Fashion

I’m Alive and Kicking!

Posted by KC on Jun 11, 2012 in Fashion, Scribbles | 0 comments

Finally! After hibernating for like, a couple (or more?) months, I was finally able to gather all the will and motivation to update this website! Oh my gosh, congratulate me, I’m aliiiive! ) Yes, Crafts and Vogue is up and running! First, I would like to apologize to those readers who I let down when I let laziness and frustration win over me and decided to just ignore this website. It’s a big no-no, I know! And if ever you’re curious about the reason behind this, read this one: I Think I’m Back on my personal blog. I happened to rant a lot about it there so to save myself from all the hassle in explaining myself, please just read it. And again, Im sorry! Im really hoping that I can still win you back.

Anyhoo, since I’ve been MIA here for such a long time, I need to do a lot of catching up. Don’t worry, many exciting things happened in my life during my absence and I cant wait to finally share them all to you! I was also able to gather lessons and realizations about fashion, beauty and life in general.

As a teaser, here are some of the snap shots of the stories that I’m gonna share to you all real real soon:

My vague attempt to enter the world of styling:

My first ever fashion stylist portfolio photoshoot:

My sample output:

My first collaboration photoshoot:

How I influenced my friend to start her own blog        

And so on, and so forth!

These plus more fashion, beauty, art and life tips on Crafts and Vogue Online

Technorati Tags: art, beauty, Crafts and vogue, fashion, fashion blog, fashion styling, kc oteyza, mega fashion crew

Summer Fashion: Right Shades For Your Face Shape

Posted by KC on Mar 21, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

Summer is here! Everyone’s feeling giddy about escaping for a while from the busy life at the city and enjoy the beach under the sun’s heat! Truly, summer is all about fun and fab! Time to show-off those bikini bod with totally glamorous pair of bikinis. Don’t forget to know the right type of swimsuit for your body type. But then, summer fashion won’t be complete without gorgeous and chic pair of sunnies!

Find the right shades that flatter your face with this simple guide:

Oval Face

You have an oval face if your forehead is wider than chin, you have prominent cheekbones and narrow oval chin.

What to Wear: Cat Eye Shades

This sultry shaped shades give your gentle curve features a little edge and at the same time, makes you look fierce oh-so-classy. 

Triangle Face

You have a triangle face if you have a wide top base (forehead) that goes narrower to the chin.

What to Wear: Aviators

Aviators follow your cheekbones’ outline and emphasize them in a nice way.

Round Face

Your face is round if it is almost as wide as it is long. The widest part are the cheeks and your chin is also rounded.

What to Wear: Square Wayfarers

Square wayfarers give complementary contrast to the roundness of your features.

Square Face

You have a square face if the length of your forehead corresponds to your cheekbones. Your jawline has a stiff, square shape as well.

What to Wear: Big Round Shades

Aside from making you look so posh, big round shades soften your angular features creating a perfect balance.

Heart Shape

Aside from the prominent widow’s peak, another characteristics of a heart-shaped face are the wider forehead, equal proportion and pointed chin.

What to Wear: Oval-Shaped Shades

Oversized oval-shaped shades balance out your features. It also gives you a vintage look ala Audrey Hepburn.

Technorati Tags: aviators, cat eyes, face shapes, heart, oval, oval shades, round, round shades, square, summer, summer fashion, summer shades, triangle, wayfarers

Best Swimsuit for Your Body Type

Posted by KC on Mar 11, 2012 in Fashion, Uncategorized | 2 comments

Swimsuit. Swimwear.

Summer is here! Are you excited about an upcoming vacation to the beach but feeling a little unsure about your figure? Find a swimsuit that perfectly suits you! Learn how to hide or improve the imperfections with these swimwear types that will definitely flatter you.

Small Chest

Bikinis with padding

Don’t ever choose a swimsuit without padding. Padding can give your chest more definite shape.

Push-up Bikinis

Choose push-up bikinis if you want to opt for fuller look. This will definitely add volume and shape to your set.

Horizontal Stripes

Horizontal lines can create an illusion of wider and fuller parts.

