Sunday, July 29, 2012

Trend: Retro Glasses

For those of us who do need vision correction, glasses are pain in the butt and we would rather not be seen wearing them. While contacts are a another option, they are quite a hassle and can cost one or two hundred dollars a year. The easiest solution? Wearing glasses that we actually like! People are wearing glasses even when they don't need them. the latest trend is retro glasses, styles like the cat-eye, wayfarer and round frames are becoming very popular. Don't worry, if you don't need eyeglasses these styles are available in sunglasses form! For quality frames you may have to shell out some money but there are some cheap options too.


Wayfarer:
Forever 21 Wayfarer
Photo: Forever 21

Ray-Ban Pink and black Wayfarer
Photo: Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Wayfarer
Photo: Urban Outfitters

The classic Wayfarer is so popular now, due to the fact that it's flattering on almost every face shape. While Ray-Ban is the place to go for the ultimate Wayfarer, these ones from Forever 21 are only $6. The Ray-Bans here are $125 from Urban Outfitters, $80 less than directly from Ray-Ban. The last frames, also from Urban Outfitters are only $12 and come in multiple colors!

Cat-eye:
American Apparel Cat-eye Sunglasses
Photo: American Apparel
Forever 21 White Cat-eye Sunglasses
Photo: Forever 21
Vouge Eyewear Cat-eye Sunglasses
Photo: Toni&Guy Opticians
The Cat-eye is a feminine and daring shape, that has been popular for so many years. The first glasses are more squared off, but still keep a very vintage shape from American Apparel. The second frames are from Forever 21 and have a less rounded frame. The last pair of frames are from Vogue Eyewear and are a bit chunkier.

Round:
American Apparel Round Sunglasses
Photo: American Apparel
Forever 21 Round Sunglasses
Photo: Forever 21
Urban Outfitters Round Sunglasses
Photo: Urban Outfitters
The round style is great for square faces, since it add a softness to their faces. The first frames are from American Apparel. They're tortoise shell colored, perfect for people with brown hair, eyes and warm skin tones. The next ones are from Forever 21, with thicker frames and a floral pattern on the inside. The last ones are from Urban Outfitters, with thin frames and a metallic color.

How to Choose the Right Color and Shape for Your Face:
If you have brown hair or eyes, try a tortoise shell or brown frame. Also if you have a warm skin tone (yellow or gold undertones) this color would work for you. Have light colored eyes or blonde hair? Try a black or navy frame. If you have a cool skin tone (red or pink undertones) also go with one of those colors. For your face shape, chose an opposite style. For example, if you have a strong jaw line and boxy face, go with a round frame to soften your face.

What do you think?
Are you into the retro eyewear trend? Do you like theses styles? Anything that I left out? Tell me in a comment!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Are Body Piercings Stylish?

"Moderation in all things"
-Terence (roman playwright, c 190-159 B.C.)

As humans, we have a strange fascination with placing foreign objects made of metal through our skin for the pure purpose of decoration. We all have seen those people with five earrings, two nose rings and a tongue piercing. While there is a certain image that is associated with multiple piercings, in some situations can they be stylish? My answer is yes. Like the quote above says, if you don't over do it piercings can have an edgy look. Here are some examples of perfect piercings.

Ear Piercings:


Just Enough:
Photo: Price Scope

Photo: Myspace
Too Much:
Photo: Happy News
Photo: veltharma.blogspot.com

Classic diamond studs look cute and classy no matter how many you have. The first picture is of three earlobe piercings, I love the different sizes of each stud. The second picture has one ear lobe stud and one cartilage stud, the tiny diamond is perfect. One or two cartilage piercings are okay but any more than three piercings on your ears is too much.

Nose Piercings:
Just Enough:
Photo: Sometimes It's Not Pretty
Photo: Health, Fitness...& Glamour
Too Much:
Photo: Piercing Map
Photo: Nose Piercings.net

Nose piercings when small, can be really cute. The first photo is of Miley Cyrus and I think she looks so pretty with the tiny nose stud, as well as the woman in the second picture does. The other photos do have too much though

In my opinion, belly button piercings only look good on certain people and tongue piercings are a little two far. For all of those people who have two single ear piercings, to look edgier try different styles of earrings.

