Cerberus kisses the top of her head, draping an arm across her as he drops the papers in his lap.

Kia stares at him, taken aback. “You can do this?!”

“Well, I don’t use it widely, nor is it my forte, but…”

“Oh, oh, oh! Want to take my Test for me?” Kia gives him a playful entreating look. “Just, I don’t know, shapeshift or something. Is that a thing? You can do that, right? I’ll let you wear whatever you like. Oh my god, I bet you’d be super-hot as me.”

Cerberus collapses into laughter, and she laughs with him, her heart warming as it always does when he loses himself to delight, and particularly now, with him unwell. She repositions herself to settle beside him, kissing him tenderly as she does so, and picks up the papers in one hand, resting her other hand on his thigh. “Alright, alright, okay, I know. I’ll take my own stupid Test. It’s mostly Vampirism specific, anyway. But still…” A devilish grin darts across her face and she bats her eyelashes at him with exaggerated flirtation. :Super-hot.:

Smiling, Cerberus looks down and shakes his head in an ill-advised move that brings about yet another stark reminder of the throbbing sinus headache he’s only just managed to almost forget. He winces slightly and does his best to ignore it. Claiming the honeyed tea from the bedside tray, he reheats it with a touch, and takes a sip. “Well, darkling,” he says, “perhaps not quite that, um…absolute, but I certainly owe you any favours I can offer at this point, so if you’ll allow me—” He kisses her forehead. “—to revisit a request that you once asked of me… Drop your Protect.”

Kia’s eyes widen and she looks up at him, confused, curious. “Why? Do you even need me to?”

“No, love, technically I don’t. But I’d prefer to have your consent, if you’ll give it.”

“For what? I mean, sure, of course, babe, but…”

And then Kia loses her words, struck voiceless, astonished, and reaches her hand out to feel for a bed that is no longer there, finding instead only the soft moss and verdure of a rainforest glade, the gentle sensation of vivid greenery under her touch; lush, thick and rampant plantlife above her, beneath her, beside her, in sensory undeniability. She turns rapidly, looking everywhere around her, unable to comprehend what’s happening even as the very atmosphere changes, the dark, thick, wet scent of fernery, pines, rich soils, and peat surrounding her, immersive and entirely real, solid, incontrovertible. The sky darkens to gunmetal greyblue, stormclouded and windswept, and the crash of distant thunder seems to vibrate the air itself. Sky? But there can’t be sky. Where’s the…where’s the ceiling? What…

“Honey?” she asks, questioning, her own voice feeling like a foreignness, seeking her love who isn’t where he had been mere seconds ago, and she runs her hand along the bark of a nearby tree, one of several, the texture rough and actual, definite. She pushes it, pushes harder; it does not yield. The thunder echoes again, muted but resonant, a certainty, and the heavy cloudcover darkens with it, bringing further shadow to the dell. Shifting her position and reaching for familiarity does nothing to transform the verdant rolling hills back into the furniture she knows so well – oak and cast iron and ornate fabric lost to, consumed by, this wilderness she’s breathing. The landscape stretches out endless and impossibly vast; bedroom walls stay invisible, dissolved. There are no hard angles. No corners. Thunder once more but softer, as if moving away. Wisps of phosphorescence dartdance across thickets and brush, phantasmal. She curls her toes against some lichen at her feet.

:Know this, love,: Cerberus Mindsends almost as if in echo, in memory, to the bone, and Kia spins around to face him, seated beside her but on the opposite side to where she last saw him, dressed as if for a fog-covered moorside in a thick cable-knit sweater and fleecelined suede coat, which she knows is not possible this is not possible it cannot be possible how can he do this how can anyone oh my god definitely not reality but still the only tangible perception she can make, and she isn’t at all sure she can speak to him and she tries to see what she knows to be real, where she knows she must be sitting, but she simply can’t, and she plucks a honeysuckle flower off a nearby creeping vine that has to be fictitious and yet it somehow isn’t, marvelling as she turns it over in her hands, touching its petals, breathing its sweet perfume.

“You’re extraordinary,” she whispers, tears in her eyes.

:Close your eyes a moment, darkling, and immerse. Remember this. Understand this.:

And feeling the reassuring touch of his hand on hers, she closes her eyes as requested, reopening them after just a brief time to see again the bedroom that she’d logically known she’d never left, only then consciously recognising that he could not have taken her hand in that way from where she’d thought she’d seen him last, and she gazes up at him, open-mouthed in astonishment, for the shortest of moments before reaching up to trace her fingers along the contours of his face, almost as if to confirm his existence. “How are you even…” she murmurs in wonder, before calling herself back to reality somewhat.

She takes a moment to rebalance, breathes deeply, recentering. “Okay.” She exhales slowly. “Alright. Okay, that was…wow, that was completely amazing and… I love you but that was… If that’s what I’m meant to do… I mean, I could feel it. I held a flower. Fuck, babe. I have enough trouble even getting an image to form. A single image. You…you made a world. There’s no way I can do that.”

“You most certainly can, love,” counters Cerberus, “and, in fact, will. Should bring you up to a Level 8 grading, I’d imagine.” He presses his index finger then the back of his hand against his nose, frowning a little at a building itch, sniffling. “Excuse me. You just, um…recall the memory, enter in and redirect, adjusting for context. You’ll only be working with mortal capacity for resistance, also, if I recall the Vampirism protocol for this sort of thing correctly, so it sh…should be…” His breath hitches, the returning urgency stealing his sentence; he excuses himself with haste and turns from Kia, succumbing desperate, heavy, absolute. “AhhHEHTSSCHuu!”

“Bless you!”

He raises an index finger and gives the briefest shake of his head, brow creased, and frozen in thrall to the crescendo of oncoming need; he takes an imposed moment, expectant, and another, inhaling shallow scissored twice and over, then deep, deeper still.

And again.

“hh-HH… Hh-TSSCHhuu!”

And oh he does not want to concede, but again.

“HMPTch! HHKTchu!” His attempt at resistance proves no contest against the still insistent, overwhelming tickle, and he gives over completely this time, abandoning any further fight. “Hh-TSSCH-uu! ah-hh… AHHTSSCHUU! Ah, gods.”

Kia’s own breath comes a touch uncertain too as she purrs a honeytoned, “Bless you, sweetheart.”

Cerberus exhales tiredly, pushes silken ebony disorder back from his face with one hand while claiming several tissues with the other. “Thanks, love,” he murmurs, adding a sotto voce curse or two about the entire situation. “Pardon me.” He blows his nose, a little more gingerly now, sniffles again and sighs, repeats the process. Ridiculous.

A thought suddenly occurs to Kia that piques her interest far too much to not to ask it. “So, um…what would have happened if you’d sneezed during that whole…you know, ‘the bedroom is a forest now’ performance?”

Cerberus wipes his nose a final time before vaporising the latest used tissue collection. He chuckles quietly, clears his throat. “You’d best tell me, I think.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t, though. I would have…” Kia breaks off, examines her beloved’s expression with wary sidelong glance, considering whether there was any chance of...

No. With a faint scoff, she rejects the possibility, positive, confident. “No, you did not. There’s no way I don’t hear that.”

“If you say so, love.”

She frowns. “You’re right here. I am next to you in the bed.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful.” He flashes her a candid, disarming smile. “My favourite thing.”

Laughing, Kia pushes him in play. “Well, mine too, sweetheart, but that’s not what I meant and you know it,” she says before returning to her point. “You did not sneeze during that, though. No way. It just isn’t… Nope. You’re teasing me.”

“Well.” Cerberus once again brings newly steaming heat to the cup of tea with a touch, the very slightest of smiles crossing his face. “I admit that thunder is rather a cliché, but I didn’t have a great deal of time to consider intricacy of plot.”

“You di… But…” Kia stares at him in complete bafflement. “How?!”

“Illusion, darkling.” He stretches an idle arm across her shoulders, presses a kiss to her temple. “This is how it works.”

“Are you serious?!” Kia shakes her head in amazement. “God, do I even know what reality is?!” She gives a half laugh of incredulity, simultaneously astounded and utterly unsurprised at the variety of skills her beloved seems able to just call to command at will. “Okay, okay, and…so now because you…set me up, is that right, I can just, what, do that now? Oh. Ohh, whoa now, wait a second. Hang on.” She gives him a sly look, comprehension dawning. “Did you just do my homework for me?”

Cerberus laughs softly, a little darkly. “Consider it a crash course. Anyway, I know that you are in fact highly skilled in…not unrelated areas. I certainly know you can direct events. Your truly…outstanding talent with Immerse and Possess proves it. I suspect you just weren’t sure where to begin in this case.” He gives her a gentle smile. “You have an advantage, love. You should use it.”

Kia smiles back. “Oh, I’ll use you alright. I mean, use it.” She winks, laughing again. “I liked your mountain man look, by the way. Do you even have a cable-knit sweater?"

Cerberus raises an eyebrow. "What? You dressed me in a sweater?"

“I dressed you? What?"

“My direction only goes so far, darkling. Illusion involves a great deal of obfuscation, but it’s not a complete taking over. Some parts of it are nothing more than guidance, suggestions. And certain aspects are – I assure you – entirely of your own creation." He looks at her in nonplussed bemusement. “Really? Cable knit?”

“Navy blue, with a tan suede jacket,” Kia specifies with haughty precision before dissolving into laughter anew and doubly at the expression on his face. "I guess that’s what you get for setting everything in a forest. Come on, I was thematically accurate, at least.” She wipes away tears of laughter before meeting his gaze with conviction, points at him as if delivering an unarguable truth. “You looked hot as fuck, incidentally."

