Thursday, October 7, 2010

Stylish and Comfortable WELLIES!

It rained almost every day last week in NYC... so when I walked into Bloomingdales on Friday, I immediately headed to the 2nd floor shoe section. Little did I know that there was going to be a gazillion people crowded around the shelf with the Hunter wellies. I've wanted a pair of Hunters since last spring, but never really felt the need to get them until now. And boy have they gotten popular these days!

I bought the Tall Original Navy boot (below). I'm not someone who follows or copies the crowd, but these boots are so stylish and comfortable at the same time! Also, I've never been a fan of bright, polka-dotted rain boots, and I like how my navy Hunters are very simple and classy. The color goes really well with jeans and even my school skirt!


However, I did consider many other rain boots before buying my Hunters. Here were some of the serious contenders:

Burberry
Like I said, I really wanted to find a simple yet elegant rain boot. This Burberry studded one was on the top of my list for a while. The only reason I didn't get it was because of the color...I'm a big klutz, and I often step in mud so there would be real problems if I kept on getting these tan boots dirty. I definitely still recommend them though.

These are the classic Burberry rain boots. Hilary Duff (right) looks really stylish wearing them with her lace tights, and I bet they look great with jeans, too.

Tretorn
These Tretorn wellies are nice and simple...they might also be the most comfortable pair of rain boots out there! They are available in a variety of colors including yellow, red, and black.

Urban Outfitters
This UO Heeled rain boot was also on the top of my list. At first, I wanted to get the green boot because it is my favorite shade of green. Then I was more set on the black because I love it when rain boots don't look like rain boots at all and are so chic. I also felt like the black boot could go with any outfit. However, when I tried them on at the store, they were way too tight and I could barely tuck my jeans in. But if you have long, thin legs this is perfect!

This is an equestrian rain boot, which actually looks nothing like a rain boot. It's definitely very stylish and different from all the other rubber boots you see outside on the streets.

MORE from Hunter
Hunter boots come in a wide variety of colors (left). I know a few people who own the silver, which looks quite good on. Hunter has also come out with new collections, such as "Regent" and "Carnaby." There is even a Hunter & Jimmy Choo collection! (right)

Happy Autumn!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Fall Trendspotting: Blazers




Blazers are a must-have this season. I love wearing blazers in autumn and spring because they are perfect for the weather. I own about five, but I value each one because a blazer is such a versatile item of clothing that can be worn from day to night.

For a casual look, you could pair a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans (below).

If you wanted to dress it up just a little bit, you could trade in a t-shirt for a blouse (below). This was the outfit I wore to Fashion's Night Out in NYC on September 10. This was taken downtown at Uniqlo.

You can also wear a skirt like Leighton Meester (below, filming Gossip Girl). I adore Blair's preppy and chic style!

You can even wear a blazer over a dress (below), whether it's a girly frock or a LBD!


Credits: Chictopia, J Brand, Madewell, MailOnline

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Red Carpet Fashion - 2010 Emmy Awards


Every year the Emmys has some beautiful fashion. This year purple and navy seemed to be the hottest color on the red carpet and many stars flaunted updos. Some did it well, others not so much. That being so, I have compiled my own "Best Dressed" and "Worst Dressed" lists of the awards.

BEST DRESSED


Emily Blunt in Christian Dior

I adore everything about this look. The color is great, and the detail is intricate without being overdone. She looks so elegant and her hair really adds to an old Hollywood vibe.


Kim Kardashian in Marchesa

Kim chose a stunning white chiffon gown that had a beautiful Egyptian neckline detail and full flowing train. I like how she kept her accessories to a minimum by only pairing her gown with a Lorraine Schwartz cuff which complemented the neckline. She definitely nailed it on the red carpet!


Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta

In my opinion, Lea Michele dresses the most consistent at awards shows. She looks stunning here in navy, and I love the asymmetric ruffle skirt. Her hair also looks gorgeous and the Lorraine Schwartz statement necklace adds so much to this sophisticated look.