Ruffles, fringes or frills 

It’s a no-brainer. Embellishments such as frills and ruffles can amp up the volume thus creating the illusion of bigger top.

Thick Waist

Tankini

Tankinis are the best solution to hide that little pooch. This type of bikini will define your curve and will surely make you look sexy

Maillot Cut Out

Though the definition of maillot has changed over the years, it is defined now as a one-piece swimsuit with artistic cut-outs to give emphasis to certain parts of the body. Maillots that expose the curves of your waist will give the illusion of sexier body.

High-Waisted Swimsuit

Opt for a retro-look while all the while hiding those bulge. This will definitely make you look sexy and fab.

Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit

Ruched detail gives tension to your waist giving you firmer shape by hiding any unwanted bulge.

Big Hips

Skirted Bikini

Aside from hiding your big booty, this style can make you look so cute and sexy at the same time.

Boyleg Swimsuit

Low-rise boyleg swimsuit can make your wide hips look slim and sexy.

Dark Bottom Light Top

As we all know, dark colors have a slimming effect, so these will definitely make your hips look smaller. Bright colored top will also draw attention away from your bottom.

One-Piece Plunging Neckline

This piece will draw attention to your upper half body and help balance out your figure

Busty

Wide Band

A top with wide band is crucial for busty girls to ensure support and structure.

Halter Top with Thick Strap

Spaghetti or strapless tops will emphasize top-heavy chest in an unflattering way. Stick to thick straps because aside from security, it will also flatter your assets in a nice way.

Bikini with Underwire

Underwire is best for those who are blessed with big bust. This will minimize the chance of the top coming undone and make your set pop out.

Technorati Tags: bikini, busty, frills, halter, maillot, ruched, ruffle, small chest, stripes, summer, swimsuit, swimwear, tankini, thick waist, wide hips

Hair Styles: The Hottest Hair Trends for 2012

Posted by KC on Mar 5, 2012 in Fashion | 4 comments

Hair Styles

We all know by now that 2012 is a season defined by minimalism and modernist style. The most iconic styles of the past century were revived and infused with classic modern touch. Hanging cropped tee, oxford shoes, and satchels – indeed, 2012′s fashion trends are all about revival and evolution. Same is true with hairstyles. As different designers and fashion experts all over the world presented their new fashion lines in various fashion shows, these familiar hair styles once again prevailed:  ponytails, braids, center parting, wet look, accessorized updos and fabulous blowouts.

Ponytails

It is back. But the question is, was it ever gone? The ponytail ruled all on the spring/summer catwalks: from low-slung and flat as seen at Reed Krakoff and Ports 1961, to statement sectioned styles at Marc Jacobs and Herve Ledger to slick and damp as witnessed at Donna Karan or preppy and casual as seen at Ralph Lauren.

How to pull if off:

1. Using a brush, gather all your hair straight back up to the crown of your head. Make sure that there’s no loose hair remaining.
2. Secure with a ponytail.

• For a sleek and clean look, pull your hair back as tight as possible before securing with a ponytail.
• Don’t use ponytails made of rubber as it can damage your hair.
• Polish your look by spritzing a little amount of hair spray before and after you make a ponytail
• If you’re to wear it with an ensembles such as hat and headband, secure your hair between the crown of your head and nape.
• For casual and relaxed look, just tie all your hair at the back of nape.

Braids

Another classic style is the braids. Braiding is the process of forming a pattern by intertwining three or more strands of hair. Hair braids offer you a different variety of styles. It can give your hair a casual look or even a unique and statement look altogether.

Basic braiding is easy but creating a statement look out of it is something that totally depends on the stylist. All it takes is a creative mind. Nevertheless, here’s how you do the basic braiding:

Technorati Tags: accessorized updo, blow dried hair, braids, center parting, hair styles, hair trends, hottest hair trends 2012, minimalism, ponytails, wet look

My Oscars 2012 Red Carpet Favorites

Posted by KC on Feb 29, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

Okay, I know that Angie’s right leg really got most of the attention it wanted that Oscars night. But no, I wont talk about it here. I want to present to you some of  the gowns that really caught my attention and instantly became my Oscars 2012 Red Carpet favorites!

