May 21, 2012

Vintage Moment: Summer Casual

I love looking at vintage online on Etsy or on Market Publique.  Sometimes, I just like to look at the beautiful impractical clothes; the details, the design, not things I could incorporate into my wardrobe. But there are plenty of pieces that I could see easily integrating in my wardrobe.  Vintage can seem a little intimidating and you might not be sure how you can work it into your wardrobe.  My hope with these posts is to demonstrate how vintage pieces can be worn in completely contemporary ways. Here is a casual summer look I created around a lovely vintage pink eyelet top, from DearGolden Vintage, mixed with new pieces.  One things to keep in mind vintage is to only choose one item to be the focus and to mix it with a current off the rack piece, to avoid looking like you are wearing a costume.

Cutout blouse, from DearGolden Vintage on Etsy, $34




May 20, 2012

Summer Survival Kit

Here's a quick peak at my essential products to get through even the most sweltering summer with style.
My Summer Survival Kit

1.  A lightweight summer dress, the kind that I can throw on and still look pulled together. Right now I want one in a bright color like turquoise.

Summer dress, $58

2.  Tank tops in every color imaginable.  It may seem boring, but paired with some chunky jewels it will definitely make a statement.
Old Navy striped tank, $8.50
Old navy shirt, $8.50
Old Navy ribbed tank, $8.50

3.  I know I was on a retro swimwear kick last year, but guess what I still love them! They are a must have for lounging in the back yard or hanging by the pool.
One piece swimwear, $90

4. A pop of color on fingers and toes in summer is a fun a easy way to be bright.
off the shoulder, $8

5. I need to protect my precious peepers and I want to look pretty darn cool too.  I need a pair of old Hollywood shades in a glam color.
Star sunglasses, $14

6. I don't love lipstick in summer, too heavy and cakey. This subtle balm with it's hint of tint is the perfect lip color substitute.
Burt s Bees lip treatment, $6.99

7. If I'm hanging at home I'm probably barefoot.  When I go out I need a little height, but not at the expense of comfort. These cute Naturalizers are the best of both worlds.
Naturalizer Ladell, $50

8. Look chic while protecting my fair complexion, um check and check.  A straw hat with a substantial brim is my best friend in summer.
Brixton Louella, $40

9. Sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen, 'nuff said.  This Alba one has a light lovely scent, isn't greasy and doesn't make me break out.
Alba Gren Tea SPF 45 Sunscreen, 4-Ounce Tubes (Pack of 2), $20

10. For the days when I need to look pretty and polished, but I don't want to wear a heavy foundation this Covergirl Natureluxe foundation fits the bill.
CoverGirl Natureluxe Foundation, Dune 335, $12

What are your summer must haves???

May 18, 2012

Makeup Must-Try: False Eyelashes




I have been home bound for about a week and while did catch up on about a year's worth of sleep, I also did a fair share of random internet browsing. In one of my browsing expeditions I had a makeup epiphany, I realized the incredible power of the false eyelash. This discovery sent me into a Youtube frenzy looking up tutorials on how to apply false lashes without blinding yourself (something I might do). My research resulted in two things this amazingly simple video tutorial (from blogger Geri Hirsch, Because I'm Addicted) and shopping wishlist of lash-tastic finds to create the look.





May 16, 2012

Look For Less: Cameron Diaz in Valentino

I believe in love at first sight; that instant attraction, the insatiable desire, of course in my case in only happens with clothes and accessories. For example as soon as I saw the cover of the May issue of Instyle, I instantly fell in love with the lovely lavender Valentino dress as worn by the radiant Cameron Diaz. Of course my budget doesn't really cover Valentino, it doesn't really cover much now adays, so I created a similar look for a fraction of the price. This head to toe look rings in at $126, now that will keep you looking fabulous and keep your savings safe.
Get The Look: Cameron Diaz

May 14, 2012

Currently Craving: Bustier Tops

















I am going to credit these images of Claudia Schiffer wearing retro-sexy bustiers for inspiring my latest shopping craving. The pictures are from Guess' 30th Anniversary Ad campaign; which features an apparently ageless Schiffer wearing retro Guess styles in sultry black and white photographs.  Fortunately for me or perhaps unfortunately, bustiers are cropping up everywhere and the abundances of colors, fabrics and price points gives a plethora of choices.  Here are some top picks that are pretty, printed and of course under $100.

Summer Look: Bustier Tops

May 7, 2012

Wedding Guest Garb: The Formal Wedding

The summer wedding season is right around the corner and if you are like most, you are attending at least one of these soirees in the next couple of months. Sometimes it's a little difficult to decide what would be appropriate to wear to these events, so as your fashionable confidant I thought I would share a few ideas over the next couple weeks. I will cover looks that range from more casual afternoon events to the most formal evening fete. I know that weddings are not cheap, the gift, getting there, the room (if you are staying over) all costs a bundle, that's why the looks I create will all ring in at under $200. You don't need to spend a fortune to look fabulous.

This is the last look in my "Wedding Guest Garb" series.  The most perplexing and perhaps costly of all the dress code looks is the formal wedding.  Formal dresses are longer in length, there is more fabric and there are certain materials more appropriate for evening.  Look for fabrics like chiffon, satin, silk and even a high sheen jersey.  Baubles are a great way to dress up the look as well, the more sparkle the better, but remember if your gown is heavily bejeweled, keep the rest of your adornments simple. The look I created for the formal wedding starts with an inexpensive jersey dress and relies on sparkly accessories to complete the look. If you have a question about what to wear to your summer event send me an email. Be sure to include your budget, the type of event, time of day, venue and any other details that would help determine dress code.  
What to Wear to a Formal Wedding