Easy Hair for 2012

January 16th, 2012

Ever gotten your hair cut after a break up, or changed the color when you’re looking for a new job?

Truth is, most of us have. That’s because one of the most visible changes we can make to our appearance is by changing the look of our hair.

So if you’ve set some New Years resolutions to become a better person in 2012, help give yourself a new look to go with a new attitude and try some of these easy hairstyles.

Twisted Sister

For a look that will help you remember to be the new you, try this retro pin-back look called the twisted sister.

Start by sectioning off the front and sides of your hair and securing on the top of your head with a clip.

Then arrange your back section into a messy bun that sits at the nape of your neck.

Next you’ll start taking small pieces of your hair, one at a time, and twisting them loosely before securing them on and around your messy bun.

As you alternate sides go for a messy, but woven look, leaving some strands free around your face to soften the style.

The Bun Braid

The bun has been championed by the young, the restless and the lazy everywhere. But this trick turns your ordinary bun into something exciting.

Start by flipping your head over and french braiding your hair from the nape of your neck up. Then, when you’ve reached the crown, or roughly half of your head, secure the braid with a small band.

Flip your head back up and pull all of your hair, included the braided pony, into a high pony tail on top of your head.

Next, tease your pony starting at the bottom and working your way up. Finish by pinning your hair into a classic bun shape.

Dreaming of A White Christmas?

December 13th, 2011

dreaming of a white christmas?Whether you live somewhere where you’re more likely to walk on the beach during the holidays than you are to pull out the sled, celebs everywhere are donning white for this winter season.

Why It Looks Good

If you’re not into wearing a big, holiday sweater with puffy paint and embarrassing embroidery, it doesn’t mean you have to forego all holiday cheer.

Wearing white can be a nod to the festive season without wearing a menorah or a Kwanzaa candle on your shirt. White can also bring color to skin that has faded during the winter months.

White is also a classic look that people have been sporting almost since the dawn of clothing itself.

If you’ve ever had to look back at your family photos and seen yourself wearing that ghastly orange or bright teal that you once thought was to die for, rest easy knowing that white will never go out of style.

How to Wear It

Even though some might still adhere to your mother’s fashion rule of not wearing white after Labor Day, there’s no reason white can’t be an elegant way to embrace winter.

Because it can be very summery when worn casually, try to stick to wearing white at more dressed-up occasions. Any holiday party, New Years event, or a red carpet affair if you’ve got friends in high places.

Also, since all white can be as boring as vanilla ice cream, try to pick a piece that is exciting like the off the shoulder number Jordin Sparks wore to the American Country Awards.

If you’re afraid of looking like a snowman, don’t be afraid to mix up your white with a colored blazer or some bold heels like Kristin Cavallari did.

All in all, if you embrace this winter trend, you could be the monochromatic sensation of whatever scene you hit up this jolly season.

Athletic Trends

November 21st, 2011

athletic trendsAlthough it might seem like the world of sports and fashion don’t necessarily mix, this season designers are getting their inspiration from athletes.

But even if you’re not one to toss around the old pigskin during your free time, there are still ways of harnessing these athletic trends.

We’ve spotted some of the sportiest trends on the runway and have brought them here to you!

Bike Shorts

Believe it or not, bike shorts are back in again. Pair some knee length and skin tight shorts with an off the shoulder top and you’ll be a perfect mix of Sporty and Posh.

If you’re worried about how this look will affect your burgeoning hips and thighs, go for a darker pair of shorts and you’ll have a surprisingly slimming look.

Jumpsuits

athletic trendsThere are few trends that are simpler than the jumpsuit. Although the idea of slipping into pants and your top all at once might seem juvenile to you, this one by DKNY is the epitome of elegance.

By choosing shoulder-baring straps, you can make sure this look is more glamorous than it is functional.

Hoodies

Although the sweatshirts on the runways might not have your high school mascot stitched on them, hoods are definitely making an appearance this season.

One trick to making these hooded shirts look more like an ensemble and less like a warmup uniform is to pair it with a waist defining belt. This will slim your waist while the hood will lengthen your figure.

Crew neck

Crew cuts aren’t just for the rowing team anymore, they’re making their way into more and more trends these days.

Even though a plunging neckline might be sexy, one of the biggest movements in glamorous dresses is to keep the neckline just below the collar bones.

So try to incorporate some sporty looks into your wardrobe this holiday season and you’ll be looking sexy and athletic!

Slip into Silver

October 27th, 2011

slip into silver

Start tapping those ruby reds because there’s no trend hotter than metallic shoes for this fall.