Giuliana Rancic

The intrinsic details of this gown are total win! Just look at those sleeves/shoulder pieces, aren’t they lovely? I think that this gown has an aquatic theme, for it reminds me of shells, pearls and mermaids. Haha! What do you think?

Anyhoo, I also love how she kept her make up and hairdo simple! the “almost-bare” look directed all the attention to her fabulous gown!

photo credit: jason merritt/getty images/yahoo

Michelle Williams

But of course, tangerine is the color of the year! I already developed my deep appreciation for this color. You know, tangerine can be “dangerous” at times for it is such an attention seeker and can actually make you look amusingly funky. But Michelle Williams pulled it off really really well! She looked elegant and youthful with that pixie blond hair and of course, the tangerine gown.

photo credits: kevin mazur/gettyimages/yahoo

Glenn Close

This deep emerald green gown made this legendary actress truly glamorous. The gown captured Glen’s timeless beauty. It looks sexy and elegant at the same time.:) I also love the blazer! That blazer! Who would’ve thought that a blazer could really work that well with an evening gown? (Read more about blazer HERE)

photo credits: getty images

Mila Jovovich

The word “Fierce” to describe Mila’s look that night is an understatement. She is stunningly, amazingly FIERCE! There’s something in that immaculate  dress that made her look like Alice of Resident Evil gain, but this time, with such sexiness and glamour. The jewels and red lipstick really completed her look.

photo credits: Kevin Mazur/Wired Image/Yahoo

Angelina Jolie

Okay, enough with the legs, let’s try to direct our focus this time on her gown. Hahaha! I love everything that is velvet and this is made of velvet so i love it! Aside from her totally bare right leg, the asymmetric details and shape of the gown made her look even sexier! Plus the hair and the lipstick! She’s a total bombshell that night.

Emma Stone

I don’t care about what other people are saying about this one. I don’t care if she looked like an unopened gift. For me, this gown is really really really lovely! Aside from the fact that it is pink (Pink is really my favorite, check this LOOK), i love it because of the perfect balance of simplicity and statement.  The gown (minus the bow) is just another blah grecian style gown but when added with the gigantic ribbon, now that’s the statement. Indeed, she didn’t need any more accessories or grand make up. The baby pink eye shadows and black eyeliner are enough to make her look stunning.

photo credits: jason merritt/yahoo

Rooney Mara

I found it hard to recognize her at first because of the major changes she underwent for her role as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Im totally hands down to this girl for her character’s versatility. She can look totally sweet and innocent and amazingly, she can also pull off goth look. But this time, she looked really sexy and posh. Im not really sure about what really finished this look. It’s either the hair, or the red lipstick or the Versace gown. What do you think?

photo credits: kevin mazur/yahoo

Maria Menounos

Boom! Now that’s sexy. Though Im really curious about how that small part of dress was able to stick to her body and protect her “soul” while she’s moving around, I cant help but be fascinated with this gown! The color looks really perfect and the design is superb! Another reason why Im impressed by it is because despite its provocative design, Maria still managed to look wholesome! Isn’t it amazing?

photo credits: jason merritt/yahoo

Missi Pyle

Can I just say first that I love pastel colors? No wonder this one caught my heart. She looks really sweet and pretty with this Valentino gown. I like how it hugged her body. Her hairdo is perfect and that little embellishment in her waist is really cute! If ever Ill learn how to seriously design an evening gown. This’ll certainly be my first inspiration..:’)

photo credits: steve granitz/yahoo

Read more about Beauty and Fashion

Gorgeous Lipstick Shades

Lovely Hairstyle Ideas

What Hair Color Suits You?

Technorati Tags: angie's right leg, glen close, mila jovovich, missi pyle, oscars 2012, oscars fashion, oscars make up, oscars red carpet, rooney mara

Fashion Tips: Style Ideas for Petite Girls

Posted by KC on Feb 26, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

We are living in a world where most of the clothes are designed for people with model-ish figure – tall and slender. Petite girls often get a little chance to be creative with the wardrobe. Nevertheless, petite with right pieces of clothes and accessories on can actually stand out. It’s all about creating MORE height and LESS bulk. Here are some tips to help you find clothes that will fit and flatter your petite figure.

