Top 10 2016 Oscar Looks

As I'm sure everyone already knows, the Oscars were last night and Leo finally won an Oscar!! But more importantly, there were some seriously stunning looks on the red carpet this year. While I do love a man in a tux, these are my ten personal favorite looks from the ladies:

10. Rachel McAdams

The simple emerald dress Rachel chose to wear doesn't need an explanation. It's classic and timeless, and the halter neckline and high slit give it a modern twist that really works.

August Getty Atelier

9. Isla Fisher

Isla's dress is the perfect choice for a transition into spring: flowery, flowy, and fabulous. Marchesa rarely let's us down and they definitely didn't this time. I'm loving this neutral look, especially with the metallic belt and the effortless off-the-shoulder top.

Marchesa

8. Margot Robbie 

As usual Margot Robbie looked incredible at the Oscar's last night. The vintage gold "Hollywood Glam" look is perfect for the occasion, and the long-sleeve offsets the low neckline to make it even classier.

Tom Ford
(Forevermark Jewelry)

7. Olivia Wilde

The "Paper Princess" look worn by Olivia Wilde was a huge hit. The pleating and weightless look compared with the strong collar neckless was flawless. Although the risqué neckline isn't something we'll be seeing everyday... this is a sign that pleating is on the rise yet again!

Valentino Haute Couture
(Neil Lane Jewelry, Roger Vivier Clutch)

6. Priyanka Chopra

This look officially proves the translucent lace look is still in and going strong. Priyanka looked goddess-like in this dress, thanks to this remarkable Zuhair Murad design.

Zuhair Murad
(Lorraine Schwartz Jewelry)

5. Lady Gaga

Not only did Lady Gaga dominate during her performance of "Till It Happens To You" (and get well-deserved recognition for her activism against rape and sexual abuse at ItsOnUs.Org), but she looked stunning. This pantsuit-gown combination is just another unique trend Gaga has provided us with - and it's really beautiful.

Brandon Maxwell

4. Cate Blanchett

Armani actually took my breath away with this one - Cate Blanchett looked stunning in this aqua gown with beading and flowers. The color is one to keep in mind - bold blues are predicted to be a big trend this summer!

Armani
(Tiffany & Co. Jewelry, Roger Vivier Clutch)

3. Saoirse Ronan

The "Brooklyn" Star was another one following the ocean-like tones last night, and it was a success. The sequin gown fits Saoirse like a glove, and the complex designs of the sequins draw you in. Calvin Klein definitely held his own when it came to the shimmery, sea-inspired looks.

Calvin Klein Collection
(Chopard Jewelry)

2. Naomi Watts 

I've never seen Naomi Watts look better than in this Armani Privé gown that seems to follow the sparkly ocean trend. The mysterious sunset vibe of the colors make her look like a high-fashion mermaid on the red carpet. The color, the fit, the styling... It was all perfect.

Armani Privé
(Bulgari Jewelry & Clutch)

1. Alicia Vikander

Alicia took home the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress last night and in my book, should also take the award for Best Dressed. Many are alluding her look to Belle from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" - but regardless of the inspiration, I don't think anyone has ever rocked yellow like this. Alicia Vikander definitely showed us she is one to watch with this custom Louis Vuitton look. 

Custom Louis Vuitton

Thank you for reading! Check back for more posts later this week!

XOXO, 

Reilly Renée

(Photos Courtesy of Vogue.com)

12 Artists To Watch: February

As February wraps up, I thought I would go ahead and start doing posts I'll be doing monthly with upcoming artists to look out for. Sometimes the best fashion inspiration comes from music and the people who create it. Here are some of the artists who inspired me this month...

Florrie - Florence Arnold, better known as "Florrie" is an English pop singer who not only has a beautiful voice and killer lyrics, but an effortless 70's-inspired style that makes her one of the most likable artists out there. "Real Love" is her most recent single that I can't get enough of - and it helps that the fashion in the video is to die for.

Tracks To Listen To: "Real Love", "Little White Lies", "Too Young to Remember", "Shot You Down"



LÉON - Look out for LÉON, the next big pop star coming out of Sweden. The uniqueness of her voice's tone and high-fashion look are going to bring her to the United States in no time. She only has an EP released currently (and sadly no music videos) - but hopefully there will be more to come from her soon, (and possibly a tutorial on how to get a cat-eye as perfect as hers).