“I feel I’ve learnt something entirely new about you tonight,” Cerberus remarks, smiling briefly at her before suddenly turning away again, a couplet of fierce, unstoppable sneezes almost catching him unprepared absolutely, and he apologises with haste. “Hh-TSSCHH-uu! Ah-TSSCHH-uu! Goddamn it. *snf!* I have had more than entirely enough of this.” He sharply pulls another pair of tissues from the box, blows his nose again, immolates them afterwards with a burst of flame rather more emphatic than required.

“Aw, bless you, hon.” Kia tuts softly, strokes his hair back from his eyes, moves to sit across his lap, facing him. She traces a finely manicured nail down his neck, across his shoulder. “You know,” she nearwhispers, her tone softly teasing, “it wouldn’t kill you to wear a sweater once in a while.”

“I’m really not…”

Kia leans closer, purrs as if sharing the wickedest of secrets. “Denim jeans too.”

:Gods, love, who are you?: Cerberus Mindsends in shadowsnarl as he wraps a strong arm around his bonded and draws them together, claiming her mouth and kissing her with fire palpable.

:You know me, sweetheart.: With deft touch and feline grace, slightest shrug, Kia allows her negligee to smoothly fall away, returning her beloved’s kiss perfervid, wanting, infusing her reciprocal Mindsend with the same.

:Your favourite thing.:

----

[fitz1813]

Polymer clay tips from someone who's been experimenting with it for the past three years:

I started with a sculpey brand set so I had a lot of colors to work with, then replaced the ones I needed

Buy colors you use often, like white, in bulk

If you use jump rings for charms or jewelry, get pliers and wire cutters, it's not worth destroying your scissors and fingernails

Use baby wipes to clean your hands and surface

Invest in some tools, but most things you can substitute. I use a sewing needle to cut and make details, a baby knife to cut big chunks, and aluminum foil and not-for-teeth toothbrush to texture.

I did get nail art tools that have little balls on the ends and can double as rolling pins

When making larger objects, fill it with aluminum foil

Turn scrap clay into beads

Don't put polymer clay in airtight containers, it'll become sticky and gross. It's plastic based, not real mud clay

Polymer clay is still squishy right out of the oven. The colder it is immediately after being taken out, the stronger it'll be

Liquid clay is amazing and even if the tiny bottle is expensive, it lasts for a long time

If you coat it in mod podge before it goes in the oven, it gets nice and shiny afterwards, and is a sort of glaze/glue

It doesn't matter how much you think you suck, most people don't know what polymer clay is and will hail you as a supreme deity regardless of skill

Use fimo brand clay to make canes, sculpey is too soft since it's good for kids and beginners and people with weak fingers (I am the latter)

Premo brand clay has good colors and isn't too soft or too hard

Fimo may be hard to squish, but work it between your fingers a bit gradually and it'll get softer

You can buy canes online, they're super cheap

Superglue fixes everything but don't bake it

You can mix clay with glitter, chalk pastels, and some makeup. I haven't tried nail polish but I have a feeling it won't work

Piping tips are a bitch to clean but clean them anyway, you'll thank yourself later

Mix the premo color pearl with any other color and it'll turn sparkly too

It helps to have a sketch beforehand of what you're making, labelled with colors so you know where to start

Start with light colors first, then gradually get darker

If you need to switch back to light after using dark, wipe your hands on those baby wipes

Red, certain greens, and glittery colors are ones you should wipe your hands and surfaces thoroughly after using. No not black so much unless you're switching to a super light color

Mix media!! Paint it, glue it to something else, etc. Art is beautiful in its variety!!

Liquid glue does not disappear when it's finished baking, it comes out white

Try new colors!! They won't bite

When eye pins are too long, cut them down to size and make other smaller ones with the ends you cut off

Don't put your creations on the edge of a shelf... I am speaking from brokenhearted experience

Bead organizing boxes are an excellent way to store your creations

If you suddenly are struck with inspiration, text/email the idea to yourself, write it down, or put it in a notes app

Reference photos are not just for drawing and painting artists

Follow YouTube tutorials and watch their collections and trades because not everything they make comes with a tutorial and you can discover other artists this way

If there isn't a tutorial, picture how the pieces fit together. Three dimensional art is easier for me to puzzle together, so imagine how it comes together. It'll get easier with time as you watch more tutorials, and soon you won't have to

Imitation is the sincerest compliment, or however the saying goes. I copied everything I made when I started out, then gradually had my own ideas. It comes with time

If you copy or heavily draw inspiration from someone else and put pictures of your creation out on the internet, make sure to give credit where it is due

Crochet thread makes for excellent tassels if you make jewelry

Practice practice practice

Take breaks when you need to, especially for your eyes

If you make slabs, lots of people use pasta makers to roll them out flat, but rolling pins are cheaper

Make what you love

If you don't love it, give it away. Most people don't have standards for what they don't know

Don't be discouraged by the talented artists out there. It takes time and money to get that good, and that isn't readily available to many people. Talent is also in short supply

I don't sell on Etsy because I don't want to get sued, but it's a vague future plan. If you want to motivate yourself that way, go for it if you think you're ready. There are plenty of sellers out there who make fabulous creations, and some who are simply average, so don't let a lack of skill deter you

Clay isn't for everyone. I have small hands, which definitely helps, and some people (or fools) just aren't drawn to three dimensional art. If you don't love it, it's okay to move on to something else.

Fancy clay can be bought only online, so I haven't done it, but it looks pretty cool in the pictures

Have a designated area for clay, and keep it generally clean most of the time so wipedowns at the beginning aren't too bad

Your designated area for clay should be one solid, light color so you can see any dirt specks, hairs, etc. that might appear in the middle of your work

Gold foil is pretty cool and can be baked with clay

Read the baking instructions on clay packages

It's ok to mix brands, bake somewhere in the middle if the baking heat is different

Acrylic paint goes well on everything, including polymer clay

Paper clips are bakeable too

Small thin things don't have to be baked for as long

It's okay if you forget about your clay. Once I left mine in the oven for forty minutes and it was fine

Suede brown in sculpey is a pretty lit color

Ecru clay in premo is good for mixing, mix it with white for vanilla cakes

Art is beautiful heck yeahhh

[sonipanda]

Could we say hello to this new brand on the blog? A lovely follower gifted me a few pairs from Amazon and I am super excited to try them out. I have never heard of this brand before, and I am aware that only Amazon stock it!

I did want to give you more information about this brand and their background, but I can’t seem to find any information on them – SORRY!

The Spec

Colour: Grey

Size: 1-2 / X-Small-Small

Denier: 15

Materials:

Price: £13.99

Website: Amazon – sofsy Lace Sheer Thigh-High Stockings/Pantyhose w/Hold-Up Silicone – 15 or 20 Denier [Made in Italy]

My Outfit

As these are a super light grey, I thought I would go black and grey tones with my outfit. I normally wouldn’t but I felt like experimenting a little. I paired a black boydcon top with my pencil skirt and added my light grey patent court shoes to finish off the look. You could also pair some suede black court shoes instead.

My Deets

Top: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Holdups: Sofsy

Heels: Dorothy Perkins

    The Review

From The Website: Please ensure you have selected the correct denier (15 Denier or 20 Denier)

Don’t you hate it when you put on a brand-new pair of stockings – and they instantly ladder or tear? Or start to sag after just one wear? Once you try sofsy Thigh-High Stockings, you’ll never go back! These premium over the knee thigh-high tights are made of SILKY, 20 DENIER nylon that has a semi-sheer, sexy look. At the same time, our stockings are SUPREMELY DURABLE and resist runs, snags and also have a sheer invisibly reinforced toe. They’re MANUFACTURED IN ITALY, known for its high-quality hosiery. Compared with other 20 denier sheers, ours stay looking smooth and gorgeous wear after wear thanks to higher quality materials and our special manufacturing process. The stretchy nylon provides a FEEL-GOOD FIT while also retaining its shape (won’t sag!). Plus, unlike other thigh-highs that cut into your skin, our 10cm LACE TOP DOUBLE SILICONE BAND IS SOFT AND COMFORTABLE yet maintains its tension, stickiness, grip and elasticity over time.

sofsy double silicone top Thigh-High Stockings are designed to be worn with or without one of our suspender belts (not included) to create a sexy, timeless lingerie ensemble. Wear with work clothing, under evening wear, on your wedding day, or on their own! AVAILABLE IN X-SMALL, SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, X-LARGE and XX-LARGE. We pride ourselves on our accurate sizing. SEE THE SIZING CHART for help choosing the perfect fit panty hose.

Italian-Made Quality: Our exotic lingerie deep wide lace (10cm) double silicone top thigh-high stocking are manufactured in Italy, known for its high-quality hosiery. Pair with a garter belt or suspender belt (not included) for an ultra-sexy look. “Stay Up,” Comfortable Design: Silky, stretchy nylon fabric provides a comfortable fit (like a second skin!). Yet these holdup pantyhose nylon retain their shape and won’t sag after repeated wears.

Durable, No-Run Nylon Hose: Our 15 Denier and 20 denier hosiery is Sheer, strong and durable. You’ll feel the superior texture as soon as you take these out of the package! Pair with Thigh High Boots! Soft, Non-Irritating Thigh Hem: Lace silicon band top won’t cut into your skin like inferior thigh-high stockings. Enjoy all-day comfort. Top retains its tension & elasticity after repeated washings.

  The Packaging: well I have to say I haven’t seen packaging like this before, unless it’s on a Miss O brand. It’s pretty much straight to the point with these with the model wearing a pair of holdups in black on the front and the back has very minimal detail about the pair inside.

When you get in, you will find these folded so you get the foot and subtle leg shaping to it.

