Fashion Archives - Page 5 of 5

Thuctorials: Orange Caramel’s Nana “Lipstick” Makeup Tutorial

June 27, 2014/in Beauty /by Thucydides

There’s no doubt that Orange Caramel is always fun and colorful, but have you ever wanted to try their makeup style for yourself? I will show you how to Get That Look of Nana during the group’s Lipstick promotions!

As part of our very own Thuctorials series, this article will give you the full details on the colors and products that I used to imitate Nana’s makeup. None of these are exclusive products and you can get most of them in your regular department stores or online (online is recommendable especially as you can apply discounts like https://www.raise.com/coupons/kohls when you shop). When it comes to the foundation you might want to adjust to match your base skin tone but the brand itself you might want to stick with.

At the end of the day this is about having fun, so getting too stuck in the details of this brand and that product shouldn’t be on the agenda. If you feel a different brand or shade matches Nana‘s look then go for it!

Check out our video to watch a step-by-step tutorial of this look:

Prefer a written tutorial? Read on!

Prep

Before I put on my primer, I always make sure my face is clean and free of any dirt or oil. That way, the primer can stick onto my skin rather than the gross stuff! I used Rimmel London’s Stay Matte Primer:

I use my fingers for application because I feel like it’s the best method of making sure the primer is even and blended throughout my face.

You don’t have to use primer, but I prefer to do so because it helps smooth out my skin and pores, plus it helps my makeup stay on for a longer period of time!

Foundation

If you have clear skin, and you want lighter coverage, you can lightly powder your face. However, I like to cover my scars and blemishes with a liquid and powder foundation combination. I first applied Revlon’s 24 Hour Colorstay in medium beige with my fingers (MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE CLEAN), but a beauty sponge or likewise would work better. I didn’t have any in my possession at the time:

Afterwards, I used bareMinerals’ MATTE Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in medium beige with the brand’s Precision Face buffing brush for application. The instructions that come with the loose powder recommend a circular application, so I followed suit. Blend everything towards your neck for a smoother gradient.

Brows

I don’t have orange brow gel, so I used my bhCosmetics BH Day & Night eyeshadow palette, an angled brush from a dollar store pack of brushes, and eyedrops:

The eyedrops help intensify the eyeshadows and bring out their color! To tame my brows, I used a spoolie that you can buy at dollar stores, and then I drew a rough draft of what I wanted my eyebrows to look like with this orange color:

Then I went over my brows with this darker, orange-brown color to make it stand out a bit more:

I groomed and set the eyeshadow with my wet n wild’s megaclear Brow & Lash Mascara.

Eyeshadow

Instead of eyeshadow primer, I use my wet n wild’s idol eyes crème shadow pencil in Pixie as a base, covering my eyelid area:

I followed this up with NYX’s Jumbo Eye Pencil in Strawberry Milk for my waterline, making my eyes appear larger. Try not to tug on your eyes too much, because it could stress them out!

For the eyeshadow, I used an eyeshadow brush, which came from the same dollar store pack as my angled brush, with the Day & Night palette. I went with this purple color first:

Covering up my eyelid area, I extended the shadow while following my crease and pulled the color under my eyes to connect the lines. You can do a little wing shape if you’d like!

After the purple, I chose a darker navy blue:

I covered the same area as the purple, as well as extending the blue past my inner tearduct.

To prep for my eyeliner, I used my angled brush and black eyeshadow:

If you haven’t noticed already, I like to layer my makeup! It adds more color, and I’ve found that it blends out really well. I made a guideline for my eyeliner with the black eyeshadow, following my lash line and extending it out on both sides.

Eyeliner

I’m a fan of marker-type liquid eyeliners, so L’Oréal’s THE infallible BLACKBUSTER 8 HR liquid eyeliner works great for me. Choose an eyeliner that you like and are most comfortable with using.

I basically followed the eyeshadow guideline:

Mascara

Nana may be using fake lashes, but my personal pair of lashes don’t match the dolly, fluffy ones that she sports. As a result, I forgoed the lashes and just went with mascara. I generally do multiple mascara products to make my lashes as long as possible, because I am just a sucker for long lashes. I started off with my clear mascara as a base and to separate my lashes:

I then went over it with one coat of my jordana’s BESTlength EXTREME Lengthening Mascara. I apply my mascara at this angle because it helps me not get any residue on my eyelids! Blinking while applying the mascara also helps me get the most product onto my lashes.

