En Route to Summer Fashionista

Summer might be flying by but that doesn't mean your vacation wardrobe has to suffer. So whether your jet setting to the south of France or keeping it low key a local beach, here are some trendy essentials you can still try out for the remainder of the summer.

Crop top

It's a hot trend, but to be blunt, it's not meant for everyone. Sure the high waisted shorts and cutoff shirt is a cute look, but only if it's done in a flattering way. Hence why the crop top can be done in a number of ways, whether it be showing off those abs or a less revealing cutoff flowy tank top. No matter what, pairing it with high waisted bottoms is usually the classiest way.

Patriotism

Fourth of July might have passed, but summertime is always the prefect time to sport the red, white, and blue. Take note from Queen Bey (in every aspect of life, but most importantly, her fashion). USA apparel never fails for a day out in the sun. 

Overalls

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Honestly, I don't understand why this is such a big trend or even why I like it so much. The retro overalls are in, and for some reason, they looks really good. Denim is huge, so consequently, it's forgivable to adore a cute pair of overalls. 

An Oldie But Goodie

Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of Sex and the City! The show centered on four women in New York City broke the barriers for girls on friendships, relationships, sex, and fashion. It's typical for girls (and mo's!) to identify with a different character depending on their particular personality, however the fashion on SATC really brought its audience together. The one thing we can all agree on is you can't go wrong with a little Manolo Blanik on the feet and a big flower on the shoulder. Here's to the top SATC fashion moments worth raising a cosmo to! 

First off, they went to a Yankees game dressed like this. Fur coats, heels, and diva sunglasses. What better way to get over your ex (especially when he's Mr. Big) than show up to a baseball game like this and catch the attention of the new Yankee.

The series came full circle with the Paris finale. While Carrie experienced the most unromantic rendezvous in Paris, her fashion fortunately didn't suffer the same fate. This particular green dress stood out as she dashed through the streets of Paris before returning to her one true love - New York City.

The flower trend! By the time of the SATC movie, Carrie largely increased the flower, but back in her early Aiden days, the accessory was a subtle touch. Thanks to the show's amazing styling department, florals in the spring/summer suddenly did become groundbreaking. 

My personal favorite, the Dior newspaper dress. This style was so iconic that SJP repeated the look in Sex and the City 2, after debuting it during the series. It's not hard to pinpoint what exactly makes the dress so flawless. For six seasons, viewers watched and related to Carrie's struggle to find herself and what she wanted out of life. When Bradshaw steps into this dress, her confidence just sparks that SATC/NYC dream millions of girls relate to. 

"The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself, and if you can find someone to love the you that you love, well that's just fabulous."

-Sex and the City

Summer Trend: High Low Dresses

The summertime is all about trading that black wardrobe in for a colorful, boho chic one. The current stylish high low dress is the best way to perfect that look! With this figure slimming style, summer 2013 just got a little trendier.

Possibly, my favorite high low dress to wear! I'm a sucker for the strapless types with corset shapes and this one totally fits that type. The front zipper, stripes, and blue coloring just adds to its fabulousness!

Get that look: Apricot Lane

With a similar shape, this high low dress is perfect for going casual or dressing up. The bright coral top mixed in with the blue bottom allows it to work beautifully on a summer beach day. However, with the simple addition of a white blazer and pump/wedges, this high low transforms into appropriate nightwear. 

Get that look: Apricot Lane

For a comfortable and dressed down high low, this is the go to dress. Pick your color and you've got your flowly summer dress ready to wear!

Get that look: Express 

The Sound of Style

Singers and fashion can be an iffy combination. Sometimes they get it right, but usually due to over the top theatrical costumes, they get it wrong. Really wrong. Fortunately, two very classy ladies have been changing the unstylish face of music. And thanks to them, the Grammys red carpet might not have to be such a freak show after all.

Marina and the Diamonds

First, let's start with my queen - Marina and the Diamonds. Don't let the stage name fool you, this is one singer not a band. Marina Diamandis won my heart with her materialistic and self loving hit, Primadonna. How could I not adore someone who was singing about all my core values and making statements like "all I ever wanted was the world"! In addition to her incredible vocal talent and entertaining song writing, Marina has a quirky and girly style. Or as Marina would would put it, style that is inspired by Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and Marie Antoinette. In her music videos, she's playful with her varying themes (See: American dream, HBIC Power & Control, and a sultry Heartbreaker). On stage, she stays true to her Electra Heart persona with a simple silhouette, high platforms, and the trademark heart drawn on her cheek. She has the appearance of a barbie doll but the kind of soul that can connect with you through so many relatable experiences in her music. 

