Stylehive Blog

Black And Blue and Chic All Over

PaulineM@stylehive.com (Pauline Montupet) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:20:40 PST

Wearing blue and black together... how can you? Isn't that that one of the number one fashion faux-pas? Slowly but surely all of your grandma's old fashion cliches, like not wearing white after Labor Day and not wearing blue and black in the same outfit are quickly being thrown to the way side -- and not a moment to soon. Take your basic black and turn it into something way beyond boring by adding shot of bright blue. A Prussian blue top layered under a sleek black jacket and some tailored menswear-inspired trousers give you a look that goes right from the Gucci runway to your office. With holiday party season coming up, stand out of the crown with an LBBD, a little blue and black dress. Add a skinny blue belt to any old black dress, or even better, add on a blue and black necklace or scarf and you're good to go. Looking to splurge a little? Get "Mad Men"-sexy with Proenza Schouler's t-shirt bustier dress that is the perfect combo of girl next door-style t-shirt and a va-va-voom bustier dress. However you wear it, being black and blue is no longer a bad thing! Check out the slideshow for some more ways to hit the trend.

Lemondrop's Top 12 Things You Should Never Wear to the Office!

idabone@stylehive.com (Ida Hsiang) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:18:40 PDT

We all know it can be tricky to judge what constitutes appropriate work attire. (See old episodes of "Ally McBeal" for reference.) We like to use a version of the expensive-meal rule: Just like you can't afford something if you have to ask how much it costs, if you're not sure whether you can pull off a work look, you probably shouldn't risk it. While shiny gold lame leggings might constitute "power dressing" at American Apparel, in general you should steer clear of these office dress-code violations -- especially number one on our list.

12. Leggings
If you're cold, wear tights. If your dress is too short, put it back in the closet. If you don't feel like wearing pants, well ... tough. Leggings lack the polish and professionalism of standard work slacks or a nice pair of Wolford tights. Toss in the fact that they're generally unflattering (hello, cankles!) and make you look like you're headed to a Jazzercize class, and you're better off calling in sick.

11. Boobs
OK, we get it. You've got a mind for business and a body for sin. But trying to emphasize the latter in a revealing tube top or strapless dress could backfire. "If you show too much cleavage, people will not take you seriously," says Atlanta-based image consultant Peggy M. Parks of The Parks Image Group. "You always want to bring attention to your face so people will look at your eyes and listen to what your mouth says without being distracted on the way up. You need to dress professionally to show that you are there for business and you mean business."

10. Shorts
First, ask yourself this: Do I work at Hooters? If the answer is no, step away from the booty shorts and flesh-toned tights. Shorts don't scream "corporate titan." And no, we don't care how hot it is outside. That's why God created air conditioning.

Decorating On The Cheap With Scribbleonwalls.com!

PaulineM@stylehive.com (Pauline Montupet) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 09:18:40 PDT

Hanging wallpaper in your apartment or house can be a great way to update your stale decor. But who wants the hassle of dealing with the glue, roller and high-priced papers? Save your money and time by using self-adhesive decals to spiff up your pad. The self-proclaimed €œdesign geeks€� at scribbleonwalls.com have a stock of hundreds of designs to stick on walls, ceilings, mirrors, doors and furniture! Pretend you€™re a super hero with larger than life fight noises and word bubbles, or use pretty feminine vine decals for above the couch or bed. Wall graphics are a great modern alternative to paint, wallpaper and posters-- that take about half the time. They're super easy to apply: just remove the decal's backing, smooth it onto the wall, and remove the top coating of clear transfer tape. Bored of your chosen design? You can remove our decals by simply peeling them off the wall without any damage! (The same can't be said about wall paper!) Wall decals range in price, size and awesomeness, and are available at scribbleonwalls.com.

Going Ice Skating? Check Out Our Outfit Ideas!

kristintheory@stylehive.com (Kristin ) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:17:40 PST

What better way to enjoy the cold and make a fool of yourself than to grab your silliest friends and go ice skating?! And just so you don't have to think about anything else besides having fun, here are some wardrobe must-haves for your next winter jaunt to the rink (or pond). First of all, don't wear jeans. If you fall, they'll just get heavy, wet, and uncomfortable. Instead, throw on this pair of slim black pants with stretch by J.Crew. On top, layers are key. Grab something like this lightweight turtleneck by James Perse, and bring a hoodie, a fleece, or a jacket like this parka from Adidas by Stella McCartney. Since most ice skates have little padding, don't forget some heavy socks - check out these "fleece welly" socks by the maker of the original rain boots, Hunter. Gloves are also not a bad idea if you plan on falling a lot - i.e. making the most of your experience! Try on these candy-colored J.Crew colorblock gloves in a wool/cashmere blend. Now I can't wait to get out there! Don't miss the SLIDESHOW of these great ice skating fashion finds!