  Getting Them On: these are pretty delicate so I would recommend hosiery gloves to get them on. I didn’t use them as I am so used to getting on holdups with ease. They were fine going past the anklets and up the legs as long as the anklets aren’t sharp or can catch easily.

  On The Legs: let me start off with the colour. Even though these are grey, they so shade differently depending on the lighting. Some of the day it shaded a light grey (which is expected) and other times they were so translucent it didn’t look like I was wearing any. There were also times where they didn’t do any justice for my legs at all and made them look quite pale and ill-looking. I’m telling you sheer grey can be a tough one depending on your skin colour. I thought it worked better when my legs were in the sunlight rather than in a darker room.

The quality of these are amazing. I had no issues with snagging or rips whilst I was in them, and they were fabulous on the legs. They had plenty of stretch in them for my leg length and width and I can see these lasting as long as they are looked after properly.

The fit of them are true to size, and I would make sure you check out the sizing guide before you purchase them, or if you’re unsure then just opt for one size up rather than taking the risk. It helps that they are duo sizing 🙂

The feel of them are super soft and really smooth on the legs (both inside and out) and for the price you pay, these are not bad at all. I quite enjoyed being in my pair!

  The Toes & Ankle: I don’t think the toes on these are reinforced, which is a shame as they are so delicate and could easily rip if you don’t take care being in them. You do have a ultra thin sandal toe, which allows you to wear open toe shoes or sandals with these. There is plenty of wiggle room and no pressure is added either during my wear for the day.

They are a lovely fit around the whole foot, including the ankle where you won’t find any wrinkles.

  The Bands: are so pretty and a lovely darker shade of grey so they really do stand out. It has a subtle floral pattern to them with a small reinforced band sitting underneath. These have 2 thin silicone strips at the top of the band to help keep these up, and that they certainly do.

I didn’t have any issues with the band coming away from my skin at all, and they do have some grip to them, especially when you keep removing them from the legs every so often to test them out.

    My Thoughts?

I gotta say I was nicely surprised with this brand, and I would certainly recommend them for sure. I have another pair coming up soon, so I am hoping they will be just as good!

Sofsy Lace Sheer Thigh High Holdups Could we say hello to this new brand on the blog? A lovely follower gifted me a few pairs from…

[cosplaytutorial]

I’m doing a Caleb Widogast cosplay and I’m trying to make his coat. I have a pattern but I’m not sure what kind of fabric to use for the coat. I don’t want it to look bad but I know absolutely nothing about fabric, what would you recommend fabric wise for the coat?

Hello there!

When it comes to fabric choice, it’s less an exact science than getting to know what would work, and there’s a few ways to go about finding the perfect material. One method would be to look at real-life garments that are similar and what they are made out of. You don’t need to know the names of the fabrics, but look at weight, texture, and other qualities, and then go to a fabric store and find materials that have similar characteristics. This is a great way to learn, and you’ll really get a feel for what works and what doesn’t for certain items.

You can also look at the back of your pattern envelope for suggestions – it’ll tell you some fabric names, and you can then go to a fabric store, find materials with those names, and see what they look and feel like. This is another good way to quickly learn, and can be a great starting point when overwhelmed, but keep in mind that the perfect fabric may not be suggested on the envelope because they’re just that: suggestions. (and suggestions assuming real-life garments, in most cases!)

Once you get a bit more advanced with fabrics, you can look at the garment and the world it comes from and ask yourself what materials would work there. For this garment, it appears to be something grungy and heavily weathered, and the garment is realistic in appearance, so something with a realistic texture (so not something super flat looking) and that can withstand your weathering would be best. Also look at where the character wears this – is the world one with mostly natural materials? What does the character do in this garment? This can help you narrow down your options once you have a few.

That said, here are my suggestions of things to look at.

The first fabric I would look at is a faux suede. The coat appears to be lined in fur, and it would make sense that the outside of the jacket in-universe is the backside of the fur. The suede would also keep the animal-based look uniform, and create a nice texture. Make sure to pay extra attention to pattern placement with a material like this, so that the nap of the suede is in a consistent direction once sewn.

Faux leather would be another, similar option, for similar reasons, though is more difficult to sew and a heavier material. Be sure to invest in a non-stick/Teflon foot for your sewing machine if you go this route.

If you want something that is suitable but not suede- or leather-like in appearance, there are many fabrics in the suitings and bottomweights category that would work for this. Look for something like a medium-weight twill with a high cotton or other natural fiber content, or something like a denim (which is a type of twill). A melton might also be good, though pricey. I wouldn’t recommend anything as soft as a gabardine.

Whatever you choose, it needs to be able to handle the weathering you are planning on doing, so get a swatch or buy a small amount and try any sort of painting, ripping, abrading, etc. you are planning on doing, and see how the fabric reacts.

I hope that helps! Good luck :] 

—Fabrickind / Q&A Staff

[beauticate]

Violette, Makeup Artist

With her dreamy French accent and enviable style, it’s easy to see why beauty lovers the world over are a little infatuated with makeup artist Violette Serrat right now. Violette’s makeup tutorials inspire her devoted followers to channel their inner Parisienne on the daily and school them on interpreting trends for everyday wear (with a healthy dose of Gallic chic thrown in); think metallic blue lips, poppy-hued eyes, holographic lids and smudgy liner. And as Global Beauty Director of Estée Lauder, her relaxed, effortlessly cool attitude to beauty is now reaching a wider audience. Violette shared her unconventional beginnings in the beauty industry with us, as well as the secret to her perfectly imperfect hair, and why wine and cheese will always play a key role in her diet.

“Before becoming a makeup artist, I was studying art and fashion design.

I felt passionate about both - I didn't know which one to choose. One night, I came home and my friend was getting ready to go to a costume party. She was dressing up as this French character who wears a glitter mask on her eyes. So my friend asks me, "Can you do the glitter mask on my eyes?". I tell her I've never done makeup before, and she says, "C'mon. You're a painter, it'll be fine." So I did and, indeed, I felt like it was the link between art and fashion design.

My first instinct was to move to New York to get out of my comfort zone, and to find myself as a makeup artist without doing the typical training.

I thought, if I have to assist and go to makeup school, then it's not going to be a job that interests me - I want to do makeup the way I discover it. So that's why I left for New York. And I just knocked on the doors of all the modeling agencies and said, “Hey, I'm a free makeup artist” with my very French accent. And they gave me girls to do makeup on with new photographers for their books. With that, I started to build my book and work a lot. That night with my friend created a new path for me. I was thinking, "Wow, it's like dressing up a face and painting a face. Maybe that could be my job." And I started like this - like a weird hybrid artist.

I always have Re/Done jeans, and right now I’m really obsessed with Frances de Lourdes’ cashmere t-shirts. 

I have always some lingerie that you can see - I always wear it in black so it’s visible when I wear a white t-shirt. It's from Fleur du Mal, which I love. As for shoes - it depends. It could be heels (either Sergio Rossi or Gianvito Rossi) or otherwise I have my Converse. And bags - I have so many brands I couldn't even tell you.

I love when beauty serves you and how you feel. It’s here to empower you, to soothe you. I don’t like when makeup is used to change who you are or how you look. I am all about acceptance of who we are and loving ourselves.

I am a makeup minimalist. My signature look is bare skin and intense red lips, or messy hair with glitter eyes - balance is key to me. I use concealer, always - I go for the Estée Lauder Double Wear Waterproof Concealer, because I don’t have to touch it up at all during the day. Then I apply black mascara (I love Pure Color Envy Mascara). And I like to use my lipstick as my blush as well, so it's the same kind of colour - the colour I choose depends on the day. Lastly, a little bit of highlighter - and that's my go-to look. My favourite makeup tricks? Doing makeup with my fingers and using blush as an eyeshadow.

I feel my most beautiful when I see myself through my boyfriend’s eyes.

It could be in a moment where I’m not prepared, but I can see in his eyes that he thinks I’m beautiful. Sometimes you get used to it, but there can be a moment that will strike and you realise it again.

My skincare routine is long and rigorous - I am certainly not a skincare minimalist.

I am loyal when I find a product I love. I have this very soft cleanser that I use (it's like a milk), and then I spritz my face with water. I then use Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Intense Recovery Ampoules. I'm obsessed with anything “recovery” and it preps my skin really well. I then have this light cream that I put on top, and that's it. 

Since joining Esteé Lauder, I have discovered incredible products that are now my essentials, and I think I will stick with them for a very long time: the Advanced Night Repair PowerFoil Mask and Serum, Revitalizing Supreme+ Balm and the Double Wear Eye Pencil in Burgundy Suede. And the Pure Color Envy LipColor in Poppy Sauvage from my collection, of course.

For a night out, I'll put heels on and change my bag, but I keep the jeans and the t-shirt.

Then I like to grab a very strong or dark colour, I colour my eyes and smudge it with my finger. And then always freshen up with a little bit of my Estée Lauder concealer. 

When I wash my hair, I blow dry it a little to make it shinier.

And then I just put it up in a bun while I do my makeup. And I also do something a bit funny: I have this spray from Bumble and Bumble called Thickening Dry Spun Finish, which helps keep the shape you give to your hair. I put it on the roots of my hair and I pinch it up a lot - I even have a little clip that I put on my bangs to lift them more in the centre, because it gives them more of a ‘70s vibe. I don't like when my bangs are flat and round, which looks more ‘80s. And while it's setting like this, I'll do my makeup. And then I remove my bun and little clip, and the hair has a natural, messy wave.

My beauty look is a mix of boyish and feminine.

