Kate Foster

Kate Foster is a hodgepodge of seemingly unrelated titles: writer. Blogger. Beauty and fashion junkie. Cat devotee. Art history buff. Harry Potter nerd. Cheesy 90's television fan. Sometimes-gamer. Seasonal sculptor. Mostly she’s a music enthusiast. While her heart and soul belong to 50's and 60's crooners like Etta James, Sam Cooke and Elvis Presley, one shouldn’t be surprised to find her listening to Lady Gaga or Jay-Z. Most days, though, she’s in an indie-punk mood somewhere in between - she counts the Pixies, the White Stripes, M83, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs as a few of her favorites. And while you’ll typically see her bobbing her head calmly at concerts, occasionally she pulls out all the stops for bands like the Black Lips. She treasures her bruises like a child. After graduating from the University of Georgia with degrees in Journalism and Art History, Kate aspires to move to New York City. There, she hopes to continue to write. She also plans on pretending to understand the art at MoMA and stuffing her face with cronuts and one dollar pizza. Kate’s heroes range from Oscar de la Renta and Mindy Kaling to Ernest Hemingway and Rupert Giles. She practically inhales iced coffee on a daily basis. Her favorite color is yellow, and like Buddy the Elf, she considers candy a major food group. She has dreams almost every night involving the coolest architecture and interior design, and has no idea what it means. Seriously, what does that mean?!

How To: Flawless Skin

Posted on April 7, 2014April 7, 2014 by Kate Foster

I like to think of my bright lipsticks, dramatic liner and eye-catching shadows as my style accessories. And my Little Black Dress? Flawless skin. Unfortunately, obtaining it is easier said than done, but after nearly a decade of oily, acne-ridden skin and about a million products, I think I may have found the secret recipe. It’s all about a combination of prevention and covering up with products that won’t make the problem worse. And though this regimen won’t work for everyone, I tend to think that if it works for me, it can work for almost anyone.

Step 1: Prevention

1. Wash your face with an oil cleanser twice daily. Yup, oil. It’ll sooth dry skin, of course, but also help prevent acne. This is because when the skin is dry, it overcompensates by producing more oil than necessary. Using an oil wash will bring your skin back to its equilibrium. I’m a fan of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil.

2. Apply a salicylic acid cream like Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment & Moisturizer. If you have combination skin, just apply to your T-Zone.

3. Morning: finish with an SPF 30+ sunscreen, but make sure it’s oil-free. I’m obsessed with Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion.

Night: It’s never too early to start thinking about anti-aging. I love moisturizing, anti-aging serums like Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector.

Step 2: Covering Up

1. Apply a liquid foundation in your shade, starting from the T-zone and blending outward with a Beauty Blender sponge. Try Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, and find your shade by matching it to your jawline rather than the back of your hand.

2. Pat concealer under the eyes and on any blemishes. Almay Smart Shade CC Concealer and Brightener does double duty.

3. Finish by brushing a sheer layer of bareMinerals Matte Foundation over the T-zone, and spot-pat it onto blemishes to fully cover up.

4. Add blush, bronzer and/or highlighter of your choice to accent your flawless skin. I prefer cream or mousse formulas for a more natural look.

Literary Style Icons

Posted on April 4, 2014April 4, 2014 by Kate Foster

I’m sick of drawing fashion inspiration from movies and TV. It’s just too easy! Watch your favorite show, choose a clothing item you like, look it up, and BAM! It’s in your closet in a few days, and suddenly you’re Hannah Horvath. As is probably obvious, I’m more into the written word and the imagination that accompanies it. So when I’m envisioning the style of some of my favorite characters from novels, I know their sense of fashion has a touch of mine in it as well. Be inspired by my three favorite fictional fashionistas below – trust me, their style definitely thickens the plot.

Lady Brett Ashley, The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

“Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy’s. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a roaring yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey.”

(Missoni skirt, Chanel jacket, Brooks Brothers hat, Accessorize Necklace, and Iro Staccia boots)

Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

“For a moment the last sunshine fell with romantic affection upon her glowing face… then the glow faded, each light deserting her with lingering regret, like children leaving a pleasant street at dusk.”

