Fashion First
SUMMER IS FINALLY NEARING US!! I seriously need a vacation somewhere with a nice beach and get my tan on! Loving all the bright colors from H&M this Summer plus check out the swimwear campaign, it’s making me want to go away now! Get your beach bods ready and shop for some new bikinis and summer gear, it’s finally getting warm! I’m seriously loving these two outfits (pictured above), how amazing are these skirts LOVE!! 🙂
It’s true—I get a bit fanatical about nail polish. And now that the sun is finally shining and everyone’s donning their warm-weather attire, what better way to channel our need for a summer manicure fix than by showcasing the season’s freshest lacquers? I’ve got you covered with an awesome color wheel full of more than 30 totally transformative shades. So, instead of opting for your usual hues, get ready to kick up your digit decoration with a broad spectrum of brights (think true reds, eye-popping yellows, orange-infused corals, and sea-inspired turquoise blues), try on a gritty green, or go beyond the pale with an earthy neutral. Also included in my nail polish wheel of fortune: The top coat du jour—cracks in every color. Because when it comes to nails, nothing is really off-limits, so give it a whirl!
Neutral Territory: Channelling all things organic and natural, we tracked down gray, iridescent, white, and beige hues that quietly proclaim a dignified nature and also represent a fresh start.
Seeing Red: This season’s reds are so brilliantly punched up, they almost yield a cherry-scented impact. The hue is both joyful and seductive, and, in China, an omen of good luck and fortune. Who’s winning now?
Shocking Pink: Forget pastels. This season, it’s all about being flashy with bright, candy-colored fuchsias and magentas that call for action-packed, summer festivities.
Orange Crush: Spotted all over the spring runways in both fashion and as a must-have lip color, this bold shade is also tailor-made for nails. It radiates a fun, energetic vibe. So tangy!
Yellow Zing: Psychologically, yellow is one of the happiest hues in the color spectrum. It vibes of sunshine and optimism and the same goes for vibrant yellow nails. Plus, it’s definitely one of 2011’s standout nail trends. Either layer on a creamy yellow hue until its opaque or go for a wash of sheer, jelly-like lacquer.
Green Light: You’re cleared to go green this summer, but with a chartreuse-colored, mossy bent that signals freshness and renewal.
Blue Period: As a whole, blues are calming and cooling. But this time around, blues get an energetic, turquoise kick reminiscent of tropical oceans and skies. Fun fact: People are more productive in blue rooms, so we’re betting your 10 turquoise nails will be flying across your keyboard in no time.
Designers set sail this season sending stylish, nautical fashions down the catwalk at every show from Junya Watanabe to Christian Dior. I can’t blame them—sharp stripes, fresh whites, and natural fabrics feel perfectly summer-ready. But whether it’s a ship-shape dress or a high-waisted pair of sailor pants you choose, just remember to go light on the theme—too many rope bracelets, and you might as well walk the plank as a fashion victim. 
A while back I posted some of my fav sunglasses for summer and they included these Jeremy Scott X Linda Farrow beauties. Hurry up and get yours on Karmaloop…I know I will 😉
I’m obsessed with OPI‘s shatter nail polishes, so happy they extended the line with three blue-hued shades! The three new shatter shades includes: Blue, Navy and Turquoise. Inspired by graffiti art, Shatter leaves behind a crackled, two-texture finish when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Shatter from matte to glossy in seconds. I love it! The collection launches this month, so get your shatter on!
Since Serena Williams’ first Glam Slam collection with OPI is so popular, they team up again with four additions to the collection, including two new shades of Shatter – Red and White. Launching in conjunction with the French Open, Glam Slam! France celebrates with two duo-packs. The first Lacquer set includes Spark de Triomphe (a monumentally marvelous gold glitter), paired with White Shatter. The second Lacquer set features Rally Pretty Pink (rise to the occasion with this shimmering sunset-pink), paired with Red Shatter. New shades in the Glam Slam! collection will be introduced to coincide with each of the four major tournaments, beginning with the Australian Open which was January 2011, followed by launches this month for the French Open, June 2011 for Wimbledon and August 2011 for the US Open. Glam Slam! France will be available beginning this month.
Go get’em girls 😉
News just broke that Patrick Robinson has been let go as executive vice president of Gap Global Design for Adult and Body. “After spending the last three months in New York with the creative team, I’ve made the decision to make a change within our Gap Adult design team,” said Pam Wallack, head of the Gap Global Creative Center. Robinson joined Gap in 2007 hoping to revive the brand, but his efforts did not make the mark as North America sales reports indicated negative sales results and inconsistent compared to its international operations. The brand is currently looking for a replacement, but in the interim, Jennifer Giangualano, senior vice president of Gap Kids and Baby Design, will help oversee the adult design team. [WWD] Who will be next?