Tops

• Stick with V-Neck and Scoop neckline blouses. These necklines create an illusion of longer body.
• Wear pieces with vertical lines. This is a no-brainer. We all know that vertical lines give the wearer a taller look and a bonus slimming effect.
• Make sure that the sleeves lies perfectly on your shoulder. Droopy shoulders make you look awkward.
• Choose tops that fit your body perfectly. Too tight and too baggy can both emphasize your small figure.
• Wear tops that lie a little over the waistband of your skirt or pants to give an illusion of longer torso.
• Choose three-quarter sleeves as they show the best part of your arms.
• Avoid tucking-in your shirt or blouse because it tends to cut you in the middle and reveal your short features.
• Stick with Monochrome. As much as possible, match the color of your tops to your pants/short/skirt and shoes. Dressing in the same color from head to toe can make you look tall.
• If you do choose contrasting colors, add a scarf or other accessory that has the same colour as your lower clothing.

Dress

• Wear wrap dresses and shirt dresses with a tapered waistline to add definition to your figure.
• Choose knee length dresses because they give the effect of longer legs. If the length is too long or too short, your legs will appear shorter.
• Find a dress that has a lightweight fabric that drape such as cotton, silk and chiffon. Stay away from bulky ones.
• Avoid loose fitting dresses. Choose something that hugs your figure well.
• Look for wrap dresses and shirt dress with a tapered waist line add definition to your figure.
• Again, vertical stripes will make you look taller.
• If ever you want prints on your dress, choose prints that are not too large.
• Wear tights, boots and shoes that match the color of your dress.

Trousers/Jeans/Pants

• Wear straight leg trousers and stay away from flared if you want to appear taller.
• Match your top and bottom colors for a longer look.
• Avoid wide leg pants because it gives wider but shorter effect.
• Stay away from cropped or Capri trousers because they chop you at the calf (or the ankle in some cases) and make you appear shorter.
• Choose pants that sit on your natural waistline or higher to add the illusion of longer legs. Hip style trousers and jeans will make you appear shorter.

Jacket/Coats/Cover-ups

• Choose cropped jackets that rest on your waistline or hips to flatter your petite figure
• Wear jackets that fit you perfectly well. Loose jackets make you look short and square.
• Avoid cover-ups with too much detail like buttons, piping and large patterns.

Shoes

• Choose nude colored high-heels for they create an illusion of longer legs
• Stay away with shoes that look clunky and with too much details for they give your appearance a heavy look.
• Avoid ankle-strap shoes or short boots as they break the leg line, making them appear shorter.
• Wear pointed toe shoes because they look best with petites.
• Find shoes that show more of your foot to create a longer line visually elongating your legs.

Accessories

• Opt for a thinner belt. Wide, bulky belts tend to cut the length of your body.
• Wear belts with color that matches your outfit. Avoid belts that contrasts with the color of your outfit.
• Avoid belts that has too much details. You want to maintain a clean, simple line.
• Wear an accessory, such as a scarf or brooch, on the high parts of your body to draw the eye upwards. A great pair of earring will also do this.
• Avoid bags that are too big for your figure.
• Again, match the colors of your tights to your clothes & shoes to “stretch” your leg length.
• Avoid bulky jewellery as this can overpower your outfit.

Remember that when it comes to petite style, creating illusions is essential. Don’t be afraid to create your own style but keep in mind the things that can make or break your over-all look.

Just take a look at Ashley Olsen who stands at 5’1. Indeed, petite is cute!

Technorati Tags: cropped jacket, fashion ideas, fashion tips, high-waisted jeans, nude shoes, petite, petite girls, petite style, vertical stripes

HOTTEST Nail Colors That You Must Try

Posted by KC on Feb 25, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

One of the simplest ways to show your personal style is through your nails. (Another one is through lip colors Gorgeous Shades For Your Lips). Yes, nail colors are considered a trend for the longest time now. Here are the most trendy nail colors that are currently taking the fashion world by storm.

1. Sky Hues

Say goodbye to autumn shades and say hello to summery bright ones like this sky blue nail colors!