(Proenza Schouler skirt, Tibi top, Cocktails in Celebration headband, Paul Andrew shoes)

Sybill Trelawney, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

“…the doors of the Great Hall opened again. It was Professor Trelawney, gliding towards them as though on wheels. She had put on a green sequined dress in honor of the occasion, making her look more than ever like a glittering, oversize dragonfly.”

(Jean Paul Gaultier skirt, Oscar de la Renta top, Chesca shawl, Betsey Johnson boots, Dolce & Gabbana clutch)

All collages made through Polyvore.

Fresh Spring Fragrances

Posted on March 31, 2014March 27, 2014 by Kate Foster

The sun is out, the flowers are blooming, and you’re putting all your sweaters away. Stop right there. There’s one more thing you have to do to officially call in spring, something you may have never even thought about: switching out your perfume. Your winter variety is likely too heavy for the next few months, and thankfully designers are abound with light, fabulous new fragrances. I’ve chosen my five favorites below – what better excuse is there to splurge on yourself?

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce

Ahh, to be in Sicily right about now. This fragrance is inspired by the designers’ sweet memories of this exotic island, and infused with a mixture of gorgeous white flowers. It smells light and beautiful, and is WAY cheaper than a D&G gown. Need I say more?

Balenciaga Rosabotanica

This perfume is for the rebellious – it’s made of roses, but a more rare, green variety. Plus, citrus notes ensure that you don’t stink like your Grandma. And who could resist that bottle? So wonderfully graphic!

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

Just like when you were five, Mary-Kate and Ashley have got you covered. This peony and musk fragrance is the more airy alternative to their Nirvana Black. Why not pick up both, and have all four seasons under your belt?

Aerin Lilac Path

There’s a reason Aerin Lauder’s fragrance line is so popular, and it’s not just because of her last name. Lilac Path is particularly sweet, with notes of the purple flower, angelica seed oil, and orange flower. It’s no wonder Aerin herself says it “captures the spirit of spring and makes it last.”

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

Admittedly, this cologne came out a season ago, but I couldn’t resist putting it on my list because it is my favorite fragrance of ALL TIME. And it features all of the best scents ever: peonies, red apples, jasmine, rose, gillyflower, and blush suede. Just try and resist its charms, why don’t you?

Music Festival Fashion Guide

Posted on March 28, 2014March 27, 2014 by Kate Foster

Turns out music festivals aren’t just for those searching out great tunes and maybe a little acid trip here and there – they’re also made for the world’s chicest fashion set. Models, actresses and musicians alike line up in front of the stage each year to catch their favorite bands and flaunt their best style. And why wouldn’t they? Festivals are the perfect excuse to test out that “I tried really hard to look like I didn’t try” look. Slip on a few of my favorite pieces below – but only if you’ll let me live vicariously through you while you’re listening to my favorite bands. Pinky promise?

Cutoff Shorts

I know what you’re thinking: “Seen those a million times. Boring!” But here’s the trick: they don’t have to be. I love searching Etsy high and low for some super cool, cheap, handmade options. Some of my favorite shops: DesignedByTwo, DIRTYEGO, and Moon Shine Apparel. If you consider yourself a craft master, try your hand at making some of your own with studs and fabric paint. There. I dare you to find a single other person wearing the same shorts as you.

Crop Tops

This one can really go two ways, depending on your personality. Are you more into pretty frills? Try a shop like Necessary Clothing, which has tops with fringe, florals, and lace. If you’re more in the mood to sass festival-goers around you, check out Gypsy Warrior, your one stop shop for crop tops featuring cheeky band slogans and cats. Yes, cats.

Comfy Sandals

My best friend once made the ill mistake of wearing leather gladiator sandals to Bonnaroo, and lets just say her blisters were out of this world. Never again. Go for Chacos instead; I swear they’re not just for granola girls anymore. They’ve got some with ultra-thin straps so you can have the comfort of sneakers with the style of a gladiator.

Fresh Accessories

Even though the sweltering weather forces you into a shorts-crop top-sandals uniform, there’s no reason your look has to be blah. Urban Outfitters has some insanely glamorous, floppy straw hats to keep your face shaded, and H&M is my favorite for enormous sunglasses. And, not to sound like your mom, but don’t forget the sunscreen, okay?