For volume and added length, I used my little sample of MAC’s ZOOM Fast Black Lash and applied it in the same manner.

As you can see, I like to put mascara on both my upper and lower lashes. If you’re not into that, you don’t have to do it!

Lips

For the base, I used wet n wild’s megaslicks lip balm in Rico Mauve, covering the shape of my lips.

To imitate Nana’s bright pink lips in the reference photo I used, I decided to go with my homemade carnation pink lipstick and a lip brush from the aforementioned brush pack.

It looks a little funky because it melts in hotter temperatures, but it works fine, don’t worry! I warmed up this lipstick using my breath for two reasons: (1) it was in an air-conditioned room for the majority of the tutorial, and (2) it helps make the lipstick workable. I applied it on the same area as the lip balm.

To make sure none of the lipstick got on my teeth, I sucked on my thumb for a little bit and pulled it out, wiping the extra residue. Do a final check on your own teeth and wipe any stains that you see before you go out!

Outfit

I don’t really have a stylish wardrobe like Nana’s, but you could pair a bright, fun dress or layered look with this! Here’s what Nana chose to wear:

Patterns with analogous or split complementary colors work very well with her makeup, and I’m positive they will work well for you if you choose to try this look out!

Hair

For hair, I personally would have liked to curl my bangs and do a curly-wavy hybrid of a ponytail; however, I needed to do more yardwork and consequently shower, so I felt no need to do my hair. Here are some hairstyles you could try:

That’s it for this Thuctorial! If you’d like me to do more of these, feel free to make a request on any of our social media sites or just comment below. I will also be doing Korean beauty product reviews, so request any products that you’d like a second opinion on!

[DISCLAIMER: All products are mine, bought with my own money. This tutorial was not sponsored]

Which idol would you like to be the focus of the next Thuctorial? Which Korean beauty products are you interested in? Share your thoughts with us, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Fashion Icon: 2AM’s Jo Kwon

June 27, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alejandro Abarca

In lieu of Jo Kwon’s super-fabulous musical Priscilla: Queen Of The Dessert, let’s take a look at his fashion icon standing. When it comes to his style, Jo Kwon is constantly changing. His androgynous features and amazing body make him the perfect chameleon. Whether he is looking like the boy next door, or strutting in Jeffrey Campbell heel-less shoes, he always looks fierce. Let’s showcase the prominent styles that Jo Kwon loves to wear.

The Boy Next Door

One of the styles that we see Jo Kwon wearing is “the boy next door” look. He loves to look well kept and clean, pairing sweaters with dress shirts. Even if he looks very preppy, you can see him adding a little twist to the look by carrying an amazing clutch, a Lady Gaga shirt, or streaks of green in his hair. This look is mostly seen in his variety appearances, press events, and his run on the show, Global Request Live: A Song For You. He looks very handsome and, with this look, you could totally bring him home to meet your mom. Check out these cool articles around the web

The Trendy Kid

The ’90s fashion is still here and doesn’t seem to go away any time soon. Jo Kwon seems to love sporting this style the most. He pairs oversized sweaters, shorts with socks, and baseball hats. Even overalls (which is one of the trendiest items of the season) look amazing on him. I personally love him in this style because it suits him so well. He becomes a full on avant-garde fashionista when he attends fashion shows.

Pretty In Drag

Even though this style is mostly worn on stage, it deserves an honorary mention. Jo Kwon’s appearance lets him play with his image a lot. Throughout his promotions for Animal, from his solo album I’m Da One, Jo Kwon fully expressed himself with his outfits. He became a bird-like creature with feathers and leather that danced on stage. The heel-less Jeffrey Campbell shoes (the shoes assimilated animal feet) created a well-thought-out fashion statement. The shoes brought the animal in Jo Kwon’s mind to life.

