Rococo & Caffeine

Simply Kirsten

2011-10-24T20:28:00.001-04:00

Kirsten Dunst's comeback film Melancholia has earned her accolades, including winning the award for best actress at the Cannes Film Festival this May. I've always enjoyed Kirsten's films (particularly her collaborations with Sofia Coppola) and am really excited she's finally getting acknowledgment for her talents as an actress. That said, her personal style lately has been fantastic as well. These pictures from VS magazine and T Times showcase her new sophisticated look.

Miu Miu in Motion

2011-10-06T00:08:00.002-04:00

A Perfect Pattern

2011-09-28T19:46:00.000-04:00

[images via STYLE.com]

I could write a frothy description of this collection, but instead I'm simply going to say go onto Style and view the collection yourself. After underwhelming collections by several of my favorite designers (Proenza Schouler, Prada) I am pleased that Dries has not let me down. Everything about this runway presentation was flawless.

2nd Annual Gossip Girl Review and Preview

2011-09-26T02:09:00.003-04:00

(image property of the CW)

Last year I took the time to explain some of the things that irked me with Gossip Girl. This is merely one show out of several popular ones, and the choice to discuss it on Rococo and Caffeine might seem odd, but as the show holds such sway over popular fashion, it seems like a relevant choice for many of our readers.

Fashion: In this past season, the screenwriters have exaggerated the characters almost to the point of parody. At this point, they aren’t even trying to hide their disdain for the characters. Blair makes jab after delicious jab at Serena’s stupidity and licentiousness, Dan calls out Blair for acting like “woman of power” is a standard job title, Vanessa goes full steam jealous crazy train wreck with bad hair, and Chuck just pouts and drunkenly slurs out his lines even more. The clothing seems to reflect this. True to a theorem a commenter on either the Gawker/Jezebel or New York mag recap made last year, Serena can’t handle an entire body’s worth of clothing. If her neckline plunges, the hem hits the floor; if the “cleavage rhombus” is lashed to the mast and covered, then her dress or hot pants stop directly at the hip joint. And almost everything she wears is tacky or inappropriate for the occasion (like hotpants and a bustier top for class). Blair has many more fashion victories, though in keeping with her prissy ways, there are a fair number of outfits that are just too fussy- the Alexis Mabille gown for the Constance reunion is the most memorable one, though I also thought the Moschino Resort dress with the clashing top and bottom + knit beret+ plus tottering heels was rather moche. Also, I may be in the minority, but I found the overuse of textured lace tights kind of gross, especially with shorts (I find the look comes off as rather cheap and tawdry looking. Most interesting, however, was the fact that Blair Waldorf, who is now engaged to Prince Louis, beat out Kate Middleton to a few outfits, i.e. the Jenny Packham gown (though with terrible hair and glitter hair spray??), and the reference to bridesmaids dresses the same color as the wedding gown. I must admit that I’ve been fairly negligent in following evening gown trends and designer popularity (law school tends to take away a lot of spare time), but I did smirk knowing that Blair Waldorf sets the trends even for European elite.

Top 5 Looks from last Season:

1. Blair's Nanette Lepore dress

2. Serena's George Chakra Cage Corset dress

3. Blair's Oscar de la Renta evening gown

4. Serena's boarding school "uniform"

5. Blair's Victoria Beckham dress

(All images property of the CW)

Plot: As for the story lines, this season was kind of crazy wreck. The problem is that for the most part, we all know the plots have to take the cast back to where they were at the beginning of each one- any new characters are bad and leave fairly soon, over-the-top plots get introduced way too forcefully but then fizzle out flat. For example, the whole Chuck trying to start anew with life in France as Harry Prince + his French hooker with a heart of gold plot. We all know he’s going to end right back in NY in like, 2 weeks, so why bother with all this unnecessary melodrama? We also know that Raina and her father (whatever his name was) aren’t lasting characters, so her groundbreaking romance or whatever with both Chuck and Nate is boring and nobody cares, bla bla bla. So much for having more characters of color present. There were also simply gross moments- i.e. Serena + what’s his face, her high school professor. Ew ew ew ew and more ew.

The redeeming things plot wise: I enjoyed Blair having to actually work for once in her life with her short-lived internship at W. Even if there was an unnecessary amount of scheming on her part, she finally got a sense of what it’s like for the rest of us plebes (sort of). I’m also in the contrary, but I highly enjoyed the development of her friendship with Dan. It was cute and believable, seeing as they’re the only two characters on the show who seem capable of stringing together 4 coherent sentences that deal with intellectually complex material. Moreover, in their friendship/flirtations, they actually act like 20 year olds, which I find refreshing in a show where the characters seem to think they’re about 30. I also enjoyed Anne Archibald telling Lilly van der Woodsen to shove it. Lilly is one of the most unjustifiably self righteous characters on the show, and ever since Mr. Archibald’s actions caused his family to fall into financial and social disgrace, Lilly has pretty much ignored that family, even though she used to dump her kids off with them when she was out on her normal whoring expeditions in the 90s. Punishing Anne socially for something she didn’t do while expecting everyone to worship her even though she deliberately sent an innocent guy to prison for statutory rape so her daughter could guilt a school into admitting her is just disgusting. You go, Anne. And the final redeeming/interesting thing about the season was the Juliet story arc. Usually Gossip Girl villains come and go in the span of 6 episodes, or they get trotted back dutifully for some unnecessary appearance in the final episodes (i.e. Georgina, Jack Bass, and now the really random showing of William Baldwin). Juliet stayed around the entire fall semester, and manipulated other characters deftly. I enjoyed watching her cause havoc for Serena, who really has become a complete waste of space with mumbling problems and overly smug smirks.

Unsettling: The most problematic turn the show has taken, however, is the ‘romance’ between Chuck and Blair. The producers of the show may make excuses and sugarcoat the situations, but the relationship between the two characters can only be characterized as abusive and toxic. You cannot excuse someone’s manipulative behavior away with claims that he doesn’t know how to express his feelings properly. Inner demons don’t justify embarrassing someone else cruelly in front of her prospective in-laws. There is no excuse for screaming at her, you have no justification for trying to intimidate her by “declaring war” on her, and in no way do you have the right to act in an aggressive violent way around her, especially when she experiences physical harm because of it. It bothers me that the producers of the show are trying to glamorize emotional and physical domestic abuse under the guise of tortured love and brooding gloomy characters. Blair spent about half the show declaring that she needs to become a woman of power. So why not allow her to do this instead of making her emotionally dependant on a sadist and then fobbing her off on some other guy who we know is going to be in like 4 episodes in Season 5, anyway? It’s only the 21st century and everything...

(courtesy of a commenter from Jezebel)

Off my soapbox. Unfortunately, I don’t really have much faith in Season 5. Even though Vanessa and “Gothic Barbie” Jenny have become unpopular characters, that those actresses, along with Connor Paolo, are jumping ship, I have doubts about the morale of the other actors. And the trailer for the season (see below isn’t particularly exciting anyways. Serena is doing some 2 episode stint as a serious professional (hahaha) movie person, and oh look, Nate banging another person out to cut the gang since he doesn’t get any independent plots, over cliched “I’m Chuck Bass” lines, and oooh people going to have sex. How thrilling and utterly novel concept for the show. Of course Blair gets the only good line.

My expectations are low, but I’m more than happy to hear your thoughts about the matter. This is a show I enjoy hashing out theories and dramatic criticism for ad nauseum, so I really would love feedback.

A Weekend Getaway

2011-09-24T13:14:00.000-04:00

[all images via NOIR FACADE]

Makeup Review Monday: Chanel Graphite

2011-09-19T16:19:00.001-04:00

A while back I decided I was going to stop buying Chanel nail polishes all together due to the recent price hike and the last few collections hadn't impressed me. However, once I saw the press release for the Fall 2011 Le Vernis collection I found myself debating whether or not to get Graphite. After finding a free shipping code online, I ordered the polish from Chanel's online store. Despite my initial hesitation, I'm really glad I bought this polish. This color doesn't compare to any metallic I've owned, it's highly dimensional containing microglitter in shades of silver, gold, black, and green. On the nail it looks like a tarnished pewter with warm undertones. The polish also applies like a dream and is one of the longer lasting shades in my Chanel collection. I only get minimal tip wear when I use a base and topcoat. All and all, pictures don't do the color justice. While it's certainly a splurge, if you are looking for a stand-out nail color for Fall, this is it! Graphite for $25 is available at Chanel counters and Chanel.com

Missoni Madness

2011-09-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

I knew that the Missoni for Target collaboration had drawn massive attention from fashion bloggers, but I couldn't have imagined what happened on Tuesday. I got pretty lucky with my experience, I live in a place that isn't terribly fashion forward and I got to the store right at 8 am so my competition for stuff was minimal. Some of the merchandise wasn't even on display yet, as one employee told me he didn't think the line was going to be popular and didn't think people would come in expecting everything to be out. Despite the doubts of this Target employee, my Twitter and Facebook feeds told a different story. I saw many a tweet and status update about a people who were having to fight off crowds and eBay resellers to get what they wanted. The comments on Target's Facebook fan page also show how enraged people were about the website crashing when the collection launched online. I did go out a second time to make a purchase for my mom and by 1 pm, even in a place that isn't fashion forward, stock was dwindling quickly. Overall, I would say my experience was good and I'm impressed with the quality of the collection for the most part. I do wonder, however, if the pandomonium has turned some people off from these Target collections or if people will simply become more aggressive in tracking down these in demand collections. I'd love to hear the thoughts and experiences of others on this!

