Fashion First
The new H&M Magazine Spring 2011 issue has a great spread of the “Best Spring Looks” featuring model Kasia Struss shot by Josh Olins and styles by Ludivine Poiblanc. “Fifties vs. Punk. Disco vs. Minimalism. Hip Hop vs. Boho.” H&M asks, which is your favorite choice? I’m going crazy over the red Balmain-inspired strong shoulder blazer (pictured), GETTING IT!! 😉
There’s no more powerful, jealousy-inducing response to people asking what you’re wearing than to say, “Oh, this? You’ll never guess how much it cost.” We get a sick sort of satisfaction in playing this card with our outfits, whether it’s revealing that we paid more for lunch than on our handbag or that our most-complimented dress was a mall-store find. Below are cheap thrills that don’t disappoint—no coupons, promo codes, or register-racing necessary!
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.
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.
Missoni is on fire with collaborations, first came Converse, then Havaianas, then Bugaboo and now a Target collaboration slated to launch on September 13th! This has got to be one of the best news from Target lately, I haven’t been really into their latest collaborations, hopefully this won’t disappoint. According to Vogue.com, the collection will consist of 400 pieces featuring clothes (women’s, men’s, kids’), bed sheets, dinnerware—all in Missoni’s swirls, zigzags, and near-hallucinogenic florals. Can’t wait to see how the collection turns out, mark your calendars for September 13 through October 22 to shop the collection at Target stores and target.com.
I am super excited !! Lookbook in the near future- keep an eye out 😉
When Sally Hansen launched their Salon Effects nail polish strips back in January, I was instantly hooked. It turns out that a lot of other people were, too, because the brand cannot keep them in stock anywhere.
Sally Hansen is offering five new patterns–available this month–and they’re perfect. The best of the bunch is Don’t Get Catty (hot pink leopard) which is my obsession color or spring. LOVE!! There’s also: Ay Ay Captain (a blue nautical stripe), Check, Please! (black and white checks that bring to mind old school Vans), Show Your Stripes (a black and silver chevron pattern), and Wicked Bamboo (neutral stripes). Look for the new styles to hit drugstores everywhere over the course of May.
Proenza Schouler is currently looking into launching fragrance, but it sounds like they’re entering another category first: costume jewelry. Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez apparently hope to launch the line — which is still in a prototype stage — during the upcoming pre-collection season. The idea, they said, is to make it a seasonless, classic line that will be reprised every season in different colors and materials. “It’s nice when you’ve put so much time into developing a product for it to have a life. So much stuff that we put out there, three months later, it’s gone,” said McCollough. [WWD]
Colorful Separates/ Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse ($187) in Electric Blue
Vibrant hues took center stage on the S/S 11 runways, giving us countless ways to liven up our spring wardrobes. But instead of picking a single piece that has multiple colors and stripes in it, we’re partial to the idea of simple color blocking a la Jil Sander. As shown above, designer Raf Simons mixed and matched bright separates for vividly intense looks that were anything but boring. Of course you don’t always have to go for loud neon shades. For example, this vibrant blue blouse by Equipment is a strong color, but it’s not overpowering, making it a great foundation piece for any look. Wondering how to wear it? If you’re a bold-color novice, mix one bright color with a go-to white piece—like a bright top with a white skirt or flares, or a white t-shirt with a colorful pair of trousers—or a warm neutral, like khaki. For those of you feeling more advanced, create a look similar to those at Jil Sander and wear two or three brightly hued pieces together. If you’re not quite sure what hues will work together, just look to the runways for smart color coordination and styling ideas.
Tribal Choker/ Fallon Labyrinth Maze Short Chain ($170) in Gold/Black
Of all the notable accessory trends this season, we think you should try the most standout option: the tribal necklace! Fallon’s Labyrinth Maze Short Chain is particularly amazing, thanks to its cutting-edge design, which is both sophisticated and glamorous. Additionally, this tough-luxe necklace is incredibly versatile: use it to ground your ultra-feminine evening looks, elevate a minimalist ensemble, or add intrigue to an otherwise casual look.
