Friday Five: Status post road trip edition

I'm really inspired by tropical brights lately, thanks to my subtropical travels! (Paintings here by Matisse).

            Hello from Maryland! Today Mr. Lovey and I are relaxing with family (pups included) after logging 3,000 miles on a roadtrip down south.

         We love U.S. National Parks, and had already been to quite a few in the Northeast, Midwest, and West. This time we checked off a number of parks in the Southeast, including Congaree (South Carolina), Biscayne (Florida), Everglades (Florida), and Dry Tortugas (Florida). Dry Tortugas was the toughest; we drove all the way down to Key West and from there took a 2 hour ferry across the ocean! Of course we took time to relax as well, and spent time at a number of beautiful beaches, including those at Hilton Head, Palm Beach, and at Key West. I've shared a few picture on my Instagram feed; I'm hoping to share a few more, as well as specific park/beach visiting tips on the blog in the near-ish future.

        We're getting ready for the last leg of the trip back to sunny Chicago! While I had an amazing time on vacation, I'm looking forward to catching up with life at home. In this edition of Friday Five, I'm listing the five things I'm looking forward to back in the Windy City:

Baby Bird's a well weathered traveler as well! Here she's found a little hideout away from home.

1. Trying hot yoga for the first time
I've really enjoyed practicing yoga regularly for the past few months. It's had a noticeable effect on my strength (during climbing) and given me an overall sense of well being. Lately I've become more curious about hot yoga. I was able to pick up a cute towel-mat on Lululemon's We Made Too Much (a.k.a. sale) section that I'm hoping to put to use. Apparently Bare Feet Power Yoga (a hot yoga studio) is practically next to Brooklyn Boulders Chicago, so I'm thinking that's where I might head next.

2. Playing with Bobbi Brown 'Sandy Nudes'
Thanks to the beach, I went from translucent to tan! I'd guess that I'm a couple shades darker at this point, so I'll have to experiment with my beauty regimen. I prefer a more natural look for warm weather, so I've had my eye on the Bobbi Brown Sandy Nude collection for Summer 2015! The Bobbi Brown Face & Body Bronzing duos look particularly gorgeous. I'm hoping to have the chance to play with this as well as a few other pieces from the collection.

3. Planting a mini herb garden
We had the most delicious home barbecue today, garnished with fresh rosemary, mint, and Italian parsley from the garden. While city gardening can be a bit tricky, there's just enough room to have a small herb garden. I've been all about clean eating lately (much do to my numerous food allergies and sensitivities) so this seems like a complimentary endeavor.

4. Painting (canvases) for home decor
It's time for a little refresh when it comes to my apartment decor. I'm hoping to add a little color with some paint and canvas! It should take a bit of planning and preparation, but should be a fun project overall!

5. Penning perfume reviews
I've been going through my blog archives, and realized I have quite a few partially written posts on perfume! It's high time I polish these up to post, as well as explore new scents to share here. Perfume reviews can be the most time consuming, yet rewarding posts for me  to write on this blog. I feel like I can always discover something new upon dissecting individual notes! In the meantime, I've reread some of my old reviews; I'd recommend my posts on Diptyque Eau Duelle and Diptyque Eau Moheli if you're looking for scented reads.

Thanks for reading! How have you been? I'd love to hear about your to-do's or travel plans!

Love, Dovey.

P.S. I know it's technically Saturday, not Friday, but I guess I'm still on vacation time!

A few of my favorite things - September 2013

        It's been a perfect confluence of seasons here in Chicago; I've been soaking up summer in the skyline-piercing midday sunshine and feeling fall in the cool Lake Michigan breeze. Transitional months are always a fun time to people-watch; some reach for sandals, while others can't wait to don sweaters. Personally, I like to revel in a mix! Today I'm sharing seven of my favorite pieces this September; they're all quite versatile and perfect for the changing seasons!

1. J.Crew classic link bracelet - This classic piece of J.Crew jewelry adds a little oomph to monochrome ensembles. Look closely and you can appreciate the unique asymmetric detailing in each link! I've been sporting this bold gold bracelet with anything from my casual J.Crew Kiss Kiss tee to my creme colored Tippi knit.

J.Crew Classic Link Bracelet

2. CHANEL Double Perfection Lumière foundation in B20 - My love affair with this foundation is still going strong. It's quick to use and provides the perfect finish! With healthy skin, a dusting of powder is all I really need.

