Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual

In an attempt to master the art of barely there makeup, I decided to spend $30 at Borders on Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual. If there’s anyone who knows how to create the perfect natural makeup look, it’s definitely Bobbi Brown. She’s been in the business of beauty for longer than almost all of her competitors, but she has yet to be outshined by any of them. I figured that this all inclusive how-to guide would help me develop the basic skills of makeup application as well as present me with some day to night transitional looks.

The epitome of 'fresh': Tiana Tolstoi

You know a model is truly up-and-coming when the few tidbits found on the web about her are elusive and scarce. Yet, this fresh-faced beauty from Egypt is worth a mention (maybe even two) because of an undeniable charm, evident in her pictures.

Tiana Tolsti was discovered in Paris by an agent from New Madison. While those may be the only concrete facts known right now about Tolstoi , the industry's knack for idolizing ethnic beauties such as this, guarantees it's only matter of time until this ethereal face has a Wikipedia page all her own.

The Only Way is Vintage

There were no promises broken, or lies told, when the good people of Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair guaranteed a beautiful selection of vintage clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, gloves, textiles & jewellery this Sunday. Housing all these wonderful pieces and their fabulous collectors was the equally glorious Old Finsbury Town Hall. The charm of this setting and all of its 1885 Art Noveau charm was enough alone to justify any trek through London Town on the greyest Sunday of the wonderful winter season. Given that the vintage artifacts were as impressive as their surroundings decorative features, made for a lovely and very atmospheric glimpse at the less commercial and genuinely honest side of vintage fashions, and its lovers. Think shift dresses, floral prints, hate it or love it fur fur fur, pea collars, lace trims and golden treasure. It did indeed feel only what I can imagine opening a treasure chest in a very old attic might have felt like. For those who fancied a cuppa and also suffered sweet tooth syndrome the tea rooms were the ultimate school hall experience.  For those who may have over indulged at the cake counter the alterations room was the next stop. With the most charming hairdressing set up just on the edge of the hallway the up do's being created and cemented with hairspray indeed ensured that the starlets and gentlemen at the Clerkenwell Vintage Fair received the ultimate experience. This was the last of these fairs before the end of the year, it certainly leaves something to look forward to in the new year.  

Text Katriona Flynn

A Ph.D. in Hipster Studies?

The rise of the contemporary hipster - think of the typical American Apparel-bedecked, large eyeglasses-wearing, unknown electro band-listening man or woman who either lives in Williamsburg or pretends to - has officially entered the realm of the academic.

After a successful symposium held in collaboration with The New School in NYC, n+1 magazine is releasing an essay collection in which intellectuals write hipster cultural criticism; there's a transcript of the actual symposium itself, plus a great article about a recent clash between hipsters and Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn. Mark Greif, founder of n+1 magazine, also has a great essay in a recent New York magazine. Worth checking out if you're of the mind that hipsterdom goes deeper than ironic sweaters and Animal Collective albums.

Text Molly O'Brien

Boots Are A Woman's Best Friend

In the Mid West, the weather has more mood swings then a woman pregnant for the first time. One day you will be wearing short sleeves and shorts. The next day you could be wearing layers under a winter coat with jeans and leather boots. Either ways, the leaves on the trees have completely changed colors and every day is considered visually pleasing.

After this weekend, I have a feeling the winter-coat-weather is going to stick. You could walk through a little boutique or down the sidewalk and see women in an assortment of different boots. Tall, tan leather boots have become in-style recently in the Mid West. Though about a year ago in New York City, my best friend attending NYU started wearing them. That’s how it works here.

The best part about boots is that there isn’t just one type. Uggs are perfect for the cozy look with long flannel top, just make sure you are wearing them for function and not to make a fashion statement. Black Leather or suede flat boots are perfect for that classic jeans and all black-everything-else look. The black buckled heel-boots that just cover the ankle is perfect with a dress or a skirt. Last, but, not least, you can’t rule out the leather heel-boots that rise up to your knees. These are perfect for when your trying to add a little sophisticated flair to you're look.

Text Alexandra Faye

Photo by Lauren Boismier