Lana Del Rey

And then there's Lana Del Rey, a bit more melancholic artist. With themes emphasizing on wasted youth, short love, and abandonment, Lana's dark image can get a little depressing. But like Marina, she's a lyrical goddess. Throw in a little sass ("I'm your little harlot, starlet, Queen of Coney island"), some danger ("kiss me hard in the pouring rain, you like your girls insane"), and some sadness ("been trying hard not to get into trouble, but I've got a war in my mind"). Lana loves living on the edge and the storytelling of her music videos show that. Other things to note in those lengthy videos is her style, from her heavy makeup and long nails to her classic appearances. Del Rey describes herself as a "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra". Her mix of retro and rebellion has won over major fashion fans, earned Vogue editorials, and landed her a contract as the spokesmodel for H&M.     

 

Fashion Wonderland

Tis the season to max out the credit card! The holiday months have arrived so here's to cherishing the fashion trends I'm grateful for...

Cat Eyes

Maybe winter isn't exactly considered the prime time to be indulging in gorgeous sunglasses, but how else can you fiercely shield your eye rolling during the family fun times?! Ever since Nicole Richie circa Simple Life in 2004, I've been a huge fan of the big sunglasses look. In fact, if there's one thing about those Olsen twins I can fully support (besides the flawless masterpiece that was Holiday in the Sun) it's their "bigger the sunnies, higher the cheekbones" style. Recently, I've totally fallen in love with the cat eye styled sunglasses but was apprehensive on how to pull them off. With this beautifully crystal studded Tiffany pair, problem solved. The shape is clear, yet subtle enough.

M.A.C. Liquid Foundation

Hola winter, aka the worst skin season ever. Need a nice stocking stuffer to clear up those flaws? This foundation is the perfect fix. I've never been a foundation user but this product has been like discovering magic. Take the smallest dab, spread, and bam! Sure, it made exfoliating a little scarier and truth baring. However, it gets the job done if you're really looking to clear up your complexion. 

Metallics

Instead of sticking to the basic dark colors, metallics are a great way to add something special to your outfits. The eye catching material easily sharpens up appearances. 

Bold Colored Peacoats

The pop of color trend that just won't die--not that I'm complaining. Hustling through the snow and wind in the city is not a fun, or glamorous, task. So while bundling up and trying to stay warm, I've personally opted for a red peacoat from Express. When feeling physically defeated, it's the easiest and most consistent way to up the appearance a little. 

Fabulous Fall Must Haves

With fall right around the corner, the most stylish fashion events are also getting very close! Before fashion shows start up, here are some items I'm obsessed with this fall and others that I'm dying to have in my closet.

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Trendy Trench Coat

This year, I'm aiming for a more glamorous fall/end of winter coat. Specifically one like Emma Watson's Burberry jackets! As fabulous as the studded coat is with its endless nightwear potential, I'd personally opt for the leather sleeve one. I've already started incorporating leather sleeve jackets into my wardrobe (see leather and lighter jacket from Urban Outfitters) and I think I'm going to stay faithful to this style! 

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Ankle Boots

Why is it so difficult to find the perfect pair of ankle boots? I'm still searching for casual ankle boots with a little heel, but not high enough to slow me down while walking in the city. However, the heel isn't the tricky part with the ankle boots hunt. The real problem is the cutoff. Ankle boots might be small footwear with a short length but they should still be spacious enough so that jeans or leggings look neatly tucked into the shoe, not bunched. Right now, my heart is set on these cognac ankle boots from Aldo! 

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Cheetah,  Lots of Cheetah

I've obviously been a very big fan of the trends involving color blocking and color popping so it's no shocker that I love patterns. Prints are always playful and fun, whether it's a classic polka dot pattern on black and white or a more sassy standout, like cheetah print. Up above is just a little glimpse of the cheetah shirts I've got lined up for the fall. From gray jeans during the day to black leggings at night, the animal print leaves no clothing match making limitations. And of course, I had to purchase some print worthy wedges for the nighttime!

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Fall Purse

What outfit is complete without the perfect handbag? As someone who's been obsessing over purses since she was 6 years old, I truly believe handbags are a solid investment. And until I can make that big leap of investing in a Birkin, my faux Park Ave styled bag will do. The cream and black color bag from Aldo is perfect for the fall and winter. It's also has enough space to fit all my necessities. With FNO on the first week of September, you can bet that a big handbag like this will be your big advantage. 

The Little Black Leather Dress!

I always love spotting different fashion trends in move costumes and did just that after seeing The Dark Knight Rises. When I wasn't swooning over the man candy and gasping from the action scenes (and you know paying attention to the plot), I found myself admiring Anne Hathaway's total HBIC persona. As someone who also appreciates the nicer things in life like pearls and diamonds, I wasn't shocked that I loved Hathaway's Catwoman. In fact, the performance made me wish Hollywood showed off more powerful stiletto fighting women. Which leads me to my new obsession, the LBLD- aka the Little Black Leather Dress! The LBD is every women's favorite and easy way to look effortlessly flawless. With the addition of a little leather, the dress has a vampy take on the traditional outfit choice. And with fall right around the corner, the sleek attire is perfect to throw on for a night out for cocktails!