That's why, for me, the right balance is very important. For example, for hair, I like when the texture is really beautiful, clean and shiny, but it's a bit messy. Skin needs to be super healthy and fresh, but then imperfect, or else it looks fake. Nails are always done, but then paired with messed up jeans. It's always a balance of something you didn't look after, while the other thing is perfectly done. Honestly, I think that I'm very lucky to be a woman, and when I work on other women, I'm trying to celebrate them, so it's always about the same idea of balance. It's not about being someone else, not about trying too hard - it's always about being effortless.

My biggest beauty influence is women. All women.

I don’t have one icon. I love walking in the street - New York is an incredible source of inspiration because there is so much diversity and the women here dare to try. I love to look at them and imagine a little story of how they decided to wear a particular look. It’s like every woman is showing you a little part of herself.

To relax, I do transcendental meditation.

I don’t attend yoga classes as I am not ready yet. But every morning I do five to 10 minutes of yoga stretching that my very good friend, a skincare guru and yoga teacher, forces me to do. I do Pilates almost everyday - I just bought a reformer machine for my house, since I have such a crazy schedule, so now I can do it at home - no excuses. I used to paint, but that’s pretty rare now. But I garden - this is my current passion and it totally relaxes and grounds me.

I've recently started to understand how difficult ageing must be.

Before I used to think, “Wrinkles are so beautiful. What’s the problem with ageing? Why all this surgery?” I actually still feel the same way about wrinkles - I think it’s life and it’s beautiful. But I've started to see changes in my metabolism and if I drink too much, the next day is harder than before. I now have to work out more to maintain, and all these changes are so stressful, so I understand better now why people are resistant to ageing.

I see my friends who are around 45 years old - which is still young! - and between the ones who take care of themselves and the ones who smoke and eat unhealthy foods, I can see a big difference. So it makes me feel like ageing can be beautiful, but it depends on you and how you treat yourself. It’s very inspiring.

When I was a teenager, I wore red lipstick all the time, because I was in France.

I thought that as a woman, you wear a lipstick. I think I was 14. And red nails - I wore very deep red at maybe 12 or something. A perfect manicure was very important to me as a teenager. And I started to have fun with glitter pretty early. 18 was the big glitter phase in my life, but only on myself - I was 19 when I started to experiment on people as a makeup artist. But in school I wouldn’t wear any makeup - maybe just mascara. At that stage, beauty was not an obsession. Fashion was a bigger deal to me then.

I have these boots that help with lymphatic drainage, since I am always on my feet. I love them.

I also do facials at Rescue Spa every 6 weeks. At home, I do my own facials once a week. And after winter, I do a bit of cryotherapy to help my body recover from all the heavy food I’ve eaten. In New York, I go to Hortūs Nailworks for manicures - I will only go there. I also love Soho Sanctuary for massages and Shibui Spa.

I am now following a keto diet, and it has changed my life.

I don’t eat carbs or sugar - or even fruit, with the exception of berries - but I eat lots of good fats. I am so happy - I feel great and my body is in much better shape, and I am just much healthier overall. For breakfast, I’ll have a muffin with almond flour that I make myself, and some cheese or eggs with avocado. For lunch and dinner I’ll have some protein with veggies, and I make sure I have enough fat, as that is what gives me energy. I eat all organic and clean, nothing fried. It’s very close to what my diet was like back in Europe, so it’s not that big of a change. I also make my own coconut yogurt that I can eat as a snack with berries in the afternoon. I am never hungry, as I eat good quantities, and I am always full of energy.

I must admit, my stretches in the morning help me a lot. I pour cold water on my legs every morning and night to help with circulation, and I also use a dry brush everyday before my stretching to get rid of toxins. After having moved to New York City, where the food and elements are very different from France, I have to take a bit more care than I used to. But I actually enjoy doing all of these things, as it makes me feel so good.

I love apple cider vinegar in the morning to cleanse.

I do coconut oil-pulling first thing each day - it gets rid of all the toxins your liver clears out during the night. Sometimes I’ll do a week of aloe vera juice before each meal to help my digestive system, and I love a good turmeric and black pepper supplement to help me with any irritation or inflammation. And of course omega-3 for good skin. I still drink wine, as it is keto - which is good, because I need my dose of cheese and wine - I am French after all!”

Story by Tess Schlink. Images from Estée Lauder and Violette’s Instagram.

[caesarsme]

Yves Saint Laurent Crossbody Baggage For Girls

This bag in oak color is ideal for any event, for a special date or a birthday occasion you'll have the ability to put on it day or night time and you'll look so stylish on it. With an outside slit pocket on again, zippered central inside compartment, and with the straps that can be shortened or worn on the shoulder. The smooth leather version of the YSL Lou digicam bag retails for €895. This is very related to the Gucci Soho Disco bag which retails for €885. In the design and production of the Yves Saint Laurent baggage, the identical philosophy is applied – edgy, a road like, but uncompromisingly elegant. The material is 100 percent VISCOSE, and dimensions are 6.8 x 5.7 x 2.7 inches. The bag dimensions are 12.5 x 9.eight x four.7 inches, of one hundred pc calfskin leather-based perfect to put on for all the ladies who work in an office. Saint Laurent-Embossed Tote Bag with compression tabs on sides, leather-based handles, and adjustable shoulder strap. This functional tote bag options each a high handle and a leather strap, allowing you to hold every little thing you need for the day. Featuring a entrance flap with a leather-based en-cased interlocked YSL brand, this bag can easily match every thing you want each day. The inside of the bag is divided into one main compartment, one flat pocket, and an interior zip pocket. Our Saint Laurent girls's luggage edit exudes effortless Parisian type. Browse trend-led belt luggage and clean leather clutches in shades of deep black and burgundy, or go for a coveted top-handle design for insouciant sophistication. For the fifth step of the information on how to spot fake Yves Saint Laurent Niki bags, we are going to look at the text engraved on the leather-based that’s the pull tab which you open the zipper with. As easy as it could seem, these inscriptions that repeat throughout the true vs fake Yves Saint Laurent Niki luggage can simply let you know the authenticity of a Niki bag. Proceeding to the fourth step of the guide on tips on how to spot faux Yves Saint Laurent Niki baggage, we're going to have a look at the actual vs faux YSL Niki baggage for his or her inscription on the strap. Underneath the flap, the primary compartment of the bag is divided into two – a spacious open pocket and a zippered pocket. Additionally, the bag additionally has one other small pocket in front of the main compartment, which is right for carrying issues that require easy access. Yes, you might be expecting to see the iconic Hermès Birkin in this list and that might indeed be justified. The Book Bag is at present a web-based exclusive, so the best place to get it's YSL. Cassandra is a sort of YSL handbags that combine basic brand parts with some unique touches. We would guess that this bag is called after Cassandre, the pseudonym used by Adolphe Jean Marie Mouron, who's the graphic designer that created the iconic tri-letter emblem. It’s great for the right here and now, however it’s one of the few YSL offerings that might not have the same longevity. LouLou de la Falaise, Yves Saint Laurent’s shut pal and muse for more than three a long time, the LouLou is one of the most beloved bags in Saint Laurent’s arsenal. Its hallmarks are its soft however boxy construction, front flap closure, and quilted chevron finish. • Whether the bag you’re analyzing is clean leather-based, suede, or textured calfskin, the fabric should always feel tremendous delicate and sturdy. You’d have to come back tremendous near see the “Saint Laurent – Paris” engraved into the steel hardware closure. There is something boyish in regards to the Book Bag, with a really strong construction, a leather-based strap with only a trace of chain detailing. It’s as elegant as any YSL offering, and it only comes in one small measurement that’s suitable for a lot of occasions. There are variations with a gold logo and a monochromatic emblem, so both logomaniacs and those who choose delicate designer markers will discover satisfaction right here. Aaa Replica Baggage On-line Sale I did not actually know what to expect but I am so glad I took a chance. I own an original Damier bag and I might hardly tell the difference in quality between the unique and this replica. Initially, there was mild chemical smell but it went away after a couple of days. These replicated bags are to show off and seem at a discounted price that nobody has stopped. When you store at a division store or YSL outlet, you'll routinely pay $1000, $2000 or $3000 for any Saint Laurent purse. When the bag did property in shops, it sold out instantly and the waitlist rose via the day. Most of their merchandise are best sellers and so they cope with wallets, zipper luggage, tote baggage and replicas of LV, Prada, Gucci, Givenchy, Fendi and extra. The Goodsell888 retailer has a small assortment of baggage, but it’s a good collection. They have 97.6% optimistic rating and have over 3,000+ happy prospects. Another beautiful option to the leather could probably be the Bulgari luggage. I purchased my first vinyl bag from ifmore.org and i am joyful I made that call cause I obtained a wonderful and glorious Gucci bag. It may seem that vinyl is not one thing you have to placed on whenever you're out of your home result in don't need to be confused for the ladies who do dirty products to earn their meals, but belief me this replica bag is way to become disgraceful. It's chic and wonderful that's difficult for individuals to strive the fit. Christian Louboutin took the world by storm along with his sneakers, he’s a very revolutionary man and certain has considered one of their most unusual manufacturers out there. I think that the costs of his baggage will rise very quickly. 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2021 Cadillac XT5 review: Ordinary but agreeable

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2021 Cadillac XT5 review: Ordinary but agreeable

The Cadillac XT5 is attractive… at least from this angle.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

The XT5 is Cadillac’s midsize luxury utility vehicle, a versatile and cushy hauler that competes with rivals like the Lexus RX 350 and Lincoln Nautilus. To keep pace with these foes, and others, the XT5 was mildly enhanced last year, gaining a new turbocharged base engine, some updated tech and mildly tweaked styling, changes that continue forward for 2021. But while the XT5 is pleasant enough to drive and has a neatly trimmed cabin, the whole package feels a bit middle of the road in a segment where excellence is expected.

