Anna Yu on Jul 9, 2009 10:17 AM PDT

Under all the newspapers, magazines, books and junk mail, I know there's a coffee table somewhere. But with all the water rings and chips, maybe it's better off hidden under paper, or maybe I should start looking for a replacement I'd be proud to show off! Coffee tables come in all shapes and sizes depending on the size of the room and needs of the user. They can offer lots of storage or just act as a surface for your drinks and a place to prop up your feet! They also come at various price points from less than $200 to $12,000 (we can always dream, can't we?). With all the summer entertaining going on, now's the perfect time to upgrade from that poorly self-assembled Ikea find or worse, milk crates. Just remember to use a coaster to maintain the longevity of your coffee table. Take a look at my slideshow for coffee tables straight from the Hive!

Alex Gambardella on Jul 9, 2009 8:17 AM PDT

Summer, whether or not you have the time off, is all about embracing laziness. After all, when it's this hot outside, it can be tough to even muster enough energy to rise from your lounge chair to get a refill on your lemonade. So naturally, you can't possibly be bothered to do something as strategic as tie your shoes every time you leave the house. But what if flip-flops aren't suitable for the situation at hand? Enter slip-on sneakers -- the athletic yet cute alternative when you want to keep things casual but don't want the hassle of unlacing or re-knotting each time you want to kick them off or slide them back on. Go for a tieless version of your trusty Converse Chuck Taylors, or if slides are more your style, take a look at these cute backless bikers from Bebe! Whichever brand you choose, whether made for speed or style, slip-ons are perfect for sliding on and off at the beach or slipping into in a snap when you're running late! Check the slideshow for some of my favorite pairs.

Alex Gambardella on Jul 9, 2009 7:22 AM PDT

Nicole Smith is an editor at CraftStylish, a site dedicated to style-savvy do-it-yourself projects! Below, she introduces fabric designer and writer Anna Maria Horner.


In the current issue of SewStylish, we highlighted the many inspirations of the talented Anna Maria Horner. Here's a little more from that interview along with photos of her inspirations and new pattern line. We just love the amazing fabric designs from author Anna Maria, and now she has her own pattern line and book available, too. From her very first fabric collection for Free Spirit in 2006, to her current quilting and decor lines for Westminster, Anna Maria always has an original style full of inspiration.


For the full Q-and-A with Anna Maria, click on over to the CraftStylish blog!

Anna Yu on Jul 9, 2009 6:24 AM PDT

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm one of those people who will put a smiley face at the end of most sentences. I just like to think that I'm putting a lighthearted touch to my email or chat message that would otherwise be mistaken as sarcastic or mean. Lately I've been feeling that the smiley face I use =) has been getting a little stale. Besides, there's only so much I want to smile at. Since I do my best thinking while in the shower (singing too!) getting the Text Talk Vinyl Shower Curtain is probably the best way to add to my emoticon repertoire. This large shower curtain is made of eco-friendly PEVA material and features a wide variety of emoticons I didn't know existed. Now I can add things like a yawn |-O or a smooch :-* to clarify my meanings via email, text or chat even more!


Price: $14.99
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the Text Talk Vinyl Shower Curtain to the Hive.

Alex Gambardella on Jul 9, 2009 5:23 AM PDT

I discovered something strange this morning: I have two of the exact same pair of jeans -- apparently when I find something I like I buy it in multiples. And even though these jeans are the same style, the length differs by about one inch. I never noticed this until I tried to put the shorter pair with heels -- I looked like I was sporting floods! Now whatever the reason, this is annoying. Fortunately the shorter version looks great with flats, but sometimes I haven't he time to coordinate my shoes with the hem of my pants. Thankfully someone thought of this. I think these pants magnets were originally developed to keep the hems of your work pants clean while commuting through the snow, salt and sludge of NYC, but they would certainly solve my jeans problem! Zakkerz is known for this line of products and sells them at quite a reasonable price! Try 'em for yourself and you won't have the heel/flat problem ever again! Don't forget to click on over to TheFind for more helpful style tips and products!