Bold Shades/ Super Gals Sunglasses ($158) in Summer Safari
For your Who What Wear editors, sunglasses are a bit like bathing suits. Though we have about a million of them, each year we feel the need to stock up on some additional of-the-moment styles. So of course, a pair of sunnies inevitably makes an appearance in our annual spring essentials roundup! And though we still love last year’s sleek, cat-eye frames, we’re currently on the hunt for more bold, standout styles a la Fendi’s Sunglasses ($395, 212.759.4646) from the S/S 11 collection. While the runway’s oversized, colorful shades are certainly indulgence-worthy, we think you’ll also appreciate Super’s more wearable and affordable Gals Sunglasses. Though they have a classic shape, these standout shades have an intriguing yellow and brown marbling and ombre lenses that fade from dark to light, giving them a unique and modern look. In other words, they’re not your average tortoiseshell sunglasses!
White Flares/ Mother The Wilder Trouser Jean ($198) in Mirror, Mirror
Unless you’ve been living under a rock as of late, you know that the ’70s are back in a big way this season, especially wide-leg/flare denim. And while we are thoroughly excited by the plethora of dark and light washes available right now, we’re currently coveting the crisp and clean look of white flares. In my search for the perfect pair, I came across Mother’s amazing Wilder jeans in Mirror, Mirror. I am mad about these perfectly tailored jeans, which are not only incredibly soft and comfortable, but also quite flattering, thanks to the low-waisted fit. They beg for a tucked-in bright top and structured blazer, but of course that’s not the only way to wear them.
Coral Polish/ Revlon Nail Enamel ($5) in Siren
Transitioning into spring inevitably means we become infatuated with bright, eye-popping nail polish. And while last year that meant lively watermelon shades, this year we’re absolutely crazy for coral! Whether it’s on your eyelids, lips, or fingertips, this deliciously tangy hue is clearly having a moment this season. So what’s currently topping my go-to lacquer list? In addition to Dior’s fabulous Aloha ($26), which was used for the S/S 11 runway show, we’re smitten kittens for Revlon’s Nail Enamel ($5) in Siren. The polish is very wearable—it looks good with all skin tones—and is a great way to add a hint of color to your neutral ensembles.
Snakeskin/ Reed Krakoff Pumps with Double Ties ($795) in Black Multi
While fall had us obsessing over feline-inspired prints, this season we’re complete suckers for all things serpentine—especially when it comes to our accessories. As seen on such high-profile runways as Nina Ricci, Burberry Prorsum, and Altuzarra, this reptilian print offers a decidedly chic and luxurious look, whether it’s emblazoned on your bag, jewelry, or shoes. That said, it should come as no surprise our next essential pick for the warm-weathered season is Reed Krakoff’s Pumps with Double Ties. These sensual heels are a must-have for a few reasons: the mix of materials and textures gives them a wonderfully unique look, plus, the fusion of edgy details (the raffia double-tie ankle strap) and feminine silhouette (the sleek pointed-toe) make them the perfect complement to the season’s downtown-lady look. If this snakeskin heel doesn’t quite fit into your spring wardrobe budget, I highly recommend picking up either Kate Spade’s Licorice Snake- Print Pumps ($325) or Topshop’s Sense Cut Out Platforms ($145) today!
Neutral Leather Jacket/ Simone Nude Leather Jacket ($1095)
While leather jackets are a year-round wardrobe staple, this season, we suggest swapping out your tried-and-true black styles for a lovely neutral hue! Our hands-down favorite is the achingly chic Nude Leather Jacket from Simone by Katie Nehra. Made from wildly soft leather and boasting a cropped silhouette, this piece is perfectly cool and totally modern. Plus, it has a luxuriously edgy vibe that’s perfect for infusing your feminine ensembles with some subtle tough-girl spirit. Of course, you don’t have to invest quite so much to incorporate this must-have piece into your wardrobe. MoDN’s Detachable Hooded Faux Leather Jacket ($106) and Muubaa’s Cropped Leather Jacket ($300) in Blush are also excellent options worth checking out.
On the surface, today’s featured lines are vastly different—ADAM’s polished clothes versus Made Her Think’s girly-goth jewelry—but despite their contrasting appearances, these brands have enjoyed similarly inspiring journeys to the top. Both launched in 2004 by passionate designers (Adam Lippes and Meredith Kahn, respectively) who had previously worked with big-name brands (Oscar de la Renta and Gap) before embarking on their own collections. Seven years, a few exclusive collaborations, and many stylish followers later, these noteworthy lines have never looked better, which is why they should be celebrated and shopped!