Like

Excellent infotainment system

Over-the-road refinement

Upscale interior

Don’t Like

Real-world fuel economy could be better

Sluggish climate controls

Frumpy proportions

This Sport-trim model features a fetching five-sided grille outlined in satin chrome and filled in with a black mesh texture. This prominent opening is flanked by LED headlamps, which are standard across the XT5 range. When viewed head-on, this vehicle is elegant, though, regrettably, the rest of its body is less attractive. If the XT5’s styling were one of the seven dwarves in Snow White, it’d be Dopey. The proportions seem off, which makes the whole thing look dull. With an oddly elevated hood and body that seems too tall and narrow, this Cadillac is a bit ungainly, reminding me of a smaller vehicle dressed in a fat suit. 

But there is good news: None of that awkwardness carries through to the cabin. The XT5’s interior is beautifully designed and more comfortable than you might expect. With plenty of soft, semi-aniline leather along with a wrapped-and-stitched instrument panel, microfiber-suede headliner and fetching bronze-hued carbon-fiber trim, it’s attractive and upscale. These upgrades are all included in the $3,650 Platinum Package. The front bucket seats are supportive enough to maintain good posture yet they’re still supple, so your ass doesn’t fall asleep on longer drives. This Caddy’s backseat is great as well, with plenty of room for taller adults, plus the lower cushion is a good height above the floor and nicely angled for a natural seating position.

2021 Cadillac XT5 Sport AWD: Enjoyable if not exceptional

See all photos

Mounted up high where it’s easy to see and reach is the 8-inch multimedia screen. Not only does it look small on that big ol’ dashboard, it feels a bit cramped, too. You can practically get television-sized displays in some vehicles these days — including Cadillac’s own Escalade — which makes this screen seem all the more inadequate. Despite that size deficiency, the XT5’s infotainment system is a dream, being both intuitive and highly responsive. Embedded navigation is available for an extra cost, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported on even the most basic model. Both of these smartphone-mirroring technologies can connect wirelessly for greater convenience, which is especially nice if you’re running a bunch of errands, getting into and out of the vehicle frequently.

Aside from the screen itself, there’s a rotary dial on the center console right next to the volume knob. You can use this to cycle through the infotainment system’s menus if you want, though I never really do. For me, it’s easier to just use the touchscreen. Next to that control is the XT5’s silly electronic shifter, which can be fiddly and reminds me of an ancient Nokia cell phone. Pushbuttons or a rotary control would be preferable and likely free up more storage space on the console.

Arguably, the XT5’s greatest asset is its upscale, comfortable interior.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

One annoying aspect of this vehicle’s interior is the physical climate controls. The system is super slow to respond when adjusting the temperature. You can rapidly click the buttons or even hold them down, but the numbers still change at an agonizingly slow pace, 72… 73… 74… Luckily, there’s a redundant set of climate controls in the infotainment system, and these respond immediately.

When it comes to tech, this Cadillac has plenty of standard kit. Front and rear parking sensors, remote start and an ineffective lane-keeping system are a few of the items included free of charge. You also get heated front seats for no extra outlay, ditto for a high-definition backup camera. Along with a color head-up display, automatic parking assist and a handy rear-camera mirror, which provides a much broader field of view behind the vehicle, the $2,275 Enhanced Visibility and Technology Package includes an HD surround-vision camera system, which gives you a 360-degree view of the XT5, something that’s super helpful when squeezing into narrow parking spaces. Disappointingly, adaptive cruise control, a feature that’s standard on many much-more-affordable vehicles these days also costs extra, bundled with the $1,300 Driver Assist Package.

Speaking of driving, two engines are offered in the 2021 XT5. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard on Luxury and Premium Luxury trims, but Sport models come exclusively with a 3.6-liter V6 that’s rated at 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of twist. Smooth and unexpectedly snarly, this powerplant has no trouble motivating the XT5. A responsive and refined nine-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, routing torque to either the front tires or all four if you opt for the available all-wheel-drive system, which is standard on Sport models. As for efficiency, I averaged around 20 miles per gallon in testing, a somewhat disappointing figure. It seems this Cadillac should do better since it’s not that big or heavy, plus it’s fitted with standard engine stop-start and the V6 has cylinder deactivation (fortunately, both technologies are pretty much seamless). But hey, at least that real-world fuel-economy figure is close to the XT5’s combined rating of 21 mpg. Around town, expect 18 mpg, on the highway it should return 26 mpg.

Yep, the proportions of this vehicle’s body are a little strange.

Craig Cole/Roadshow

Separating Sport models from lesser XT5s, they come with an adaptive suspension with continuous damping control, a quicker steering ratio and 20-inch wheels. Despite those generously sized rollers, this Cadillac’s ride is firm and well controlled, but never harsh. The steering ratio is also reasonably quick, which makes the XT5 feel nimbler than you might expect, though as per usual, more road feel through the wheel would be appreciated.

Eschew all options and you can drive home in a 2021 Cadillac XT5 for just about $45,000, including $995 in delivery fees. That makes it a couple grand richer than an entry-level Lincoln Nautilus, or around $1,000 less than a base Lexus RX 350. Of course, the nicely optioned Sport model seen here is a good bit pricier than 45 grand, but its window sticker isn’t that crazy. Including the Platinum Package, night vision, optional 12-spoke wheels and a few other goodies it checks out for $68,765.

The XT5 Sport is refined and comfortable, pleasant to drive and versatile. Indeed, there’s a lot to like about this vehicle, even if some things about it are a bit annoying and the exterior styling is too frumpy. Hopefully Cadillac tries just a little harder when it redesigns this luxury utility vehicle in the future, so it can live up to its full potential.

[putthison]

A Guide to Fall and Winter Trousers

Trousers are usually in the background of an outfit. They play a secondary role, setting the stage for whatever you’re wearing up top. As such, it’s easy to forget about them -- especially when you’re building a wardrobe. Almost everyone has blue jeans nowadays, and we’ve talked about the importance of grey pants. However, just as important as color is finding things in the right cloth. Spring and summer trousers are relatively easy since everything boils down to linen, cotton, and tropical wool. Your options can explode once it comes to fall and winter. A rundown of some of the more useful fabrics to consider:

Wool Flannel: This is your workhorse. If you wanted, you could build a wardrobe of just light- to mid-gray flannel trousers and be done with it. The fabric will go with everything from sport coats to sweaters to some casualwear, and depending on your region, can be worn almost year-round. Wool flannel is something like a smarter counterpart to cotton flannel -- it has a bit of a nap on the surface, which gives it that soft hand and incredible comfort (the material was once even used for underwear). 

When buying a pair, pay attention to the weight and weave. Mid-weight to heavyweight trousers will provide better insulation and drape. There’s also worsted flannel, where you can see a subtle twill running under the nap; then woolen, where you can’t. The first will be harder wearing, but the second will often have a bit more variegation in the color. 

Cavalry Twill, Covert Twill, and Whipcord: For all intents and purposes, these are basically the same thing. These steeply angled twills, made from either cotton or wool, were originally designed for hardwearing environments (think: countryside retreats and sporting events). Today, however, much like rustic tweeds and waxed cotton outerwear, they’ve come to define a sort of autumn and winter style that can be worn almost anywhere. You’re just as likely to see these today in downtown cafes as country homes. 

If you’re looking to expand past flannel trousers, start here. In neutral colors such as khaki, grey, and light brown, they can add some diversity to your wardrobe while still remaining versatile. If you go for a darker shade, look for something with mottling, such as these Rotas at No Man Walks Alone and The Armoury. Darker colored trousers can be harder to wear, but these shades can be nice in cavalry twill and whipcord because the colors look so great mottled. 

Corduroy: A little less useful with sport coats than the options mentioned above, but so wonderfully democratic and utilitarian. As Jesse said in his address to the Corduroy Club (yes, that’s a real thing), “corduroy has stood for what is right in our lives. Intellectual rigor. Fresh air. The comfort of a crackling fire. It is a fabric as forgiving and enduring as our spirits at their best.” Corduroy is the fabric of living -- whether that’s tucking your corduroy pants into your boots and feeding the pigs, or wearing them around college campuses. 

Corduroy is made with wales, which is a term for the textured ribs running down the pants. The thinner the wale, the more modern the trousers will look; the wider the wale, the frumpier and old school. Needlecord, which is the thinnest of wales, can be especially nice as five-pocket jeans. 

Tweed: Tweed can be tricky, as so many are either too loosely woven for trousers (which means they’ll bag easily) or they’re too bold for practical wear. The most useful in this category will be Donegal, which is a medium- to heavy-weight tweed that gets its name from the Donegal county of Ireland (where the fabric has been traditionally made, even if Donegal today is generically used for a style). Donegal tweed is defined by its nonlustrous, slubby yarns, which have flecks of color throughout. That’s what gives the fabric that beautiful texture you see above. 

Bold pants can be hard to wear, but Donegal is surprisingly useful. With a pattern as subtle as this, you can pair them with anything from sweaters to waxed cotton outerwear to even contrasting tweed sport coats. I like them in mid-gray, such as this pair at our sponsor Dapper Classics. 

Moleskin: Every description of moleskin has to start with a caveat that these are not, indeed, made from the skin of moles. Instead, this is a cotton fabric with a soft, almost suede-like texture. Like many of the fabrics mentioned above, moleskin started its life as a country cloth, used for hardwearing activities such as getting through thick, prickly brush. Today, it’s a common material in fall and winter clothes. 

Moleskin looks great when new, but it can also age in a slightly patchy way that I find makes it difficult to pair with tailored clothes. Still, it’s great for casualwear, particularly if you want something with a bit more interesting texture. And it’s fantastically comfortable. You’ll find them most useful in colors such as olive or khaki. Ledbury even has them right now as five-pocket pants. 

