13 Posts are tagged with: fashion_tips

Easy Fashion Tips: Faux Fur

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Oct 29, 2009 by Yissel C.

Maybe Rachel Zoe sparked an interest in fur this season with her lavish collection of fur outerwear and expressing her undoubted affection for this piece of winter apparel on her hit Bravo show. Fear not PETA, since most of the furs that will be purchased and worn (maybe we can thank the recession for this) will be faux fur this season. Seen in the past as a cheapened version of the real deal, many designers are including faux fur in their collection, adding an affordable advantage to this fun fashion piece. And although you'll see everything from trench coats to fur collared tops, it's the rock-and-roll inspired feel of the fur vest that tops the fashion trend list.

Best worn over a solid colored Henley (Or even a V-neck t-shirt on slightly warmer days) and a pair of jeans, a fur vest can add the right kind of glam to any dull outfit. It pairs perfectly with boots or heels, so it all depends on whether or not your toes can sustain the right weather. Keep accessories minimal, since the fur itself, is a huge attention grabber.

Achieving this look is easy, especially when offered at a great price. Juicy Couture has amazing fur selections, although my vote goes to the Fur Vest W/ Rib Trim, perhaps for almost passing for the real thing. If you can't get enough fur from a vest, try Diesel's Wrett Jacket, a full coat that's glamorous, fun and still falls within a reasonable budget.

No matter how much you may love this faux fur fashion, don't obsess over it like Cruela Deville. The only rule to keep in mind when trying this fashion trend is to wear one fur piece at a time; so leave the fur bag and matching fur shoes at home for another night out.

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Easy Fashion Tips: What's a Girl to Shoes?

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Oct 22, 2009 by Yissel C.

Somewhere to go and nothing new to wear... what's a girl to "shoes"? Jazz up a simple little black dress with a pair of colorful shoes in one of this season's brightest hues.

In seasons past, spring always represented corals, yellows, pinks and any other bright color in the color palette, while the darker shades were always left to fall. This year, we've seen every color down the runways, Cobalt Blue, Bright Orange, Fuchsia, whichever color you prefer, this fall season is anything but discriminating. The best way to make a fashion statement is to dress in a head to toe neutral hue and strap on a pair of bold bright stilettos.

We all remember Carrie's wedding in the Sex & The City movie (no not the big lavish one where she was stood up) but the simple wedding in city hall, with the "labeless" vintage white suit set and those stunning blue Blaniks. Re-create that same memorable look with a winter white romper and a pair of Cobalt blue sandals like Steve Madden's Taaboo or Trufle. These shoes make the ultimate stand out statement and feature a luxurious suede that's appropriate for the season.

If yellow is more your taste, opt for a pair like Report's Fillmore that look great against an all black ensemble. Michael Kors's Dauphin features a a platform and 4.5 heel for a daring look for the fashionably brave.

Shoes no longer compliment an outfit but rather complete them. Shoe designers are offering us everything from pumps to flats in a series of fun bright colors. So, the next time you feel like spicing up an outfit, take advantage of the latest trend and ditch the printed outfits and those overly eccentric embellished tops. The best styling tip of the season is to keep the basic outfit simple while drawing all the attention down to your beautiful feet.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Leggins

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Oct 8, 2009 by Yissel C.

Everything in fashion makes a fashion "comeback," including leggings, the fashion staple of the early 80's that evolved from the rise of the aerobics and fitness trend. Since 2005, we've seen leggings evolve in stylish new fabrics and colors to either compliment or complete an outfit.

For fall, stocking-like leggings work best underneath a skirt or dress. Leggings are also a popular look for underneath oversized long sweaters. However, the only way this trend has continued to stay strong over the recent years, is having designers re-vamp the leggings in order to keep it fresh and new, offering prints and details to its simplistic lycra design.

Ed Hardy's Butterfly Skull & Roses Basic Leggings add an artistic flare to a simple wardrobe. These are best worn underneath an oversized solid color sweater or for a rock glam look that fits the Ed Hardy brand, dare to wear them with a pair of destroyed denim shorts, a simple white t-shirt and an edgy cropped leather jacket.