Tutorial: Lorde-Inspired Dark Lips

Posted on March 24, 2014March 24, 2014 by Kate Foster

Fall has come and gone, but my pastel lipsticks are nowhere to be found. Instead, I’m standing out from the spring break crowd with dark, vampy lips, which give my mouth some major attitude. My inspiration is none other than Lorde, soulful singer and goth lipstick queen. But dark lips come with a number of issues: bleeding out of the lip line and staying on through the night, to name a few. The products and steps below will ensure your pout stays perfect, even if – like Lorde – you’re performing all night long.

1. Pat any translucent powder all over the lips. This will make your lip color pop, as well as help it stay on longer.

2. Apply a purple stain over the lips – it’ll show a bit through the darker lip color and give you the kind of dimensionality Lorde tends to rock. I like Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush.

3. Blot the topmost layer of color off with a tissue, another tactic to ensure staying power.

4. Dot a dark lip product – like OCC Lip Tar in Black Dahlia – on the hand so it will be easy to apply with a lip brush.

5. Use a lip brush to fill in lips with the dark lip color. The OCC product comes with its own mini lip brush.

6. Use the tip of the brush to smooth out any imperfections, especially near the cupid’s bow. Since the lip color pops so much, any errors will be obvious!

7. All finished! Stand back and make sure there are no smudges from afar.

The Best Accessories for Spring

Posted on March 21, 2014March 18, 2014 by Kate Foster

It may not seem like the best idea to wear coins around your waist and evil eyes around your neck – gypsy much? – but I beg to differ. Problem is, some of these spring runway trends can be oh-so-pricey. Welcome to Vinyl’s fashion-forward, fun, and best of all, affordable take on spring’s accessories trends. I’ve got a low cost handbag for all you hippie chicks and a wallet-friendly belt for every glamazon, and everything in between.

Let’s move from head to toe: first you’ll need a pair of sexy, face-flattering shades. Let 70s screen stars like Diane Keaton and Lauren Hutton inspire you as you choose large-and-in-charge aviators with lenses that’ll turn the world around you a shade of sepia. You could go the pricey 3.1 Philip Lim route…

or you could snag this $56 pair from Fab.com. I’m all for the latter.

Now that you’ve saved a little cash, it’s time to give the neck some attention. If you’re a bit of a girly girl, slip on a floral scarf, ascot style. Forever 21 has dozens of flirty styles that I adore, and that are much more affordable at under $10 than scarves by Marc Jacobs and other big name designers.

Not about to don some prissy flowers? Opt for my personal favorite jewelry trend of the moment, the evil eye. The symbol’s said to ward off evil spirits – maybe that’s why Kenzo’s evil eye collection got so much praise. For a cheaper, subtler alternative, hit up this Urban Outfitters string necklace. It’ll only cost you $16.

And what’s more important to your overall look than your handbag? It seems the seventies struck again at the likes of Dries Van Noten and Celine, where dramatic fringe draped nearly to the floor. I prefer this $99 H&M clutch. Because the fringe is already so dramatic, the cream color of the bag is ideal. Stash your lipstick and keys, and prepare to step out in style.
From the waist down, it’s all about figure flattery.

Find inspiration in Dolce & Gabbana’s thick gold belts to dramatically whittle your waist. I found a $48 option at Anthropologie that still maintains the theatrics.

And undoubtedly you’re looking for mile-long legs – who isn’t? Enter the mule, spring’s favorite shoe; they’ll make your gams go on for days! Alexander Wang has some sexy scaled ones, but similar Jeffrey Campbell mules exist for hundreds of dollars less – $90, to be exact.

Whether you wear the above all at once or one at a time is up to you. Onward, trendy lady!

Products for Bright-Hued Hair

Posted on March 17, 2014March 7, 2014 by Kate Foster

As my senior year of college is fast approaching, the little devil on my shoulder keeps whispering into my ear, “Dye your hair pink, Kate. It may be your last chance.” I continue to find myself googling methods to turn my hair a bright, unnatural, entirely obnoxious color, all with a mischievous smile plastered on my face. Thankfully, I’ve learned a lot, and with all the music festivals coming up, this could be your chance to go a little wild too. Whether you want it for a day or a year, we’ve all got some pretty bold options.

