SO something you might have seen trickling down through from favorite designers to our favorite more cost-effective stores is neon. Neon, if you remember from seventh grade science class, is a chemical element from the periodic table. Surprisingly it’s a colorless gas that only exhibits an orange-red glow when placed in a high voltage electric field. But likely there have been many interpretations of neon in blouses to dresses, tanks and shorts. Flattering on a variety of skin tones especially with the glow of a summer tan, I would go with the yellow, orange, or pink. And when I saw neon, I don’t mean like a highlighter block of color, but choose a fabric that adds its own element to the neon. Herve Leger is probably the best example of this with many dresses and skirts in neon hues. Lavin and Miu Miu have pops of neon in their accessories and shoes. But how can we realistically achieve this trend? One word: Zara. They found the perfect combination by using modern silhouettes and soft fabrics, the neon transforms into a sleek modern staple. If you want something more subtle or not as pink, J.Crew and Madewell have some lovely silk blouses. But I just ask you try. H&M and Forever 21 have some summer-y tanks in neon to test out if you only want to dip your toe in. But I promise this is a great trend once you dive right in!
NOW this is a trend I’m both happy and frustrated to see. Why? Because I’m considered to be part of the trend as well. As you can see from the picture located to your right, I have been a platinum blonde for almost 8 to 9 years. And being a redhead before that, there has always been that temptation of going back to red. I’m not going to get to all sentimental on you or anything but it had a great deal to do with my own self identity, and what I had always believed to be beautiful. But in the last few months I have come to realize a good amount about myself, and accepting what makes me me. One of those things being my hair. And I had thought in my mind for some reason that the only way I would be pretty was with blonde hair. When I made the change to go back to red, found that I was still as pretty as I was before. Some would even say more so. But it has been really great change for me. And apparently for some other stars as well. This isn’t something I want everyone to go out and do, but maybe, like me, it can be an interesting new possibility that you didn’t think you could pull off. From the crayon red being rocked by my girl Rihanna, cool collected mid-tone red worn by Christina Hendrick’s, deep red donned by Evan Rachel Wood on the new cover of Nylon.
Check out the variety, you can do it! So next time when you sit in the chair at the hair salon mention it to your stylist and see what they would suggest. You never know, until you try.
I’m here and alive, just on my grind, trying to figure out life. BUT I’M BACK, pinky promise, no take backs. There are so many great things going on in fashion right now. One of the many things going is natural jewelry. Utilizing rope, thread, yarn, jersey, you name it, they’re doing it. And what I feel is so nice is when pairing it with equally raw material such as stones, or crystals. For something more refined to something more casual it is available, so make sure you know what you’re looking for or you are sure to be overwhelmed. SO here are some guidelines:
for a more refined look you can chose either multiple medium stones, OR one large stone statement piece. with both I would suggest wearing a sold
for a casual look you can choose a raw-finish multiple strung necklace OR long layered necklace with a medium sized stone and a mix of a chain.
OR if you want the best of both worlds get a large stone statement piece and mix it with some of your favorite gold chains you already own! talk about maximizing your investment.
You can find these and many more options at Madewell, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters.
Sometimes I don’t understand why people are so bogged down by getting dressed in the morning… for me it is a chance to play dress up, try something new, or the easiest way to express how I am feeling that day. Including nonchalant or comfty. In my book at least.
But you have SOOO many options now-a-days and if you don’t have them, you can create them, if you have the guts, that is. But yeah look at everyday as an opportunity to play a part, whether that is the Queen of English, Barbie, or your own unique brand of you, do it. and don’t be scared to do it all the way.
If you don’t really get what I’m putting out, I will give you an example. Today I was feeling fresh. Like a twist of lime in a frosty beverage, fresh. It was hot and humid outside so anything covering more than half my body was out. I wanted people to notice as well, like ‘wow, haven’t seen that in awhile, I wonder where she got that…’ My first choice was my brand spankin’ new overall shorts. Yes, you heard me right, overall shorts. High waisted to boot, no less. Ok that was my traditional piece, but I wanted a twist right? SO I have a extremely bright lemon lime sports bra. Which also make the girls look nice, if you know what I mean. Now I’ve never been just wearing a sports bra out kind-of girl, so I paired it with my striped J.Crew tank in lemon. For accessories I chose a chunky gold chain necklace, reminiscent of LL Cool J. I surprisingly got it from J.Crew but American Apparel carries them from time to time as well. To match the necklace, I wore over-sized gold studs. I left my hair down, so I could catch any breeze that came by. Its like Hot Wet American Summer meets the Bronx in the late 80’s. And I rocked it with some attitude. Let’s just say fresh earned me a few compliments and reminded me a little something like this!
Headbands are back. Not the ones from the fourth grade that we used to push our hair out of our faces but a new kind, or a rather old kind that is. What some are dubbing the ‘hippie headbands’ since the are being worn around the forehead instead of behind your ears, have become a staple of any modern girl looking to add some extra sparkle to their wardrobe. I really want to learn how to make them because personally I don’t know if I quite like the thirty two dollars that anthropologie is charging for them. But regardless they are gorgeous. Beaded, or crystalized, simple or ornate, any that you can get your hands on I would grab and run. Just please please make sure that it doesn’t overwhelm you. You want to wear the headband not the headband wearing you. Find them at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, American Apparel, or even your local thrift store!
Not really up my alley, in the slightest, but amazing none the less are the OPI Shrek Forever After Collection. Laugh all you want, but the series of color are bright, interesting, and for anyone looking for a change of pace. And six colors to choose from!
Orge-the-Top - A vivid middle blue
Funky Dunkey - A nice true Violet
Who the Shrek Are You? - A soft chartreuse
What’s with the Cattitude? - A bright light blue
Rumple’s Wiggin’ - A pale lilac
Fiercely Fiona - A lovely yellow green
I’m the biggest fan of ‘Orge-the-Top’ and ‘What’s with the Cattitude?’ since I love shades of blue in any thing. Other than lipstick, perhaps. But I’m working up the nerve to try on the ones inspired by Shrek and Fiona themselves. To me its a very fine line between fashion forward and looking like you just grabbed the wrong color in the cosmetics aisle.
If you don’t know what rompers are, I really can’t fault you. But if you don’t go out and grab yourself one this summer, I will. If you go to Wikipedia they will tell you a ‘romper suit’ is a one-piece garment worn by children and sometimes women. I swear it’s so much better than it sounds. It is essentially if your tank top and your short shorts got married and decided to quite literally come together. It can be in a number of fabrics from jersey, to cotton, to silk, among many others. They can have sleeves or no sleeves at all. They now even have their own section at UrbanOutfitters.com. What I love most about them is how easy they are. It’s one piece. And the less time I have to take to get ready in the morning is ALWAYS a plus. Any color, any pattern, any way you want to wear it. Endless possibilities.
Find any and all at H&M, Zara, and Forever 21.