You might think that glitter hasn’t been in style since you put your Bedazzler away in storage, but metallic is back with a vengeance!

Silver, gold, emerald, you name it! Celebs are rocking the red carpet in tall, shimmery shoes this season.

How to Rock the Glitz

Even though draping yourself in shimmering tones might be a bit intimidating for some people, you can simplify the trend by just rocking the look on your feet.

To tone down the look even more, you can find glitzy shoes that just have a shimmery heel or toes that are dipped in jewels.

Celebrities Do It, So Can You!

But don’t be afraid to embrace this trend. In the past, glimmering looks have been associated with the younger generation, but everyone from Eva Mendes to the legendary Sofia Loren is dazzling the red carpet these days.

Although most of the celebs are rocking shoes that are in the triple or quadruple digit price range, we found these great shoes available from Zara’s online store for just $89.90!

Casual or Glamour

If you’re worried about what not having an occasion like a movie premier to rock your glittery heels at, never fear! This look goes great with black skinny jeans, or even a maxi dress.

You can even opt for glittery flats to make the look more casual, so don’t let your lack of black tie events keep you from Fall’s most glamorous trend!

5 Tips for Creating the Layered Look for Fall

September 28th, 2011

Either you have already bought your new clothes for this season and you’re wondering how to put them together, or you want to save a little money by giving a new look to old clothes, layering is the perfect way to dress this season.

Not only does layering do a great job of helping you be prepared for any type of weather during this transition season, but it helps you get the most out of your clothes by varying the same pieces in different combinations.

1. Pair a Maxi Skirt with a Mini Jacket

5 tips for creating the layered look for fallTo offset the long look of the maxi, mix it up with a cropped jacket. This can either dress up or dress down your look depending on the jacket.

2. Keep Those Shorts Out

It’s not winter yet, and there’s no reason you should put those legs into hibernation early. Pair shorts with a long shirt or with a jacket like Sophia Bush and you’ll maximize the lukewarm weather while we have it.

3. Pile on Those Bright Colors

Who says you only have to wear muted colors during the colder months? Jewel tones are a huge trend for this season, so if you’ve got colors you like mix and match them all together.

4. Rock the Skinnies When You Go Oversized

Rather than drowning in your big, comfy top, wear skinny jeans or leggings to balance out your look. If you want to make it look casual, top the look off with some distressed boots and you’ll be right at home in any coffee shop.

5. Ditch the Coat

Fall doesn’t require your biggest winter coat, so take advantage of the opportunity to wear some thinner layers. Pair a blazer with a scarf and you’ll be just as warm but your outfit will be more exciting.

How to Wear Orange

September 12th, 2011

How to wear orangeLike it or not, summer is officially over, and fall is beginning to rear its autumn colors.

Not only do we have to set aside the strapless for our cardigans and jackets, but we have to accept that the colors of summer have gone with the heat as well.

But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing!

There are many beautiful fall colors that compliment any complexion if worn correctly. Take the color orange for example. While often thought of as a color that only naturally brown and beautiful people can wear, we’ll show you how you can rock this Halloween emblem all summer long.

Pick Your Right Shade

If you have olive to dark skin tone, go for a vibrant shade of mango to highlight your warm undertones.

If you’re a little paler go for a more muted shade of orange, such as sunset, which will help make your eyes pop and brighten your face. Just make sure it doesn’t make you look drab or tired.

Use Orange as an Accent Color

If you’re afraid to drape yourself in this strong, Fall color, use a bright shade to accent your ensemble, for example, orange pumps, or an orange clutch.

Don’t be afraid of wearing a shade that is not exactly the ideal color for you either. If your accent accessory is far enough away from your face you’ll still be able to pull it off.

Wear it Confidently

The most important style tip of all is to wear whatever you’re wearing confidently. Whether it’s a new color, cut, or length, make sure you tell that piece that you’re wearing it, rather than it wearing you.

The only difference between you and the runway girls (apart from a few good meals) is that they wear clothes confidently.

Love what you’re wearing and you’ll be surprised how many people will feel the same way!

Cross-Body Hand Bags

August 5th, 2011

As the summer’s coming to a close, cross-body concert hand bags are only beginning to make their debut.

Perhaps you were like the rest of us, and when you first saw these brightly colored babies slung across the chests of trendy fashionistas you thought they had raided your late grandmother’s boudior. However, these small yet practical bags are coming back and starting to grow on us. We love their bright solid colors as well as snakeskin and floral patterns.

Where Can You Find One?