Vintage Style: Button Up a Figure-Friendly Vest This Fall!

ZUBURBIA@stylehive.com (Mary Kincaid) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:26:40 PDT

The vest is back and what a fun little piece of clothing! So many ways to wear it...so many styles to choose from...so many moods to create. Unless you're planning on a knitted version with bells and snowmen, it's pretty hard to go wrong. And with cuts for every type of figure, from buxom to petite, there's a figure-flattering vest out there for any shape or size. Originally introduced by Charles II of England way back in the 1600s, the recent menswear revival puts vests front and center for the next few months. And the good news is that vintage vests are plentiful and, quite often, inexpensive. Just click the SLIDESHOW for some inspiration!

Hive 5: Shorties Unite Behind Nude Pumps!

Bailsbee@stylehive.com (B B) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:59:40 PDT

How would you like to be taller? Well there's a bit of fashion magic that creates the illusion of added height - nude heels! They work by elongating the leg. A heel in any other tone will create contrast cutting the leg line at the ankle. The nude color actually works to extend the leg. And since the color is neutral and blends in, the heels go with everything. This versatility makes nude heels a wonderful investment. For a funky vibe check out Chloe's thick heeled pump with a collared edge and bonus hidden platform, invest in a pair of Christian Louboutin heels in patent leather, or opt keep your look classic with Kate Spade's renditions in suede and ostrich embossed leather. More styles and details are in the SLIDESHOW - so get clicking!

Hive 5: Be the Top of Your Class With These Classic Schoolbags

Bailsbee@stylehive.com (B B) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:24:40 PDT

A school bag can't be just any old bag. My preference would be to have Mary Poppins' bag, you know one that can hold literally anything, but for now I think one of the ones in the Hive will have to do. There are several requirements that add up to the perfect book bag; first, it has got to fit my laptop along with a notebook and any other school supplies I may need, along with everything I would throw in my purse: basically, it has to be massive. Second, it has to be durable and should be able to withstand lots of weight. Finally, I have to love it. I'm going to be carrying it with me for the majority of my waking hours for as many school years as it lasts, so it better be good looking bag. I've come up with the best of the best, so check out my slideshow where I apparently couldn't pick just five...

Indie Style: How to Go for the Gold Without Breaking the Bank

MommiePretty@stylehive.com (Tanya ) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 12:21:40 PDT

Gold has enjoyed a comeback in the last few years, but with historically high prices, who can afford to follow the trend? YOU can, if you know how to shop for gold that fits your budget. Gold-plated refers to karat gold over base metal, usually brass. According to Federal Trade Commission regulations, the gold layer must be at least 0.50 microns in thickness, compare that to the width of an average human hair at about 100 microns. This is the least expensive option since it contains the least amount of karat gold. Vermeil (pronounced "ver-MAY") is usually not less than 10kt gold but is more often 18kt or 22kt gold plated over sterling silver. Although one might think that the same standards would apply to vermeil as to gold-plate, since both processes involve electrolytically depositing a layer of gold over another metal, vermeil must actually have a gold layer of not less than 2.5 microns in order to be legitimately sold as vermeil and not as gold-plated silver. Click READ MORE for the rest, and be sure to check out the slideshow!

Style Insider: Lisa Kline Spills About Her 2008 Billabong Swim Line

spellingbee@stylehive.com (Chris K.) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:22:40 PDT

Lisa Kline is answering your design questions all week! We asked you to send your questions for the L.A. retail queen, and your designs for her to consider selling on lisakline.com, and we're counting down the questions until Friday when she names her winner. Today's question is from Stylehiver Laura Michelle, who wants to know about Lisa's new line of Billabong swimwear....

Lisa Kline Secrets! What Does Color Matter, Anyway?

spellingbee@stylehive.com (Chris K.) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:33:41 PDT

Lisa Kline is answering your design questions all week! We asked you to send your questions for the L.A. retail queen, and your designs for her to consider selling on lisakline.com, and we're counting down the questions until Friday when she names her winner. Today, Lisa delves into the mysteries of color, and why on Earth one sells better than the other! Read on for LK's musings on this universal style mystery...