Some of the more popular style leggings seen over the recent seasons have been "liquid leggings" or those that reflect a patent leather look. BCBG Max Azria's Snake Legging takes that great look and adds a snake-skin texture for a cool must have piece.

Exposed zippers have been the most recent rave in fashion, and it has not gone unnoticed by designers who are adding this stylish detail to every garment possible, including leggings. Juicy Couture's Legging W/Side Zippers are a great way to spice up a boring outfit. Just slip a pair of these on, with a simple oversized t-shirt and some bold accessories and you'll have pulled off that effortlessly cool look seen by some of Hollywood's trendiest stars.

Leggings are a great fashion piece, especially for their simple-to-wear and comfortable style. Look for leggings to be around for a few more seasons and for their detailing to continue to evolve. Some other great styles are ruching, lace, and now even cut and destroyed styles. Whichever piece you wear, remember to keep the top simple...these aren't your usual step aerobics leggings anymore!

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Office Style: Boots or No Boots for the Office?

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Oct 1, 2009 by Sabah K.

It's finally time to ditch the flats and sandals at the office and strut your stuff in some high-heeled boots. Fall calls for the return of the ankle boots and knee-high boots that show off your gams conservatively under a knee-length skirt, but how do you pick out something trendy and functional for those long days at the office? Here are some important tips for selecting the right style of boots for the office:

1. Avoid the stiletto heel boots. Stiletto-heel boots are among the top trends for shoes this season, but that doesn't mean they're appropriate for the office. While you might be able to get away with them under a pair of long black pants, they're sure to raise a few eyebrows when paired with a dress or a skirt.

2. Go for the chunky heeled ankle boots. Ankle boots are back in a big way for the Fall season, and you can find a variety of styles that are suitable for the office. Go for a chunky heel with a square toe if you want to stay comfortable and fashionable for those long days on your feet. Ankle boots are especially flattering with a knee-length skirt.

3. Save the over-the-knee boots for the weekend. Another hot trend for the Fall season are the over-the-knee leather boots. Definitely a style you want to show off at least once this season, but just don't make it at the office. This look is best reserved for weekends with the girls or date night.

4. Ankle lace boots are a definite fashion don't. No matter how much your inner rock star wants to play during the 9 to 5 hours, save the ankle laced boots for social hour. These boots are fun, flirty and make a bold fashion statement, but they're not a good match for the semi-professional office environment.

5. Try platform boots for casual Friday. If you're dying to wear boots this season but can't find a match for the conservative dress code, you may be able to get away with a wedge or platform heel boot (or bootie) on casual Friday. Take your pick of rich leather or soft suede in a variety of colors for a classy and trendy Fall look.

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Easy Fashion Tips: The Maxi Dress

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Oct 1, 2009 by Yissel C.

So what do you wear when you want to feel flirty and feminine, but are not in the mood for a snug fitting, curve hugging dress? A maxi dress, of course. Still on the forefront of fashion after several seasons, the maxi dressremains a favorite item for its limitless variations in style, fabric and silhouettes.

Maxi dresses can be extremely versatile, taking your look straight from day to night. For a daytime look, choose a fun print, whether it be paisley or polka dot. In the Resort 2009 fashion show, floral maxi dresses were spotted all throughout the runways. Gabriella Rocha's Norah Maxi Dress is a great printed blend of tie-dye and paisley offering you an eclectic combination of highly popular prints. A jersey or cotton style maxi dress can give you the comfort you need for all your daytime duties. Great accessories can give your maxi dress a signature look. For example, a big floppy hat can give you a sweet summer look, while a low hung leather belt can give you a cool bohemian inspired style.

For a glamorous night time look, choose a solid color maxi. The color choices are endless. Sophisticated fabrics, like silk or chiffon, will give your look that perfect elegant touch suitable for a night out. A solid maxi dress, serves as a great blank canvas for all the perfect accessories. Pair your maxi with a long necklace with an eye-catching pendant or grab a fist full of colorful bangles to complete a chic pulled together look. Gabriella Rocha also offers solid color maxi dresses like the Emilia Maxi Dress. It may be black, but it's elegant details, like twisted straps and a deep v-neck cut is the perfect outfit for a sexy date.