3. Butter London Tea with the Queen nail lacquer - Nude pinks fall in my 'signature shade' category, and this is one of my favorites.

4. Butter London Pink Ribbon nail lacquer - I always feel chic with a coat of sheer pink!

5. My MAC palette - I love popping and swapping colors in and out of my MAC palette. My current color selection includes Vex, Satin Taupe, Electra, and Concrete. Each shade is gorgeous alone or custom blended with another!

6. NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Appia - This gorgeous coppery brown is my go-to everyday eyeliner. It has a glowy warmth that works in summer as well as fall. Check out my comparison swatches here.

7. Georges Seurat 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' notebook - I love collecting cute notebooks and stationery. This little notebook was a gem of a find while discount hunting; the Seurat painting on the cover is a quintessential piece from Chicago's Art Institute! My La Grande Jatte journal is the perfect place to jot down Inspired by Art ideas during my museum trips!

On top of my Georges Seurat 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte' journal, clockwise from top: MAC Vex, MAC Satin Taupe, MAC Concrete, and MAC Electra.

        September is one of the most beautiful times of the year --- I almost feel as if I'm living out the idyllic scene in Georges Seurat's A Sunday on La Grande Jatte! With complementary conditions marking the transition to fall, I continue to be inspired by glowy shadows, natural pinks, and beautiful art. It's a very 'me' kind of combination!

        Thanks for reading! What colors and accessories have inspired you this month?

Love, Dovey.

Inspired by Paul Gauguin (Fatata te Miti, 1892)

          Welcome to the latest installment of Inspired by Art! With today's fast paced lifestyle, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the unrelenting flow of work and responsibilities. When the burdens become too great, we yearn for an escape, be it to a faraway shore, a memory in time, or perhaps even anywhere but the here and now! It's easy to forget even in this summer season what summertime meant for many of us as children: an idyllic time when we could relax and enjoy the simpler things in life.

          In 1891, stockbroker and businessman Paul Gauguin, frustrated by a series of business failures and difficulties in his married life, was compelled to escape from the hustle and bustle of the European markets, leaving his wife, children, and civilized life behind for the unspoiled Pacific shores of Tahiti. It was probably no mistake that Tahiti happened to be about as far as one could get from Gauguin's home country of France, nearly 10,000 miles distant, almost exactly on the opposite side of the globe.

          Being a romantic (and an escapist in a very literal sense), Gauguin had hoped to find a primitive, peaceful life in Tahiti. Unfortunately by the time he arrived, Tahiti had already been significantly altered culturally by French colonization. Disappointed but undeterred, Gauguin settled in Mataiea village to pursue his art. Chasing visions of a land untouched by western culture, he painted Tahitian scenes colored as much by imagination as by reality. Fatata te Miti (By the Sea, 1892), painted on Gauguin's first visit to Tahiti, is a beautiful example of these fantasies brought to life- an ultimate escape from realities both past and present.

           In Gaugin's Tahitian paradise, we see deep sea tones contrasted by the pink sand and bright florals. My Fatata te Miti inspired look starts with sultry teals to add an ocean's depth to eyes, such as MAC Plush eyeshadow alone or mixed with Urban Decay Loaded eyeshadow (reviewed here) for a deeper teal. MAC Soot eyeshadow and Urban Decay Freakshow (reviewed here) can deepen the look, like the shadowed tree and and in Gaugin's painting. The lilac pinks and lavenders in the sand can be used on lips and/or cheeks to provide beautiful contrast to the dark water tones on the eyes. MAC Peony Petal blush fills this role nicely. The tangerine, yellow, and red-orange found in the florals draped across the beach can be used as surprise accents and embellishments in this Gauguin-inspired look. Such colors in my collection include MAKE UP FOR EVER Jaune (reviewed here) and NARS Liberte (reviewed here) layered over MAC Cremeblend Blush in Optimistic Orange (see swatch here) to add intensity and brightness to the color. NARS Laguna bronzer adds a nice Tahitian tan to the look as well.