Ladies who sport the leather:

Angelina Jolie

A decade/10 kids later and Angelina never really stopped rocking the sultry leather dress. As one of the  most action movie oriented actresses, it makes sense that Jolie loves the sharp appearance so much. In this Michael Kors dress from 2009, she looks ready to start her own fight scene right on the red carpet.

Emmanuelle Chriqui

At the 2010 ESPYS, Emmanuelle Chriqui opted for a more subtle touch of leather in this BCBG Max Azria dress. The short length along with the different fabrics(love the mix of sheer and leather) is a great way to play up the basic color. It's bold without coming off too strong!

Miley Cyrus

What a fab way to show up to your coming of age movie premiere with your hot new Australian boyfriend! Miley had a bit of her own Angelina moment but kept it young, and even more stylish, with the frilly shoulder pattern. 

Emma Stone

Last but certainly not least, Emma Stone took on the LBLD with a little design! The texture of this Versace dress is so gorg it honestly looks like artwork. Easily, my favorite leather black dress yet!

How To...Color Pop!

As someone who likes wearing dark colors a little too much(it's chic and fierce okay!), I love that summertime forces a major revamp in the wardrobe. While bright colors and florals are nothing new for the season change, summer 2012 is offering a much more diverse and bold way to play with colors. Here are some easy, fun ways to color pop while barely digging into your pockets...

Colored Hair

What better way to enjoy the carefree attitude of summer than sporting some colored hair tips to go with your tan! It can be tricky to do this if you're in professional environments pretty frequently so stick to the basics. If you have dark hair, stick with dark colors, like purple. If you have light hair, try a lighter shade like pink. Personally, I have an auburn hair color so I went with a fuchsia color. I also decided to go subtle and make my color pop a single hair extension, instead of using the dye!

Color Block/Pattern Mixing

It's a big style trend and not as difficult as you may think to pull off! All you need to do is stack up on one or two colored style pants( I got mine at Express), and experiment with different color shirts you have. Again, stick with your basic matching color rules- red bottoms with pink tops or blue bottoms with greenish/aqua tone tops. Color blocking with blazers is also a fab way to strut into your workplace while being stylish but not too over the top. Throw in some patterns like Cheryl Cole, above, did and you're even one step further! (Definitely recommend Kate Spade for color and pattern inspirations!)

Bright Nails

If you're still feeling too shy to make big splashes of color, at least play up your nails! Essie, for instance, has fab colors like these. Don't just stop after applying a simple neon color. Go for the classic different colored ring finger, which has become a huge hit this year! Self done bold nail polish or even manicured gel nails are a great summer investment.

Find your color this summer and have fun with it! As long as you find a basic match between a couple(or a few!) colors, you're sure to look amazing while rocking the color popping.

Spring 2012 Trends and Styles

It's a new year and with spring around the corner, the seasonal styles are about to change! Get ready to box up those dark and heavy fabrics and add some liveliness to your closet. Here are some gorgeous trends to be on the lookout for this spring:

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Crop Tops

Crop top: Express

Don't get too excited. Crop tops are back but not in the way where you should channel your inner Britney circa 2000. For spring 2012, this trend has a more subtle approach. This style is the best way to achieve a bohemian summer look! However, even if you got the body for it, I wouldn't recommend wearing these without a tank top underneath. Kate Beckinsale, for instance, sported a cute crop top with a casual approach.

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Suits

Professional or casual, floral or pastel - suits are totally in! The blazer and shorts combo works perfectly whether you're going to work or out for cocktails with the girls. Even Eva Longoria has already tried out this amazing look a couple of times!

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Abstract/Bold Patterns

Go bold or go home! Futuristic styles were a big hit at the Spring 2012 fashion shows. Since bold patterns can be tricky due to how they flatter your body or the statement they make, I prefer to take a light approach with this appearance. This shirt from Express follows the abstract style with the stripes and different colors, but does so in a less is more manner. For a more dramatic take on this look, take note from Amanda Seyfried:

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Jazz Age/Metallics

An important memo for this spring: dress like Daisy Buchanan! The roaring 20s are making a comeback this spring, taking vintage to a whole new level. Whip out those flashy clothing items and don't be afraid to let your dress be a little more flowy, and a little less tight fitting!

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Peplums

The biggest new trend of the season, but possibly the hardest to pull off. Women are usually trying to find clothes to distract from their their waistline, but this new style states that we should be doing the opposite. Diane Kruger looked fabulous when she wore a black peplum dress. The detailing was perfect, but didn't draw too much attention to her waistline or give her a hips a weird shape.