Joining ADAM are the hauntingly beautiful baubles from Meredith Kahn’s supremely cool jewelry and accessories line, Made Her Think. Once a denim designer for Gap, Inc., Kahn’s now creating moody yet elegant pieces, like luxurious thorn cuffs and talon rings, that are adored by such stylish femmes as Leighton Meester, Emma Watson, and Rihanna. Additionally, Kahn has participated in noteworthy collaborations with high-profile brands like Club Monaco and Rebecca Minkoff—her jewelry was featured in Minkoff’s S/S 11 presentation and F/W 11 runway show—and has recently launched her men’s jewelry line, Dess Homme. Seamlessly interweaving punk sensibilities with feminine detailing, Made Her Think jewelry is the perfect complement to the season’s downtown-lady trend and minimalist ensembles alike!
Made Her Think
Moonlight Pave Thorn Cuff ($184 each, 212.872.8811) in Silver Ox, Rose Gold, and Matte Gunmetal
Incredibly versatile, these tough-luxe cuffs offer something for everyone. While the thorn details will give an otherwise polished look a touch of attitude, the Swarovski crystal rhinestones also make it a sophisticated and chic choice for those who err on the edgier side. We like the idea of mixing them with a few other bracelets or simply stacking all three to give your outfit some understated cool.
Horizons Necklace ($345) in Rhinestone Silver
When it comes to awe-inspiring statement jewelry this season, the Horizons Necklace definitely takes the cake. This glamorously punk piece is just the sort of bauble you need to take a simple look to the next level, thanks to its mesh tubular chain and triangle-tipped, rhinestone-embedded charms.
Double Mesh Gauntlet Ring ($554) in Silver
If you’re looking for a subtle way to add intrigue to your ensemble, we recommend investing in the Double Mesh Gauntlet Ring. The industrial-like design makes it a truly unique and practical piece! The two mesh rings are connected by small chains, allowing your finger to move freely and comfortably—perfect for texting, typing, and of course, tweeting!
Stoned Pendulum Earrings ($683, 630.920.8444) in Diamond
Punctuate your after-hours ensembles with these medieval-esque dangly earrings. They’re glamorous, tough, and a bit dangerous all at the same time, plus, they have a great fashion-editorial look. We can easily see Abbey Lee Kershaw rocking them on stage with her band, Our Mountain.
Wrapped Talon Knuckle Buster Ring ($149.50) in Rose Gold Vermeil
We were so excited by all the fabulous rings in the Made Her Think collection that we couldn’t help but include another one! The Wrapped Talon Knuckle Buster caught our eye with its elegantly tough-girl vibe. The rose-gold talon wraps around one finger and rests over two making it an incredibly clean and chic piece you can wear with both casual and dressy ensembles.
ADAM
Short Denim Dress ($245, 1.800.960.6797) in White
When we first laid eyes on this darling denim jumper, we knew we had to include it in today’s story. The overalls-like straps give the summery frock a youthful look, while the crisp white color feels fresh for spring. It’s just the kind of thrown-on-and-go piece we can imagine Chloe Sevigny wearing all season long!
Denim Bell Bottoms ($225) in Lava
We’re crazy for this season’s bevy of ’70s-inspired pieces, especially wide-leg/flare jeans, so it’s no surprise everyone in the office is flipping over these ridiculously cool bell bottoms. Though the high waist and wide flare give the pants a decidedly retro look, the vibrant red hue keeps them feeling modern and of-the-moment. We’re also quite fond of the pintuck details, which are very flattering and give the appearance of a slim, elongated leg. For an on-trend outfit that doesn’t feel too kitschy, we recommend styling these polished jeans with a pair of wedges and a silky white button-down blouse.
Basketweave Glass Beading Tank ($495)
Though we generally prefer to stock up on tons of basic tanks and tees for the summer months ahead, we always keep our eyes peeled for a few indulge-worthy tops. This season, we’re obsessing over ADAM’s elegant Basketweave Glass Beading Tank. The two-tone tank is a chic yet unexpected choice—we love the shimmering silver beading on the top half and sheer chiffon bottom—plus, it’s a piece you can wear year-round. Try it now with a pair of tailored shorts and heels and style it with a crisp blazer and slim trousers when the temps begin to cool down.
Crochet Lace Skirt ($495)
No spring wardrobe would be complete without a few key white separates. That’s especially true this year because this crisp and clean color perfectly balances the season’s array of vibrant hues. Accordingly, we thought this delicate A-line skirt would be a great addition to any wardrobe; the intricate crochet detailing and scalloped hemline make it a texturally interesting pick. Take a styling tip from one of Kate Bosworth’s recent outfits and pair it with an army jacket and ankle boots for a perfect transitional ensemble.—Jessica Baker
BubblesPop 