            I've chosen an array of nail colors for this Fatata te Miti inspired look. Reflecting the optimistic colors of the pink sand and flowers are Essie Lovie Dovie (reveiewed here), Essie Chubby Cheeks, and SpaRitual Positive Vibe (reviewed here). Butter London Tea & Toast (reviewed here) is the color of warm sun-kissed skin. The mid-ground blue and purple shadows are represented by China Glaze Jungle Queen (reviewed here)  SpaRitual Osmium (reviewed here). China Glaze Exotic Encounters (reviewed here) and Sephora by OPI Mermaid to Order are beautiful teal tones, perfect for summer.

          Finally, I have a few fragrance recommendations to finish my Gauguin inspired look. (For the past few Inspired by Art posts, I've been using fragrance to quite literally add another layer to the experience!) I hoped to channel the Tahitian feel of Fatata te Miti with notes from the Tiaré flower (Tahiti's national flower) and Coconut (the classic Polynesian tree). Kate Spade Live Colorfully is a beautiful combination of Tiaré with Coconut water and would make a great scent compliment to a Gauguin inspired look. For a fresher Tiare flower fragrance, I'd recommend Versace Vanitas. If you're a fan of coconut blends for summer, Versace Crystal Noir (sensual Gardenia and coconut), Pacifica Indian Coconut Nectar (a coconut and vanilla gourmand), and Serge Lutens Bois de Vanille (a vanilla and coconut gourmand) would be great picks as well.

           Though Paul Gauguin may not have found the pure idyllic escape he was looking for when he reached Tahitian shores, he was still able to distill the spirit of paradise into Fatata te Miti and his other works. The brilliant brights and daring deep tones provide gorgeous color combinations and tropical inspiration for the upcoming summer months. Gauguin's tale reminds us that sometimes when we're overwhelmed by the daily grind, it's good to find renewal in exploration and to take in the summer sun. Sometimes a change of pace and scenery is all it takes to dive into our own little slice of paradise!

Thanks for reading!

Love, Dovey.
P.S. Be sure to check out more posts in my Inspired by Art series here!

Inspired by Renoir (Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando)

          It seems that spring has finally sprung, the changing of the seasons heralded by the blooming of daffodils and dandelions along the city sidewalks. This burst of springtime brings with it a milestone for Cute and Mundane - we've just passed one million page views! So, in celebration, I'd like to share a reflection on beauty and art in this latest edition of the Inspired by Art series- and who better to guide this reflection than impressionist master, Pierre Auguste Renoir!

          Renoir was born into a French working-class family in 1841. At an early age, he took a job at a porcelain factory to help support his family. It was there that his talent for the arts was first noticed, and he became tasked with painting intricate designs on fine china. In his early twenties Renoir began studying art formally in Paris, where he met fellow impressionists, among them Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley. Unlike his contemporaries however, Renoir never had the benefit of family affluence or wealthy patronage, and often struggled to afford even the basic paints he needed for his work. Perhaps this is why Renoir painted (and was often criticized for) overly idyllic scenes – scenes that shirked the bitter realities of life, exchanging them for utopian daydreams. Renoir himself once said, referring to his paintings: “There are enough ugly things in life for us not to add to them.”

          Renoir's beautiful 1879 painting Acrobats at the Cirque Fernando is a shining example of the dreamy aspect of his work. The painting depicts a pair of happy, innocent young girls collecting oranges tossed by the audience after a successful performance. In reality, the two girls, Francisca and Angelina Wartenberg, are aged 17 and 14, much older and more mature than the painting suggests. Furthermore, it almost goes without saying that circuses (especially of that era) were certainly not innocent and playful places. We could easily write off the painting as a gross embellishment of the truth. Perhaps what we should take away instead, however, is that Renoir managed to take a place as dark and exploitative as the circus, and find a nugget of beauty within it to cultivate and share with the world.

          My Renoir inspired look is focuses on yellow, which is present throughout the painting, both in pure and mixed form. Yellow is always a great color for April (think daffodils and rain boots), however it seems to be especially trending this year considering recent offerings from MAKE UP FOR EVER and NARS. To this end, I've included MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyeshadow #2 Yellow, a pigmented yellow. I think yellow can look nice in small doses and, as you can see from the circus floor, it mixes quite nicely with tans. The same concept can be applied to eyes with Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Cement. Yellow also plays nicely with the pale pink-white of the acrobat's skin, which I've represented with Bobbi Brown eyeshadow in Navajo.