NYFW Favorites Part Two

2011-09-12T18:33:00.001-04:00

[all images via STYLE.com]

Thus far, I've been impressed by the collections for Spring 2012. One of my personal favorite trends (and a favorite of designers) that has emerged is the perfect white dress. Interpretations have ranged from comfortable luxury to ladylike, providing options for nearly every taste. In contrast to the stark beauty of a white dress, many designers have also been using some absolutely gorgeous prints. Prabal Gurung's florals remind me a bit of Balenciaga S/S 2008 and Alexander McQueen's kalidoscope prints from S/S 2010, two collections I adore. Similarly, I thought Thakoon's Bollywood-goes-West patterns to be a fun departure from the flirty florals other designers were presenting. I hope you are enjoying NYFW too, what are your favorites so far?

NYFW Favorites Part One

2011-09-10T16:31:00.001-04:00

[all images via STYLE.com]

and so it begins

2011-09-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

I apologize again for the lack of updates as of late, we've all been busy! However, I know fashion week is something I can't avoid blogging about. I'll be refreshing Style.com all day today and creating collages of my favorite looks once the shows are in full swing. If you haven't checked out the schedule yet, make sure to stop by New York Magazine's calendar.

The Magic of a Manicure

2011-09-06T16:58:00.000-04:00

A Vision in Lavender

2011-08-29T11:02:00.000-04:00

[image via heart shaped glasses]

The pictures from the event are limited at this time, but I think Sofia's choice of a lavender Alaïa dress was a perfect choice for a second wedding. The nupituals took place at a Coppola estate in Italy.

[images via heart shaped glasses, pop sugar, new york, and i want to be a coppola]

Fashion Friday: The Muse

2011-08-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

In honor of Kate Moss' recent wedding and cover of the coveted September issue of Vogue, I created this small tribute to my favorite model, style icon, and bad girl. I couldn't think of a better person to feature for Fashion Friday, take time to stop by Kori's page and see who else has linked up today.

[all images via Pintrest]

Zig Zag

2011-08-10T16:33:00.000-04:00

More preview pictures of the upcoming Missoni/Target collaboration have been released online today. I really enjoyed the Rodarte x Target collection that came out a few years ago, but from these lookbook pictures it looks like this collection will rival the Liberty of London collection in terms of the wide range of products coming out. Here are some of my favorites:

A Missoni bicycle - yes, it's a little bit ridiculous but it's also insanely gorgeous!

I really love that the colors used for this collaboration are perfect for Autumn and still hold true to the Missoni aesthetic despite this being a diffusion line. I'm curious to know what type of material those shorts are as they'd be a perfect transition piece here in Atlanta.

Cute, affordabe laptop sleeves are hard to come by (I spent a month looking until a friend gifted me one!). I'm jealous of all the girls going back to school who get to show this one off in lecture.

Nothing better than Missoni styled mugs and plates for an ultra chic kitchen!

I can't wait for the collaboration to hit stores on September 12th, are any of you all just as excited?

Pink & Green Thursday: Timeless Charm

2011-08-04T12:05:00.002-04:00

[all images via Rococo and Caffeine's tumblr]

Whether created recently or long ago, some things just stand the test of time. I just wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from our tumblr that showcased beauty that will stand the test of time. Happy Thursday to you all!

Make sure to stop by and say hello to Trish and everyone else enjoying Pink & Green Thursday!

A New Term

2011-08-03T21:53:00.002-04:00

Trench - ASOS

Satchel - Chloe

Brogues - N.D.C.

Bangle - Kate Spade

It's already back to school time here in Atlanta. I've always enjoyed this time of the year as it means time for new fall clothes and accessories. However, this year is a little different since for the first time since 1993 I'm not going back to classes. Instead, I'm just channeling my back to school spirit into the blog!

A Little Something Special

2011-08-02T23:26:00.001-04:00

[image via Beauty Geeks]

Sometimes a pairing is undeniably perfect, like chocolate and mint or margaritas and sunsets. I was excited enough for Kate Spade's foray into cosmetics with it's Supercalifragilipstick, but the fact that this product was created with the wondrous Lipstick Queen made me update my cosmetics Excel spreadsheet (yes, I use Excel to plan my purchases) immediately. I'm looking forward to reviewing them in the future and seeing how the Kate Spade cosmetics line continues to grow.

Pink & Green Thursday: Waikiki

2011-07-28T09:15:00.004-04:00

[Originally from Vogue Girl Korea, images via The Terrier & Lobster and That's So Rue]

I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea three years ago and lately I've been a little bit nostalgic for that trip. While most people are familiar with the fashion and street style of Japan, I was incredibly inspired during my time in Korea by the looks I saw people wearing in Seoul. In particular, I miss going to Kyobo Book Centre with my friends and pouring over all the fashion magazines from all over the world. Vogue Girl Korea was certainly a favorite of mine and wanted to share these tropical editorials with you all.

Magic and Mulberry

2011-07-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

[images via The Terrier and the Lobster & TFS]

Tim Walker and Luke Losey have created the perfect fall fantasy, no? I'm personally trying not to covet all the pretty emerald green leather goods Mulberry has made for this upcoming season.

Reflection on Inspiration

2011-07-18T11:04:00.000-04:00

Pink & Green Thursday: Sweet Summertime

2011-07-14T10:04:00.001-04:00

[all images via NOIR FACADE]

California Girl

2011-07-09T07:45:00.000-04:00

[Originally published in Vogue Nippon; images via NOIR FACADE]

Chihuly at MFA

2011-06-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

I'm back in Georgia, but certainly am missing Massachusetts. During my mom's visit for my graduation, we went to the MFA. While we spent nearly six hours wandering around the exhibits, I thought the Chihuly exhibit was too pretty not to share with all of you. I had missed the Chihuly exhibit they had at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few years ago, so it was great to see this exhibition in full. If you're in the Boston area sometime this summer, make sure to stop by and see this!

Moving On and Up

2011-06-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

[image via Pintrest]

I apologize for the lack of posts within the last month and a half, we've all been busy with school and jobs. The hiatus should not last much longer, but the combination of moving back to Atlanta and the holiday weekend will be keeping me away from the internet. I hope you all are having wonderful summers and I can't wait to get back to blogging regularly.

Summer Satchels

2011-06-10T17:49:00.000-04:00

Kate Spade

Cambridge Satchel

Su-Shi

London Calling: A Butter London Review

2011-06-05T21:00:00.001-04:00

I apologize for how much I've been neglecting the blog, I've been busy finishing up finals, graduating, and looking for a long term job after two short term ones end this month! I'm really excited to talk about Butter London nail polishes. I ordered these from Zappos along with Lippmann's Waking Up In Vegas which Taylor reviewed earlier. These polishes retail for $14 and are available at Butter London, Zappos, and Ulta. I'm currently eying some of the sets on Butter London's website, their polish packs are a great way to save money and get to try lots of colors out.

This shade is named Victoriana and is a mid-tone blue-grey with silver sparkle. It's definitely a work-appropriate shade of blue and applies like a dream. I love that these polishes are 3 Free and are produced in a cruelty-free manner. I'm quite the fan of blue nail polish, but this shade was very unique so I couldn't resist adding it to my collection.

