Investment Pieces: Summer Fashion Trends That Will Last Through 2010

spring-runway

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

There are some trends that last season after season: leggings, floral prints, gladiator sandals, etc. Then there are those that fade away: baby doll tops, harem pants. How are you supposed to know which trends to trash and which to invest in? Luckily, fashion is already way ahead of you. Fall 2009 and Resort 2010 collections have already been released, and Spring/Summer 2010 is in the works. For most designers, Resort is a preview of what’s coming next. Therefore, the collections provide great insight into what will be hot and what will be not for summer 2010.

We scoured the Resort looks of all the top designers – from Stella McCartney to Brian Reyes to Prada – and compiled a list of summer fashion trends that aren’t going anywhere: Read More »

CC Beauty Live: Soft Curls

Have you ever tried curling your hair only to end up with tight, Shirley Temple style curls? Or, worse, attempted to use a curling iron and ended up with blistered fingers and straight, fried hair? Well then I’m here to help!

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not hard to achieve soft curls or waves. And you don’t have to be a professional to do it. The key is playing with your hair a bit to loosen up the curls so you look more “beachy wave” and less “so stiff it doesn’t move.”

Just follow me through the steps and in under 7 minutes you will have the perfect curls for day or night. Happy curling!

Budget Stylista: Budget Buys for a Bangin Bod

yogawear

So summer is half over.  Sad, I know. Before you know it you will be back at school for a week of activities.  And by activities, I obviously mean a week-long drink fest. Ah, the joys of welcome week. Only the best week of life that comes around once a year for four years. And of course you want to look your very best for your return to school before it all gets traded in for late night pizza runs.

The good news is its not too late to get moving.  And what’s more motivating than knowing you look damn good in your workout clothes? Nothing. Well, maybe that cute guy in the gym who will be seeing you in said cute workout clothes.  Sure you may be SO sweaty that your shirt looks like you just entered a wet t-shirt contest- but hey, at least it’s cute. And now, cheap as well. Read More »

Fashion Porn: Necklace Orgy

necklace orgy

Most guys we know stay up late dreaming of the day they might end up in a giant orgy with beautiful women. We, however, lie awake at night dreaming of a closet full of beautiful clothes. To the left, a wall of shoes. To the right, shelf upon shelf of delicately handcrafted bags organized by color and size.

Sigh.
We all have our fantasies.

Since guys can turn to the interwebs to get their daily fantasy fix, we thought you should, too! So, we’re bringing you some fashion porn. The best of the best in all things fashionable. Sure, it may be out of your price range, but it’s a fantasy, so live it up in all its delicious glory.

The perfect accessories can entirely make an outfit.  They can spice up a basic t-shirt and jean combo, or put the finishing touch on your hot going-out dress.  One of the most basic ways to accessorize an outfit (even that stuff that’s already in your closet!) is with a necklace.  A quirky necklace, worn with the simplest of outfits can be a conversation starter; a more glamorous necklace, can work to complete an otherwise unfinished look.

There are a bazillion options out there for necklaces, no matter how much moolah you have to shell out.  You could splurge and find the perfect signature piece to wear everyday, buy multiples to go with your multitude of outfits, or find that unique, one-of-a-kind necklace from Etsy.  Whatever you choose to do, there is a necklace (or many!) out there for everyone. Read More »

Shopping Your Closet: Long Necklaces

Picture 1While there is nothing better than hanging some brand new clothes into you over-stuffed closet, we’re in a recession and spending your money on another pair of jeans is just a waste. You’ve got plenty to work with already, and I’m here to show you how to do so in a fun, new and fashionable way.

Last week I showed you how to work a sundress and this week I’m going to dazzle you with fun new ways to wear all those necklaces you have hanging around (or, more likely, knotted together in a clump on your desk).

Long necklaces, like these from J. Crew, can add glamour to any basic look: a cardigan and tank, a dress, even a pantsuit (if, you know, you’re going for the Hilary Clinton look…)! But there are several other uses for long necklaces, as well. You just have to think outside the box a little bit.

