Posts from — July 2010

What’s more fun than bright colors for summer?

Who says bright colors have to be limited to your clothes?

Neon nail polish has to be one of my favorite summer beauty regime.  What says “I <3 Summer” more than vividly colored nails that pop against your tanned skin?  Nothing, exactly.

This will be my next color choice.

So pick your favorite color and get going!  Neon those nails!  Currently, you can see a hint of hot pink on my toes peak through my sandals and heels.  Looking at my toes just makes me happy.

What’s your favorite neon nail polish color?

Today, I raided my sister’s closet.

Let me back story here- if you haven’t read my About Me page, then you don’t know that I started writing about fashion because of my little sister.

Angela (left) and me, August 1990

My sister, not so little at 21 years old, has always been fashionable.

Check out those shoes

When we were in high school (and even a little in college), she would try to give me a wardrobe make over.  Seems like some of her advice sunk in because my senior year of college, I finally started listening to her.  By the time we took on Paris and London together this past April, I think she finally began to approve of my fashion sense.

Picture taken in front of Harrod's in London, the mothership of all department stores

That’s not the point of this post.

Angela came home for the night this past weekend and as she was packing up to leave, we were going through her closet.  As we were piecing through the shirts, dresses, rompers, and skirts, hanging there in a neat little row, I couldn’t help but notice what truly beautiful clothing she has- and this isn’t even what she wears on a daily basis.

In my sister’s closet, you’ll find designers like Betsey Johnson, Sunner, Anna Sui.  You’ll find materials like cotton, wool, satin, silk, and everything in between.  You’ll find vintage pieces from the 1960s, found while vintage shopping in New York City.  You’ll find clothing full of high school memories and shoes that wandered the streets of Paris.

However, my favorite thing that I found cannot be worn.

Yes, you are looking at a dress made out of ribbon and NYC Subway maps, which was created as a project for a class at NYU, where Angela will be a senior this fall.

In my sister’s closet, you’ll find a passion.

I’ll admit it: I have such a girl crush on Idina Menzel.  Idina is a star of the stage and screen (both big and small) in addition to being a recording artist.  She is best known for her portrayal as Elphaba, the emerald-skinned witch in the original Broadway cast of Wicked, for which she won the 2004 Best Actress Tony Award.  She also appeared in the Disney movie “Enchanted” and guest starred on “Glee.”

As if that wasn’t awesome enough, she’s married to Taye Diggs.  ENOUGH. SAID.

Reasons why I think that Idina Menzel is a Style Icon:

1. Beautiful hair.
2. Dazzling smile.
3. She’s the only person who can dress up like the Wicked Witch (full makeup and all) and still look beautiful
4. HOT husband. Taye is pictured with her in some of the photos below. How drop-dead is he?
5. Amazing voice.
6. Humility. I met her after Wicked one time- yes, I used to be a theatre nerd- she was nothing but lovely and gracious to all of her fans.

Photo from tonyawards.com

Photo from about-knowledge.com

Photo from idinamenzel.com

Photo from idinamenzel.com

Photo from idinamenzel.com

Photo from idinamenzel.com

Photo from broadwayworld.com

Photo from 29.media.tumblr.com

Um, can I be her when I grow up?

Who is your favorite style icon?

Earlier this week, American fashion designer and Project Runway judge Michael Kors presented his Fall 2010 advertising campaign to the world on his Facebook page.  This campaign, refreshing to see in the dog days of summer, was photographed by Mario Testino and features Carmen Kass and Noah Mills as the stars.

I think that these photographs for the campaign have amazing perspective and beautifully vivid fall colors.  A majority of each photograph has a reddish overlay, almost to blur the background.  The most important element of the pictures, though, is crystal-clear.  That important element being the clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories designed by Michael Kors.

All images from Michael Kors.

My favorite picture is the last one, mainly because I need those boots now.  I also think it sums up what a fall day is, to me: spending your time outside, soaking in all that beautiful scenery, with the love of your life (and looking cute, of course).

I don’t know about you, but this advertising campaign makes me miss the cool chilly air of autumn and long for pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks.  Well done, Michael Kors and team.

Photo from coupontime.blogspot.com

If you couldn’t tell from my Twitter feed, I am a little bit obsessed with Mad Men.  The fourth season starts on Sunday, July 25 (!!!!!!!) and to help promote the show, Banana Republic will again partner with Mad Men, this time with a casting call.  Banana Republic wants you to dress up in your best retro style and send it to them.  If you’re the best dressed, you’ll get the chance to appear as a walk-on role ON THE ACTUAL SHOW.  HOW COOL IS THAT?!

Now, I have no acting capabilities whatsoever, but if I were to enter this contest, here are my two options for the show- right from my closet!