WORST DRESSED


Heidi Klum in Marchesa

Heidi Klum could've been on the best dressed list in her sparkly Marchesa LBD…if only there was more of it. This mini dress is way too short to wear to an event like the Emmys. I also don't really fancy her hairstyle.


Naya Rivera in Simin

Was Naya trying to out ruffle co-star Lea Michele? Well if she was, she clearly didn't do a very good job. The train of this dress is too busy and I didn't fall in love with the color either. Plus I definitely think she could have gone with a better hairstyle. Her neck looks bare without a necklace or straps, so if I was her I would have left my hair down.


Who do YOU think was the best and worst dressed? Feel free to share your ideas by commenting!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

On the Set of Gossip Girl Season 4


Here are a few new looks from the upcoming season of Gossip Girl:

Leighton Meester & Blake Lively filming in Paris. I love the shoes and denim blazer that Blake is wearing. So chic and well put together! Don't know if I can say the same about Leighton's outfit though...


Blake Lively filming in New York City. Blake's character, Serena, is bang on trend in another denim blazer and striped top.


Leighton Meester filming in Paris. The purple dress is gorgeous and so is the matching clutch.


Blake Lively filming in New York City. The colors of this ensemble are so pretty and I love the bag!


Katie Cassidy, who is to guest star, filming with Chace Crawford in New York City. Katie is wearing a strapless gown from the Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2009 Collection. This chiffon dress is quite elegant and although I like the matching purple clutch and pumps, I'm not crazy about the necklace she has on.

Credits: MailOnline, Google Images

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Flower Power

This summer, floral dresses have been all the rage! They were a popular spring trend, and although we are nearing the end of summer, there's still time to indulge your girly side with floral prints.


In floral dresses, I prefer a subtle print and loose fitting (see below left). I don't really fancy Melanie Slade's dress (below right) because the print is too bold and the contrast between the colors is too harsh. My advice is to avoid prints that resemble curtains or tablecloths.



Taylor Swift's mini dress is very flirty and summery. It's a perfect day look. However, to "toughen up" a young and fresh appearance, pair your floral dress with a boyfriend blazer (below right).


This navy dress (below left) is one of my favorites! I love how it is very versatile and I can wear it to go shopping or to a summer party! A way to "toughen up" this floral frock is to pair it with a leather jacket (below right). This gives it an edgy day-to-night look which I love.



This floral ensemble is another one of my faves because I like how the print is very busy and vibrant but the simplicity of the grey skirt balances it out.


Friday, August 6, 2010

Celebrity Fashion - Top 5 Favorite New Looks


5) I love every element of this glam Grecian ensemble. I adore the emerald green color of the gown as well as the way Shenae Grimes belted it. Finishing off with nude peep-toe Christian Louboutin's, she looks super stylish.

4) Spotted: Blake Lively flaunting her toned stomach in a blue Chanel dress with a transparent panel. I like how the shape of the dress is very simple but there are many details which make it stunning. Blake also wears a pair of nude platforms, and her legs look like they go on forever!

3) This dress is similar to pieces that I like to design. My favorite element of it is the ballet skirt as well as the detail and lace at the shoulder. Jessica Alba made a good choice of wearing red lipstick to match the belt. The red in the outfit and the lacy shoes make this elegant dress also very sexy.

2) Wearing a maxi dress with prints and flat gladiator sandals, Cat Deeley is precisely on trend. The neckline of the dress is very pretty and Cat's metallic accessories complemented the rest of her outfit very well.

1) The minute I saw this dress, I became obsessed with it. Jessica Alba looks remarkable in this summery Dior frock. The pink print is gorgeous and I love how the dress is both flirty and elegant. The braided metallic belt and white peep-toe Mary Janes add sophistication. I would like to design a dress similar to this so I am using it as inspiration!


Credits: MailOnline, NOW Magazine

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Current Obsession: Nude Heels


I have been wearing a lot of neutral tones and pastels this summer. One of my favorite accessories include a pair of nude platform heels.

They are my current obsession for three reasons:

  • Nude lengthens your legs. I really like pairing short summer dresses with nude heels because if your skin tone matches your shoes, your legs can look about a mile long.
  • Neutral and light blush tones keep you cool in the summer, while black sandals absorb all the heat.
  • They go with almost any outfit. Besides dresses, I also love wearing nude heels with skinny jeans.

