WAKE UP & WEAR THE FLOWERS

Streamlined. The moment I spotted these amazing, printed shorts at Zara while in Miami a couple months back, I knew I couldn't leave the store without them. The streamline cut, high waisted design, and intricate pleats gave the silhouette such an interesting flare and we don't even have to talk about that print. I have never really been into florals (for spring ... Groundbreaking) but the size and watercolor execution of this one had me sold. I can see this piece being styled so many different ways, one of which is an all white ensemble which I'll have to try next. 

If you are looking for a fun, eclectic piece to add to your closet these shorts are definitely something you should think about. They are still on the website! Minus the crop top, the elements in this outfit could easily be portrayed in a formal or business look, with no boredom-factor. 

Shorts Zara / Top Topshop / Blazer Similar here & here / Boots Topshop

I can't get enough of these cut-out boots. I'll have to dedicate a whole post to them soon. Ah, another night of blogging at 1:30am. Goodnight.

Xoxo,

Ben Green 

The post WAKE UP & WEAR THE FLOWERS first appeared on XOXOBENGREEN.

NEW DESTINATIONS. NEW 'DO.

I needed more than a trim. As I embark on a new, exciting chapter of my life I thought it was time to embrace a new look. I have been drooling over collarbone-length locks lately and I finally decided to make an appointment and just do it. As cliche as it sounds, my hair has always been very special to me and acted probably as somewhat of a safety net. 

I've always been the boy with long hair.

With new destinations and new goals for my life, I jumped into the salon chair and said, "Chop it off and dye it black." (Well, almost black). I am absolutely loving my new hair and I encourage anyone who is thinking about this length, or any hair change for that matter, to dive head first (pun intended) and do it!

So many exciting things happening and I couldn't be happier to have you alongside me for the journey. Thank you for all your support.

Make sure to follow my daily endeavors on Instagram, if that's something you're into.

Now that I have officially graduated high school, I have much more time to create content for you. So I will see you very soon!

xoxo,

Ben Green

THE BEAUTY FAVORITES

What I'm loving in the beauty department. I snapped this picture for Instagram this morning and realized it might be beneficial to post it on here as well, as I get so many questions about what my favorite beauty products are. The truth is, the list is ever-changing. I am always discovering something new or unearthing a gem from the past, stashed away in my makeup collection. I have a whole 4-drawer dresser dedicated to only beauty products so you could see how I might lose contact with some.

Here are the beauty items I am enjoying using at the moment. Who knows what they will be next week.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard - seriously the best concealer I have ever used. It has completely replaced all of my foundation and its full coverage, but lightweight feel, make it the ideal concealer.

Burberry Brit Perfume

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (Bronze Universal)

Chanel Shadowlights in Fusee

Sigma Beauty E40 Brush

Sigma Beauty E38 Brush

Real Techniques Contour Brush - perfect to apply the NARS concealer with!

Sephora X Pantone Universe Lash Curler

Dior Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in 774 Golden Savannah

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder in Medium Plus

MAC Powder Blush in Harmony - amazing contour shade.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

Hokuhodo S 103 Brush - the most amazing quality brush I have ever come across.

Hokuhodo S 113 Brush


What are your favorite beauty products taking up the space in your makeup bag?

xoxo,
Ben Green

ANTI-SUMMER INSPIRATION

If only it was fall year-round. I really try to embrace the effortless and weather appropriate looks, cuts, and textiles for spring, but I feel like I am always falling for fall silhouettes. Don't get me wrong, the spring/summer creations from the likes of Celine and Zara are delicious and I can't help wanting everything. Let's just say I can't go very long without stumbling upon a Fall 2014 show or lookbook and becoming infatuated with the familiar textiles and silhouettes that speak home to me.

I came across London based Barbara Casasola's Winter 2014 Collection and the looks have become instant inspiration for me. The monochromatic palette and strong menswear influences tailor this collection completely to my liking, and the additions of deep plums and striking magentas give the looks an exciting culture. I've included some of the pieces below that have been feeding my muse bank. If only a floor length trench was acceptable in sweltering June. 

Photos courtesy of barbaracasasola.com

What has been inspiring you lately? 

xoxo,

Ben Green

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK

Photography by Bostyn Ashjian

Black. My color. I used to have a closet full of the brightest colors I could find but as I have gotten older I have gradually faded to the dark side. Now my closet is mainly a rack of timeless, black pieces like this impeccable Theory blazer. We shot these images yesterday and I am very happy with the results. Wanted to share these two with you and get your opinions! 

How much black is in your closet? 

xoxo,

Ben Green

CURRENT LUSTING: 04.19.2014

Clean. Minimalism. Concepts that are not exactly under-represented, and probably overly talked about, but nonetheless exactly what I love. I've come to realize I feel much more put together in an outfit that took, in fact, almost no time to put together. There is something so wonderful about clean lines and streamlined cuts that accentuate the body in a modern and subtle way. For the longest time I was anti-menswear, but let's face it, up until recent years the menswear section wasn't exactly the most developed. Now, the minimalist "trend" actually stems from menswear inspired pieces and I find myself seeing so much of it in my closet now. It's good to embrace the things you don't like ... once they become appealing to you. Haha.

There are so many sublime images in this set and they give you a look into what my mind is currently stimulated by. I really can't get over the last image and its chic, sophisticated homage to the hospital scrub. As I am getting ready to move to New York in T-minus 4 months, I am looking into all the different ways I want to design the interior of my apartment, so you'll see some probably intangible, but no less wonderful to look at, images for inspiration. I hope my roommate will be okay with the interior work being my job. 

Had to throw Lorde in here as well. She is just everything right now. And she's embracing clean, minimalism. Read here to take a little look-see into her concert the other night. 

Please let me know in the comments if minimalism has made its way onto your rack! Or let me know your favorite images from the set. Off to a shoot soon, hope we get some great shots that I can show you later.

Enjoy your saturday!

xoxo,

Ben Green

VICTORY'S CONTAGIOUS: LORDE @ THE BOULEVARD POOL

She's an alien. God, Lorde was probably the best and most entertaining performing artist that I have ever seen live and I couldn't be more ecstatic that I got to see her last night at the Cosmopolitan Boulevard Pool. Thanks to the universe, and Ryan, for supplying me with a ticket to this beautiful event and it reminded me how important music is to my life.

I want to start incorporating more music into my blog, so let me know if that is something that you would like to see! If you want to see a clip or two of Lorde from her concert, check out my Instagram.

Can we talk for a second about Lorde's opening act, Lo-Fang? I think I actually lost all my bodily functions when I heard is beyond gorgeous voice and then he played the electric violin? I lost it. Definitely an artist I am already listening to on repeat and you should too. I love listening to artists with super distinct voices that sing material that is original and innovative. He definitely falls in this category.

Here are some more pictures from my wonderful night last night:

xoxo,

Ben Green