What do you think?
Do you like the look of body piercings? what kind do you think are acceptable? Disagree with me? Tell me in a comment!

An Outfit for the Sophisicate

Thank you to those of you who have voted on the poll, I am listening to your suggestions. There is still a week to vote!

If you are a little stiff, super smart, well mannered and always ready for an intellectual task then you could be a Sophisticate. They always look clean, sharp, and are very modest when it comes to clothing. luckily, you can look classy and elegant even during the hot summer days. Here are three outfits for you.

Outfit #1:
Summer Classic Outfit

A pair of trouser shorts will always look classic like these from forever 21. Tuck in a white shirt like This one from Abercrombie & Fitch. It still looks dressy even with mid length sleeves. Wear a skinny belt in brown like this one from Bedstu Burrell. Some black wayfarer sunglasses like these from Ray Ban and a pair of black flats from American Eagle will add some style. A leather bag (faux or real, it doesn't matter) is a must, like this one from Forever 21.

Outfit #2:
Fall Classic Outfit

A pair of ankle skinny jeans are great, but get them in a pastel color like these pink ones from Levi's. A simple white T-shirt will go along nicely like this one from H&M. This white skinny belt from Chirara is nice and simple. This white purse form American Apparel, Some large white sunglasses and these Toms Shoes make this look effortless.

Outfit #3:
Evening Classic Outfit


For an evening out, wear a fitted a-line dress, like this one from Forever 21. The navy color is super classy. Also wear a white blazer. Place a belt around the waist and wear some high heels, I love these  from JustFab. This white clutch from Glam For Less and this pearl necklace sets this look very high.

What do you think?
Do you like these outfits? what do you think about the sophisticated style? Anything that I left out? Tell me in a comment!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Fashionable Paper Clips

Style is a form of art and expression. So can anything have style? Most things can. Take something, like the humble paper clip. That little piece of bent metal that pops up in seat cushions and sits, unnoticed, until needed on your desk. Normally we don't think much of these gray pieces of metal, but with a little creativity they can be stylish...

Paper Clip Bracelet

paperclip bracelet
Photo: Trend de la Cremé
This bracelet is very interesting, although the paperclips aren't in their original form, it looks a lot like them.

Paper Clip Earrings
paperclip earrings
Photo: Shoplet.com
These earrings are so perfect! They are simply two pink paperclips and some hooks. Make these your self, it's sure to start a trend.


Amazing Paper Clip Necklace
paperclip necklace
Photo: Sprinkle the Pixie Dust
This necklace is amazing! The bronze color is great for jewelry, the length is just right and the sheer number of paperclips in the necklace make it look like actual jewelry.

Probably the most amazing of all...
Paper Clip Eyelashes
paperclip eyelashes
Photo: Style Guru
These eyelashes look other worldly, but they are real. I have never seen paper clips used like this before and I think that they look great...on Halloween!

Next time we'll talk about the humble safety pin...
paperclip pendant
Photo: Vonora



What do you think?
Is this post your kind of thing, or do you prefer traditional fashion? Any other wacky fashion statements that you like? Let me know by posting a comment!

Sunday, July 22, 2012

The New Look: Rosy Cheeks and Pink Lipstick

When it comes to makeup, I tend to go for the subtle, natural look. In fact, I tend to forgo wearing makeup at all on a daily basis. On the runway, designers are not using the smokey eye look so much. Pink lipstick and rosy cheeks are becoming very popular. This is a great trend, because it's simple, feminine and anyone can wear it! Here are some examples.
Michael Kors Fall 2012

From Michael Kors Fall 2012, you can see the red lips and pink cheeks feel. Notice how the eyes have very little makeup on them, as not to distract from the lower half of the face.

Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012
Photo: MTV

From Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2012, as you can see they went with an even softer look. The pink is so light that you can barley see it. A hint of blush and a tiny bit of blue and grey eyeshadow highlights these outfits well.