Furthermore, he looks gorgeous on his spread for Vogue Korea, revealing his androgynous beauty, and as Priscilla in his musical, Priscilla: Queen Of The Dessert.

Even though statements of him being gay have been refuted, Jo Kwon does more for the gay community than most idols, from going to gay bars in Thailand to addressing negative comments on his Instagram:

Jo Kwon is not afraid of supporting the gay community. And for me, being a gay man, I see him as an amazing role model for youth in Korea and abroad. I really hope that more K-Pop idols start supporting equality for everyone.

But overall, Jo Kwon will surely continue to surprise us with his fashion and his awesome self.

Which style is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Music Video Fashion: BEAST’s “Good Luck”

June 19, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alejandro Abarca

When it comes to BEAST‘s music video fashion, it changes for each songs’ concept. With their recent comeback with Good Luck, they nailed it with the styling. They really bring out the urban feel of the clothes and turn it completely into high-end fashion.

It’s already well known that throughout the past years BEAST reinvented themselves into fashionistas. They’re known for wearing the latest pieces by Givenchy and edgier Raf Simons, not only in real life, but also on their TV appearances and concerts.

Check out these cool articles around the web

But let’s get to the point: When I first saw the video, I got instantly drawn to the fashion. Not only is the song good, but the styling is impeccable. We have already seen the varsity-inspired looks in other idols like EXO, SHINee, BIGBANG, B.A.P., and many more, but BEAST took it to another level.

The guys are decked out mostly in Hood By Air Spring 2014 collection. There are other designer pieces here and there, but this brand stands out the most. The band was very well coordinated and every outfit showcased each members’ personalities. There are mesh jerseys, dress shirts with the number 69, shorts paired with knee-high striped socks and amazing tennis shoes.

Talking about shoes, which is one of my favorite topics in fashion, the boys wear a variety of brands, from commercial VANS and Converse, to high-end designer shoes like Rick Owens for ADIDAS. We also see Timberland classic boots that bring back the feeling of 1990’s hip-hop acts.

Many fashion houses around the world are being inspired by the 90s fashion. That particular era was full of sportswear, hats, and oversized clothing. The mixture of music genres also appeared in fashion, mixing hip-hop clothing with flashy pop dresses and grunge while creating unique styles.

Now, lets take a look at the video:

styling, I’m really fond of the varsity style. So this one is for all of our male readers out there. If you want to recreate a look similar to BEAST in Good Luck, here are some fashion tips and, if you want to shop the look, click on the pictures below:

Find a jersey or a shirt with numbers on it, put some gym shorts on (like the ones pictured below), find a cool looking snap-back, a faux leather vest, and the ever-classic creepers to get the look.

Which one was your favorite look? Let us know if you want to see more post like this from us. Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

K-Pop Fashion Icon: SHINee’s Key

June 5, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alejandro Abarca

SHINee‘s Key is already a K-Pop Fashion Icon among international fans since he’s definitely one of the most avant-garde fashionistas who stand out in the industry.

And even though most of the idols’ looks are curated by fashion stylists (Choi Minhye has been in charge of SHINee’s styling for a few years now), Key is one of the few that you can genuinely tell loves fashion. But can we really say that Key has his own style, even if it was advised by a stylist? Yes, we can! Not everyone has the opportunity to have a stylist advising them and he surely takes advantage of its perks. So how can we define Key’s style?

Throughout the years, we have always seen Key stand out from the rest of his band members. When he’s not part of a performance or music video, he always takes the fashion runways to the streets. Key’s style is a perfect mixture of new and old trends, and he not only follows them but sets them. Key is not afraid of mixing a classic Burberry coat with ripped denim jeans, a KTZ shirt, and Underground creepers. He loves to mix different styles like punk, preppy, and Gothic together to create a very fun and original look.

Check out these cool articles around the web

In order to properly define his style, one word does not suffice for he’s constantly changing and mixing his looks. He loves his androgynous features and embraces his feminine side. He is not afraid of wearing women clothes and making them his own.

Key’s wardrobe contains many designers that he loves. You can always spot him wearing Jeremy Scott, KTZ, Givenchy, Moschino, Cheap Monday, CassettePlaya, and many more.