Here's my swatch of All Hail the Queen (also known as All Hail McQueen) which is a gorgeous beige with holographic silver microglitter. I didn't own any neutral nail colors before ordering this and Waking Up in Vegas. I absolutely love this color, it's exceptionally pretty and looks great with a single coat or double coat application. These polishes also are the longest wearing I own, I'm prone to getting chips and tip wear within the first two days of wearing a polish. With these, I was able to go a full five days without a base or top coat without any chips! Overall, the quality of these polishes is phenomenal and I can't wait to try more shades.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T11:05:00.000-04:00

[personal photograph from Boston Commons]

“The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it.” ~ Thucydides

Book Review: The Rape of Europa

2011-05-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

image via Good Reads

Committing genocide is not the only way to destroy a civilization. One can attempt to do so by eliminating symbols and icons that represent the very core of that society. Lynn H. Nicholas's The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War presents in incredible detail Hitler's campaign to destroy all 'degenerate' art ("Kulturkitsch") and seize European masterpieces for himself, his colleagues, and planned museum exhibits across Europe that would showcase Aryan work. This book is not a quick read; each page contains heavily researched information about art and history. Nicholas educates the reader not only about the Nazis' program, but also about the counter-efforts they faced. One learns about American art collectors' purchasing trips to save pieces from destruction and theft; Peggy Guggenheim, founder of the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan, bought Picassos, Dalis, Magrittes, and a Klee, among others. The book also focuses on the French Resistance, and in particular, Rose Valland. She took care of the collections in Paris's Jeu de Paume. The Nazis stored the artwork they were seizing in Paris in this building, and she kept secret records (they didn't know she understood German and would discuss the plans for the art in front of her), which helped keep track of the works and assist the French Resistance. With her information, they knew which German trains to not blow up. Nicholas discusses America and England's role in the theatre of war; "Monumentmen" assisted in tracking down and saving artwork, though they often clashed with military forces' responsibilities to wage war. Upon finishing the book, the reader walks away with a better understanding of World War Two. It was not simply about military victory; the Allies also fought to preserve Western civilization from the forces that would willingly destroy and corrupt our most beloved and revered icons. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Pink & Green Thursday: Gwen's Tea Party

2011-05-19T14:44:00.002-04:00

[all images via last fm]

Escaping into Art

2011-05-18T12:52:00.001-04:00

[images via Holtermann Design]

Photographed by Tim Walker for W Magazine, April 2011

Beautiful reinterpretation of 18th and 19th century portraits by Tim Walker, don't you think?

The Debut of Savage Beauty at the Met

2011-05-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

A Higher Power

2011-05-13T15:08:00.008-04:00

I'm not really sure what it is, but there's just something about hair. I'm talking about good hair. In my family, having nice hair is practically a goal in life. (Shallow, and silly, right?) I don't know if it was my mom's long, raven-black locks from my childhood, or the fact that my dad was known in high school for his lengthy golden tresses; I knew good hair was something to be respected.

Over the years, through various dye-jobs and layering, I figured out what I really love about hair: it can be anything its owners want it to be. Hair can be a statement...a BIG statement. So today, I offer you a look at some big hair. Not just big in dimension, but big in impact.

Like my grandma (and a lot of other folks) always say... "The higher the hair, the closer to God."

(all images from beautyineverything.com)

A Mother's Day Bouquet

2011-05-08T10:38:00.003-04:00

[images via Rococo & Caffeine's tumblr]

Happy Mother's Day from Rococo & Caffeine!

Givenchy Haute Couture: Behind The Scences

2011-04-30T20:07:00.002-04:00

[image via Dolls Factory]

Simply breathtaking.

A Little Bit Heartbroken

2011-04-28T17:14:00.000-04:00

[image via]

I would normally never discuss something as personal as this on the blog, but it felt necessary considering the events of the last couple of weeks. The end of graduate school is now here and I'm busy finishing things here in Cambridge and preparing to find job and start a new chapter in my life. It's been a stressful month and I haven't really felt up to blogging. With all the storm systems passing through the South yesterday, a significant of damage was done not only to our beloved alma mater Berry College, but also across the entire region. It hasn't been easy seeing the pictures on Facebook or watching videos of the storm in progress, especially when you're a thousand miles away and unable to help in the immediate relief efforts. I now recognize I need to give myself some time to grieve and reflect on these events. I hope that all of our Southern readers are safe and I am looking forward to returning to more optimistic blogging soon.

Vivit!

2011-04-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Resurrection of Christ"

Pietro Perugino

ca. 1499

via

Consummatum Est

2011-04-22T09:01:00.004-04:00

Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506)

via

Strip the Altar Down

2011-04-21T10:51:00.004-04:00

images via Blogger News Network & In Caelo et In Terra

Makeup Review Monday: Lippmann Haul!

2011-04-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Today is a special day. Today, two of my best friends and I are going to see LADY GAGA!!! Excitement is out of this world. Because we are seeing Gaga tonight, we went shopping last Saturday and I had the intent of purchasing one new bottle of Lippmann. I ended up with three. Oops.

Actually, it is not as bad as it sounds. A while back I purchased Across the Universe. My first Lippmann and it was love at first stroke. Considering my extreme love of all things purple it was only a matter of time before I bought Bad Romance, ATU's purple friend.

I have also been anxiously awaiting the release of this summer's Girls Just Want to Have Fun, and it was a big surprise to see it in my local Nordstrom. So I bought both. AND fortunately for me, Nordstrom was giving out a gift with purchase which happened to be Makin' Whoopee. Three new beauties in one day!

I have included a bottle picture and a swatch of each. Please excuse my not so nice nails. Below the swatch are my thoughts!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun: This is easily my most favorite of the three I got Saturday. It is a nice coral, and just as Deborah intended, not too pink, not too orange. It is sheer and required three thin coats, but for the richness that it comes out to, it is worth it. It also almost does not need a top coat! I will be rocking this for the majority of the summer.

Makin' Whoopee: This is not a color I would have bought for myself. However, I am thrilled to have it in my collection! I normally steer away from iridescent colors because they can be streaky, but this one is so fun you cannot help but be happy when you put it on. It reminds me of the drugstore lipsticks my mom gave me when I was about six years old to wear for dressing up. This one only required two thin coats! A joyful addition!

Bad Romance: LOVE. I love this glitter for the same reason I love Across the Universe. They both have dark jelly bases that when layered become opaque and the glitter becomes dimensional. Bad Romance is A LOT darker than ATU. The base is almost black with purple glitter, both tiny flecks and hexagonal pieces. You could easily get away with one coat to get full coverage on this one, but I did one average coat, then one thin second coat for more glitter. This one requires a top coat at all times.

For tonight I am wearing Bad Romance like it is nobodies business! I am absolutely thrilled with each new addition from this weekend.

All of these colors are available at LipplannCollection.com. Have any of you tried any of these colors? What are your thoughts?

Entry

2011-04-17T01:25:00.003-04:00

via

Daria Werbowy for Chanel, 2005-2006

2011-04-15T12:29:00.001-04:00

Daria Werbowy has been one of my favorite models for the last six or so years, her campaign work with Chanel is certainly some of her best. Whether set in New York or in California, Daria's work with Chanel still is absolutely gorgeous and undeniably fresh.

All images via The Style Registry

Pink & Green Thursday: Sweater Girl

2011-04-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

[images via TFS]

A Sophisticated Honeymoon

2011-04-13T15:01:00.001-04:00

I'm very honored that my dear friend Lesley-Anne requested this post; she is getting married in July and I'm looking forward to all the wedding festivities this summer. Lesley-Anne and her fiance will be spending their honeymoon in on the beach, so here are my ideas on what would be romantic and chic for her trip.

From top left corner:

Urban Outfitters Sunglasses

J.Crew Henley

Kate Spade Wedges

For everyday wear, I think classic silhouettes in comfortable fabrics are key. Simple but sturdy sandals and cotton shorts can be dressed up with fun accessories like over-sized sunglasses, feminine tops, and assorted pieces of jewelry. My tips on not looking like a tourist are also something to consider when trying to put together a look that is relaxed, but not sloppy.

As for the beach, I think J.Crew has some of the most flattering and feminine swimwear out there. Since swimwear can be reused for many seasons, I think investing in well cut and superbly fitting swimsuit is a wise choice. For Lesley-Anne, since I know one of her favorite colors is blue, I chose a vintage-inspired one piece that will compliment her frame and her sophisticated taste.

Finally, I think having one or two pretty dresses for dinners is a must when honeymooning. I chose this brightly colored Madewell dress because I thought it captured vibrancy of island life and is visually interesting enough not to require a lot of accessories. Dresses also are a great option in keeping cool when visiting a warmer climate. A festive, brightly colored shoe (which Kate Spade does so well) also makes a dress more sophisticated without being stuffy.