         To add definition in this Renoir inspired look, one can use the classic dark brown of the acrobats' hair and eyes. Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate (reviewed here) is a nice dark brown liner shade. For more interest, a brilliant blue can be used instead. You might notice that much of the shading in Renoir's painting is done with a dark blue. My favorite blue is NARS Outremer (reviewed here). An alternative color to pair with the yellow would be an orange, such as MAC Optimistic Orange.

          Nail colors are a great way to incorporate the same optimistic yellows and whites of the acrobats' costumes. China Glaze Happy Go Lucky is a bright  decorative yellow, like the acrobat's shoes. Sephora by OPI IM Beauty is a daintier yellow like that of the costume trim. SpaRitual Transcend (reviewed here) is a pale yellow white, like the fabric.

         Alternatively, colors from the surrounding could be used to color tips and toes. Sephora by OPI Going Nude Eh? is a pale tan like that of the floor. Sephora by OPI Hi Def is a bright orange. Sephora by OPI Blue Grotto channels the blue of of the background crowd.

           Finally, my Renoir based look wouldn't be complete without a scent to match! For the past couple of Inspired by Art posts, I've been incorporating perfume to quite literally add another 'layer' to the experience. I was particularly inspired by the tissue wrapped oranges tossed to the acrobats, so I've chosen a couple celebratory orange-family scents. Fan di Fendi Eau de Toilette (reviewed here) has tangerine citrus notes, with florals to add a playful whimsy like the acrobats' ruffly outfits, and soft leather, like their yellow boots. A more French option, by one of my favorite perfumers, Jean Claude Ellena, is Hermès Elixir des Merveilles. Elixir des Merveilles is an oriental orange with a delightful round bottle to match!

           It's true that Renoir didn't paint a realistic depiction of the Wartenberg sisters. He even went so far as to paint them not from memory, but posed in his studio under natural daylight. (In explanation, Renoir remarked that the circus tent gas lighting “turns faces into grimaces”). What is equally true, however, is that Renoir would have never created such a wonderful work of art had he not seen the beauty hidden in the reality. As beauty enthusiasts, we can take this sentiment to heart; makeup and perfumes may be pleasant to look at and smell, but they aren't what make us beautiful – we've already got true beauty tucked away inside ourselves.

Thanks for reading!

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Be sure to check out more posts from my Inspired by Art series here!

Inspired by Van Gogh (Vase with Roses, 1890)

          Welcome to the latest installation of Inspired by Art! Lately, as you may have noticed, I've been thinking Green; after all, Emerald green is Pantone's 2013 color of the year! More importantly though, I've been noticing the first green shoots and buds of spring emerging in windy Chicago, even as the intermittent splinters of winter frost keep our windows shut and our scarves wrapped tight. There is an uncertainty in this year's spring renewal, as if the anxious roots are wondering whether it's safe to peek above the ground.

         It was during this time of year in 1890 that Van Gogh was painting his final works in the Saint-Paul asylum at Saint-Rémy. Though his year-long stay at the hospital was often troubled by poor living conditions and crippling bouts of illness, Van Gogh produced about 150 paintings, among them some of his best-loved works, including the world-renowned Starry Night. Near the end of his stay, Van Gogh painted several still-lifes of flowers to convey his cautious optimism toward his impending release. He wrote to his mother:

 "But for one's health, as you say, it is very necessary to work in the garden and see the flowers growing." 

             Among these final still-lifes was a beautiful painting, titled Vase with Roses. It features beautiful white blooms (originally pink, but faded to a soft white through the years) amongst a wash of exuberant greens. Naturally, I was inspired to feature an interplay among the various greens. Rather than using greens as monotones, I've layered them to add intrigue and depth, just like one would find in natural foliage. Light or medium greens like Bobbi Brown Mint eyeshadow or NARS Misfit eyeshadow duo (reviewed here) are a good base. Deeper greens like MAC Plush eyeshadow and MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow #8E (reviewed here) add depth.

           The color palette in Van Gogh's Roses provides clues as to what would pair well with our green eyeshadows. I love the blue outlines and shadows on the roses. MAC Parisian Skies (reviewed here) is a great soft blue that could play a similar role in my Van Gogh inspired look. Of course, we can't forget about the aged white of the roses themselves. Illamasqua Sex eyeshadow is a white that would contrast beautifully with the greens above. The large earthen vase in Roses is a great neutral that grounds the rest of the colors. Likewise, I would suggest colors like MAC Moleskin eyeshadow (reviewed here) and Bobbi Brown Cement eyeshadow for use in blending or adding a little depth to the eye crease in this look!