Gabardine: A tightly woven fabric, generally made in wool but also sometimes cotton, that simply drapes beautifully. It’s a dressier looking cloth than many of the options mentioned above, but terrific with things such as hopsack sport coats. Wool gabardine can be an ideal cloth for shoulder seasons, as it wears cool in the spring and warm in the fall. Depending on where you live, they can be a little too chilly or hot, however, in the summer and winter months. 

Unfortunately, gabardine trousers can be hard to find. As more and more of tailoring disappears, the once-popular cloth hasn’t fared as well in sales as the more popular Super 100s and basic flannels. If you can find a pair, pick them up in colors such as mid-gray or tan. The ones pictured above are available at O’Connell’s. 

Year Round Wools: All the options above are specific to fall and winter, but year-round wools are worth a mention. Typically, these are mid-weight wools, often woven in silkier Super 100s numbers, and they’re designed to go with almost anything. Pick them in solid colors such as grey or taupe. Navy can be nice, but you have to have the right clothes. 

Year-round wools can sound like the perfect solution for someone looking to build a minimalist wardrobe. And they are, depending on what kind of wardrobe you’re trying to build. At the same time, they can feel a bit too thin and silky for rugged jackets such as Barbour. And they won’t have the breathability you’ll want on a truly hot day. If you have the time and money for it, you’d be better off building a seasonal wardrobe -- tropical wools and linens for summer; heavier flannels and cavalry twills for winter. Year-round fabrics can be nice as a supplement, but leave you wanting if your wardrobe only consists of them. 

If you do get a year-round wool, consider solid colors and subtle patterns. Mid-grey pick-and-pick weaves, for example, can be surprisingly useful. 

Chinos and Denim: The two fabrics that actually do work year-round, at least in today’s dressed down world. If you’re buying a pair of chinos, pay attention to things such as the fit, side seams, and waistband. Chinos that have a cleaner, more tailored look, such as these from Drake’s and Ring Jacket, are easier to pair with sport coats than the more casual varieties you’ll find at J. Crew. See our guide on how to judge different types of chinos.

Denim will be the foundation for almost any casual wardrobe, although you can also make them work in certain cases with sport coats. Just find a straight-legged pair that sits a bit higher on the hips (although, don’t go too high). Levi’s Vintage Clothing’s 1947 and 1954 versions of their iconic 501 jeans are great for these purposes (especially in New Rinse, which helps take out the guesswork in shrinkage). So are Drake’s No. 3, Orslow 105, and The Armoury’s 1960s cut. Here’s one of our guides on how to wear sport coats with jeans. 

Recommendable Places to Buy Trousers

Finally, where are some places where you can buy good trousers? You can always start with the classic American clothiers, such as Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Paul Stuart, Ben Silver, J. Press, O’Connell’s, and The Andover Shop. The cuts will err on the side of traditional, but you’d be surprised how slim and flattering some of the models can look. Uber-slim pants often look awful anyway, if only because they’re much harder to fit (as the tailoring has to be pitch perfect to match your body, a goal nearly impossible for ready-to-wear). 

For value, we love Howard Yount, Epaulet, and Dapper Classics (the stack of trousers at the very top of this post is Dapper Classics’ new fall/ winter collection). Their pants are made in NYC to an excellent standard, and run for about $200. Still a bit pricey, but you’ll get a big jump in quality here from J. Crew and Banana Republic. They also won’t be as low-rise, which we think is important. 

If you have a bit more coin to spend, Rota is about the best you can get without going bespoke these days (they run about $400/ pair). The trousers are made in Italy, come in different fits, and just look and feel great. You can find them at No Man Walks Alone and The Armoury. They can also take made-to-orders, which really opens up a whole new world in terms of fabric possibilities. 

Lastly, if you’re in a city where Stoffa holds trunk shows, it’s worth paying them a visit. I find their made-to-measure pants to be some of the best non-bespoke trousers I’ve come across (they run for about $350-ish). The company’s owner and designer, Agyesh, is excellent at fitting people, and he offers some really interesting fabrics. His peached cottons are hard to get anywhere else and they look terrific. 

(photos via Voxsartoria, No Man Walks Alone, Paul Stuart, Dapper Classics, Tenue de Nimes, and Drake’s)

[tshirtfashiontrend]

Rottweiler dog I sit for you will you stand for me shirt

Printing on fleece can be difficult Rottweiler dog I sit for you will you stand for me shirt . But we want to set you up for success. That’s why we launched a new Design Innovation Series with our friends at Motion Textile. Have you been following along? If not, check out the first two posts here and here! For part three of our Design Innovation Series, we must warn you: people will not be able to resist feeling this new cashmere inspired sweatshirt we’re working with today. Our new sueded fleece is irresistible to touch but could be intimidating when it comes to printing. So if you’re a brand who is not afraid to try something new and like to set the trends, this sueded fleece screen printing technique is definitely for you. Rottweiler dog I sit for you will you stand for me shirt, hoodie, sweater, longsleeve and ladies t-shirt

Classic Ladies

Hoodie

Sweatshirt

Unisex Let’s start with decorating advice Rottweiler dog I sit for you will you stand for me shirt . When we came up with sueded fleece, we love the touch and feel, but we weren’t really sure how it’s going to print, so we sent it to Tom at Motion Textile to do a test run. There’s no question, the fabric has a great feel, but it’s extremely porous, so his approach two fold: Use textured or distressed artwork (This way, you don’t have to fully penetrate the fabric, but can just print right on top of the surface). Tom’s approach is simple, because he says the sueded fleece fabric really stands on its own, therefore, the printing should just be accenting, or adding to the fabric. Using single layers of ink with no underlay, Tom recommends all wet on wet printing without flash. Ultimately, the ink is just becoming part of the substrate for an organic and natural finished look. For printing on sueded fleece, you generally want to avoid small graphics with fine detail and tight registration. Try to keep it loose with soft inks and colors, avoiding bright hues that require multiple layers of ink. The goal is to print right into the fabric, making the graphic become part of the substrate. For a look like ours, you will want bold distressed graphics, a low viscosity ink, and one hit per color on the press with no flashing in between. The textures of the sueded fleece paired with this design creates a super unique look that’s sure to be a head-turner. How would you make a screen print design on our sueded fleece your own? Give it a try and let us know how it goes. Screen printing not your thing? Don’t worry, we’ve tested embroidery and it turned out great as well. If you’d like to give that a shot, we’re taking next week’s blog to a new level by showing you a hack for creating a cut and sew look on already made blades. You don’t want to miss it! Be sure to subscribe to stay in the know! You Can See More Product: https://kingteeshops.com/product-category/trending/ Read the full article

[sonipanda]

We bring out a Tesco F&F pair to the blog today. I am quite enjoying this; testing out the non-high-end brands, which are a lot more affordable for individuals or don’t know much about hosiery to invest in higher branded pairs.

So I wanted to try out a thicker denier pair – yes I do know it isn’t the season for it, but I didn’t mind slipping into them. Plus I know a lot of people who can only wear thicker deniers for their own reasons; catering for all here!

The Spec

Colour: Black

Size: Small

Denier: 40

Materials: 87% polyamide, 12% elastane, 1% cotton

Price: £5.00

Website: unavailable – store only

My Outfit

I went pretty dark with my outfit; I paired up a silky shirt with my floral skort and added my suede court shoes to finish the look. I also wore some small pearl studs to keep it classy.

My Deets

Shirt: H&M

Skort: River Island

Tights: F&F

Heels: Dune

    The Review

The Packaging: I got this pair off the shelf, so they were open as shown below. You have the chance to feel them, the texture and check out the stretch before you purchase. The front shows the model along with the brand name, model name, denier and price.

Flipping over it does into a little more detail, the sizing guide and hosiery care.

When you get in, and be careful, you will find these folded neatly with no card inserted inside. These are flat folded, so there is no foot or leg shaping to them.

  Getting Them On: I did my scrunch and roll from the toes to the ankles, making sure I take care going over the anklets. As soon as I am past that, I roll right up and set in place. I did pinch and pull in a few places just to make sure I get it as even as possible on the legs so there aren’t any patchy parts.

  On The Legs: I gotta say I like the stretch in these! There is plenty in here so you get a real nice hugging fit to the legs. It even allowed me to pinch and pull in some places without ruining the tights.

The quality of these are actually really good; they are quite hard to snag as they are super smooth on the outside and I don’t see these ripping easily. I suppose with some force you could, but they’re decent.

One thing I did notice is the ombre effect occurring in some places; I tried hard not to let that happen but as you move, the tights will fall into place. I noticed on the thighs where it stretches out more, it becomes sheerer compared to the bottom of the legs. It’s not a big deal but worth noting if you’re not a fan of this happening.

Oh I also took some shots with the flash on, where you can see these have a shine to them. It’s not a great deal, but when the sun hits these, they would look lovely.

The fit of these are true to size, and I felt I had enough material in them. If you’re unsure, then please do check the sizing guide before purchasing. The feel of them are so lovely they have a super soft touch to them, both inside and out. They feel incredible to touch and they really do caress the legs.

  The Toes & Ankle: I don’t think the toes are reinforced on this pair, so do take care with long/sharp nails to ensure you don’t create any unwanted holes. I had plenty of wiggle room in them for my toes to move and breathe, and no pressure was added onto them either

Around the feet and ankles, it’s a fitted smooth finish with no wrinkles. I shouldn’t expect any as these have a lot of stretch to them.

  The Waistband & Gusset: now I have to say this is a great waistband. I mean look how nice and thick that looks and how well it just curves with the body. I have to say I was very impressed with the band! I loved how it hugged my waist so well, it didn’t roll down, it didn’t roll over itself and it holds up so well too. You forget that you’re wearing one – that is how lovely it feels.