I know some of our lovely readers are already married, I'd love to hear your tips on honeymoon style as well!

Lush Life Giveaway Winner

2011-04-08T17:55:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Lindsay of Vineyard Love Knots and thank you again to all who participated!

Miu Miu E-Store Launch

2011-04-07T11:45:00.000-04:00

After much anticipation, Miu Miu has finally launched their e-store which means I can officially start saving up for my bow satchel without having to worry about taking a trip to New York to get it! Happy window shopping!

Noteworthy: Cincinnati Prep

2011-04-05T10:46:00.002-04:00

This interview starts a feature on R&C which shows off some of our favorite blogs and introduces our audience to talented and innovative bloggers. When I first visited Cincinnati Prep, I was immediately impressed by his originality and unique take on interior design. I can't think of a better blog to start our new series with than one that is as consistently engaging and informative as Cincinnati Prep, so make sure to take some time to stop by his blog and say hello if you aren't familiar with this blog yet!

What led you to start Cincinnati Prep in 2010?

I had been wanting for some time to share my personal style and was really inspired by bloggers like Hopsy at Monograms and Manicures (KappaPrep.com). I met her at the High Style of Dorothy Draper Weekend at The Greenbrier last spring during spring break and thought it was so neat! I have so many different interests, which I feel all tie together into just one fun party! People have always turned to me for style and taste advice and so I feel like this is a way that I can really share my opinions! I kind of wanted to be like Martha Stewart, giving tidbits and advice of all different kinds to all different kinds of people.

Who or what are your biggest influences on your personal design style?

I would say that both Mrs. Dorothy Draper and Mr. Carleton Varney are the two that have most influenced my interior design style. (DorothyDraper.com) I have grown up summering at Grand Hotel, Mr. Varney’s masterpiece so it seems so natural. It is just beautiful and so much fun which is what I am all about. I love great antiques mixed with bright, cheery colors and of course through in one of Mrs. Draper’s beautiful fabrics! I also am really influenced by a local pair of designers, Anne Shanahan and Tenesia Wildermuth of Shanahan Wildermuth Interiors. (ShanahanWildermuthInteriors.com) Mrs. Shanahan has been a dear family friend since before I was born and so I have grown up with her beautiful style. I have tried to describe my style that is influenced by these four to others and I think it is hard to say. I love classically beautiful things with a fun twist.

How do you define preppy? How has this definition influenced your own aesthetic?

I actually answered a similar question to this for last year’s yearbook at my school for a spread on school style. I think that preppy is much more than just a style, but a lifestyle. Anyone can pop the color of his or her polo, but it is the person behind the collar that really defines preppy. Getting boating legs at a young age doesn’t hurt either! I love to make new outfits out of different pieces I have, it is always fun to be creative. The one special thing I do that I don’t know if anyone else in the world does is I like to match the fragrance I am wearing with the brand I am wearing!

What are you most looking forward to about studying interior design?

I am so excited that I will be studying interior design next year at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). I think I am really excited to finally focus on learning what I want to learn. Throughout high school I have taken a rigorous schedule with hardly any art classes. I am excited to learn more about my passion!

In 10 years, what do you see yourself having accomplished?

I have a lot of goals in the future, I don’t know when they will happen time wise, but I plan to make them happen! My top goal is to featured in Architectural Digest’s AD100. I have grown up reading the profiles and see what they have done and it has always been a dream of mine. This of course is assuming that I make it into the pages of the Digest. I dream of just being in it, hopefully I will become big enough to be in the AD100! I also would love to write a coffee table book. I absolutely love huge books with beautiful pictures. Finally, I would love to work with Mr. Carleton Varney at Dorothy Draper & Co., Inc. Oh and I also think that doing a bit of modeling would be so great! I know it sounds far-fetched, but I at least have one foot in the door by being in the Spring Vineyard Vines catalog, right?

What suggestions would you have for other people interested in interior design to establish their own look?

At risk of sounding cliché, I would definitely recommend just looking through publications like Architectural Digest. AD features so many different styles that it would be hard not to find something you like. Another great option is to go to local furniture stores, antique markets, etc. so that you can find different things that you can add to your home. Also, just looking at other people’s homes. I probably look like a criminal casing people’s homes when I come in, but I am always interested in seeing every detail. Being in someone else’s house helps you to realize what you like and what you don’t like and then you can apply that knowledge to your own personal space.

Out of all your Fabric of the Week posts, which fabric has been your favorite?

At risk of sound noncommittal, I have to say all of them! I really have picked all of my favorites so far and of course have more favorites to come! I think what is so intriguing about interior design to me is that I am able to just keep doing other spaces!

Makeup Review Monday: Cruelty Free

2011-04-04T06:41:00.006-04:00

I know I usually review products on Makeup Review Monday, but today I want to talk about something that is very important to me, and helps determine products I show you on Mondays.

A few months ago, I decided that I wanted to not use any products that are known to be tested on animals.

First, let me say that if you do not abide by the cruelty free makeup bag, that is perfectly alright! This is a personal choice I made and I want to share with you all why and what I have done to make my makeup bag cruelty free.

I want to stress that I am not a vegetarian, and I expect some of the products I use to have some animal byproducts. I also understand there are some things I will have to use that are tested on animals, like vaccines and other drugs for medical purposes. I am more worried about things I can control, such as my makeup and personal care items.

Making the change to a cruelty free life is a process. Educationally and financially, it is not possible to make the change overnight. It is important to remember that because it can be overwhelming. I started with my makeup bag.

This was a fairly simple change and I only needed to replace my mascara. These are a few brands I use daily that are known to be cruelty free:

MAC
Philosophy
Urban Decay
Tart
Estee Lauder
Bare Minerals
Essie
OPI - Recently bought by Coty, a brand know to test on animals but there has been no update yet that I have seen about this changing for the OPI line.

From there I moved to personal care. This was a little more difficult because I had to really think about the products I use daily. The other challenge I had here was to make the products I changed to affordable. Enter Target. As I was doing my research I discovered Target has some great cruelty free products available to just about everyone. The great thing about this is that most people in the US have access to a Target store or online and at more affordable prices than luxury brands.

These are some brands I was using already that were cruelty free for things like shampoo and lotion:

Lush
Philosophy
Aveda

Yes, that's it! I had not considered deodorant, sunscreen, or toothpaste, among a slew of other products. Some of the brands I found at Target to replace my old products are:

Say Yes to Carrots - I use their facial wipes
Burt's Bees
California Baby - For Sunscreen
Mitchum Deodorant

There are a lot more, this is just what I was looking for. Toothpaste and deodorant were some with the fewest choices, and I need to do some more research to find brands that make these products, they may just not be as easy to access.

I am not going to show you pictures, or describe the things they do to animals during testing. There are plenty of other places to find that information. I just wanted to share with you what I did to go about making my makeup bag cruelty free.

Manners for the 21st Century

2011-04-03T15:04:00.000-04:00

[image via Fanaticas por Consumismo]

So, it has come to my attention that once again there has been someone blatantly stealing content from several of the blogs I read. Does this surprise me? Not particularly, as the anonymity of the internet allows people to pretend to be completely different people. That said, I do believe most bloggers know the frustration of having your content "borrowed" from or seeing someone suddenly using your personal pictures on their own blog. It simply isn't fun to go through when you invest a great deal of time and energy to make your blog interesting and engaging for your readers to see someone take credit for your hard work. All I can say is this when it comes to blogging: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Take the time to provide back links or email the author if you would like to re-post the content, do a blog swap or interview the author, there are countless ways of sharing great blogs without diminishing other people's hard work. One of the best things about blogging is the community you get to know and stealing content from other people is not being a good community member. So, to put it simply, if you wouldn't act this way offline you have no reason to be a liar or a cheat online.

Pink & Green Thursday: Girl's Night In

2011-03-31T09:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I think one of the best things after a long week is spending a night taking a bath, giving myself a manicure and pedicure and playing with make up. Make sure to check out our Lush Life giveaway featuring five great products from Lush Cosmetics for your next night in!

[all images via tumblr & we heart it]

Lush Life Giveaway

2011-03-30T10:22:00.008-04:00

The ladies of R&C want to treat one lucky reader to a head-to-toe make over experience

featuring some of our pink and green favorites from LUSH Cosmetics!

The winner of our giveaway will receive the following LUSH Products:

The Comforter Bubble Bar

Mint Julip Lip Scrub

MMM Melting Mashmellow Moment Bath Melt

Stepping Stone Foot Scrub

Summer Pudding Soap

Ways to Enter the Giveaway

Leave us a comment and let us know if you...

