July 4th isn't just another day off work or an excuse to take an extra-long weekend trip. It's a day to remember and commemorate the men who drafted the Declaration of Independence, the document that provides us all with the freedoms we enjoy today. And since this is a time when the United States is still engaged in battle, you may find yourself even more tempted to wear red, white and blue to show your patriotism. But I'll caution you that this look can be a bit tricky to pull off without feeling like a walking American flag. So remember that it's equally patriotic to wear red, white, or blue to that picnic or parade or fireworks celebration, or to drop just a hint of this somewhat expected color combo in your accessory choices.
When I was an elementary school, my favorite field trips were the ones that involved the ocean-- going to the beach to find seashells, visiting the aquarium, and exploring the shallow tide pools. What better way to recapture those carefree days than with our outfits! Before you think that adding things like coral and seashell prints will make you look like your mom, think again. The trick is to go towards a more subtle route. Don't pile on the coral jewelry with a large sea life printed dress unless you want to look like you're trying out for a Golden Girls revivial! Instead, layer on a long faux coral charm necklace with other chain necklaces. If you're going to do a large statement piece like the seahorse printed tank top, then keep everything else sleek and simple. Take a look at my slideshow for more sea life inspired items that will have you singing "Under the Sea."
Take glasses beyond a necessity and into being an accessory. Now days frames are as important as any other accessories, and maybe even more since they are way more visible than your shoes or bag since there on your face. Glasses are a way to express individuality and immediately change your look, even people who dont even need glasses are even wearing them. PRISM frames are here to help you do just that. Inspired by vintage frames from the 50s and 60s the designer Anne Laub also pulled inspiration from street style in cities like New York, Paris and Rome- cities that also give each pair of frames there namesake. The unisex collection has bold frames in cat-eyed, oval and square made in cool colors like midnight blue, zebra tortoise and clear.
How is it that a living space can get so cluttered? Some people are lucky and are born with the "organized and tidy" gene. I got the "cluttered pack-rat" gene instead. With every new beginning, I promise myself that I will only keep what is absolutely necessary and all that is not under that category will be swiftly thrown, recycled or donated. Instead, there are piles of fashion and gossip magazines dotting my floor, suitcases holding clothes because my closet and dressers are full and shelves of random knick-knacks, accessories and souvenirs that I swear are sentimental, but probably wouldn't notice if they were gone. Some fellow pack-rats have found a creative and environmental way to rid our already small living spaces of junk and clutter and produce objects that are beautiful, funky and totally useful!
At this year's CFDA Fashion Awards, the beautiful Blake Lively made a show-stopping splash wearing a hot pink strapless dress by Michael Kors. Given the bright hue of the dress, Blake kept the rest of her ensemble on the subtle side with a pair of nude Christian Louboutin pumps, and some stunning jewelry pieces from Lorraine Schwartz including blackened gold and diamond hoops, a black jade and diamond ring and a blackened gold diamond mesh ring. Hot pink was without a doubt the shade du jour on the Spring 2009 runways, as seen at Badgley MIschka, Matthew Williamson, Doo. ri, Christian Dior, and many more, and the neon-color trend will be even more potent with the eighties revival on the horizon for Fall. Blake's strapless style is both fashion-forward and classically chic, definitely perfect for summer soirees! Check out my SLIDESHOW for 5 styles similar to the one she sported.
Whenever I travel, I'm either looking for a simple and cheap place to sleep for a night or an all out luxurious experience in a beautiful suite. Rough Luxe in London can be described as somewhere in the middle. Located in the up-and-coming King's Cross, Rough Luxe calls themselves as "A little bit of luxury in a rough part of London. A little bit of rough in a luxurious London." and they couldn't have said it better. The small and intimate hotel may only have 9 rooms (and just 3 have private bathrooms) and the chipped paint and stripped walls may seem a little dingy, but it certainly adds to the artsy starving artist vibe. Looks aside, the service makes up for everything. The manager Leo and his dog Spud make their guests feel right at home with dinner recommendations, a tour of their gallery and evening drinks with other guests.
Summer weddings are beautiful, with the blue skies, lush greens and thriving flowers. The outdoors are alive-- what a perfect setting to dedicate yourself to your life-long love! Embrace the season and play up summer's zest with a beauty regimen that will put you in steep competition with the ravishing landscape. There are, however, some things to caution with such a fruitful time of year, like the heat that can turn a bride from stunning to sweltering. Oil-free foundations are a must, as are formulas that are light and airy to let your pores breathe. However, sometimes light and airy is synonymous with flaky, non-lasting makeup, so you'll need some of these dependable picks to last you on your ceremony of a lifetime. In the heat of the moment, you'll need a moisturizer first to start off fresh (oil-free of course), followed by a primer to make everything stay all day. A summer wedding is code for flawless skin, so you'll want to play up your skin tone with the some sunshine accents.
Lily Allen, pops talkative, oversharing princess, is a style maven. Showing a clear penchant for luxury brands like Chanel, Prada and Yves San Laurent, yet comfortable wearing Chucks and a cartoonish headband with them, she certainly has a look all her own. In the same way that Madonna did in the 1980s, Lily Allen is probably owed back royalties for style ideas taken and mass-produced at Urban Outfitters. How does she do it? She starts with a beautiful piece, no matter its a gorgeous top or a fantastic prom-style dress. She brightens the outfit with colored accessories and bold, thick bling. Check out my slideshow for style tips from Lily Allen!
Flip, flop, flip, flop. It's hard not to hear that summer's here! You know the sound -- the one that classifies an entire genre of footwear simply by the sound they make as you skip down the street. Since the middle of the last century, the fun thong sandals have made their mark as summer's top shoe choice. Famous for beating the heat, a pair of these make sun and sweat a breeze on those record-breaking hot days. Most important, however, is the signature impact they've had on swim-season fashion. If you're not barefoot on the beach, a pair of flip flops aren't too far out of sight, so matching your beachwear ensemble is top priority in picking your sand-safe kicks. They're the most basic of footwear, yet the most essential, as they're easy to throw on to get the job done, and with the right pair, you won't have to sacrifice comfort or sleek style. They're also lightweight and great for travel, so a pair that works for both a day at the beach and a night on the town is essential.
Are bowties ready for a comeback? I sure hope so! No longer reserved for nerds at prom and Bill Nye the Science Guy, bowties have started popping up here and there. But are they prime for a big return or will it just be a flash-in-the-pan trend like the brief resurgence of men's short shorts? From hipster to hip-hop and all the way up town to Gossip Girl territory, there's no denying that the trend is starting to build. Karl Lagerfeld has been spotted wearing a simple black silk bowtie for some time and -Kanye West- is rocking them in his sneak peak at his new clothing line Pastelle. Forgotten by fashion and relegated to dweeb territory for years, today's bowtie has a nostalgic kitschy feel that's fresh and new.