Tracks To Listen To: "Tired of Talking", "Treasure", "Nobody Cares"



James Bay - Though a little less obscure, James Bay's relaxed indie rock sound is another that is on the rise. His long hair and indie vibes draw you in, and the raspy undertones of his voice make you want to listen to him for hours. He is already very popular in England with his album "Chaos and the Calm", but after a recent performance with Justin Bieber at the BRIT Awards, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of him on U.S. charts.

Tracks To Listen To: "Let It Go", "Craving", "If You Ever Want To Be In Love", "Best Fake Smile", "Incomplete"



Zara Larsson - The winner of "Talang" (Sweden's version of America's Got Talent), Zara Larsson has been topping the charts overseas and has finally reached the United States like many others on this list. The mixture of her rich and naturally cool tones make you want to hear her songs over and over again, plus her makeup is always incredibly fierce.

Tracks To Listen To: "Uncover", "Lush Life", "Carry You Home"




Nina Nesbitt - I've been listening to Nina for years. Her Scottish accent and cutesy look always appealed to me. But recently, she's had a total transformation into an independent woman and sex symbol with her new EP "Modern Love". Both her old albums and this new EP are definitely worth listening to, and her modern look is the perfect place for fashion inspiration.

Tracks To Listen To: "Chewing Gum", "Boy", "Stay Out", "Take You To Heaven"




Niykee Heaton - Yes, that is pronounced "Nikki", and yes you should watch out for her because she is blowing up in the music industry right now. Men love her effortlessly beautiful appearance (and perfect body), and women love her emotional and honest lyrics. She really has it all. I find myself listening to her at least once a day and can already see her being the next big thing in pop music, and her risqué style is sure to get people talking.

Tracks To Listen To: "Bad Intentions", "Skin Tight", "Champagne"



Chelsea Lankes - Representing Texas in the music industry is Chelsea Lankes. I discovered her very recently, but everything I've heard from her so far has been incredible. After seeing her scruffy bleach blonde look in her music videos, I knew she belonged on this list. She has both the voice and the style of the next big female star in electro-pop.

Tracks To Listen To: "Secret", "Bullet", "Ghost"



Jon Bellion - I was introduced to Jon Bellion a long time ago by a friend, and I've never stopped listening to him. I don't find him to be very well-known, but his sound and look are so interesting it gets you hooked. He's rocking the hipster beard and an angelic voice, so he's one you should be watching for sure.

Tracks To Listen To: "Carry Your Throne", "Luxury", "Woke the F*** Up"




Ella Eyre - Ella has been around for along time, especially on the British charts, but I've noticed her gaining increasing popularity in the United States too and I'm loving it. She is one of the most fierce artists I've ever seen with powerful lyrics and perfect hair and makeup to back it up. If you want to listen to something soulful with an edge, listen to Ella Eyre - and check out her badass style as well.

Tracks To Listen To: "If I Go", "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off", "Good Times"




Troye Sivan - Troye is an artist who became a sensation almost overnight. After his start as a YouTuber and an advocate for the LGBT community, his singing career took off. His album "Blue Neighborhood" is one that you'll want to listen to all the way through over and over - every song is unique and equally good. Of course, it also helps that he's one of the cutest and most fashionable guys in the music industry right now.

Tracks To Listen To: "YOUTH", "EASE", "COOL", "FOOLS"




G-Eazy - For anyone who knows me, G-Eazy will always have a special place in my heart. He's very different from anyone else on this month's list, and the only rapper I have represented. His track "Me. Myself, & I" is huge right now. It went Platinum this week. But, there is a lot more to G-Eazy than his singles on the radio. I highly encourage everyone to give some of his older songs and the other tracks on his new album a try, and while you're at it, take your time soaking in on his incredibly attractive "slick bad boy" style.

Tracks To Listen To: "Me, Myself & I", "Some Kind Of Drug", "Everything Will Be OK", "Let's Get Lost"




Leighton Meester - You may know her as Blair Waldorf from "Gossip Girl", but what very few people know is Leighton actually released an indie album titled "Heartstrings" back in 2014. Her voice and tracks are beautiful - and for diehard fans of Gossip Girl like me, I will always support "Blair" in everything she does. She is a major inspiration in my personal style.

Tracks To Listen To: "Heartstrings", "Sweet", "Run Away"



To hear more from the artists mentioned in this post, listen to the Spotify playlist I have created below:



Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Reilly Renée

Beauty Must-Have: Bite Lipsticks

If you haven’t tried Bite Beauty’s products yet, you need to ASAP! As a lipstick-lover, I’m constantly on the search for an affordable brand with a good variety of shades, that doesn’t flake or crack throughout the day. (We all know there is nothing worse than a dry pout – it takes high fashion to sad clown real quick.)