           Nail colors are another great way to incorporate the similar verdant greens and complementary colors into a cohesive look. SpaRitual Peace & Harmony (reviewed here) is the color of blousey white roses. Sephora by OPI Havana Dreams mimics the petals' shadows. Sephora by OPI Going Nude Eh? and OPI Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh? (reviewed here) are the color of an earthen flask. Some of my favorite green nail polishes include: Revlon Minted, SpaRitual Introspective (reviewed here), Essie Going Incognito, and China Glaze Exotic Encounters (reviewed here)

           Finally, a flower-inspired look wouldn't be complete without a scent to match! Since my last installation of Inspired by Art, I've been incorporating perfume to quite literally add another 'layer' to the experience! Rather than take roses literally, I think the perfumes that would best reflect Van Gogh's Roses would fall into to one of two categories : green florals or big white blooms. Two green scents I've been loving lately include Prada Infusion d'Iris and Cartier Baiser Volé. Two big white bouquet scents suggested by my mom include Estée Lauder Beautiful (a classic) and Estée Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia.

           It is thought that Van Gogh saw the springtime blooming of the hospital garden as a renewal --- a reaffirmation of the strength and beauty of life. Perhaps seeking a similar renewal in himself, he painted these beautiful pale-pink blooms floating in a sea of springtime green. Unfortunately, his optimism was ultimately conquered by his illness, and he took his own life not three months after his release from Saint Paul. Although Van Gogh succumbed to the ravages of his winter, the seeds he planted have since bloomed, making the world a more beautiful place --- something we can take to heart as the timid green buds peek out through the frosty ground this spring!

       Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Van Gogh paintings? What green items have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

Inspired by Wayne Thiebaud (Cakes, 1963)

           Welcome to the latest installation of Inspired by Art! Clearly I'm not ready to let go of my post-Valentine's day sugar high because I have a sweet inspiration to share with you today : Wayne Thiebaud's Cakes (1963). Cakes is one of the mainstays on the ground floor of the National Gallery of Art. If you get the chance to see it in person, look for the thick, heavy brush strokes -- it almost looks as if Thiebaud painted with a frosting spatula!

         Thiebaud is an American painter who chose nostalgic cultural objects with exaggerated colors, pigment, and shadows as his subjects. At first glance, Thiebaud's paintings might seem reminiscent of the 1960s Pop Art movement due to its focus on objects of mass culture -- and there are similarities to be sure -- but generally speaking his work conveys a more personable aesthetic. As Cathleen McGuian notes in the Smithsonian, "where Warhol was cool and ironic, Thiebaud was warm and gently comic." Though he is best known for his paintings for cakes and other confections, they only represent a slice of his subjects, which include lipsticks, gumball machines, toys, and boots.

         For a delicate and delectable Cakes inspired look, I've chosen classic colors from Thiebaud's Cakes to frost the face: chocolate, powdery pink, buttercream, and sugar icing. Illamasqua Sex and Bobbi Brown Navajo eyeshadow are a basic white and cream (respectively) to add a clean eye base. NARS Coconut Grove (reviewed here) and Bobbi Brown Black Chocolate (reviewed here) eyeshadows are dark chocolates to add definition. MAC Yogurt eyeshadow and Illamasqua Katie blush are pale pinks that add a sweet touch to any look.

           I've distilled the colors in this post down to the baking basics, however, as in Cakes and real life confections, imagination is the only limit to the embellishments one can add. Cherry red, powder blue, and even yellow cake (not to be confused with yellowcake) yellow would pair beautifully with the ones I've shown today.

        A finger(tip)-ful of frosting is, of course, in order for this Wayne Thiebaud inspired look! NARS Mato Grosso (reviewed here) nail polish is a rich dark chocolate.  OPI San Tan Tonio is a smooth milk chocolate ganache. Revlon White on White is a clean Cool-Whip white. Essie Allure is a sheer sugar coat.  Sparitual Idyllic is a sheer blush pink Essie Pop Art Pink is sheer icing pink.

         As a final touch, feel free to add a splash of your favorite sweet or gourmand perfume. Prada Candy (reviewed here), Aquolina Pink Sugar, or perhaps something from the new Jo Malone Sugar and Spice collection would be nice!