1. Wrapped around a scarf.
To get this look, take a long, cotton scarf and fold it into a triangle. Next, roll the scarf so that it becomes one long, thin rope. Take your sparkly necklace and wind it around the scarf. Tie the ends of the scarf together and secure the necklace clasp as well. Read More »

Day-to-Night Styler: Beach Babe to Party Girl

laying out

Chances are you’ll be spending many days at the beach this summer. And chances are good that a day of sun time can often be topped off by a night of fun time out at the bars.  Heading out for some drinkies with the girls doesn’t mean you have to rush home to get ready; you can rock out the same outfit all day with a few quick fixes (and hey, tousled beach hair is damn sexy). Read More »

God’s Gift to Ailing Feet: The Fold-Up Ballet Flat

Picture 1It’s Friday night and you’re heading out on the town with your friends. You’ve got on your cutest outfit and a killer pair of heels – you’re all set for a night of serious bar hopping.

Unfortunately, when you’re getting ready to leave the second bar you realize that you no longer have the ability to walk. Your balance is already a little thrown off by the amount of heavy drinking you’ve been doing, and now you have to walk in 6-inch stilettos? No thanks. That stool you’re perched on will be just fine for the rest of the night, thankyouverymuch.

You continue ordering drinks until the wee hours when you’re friends are finally ready to head home. You carefully step onto the sidewalk and within 5 minutes decide there is NO way you are walking home in those shoes. Fueled by all the alcohol you have consumed, you decide that you’re going to take off your shoes and walk home barefoot through the city. Classy.

Does this sound like a typical night to you? Are you sick of waking up in the morning with black feet/someone else’s chewed up gum between your toes? (True story…) Perhaps you should invest in a pair of Fit In Clouds fold-up flats. Read More »

Wardrobe Wish List: J. Crew Garden Dress

PapayaGardenDressIf there’s one thing I love most about summer, it’s the freedom to flounce around every day in cute sundresses. They’re my go-to look – breezy, easy to wear, and feminine.

Naturally, when I saw this J.Crew Garden Dress I needed to have it.

This is the kind of dress that works in almost every situation: date night, summer cookout, girls brunch, beach-front. With the right accessories, you can even take it edgy.

The Garden Dress is short and flirty, featuring an ultra-flattering fitted bust, and straight cut sillouhuette. The charm of the dress, however, comes from the raw-edged petals that adorn the bust line. If you’re a sucker for ruffles, then this dress is most definitely for you. Just pick your color – navy, papaya, shell, or white – and you have the perfect dress for what remains of summer ‘09. Or, you know, get ‘em all for a little variety.

And, duh, you totally can!  J.Crew offers a 15% discount to college students when you bring in your student ID and shop in-store. Now that you know, run to your nearest J.Crew and grab this beauty and other preppy staples! 15% off means 15% more chinos with flamingos on them!

I’m Torn: Anna Sui Does Gossip Girl for Target

gg1 gg2gg3

I love Gossip Girl. Ever since I heard Kristin Bell’s first “xoxo” back in 2007, I’ve been hooked. GG’s got it all: drama, scandal, hot men, and adorable outfits. The thing about those outfits, however amazing they may be, is that they can be super expensive. So, when I heard that Anna Sui was designing a Gossip Girl inspired collection for Target, I had high hopes and was immediately excited. I even contemplated camping out at my neighborhood Target American-Idol-style the night before the line was released. But after spotting the collection online, I’m torn.

Love it:

Variety – I love that Anna decided to make a collection that showcases the style of all four Gossip Girl ladies: Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa. With the GG line, you have the opportunity to mix and match with different pieces inspired by each character, or just pick your favorite. I don’t know about you, but some days I’m a Blair and the next I’m Vanessa, so I like a collection that takes this change in style into account.

Price – Though specific prices for Anna’s collection haven’t been announced yet, it’s making it’s debut at Target, so it will definitely be budget-friendly. I might have loved the Marc Jacobs Joelle dress that Blair wore to the white party, but I most definitely do not like the price tag, or the fact that it is now sold out. Read More »

10 Summer Bangle Bracelets to Brighten Your Look

bangles

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!]

For a quick style update, add a bangle or two. Or three. Or four. These versatile pieces can be stacked, mixed, and worn with anything!

If you’re wearing a solitary bangle, make sure it contrasts somewhat in color and texture to the rest of your outfit. For example, pair a beige wooden bangle with a pink and white floral dress.

If you’re wearing several bangles, make sure they contrast with each other. A set of metallic bangles that come together can look hot, but when trying to create your own mix, avoid picking bracelets that look the same. Mix square shaped with round, wood with metal, neon with black, prints with solids, etc.

Here are 10 bangle bracelets that will brighten your look this summer and add a pop to any outfit: Read More »