This dress was my great-aunt’s and is actually from the 1960s.  I wore it for Halloween last year and dressed up as someone between Jackie O. and a character from Mad Men.  I let the people on the streets of Baltimore decide, which is where I spent the holiday.

Another option is this beautiful new-ish dress I bought from the Zac Posen for Target collection this past spring.  I brought it home and my mom exclaimed, “That is SO Betty Draper!”  So I guess that means it would be good for this contest!

Of course, you can always consult Banana Republic if you need some retro-inspiration.

This guest post was written by Meghan Butler, author of Meg’s Mumbo.  She is a city girl currently working in New York City and is always buzzing, just like neon.  Feel free to follow her on Twitter- I highly recommend it!

I love guys – the way they smell, their swagger, their voices and of course, their biceps! I especially love fellas with a flair for fashion. I’m not talking about some overly-groomed metrosexual whose style intimidates me. I really enjoy guys who dress well but not dressed up. Boys who can rock a button down and shorts and make it look like it stepped out of rugged men’s magazine! Here are some of my favorite summer looks for guys:

1. Button Downs & Shorts: This is the classic summer uniform for guys. It implies an easy confidence that will never be mistaken for laziness (even though it is most definitely a lazy style as well!) Make it a fun pattern with short sleeves and cargoes for day or if you want to dress it up, go with some chinos and a long sleeve basic shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Yummy.
   

   Photo from edgeofurge.com

2. Boat Shoes: I think boat shoes are my favorite fashion statement for both gals and guys. They just scream “old school preppy” in the best possible way. They’re comfy enough for walking around but nice enough to wear out. It’s a win-win!
   

   Photo from broadwayvogue.com

3. Linen Suits: Call me old fashioned but I love a guy in a suit. In the cooler months, I’m all for gray pinstriped suits with a bright colored shirt and matching tie. Is there anything sexier? Obviously this would not work for summer. My favorite summer suit is a light-colored linen with a nice shirt underneath. It’s so easy going but sexy! And if appropriate, wear them with boat shoes!
   

   Photo from eonline.com

4. Polo Shirts: Maybe it was the summer post-college I spent bar tending at a golf course. Or perhaps it was my upbringing in an upper-class neighborhood rife with golf courses and tennis courts but I adore a nice color polo on a fella. They’re cool enough to wear on hot days but still not a casual tee shirt. Just please, for the love of god, do not tuck the polo in. Furthermore, it is imperative that you NEVER pop a collar, no matter how many Twisted Teas you’ve had on the golf course! (Of course, Princes Harry and William do look quite dashing with their polos both popped AND tucked. Well done, sirs.)
   

   Photo from noahhunt.org

5. Ray Bans: Who doesn’t love a little mystery?? I love a guy with dark shades on – plus they help protect eyes against sunlight. I find the Ray Ban style to be the most universally flattering on me.
   

   Image from macys.com

…from the clothing store from Victoria’s Secret, that is.

I’m actually one of those girls who doesn’t shop at VS too often.  But flipping through my VS catalogue this weekend, I couldn’t help but notice that the non-lingerie clothing is adorable!  The company offers a wide range of dresses, shirts, pants, workout wear, and accessories.

While I would like to purchase about 90% of the catalogue I just browsed through, I cannot.  Here are my 5 favorite picks for you all out there.  I feel that my choices cover a wide range of occasions to wear each item, and I believe each could become essentials in your closet.

Corset Play Dress in Print, $49 (I prefer the White Multi-Color)

I think the style and fit of the corset dress is just adorable.  This dress would easily go from running errands during the day, in a simple pair of sandals, to night just by adding some height with a pair of cute heels or wedges.  Pair it with a sweater in the fall to wear it throughout the year.

Yoga Foldover Cropped Pant in Pink Graffiti, $24.50 or 2 for $40

I also think that every girl should have a pair of comfy yoga pants, and VS offers just that- I can speak from experience since I own a pair.  I especially love the amount of color combinations offered on the website!  So many colors to fit whatever your mood is, which is fantastic.

Sequin Tunic in Dark Silver, $59.50 (I prefer the Gold)

I firmly believe that you can never have too much sparkle when heading out with your girlfriends, and this sequin tank provides just that.  Pair it with a black blazer in the fall, skinny jeans and some peep toe pumps for a killer outfit.

Fleece Hooded Jacket in Winter White, $59.50

This is the perfect hoodie for running errands, heading to the gym, or for a casual Friday at the office.  Enough said!

Boyfriend Shirt in Black/White Flannel Plaid, $48

Who doesn’t love plaid?  This shirt will be comfy, and stylish, whenever you wear it.  Wear it with a pair of shorts or jeans, depending on you rmood. 

What are your must-haves from Victoria’s Secret?