Alexander McQueen Fall 2012
Photo: FABSUGAR
From Alexander McQueen Fall 2012, these were some of the only models who's faces weren't covered. Although the outfits and hairstyles make their faces seem dark, if you pay attention to their makeup, it is light pink. The pink lips and silver eye shadow don't take away from the magnificent outfits.

Stella McCartney Fall 2012
Photo: Footluxe
From Stella McCartney Fall 2012, each of these models has on pink lipstick and eyeshadow. It looks gorgeous and works really well with the royal blues of the outfits. Also, having the hair pulled back is a great way to show of this look.

Giorgio Armani Fall 2012
Photo: Vogue on Tumblr
Lastly, from Giorgio Armani Fall 2012. All of the women in the show wore hats that covered most of their faces, we can see the face in this picture. Pink lipstick, blush and black liner make sizzle right along with these dresses. To soften the look, pull your hair down and use mascara only.

How to Wear:

This look works with all skin tones, but you may need to do a little hunting for the right shades. Wear with black eyeliner for a night out or only mascara during the day. The bolder the pink, the less casual it gets.

What do you think?
 Do you like this trend? Any of the looks in the photos stand out in particular? What did I leave out? Please leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Perfect Purse

There are only a few things that women will happily shell out thousands of dollars. Shoes and purses are the two main ones. Some women collect hundreds of shoes, other will wear a different bag with each outfit. Most of us though, don't have an extra two thousand dollars. So here are some purses that you can wear with almost every outfit, to get the most out of your money.

black leather bag
Photo: Forever 21
 I highly recommend owning a large black tote, like this one from Forever 21. These go with almost anything and are large enough to carry everything. The hardware is very simple, so it won't distract from what you are wearing. This bag is only $33.

boho purse
Photo: Brandy Melville
If you are into the boho look, then this is the purse for you. From Brandy Melville, it has he fringes that we are seeing everywhere, from clothes to shoes. The size is great for carrying all of your essentials. This is $30.

white leather bag
Photo: American Apparel
This bag is one of my favorites. From American Apparel, this bag is appropriately named "Leather Everyday Bag" and will indeed go with most everything. It's very structured and has practically no hardware at all. The simple arcs of the handles and patches on the bottom corners will earn you lots of compliments. Due to the fact that is real leather, the bag will run you about $145 but it will be a good investment I promise.

casual tote
Photo: Zara
If you love casual weekends at the park, sampling the local fare at the farmer's market and staying in bed as long as possible, this tote is for you. From Zara, the size is amazing and the buckles are really cute. Sling this over your shoulder to the beach or for a picnic but it also works as a bag while your out shopping. This is about $60.

brown leather bag
Photo: TheStyleCure
This bag is perfect for walking around town, and has some nice zippers. From Macy's, this bag a a nice leather look and has a handle, and shoulder strap for wearing flexibility. This purse can even come along with you to a nice dinner! This purse is a little expensive, for about $90.

black studded bag
Photo: Forever 21
If you have an edgier sense of style, a purse with studs and buckles will work great. This one from forever 21 looks great with most outfits, and has a small amount of studs, a buckle and a good amount of hardware for a tougher look. This bag is only $35.


pink bow clutch
Photo: Forever 21
For an evening out or a party, I adore this little bow clutch from Forever 21. It even comes with a little chain for a shoulder strap. This clutch is only $20.

What do you think?

Tell me about your favorite purses and handbags. How much will you spend on really nice purse? Please make a comment!

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Designer Copycats

We all love designer clothing, shoes, eyewear, bags and just about anything that they will, and can design. The question is why? Why do we all love such expensive things that we would most likely wear only once. Why do we love things with designer logos and brand names written across them? The answer? The quality is better. The feeling of silk brushing past your skin and gritty leather on your jacket is some thing that we live for. The detail is 'impeccable' on a lace dress and the tortoise shell on the glasses looks 'almost real'. The ideas that some of these people come up with are almost magical and unreal. However, we normally can live with the look of an imitation. While original pieces may be hard to recreate, these popular trends look very similar and are often a fraction of the cost.

Michael Kors leather jacket
Photo: Bloomingdales
Forever 21 faux leather jacket
Photo: Forever 21
The original leather coat is from Michael Kors and is real leather, has great buckles and buttons. The copycat is Forever 21, one of my favorite stores. The color is very similar and it also has some zippers. You can get it, for about $30.