Here are a few of my favorites:

This is the NANCIEE shoe by Steve Madden.
I think the zipper detail is brilliant.


This is the HAYLOW shoe also by Steve Madden.
I have a friend who owns this and it looks amazing when she wears it.

These heels are classic Christian Louboutin.
I absolutely love them (and wish that I owned them).

This is another nude platform pump by Christian Louboutin.
What I like about this shoe are the two buckles.


Happy Shoe Hunting!


Credits: Steve Madden, Christian Louboutin, Google Images

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Jean Genius


Double Denim seems to be a very sought-after trend this summer. People are starting to ignore the "taboo" that once made wearing a denim jacket with jeans a fashion crime.



Celebrities such as Kristin Cavallari, Heidi Klum, and Christina Ricci have sported this look. In my opinion, Kristin and Heidi pulled it off well, while Christina looked very overwhelmed in her denim outfit.

Therefore, I have put together some tips to help you avoid a fashion faux-pas.

*My first piece of advice is to wear different colors on the top and bottom. Kristin Cavallari wore double denim so well because she paired her dark jeans with a light blue jacket, and the contrast had a very positive affect on her outfit.


This model below is wearing a dark denim button down with light blue jean shorts. Like Kristin's outfit, the contrast between the top and bottom is crucial in pulling off the look.



Christina Ricci's mistake was wearing extremely similar colors that not only shortened her frame, but also weighed her down.



*My second piece of advice is to just accessorize with denim if you are not someone who is comfortable with wearing a jean shirt or jacket. Heidi Klum's bag is a great way to follow this trend without going all out. Denim platform heels, belts, and headbands look great when they are worn with jeans.



*My third piece of advice is CONFIDENCE! Since not a lot of people on the street wear denim on denim, you might receive some extra attention. But think of this as a good thing because people are interested in your outfit and probably wish that they could pull it off as well as you do. Never try to hide yourself. If you are embarrassed about what you are wearing, then you shouldn't wear it at all.


What are your opinions on this trend? Love it or hate it?

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Stylish Sunglasses For Every Face Shape


Not everyone has the same face shape, and there are many types of sunglasses.

Below, I have created a "guide" to stylish sunglasses for every face shape.


Square Faces:


If you have a square face like Paris Hilton (above left), look for oval and round frames that elongate the face. Butterfly shaped glasses (above right) are also a good choice.

Other famous square faces: Demi Moore, Sandra Bullock

What to AVOID:

-Geometric and square shaped frames b/c they accentuate angles of the face.


Round Faces:



If you have a round face, you can make it look longer and thinner with angled cat-eye frames like Kate Hudson's (above left). Angular and geometric frames, like Ray-Ban Wayfarers, help sharpen facial features. Therefore, a square or rectangular frame like Christina Ricci's (above right) will also compliment your face shape.

Another famous round face: Cameron Diaz

What to AVOID:

-Round frames b/c they make your face look rounder.
-Large frames b/c they shorten your face.


Heart-Shaped Faces:


If you have a heart-shaped face, you will be happy to hear that you have a larger range of sunglasses to choose from than squared and round faces. I think aviators are especially a good choice because narrow, round frames soften the forehead. As you can see, the heart-shaped faces of Reese Witherspoon (above left) and Jennifer Aniston (above right) benefit from the low-set temples that draw attention downward.

Another famous heart-shaped face: Halle Berry

What to AVOID:

-Top-heavy styles that draw attention upward.
-Decorative temples that emphasize the broad upper face.


Oval Faces:


You are very lucky! Just about any style of sunglasses works on an oval face, especially wraparounds (above left). Ray-Ban Wayfarers as seen on Beyonce (above right), also work great because its geometric shape add angles to soft curves. Aviators and square, rectangular shapes also compliment an oval face.

Another famous oval face: Julia Roberts

What to AVOID:

-Frames that are too large for your features.


Credits: PopSugar, Google Images