You can find these bags brand new for for $2,300 by Jason Wu, or more practically at shops like Urban Outfitters for $39.99. We’ve even come across them in consignment boutiques and thrift shops. Whether you’re looking for a brand new original or are all right with a genuine antique, these lovely bags are perfect for cocktail outings, summer time festivals, and downtown strolling where you can loop them over your shoulder, wear them in front or in back, and not have to worry about having your hands full.

Small yet Practical

Their small shape might discourage you at first, seeing as we’ve just come out of the “anything but the kitchen sink” shoulder bag era, but you’ll find that they fit the essentials and are much lighter and more convenient when trying to find your house key or lipstick in a hurry. Being natural born, post-modern minimalists should have you embracing this bag, its concept, and adorableness by lunchtime.

Match them with contrasting colors in your outfit ensemble to sport the bag as a real accessory. We like reds and blues, florals and stripes.

Bring The Islands To You This Summer

July 14th, 2011

summer print trend
Even if you don’t have an exotic vacation planned for this summer, you can still feel like you’re basking in the island sun with this season’s hottest prints.

Where You’ll Find Them

Whether they’re on the runway or in department stores, these bright and bold prints are everywhere this summer.

How To Rock Them

Even if you don’t feel like covering your entire body with a loud pattern–especially one in a bright color–you don’t need to steer clear from these trendy prints entirely.

A bright, printed scarf with a white top and shorts can be an easy way to transition prints into your wardrobe. Or there are plenty of beach bags and travel totes that can be found in all different types of prints.

But if you’re not worried about drawing attention to your body, the best way to rock this trend is by getting a flowy maxi dress that just screams island boho chic.

Word To The Wise

When you’re sporting these bold prints, make sure to just go with one print and the rest of your ensemble be in downplayed solids. If you go crazy with the prints, wearing them all at once, you’ll risk looking like your middle school drama teacher. Not exactly glamorous.

Summer Hairstyle

June 24th, 2011

The first official day of summer solstice was this week, and although in our minds summer seems (dare I say) almost over, there are still upcoming styles you might be interested in.

Yes, floral shorts are blooming this summer, but today I want to address the fashion of your entire physique—including summer hairstyles.

Your hair can easily compliment your outfit. This summer, NYC hairstylist Noah Hatton suggests a perky ponytail. A lot of people assume a pony tail is the lazy girl’s style but this summer you can be lazy and sexy. The perky ponytail means you lift your roots a little and boost your base.

This sultry summer look allows you to show off your shoulders in that new trendy tank top or elongate your neck.

The perky ponytail is also a way to “one-up” the “natural-I-don’t-care” look. The perky ponytail is also a new take on the tousled look. If you are pool side or beach bound this type of ponytail can add just a little fun and flare from the average messy attempt.

In order to achieve this look Noah lays out some notes:

• Do it dry: Section off the top middle two inches and pulls the rest back into a high pony. He recommends a bungee elastic to make the base stand out more.

• Tease: Take the loose top section and finger-rake it back. Gently wrap a clear elastic around it and the pony tail.

• Spray: To keep it textured, spritz the tail.

So ladies, if you are just as excited as I am that a ponytail can pass as pretty these days—giddy up!

Fedora’s

May 31st, 2011

I realize most of my posts are catered to women, and for good reason. The majority of my fashion advice is for women because we are obsessed with top trends. However, today, I want to touch on the fashion trends for men. If you are a woman, stay tuned, because we all know that behind most fashion savvy men is a sassy fashionable woman playing life-size Barbie with the boyfriend (it is what it is, gentlemen).

Men will always wear hats, but a hat that has flipped fashion is the fedora. The male musician that really showcases the fedora fad will catch a grenade, tell his girl she is beautiful just that way she is, and wants to be a billionaire so freakin’ bad—Bruno Mars.

Bruno Mars rocks a fedora nearly eight times out of ten (not an actual fact). If you aren’t a fan of Bruno and aren’t familiar with this 1920s look, Michal Jackson rocked a black fedora in most of his interviews and appearances.

A fedora hat is creased down the crown and pinched in the sides and front. Fedora’s used to be mostly for men but they are actually popular for females too. A fedora hat can be felt, straw, twill, or leather and come in nearly every color. Fedora’s have been coming back for a while due to their retro appeal and now they definitely fit the hipster, bohemian scene.

Fedoras are a universally flattering hat. Dudes, you can pretty much wear them anywhere with anything. Fedoras take a simple outfit to a new standard of good looking.

Try tossing the typical baseball hat and find a fedora that fits your style and personality.