Follow the blog via GoogleFriend Connect (5 entries)

Repost this contest on your own blog (5 entries)

Follow Rococo and Caffeine via tumblr – make sure to include your tumblr name! (5 entries)

Reblog our tumblr post (3 entries)

Tweet the following: Make sure to enter the #rococoandcaffeine LUSH giveaway http://tinyurl.com/RCgiveaway (2 entries)

Edit 4/2: You only need to comment once on what you've completed; each person's entries are being maintained in an Excel spreadsheet and the winning entry will be drawn from that. Sorry for any confusion :)

The contest closes Thursday, April 7^th at 11:59 pm EST

The winner will be announced Friday, April 8^th and will be drawn at random using Random.org

Good luck!

Stardust

2011-03-29T16:11:00.001-04:00

I received a set of two Deborah Lippmann polishes earlier this month from Gilt. I was really excited to try more Lippmann colors since Happy Birthday was all around pretty fabulous. This color, Stardust, is labeled as a frost on the Lippmann website but I find it to be more of a brushed metallic. The polish itself is comprised of micro-fine silver glitter that applies fairly opaque in one coat (bottom right picture). However, upon two coats the polish looks like molten silver which was a bit difficult to capture with my camera. The polish applied evenly and did not leave behind brushstrokes, a common occurrence with metallic colors. While I have warm undertones, I still felt this color worked with my coloring. Overall, I really liked this polish and am looking forward to using it for pedicures this summer.

Makeup Review Monday: Undercover

2011-03-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

I am a firm believer that if you do not have a good base, then you have nothing to stand on. While this applies in many situations such as morally, while making speeches, your house, it also applies to your makeup!

Sometime last year, I finally put down the tinted moisturizer and decided to try Bare Minerals. I really like the effect of Bare Minerals but I notices a significant lack of moisture in my skin since I was not using the tinted moisturizers any more.

I have tried two different products for my makeup base. This is how it worked out.
Estée Lauder DayWear SPF15: I liked this moisturizer. My mother used it and loved it so that is why I gave it a shot. It has a cucumber scent, and I would describe its weight as moderate. It is not too oily and I think would work for a lot of skin types because of this. My main draw back? The SPF is lower than I would like, and the price! DayWear is $43.00 for 1.7-ounces.

Philosophy Hope In a Jar SPF25: I LOVE this moisturizer. I tried it based on reviews on Sephora.com and my love of most Philosophy products. This is supposed to be scent free but there is a very, very light hint of lavender in the moisturizer. I would describe this as a heavy weight moisturizer that is just barely oily, it may not be the "everyone" moisturizer. I am glad the SPF is higher, because while most makeup now contains SPF, we are usually not putting enough on or evenly enough to get the proper protection from makeup alone. It also makes my skin feel better than the DayWear, I can't quite explain why, but it just does. Finally, the price is more reasonable, $38.00 for 2-ounces.

Keeping your skin properly moisturized helps keep down the amount of exfoliating that needs to happen, and that is great for me since most exfoliates, except Lush's Angels on Bare Skin, make my face go crazy. It also provides a slightly "sticky" base for powdered makeups to sit on.

I think most of you have heard about or are part of the cult following of Urban Decay's Primer Potions. I have been a member since 2004. Finally, as an exclusive to Sephora, Urban Decay has released all of their Primer Potions in squeeze tubes! I am so excited to try them and compare packaging. The old bottle, while lovely, was a pain in the butt. They previously released a professional size of the original formula in a squeeze tube, but I have not seen it in stores or online recently. As soon as I get my hands on one I will be sure to share it with you all! They are available at Sephora.com at $19.00 for 0.37-ounces, a dollar more than the old bottle, and a little more product too.

What moisturizers are you swooning over this week?

February Flashback: SOME Jr. Gala at the Corcoran

2011-03-26T15:17:00.001-04:00

I've been rather busy with schoolwork lately, so I haven't had much time to post. I know this post is pretty late, but since it was from a fun event and the pictures are nifty, I thought I'd share.

On February 11, a local charitable organization, SOME (So Others Might Eat), hosted a gala for young professionals at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, right near the White House.

The gallery was constructed at the end of the 19th century in the Beaux Arts architectural style, and the museum houses mainly American art.

This is the interior.

For the gala, the interior was transformed from its ivory, Classical appearance with strategically placed colorful lights.

There were delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts (especially the lemon bars) . The Blues Tips Rhythm Revue played for the event, and I had fun dancing throughout the night. Because the gala took place in an art museum, I was very concerned about what I wore. I wanted something that would be artistic looking and elegant. After much deliberation, I decided on an ivory BCBG Max Azria dress and the silver shoes I wore to Prom back in 2003. I was very inspired by Brenda Diana Duff Frazier's "white look" (red lipstick, arched brows, and face powder) for my make up, and threw on different diamonds and pearls. My hair was being frustrating, so I just put it up in a ponytail and pinned it up so it'd trail down in a hopefully "artistic" fashion; then, being even more "clever" and "artistic" (or so I thought at the time), I pinned a pearl necklace into my hair.

One of the kind Revamp photographers took this picture of me and my date. A nice memento for such a fun night!

images: 1. www.askmissa.com 2. Flickr 3.-6. personal collection 7. Revamp.com

Pink & Green Thursday: At the Vineyard

2011-03-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

[images via NOIR FACADE]

Makeup Review Monday: MAC Sheen Supreme

2011-03-21T19:09:00.008-04:00

For as long as I can remember, lip gloss has been my go-to lip product. I remember buying a tube of pearly silver, purple, and blue gloss back in 4th grade from The Limited Too and wearing it proudly. I am really glad silver lips have gone out of vogue.

However, recently I have begun to look elsewhere to the more intense. My love of Tart lip stains, especially the matte variety has gotten me interested in lip sticks. There are some NARS colors I want to try that are matte reds that I can see being perfect for summer, but when I heard my favorite brand was coming out with a new permanent line, I had to jump to that first!

This is how MAC defines their new sticks: Combining the color impact of Lipstick with the shine sheen of a Lipglass, Sheen Supreme creates the perfect hybrid - with no compromise. Lightweight, non-sticky, slick to apply and comfortable to wear. This is a must-have for all those who have craved this kind of fusion.

I cannot say that I have craved this fusion, but I have not been looking for it either. I do believe this is a great segue from Lipglass to lipsticks for those wishing to get into it with out 100% commitment to lipstick.

Other good things about this collection? The color range, while currently limited, it does cover the main bases, from nudes, to pinks, to red, to purple and brown. I would anticipate this collection to grow over time, but for the first launch, the colors are promising. I did some research and decided I would choose between Ultra Darling and Bare Again for my colors.

When I saw it in store, I decided that Ultra Darling was the simple, anytime color I was looking for. Other first impressions about the lipsticks are the packaging and the price. I feel like for the amount and quality of the product, the price is fair, and I like the packaging because when it is capped it really snaps down and I am not concerned about it opening up in my purse.

On to the swatches!!!

Hopefully this shows the opacity. Ultra Darling is not opaque, but it does play off my natural lip color really well. I think that is a benefit to these lipsticks, most are not opaque and will be different for everyone. I do not expect any shade to be perfect on everyone, but this one is a pretty sure bet and will most likely look a little different on you than it does me.

It feels really great on as well! It is just that, slick like gloss but gives the thinner coat like lip stick. One of my gripes with lip glosses is that sometimes it has to be caked on to get good colors, and does not last long. This is a good in-between. It does not last like a stain, but it does give you color without sticky cake lips. It also glides on as promised and is not a pain to apply.

Overall this gets a good review from me! I like the coverage, colors, and innovation that the Sheen Supreme lipsticks bring to the table. I am excited to try some other colors and if you try one of these, please let everyone know what you think!

Other business! I want to hear from you! What do you want to see on Makeup Review Monday? If you have suggestions or requests please let me know!

Spring Forward

2011-03-14T13:10:00.000-04:00

Micheal by Michael Kors watch

Aida Kibur rose earrings

Kate Spade brushstroke bow scarf

Anya Hindmarch boat tote

Cutler and Gross sunglasses

I'm on spring break this week (finally!), which also likely means a slow down in posts while I'm hanging out with my friend Lindsay. I'm very excited to see Lindsay and take a day trip down to New York City with her which I anticipate will be fantastic. Taylor and Laura came up this weekend at we had a great time browsing shops in Harvard Sqaure and on Newbury street. Feminine trends like floral prints and floral jewelry continue to be popular which look great paired with masculine jewelry like the Micheal Kors watch or with more feminine accessories like the Kate Spade scarf or Cutler and Gross sunnies. I included the Anya Hindermarch tote simply because it's a gorgeous shade of turquoise. I can't wait to update my wardrobe with pieces as fun and pretty as these!