Diane von Furstenberg dress
Photo: Bloomingdales
H&M floral dress
Photo: H&M
The first dress is from Diane von Furstenberg and has a contemporary floral pattern. It's for the most part  fitted and has a little gathering towards the left side of the dress. The copycat is from H&M and has the same classy element to it. The pattern on the H&M dress is less contemporary, but the colors are similar and the dress is fitted as well. The H&M dress is about $50, which is 1/8 the price of the Diane von Furstenberg dress.

Victoria Beckham colorblock dress
Photo: Victoria Beckham

Forever 21 colorblock dress
Photo: Forever 21
The first dress is form Victoria Beckham, and make perfect use of the colorblocking trend. The two colors are opposites on the color wheel for the best contrast, and with capped sleeves and modest length it is perfect for a dinner party. The copycat is from forever 21, the dress is shorter and has no sleeves, but the lines fall in similar places. Black and white are also opposites so the contrast is also great. You can get this for about $20.

Louis Vuitton handbag
Photo: Handbags Geek
Tosca handbags
Photo: Silver Fever
This is my favorite example of a copycat. The first bag is from Louis Vuitton. The shape is great along with the stitching on the handles. The logos all over the bag offer some texture. While the bag is great it will set you back over $1000 dollars. he copycat is from Tosca handbags. The level of detail is profound and the hardware is so well thought out. The size of the bag is similar and the color is nearly the same. The best difference? The Tosca bag is just $75 dollars.

Barton Perreria sunglasses
Photo: Polvyvore
Vouge Eyewear
Photo: Vogue Eyewear


The first pair of sunglasses are from Barton Perreria. They have a little bit of a cat eye, black frames and purple tinted lenses. The copycat is from Vogue Eyewear. he frames are thicker, but the colors and shape of the glasses are nearly identical. The best part? While the Barton Perreria glasses are about $300, the Vogue Eyewear glasses are only $70.

Christian Louboutin Pumps
Photo: Christian Louboutin
Aldo black pump
Photo: Polyvore

Lastly, the first shoes are Christian Louboutin, and are a classic. The patent leather, peep toe and red underside make them a must have for most. Unless you want to pay $1000, these shoes from Aldo will suffice. Also patent, they have a similar height, platform and peep toe as the Louboutins, but these are only $50.

What do you think?
Tell me about your favorite designer copycats and stores to buy them at. Feel free to comment!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Trend: Blazers

The Boho look is the epitome of hippie, and disheveled. For a while now, we have been seeing this look a lot but designers are starting to shift their focus. Designers like Stella McCartney, Alexander Mcqueen and Kennith Cole are showing women in tuxedo jackets, bow ties and dress shirts. The blazer is becoming very popular because it's light, sophisticated and can still be casual. Here are some great blazers that you can throw on over everything.

Dressy:
A blazer like this looks a little bit more like a tuxedo jacket but, if you wear this with some trousers and stilettos you are sure to be drop dead gorgeous. This is from BCBG MAXAZRIA and the look of the coat is very popular right now. Along with a thin collar, no buttons and pointed shoulders it is very clean and modern.

Casual:

A denim blazer like this one, from Forever 21 will be very casual. It's lightweight and has a no pockets for a simple look. During the day, place a thin belt around your waist over the blazer. During the evening, wear skinny jeans, a black blouse and pumps.

Pattern:
A pattern with flowers on a blazer, like this one from ASOS will catch a lot of attention, but you can't over do the rest of your outfit. Wear a white shirt, with black trousers or skinny jeans with black pumps to really wow.

Long:
A Blazer with longer sleeves and length, like this one from Theory will look more elegant and more serious. Wear this with a pencil skirt and a dress shirt.

Cropped:
A cropped blazer like this one from Forever 21 is flirty and fun, perfect for school or just studying at the park. Wear one with a fun color and shorter sleeves for the best results.

What do you think?
Tell me about your favorite blazers, ways to wear them and ideas for trends. Anything that I left out? Tell me!