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Archive for the ‘Trends’ Category

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Trendy Trousers

In Fashion, Trends on June 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Summer is here, and although the days are quite warm, the nights still have a slight chill to them. When dressing for drinks or dinner out on the town, trendy trousers are perfect during this transitional time between seasons. And since mixing and matching bright colors is huge this summer season, I have been eyeing these colorful trousers from one of my all-time favorite stores, ZARA. I’ve also added some printed trousers to my ZARA trouser shopping bag – summer time always means more stripes and prints in my wardrobe, plus these are always just the thing for a fun summer look! Now every girl could use a second opinion while shopping… so I’m calling all of my fellow fashionistas – Which trendy trousers do you like the most? Cast your vote by writing a comment. Thanks shopping buddies!

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Spring & Summer Nail Shades

In Fashion, Trends on June 2, 2011 at 10:57 am

With trends like color blocking and bright palettes having made their way from the runway to our closets, this season’s nail colors are no different. The key is to think of your nail polish as an accessory. This includes tying it in with other accessories whenever possible.  Ultimately, you want to make a statement without going too far over the top. You may be thinking, “How can I pull that off?” Wonder no more! The nail colors pictured are from my personal collection and here are some ways to style the hottest brights:

Yellow: Match it with earth tones (brown, khaki, olive green), giving a burst of color to the safari look.

Green: Paired with shades of brown, camel, tan this is another color that compliments the safari look. If you prefer going in a lighter direction, pastel green is a bit more feminine and looks fab with gray.

Orange: Another warm color we’re seeing lots of this season and often deemed the hardest one to wear. It looks great with jeans and a simple top (think white, tan, gray, navy, even pink). If you’re not quite comfortable wearing a color that packs such a punch, try a coral instead.

Lilac: Not only can you wear this to soften black attire – blazers, suits and of course the LBD (little black dress), but it works with navy as well.

Hot Pink or Fuchsia: If you’re set on a more traditional pink shade opt for either of these with your dark ensembles. Both will also make your neutrals pop!

Pearl: This is the safe shade and the perfect match to an outfit full of floral or print as the subtle color and shine won’t take away from your look. Think of it just as the right pair of pearl – or diamond – stud earrings completing an outfit. Along with lilac, pearl is my favorite pick for the office, where bolder colors may not always be allowed.

Bright Blue or Turquoise: Neither can be beat when paired with neutrals or yellow! Not only is the bright blue festive, it brings a pop to the ever so popular nautical look. Turquoise combined with animal print is one of my personal favorites.

Bear in mind that all of these hues look lovely with classic white attire in the spring and summer. Sally Hansen, OPI, Chanel and Ulta brands are my top recommendations for long lasting color in a variety of shades.

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Introducing: What to Wear, Where

In Fashion, Trends on May 25, 2011 at 9:31 pm

Outfit dilemmas beware… your days are outnumbered! Thanks to our very first “What to Wear, Where” blog post, you’ll know what is suitable, stylish and season trendy to wear from casual fun days in the sun to fancier social gatherings that call for more jazz.

Being that Mother’s Day was two weeks ago, and my lovely boyfriend’s mom’s birthday was just last week, we spent the weekend at his mama’s house. As I tried to squeeze in time to pack a weekend getaway bag, I couldn’t help but to notice the reasoning behind the choices of my weekend outfits. Let me note, my boyfriend and I have been together for almost three years so I’ve met his family many times before. And thankfully, not trying to brag, they have loved me since the day they met me with my happy smile, warm heart and homemade cookies (always good to bring something sweet when meeting the parents). So packing my weekend bag wasn’t stressful at all, but there are certainly some style guidelines that I was following. The first “What to Wear, Where” is what to wear when meeting the parents and/or spending time with his folks, like in my case.

There are a few things to know before you even start looking through your closet. First, find out what their style is. My boyfriend’s parents live in a welcoming small town north of Tampa. I’m sure it’s them, not the town, but I always feel like I’m at home when we visit. Their style is very casual and down to earth – My attire is quite the opposite… I would say it’s more downtown than down to earth casual. You want them to meet the real you… so yeah, dress like “you” in your style but try incorporating a parent-approved look that’s impressive, fitting to what you’ll be doing with his folks and somewhat similar to their personal style.

So what to wear… hmm… the look that I suggest for meeting and/or spending time with his folks is a breezy-chic, feminine outfit – cute attire that is put together, yet effortless and casual. Try to incorporate at least one feminine element in your outfit, whether that’s a girly floral print or a blouse with a delicate necklace. Below I have two outfits from Ann Taylor LOFT that are a great example of an effortless-chic, feminine look that’s perfect for spring and spending time with his parents!