Pink & Green Thursday: Miss Dior Cherie

2011-03-10T10:35:00.001-05:00

[images via j'adore sofia]

Reflect

2011-03-09T13:37:00.005-05:00

For dust thou art, and to dust shalt thou return

via

Aujourd'hui, Nous Célébrons

2011-03-08T01:55:00.006-05:00

[images 1-3, 6-7 via weheartit.com, 4-5 via tumblr or flickr]

Happy Mardi Gras, y'all!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Baby's Got New Clothes

2011-03-06T14:40:00.001-05:00

[all images via NOIR FACADE]

Pink & Green Thursday: Kate, Lilly & Jonathan

2011-03-03T10:45:00.002-05:00

[images via Kate Spade New York, Elsa Hosk, and Jonathan Adler]

So many pretty and preppy things to celebrate this spring! Happy Pink & Green Thursday!

Dior and Galliano: Is this real justice?

2011-03-01T12:06:00.003-05:00

Earlier this morning, John Galliano was fired from his head designer position at Christian Dior due to his anti-Semitic remarks he had made earlier last week. While I certainly enjoyed Galliano's work and have featured his works for Christian Dior extensively on this blog, the video of his verbal assault toward two Jewish restaurant patrons is undeniably racist and inexcusable. Some are claiming that because it is obvious Galliano is intoxicated during his tirade that he truly could not have meant those remarks. Personally, I've never known anyone to claim that they "love Hitler" or told people that they wished their ancestors had been murdered simply because they were intoxicated. These may have been instinsic thoughts Galliano kept mostly to himself, but there is no denying the vitriol and prejudice that came with his comments. Natalie Portman, the new face of Miss Dior Cherie, wisely decided not to wear Dior to the Oscars and substituted her dress with one from Rodarte to show her stance against these statements. I also applaud Christian Dior for swiftly acting on this issue and suspending and now firing Galliano. Undeniably this was to protect the business prospects of Dior, but I also think it makes a strong statement about how inexcusable his behavior is. However, I also wonder if this incident had not been thoroughly documented or the racism not as explicit would Dior have taken any action at all.

This leads me to my bigger point of how the fashion industry only seems to call out the most blatant forms of racism (or any other type of prejudice) when it could compromise business. While other designers certainly have not made comments as blatant as Galliano's, isn't rarely casting models of color still prejudiced? Similarly, why is it still a rarity that a model of color gets featured on the cover of major fashion magazines regardless of the nation of origin of the publication? Considering that out of the 1,400+ issues of Vogue that have been published, only 14 of them have featured black women it's pretty hard to deny that a bias exists. I have similar concerns about how it only a handful of members of the fashion community have called out Terry Richardson for his blatant sexism and inappropriate behavior toward some of the models he's worked with. Simply because Galliano's prejudice is very blatant and explicit doesn't mean that it's the only place in the industry where discrimination is apparent.

This also is not to say I'm completely blameless myself. I've supported a lot of magazines and designers through what I purchase even with the knowledge that these companies are biased in one way or another. The existence of this blog has also reinforced a certain beauty standard that isn't exactly the most inclusive, among other things I'm sure I haven't reflected enough upon to realize they are biased. I'm still left wondering when the fashion industry is going to be more willing to address its pervasive inequalities or will only the most blatant examples of racism and prejudice be reprimanded.

Any thoughts and reactions about this topic are more than welcome.

Makeup Review Monday: CND Shellac and Harmony Gelish

2011-02-28T01:00:00.003-05:00

I have been bursting at the seams to tell you all about what I am reviewing today!

I have an absolutely terrible habit of biting my nails. For as long as I can remember I have bit them, and for just as long I have been trying to stop. I have tried lots of different things to stop, and the one thing that I have discovered really helps is keeping my nails neatly manicured. The only problem, is that when the polish starts to chip, I continue to peel it off then bite my nails. I find that polish only looks good for a day, and by the second day I am chipping and biting. This means that I am polishing my nails three to four times a week. While it is fun, the fumes are getting to me.

Over the last six or seven months I have been reading about a lot of different products from Calgel Nails to CND's Shellac, all promising long wear color for two or more weeks. I was initially drawn toward Calgel, but came up short because I had a hard time finding a salon that offers it in Atlanta. The more I read about Shellac, Harmony Gelish, and OPI's Axxium, I was sure this was the way to go.

So on Friday February 19th, my friend, Stephanie, invited me to go and get our nails done that had these products. So I went, hopes high, excitement seeping out of me at the thought of long wear, no chip nail polish.

When I got there I found out they only had Harmony Gelish, which was fine, I wanted to try any of the three. I went with Gossip Girl which is a bright pink with a tiny bit of shimmer only visible in the bright sunlight. One thing I can say about the Gelish over the Shellac is that they have a much wider range of finishes. I went with a basic color knowing I would be wearing it a while, but there was a metallic gray and a gold glitter that caught my eye. Below are some day by day photos of the Gelish manicure. To be honest, they lasted well, not great, but I do partially blame that on my pre-damaged nails. I did not go in with perfect tips for a manicure and I did not expect them to be sheer perfection for the first round, so overall I am pleased with the wear. I had a few chips, but when they chipped a little, it stopped. Unlike with most nail polish, one chip means the manicure is shot. You can see significant chipping on my middle finger by day 4 in the photos below.

However; Friday, Feburary 26th tragedy struck, I was on a conference call and picked most of the polish off. When I start, I can't stop. I DO NOT recommend doing this because the top layer of your nail will come off. So if it comes time for you to remove it, please do this like a normal person and use some acetone remover.

So, after I chipped all of the polish off in my wrath, I started freaking out. It had been a week since I had gotten my nails done, that was a week of growth that I rarely ever see. So I quickly made an appointment for Saturday at a salon that was close to me in Atlanta that had the CND Shellac. I selected Tropix for the color of this manicure which is a neon coral. My camera did not quite capture the summery joy of this color, but believe me when I say it is bright!

The application process is generally the same for both Gelish and Shellac. Both are UV set and dry instantly, which may be my second favorite feature of these polishes. The drawback to the Shellac, is that it seems most of the colors are cremes, which I love them so this is not an issue for me, but if you are a lover of sheers or glitters, this may not be the best for you. That being said, since you'll be wearing it for about two weeks, glitters are not always appropriate.

My technician at this salon did a FANTASTIC job! The main reason for my praise is that she did not flood my cuticles. I feel like this is extremely rare to find a tech that understands this concept. The manicure itself is better than the first with the Gelish. Now, I have not gotten to wear this for more than 24 hours yet, but I will do an updated post in about two weeks telling you if this one lasts longer for me.

Here are the overall Good things:

Lasts for a long time
Instant drying
If chips occur, they are minimal
Nice colors
Looks like regular polish - It is not thick like an acrylic nail
Pretty affordable - I have seen the manicures range from $18-$30 in Atlanta

Here are the overall Bad things:

Growth is apparent after about five days
Does not remove as easily as normal polish, but still not a huge deal
If you are one to get bored with colors easily, this might not be good for you
Range of colors and finishes are still small in comparison to regular polishes, but growing

If you are a chronic nail biter/destroyer or just hate having a manicure ruined after two days, I highly recommend trying this out. Have any of you had the opportunity to try any of these products? What were your results?

McQueen at the Met

2011-02-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

It was announced this week that the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be hosting a retrospective collection of Alexander McQueen's work from May 4 to July 31st this year. I'm hoping I'll be able to take a day trip down to Manhattan to be able to see it myself. Here are some stunning photographs taken by Sølve Sundsbø of some of the works that will be featured in the exhibit.

[images via Caroline Meredith]

Throw Back

2011-02-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

I think it is rare to find new jewelry that encompasses multiple trends and eras in jewelry, and if the pieces do swing through the years, to do it well is a whole other feat.

Just the other day as I was playing on Gilt Groupe, I was clicking through random boutiques and I discovered M.C.L. By Matthew Campbell Laurenza.

More often than not I find that designers try and use Art Nouveau or Art Deco exclusively, but the more I looked at the different pieces, I realized that this was the perfect harmony of both trends. I also really love the use of enamel and color that was used in the jewelry. Here are some of my favorite pieces.