Totally Temporary…

Alright, so you’re looking to have some bright streaks in your hair for a couple of days at SXSW. Got it. I recommend Streekers, which come in every shade of the rainbow. Simply use the wand to apply to hair, and when you want to stop looking like you’re of another planet, rinse out. Another good washable option is Kevin.Murphy Color.Bug, which is a chalk that comes in pink, purple, orange, white, neon and shimmery tones.

Sorta Stays…

For all you fearsome colorers that still want a little longevity, I recently discovered a super cool option that’s easy as pie – but only if you’re going for pink. Davines Alchemic Red Conditioner, originally made to enhance shades of red, actually turns blondes and mousy browns into a gorgeous, bold pink, all in the tranquility of your shower. It lasts three to four washes, a good middle ground for those not looking to totally commit. I’m also a big fan of using Kool-Aid for a semi-permanent touch of color. You read that right: Kool-Aid. I’ve used the pink and purple powders to dye my tips and it works like a charm. All you have to do is mix the powder with water, boil, pour into a cup, and dip ends in until the color is satisfactory. Bright hair for less than a dollar? You can thank me when you look like Princess Bubblegum.

…and Perfectly Permanent.

So you’ve decided you want to commit to all the mesmerized, jealous stares of people gaping at your hair. You’ve got a few good products to choose from. Manic Panic is always, always a fantastic option, especially since they have about a million shades in their line. I’ve also been hearing a lot about the brand Special Effects – it’s supposed to be of a tad better quality than Manic Panic, but has less color options. Both will last you three to six weeks before you’ll need to touch up.

Awards Season 2014: Top 10 Best-Dressed

Posted on March 7, 2014March 6, 2014 by Kate Foster

What’s awards season without some of the world’s most gorgeous designer gowns? This year, from Lupita to Lady Gaga, celebrities were seriously on their A-game. In a flurry of gorgeous brights and shimmering metallics, I bring you this year’s top 10 of the Grammys and Oscars. The Tony and Emmy Awards have some SERIOUS catching up to do later this year, no?

10. Ariana Grande in Dolce & Gabbana at the Grammys

D&G florals are eternal classics, and I love the retro look of this one in particular. Tea length? Check. Sweetheart neckline? Check. Old school satin? Check. In this gown, Grande emulates a 50s bombshell beautifully.

9. Katy Perry in Valentino at the Grammys

Vinyl featured this gown in our couture show coverage, and I’m just as in love with it as ever. It has a wonderful whimsy to it but also a pop of personality with the musical notes. So Katy Perry, am I right? And what better place to wear it to than the Grammys?

8. Julie Delpy in Jenny Packham at the Oscars

I’m convinced that this is what Janis Joplin would wear to the awards if she were alive today. Love love LOVE the batwing sleeves – they make the deep cleavage totally sophisticated, not trashy. Plus, it incorporates just the right amount of sparkle. Only a frenchie could rock this dress so flawlessly.

7. Lady Gaga in Versace at the Oscars

Alright, I’ve got to admit it: this gown was featured on dozens of worst-dressed lists. But I’m totally lost as to why. Donatella’s favorite pop star looks absolutely stunning in this textural, lilac dress, and honestly, it’s so much tamer than, say, a meat dress. Do what you please, Gaga. Apparently they’re going to judge you either way.

Beyoncé in Michael Costello at the Grammys

Can Beyoncé do anything wrong? No? Okay, glad we’re all agreed. She absolutely shines in this sheer number and somehow manages to make it look totally classy. And, best of all, it hugs her curves in all the right places before ending in a mermaid-y train at the floor. Jay-Z is a lucky man.

5. Cate Blanchett in Giorgio Armani at the Oscars

I’m in disbelief that this woman is 44. I mean, this looks like something T-Swift would wear – but we’ll get to her later. It seems like we’ve seen a million sheer gowns, but this one is different somehow. Maybe it’s the way the flowers pop off of the dress so perfectly, or the bedazzled details. Either way, I’m sold.

4. Kristin Chenoweth in Cavalli at the Oscars

I’ll spare you the joke about Chenoweth looking like the Oscars trophy in this gown, and instead opt to gush about the fact that she looks like a work of art. That texture! That glitter! I also love that the gown almost has a punk flair with the subtle plaid below the hips. This dress is everything I’ve dreamed of and more.

3. Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab at the Oscars

I’m definitely an Angelina fan, but here I’ve got to give most of the credit to Elie Saab. The sparkle at the bust looks almost like a cityscape, reflecting flawlessly at the collarbone. It’s sexy and flattering with a nipped-in waist. If I keep typing about how perfect this gown is, maybe Saab will send me one? A girl can dream.

2. Taylor Swift in Gucci at the Grammys

Just as everyone was getting a little sick of Swift’s good girl display, she whipped out this chainmail-esque stunner. The mixed metals are so now, especially with the silver detailing just her neck and waist. No wonder T-Swift topped a dozen other best-dressed lists.

1. Lupita Nyong’o in Prada

Guys, I am actually gasping for air right now. Nyong’o couldn’t have looked more gorgeous for her win – the pale blue shines against her dark skin, making her look like a goddess when paired with the cleavage and drapery of the gown. And now I’ve realized the bottom is shimmery, too. Someone call me an ambulance, please?

Tutorial: Suno Gold Leaf Hair Part

Posted on March 3, 2014January 26, 2015 by Kate Foster

If your wardrobe’s feeling plain Jane these days, add a little gold to your… hair part? No, I’m not insane, just a little obsessed with Fashion Week’s beauty trends. And this one’s got some staying power, thanks to Dries Van Noten last season and Suno this time around. The best part is that it’s insanely easy to do: all you’ll need is an eyeshadow brush and Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in Comex Gold (which includes Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Primer).

1. Part your hair down the middle, and pull the rest back in a ponytail. Make sure the ponytail is super tight so you can easily access your part.

2. Mix a couple of drops of the Stila Primer and a thick coat of the Stila Eyeshadow on the back of your hand.

3. Dip the eyeshadow brush into the mixture – try to focus the shadow on the ends of the brush so you’ll be able to apply it more precisely. Begin applying it to the front of your part, tapering the glitter out in the front so you don’t have a hard line at your hairline.

4. Continue applying the shadow down the part, being careful to keep the glitter from getting in the hair around the part.

5. Finish the line. At the Suno show, the line stopped abruptly at the back of the part.

Voila! A brand-new part!

A Style Monarch: Why London Ruled Fall Fashion Week

Posted on February 28, 2014March 6, 2014 by Kate Foster

My typical favorite Fashion Week cities are as follows: Milan, New York and Paris tied for second, and finally, London. But this season, British designers from Tom Ford to Christopher Kane brought some serious sequins, lace and a dash of quintessential Brit humor. So, even with Paris Fashion Week before us, I’m declaring London this season’s best. Here’s why it simply can’t get any better than the city of tea, grunge, and Big Ben for Fall 2014.

It’s undeniable: London’s designers did everything those in New York and Milan did, but better. Love Marchesa’s sheer, lacy looks? Upgrade to Temperley London, where you’ll find the same delicate florals, but with a gilded baroque flair. Or if you’re more magnetized by bold sheer designs, House of Holland is your go-to. Its show featured rainbow tops and skirts with sexy chiffon cutouts – not for the faint of heart, but certainly for the attention-seeker.

One of New York Fashion Week’s highlights was Rodarte’s gowns printed with Star Wars characters and scenes. Besides making us pray for celebrities to walk the red carpet donning images of C-3PO or the Death Star, we love the nerd-chic humor of it all. But might we argue that Tom Ford did wit just a little better in London? Taking a cue from Jay-Z’s song “Tom Ford” – “I don’t pop molly, I rock Tom Ford” – Ford sent models down the runway in glittery, numbered dresses with the word “molly” crossed out near the waist. No doubt Hova was in the audience having a good hearty laugh.

Finally, there’s the battle of the art punks: New York’s Jeremy Scott versus London’s Christopher Kane. While Scott is usually one of my all-time favorites, this year he went a tad too far for me. Call me a girly girl, but I’m not one in favor of seeing kneepads on high fashion runways. But while Scott was sporting it up, Kane went in a more sophisticated direction, albeit still totally artsy. Continuing his love of graphic flowers, he placed blown-up images of them behind boxy panels on an otherwise basic skirt suit, and then proceeded to create chiffon dresses with dozens of book-like pages. The piece’s movement was, in a word, unreal.

We salute you, London, and Paris? Good luck.