Hope this helps when choosing what to wear with your love’s parents. Good luck with his folks!

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Best of Spring Trends

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

Here are the “Must Have” trends for this season that we can embrace – and enjoy – during sizzling Florida spring weather.

Neutrals and nudes are a huge trend right now. Combine them with black for a chic look or spice it up with a color to avoid the dreaded washed out look. You may even opt for a blush color to take a neutral piece, like a blazer, a bit more feminine without distracting frills.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

Breezy silhouettes will make enduring even the hottest day easier. Long, loose blouses and swingy dresses are a comfortable yet chic change from too tight dresses and tops.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

High-waist shorts in black or navy are the perfect alternate to a skirt and make legs appear longer – who doesn’t like that? The look can be made more casual with high-waist flared jeans, paired with a sleeveless racerback or scoop neck top. Spruce up the look with a few statement accessories to rock it at night.

Derek Lam Spring 2011

One of the most stylish and comfortable ways to step into spring is wearing wedges. They are a happy medium between flats and often painful stilettos. An easy go-to shoe with any outfit, wedges will leave your tootsies feeling great – even at the end of the day.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

Lace – It’s fun, flirty and can be combined with any of the trends above. Lace can be dressed up or made casual.  A light, lace top can be layered over a matching tank and will create the effect of a longer torso. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that can be taken from work to weekends, day to night.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


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Fashion Face-Off

In Events, Fashion, Trends on April 15, 2011 at 12:57 am

Putting together a flawless look can sometimes be a challenge. I dread those moments where you just can’t seem to find anything in your closet… even though you have a-zillion great options… and of course, to top it off, you have five minutes to get dressed (been there, done that and ladies, I hope it never happens again). Thankfully style expert, Laura Hunt, shares some “style strategies” to master the art of putting together a chic look in any situation, whether it’s for everyday casual or for a special occasion.

On April 9, 2011, Laura Hunt, image consultant and fashion/style expert, hosted Macy’s “Putting It All Together” fashion event. Laura is the founder and CEO of Freeway Fashion, an image consulting firm and fashion media resource (not to mention, Freeway Fashion is a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay). Macys’ shoppers participated in a fashion face-off to create the most fashionable and put-together look with the latest spring trends. Based on challenge scenarios like what to wear when you are sitting front row at Fashion Week Tampa Bay, contestants styled models with various pieces that completed and enhanced the model’s outfit.

Laura shared styling tips, outfit suggestions and spring 2011 trends with the audience. After a mini-runway show, the audience chose the winner of the fashion battle. She received a $100 Macy’s gift card and some other great prizes. Everyone left Macy’s as winners! Pictures of the Macy’s Putting It All Together event hosted by Laura Hunt are below, courtesy of Anne’ Phillips Photography.

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Putting It All Together

In Events, Fashion, Trends on April 5, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Are you dressed or styled? Being a part-time sales associate at Ann Taylor LOFT, I always see this question posted on the wall in the back of the store. It’s a great reminder that putting together a look with multiple pieces upgrades you from just being dressed to being styled. Mastering the art of mixing and matching pieces to complete a styled look is one way a fashionista fulfills her passion for fashion.

Calling all fashionistas! Macy’s is Putting It All Together with the ultimate fashion face-off, hosted by expert stylist and image consultant, Laura Hunt! She is the founder and CEO of Freeway Fashion, an image consulting firm and fashion media resource (not to mention, Freeway Fashion is a sponsor of Fashion Week Tampa Bay). Contestants will be stylists for the afternoon and show off their styling skills by creating a HOT look – fierceness from head-to-toe, as Tyra Banks would say. Plus the winner of the style challenge will receive a $100 Macy’s gift card!

During the event Laura will share her fashion do’s and don’ts plus top styling tips for spring. After the fashion challenge, mingle with Laura, relax with Ritual Salon, enjoy Fitcio’s Café sweets and view breathtaking floral arrangements from Hayes Florist. Also, be sure to enter for the chance to win tickets for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2011!  To top it off, make a women’s purchase of $50 or more to receive a special gift.

Macy’s in Countryside Mall in Clearwater, FL and Laura Hunt will be Putting It All Together, Saturday, April 9th. RSVP today by calling 305-577-1818 or visit the Macy’s website for more information.

You don’t want to miss this event! It goes beyond clothes and shoes, Laura’s styling advice and the magic of Macy’s will help transform you from being dressed to being styled for any occasion!