         With my Thiebaud's Cakes inspired look, I can have my cake and wear it too. I've really been enjoying these powdery pinks, sugary whites, and creamy chocolates as of late and I hope you will too! Thanks for reading! What are your favorite Wayne Thiebaud paintings? What are your go-to colors for a sweet look?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. See more from my Inspired by Art series here!

Inspired by Claude Monet (Waterlilies, 1906)

            Welcome to my newest installation of Inspired by Art! For February, I found myself gravitating towards the watery blues and greens of Claude Monet's Waterlilies (1906). This particular work hangs in the Art Institute of Chicago, where you'll always find visitors (myself included) clustered around it, admiring the century old lilies. Monet's Water Lilies (or Nymphéas) paintings are among the most celebrated of his works.  They constitute a series of approximately two hundred-fifty paintings depicting the garden at Monet's home in Giverny, France during the last thirty years of his life.

          Monet and his large family moved to Giverny in 1880; during this time his fortunes improved considerably, as his dealer had increasing success selling Monet's paintings. In 1890, he bought a house and surrounding land for his gardens. Monet was an avid gardener; he drew up precise designs that he meticulously carried out with the aid of his family. In his later years, Monet hired as many as five gardeners to implement his ideas! As his fortune grew, his garden evolved as well. Though his garden paradise contained countless varieties of flowers and plants, it is now best known for the waterlilies, of which Monet said:

           "It took me time to understand my waterlilies. I had planted them for the pleasure of it; I grew them without ever thinking of painting them."

         The water, lilies, and reflected scenery form a beautiful continuum of purples, blues, and greens. To recreate Monet's Water Lilies in makeup form, I use cool hues softly blended together across the eyes. Too many colors may be difficult, given the 'canvas size' of a lid, so it may be easier to focus on one or two colors. (It's not necessary to literally recreate the painting!) For a more 'wearable' version of this look, I would suggest sweeping a light color across the lid and contrasting it with a saturated eyeliner. For example, a light lavender shadow adds a bit of effervescent flair when paired with a saturated marine blue eyeliner, while a pale blue wash accompanied by a dark, stem-green liner conveys an imperious elegance.

          I've chosen some of my favorite purples, blues and greens from my eye makeup collection to represent the lily pond in Monet's Waterlilies. Starting from the background, I created the red-purple shadows in the water using a blend of Urban Decay Fishnet and Urban Decay Freakshow. The lavender side of NARS Nouveau Monde was a nice match for the lighter purple tones in the pool, while the olive half channeled trees' shadowy reflections. I created the bright green of the lily pads using a mix of MAC Sour Lemon and MAC Plush. I used the dark green of MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow in #8E to mimic the undersides of the lilies. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream in #25 and NARS Outremer eyeshadow (reviewed here) can be blended into beautiful water tones.

          The bright lily flowers are focal points of Monet's painting. To celebrate the cool pink and red petals, I've chosen MAC Sunny Seoul lipstick (reviewed here), a spring pink, and MAC Heat Wave lipstick, an orange leaning red, from my collection. The former would be more subtle and the latter more daring. Both complement the aquatic tones beautifully. 

           In order to channel the reflections in the pool of water lilies, pick nail colors that mirror your eyes. Sephora by OPI Iris I was Thinner is an iris purple. Essie Lilacism is a light lavender. Essie Going Incognito is a dark leaf green. Sephora by OPI Ocean Love Potion is an aquatic blue-green. OPI What's With the Catitude? is a from-the-sky blue. Sephora by OPI Blue Grottois a deep underwater blue.

          The bold aqautic colors married with the soft impressionist strokes in Claude Monet's Waterlilies has provided me with vibrant inspirations for my makeup colors this February. On an optimistic note, the bright lilies emerging from the inscrutable waters are a cheery reminder that spring will soon surface from the depths of winter. I would love to visit Monet's colorful garden in Giverny one day; it's been preserved as a public museum. Until then, I'll experience Monet's countryside paradise through the sublime lens of his artistic vision. Thanks for reading! What colors are you wearing this February? Have you seen Monet's waterlilies in a museum, or perhaps in person?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. Be sure to check out more from my Inspired by Art series (here)!