Anna Yu on Jul 8, 2009 4:19 PM PDT

To call Philip Treacy just a milliner is a severe understatement. While he is best known for his award winning hat designs and for his collaborations with Alexander McQueen and Chanel, did you know he's also the Design Director for the g Hotel in Galway, Ireland? It's no surprise that his whimsical hat designs have translated into hotel design as well. From the bubblegum Pink Lounge to seashell decorated rooms, Philip explains his designs as "hats people love to wear. With the g, I have created a place where people will love to be." The g has 101 rooms including the Evangelista Suite (where you can not "wake up for less than $10,000 a day"). All rooms have Treacy-designed Frette linens and even butler service! Take a look at my slideshow to see what living the avant garde life would be like at the g Hotel.

Amber Fijolek on Jul 8, 2009 2:24 PM PDT

Tying the knot can often suggest more unnecessary luxuries than the term implies (well, string), and if you're living an environmentally-conscious lifestyle, then why shouldn't your wedding follow suit? Neither the ceremony nor reception need to leave their carbon footprint when you and your significant other take the plunge. From the invites to the food, there is plenty of room for impurities to find their way into the big day's plan. These days, being green is more than just an attempt to save the beautiful vessel on which we live -- it's a powerful trend that has conveniently filtered its way to any type of vendor you might need to make your fairytale come true. The success of having such reputable resources at your fingertips has even been proven with earth-friendly celeb-weddings like Alicia Silverstone's! Taking the extra steps to seek more eco-friendly options would be a diverting challenge for any couple, and certainly one that will make the knot-tying date and the rest of your lives together extra special.

Lisanne Silverman on Jul 8, 2009 12:21 PM PDT

Whether you're an avid costume jewelry collector or are looking to start an incredible collection of your own, you won't want to miss the YOOX Vintage "Return To The '80s" costume jewelry sale. In collaboration with Deanna Farneti Cera, the author of many books on the subject, YOOX presents a collection of timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces signed by designers like Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Ugo Correani for Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. Most of them were just prototypes that never actually went on sale, so not only are they eternally in style, but they're quite rare as well. Standout pieces include a painted metal cuff that resembles lace, red velvet and simulated pearl heart earrings, three-dimensional bustier earrings from Chantal Thomas, and many more. Click over to YOOX to shop the collection now!

Pauline Montupet on Jul 8, 2009 10:17 AM PDT

This summer is about the extremes, from the brightest colors to head-to-toe nudes. The same was true with beauty trends. It's time to say buh-bye to the black lipgloss trend of fall and winter (that never really caught on anyway) and hello to brights! Pastel pinks, hot pinks, light corals and neons are all the rage for lips. Fiery coral was seen at Proenza Schouler and bold pink at Hussein Chalayan. It's hard to go wrong with these bright shades, as long as you find a shade that works for you. Lip stains offer a light pop of color that stays on for hours. Try Stila's new Mango Crush Lip and Cheek Stain that has natural mango extracts that react to your pH levels to give you the perfect shade of coral. Lipsticks also provide a nice creamy matte bright color. Try ones with lots of pigment like Lancome's Color Fever Roses Lipstick. If you're a little iffy to commit or want to try something a little more sheer, try a lipgloss with a subtle tint. YSL also has a limited edition palette of lipsticks that includes both a bight pink and bright coral and lighter pink glosses that will cover all your bright basics! Check out the slideshow to get the look style-setters from LA to New York have already embraced.

Sabrina Newman on Jul 8, 2009 8:21 AM PDT

A statement-making necklace is such a quick and easy way to update your look. It's no secret that people are trying to pinch their pennies these days, and investing in a standout necklace can make wardrobe pieces you've had for years look brand new. At the BET pre-party, Jessica Alba rocked a simple white tee and black blazer combo (worn with cropped pants). On its own, the outfit was nothing special, but courtesy of the gorgeous multi-chain Gemma Redux necklace she sported, she looked totally fashion-forward and on-trend. The multi-chain style is a huge right now and can add just the right dose of edge to your look. Throw one on and toughen up a sweet floral frock, upgrade a basic jeans-and-tee look, or add some glam to a classic LBD-- the options are endless. Check out my slideshow for 5 necklaces similar to the one worn by Jessica.

Check out my SLIDESHOW for 5 necklaces similar to the one worn by Jessica.