I’VE BEEN TALKING A LOT ABOUT STRIPES LATELY BUT THE REASON IS: THEY ARE ALL THE RAGE RIGHT NOW. IN TANKS, MAXI DRESSES AND SKIRTS, INCORPORATING STRIPES INTO YOUR SRPING/SUMMER WARDROBE WILL BE A BREEZE. CHECK OUT THE BELOW NEW STYLES NOW AVAILABLE ON SHOPBOP.COM
Bronzer is key in my daily morning makeup routine. So below I talk about the different kinds and which one can work for you, since there are sooooo many. 😉
Bronzer definitely has a lock on summer. With its universally appealing sun-kissed finish, a touch of bronzer adds an instant glow that evokes a breezy, beachy, weekend look. But it’s not foolproof, or, unlike the bright makeup we’re also loving this summer, something to take creative license with. Read: Over-applying or picking the wrong shade can result in that cringe-inducing, beyond bronzed look. In the hopes of demystify the world of bronzer, we turned to celebrity makeup artist Carmindy for some expert tips, and also rounded up a bevy of new bronzers, including options that go beyond the basics—think shimmer, cream, and liquid formulas. Because, as Carmindy affirms, “everyone can wear a bronzer, it’s just about knowing which shade works best for you.” 1. Pick Your Shade and Go Easy With Application—”Go about two shades deeper than your natural coloring, and don’t dust bronzer all over the face, which can make you look dirty,” says Carmindy. “Instead, strategically brush it on in a C formation. Start at the temples and sweep along the sides of the face and under cheeks for a more natural glow. You can add a slight sweep across forehead, nose, and chin at the end, but very lightly.”
2. Matte vs. Shimmer—A common mistake Carmindy sees often is applying a too-dark metallic bronzer all over the face. Instead, for day, try a matte bronzer: “Matte looks good if it’s very sheer and applied lightly,” she says. “It’s more natural than shimmer bronzer, so it wears best during the day and on lighter skin tones. If you’re really porcelain, make sure you use a very light shade of bronzer, and if your skin is really dark, use a deep shade with a bit of shimmer.”
3. Rules Of Sparkle—”Make sure to only use heavily metallic bronzer at night and stick to shimmer bronzers that have a slight pearlescent glow for day.”
4. Try A Bronzer-Blush Combo—Carmindy recommends using bronzer and blush separately, with the blush applied on the apples of the cheeks and bronzer in the C formation. But some duos are made for blending and these duos can give you a brightened up tan if you start off light and build from there.
5. Step Into Liquid—”Liquids can be messy and tricky,” says Carmindy. “So, it’s easier to stick to creams or powders. But if you must use liquids, try mixing them in with your moisturizer.” Plus, some of the new products with a foundation-like texture (like Guerlain’s Terracotta foundation and Stila’s One Step), help illuminate and can be applied all over the face or just in the T-zone.
Now is the time to bust out your whites, as smartly styled by Nicole from Gary Pepper Vintage. She puts together a look, made up of a chiffon skirt, striped top, cardigan, and oxfords, that’s Spring defined. Inspired? Shop my similar and exact picks from American Apparel, Rag & Bone, and Topshop now.
Left to right: American Apparel Chiffon Skirt ($58), Rag & Bone Beach Tee ($150), Topshop Cross Necklace ($28), American Apparel Bobby Oxfords ($120), Topshop Crochet Cardigan ($60), Yves Saint Laurent Ring ($195), MAC Lip Gloss ($19), Rebecca Minkoff Tote Bag ($150)
Neons and Neutrals
With all of these inspirational references in mind, it’s easy to create your own version of the neon and neutral look—especially with the help of the amazing products I found! If you’re looking for a high-end, effortless option, you simply must check out Jil Sander’s Neon T-Shirt ($259) in Bright Fuchsia, which would look fresh with white trousers or flare jeans. I also adore Vanessa Bruno’s Neon Woven Shorts ($390), an as-seen-on-the-runway piece that is perfect for summer barbecues. For a thrifty thrill, don’t miss Zara’s Two-Tone Dress ($69.90, 323.935.5041) in Nude/Orange; its simple, body-skimming silhouette is so chic!
If you’re hesitant about committing to an article of clothing, no worries, there are loads of accessories that will work too. Marc by Marc Jacobs’ Tangramarama Rocky Bag ($478) in Jalapeno will update your basics in a festive way. I also adore Marc Fisher’s Sabina Sandals ($89)—a darling cork wedge with an electric turquoise patent upper and a tan ankle strap—which would look so cute with a floaty white dress! For even less commitment, you could always nab one of Madewell’s Colorblock Chain Cuffs ($18) in Limeade or the new NARS Pure Matte Lipstick ($25) in Carthage, which is the most amazing shade of hot pink I’ve ever seen! However you incorporate neon and nude into your wardrobe, just make sure you go for uncomplicated silhouettes and otherwise understated makeup. By opting for simplicity, you’ll keep the focus on the color—which is exactly what you want!
Photo of Jessica Alba, courtesy of Getty; Photo of Rashida Jones, courtesy of Wenn; Versace and Jil Sander runway images, courtesy of PR Consulting; MaxMara runway image, courtesy of First View, Cacharel runway image, courtesy of Cacharel
BubblesPop 