What do you think?

Fascinating!

2011-02-25T01:00:00.000-05:00

I am not a hat person. I just have never been interested in them. However, I have recently become very interested in tiny hats or head pieces more commonly known as Fasinators!

They can be tiny simple flowers, or insane with giant bows, veils, and feathers. I think they're a very nice way to dress up what would normally be classified as a plain outfit. They also range in levels of fancy, some can be formal enough for your wedding day while others are just the right amount of bold for work.

The most exciting part about them in my opinion? They are pretty easy to make! I will be making one or a few soon and I will feature that on my other blog, CrafTay!

In the meantime, here are some that I found on Etsy! What are your thoughts on these little hair gems?

Red felt Flower from lilyladyblue

Hair Flowers by BellaMiaDesign You can find out more about BellaMiaDesign on their Facebook page as well!

Shanghai by tiedandfeathered

Fuchsia bow by alicehartcouture

All images and links have been shared with permission by their respective owners.

Pink & Green Thursday: Roadtrip

2011-02-24T08:45:00.002-05:00

[photos via Chris Craymer]

Finding Lula

2011-02-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

Sunday I went on a bit of a wild goose chase to see if I could find a copy of the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Lula Magazine. My search across several bookstores in Boston and Cambridge unfortunately yielded no result, but I'm still completely enamored with the magazine nonetheless! Maybe tomorrow's search will be more successful.

[images via NOIR FACADE]

Title: Crown of Love Magazine: Lula #6 Spring/Summer 2008 Model: Siri Tollerød Photographer: Ellen von Unwerth

All About Sofia

2011-02-22T08:02:00.000-05:00

In a way, Sofia Coppola's works have served as a major source of inspiration for this blog. While Sofia is most well known as a film maker, she is also an accomplished designer, actress, photographer and a longstanding muse of several top fashion houses. So here is a small homage to a woman who has given so many people so much inspiration through film, photography and design.

Coppola's 2006 film Marie Antoinette is undoubtedly my favorite, I couldn't imagine Rococo and Caffeine existing without this film having predated it. As women are still highly underrepresented as directors in Hollywood, I personally appreciate that her films do reflect a feminine perspective - be that in the stories she tells, the characters she writes and the overall styling of her films. Outside of her films, some of her best known work is the ad campaigns for Miss Dior Cherie.

The 2008 version of the ad starring Maryna Linchuk

2011 version starring Natalie Portman

Both ads capture a dreamy Parisian lifestyle perfectly, but I personally prefer the original version. I don't think Natalie Portman will mind that, as she'll probably be winning an Academy Award this weekend.

Sofia has also had a great deal of success with her own line of clothing, Milkfed, which is only available in Japan. Beyond her own label, Sofia has also collaborated with close friend Marc Jacobs with accessories for Marc Jacobs, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. Her shoes and leather goods for Vuitton are absolutely divine, reinterpreting classic shapes like the Speedy handbag in rich colored leathers.

Finally, Sofia is also a muse. Marc Jacobs has used her as a model for his perfume, Daisy, as well as Marc Jacobs handbags. Sofia is also the face of the Francis Ford Coppola Wineries as well as having a sparkling wine named after her. I was given a bottle of the Sofia Blanc de Blancs when I turned 21 from my mother, so perhaps I am influenced by my mother's good taste in saying I thought it was a very good introduction to wine. Here's hoping Sofia will continue to inspire and create more lovely things!

Makeup Review Monday: Bathina

2011-02-21T08:10:00.007-05:00

Its Monday I am back with more makeup!

Over the holidays, my friend and fellow blogger, Laura, gave me Bathina by benefit. I have not had a lot of experience with benefit's products, but the encounters I have had with them have always been pleasant.

Laura gave me Bathina and informed me she was not quite sure what it was for but it looked like my skin color and thought it smelled good.

I read the package, looked at the product and I was still not quite sure of its purpose other than to make your arms and legs look picture worthy. So as a side note, I am not the palest person who writes for R&C but I do have very pale legs, and anything to give them some sheen or "glow" is worth a shot.

So I go to work, I tried Bathina on my arms, my legs, my chest, I even considered it as a cheekbone highlight. While I can say it smells nice, like roses, it just did not show up. If I look closely, I can see a tiny bit of red/pink glitter. I honestly do not think it is my skin tone over powering the shine capabilities. The velvet pouf is not the best applicator because more gets on the pouf than on your skin. While the packaging is cute, it is just not effective for the purpose of the product.

I would have swatched this, but then I would just be showing you pictures of my skin.

My final vote? I think it smells great, I will be using it on my legs this summer in hopes of creating more shine when I am in the sun. However, I am not sure this is worth the purchase for the minimal highlighting sheen.

Have any of you had the opportunity to try Bathina? What were your results?

Pink & Green Thursday: Eccentric Mind

2011-02-17T10:03:00.002-05:00

[all images via NOIR FACADE]

Title: Eccentric Mind
Magazine: Vogue China January 2011
Model: Dree Hemingway
Photographer: Patrick Demarchelier
Stylist: Nicoletta Santoro

Ultrafeminine Mystique

2011-02-16T14:26:00.002-05:00

I'm thrilled to report that Boston is finally warming up and Spring is certainly on its way. Between working on reports, getting organized for commencement and finalizing my resume, I realized soon enough I'm going to be on the move once again. I saw this room in Creature Comforts and thought to myself "If Rococo and Caffeine was a room, this is what it would look like". From that moment a few weeks ago I've been searching for more interior design using pink as a focal point.

I've had quite a successful time finding rooms that reflect my new-found preference, so here are some of my favorite designs incorporating the color, courtesy of Decor Pad!

Even More Love For NYFW

2011-02-15T22:14:00.001-05:00

[Post-modern classics from Carolina Herrera]

[Gossamer femininity from Monique Lhuillier]

[Kansas kitsch from Rodarte]

[Unadulterated luxury from the Row]

NYFW Fall 2011

2011-02-13T14:49:00.001-05:00

[Metallic heels from Alexander Wang]

[Bold patterns and contrasts from Libertine]

[Ladylike in the Black Forest from Jill Stuart]

[Red carpet worthy glamor from Prabal Gurung]

[Uptown baroque from Jason Wu]

Remembering a Year Later: Lee Alexander McQueen

2011-02-11T09:00:00.006-05:00

Recognizing that this is the anniversary of Lee Alexander McQueen's untimely passing, I wanted to present something that illustrated his prodigeous career was, ranging from his own eponymous label, Givenchy, works in art school as well as various other collaborations with musicians and his muses. I still do not feel it's appropriate for myself, or particularly anyone, to make presumptions about why he is no longer with us. So instead of focusing on the tragedy that occurred, I instead celebrate the life and creations of an immensely talented, provocative and irreplaceable individual.

[images via Malicious Glamour & Lee Alexander McQueen]

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 1999

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2006

Givenchy Haute Couture Fall/Winter 1999

Pink & Green Thursday: Dior Joaillerie

2011-02-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

[images via Dior Joaillerie]

I can't think of anything more perfect for a Valetine's Day Pink & Green Thursday than gorgeous gems from Dior. These beautiful floral pieces would certainly make my heart skip a beat!

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony

2011-02-09T20:56:00.000-05:00

[images via Opening Ceremony]

Rodarte certainly is one of my favorite design houses and their collection for Opening Ceremony finally gives their fan base greater access to their work with this collection. While the price points are still on the steeper end, certain pieces like the California sweater ($360) or the sunglasses ($220) may be worth the plunge if you are a die-hard fan. Personally, just looking at these summer chic photos is enough for me!

Art Deco by the Sea

2011-02-08T08:00:00.008-05:00

"a single . . . light, minute and faraway, that might have been the end of a dock."

- The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

These photographs of Natalia Vodianova, from the Vogue US July 2007 issue, channel the sleek Art Deco style of the 1920s, only added to by a carefree seaside setting -perfect for a late night soirée. Enjoy, just don't let Daisy take the wheel.

[images via Fanpop.com]

Too Cool for School: Warby Parker

2011-02-07T15:43:00.002-05:00

[image via Warby Parker]

As someone whose been in school non-stop since 1993 (eek!), I've certainly done my share of damage to my eyes and forgoing glasses or contacts isn't an option anymore. I personally don't mind wearing glasses, but buying them is a whole other story. Glasses in general are expensive and if you want a durable or chic pair, the prices become even steeper. Luckily, an alum of Brown University who had a problem with losing his glasses (and subsequently, his money!) found a solution to this problem by creating the company Warby Parker. Warby Parker makes frames that rival those of Prada, Tom Ford and Oliver Peoples for a fraction of the price. For the mere price of $95, you get both stylish frames and prescription lenses. The company also donates a pair of glasses to the organization Restoring Vision with each pair you purchase. To say this is a great deal is an understatement, don't you think?