This will not only brighten your over-all outfit, its bright and calming hue can also lift the wearer’s mood. Be both cute and stylish with these sky-inspired nail colors.

2. Nude Colors

Nude nails are as timeless as LBD. However, this color has become a heavy trend now as more and more fashion icons and celebrities are sporting this hue in various red carpet events recently.

This hue is best paired with short nails for clean, sweet look. Plus tip: Find the nude color that matches your skin tone for more posh look ala-Cosmo.

3. Orange Nail Polish

But of course, Tangerine is the color of the year! Brighten up your over-all look with this citrus hue.

Afraid to be this loud? Worry not because you can never go wrong with this color. Orange can work in any skin tone. If you want to look both fun and pretty, go with this hue. If you are kinda hesitant, wear an outfit that is neutral in color such as black dress or white top to balance the look.

4. Ombre

Ombre hair, ombre clothes, ombre shoes, ombre everything! It seems like Ombre is the HOTTEST trend this year. So what on hell is Ombre?

Ombre is the transition of colors from dark to light hues. You can see it anywhere. Hair that looks dark on the root then lighten towards the end, black to white shoes, and yes, dark to light nails too.

You can achieve Ombre nails by mixing different shades of the color you want to put on your nails. Apply the darker to one end and the lighter ones on the other end.

Additional Tip: DO you want to try these nail colors but can’t seem to find them in the nearest market? Try online shopping! There are great nail polishes that are for sale. One of my favorite is NYX Matte, I love the color choices and of course, the matte finish.

More style tips:

Outfit Ideas

Style Doesn’t Have to be Expensive

Technorati Tags: nail colors, nail polish, nude polish, ombre, orange nail polish, sky blue

Outfit Ideas for Valentines Day

Posted by KC on Feb 6, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

So, Valentine’s day is right around the corner and you still haven’t got an outfit for your much-awaited date?  Take a look at these Valentine’s day-themed outfits, try them out and get the glamorous look for your Valentine’s date.

1. Mini-floral dress

One great thing about floral dresses is that you can wear them any time of the year. You can actually look elegant and office-ready when you wear it with a blazer and later on, turn into a pretty diva for an evening date.

Spotted celebrities  looking oh-so pretty with floral dresses:

Cameron Diaz, Leighton Meester, Nikki Reed

Style Tip:

Accent your floral dress with a belt. Choose a plain one which coordinates with one of the colors found in your outfit. Look at how lovely Leighton’s yellow belt is..:’)

2. Sultry Red Dress

This is actually a no-brainer when it comes to Valentine’s day outfit choices. The color makes the wearer look naturally sexy and irresistible.

Spotted celebrities  looking sultry with red dresses:

Blake Lively, Frederique Bel, Taylor Swift

Style Tip:

When wearing a red dress, go all out and wear red shoes too. Wearing neutral colored shoes can break your sexy aura and turn your entire outfit plain-looking.

3. The Little Black Dress

Ever since Audrey Hepburn introduced this LBD to the world, she, together with the dress, was forever immortalized. This classic piece will never go out of style, ever. Almost everyone has a little black dress in their closet, so go for it if you’re going for no fuss. If you don’t have, then  get one now!

Spotted celebrities  looking equally fierce and gorgeous with LBD:

Thandie Newton, Ashlee Simpson Wentz, Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johannson

Style Tip:

Show your romantic and sensual spirit with a dashing red lips, red nails, or red pumps:

4. Maxi Dress

Though many people associate the maxi’s floor-grazing hemline with formal occasions, its relaxed silhouette makes it an excellent option for leisurely daytime and evening outings. This dress can make you look both casual and chic.

Spotted celebrities  looking so elegant wearing Maxi dresses:

Eva Mendes, Vanessa Hudgens, Paris Hilton and Miley Cyrus

maxi dress, maxi dresses

Style Tip:

When choosing a maxi dress, opt for a colorful, printed pattern as well as an empire waist style to cinch you in for a slimmer effect. Choose a wedge or flats when wearing a maxi dress. Wearing stilettos is a no-no.

5. Statement Blazer

Not really into dress? Go for casual look with a twist: Tees, Pants or Skirt and a Statement Blazer. This look is simple and elegant but will make you look romantic date-ready too.