Inspired by Gastone Novelli (La Liberazione)

          Whenever I'm in the D.C. metro area, I make it a point to visit the National Gallery of Art. The East Building modern collection is a beloved old haunt of mine; the permanent collection there is home to many of my personal favorites. The collection is so large though, that each visit I always end up discovering something new! During my most recent visit, I was struck by the wintry white color and three-dimensional textures of La Liberazione (1959) by Gastone Novelli. Novelli (1925-1968) was born in Vienna and classically trained in Rome. In 1943 at the age of 18, he joined the Resistenza Italiana, and was arrested and tortured by the Nazi regime. He was released upon the Allied liberation of Italy in 1944, but was deeply affected by the experience. After completing a degree in political science, he fled to Brazil, where he began to paint. His abstract, almost graffiti-like works were ahead of his time, yet they bore the marks of his haunting past.  For today's Inspired by Art post, I've constructed a cosmetic color palette and look based on Novelli's La Liberazione.

           The airy whitewashed surface of La Liberazione is characteristic of Novelli's mixed media works in the early 1960s. (The composition of the creamy white paste was secret.) On top, he typically used pencil, ink, brushes, and other instruments to delicately inscribe letters and words.

           Wintry white is the dominant color on the canvas, and in my Novelli inspired look. Using a fluffy brush, dust a white eyeshadow from the eyelid to eyebrow. Illamasqua Sex eyeshadow is a pure paper white, while Bobbi Brown Navajo is an off-white. Taupe undertones are apparent in the under-painting of La Liberazione. A taupe like Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow in Cement can be used to contour the eye. (For extra credit, contour before adding a wash of white, like in the artwork).

          A simple graphite line would be the perfect way to channel the words and scribbles found in Novelli's work. A few of my grey eyeliners include MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Shadow in 4E (reviewed here), NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Madison Ave. (reviewed here), and Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eyeliner in Charcoal Grey. Small silver or yellow accents can add dimension while maintaining an abstract feel to the look. Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow in Sterling and MAKE UP FOR EVER Blush Powder in #71 are my picks.

         A yellow concentration of color and texture is a highlight of the painting. Here, you can see a bright primary yellow covered by washes of white, drizzles of pastel yellow, and etches of graphite.

            A striking nail color is a great way to add detail to this Novelli-inspired look. A sunny yellow would be beautiful and unexpected, like the detailing on La Liberazione. China Glaze Happy Go Lucky is a primary yellow and Sephora by OPI IM Beauty is a pale pastel yellow. White and graphite grey are hues from La Liberazione that would make bold alternatives to a yellow nail. Revlon White on White is a pure white. NARS Storm Bird (reviewed here) is a steel colored creme nail polish; Revlon Steel-her Heart is a metallic graphite.

          In Gastone Novelli's La Liberazione, a wintry white blankets the painting, with graphite and taupe details that hint at what lies beneath. The effect is much like a ground covered by patchwork snow in the depth of winter. Novelli doesn't leave us out in the cold, however; the striking yellow accent gives us hints of sunshine and light in the days ahead. It's a hopeful color palette that I find particularly suitable for this time in January! I can't help but wonder if this was the sentiment behind the piece, after all, La Liberazione translates to 'The Liberation', a possible reference to Novelli's own experience in the twilight hours of World War II. Overall, La Liberazione is a beautiful painting with a striking color palette; I'm glad I chanced upon it during my last visit to the National Gallery of Art. Thanks for reading! What do you think of this painting? Do you ever mix yellow into your makeup routine? What colors are you wearing this January?

Love, Dovey.

Inspired by Claude Monet (Houses of Parliament)

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Inspired by Martin-Guillaume Biennais

          Back by popular request, welcome to the latest installment of Cute and Mundane's 'Inspired by Art' series! If you're new to the blog, this series is something I started back in August 2011, when I came across Édouard Manet's 1967 painting The Philosopher and was inspired to design a palette around the beautiful blue hues. On my most recent visit to Chicago's Art Institute, I 'struck gold' when I came across the opulent table service display, pictured above. This empire-style silver-gilt service belonged to Pauline Borghese, sister of Emperor Napoleon I of France. The set was designed by Martin-Guillaume Biennais (1764-1843), Napoleon's chief goldsmith.  Biennais was born of modest means in Lower Normandy and settled in Paris as a tablet maker. His exceptional destiny was born when he attracted the attention of then General Bonaparte; Biennais went on to craft the regalia used at the emperor's coronation. Although renowned for all aspects of his craft, Biennais' silver-gilt pieces are among his most spectacular creations.