The gusset to this (I forgot to take a picture) is a small cotton patch in the middle, which sits flush against the skin.

  My Thoughts?

A damn good pair I say! I love how these turned out, considering these aren’t a well-known brand. I did really like the quality of these, and the fit is great too. I also loved the way these felt on the skin, and how amazing they are overall. I would certainly recommend them. If there are any of you who wish to purchase a pair but live outside the UK, get in touch and I can get some pairs to send to you!

Tesco F&F Luxury Silky Opaque Tights We bring out a Tesco F&F pair to the blog today. I am quite enjoying this; testing out the non-high-end brands, which are a lot more affordable for individuals or don't know much about hosiery to invest in higher branded pairs.

[dazombi3fari3]

Hey doll hey! Hope you are having a great day/night and that you are in good spirits, with as little pain as possible, and that you have plenty of spoons today. I’m having a pretty good day. My pain levels are somewhere in the middle range and I have a good deal of energy today. It’s cold here in Florida today and my body isn’t liking it, but it’s also not giving me too hard of a time. For today’s testing old makeup products I have chosen Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer ($32 at Ulta), Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer ($28 at Ulta and Sephora), and Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation (Discontinued). I have also tested out the 2 newest ColourPop palettes that I hauled…. It’s My Pleasure ($12 on their website) and Lilac You A Lot ($12 on their website). As a side note…. for my brows I tried a newer to me technique. I tried the soap brow method and I have to say I really liked the way my brows came together today. Anyway, I’ll review all 5 products in Final Thoughts but for now let’s jump into the Face of the Day …..

Base: I primed my face using Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer (). I color corrected using Pixi by Petra Correction Concentrate ($12 at Target) in the shade Brightening Peach. For foundation I am wearing Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation (Discontinued) in the shade Light Medium. I concealed my under eyes using Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer ($28 at Ulta, Sephora, and on their website) in the shade Light Medium. I set my face using Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder ($39 at Ulta or Sephora) in the shade Translucent and then warmed up my face using NYX Matte Bronzer ($10at Ulta) in the shade Deep Tan. I set my under eyes and baked my jaw line, center of forehead, and bridge of the nose using RCMA No Color Powder ($15 on the Beautylish website).

Eyes: I primed my lids using Tarte Shape Tape ($27 at Ulta) in the color Light-Medium Honey and set it using more of the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I first went in with the It’s My Pleasure Palette ($12 on the ColourPop website) and used the shade Kittenfishes (a cool lavender matte) as my 1st transition shade. I then popped over to the Lilac You A Lot Palette ($12 on the ColourPop website) and used the shade Imagine That (a pastel lavender matte) as my 2nd transition shade. For my crease I used the shade Iffy (a cool toned true purple matte) from the same palette. On my mobile lid I used the shade Wake Me (an orchard with a pink flip metallic) on the inner 1/3 and then switched back to the It’s My Pleasure Palette to use Chick Lit (a deep amethyst metallic) on the outer 1/3. I then went back to the Lilac You A Lot palette and used the shade Fluff (an icy violet with gold and silver reflect metallic) on the middle 1/3 to blend the inner and outer shades together. I then used a combo of the shade Filtered (a reddish plum matte) from this palette and Sleeper (a deep eggplant matte) from the other palette to deepen the crease a bit and on the outer v. On my lower lash line I first used the more of the shade Kittenfish and then the shade Iffy and then I deepened the lash line using more of Sleeper to create a smokey drop shadow. On the inner corners I used the shade Trainwreck (a soft lavender with a pink flip metallic) from the Lilac You A Lot palette to highlight them. I used the Soap Brow technique to set my brows using Neutrogena Original Fragrance-Free Gentle Facial Cleaning Bar ($1.97 at Walmart). I then filled in my brows using Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil ($24 at Ulta) in the shade 4.5 and then carved out my brow line using BH Studio Pro Brow Highlighter Pencil ($5 on their website) on the matte side and set that with the shade Lucid (a pinkish nude matte) from the Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Palette ($48 at Sephora). I lined my waterlines with the Revolution Pro Supreme Pigment Gel Eyeliner ($5 on their website) in the shade Nude. I primed my lashes with Loreal Voluminous Primer ($6.79 at Target) and then used Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara ($6.79 at Target).

Cheeks and Lips: For blush today I am using Loreal True Match Super Blendable Blush ($7.99 at Target and $11.99 at Ulta) in the shade W 3-4 Barely Blushing (a tanish peach satin). I highlighted the tops of my cheeks, bridge of the nose, Cupid’s Bow, and center of my forehead using BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed ($22 at Sephora) in the shade Champagne Pop. I then used MAC Mineralize Skin Finish ($36 at Ulta and MAC) in the shade Medium Golden as a finishing powder to blend out all the edges of the blush, bronzer, and bake. I lined my lips with NYX Suede Matte Lip Liner ($4 at Ulta) in the shade Stockholm (a very pale peachy nude) and filled in the lips using Loreal Matte Lip Stain ($11.99 at Ulta) in the shade 418 Empower (a pale yellow toned peachy nude) and then I topped the lips off with NARS Lip Gloss ($24 at Sephora and on their website) in the shade Chihuahua (a light berry pinkish coral).

Final Thoughts:                                                                                                                                   So the soap brow technique was so easy to do. My brows felt a little bit sticky but soon dried down and held my brows in place but they came out fluffier than when I use brow gel ….. I am thinking I may do this technique a lot more seeing as though I have very sparse brows.

The It’s My Pleasure and Lilac You A Lot palettes were so easy to work with. There was no patchiness or skipping, barely any kickback in the pans, and very little fallout on the face. Every shade I used was rich in pigment that did not muddy when buffed into each other. These palettes offer enough shade variation that you can get several distinctly different looks with each. I’m going to have so much fun with these 2 palettes this Spring, even though I don’t have separate colors that I use for the different seasons, I just use what I feel like using, when I feel like using it.

The Tarte Poreless Mattifying Primer ….. ugh the scent!!! I just can not get passed the scent of this thing. It’s the reason i almost never reach for it. I like that it really blurs the pores and smooths out the texture on my face…. but that scent is just so gross. I don’t even know how to explain how this stuff smells, it’s some where between burnt plastic and play-dough. I’m finding it hard pressed to keep using this product. It’s almost completely full and I just can’t bring myself to keep using it because of the scent. I know it’s almost $40 that I’ll be wasting but I am decluttering this one from my collection.

Too Faced Born This Way Naturally Radiant Concealer….. I freaking love this concealer so much. It’s a light weight consistency that builds up beautifully. I have the shade Light-Medium and it’s my perfect skin match…. I want to use this one up so I can repurchase it in the shade Light-Nude so that I can bring some light to the under eye area. I am most definitely keeping this concealer in my collection.

Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation….                                                                                           I’d give this foundation a solid B-. It just doesn’t wow me anymore. It’s a very light weight serum foundation that leaves the face feeling a bit greasy. This foundation was discontinued and so even if it wowed my I wouldn’t be able to get my hands on it anyway. It looks pretty and is a light coverage foundation great for the Spring, but I just don’t like it enough to keep it in my collection. I have decluttered it.

Well that’s all dolls. Stay tuned tomorrow when I try out another 4 items from my older makeup stash to see if I liked it or if I will declutter it. I hope you have a great rest of your day/night and remember …. save a spoon for a bit of lipstick.

XOXO

      Purple Smokey Eye Face of the Day Hey doll hey! Hope you are having a great day/night and that you are in good spirits, with as little pain as possible, and that you have plenty of spoons today.

[chezlekipper]

Need to Know Pt. 5

Woohoo update! @incredifishface​ @pinknoonicorn

Frostiron modern Corporate AU (security firm) featuring escort!Loki

Tags: NSFW, age-difference, prostitution

Pt. 1

Pt. 2

Pt. 3

Pt. 4

Tony is very rich, you know

Pool

"This building has a pool."

"Wrong." Tony, smug, stepped back to let Loki in. "It has two pools."

He hadn't been sure about Loki having his phone number but it meant he'd had some warning this time before the kid lobbed up on his doorstep.

"There's only one listed on the information board."

"That's the public pool, attached to the public gym, for building residents."

"And the other?"

"Is mine."

"You have a private pool?"

"I had to think of something to do with the rest of this floor." Tony took Loki's grey suede jacket and hung it up on one of the hooks beside the door. "Apart from my apartment, the guest suite, the gym, the cinema, and the games room."

"You own this floor?"

"I own the building, babycakes. I am ludicrously wealthy." Tony had never been one for modesty, false or otherwise. "Would you like to see my private, invitation-only pool...?"

"Nice." Loki breathed.

Three lanes wide and maybe fifteen metres long, the pool was edged around with a metre or so of dark wooden decking that went right up to the window. The rest of the floor was paved with subtly textured, light coloured tiles, a couple of metres on either side then extending all the way back the several metres to the door. A pair of padded sun loungers sat beside each other against the back wall, angled to face the window. 

"No, don't turn on the lights." Loki said as Tony lifted a hand to the switch. "I want to enjoy that view."

Tony followed when Loki padded around the edge of the pool to the window. They stood shoulder to shoulder in silence looking down at New York in the evening. All those lights glowing against the deepening grey of the sky. It was a great view: Tony couldn't remember the last he'd really appreciated it. 

"Can I go for a swim?" Loki asked.

"Sure. I can probably even find you a swimsuit."

"That won't be necessary." Loki was already stripping off his shirt, his pale skin gleaming under the ambient light from the neon outside.

