Just Because It's On Sale Makes It OK

Laser cutouts, meets rocker, meets eyelet...
be still my beating heart

So, I know I'm totally contradicting myself from yesterday, but seriously, The Outnet (Net-a-Porter's sale site) has Alaia's spring collection on sale! Basically, these shoes and bags were originally at the, "That's so expensive that it will never happen so I can still look without major temptation" price, to, "This splurge will definitely put my rent in jeopardy and induce some sleepless nights, but it's all in the name of gorgeous," price. I still have no business adding any of these items to my cart, so I'm going to share in hopes that one of you has some legit funds on hand to swipe up one of these babies. Ah, how having expensive taste and a tight budget can be so torturous.

Serpentine leather

The least-dominatrix cut-out belt ever

Major platform with major personality

Lattice laser cut-outs

Again with laser cut-outs.
Possibly my fav

Cowry shells and python.
Talk about a glamazon vacay look.

Serpentine leather and studs.
Stop it.

Just Because It's On Sale Doesn't Make It Right

I know that starting out on a negative foot for my first post might not be the wisest move I've ever made but honestly, I just came across these and the offense was too grievous not to share. Keep in mind, I found these on a discount interior site-- you know, the kind that have flash sales with designer-curated collections.

And though a frog lamp with a bedazzled lily shade is highly offensive, I find it even worse that they are selling these things to people who think they've had a designer with "good taste" give them the thumbs up that this is, indeed, a worthy addition to your home. Hell-to-the-no. So, as I say to my mother, and I will say to you: Do. Not. Buy. It. Because. It's. Cheap. Buy it because you love it. And if it's discounted, then you can thank Jesus.

The name of this particular product is "Sprawling Elephant." Have you ever seen an elephant sprawled? Didn't think so. So why would you want it doing that on your books? 

Man's best friend just became his mantle's worst enemy. Notice that the clock is attached to a bone in the dogs mouth. 

And So It Begins...

Welcome to Flutter By. I'm so excited to finally commence with my first, true blogging endeavor and even more excited to have you join me on my journey. First, a bit about my blog and then we'll get to the fun stuff! For those of you who don't know, butterflies are especially significant to me (don't worry, not in the butterfly tattoo or bumper sticker type of way-- and please, no cheesy butterfly journals) because of their symbolism. They represent freedom, new beginnings, and revealing true beauty. Originally, butterflies were called flutterbys. So, in the spirit of freedom, I hope you flutter by and enjoy my life musings!

Get The Look: Glammy Glam Eyes

{How To}

photography by Angela Anderson

I love this picture because I'm just transfixed by Holly's eyes. Doesn't every girl want to be transfixing? Abso-freaking-lutely. Here is a quick step-by-step guide for a transfixable flutter:

1. Base

YSL Touche Éclat in #2, $40; sephora.com

Consider this more of a brightener rather than a highlighter. There's no shimmer effect involved so it creates a great base that's lighter than a concealer and has more holding power than a shadow. Swipe evenly over lids, up to brow bone and under eyes.

2. Shadow

Eye Shadow Pan in Dune, $18; stilacosmetics.com

I swept a shimmery champagne shadow with lilac undertones over the lids. It's neutral enough so you can really amp up liner and lashes without looking too "makeupy." After all, this is a wedding look. The shimmer gives it just enough depth and catches the light nicely for photographs. It feels very ethereal. 

3. Liner

Écriture de Chanel Eyeliner, $34; chanel.com

This stuff is ridonculous. If you're intimidated by liquid liner, I highly recommend this one. It's like it has training wheels because the click pen dispenses just enough product and the brush is stiff enough to be forgiving if your hand wobbles. Curl lashes first to keep liner from smudging. Beginner's tip: trace regular black liner on first with a pencil and use it as a guide for the liquid. 

(Note: I actually used a transformer liquid and a black shadow for the liner. Transformers convert powder shadows into liquid. Just use an angle brush, wet with transformer, dip in shadow, voila! Liquid liner. But I think the Chanel liner is easier if you're starting out)

4. False Lashes

Ardell Duralash Naturals in Flare Short Black, select drugstores

These are my go-to for false lashes. Strips will give you more of a Kim Kardashian look. I prefer a slightly more natural look but if you want to feel like a full-out glamazon, go for the strips. I use tweezers and dip each cluster in glue, let it dry for about 15 seconds until it's tacky, and apply to the outer corner of the eye, working your way in until you get near the middle. Once they're dry and set, gently (I repeat, gently) curl lashes. This is just to help them form a similar shape as your real ones.

5. Mascara

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara, select drugstores

I actually used three different mascaras. Not necessary but it does pay off. The mascara pictured above is new. I grabbed a tube at Wal-Mart for a test drive and fell in love. It gets baby lashes and the hard to reach corners better than anything on the market. Also great for bottom ones. Then I layered with Armani Eyes to Kill and Maybelline Falsies Waterproof. I chose those three because you have a lengthening, volumizing (with waterproof formula), and smaller brush for hard to reach spots. Always finish with waterproof if you think you might be a little teary-eyed. Do 20 coats if you want, just build away until you get megawatt lashes.

6. Highlighter

Chanel Ruban Perlé in Moonlight

Unfortunately, this highlighter is discontinued. It's devastating because it's one of my all-time favs. The next best thing I've found on the market is NARS The Multiple in Luxor. Dab a pearly highlighter on the inner corner of the eye and sweep lightly on the brow bone.

Feast Your Eyes On This, Friday

{Vintage Redford}

In this season of feasting, it's only fitting that we have a little pre-gorge warm-up. And nothing creates a feeding frenzy for the eyes quite like Mr. Redford, circa 1973. Now, this is my idea of a low calorie indulgence.

Bon weekend!

What Was Sista Thinking? Wednesday

{Over the Knee: Overkill}

We've all fallen prey to trend pressure. You're shopping and notice a new insert trend here. Not to worry. You're a keen fashion hound and your trail sniffer can smell a "you're going to regret this" purchase from a mile away. You shake your head in disbelief wondering how someone could buy that, and then rest assured that it will end up on the 99% off rack. Days go by, and you start noticing that no longer are Tacky Tammie and Impulsive-Buying Ina the only ones wearing the "totally regrettable mistake." But now Stylish Susie and Hollywood Holly are working that insert trend here and boy do they look fab. And slowly but surely, that "once was an eye sore, regrettable mistake, 99% off rack" turns into an "I will eat Ramen, endless leftovers, and no Starbucks for the rest of the month" just to have you join me.

I'll admit it, some of my personal eyesores that now reside in my closet are: skinny jeans (thought they were for angry girls who wanted to pretend like they were the  misunderstood/rocker/groupie type) and dominatrix heels (no longer reserved for ladies of the night).

However, there is one that I just can't and wont get over: Over the knee boots.

All you need to polish off this look is a pole and some single dollar bills. The only person who ever truly rocked them was:

And what her character's profession? Ah, yes. 

Case closed.

Feast Your Eyes On This, Friday

There's something about fall that makes me want to curl up on a sleeping porch in the mountains with a cup of coffee, swimming in blankets, with Alison Krauss or James Taylor playing in the background. Phoebe Howard just took me to paradise. Her idea of a sleeping porch is my idea of heaven. (I must admit that sleeping porch is a bit humble for what this is. If it's a sleeping porch, then Versailles is a home in the country.)

Photos courtesy of Phoebe Howard