         To me, the Biennais silver-gilt display evokes the look of dark blue eyes and gold highlights on a creamy canvas base. Deep cobalt blue anchors the ensemble and provides contrast to golden highlights. Eyeshadows like NARS Mandchourie eyeshadow duo (reviewed here), Urban Decay Evidence eyeshadow, Smashbox Sapphire, and MAC Nautical Navy eyeshadow (reviewed here) could be used to create a smoky blue eye. Alternatively, a cleanly drawn line could also add sufficient depth and interest. A few of the liners in my collection (Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal 02 Blu Aqua and NARS Larger Than Life eyeliner in Rue Saint Honoré) would get the job done.

          Gold, of course, is the centerpiece of the look. MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Whisper of Gilt and Guerlain Terracotta Sun in the City (reviewed here) are perfect for adding gilded highlights to the face. As for adding that special golden glint to your eyes, try out NARS Exotic Dance eyeshadow duo (reviewed here), Bare Minerals High Shine Eyecolor in Gold Medal, and MAC Barefoot Eyeshadow (reviewed here). I would suggest applying these products liberally to highlight cheekbones and the rims or corners of the eye. Just make sure you don't overdo it or else you might end up looking like an Oscar!

          Nail colors allow for a dash of creativity, and it's up to you whether you'd like to focus on accentuating your golden glow, your deep blue-shadowed eyes, or both. NARS Versailles nail polish (reviewed here) is my current favorite gold polish. The Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me top coat can add a gold sparkle to any polish. Sephora by OPI Blue Grotto nail polish and SpaRitual Osmium nail polish (reviewed here) are striking dark blues.

            Martin-Guillaume Biennais' Napoleonic table service provides a beautiful inspiration fit for the holidays. Deep blue and brilliant gold are a departure from the reds that typify the holiday season; however, they still impart a sense of familiarity... Perhaps this is because blue and gold are the original colors of Christmas; after all, in scenes of the nativity, a humble manger glows golden bright amidst a deep blue Christmas sky.

           Thank you for reading, and thank you to everyone who encouraged me to continue my 'Inspired by Art' series! Your support means a lot to me, and I plan to share art-inspired color palettes more regularly in the future! Have you worn any blue or gold this holiday season? What colors have you been wearing lately? Do you own any ornate silverware from generations past?

Love, Dovey.

Inspired by Kidrobot

          Have you heard of Kidrobot? It's an artsy line full of fantastical cartoonish figurines. You may have seen the 'Labbit', 'Munny', or mystery breakfast keychains in art museum gift shops or other whimsical stores. My friend Ponyo took me to the Kidrobot store in NYC for the first time. It's so fanciful, you just want to snatch everything up! My favorite figurine was 'Rainbowsaurus', which was a combination between a rainbow and a dragon. (Sadly, at a few hundred dollars, it was a bit beyond my price point). I thought it would be fun to do a blog post on makeup inspired by the Kidrobot store. The image in the photo above was a part of the Kidrobot store's wall mural.

          The Kidrobot inspiration is simple with bright colorblocked colors. Just like in a cartoon, a clean white base is important before coloring in. Illamasqua Sex eyeshadow (what a name, right?) is a pure white and very pigmented color. It's the perfect base to work over the lids and under the brows. I don't recommend turning your skin a packed white, however even a sheer white makes a difference in creating a clean slate. When working with brights, I think it's best not to combine too many at once. Most likely I'd use only 1-2 at a time to keep things chic. Some bright cartoonish colors I have in my color are MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #25  (bright blue), MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #24 (traffic light yellow), and Urban Decay Woodstock eyeshadow. It's best to pack on your color of choice in a strategic shape and blend as little as possible. Blending too much muddies the colors, which defeats the purpose of the look. If a complete lid in a bright color is too intimidating, one can focus a very basic constructionist grey taupe (like the gorilla above) color like Maybelline's Top of the Taupe and add little accents. Lining under the eyes with the lime green MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes #17L could do the trick. The look should be finished with the utmost clean black line, which can only be achieved with a liquid eyeliner (no smudgy pencil lines please). I've used MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner in black here.

         Overall, the key is to keep the colors as clean, elementary, and as well demarcated as possible. With too many colors and too much blending, you might end up looking up a rainbowsaurus.

        Thanks for reading! What are your favorite brights and how do you wear them?

Love, Dovey.