"Why don't you have any tattoos?" Tony blurted the question out, like the smooth motherfucker he was. "Your brother does. Everyone does."

"You don't." Loki pointed out.

"Meant to. Never got around to it."

The expression on Loki's face became... impish.

"And how do you know about my brother's self-expression through questionable body art?"

"Pool parties." Tony shrugged. "'Questionable'?"

"Oh, come on." Loki had kicked off his shoes, was wriggling out of his jeans. "All that Celtic and Viking shit? So cliche."

"At least he picked a theme and stuck with it." Tony watched Loki hop down in to the pool, watched his face as the not-quite-cold water came up over his nipples. "So? Why don't you have any?"

"You said yourself, 'everyone does'." Loki ducked his head under, surfacing a couple of seconds later with a happy sigh, his teeth flashing white in a grin. "I'm not everyone. And I like that there's a point of difference between my brother and I."

"You don't look that much alike anyway."

"We have the same ears." Loki floated on his back, kicking his feet idly. His dick was a tempting roll of pink amongst his dark pubes. "And knees."

"Yeah, because that's the first thing anyone's gonna notice about the pair of you."

Loki has pushed himself upright again and, as he'd drifted over to the slightly deeper end, the water was now lapping under his chin.

"You coming in or what?" He challenged.

Tony was in his pool at least three times a week, but it was to do laps as part of his exercise regime, never to just... play.

He and Loki laughed as they engaged in a loose but serious game of tag, the object of which appeared to be getting their hands on the other's dick without being caught themselves. Loki was fast in the water, agile, twisting sinuously around Tony as he darted in and away. He was definitely winning this round, not that Tony - normally ultra competetive - minded that much, not when he was being teased in to a full-blown erection.

Loki pulled himself out of the water to sit on the window edge of the pool, the silhoutte of his shoulders broad against the backdrop of New York lights.

"Come here." He ordered softly, spreading his thighs. Tony went.

Loki reached over to his clothes, rummaging with purpose until he retrieved a familiar packet.

"You came prepared?" Tony stood between his knees and watched him slip the condom on.

"I'm always prepared." Loki said.

"Dyb dyb dyb."

Loki snickered.

"Oh my god. Were you a scout?"

"Shuddup. It was considered a morally improving thing to do."

"Uhuh." Hands on his head, Loki pulled Tony towards his groin. "How did that work out?"

"Not as well as you'd think."

Tony anchored himself around Loki's hip with one hand, holding the condom secure at the base with the other. He wrapped his lips around the tip of Loki's dick then looked up. Loki made a soft noise, like he'd been punched.

"Fuck, baby, that's - " He didn't so much trail off as stutter to a halt as Tony relaxed his throat and slowly took him as far down as he could. Which was pretty far, all considered, though not quite as far as Tony woud've liked. He was still not up to his previous standard, despite recent activity.

He switched it up, getting in to a rhythm, using his bouyancy in the water to get the tiniest of bounces going.

Loki was vocal in his appreciation.

"Fuck, you're good at this." He managed to gasp out. "Did you get a badge for cock-sucking because damn."

His fingers tightened in Tony's hair, stopping him moving, keeping him in place as he pulsed against his tongue. He let Tony go after a little while, after his dick was soft in his mouth.

"You are a fucking champion."

Tony pulled back, grinning, wiped his lips with the back of hand.

"Are you just saying that?"

It was flippantly phrased but, you know, accurate feedback was invaluable for the continued improvement of key performance indicators.

"Absolutely not." Loki murmured, cupping the back of Tony's head again and leaning down to brush a kiss over his lips, which was unexpected but nice. "There's too much bad head in the world to flatter any with undeserved praise." He kissed Tony once more, lingeringly this time. "What can I do for you?"

"Can you get it up again?" Loki had very eloquent eyebrows. "Yeah, yeah, stud, sorry to impugn your stamina." Tony smirked, looked him straight in the eyes. "What I want is to ride your dick until I see stars..."

Loki perfunctorily dried himself off with the towel Tony had pulled out of a concealed cupboard, before spreading it over one of the loungers. He settled back, watching with interest as Tony wiped himself down more thoroughly with another of the super fluffy, super absorbent things.

"May I?" Loki held up a couple of sachets of lube, retrieved from his jeans. "Over here." He patted his thigh. "Face me."

Loki was flexible and dextrous, managing to get Tony, straddling his hips, prepped with a minimum of fuss and without taking his eyes off his face. The long reach of his arms and fingers certainly helped.

There was something really, really hot about the constant eye contact that had Tony all but fucking himself on those fingers in anticipation. Also, Loki knew exactly where to press so Tony was seeing stars even before he'd got Loki's dick in him.

Fresh condoms all 'round and finally, finally Tony got what he wanted. He gripped Loki's shoulders as he was guided in to place, threaded like... like meat on to a skewer, or something. Tony almost laughed at the absurdity of the image but then Loki bottomed out inside him and he had other things taking up his attention.

When their positions had been reversed the last time they'd fucked, Loki had looked like he was dancing. Tony knew he wasn't anywhere near as graceful but he knew exactly how to position himself to get the maximum effect out of Loki's dick. He contemplated stringing it out, taking his time but no, he really, really wanted to come. Loki's hands stayed on Tony's hips as he single-mindedly pursued his pleasure, and he devoured Tony with those big, glittering eyes while murmuring how good Tony looked, how fucking fantastic he felt. And well, did Tony have a praise kink? Maybe a little. When he came his short, sharp exclamation bounced echoingly off the water and the walls.

Tony was a sweaty mess, gasping for breath, practically done in. Loki, however was still rigid inside him. Tony quirked an eyebrow and squeezed somewhat shaky internal muscles. Loki's abdomen and thighs jerked, but...

"I'm good." He said lightly. "The night is still young."

"Yeah but I have to go to work tomorrow." Tony wondered if he was being presumptious. Loki hadn't necessarily meant he was planning on hanging around here.

"I'll let you suck me off again before I leave."

"That's all right then." Tony winced as Loki's dick slid out of him. "I'm fine. Just sensitive." He said in response to Loki's frown. He flopped down on to his side with a satisfied groan.

"Tell me there isn't a fridge or a bar in here." Loki was sitting up, having removed his condom. He gave himself a couple of firm squeezes and Tony licked his lips.

"Two panels to the left of the towel cupboard."

Loki pulled a couple of bottles of water off the shelf though Tony had noticed he'd lingered briefly over the beers. He wandered back to the lounger letting Tony admire the long, languid length of him.

And then there was his body.

Loki stretched out facing Tony, who was very glad he'd invested in these luxuriously wide loungers; there was enough space that two people could lie on their sides together and not feel crowded.

"So. Any plans for while you're here?"

"Oh god, don't you start." Loki grunted.

"Sore spot? Sorry."

"What are your plaaaaaans, Loki?" His voice was high-pitched and mocking. "What are you going to dooooo?"

He suddenly looked very young with that adorable pout. Tony wasn't dumb enough to mention it though, besides he remembered being young and feeling the burden of other people's expectations. 

"Why do I have to have plans?" Loki grumbled. "Can't I just have fun? Jesus."

"Thor's convinced you're going to stay around this time." Tony ventured, after a few seconds of aggrieved silence.

"Well, I haven't decided." Loki hedged. "We're currently in the honeymoon phase of our reunion, where we're both careful what we say to each other. If it follows the usual pattern we'll be deliberately goading each other within a fortnight, then I'll piss off again."

"Okay, so what's the circuit breaker to this cycle?" Tony asked, feeling amazingly like a grown-up. "What would interupt the pattern?"

"Thor needs a distraction, something outside of work, that'll take his attention off me. Because that's where it always starts. When he takes an overbearing interest in my life." He grinned slyly at Tony. "Wanna help me get my brother laid? I'm pretty sure that's not a regular occurance."

Tony suspected Loki might be right: he couldn't remember Thor boasting, talking about or even hinting at any sort of sex for several months.

"On reflection. " Tony said. "Rogers is the obvious candidate."

"Is he interested in Thor?"

"... yes?" Tony said after a moment. "I'm not sure, to be honest. He keeps himself wrapped up pretty tightly."

Most of his colleagues did, to an extent, except Fandral who was happy to let everyone know who and what he was doing.

"Right then." Loki drummed his fingers on his thigh. "We have a target, one that I know Thor will happily pursue. What we need now is a plan."

"Oh, I know! We could trap them in the elevator together! Or a cupboard!"

"Nope. Bad idea." Loki laughed. "Thor's claustrophobic."

"He is?" Tony was genuinely surprised. "His office isn't that big and he doesn't complain."

"One wall of that office is entirely made up of window." Loki said dryly. "And how often does he close his door?"

"Hardly ever, now you mention it. And he always takes the stairs!" Tony shook his head. "I thought it had something to do with his fitness? I mean, we're only five floors up but that's a ways to go several times a day."

"He does it at home too." Loki said. "Taking the stairs. Have you been to his apartment? Lovely big open living space. Lots of windows and lights. Bedroom and bathroom doors he never shuts." He shuddered. "I've seen more than I want to."

"Hah, me too!" Tony laughed. "He doesn't close his bathroom door here either. But if he's claustrophobic that's perfect! Lock the pair of them in somewhere, Thor freaks out. Rogers comforts him." Tony aimed finger guns at Loki. "Perfect."

"I'd rather not do anything that sends my brother back to therapy." Loki was rueful. "Anyway, I've already planted the idea, it just needs a little bit of a nudge. You think you can nudge from the other side?"

"Rogers or Thor?"

"Whichever, as opportunity dictates. Can you be subtle though?"

"I'm the master of subtlty."

Tony should have been offended by Loki's burst of laughter but how could he when it lit up his expression and made him look so darn cute...