Spotted celebrities  looking casual but stunning with blazers:

Jenna Dewan, Jessica Alba and Vanessa Lachey

Style Tip:

A perfectly structured blazer goes well with tight jeans, denims, leggings, the skinnier the better. Pair it off with pumps for additional fab factor.

More Ideas for Valentine’s Day:

Gorgeous Shades for your Lips on Valentine’s Day

For Singles: Ideas for Valentine’s Day

DIY Crafts: Gifts for Valentines Day

Lovely Hairstyle Ideas for your Date

tags: ideas for valentines day date, outfit ideas for valentines day

Technorati Tags: Blazer, ideas for valentines day date, Little Black Dress, Maxi Dress, Mini-floral dress, Outfit Ideas, outfit ideas for valentines day, Sultry Red Dress, Valentine's Day

Style Doesn’t Have to be Expensive

Posted by KC on Feb 3, 2012 in Fashion | 0 comments

Just like any other bellas, I love clothes, accessories, shoes and bags. But unlike most of the girls out there, I am not really a fan of branded products. Don’t get me wrong, of course I do admire and appreciate those signature products. Who doesn’t love Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Mango, Dorothy Perkins and the like? Of course, branded products are definitely adorable. I will be a hypocrite if I say that I don’t own one, of course I do own a few. It’s just that, I am more of quantity, aesthetic and value person so I  like to purchase things that are really worth paying for. You know, I’d rather buy three less expensive clothes than one branded but seemingly plain one.

It is true that style doesn’t need to be expensive.  Why pay a small fortune for one dress when you can have a full wardrobe  that are just as stunning but for less. When you are really a smart shopper, you can find many ways to save on style and still carry clothes that can make you look drop-dead gorgeous.

Here are some simple tips that  will  help you make the most out of your individual style, all the while, bearing in mind, the realistic constraints of your budget.

When choosing wardrobe fundamentals, it is important that your clothing is multifunctional. When buying a dress for example, make sure that you can wear it in your workplace and can still work with your casual weekend attire. Also, if on a budget, it is probably best to keep with traditional color staples, have a collection of blacks and whites, beige and cream.

3.  Go Sale Shopping 

Sale shopping is the best thing in the world! If anything, one should get a pat on the shoulder for grabbing that slick blazer for a third of the price that the other girls had the misfortune of paying full price for.

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on any expensive items that you like and to check back on their stock levels regularly. Ask for the next sale date or observe the sale date patterns. However, if you simply cannot wait for your prized possession to drop in price, then move on. In these competitive times, there is bound to be a store  somewhere looking to clear its stock at bargain rates.

4. Explore a Thrift/Vintage Store (Ukay-ukay)

 Personally, going to Ukay-ukay is one of my favorite things to do! Ukay ukay should not be frowned upon.  Although this can be time consuming, thrift/vintage store shopping can also be one of the most rewarding experiences.

The best way to search these outlets is to already have an idea of what you want before you set out–bohemian dress or a retro blazer for instance? Be patient and check these stores consistently with a defined budget in mind (you can still bargain with the owners of these shops). Finally, when you do stumble across that hidden treasure, be sure to check for tears and discoloration on the garment, as these purchases are non-refundable. No ukay-ukay near your place? Here are some ukay destinations you might want to check: Baguio, Makati Cinema Square, Cubao (ground floor of STI building in front of Farmers Market Plaza), Quezon Avenue, Katipunan,
and there are so many mooore.

When you take time to do on online search, you will have no problem locating trendy accessories or floral wedges and even cosmetics. Thanks to internet, the latest trends in women’s apparels and accessories can now be purchased online. Plus, you can save yourself from hassle of getting your purchases personally for you have the choice to have them delivered at the comforts of your home. Crafts and Vogue for example, can give you the latest trend in fashion accessories and you may check all the items online. You can check all our items here or on our Facebook account.

Technorati Tags: affordable style, basic pieces, Crafts and vogue, doesn't have to be expensive, fashion tips, online fashion tips, online shop, sale shopping, stand-out, style, style suggestions, thrift stores, ukay ukay, unique