SHINee’s busy schedule never stops Key from attending Fashion Week. He even walked the Jarret show at Seoul’s Fashion Week alongside his on-screen wife Yagi Arisa.

Every time I see a new episode of We Got Married Global Edition, or SHINee at the airport, I can’t wait to see what Key is wearing. He has become a fashion icon for many fans around the world. There are series of Tumblrs and fan pages dedicated to his style and many fashionistas acknowledge him as an inspiration.

The mixture of styles in his looks makes it easy for anyone to recreate them. Websites like YesStyle and Virgin Black carry amazing Korean fashion at very affordable prices.

When it comes to his hair, Key has done it all. From pink to blonde, from black to brown, and every other color of the rainbow. And not only does he change the color of his hair constantly, but he is always changing his hair styles. My personal favorite one is the blonde parted in the middle look à la Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.

He even dyes his own hair sometimes. Here’s footage from SHINee’s One Fine Day:

Need more proof of Key’s undeniable fashion icon status, or just want to delve in cool pictures of him? Check out this gallery of my favorite looks:

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There is no stop for Key! His fashion is so fun, and we can’t wait to see how his style continues to evolve!

Share with us your K-Pop Fashion Icon in our comment section below, we might showcase her/him too! And don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

4 Female K-Pop Idols With Unique Beauty

May 31, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

There’s one image that comes to mind when we think about female K-Pop idols: super skinny and very feminine. And while we may like and respect the predominant image in the genre, there are also other women who stand out for their unique beauty and are equally loved and accepted by the public.

Of course, not all artists want to be role models for fans, but being an idol comes with responsibilities, given that they have influence over large groups of impressionable kids. Here’s a list of four women who set good examples in terms of embracing their unique and natural beauty:

In an industry plagued by the über feminine and lady-like image, f(x)’s rapper stands out for being a tomboy and one of the very few you’ll ever see in the field. You will always find Amber wearing shorts or pants with loose shirts and short hair, even when the rest of the group members wear short skirts and heels.

Amber not only stands out within f(x), but in all of K-Pop.

Coming from the same company that produced Girls’ Generation, I find it fascinating how SM Entertainment decided to show the llama’s personal style and personality as is, rather than overwrite it completely and sell us something generic. Amber goes against the conventional K-Pop female idol image, “what works,” and guess what? She’s one of the most popular members among international fans! She’s the perfect example that there’s a market for every style and that individuality also works.

This rookie group’s company also decided to go against the current and debut a group who dances, sings, and looks different than most. But the one who stands out the most is Nada, Wassup’s rapper. This girl was blessed with an S line even Western artists can envy. Moreover, she flaunts what her momma gave her with flattering, form-fitting ensembles that are also very badass.

And this might not be twerking per se, but she does make movements with her booty no other female group attempts yet.

Let them haters hate and eat their hearts out.

Sadly, WASSUP deals with the scrutiny of a culture that doesn’t fully embrace sexy images and is often slut-shamed. But just as one equally criticized and fierce diva once said,

Can’t nobody stop the fire. Let them haters sit n’ stare.

So grab your popcorn and pick a comfy seat because it doesn’t seem like the group’s stopping anytime soon. Curvy Korean girls can now be represented in the K-Pop sphere without having to turn to Western artists who might resemble them better.

Ga In has lots of things going for her, including a great body and being very sexy. In a country where getting double eye-lid surgery is equivalent to getting a new iPad in the West for good grades, Ga In embraced her small eyes by opting out of the procedure and showing off her iconic smokey eyed makeup.

Her eyes are adorable and convey as much emotion of those with double eye-lids.

While this woman is not shy in flaunting her sexiness, she joins Soo Hyun in promoting self-image acceptance, which is crucial for young fans who look up to them.

I fully understand that the K-Pop Star winner is only 15-years-young and she still has a lot of growing up (mentally and physically) to do, but it seems like she and her brother have a good idea or the route they want to embark within the music industry.