Fortunately, the search is over! While you will pay more for a Bite Lipstick than you would for your typical drugstore brand (roughly $25),  in my experience it has been well worth it. You don’t need much to get full coverage, and the color lasts all day without fading. I've had mine for months and haven't come close to running out - and I wear it religiously.

I was skeptical originally, since literally every lipstick brand in existence promises their product will make your lips look perfect all day, but the second I eat, lick my lips, talk, or even breathe, I’m whipping out my compact mirror for a touch-up again. The main thing that sets Bite apart is their ingredients. Based out of Toronto, Canada, the company’s top priority is creating lip products that are made of natural ingredients and antioxidants that won’t hurt you to ingest and actually do last all day as promised.

After hearing their philosophy, I gave it a try, and I was instantly hooked. It feels super smooth going on, stays gorgeous for hours, has a trendy matte finish, and even smells delicious due to its natural ingredients. The lipsticks are found the easiest at Sephora, but BiteBeauty's website goes further in depth about the products. Check out the links below!

           

Check It Out Here: Bite Beauty and Sephora

Have-to-Haves:

Amuse Bouche Lipstick: ($26 - sold in 34 colors) The "Amuse Bouche" is Bite's classic product: lipstick. No tricks, no gimmicks, just a lipstick that goes on smooth and creamy, and is sold in a huge range of colors. 

Sour Cherry - Maraschino Red

Sugarcane - Pale Pink

Matte Crème Lip Crayon: ($24 - sold in 18 colors) Bite's lip crayon is the perfect everyday lip-color to keep in your purse and put on quickly and easily for a rich matte look that lasts and is named after the natural and healthy ingredients it was made from.

Aubergine - Eggplant

Pastille

Lush Fruit Lip Gloss: ($22 - sold in 10 colors) For those on team lip gloss instead of lipstick - Bite has something for you too! The lip gloss is pretty self-explanatory in it's name, it is lush and hydrating, and has the delicious smell of fresh fruit. 

Honey - Nude with Gold Shimmer

Garnet - Vibrant Coral Pink

Line & Define Lip Primer: ($22) While it's not completely essential, and the lipstick will still look great without it, I would also highly recommend the lip primer sold by Bite. It's light, airy, and moisturizing, and has a point to line the lips as well as a slanted edge to fill them in, making it the perfect pre-pout prep. 

Line & Define Lip Primer

I've included some of my favorite products and shades from Bite above - but the options are endless and I truly believe they have a product for everyone. 

Thank you for reading!

XOXO,

Reilly Renée

Slaying into Spring

At this time of year (at least in Texas) the weather is at its most unpredictable. For my friends in the North I know this won't apply for a few more months... (sorry)! But lately, when I wake up and check my weather app before I get dressed, I'm never sure what I'm going to get. It gets so tiresome digging through my closet trying to find something to match ever-changing temperature. Therefore, here is my take on how to put together a simple outfit during this odd time transition of seasons with both a winter look and a look for the upcoming spring season:

For the winter look, my lovely model Moira is wearing a gray knit dress to stay warm, and black tights with black suede booties. The duller tones with a dark lip are perfect for cooler temperatures. Throw on your favorite coat and you're ready to take on the coldest of days while still looking fresh.

Dress: Francesca's 

Tights: The Gap

Booties: Call It Spring

Bracelet: Charming Charlie

Lipstick: "Aubergine" by Bite (Sold at Sephora)

For those sunshine-filled days, a patterned romper is the way to go! Not only is it comfortable, but you only need one item in your wardrobe, and you already have an entire outfit. To avoid looking too busy, just stick with a simple heel or flat (like these black pumps), and a pink or red pout. 

Romper: L'atiste by Amy

Black Pumps: Old Navy

Pearl Bracelet: American Eagle

Lipstick: "Pucker" by CoverGirl

... and don't forget to accessorize with a matching purse (preferably with a bow)!

Bow Purse: Mix No. 6 (Sold @ DSW)

Of course, don't forget the most important thing - be a fierce, fun, and fabulous bitch, regardless of season.

This is my first post so please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions, comments, or questions I'd love to hear them! Thanks for reading!

XOXO,

Reilly Renée

Model: Moira Wilson
Photographer: Cameron Badolato