Personal Style Calls for a Personal Touch

Personal Style calls for a personal touch...

Accessorizing your "outfit of the day" with handmade designer jewelry is likely the best way to express your signature style.

Handmade jewelry is usually made in limited quantity, meaning the likelihood of someone else having the same exact piece that you have is slim to none. At best, you may find something similar, but hardly ever the same.

At Provocative Expression I create elegant, easy to wear, upscale, exclusive, and affordable pieces in quantities of 5 or less. Many are one of a kind.

The next time you're looking for that special accessory, consider buying handmade. Malls are for trend chasers, not a "Style Curator" like yourself!

Visit www.ProvocativExpression.com today to put a personal touch on your personal style!

 

Bottoms Up!

Cuba Libre or Rum & Coke as it's more widely known, is a common (and rather uninspired) cocktail.

I'm always on the lookout for new spins on "old hat" & I think I may have found one worth trying!

Enter the Smokey Cardamom-Coconut Cuba Libre...

I found a recipe posted on Pinterest, but it was way to involved for my liking. I'm an "acceptable" shortcut kinda gal.

Based on that recipe this is what I came up with...

Ice
2 oz Coconut rum
Simple syrup (to taste if necessary)
Cardamom extract (1-2 drops)
Fresh squeezed lime to taste.
Garnish w/orange & lemon rinds

Pour rum over ice, add cardamom, squeeze orange/lemon slices over the top, stir, discard the fruit flesh, & garnish with the rinds.

Very different from any Rum & Coke I've ever had... Try it! Add your own little tweaks & share your thoughts.

Cheers!

The Ombre Lip...

I saw this pic on Instagram and it took me back to my late teens, early 20's....

Back then I worked in a popular fast food chain and one of my co-workers wore her lip-color in a way that made me take pause. See, at a time when most were doing the super harsh black lip line, this young lady lined her lips a shade or two darker than her lip-color, feathered it in nicely, and topped it off with just the right amount of shine.

At that time I really wasn't a fan of makeup, rarely even wore it in fact, but I admired her lip-color technique and wanted to replicate it. So I went on the hunt for shades that would work with my skin tone.

This was the early to mid 90's so fuchsia WetNWild was all the rage, I used this to line my lips. Next up was Summer Punch by Avon (discontinued of course, I miss it so). I would press my lips together to blend the colors, then blot with a tissue. Last I applied a pale pink shimmer to the inner lip, and a light layer of gloss to finish it off.

This pic is from 1993, it's a little hard to see the detail here, but it's there. (Ain't I cute?!)

As you can see in the very first pic the Ombre Lip has undergone a ramped up make-over and has come back much bolder than before.

The idea is the same, but the colors are much more vibrant and daring.

There are number of tutorials out there online. All sorts of demo videos on YouTube, some over complicated in my opinion, but choose the one that's right for you.

For me it's as simple as this....

Step 1: Prime your lips. Use a lip primer or lip balm, whichever you prefer.

Step 2: Line your lips. Back in the day I used lipstick applied with a brush because I didn't like the chalky dry feel of lip liners. However, lip liners have come a long way and there are some pretty good ones out there.

Step 3: Add you contrasting but complimenting color. Again for me, I go a shade or two darker than my liner. Once applied, press your lips together to blend the shades.

Step 4: This step is about personal preference. At this point you can add to innermost part of your lip a nude/pale shade to further emphasize the Ombre effect.

Step 5: Add just a touch of shine with the gloss/moisturizer of your choice.

I'm in love with this look all over again, and I encourage you to try it! Play around with colors, and develop a technique that works best for you.


Visit my online Handmade Jewelry Boutique at www.ProvocativExpression
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Summer Strolling...

Summer Strolling... featuring Provocative Expression

 

 

A great floral inspired Summer afternoon look...

This set features a vibrant floral print asymmetrical tunic paired with on-trend white jean, strappy cognac sandals, bright yellow tote, and handmade jewelry from www.ProvocativExpression.com.

Summer 2013 Jewelry Trends from ProvocativExpression,com

Summer is almost here & Provocative Expression has the perfect accessories for your Summer wardrobe.

Visit www.ProvocativExpression.com today for 20% off your first purchase!

BOOTCAMP!

Winter isn’t ready to let go yet, but it’s ok…. Brave the storm in fabulous fashion with tres chic rugged bottomed boots! Step out with minimal fear of bustin your “shi-nynamite” in your cute clothes. (Lol)

I’ve compiled a few of the styles that I had the foresight to buy (at great discounts might I add), as well as a couple that I’m mad I missed out on! From top to bottom & left to right here we go…

Refresh - Terra08 Ankle Boot
ALDO - Stallin Mid-Calf Boot
ALDO - Matrowsky Mid-Calf Wedge
Mossimo - Keisa Ankle Boot
JustFab - Eugenia Boot
Charlotte Russe - Studded Mid-Calf Boot
Charlotte Russe - Rugged Lace-up Boot
Mossimo - Kylin Wedge
JustFab - Solana Ankle Boot

Now is actually a good time to keep your eyes peeled for great deals on rugged styles to wear for next winter. As long as you opt for style over trend your choices will likely carry you for a few seasons to come including next season. A  few of these styles can transition you from lion to lamb allowing you to wear your spring fashions now!

ALDO buckle boots / ALDO wedge / Charlotte Russe boots / Charlotte Russe platform booties / High heel / Multi color shoes / Rubber-boots / Solana


Visit my Handmade Jewelry & Tee boutique at www.ProvocativExpression.com

Spring 2013/Day to Night

One the trends highlighted this spring is black & white prints, another is floral’s. Borrowing from both I came up with this style set.

Building on the black & white floral printed jean I’ve created an chic & easy day look, as well as a simple but savvy evening look.

Transitioning from day to night is as easy as trading the tee for a plunging vest, the wedges for mirrored mosaic peep-toe pumps, the tote for a shimmering clutch, & simple silver chains for flamboyant crystal jewelry.

No matter which look you choose you’ll be simply stunning!

Vero Moda white short sleeve shirt, $21 / Black vest / Jane Norman flower print jeans, $48 / Charlotte Russe high heel shoes / All Jewelry from ProvocativExpression.com

To purchase jewelry featured in this set visit my handmade jewelry boutique at www.ProvocativExpression.com