Akdong Musician revealed on an interview the plastic surgery clause in their contract with YG Entertainment. Chan Hyuk, Soo Hyun’s brother, commented that they amended their contract to include that they would not undergo any plastic surgery. And while there really isn’t anything wrong with K-Pop idols with plastic surgery, it’s really refreshing to see artists with enough self-esteem to accept how they look naturally. Soo Hyun’s super cute as is right now and she still has to finish puberty, but the fact that she’s taking precautions with the possibility of her agency making her alter her looks is commendable.

Precious and perfect just the way she is.

The siblings’ success goes beyond their looks, for they have just formally debuted and have slayed all of K-Pop with their hits “200%” and “Play.” Soo Hyun is the best example of how talent triumphs looks any day.

Who do you think stands out for their non-conventional looks? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

What’s Wrong With “Plastic” K-Pop Idols?

May 28, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Thucydides

Far too often have we seen a tabloid published about an idol‘s “shocking” confession of plastic surgery, whether it’s a full-on transformation or a tweaking of the nose. While some fans support their idols’ decisions, others resort to complaints and hate messages. Given that South Korea is one of the top countries in terms of the best plastic surgeons and the most cosmetic surgery procedures, why are people surprised when they find out about these “scandals?”

Granted, just because a country is popular for a certain practice, it doesn’t mean that such a practice is justified. However, when it comes to cosmetic surgery, people tend to have a negative perspective on the matter. But just what are their reasons for this negativity? Will it change if they had a look at the 2020 cosmetic surgery statistics? Or would it be the exact same?

In my opinion, plastic surgery should not be considered a crime. First of all, it is generally an individual’s decision. What they choose to do with their bodies should be their choice, not yours. There are loads of highly reviewed cosmetic surgeons in Costa Rica, to name just one place, that can help people feel better about the way they look. Different people have different levels of self-confidence and if surgery is one way they can increase it, why stop them?

As long as they make sure they’re aware of the risks involved such as potential leaks in breast implants, but even these can be easily rectified with local treatment like Breast Implant Revision Surgery in New York City. Second of all, unless they plan to go through drastic measures (like injecting cooking oil into their face) that may be life threatening, they should be allowed the right to change the way you look and change what you don’t like. Yes, some people may be able to live with their flaws, but self-esteem varies. Just because you can handle that your nose is a little flat, or your eyes a little uneven, doesn’t mean that your idol should be able to handle it too. They are not the same person as you, and they will never be, so why expect them to have the same rationality as yours?

Honestly, a lot of the work done on South Korean idols tends to improve their aesthetic appeal; in a country and career field where looks can mean everything, it should be no surprise that people fix some of their flaws. Sometimes they are persuaded by their agencies to get surgery, and sometimes they choose that road themselves. This does not mean that you should stop supporting their work!

Many K-Pop idols have no qualms about plastic surgery, and some even go out of their way to tell their fans that they’ve gotten work done. Just take a look at Kwanghee from ZE:A and Goo Hara from Kara:

They’ve admitted that they had a some help in the beauty department. Kwanghee himself occasionally jokes about his multiple cosmetic procedures, giving a lighthearted air to the touchy subject.

Does this mean that all idols need to get plastic surgery in order to be popular? No. But they should not be judged for trying to make a living out of their looks! Even extending from idols, there are many actors and actresses of whom have gone under the knife. Like I said, given that the entertainment business is highly focused on appearances, this should not be a surprise.

The plastic surgery trend branches out to high school students looking towards improving their looks for a better social life, more job opportunities, or just a plain old self-esteem boost. I myself have a friend who went through double eyelid surgery after our sophomore year (to set matters straight, she is Korean), and she perceived the ordeal as a perfectly normal thing to do. Did it change her appearance? A little bit, but her personality remained the same.

Some may argue that this may prove to be detrimental to the fragile self-esteem of young people, but I believe that a cosmetic surgery is just like more intense makeup, or a tattoo, or a new change in style. Everyone has their reasons for wearing makeup; to look pretty, to clean up their appearance, or to capture the attention of someone special. Those very reasons can correlate to plastic surgery all the same.

One of the issues I can see, besides the dangerous aspect of some plastic surgeries, is how certain idols are promoted as “all-natural” when it’s obvious that they have had work done. But, once again, that is how the industry works. What you see on the screen may not be who that person is in real life, and that’s reality. One of the functions of popular culture tends to be the advertisement of ideal people and values in a world that is far from ideal.