[Disclaimer: This product review is not, in any way, affiliated with Arbonne, who's product I review in this post.  It's just something I wanted to do on my own.  In case the FCC comes after me or something]

In the August issue of Glamour Magazine, there is a whole page (pg. 56 to be exact) dedicated to summer hair care.  Ladies, you might not realize it, but your locks are just as susceptible to sun damage as your skin!

If you’re like me and love to spend time outside when the weather is nice, specifically down the shore, dry and damaged hair can be a potential problem- especially if it’s chemically treated in some way.  That’s why I decided to try out a conditioning spray to use before sun exposure to protect my hair.  One of my college friends is an independent consultant for Arbonne, an all-natural, all-vegan skin care, makeup, and wellness company founded in Switzerland.  The products are amazing, but that can be a series of posts in itself.

In anticipation for a trip to the shore, I purchased the BefoRE Sun To The Rescue Hair Protectant Spray.  Simply put, I love it!  I spritzed it on my hair in the morning before hitting the beach and waves.  It’s so nice and light and didn’t weigh my hair down or make it greasy, which is a plus.  It also acts as a detangler, which is great after spending the day in the ocean and on a windy beach.  The spray’s ingredients include arnica, camomile, linden and rosemary to protect all hair types while sustaining a natural, healthy shine.

As if that isn’t enough, but it smells incredible, since it’s ingredients are all-natural.

I would highly recommend giving your locks some love with this (or any kind of) spray protectant while enjoying your summer days outdoors.  You protect your skin from the sun, so why should your hair be any different?

First things first- if you couldn’t tell, I’m a bit of a Gleek (see point 5.3).  Last month, I wrote about Matthew Morrison (aka Mr. Schuester) and his character’s fashion and, most importantly, how the fellas out there can dress like him.

Now I’m here for Glee fashion tips for the ladies.  Emma Pillsbury, played by the adorable Jayma Mays, is William McKinley High School’s resident guidance counselor.  She is always optimistic, and her chic style reflects that.  Overall, her outfits are simple, yet professional and appropriate, well accessorized and fit her figure well.  Her on screen style might not be everyone’s favorite- I’ll admit, sometimes all the bows are a little overkill- but you cannot deny how everything looks on her.

All images from Fox.com

Emma’s style reminds me of many pieces I’ve seen, and longed for, from Anthropologie: clean, pretty, colorful, romantic.  Check out these Emma-inspired pieces from Anthropologie (and other stores) to create the look on your own!  I chose a simple half-sleeved shirt with a bright, fun skirt (to be tucked in, of course) with heels and big earrings.  Everything is work appropriate, yet doubles as weekend wear.  What more can you ask for?

Curated Tee in Brown Motif from Anthropologie, $48 (image from anthropologie.com)
Circle The Globe Skirt in Yellow from Anthropolgie, $68 (image from anthropologie.com)
Splurge! Ruston Bag in Grey from Anthropologie, $448 (image from anthropologie.com)
Virginia Pumps in Taupe from Target, $29.99 (image from target.com)
Steal! Darling Earring Set from Forever 21, $3.80 (image from forever21.com) 

I just spent the whole week down the shore and my friend Meghan turned me on to the cutest summer look: a nice button up and some casual shorts.  I think this is the most perfect look for a casual summer day, whether you’re running errands at home or grabbing lunch at the beach.  It’s easy, comfortable, and cute, which to me is what summer style is all about.

Ladies, what do you think?

BDG Breezy Button Down Shirt in Red from UrbanOutfitters, $38 (photo from urbanoutfitters.com)
Love Ady Cuffed Eyelet Shorts from Lord & Taylor, $35.99 (on sale, photo from lordandtaylor.com)
Day Off Top from Mod Cloth, $39.99 (photo from modcloth.com)
Level 99 Carolina Shorts from Anthropologie, $68 (photo from anthropologie.com)
Short Sleeve Puff Shirt from Top Shop, $32 (photo from topshop.com)
Love Ady Cuffed Seersucker Shorts in Khaki from Lord & Taylor, $35.99 (on sale, photo from lordandtaylor.com) 

Hey fashionistas & fashionistos.

Happy July!  I’m here to alert you to an amazingly chic giveaway.  The fabulous Caroline Ann (founder & author of Girl Goes East) has teamed up with Tiny Ocean jewelry designs for a wonderful free giveaway on her blog.  FYI- If you don’t read, you should. She is so witty & clever!  Caroline is a great writer.

Photo courtesy of girlgoeseast.com

This is only an example of the beautiful jewelry available for giveaway (and is my personal favorite).

So, to enter:

Go to girlgoeseast.com and leave a comment, telling Caroline which is your favorite piece and why by 12PM on July 2! That’s it!

You can also score more brownie points by following both Caroline & Simone (designer for Tiny Ocean) on Twitter, or by linking the contest to your blog (like this hehe).

So what are you waiting for? Good luck!