[my frames, I love the cat-eye styling!]

I ordered the Harper style in the sandalwood shade since darker colors tend to wash me out a bit. The frames are lightweight and comfortable to wear. I ordered my pair on Sunday and received them on Friday, which is incredibly quick considering each pair is customized to your prescription. When ordering from Warby Parker it is essential to have your prescription information readily available due to state-specific laws on prescription eyewear. I simply scanned in my prescription and submitted it with my order.

[Here is how they look on]

I received notification that my glasses were being shipped on Wednesday night and they got to Boston by Friday. My order came in a small sized shipper box, which then contained another box with my glasses case and frames as well as a cleaning cloth. No need to worry about your frames getting damaged in shipping as their packaging was very thorough. I personally really like that the case is lined in bright blue.

[frames, case and cloth]

My only complaint about this experience is that when I received my pair that the right lense was a smidge loose, causing my glasses to make a lot of noise when I opened and closed them. This isn't a major problem, but the noises are a little bit annoying. I was apprehensive about calling customer service at first, so I left a message on their Facebook fan page asking what their suggestions were on fixing this problem. Less than a minute later, they had responded via Facebook telling me to call their customer service line. I called their customer service line and not only did someone pick up the line quickly, but their customer service was superb. They are paying for my return shipping and crafting me a completely new pair for free, so I can't complain! I didn't even realize customer service this good still existed these days. Overall, I'm very impressed with my Warby Parker experience and would recommend them to anyone interested in smartly designed eyewear. Too cool for school indeed!

Edited 2/28/11: I just wanted to update this entry to say I received a replacement pair with a week and they are absolutely perfect. I'm very impressed by the quality of Warby Parker's customer service and am even more excited to check out their new collection of frames for Spring 2011.

Vogue Italia Presents: The Blackallure Pt. 2

2011-02-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

[images via the Fashion Spot]

It's unfortunate that even today when a major fashion magazine such as Vogue Italia uses non-white models that it garners so much attention because it's a rare occurrence. There certainly are many glass ceilings left in the fashion industry and these photos even have been criticized for being a way for Vogue Italia to avoid using models of color in other shoots. That said, I still feel this editorial is one of the strongest I've seen in a while.

Vogue Italia Presents: The Blackallure Pt. 1

2011-02-05T09:00:00.002-05:00

[images via the Fashion Spot]

Space: The Final Frontier

2011-02-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you haven't noticed by now, the ladies of R&C have a thing for glitter, particularly glittery nail polish. When I was back in Georgia for winter break I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that my Ulta still had Orly's Cosmic FX collection in stock. I bought both Halley's Comet and Space Cadet from the collection and couldn't be anymore pleased with how unique these colors are.

[Halley's Comet swatched on my first and third fingers, Space Cadet on my second and fourth fingers]

Both shades apply evenly and dry down to a smooth finish. I also like that these colors are formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formadehyde resin free. The colors themselves are a bit hard to photograph as they can differ in a lot depending on the light. Halley's Comet is a pretty turquoise blue with flashes of green and yellow. Space Cadet is a bit more complex than Halley's Comet, it can look bronze, pink, or mossy green. It didn't look very pretty in the bottle, but I think Space Cadet is the must-have color of this collection. Swatches of the other shades in the collection are available at All Laquered Up and Temptalia. Some other reviews said they had problems with the dry time of these polishes, but mine dry quickly and evenly in about one to two minutes. Perhaps the dry time will vary depending on what base coat or top coat you chose to use. For $10, I think you get a very unique product that applies easily and looks absolutely amazing on. Certainly worth the investment in my opinion; however, if you like the look of Space Cadet and don't want to pay the price Hard Candy's Beetle is apparently a perfect dupe for $5!

Pink and Green Thursday: Macarons!

2011-02-03T10:22:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's the little things that really make your day. On Saturday, I was helping my boyfriend shop for groceries at Georgetown's Safeway when I saw macarons on sale. Jeremy said I could get some, but I didn't want to abuse his generosity. So, I picked two. Pink and Green. Obviously.

After putting the groceries away, I decided to take a picture before eating the macarons. I've never seen them on sale in a normal grocery store, so I thought it'd be kind of fun to memorialize the event.

It turned into 2 pictures. And then some more.

It was fun messing with the camera settings and ways to present the macarons. This is with the flash off.

I'm always stressed about my studies and work, so just spending time doing something simple was very enjoyable.

And I had to get a picture of Jeremy! It was very nice of him to buy me a little treat. I let him have the green one, which I think was pistachio. The pink one was raspberry.

Next time I get macarons, I'll have to wear these puppies that I picked in 2009 to go with the color scheme!

Snow Daze

2011-02-02T12:56:00.001-05:00

[image via KT Auleta]

Today is a snow day for me, so I decided to overhaul the layout to make a bit more personalized though using codes from Powered by Pastries and my own edits. It isn't completely finished or finalized, but I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions on the new layout. R&C also recently launched a tumblr featuring lots and lots of inspiration for you to enjoy daily. Hope you all are staying warm!

Makeup Review Monday: Book of Shadows III

2011-01-31T08:07:00.008-05:00

Urban Decay and I have had a friendship that dates back to 2003. I used to wear Kiss eye shadow all through high school and I still think it is a fantastic color. I have three eye shadow pallettes and I have found that UD's pallettes rarely disappoint!

For Christmas this year, my mom gave me the third book of shadows! The UD Hearts NYC pallette is a great one! I have to be honest, I was a little let down by the Alice in Wonderland pallette because the colors were not fresh, but mostly old colors that had been renamed for the pallette.

That being said, book of shadows 3 is much better! It includes seven new shades and seven old favorites as well as two Sephora exclusive colors! If you were holding out on purchasing Psychedelic Sister or Haight, they're both in this pallette! I am really liking the new shades. The two I am most excited about are Rockstar and Bordello. I love not-quite-neutral colors and bordello fits the bill! It looks dark, but applies dry as brownish-pink. Some of the old favorites I am excited to see are Smog, Maui Wowie, and Snatch. One color that this pallet is lacking? A non glittery highlight color. I have always used Sin as my go to UD highlight but nothing like it is in this pallet. The light colors, Uzi and Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, are just too glittery for a highlight.

As far as the formula of the shadows, they are all very good and smooth. I have had a few UD shadows that are grainy, such as Godess and Crash. Both very dark and rather glittery. I am not sure if it was the color or just a bad batch, but I do not see any of those issues with these colors.

This pallette also includes my number one, all time favorite product, a mini Primer Potion and two eye liners, Zero and Ransom. Zero is a great super pigmented black and Ransom is a pigmented, metallic purple. I was really excited to see a purple liner in this one. I am pretty much the spokeswoman for purple, and the biggest fan of MAC's Bordeauxline ever. So a new purple liner in my life? Yes please!

Overall this is a really solid pallette and restores my faith in UD's pallette combinations. If you were itching to get some new colors and old favorites, this is a good choice, especially if you were not willing to take the $17 plunge for one of the Sephora exclusive colors. The pallette retails for $54 which is kind of steep, but when you divide it out, it works out to be less than $3 a color, not including the liners and primer. With the price of single pans rising, its a worthy investment. My only complaint is that it is not the everything pallette it could be. Missing that highlight color is a big deal to me because when I am packing to go somewhere, I have to grab one more thing.

What are your thoughts? I am sorry I did not have time to swatch the colors before I shared this with you all!

Such A Gentleman

2011-01-30T15:55:00.002-05:00

I spend a lot of time perusing Etsy for myself, but I have to say as of late some of the best things I have found for sale have been for men. Between bespoke suits and vintage watches, there are lots of sharp looking accessories for men to be found on Etsy. On my latest search, I found a vintage Hermès tie, an artisan crafted leather briefcase, and a pocketwatch all of which would make great gifts or additions to the wardrobe of the stylish gentleman. While these three pieces certainly don't represent all that can be found on Etsy, I think they do show that quality pieces are readily available on this site for much more accessible prices!

Pink & Green Thursday: An Adventure Abroad

2011-01-27T12:01:00.001-05:00

[all images via Chris Craymer]