Am I saying that everyone should accept plastic surgery? No. If you have issues accepting it, then that’s ok. What’s not ok is forcing your belief on someone who thinks differently than you. If a friend decides to get surgery, and the result turns out pretty well, do not be a sour grape and tell them that they looked better before. Sometimes it’s better to just be a kind human being.

What are your thoughts on idols with plastic surgery? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Taeyang’s Music Video Style Evolution: Real or Fake?

May 23, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

Following last year’s success with Ringa Linga, YG Entertainment announced early last week Taeyang’s upcoming comeback Rise, which comes out on June 2^nd. And while the suspense for the beat, lyrics, music video, and choreography builds among fans, I’m left wondering about the overall style concept…

Taeyang has had a few changes in fashion as a solo artist and within the group, but it’s safe to say that, up until BIGBANG’s Alive, the R&B influence in his style was there: from the snap backs to the baggy jeans to the fedoras. But then he made a major turn with Monster, which back then, I thought was just due to the music video’s plot line. Ringa Linga proved that this trendier version of Taeyang was staying. And while fans (me included) loved it and everyone received it well, including the media, it was hard not to notice G-Dragon’s staple all over it. This made me wonder, is Taeyang maturing as an artist or is he allowing his fellow BIGBANG member or YG Entertainment to craft him into a brand name similar to G-Dragon? Let’s take a detailed look at his solo concepts over the years:

His first mini album Hot was released in 2008. His singles were Prayer and Only Look at Me, written and produced by Teddy. The R&B track displayed Taeyang in the music video shirtless, in jeans, diamond earrings, snapback cocked to the side –very à la Usher.

Then came his first full-length album Solar in 2010, also R&B, where he delivered hits like I Need a Girl, Where U At?, Wedding Dress, and I’ll Be There. Most of the aforementioned songs were produced by Teddy again, while I Need a Girl was not only co-written by G-Dragon but he also appeared in the music video and featured on the song. In this music video, we see a more sartorial look to Taeyang with the R&B-Soul flow. Wedding Dress has a good balance of casual and formal (I mean, he is at a wedding after all).

The last sighting of the Usher-esque Taeyang was probably in BIGBANG’S Fantastic Baby, where we saw him incorporate more color and vividness to his attire. It was then definitely gone by Monster. But I digress; I won’t reference BIGBANG’s concepts and genre too much since that’s a whole different thing.

Monster marked the pivotal moment where Taeyang switched styles, going from soulful R&B to electronic glam Hip Hop –or G-Dragon-fied. Yes, by Ringa Linga, his influence was apparent and probably due to G-Dragon himself producing and writing the song. The BIGBANG leader also had a few cameos in the music video.

Ringa Linga mixes EDM with Hip Hop and loses track of the R&B influence he previously had, musically and fashion-wise. On his behalf, it came at a time where R&B lost its popularity of the 2000’s and Hip Hop resurfaced in mainstream music. The only traces of the Usher-esque Taeyang are the vocals and dance moves –but even that became stronger and focused more on the choreography itself as an art than being sex on a stick.

Furthermore, both guys collaborated and created the TY & GD for the Stampd collection that included a series of shirts, snapbacks, and sweatshirts they sported on the video. They also wore pieces by Rick Owens and Givenchy to create a ghetto gothic look.

However, this change did not hit us with surprise. The boys had long paraded themselves last summer at Paris Fashion Week, where we spotted Taeyang wearing outfits that were far trendier than baggy jeans and a crisp white tee. Taeyang and G-Dragon attended all the hot ticket shows such as Rick Owens, Givenchy (his favorite brand), Kenzo, and more.

Rise will mark Taeyang’s third solo project, so what can we expect? I believe it will probably be the same ghetto gothic concept with some sort of twist. Maybe adding more trap like in CL’s solo MTBD. And, while I completely dig this look and sound since I am a fan, I have to wonder about the authenticity of it all.