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Fedoras, Glasses and Fur, Oh My!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on March 8, 2011 at 5:11 am

With all of the hustle and bustle, glitz and glam surrounding New York Fashion Week, it would be impossible not to notice a collection or two.  While fall often brings about one too many black sweaters and wool peacoats, Malandrino defies the meaning of dull with the breathtaking Fall 2011 collection.  Though Tampa will soon begin to sizzle, pushing us into light cotton dresses and embellished tanks, it is never too early to begin thinking about next fall’s wardrobe.

The Fall 2011 Malandrino collection offers a unique mix of hollywood-esque furs mixed with over-sized eyeglasses.  Some looks portrayed the notion of Jean Harlow meets nerd.  Others utilized fedora-like hats to complete the look.  One beautifully draped purple print gown is featured on a lovely model with long flowing hair and over-sized rims.  Another delightful piece, also in purple is fully accessorized with both glasses and hat.  With several exquisite looks utilizing rich furs, seductive jewel tones and unique accessories, the Fall 2011 collection from Malandrino leaves little to be desired.

The moral?  Whether it be summer or fall, don’t be afraid to kick it up a notch with an unexpected accessory or two.

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Transforming Red Carpet Trends

In Events, Fashion, Trends on January 21, 2011 at 7:11 am
Celebrities like Rihanna and Mary-Kate Olsen make great fashion icons! From the streets to the camera lights of the red carpet, they’re always rocking their personal style. Bejeweled shoes to backless dresses, Hollywood’s elite made quite a fashion statement at the Golden Globes. No question about it, their incredible style inspires fashionistas all over. Below are some ways of transforming their red carpet looks into our own wardrobe.

Olivia Wilde

Bejeweled Shoes

Showstopping sparkling shoes are perfect for transforming a girls’ night out look. Every girl should own a pair of glitter heels!

Naya Rivera

Rosettes

Every girl loves flowers!  Wear an accessory with a flower bud (like a headband) to show your classy girlie side.

Sofia Vergara

Belted Waist

Upgrade a simple day look by adding a cute cardigan and high-wasted belt to your everyday tee.

Eva Longoria

Backless

A simple backless or off the shoulder top is purr-fect for a subtle sexy look.

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The Golden Globes: What Was Your Favorite?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on January 18, 2011 at 3:06 am

Everyone knows that our only motivation for taking time out of our busy schedules to watch an award show is the fashion.  At this year’s Golden Globes, those looking forward to flashy gowns popping with color may have been slightly disappointed with the surprising quantity of beige.  There were a few, however who saved the night in rich fabrics fully saturated with exquisite color.

The beautiful Mila Kunis was nothing short of a live, shining emerald in a one-shoulder Vera Wang piece.  The color complemented her flawless skin perfectly, and intricate draping sculpted her adorable shape.  Also from Vera Wang, Sofia Vergara appeared in a fiery pink gown accented with a black belt at the waist.  The gathered bodice and draped train provided a unique flair perfect for this event.

Of course, I am not insinuating in the least that bright colors are the only option for high style.  Eva Longoria was absolutely breathtaking in a black Zac Posen gown.  With a deep cut version of a sweetheart neckline and a matching black sash to cinch the already fitted waist, this dress was simply divine.  In addition, beige is not always bland when worn like Carrie Underwood in sparkling Badgley Mischka Couture.

To each her own: What was your favorite?

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Surreal: Colorful Statement Shoes

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 16, 2010 at 9:05 am

Making a fashion statement is like taking a short cut through a terrifying forest. It’s far from being safe… living on the dangerous side is more like it! It’s risky business – your fashion statement could be saying the wrong thing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s good reasoning to make the statement and worth the risk. Particularly if you’re a fashionista who loves unique pieces that make a statement all on their own. Sounds like me! This is why I choose some surreal shoes that will make a loud fashion statement of being unique, colorful and fashionably bold.

The first statement shoe is the Angel Bootie by Alexander McQueen. These shoes were a part of McQueen’s last collection before his early and unexpected death. Royalty would be honored to wear such a beautiful craftsmanship pair of gold heels.

These gorgeous blue ankle booties are made by Pollini for Manish Arora. Feel like a goddess from Hercules’ time! The royal blue color makes them POP while the three-dimensional gold detail steals some of the attention from the vibrant blue color.

Make a fashion statement by having a cool do on your…feet? These Palais Mohawk pumps in purple suede made by Yves Saint Laurent will surely make your feet stand out. The cool girl with a rebellious attitude will love making a fashion statement with these bad boys.