Sure, K-Pop idols are known to be plastic figurines put on stage by the companies that manufactured them. But YG Entertainment artists are equally known for having creative freedom –or more so than most. Taeyang must have some say in his solo projects, right? After all, he did compose and co-write Solar, Wedding Dress, and Where U At and wrote the lyrics for Take it Slow on his own from the Solar album. Ringa Linga, on the other hand and as mentioned before, was written and produced by G-Dragon and another producer.

As I said previously, I’m a fan of this ghetto gothic plus the Hip Hop/EDM concept Taeyang has embarked with, but I would love it even more if it came from his own creativity and being inspired by G-Dragon or other artists, rather than recreating what people in control tell him to. Maybe Taeyang has matured into a trendier, more playful style. Or maybe YG noticed that G-Dragon’s Coup d’état and One of a Kind were well received around the world and want to cash in on Taeyang as well. I guess we’ll have to wait until June 2^nd to see what Taeyang, G-Dragon, Teddy, Choice37, and/or anyone else working for YG have in store for us. I know I’m eager to find out.

What do you think of Taeyang’s style, is it fabricated by someone at YG or authentically his own? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

2NE1 Style: Top 5 Music Video Fashion

May 20, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alejandro Abarca

We already know that when it comes to fashion, 2NE1 has done it all. They’ve showed us from punk to glamorous femme fatale styles. And to celebrate 2NE1’s fifth anniversary, we’ll take look back at their best music video fashion.

YG Entertainment is a trend setter; 2NE1 became the first female K-pop group to show us a different style than the cookie cutter cutesy style. The always bad ass members CL, Bom, Minzy and Dara never seize to amaze us with their transformations.

Here are my top five options of the best outfits worn by the girls:

This is not only my favorite song, but the styling for all the girls is simply amazing. We get to see both sides of 2NE1: their badass, I-don’t-care-I’m-the-best attitude, and the ultra chic one. They wear outfits from designer houses like KTZ, Versace, Balmain, Givenchy, and Burberry Prorsum. Check out the video below, you need to see it in full to appreciate all the outfits.

From Rapunzel length hair to feathers and green wigs, 2NE1 looks fabulous while being sad. The Tim Burton-inspired video has the girls adopting a very gothic look. Those huge braids that Dara sports in the video gives me life! They could have gone another route with the style and concept of the video, and I’m glad they went this way. The Gothic Lolita trend was very popular in 2010 and 2NE1 adapted the concept very well. Take a look at the amazing piece of art below.

After many years of telling boys to go away and telling them they don’t care, 2NE1 came back with I Love You, and we fell head-over-heels in love with them once again. Who could forget all those gorgeous Versace pieces paired with Chanel and Roberto Cavalli? Plus, the Mary Katrantzou pieces at the dancing scene were to die for! Two of my favorite looks where CL in the all black unitard dropped it low scene. Dara looked amazing with the purple and magenta wig. Love, love. love!

2NE1 took us to the future with Come Back Home. People are obsessed with the virtual world and our girls hack into that world and destroy it. Our lady rebels were decked out in AMBUSH, HOOD by AIR, Alexander McQueen, and Rick Owens for ADIDAS. Once again, Dara takes credit for the best hair in the video. They also took us back to the 1990’s by channeling Seo Taiji and the Boys, with the beanie and blue wig. Even the YG Entertainment building sported the same beanie during promotions for the song.

The number one spot goes to all the fashion on the Missing You music video. The video has really beautiful visuals that are paired perfectly with an amazing styling. It’s nothing new that the ladies love Versace, but this time around, the Saint Laurent pieces stole the show. The styling for each members is flawless. It makes me think that we are watching a fashion spread from Vogue. Even the only male in the video is styled perfectly, wearing a Maison Martin Margiela mask that makes his scenes that more dramatic.

2NE1 always surprises us with amazing fashion, not only on their videos but also in their live performances and on the streets.

To continue 2NE1’s fifth anniversary celebration in good spirits, here is a bonus entry for Happy. I really love the styling on this video and I couldn’t pick a spot on the countdown. The video even has a cameo from their good friend and designer Jeremy Scott.

What was your favorite styling? Did I leave out one of your favorites looks from 2NE1? Let us know! And don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

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