Maxi dresses are flattering for girls of all sizes. Petite girls can add extra inches in sky high heels that hide behind a curtain of fabric. Larger ladies can also camouflage thick thighs or wide hips.

Who said clothing couldn't perform miracles?

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Easy Fashion Tips: Jewels & Embroidery Add Pizazz!

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Sep 24, 2009 by Rebecca White-Glanders

Jewel-encrusted and intricately embroidered pieces are hot this spring. Although these pieces may seem "gaudy" or impractical, they're actually anything but. Pieces with perfectly placed faux jewels or beautiful embroidery work make dressing up (or down) a snap.

Everyone knows that too many busy pieces normally make for a train wreck of an outfit. It's best to go with one, maybe two, really great pieces that really catch the eye and make a statement. Allow the rest of the outfit to complement those pieces and presto! You're looking good. The great thing about faux jewel-encrusted or embroidered tops, bottoms, skirts, purses and shoes is that they are nearly always eye-catching, so you don't have to worry so much about the rest of the outfit. For instance, great tops like the Michael Kors Turquoise Embroidered Tunic features intricate embroidery and decorative mirror appliqués. This piece is practically an outfit in itself. Pair it with black leggings or a white skirt with light turquoise sandals, and you're summer chic. A more inexpensive way to wear embroidery this season would be with a tee-style embroidered top, like the Esprit Embroidered Long Tee.

Jeweled or embroidered summer dresses are also perfect examples of this trend, like the Prana White Jewel Halter dress. If you want to combine two hot Spring 2009 trends - bright neons and embroidery - and you have a little cash to spend, check out the Robert Rodriguez Twist Neck Embroidered Dress. This sexy hot pink number is decorated down the front with beautifully embroidered black flowers.

Adding jeweled or embroidered accents to your spring wardrobe can be as simple or complicated as your budget and imagination will allow. Embroidered purses or jeweled sandals also make a great addition to any outfit you already own which could use a little extra spring kick. So have fun with it, and put some passion in your fashion!

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Building a Wardrobe: Starting a Collection of High Heel Shoes

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Sep 18, 2009 by Eisla Sebastian

As you mature from girl to young woman and then from young woman to business woman, your shoes will need to evolve in your wardrobe. The high heel shoe is going to be a staple for your grown-up wardrobe. High heeled shoes are sexy, dressy and fun, but if you select the wrong high heel shoe you can end up in a lot of pain.

Fit of the Shoe
The first thing that you need to do when buying high heel shoes for the very first time is to have your foot measured. You need to know your foot length and its width. These measurements will help you to select high heel shoes that are going to compliment the natural shape of your foot. It will also help you to find a shoe that will be comfortable. If you are teetering between two sizes it is generally a better idea to move up a size than it is to buy the half size, especially if you are new to wearing high heel shoes. However, if they feel too loose when you try them on you can go down to the half size.

Height of the High Heel Shoe
High heel shoes come in multiple heights. They range from very low heels, like the kitten heel, to very tall heels that can be six plus inches tall. It is usually recommended that you start off with a short heel and work your way up, but you may have better luck if you try on several heights and decide which angle feels the most comfortable to you. Sometimes a higher heel will create a more natural arch in your foot and be more comfortable to walk in than a lower heel.

Style of Your High Heel Shoes
After you have the fit and the height selected you can move on to something a bit more fun, the style of the high heel shoes. High heel shoes come in an almost unlimited number of styles. There are open toe, rounded toe, pointy toe, lace ups, strappy heels and clogs. There are also wedges, stiletto heels and chunky heels. In addition to shape and pattern differences there are also choices to be made about the color and the finish of the shoe.

Buying Your Shoes
If you are just starting to build your high heel collection then you will want to buy one pair of basic black high heels. These no frill shoes will go with most of your evening and work outfits. Next you will want to select a shoe for a day look. You can select a lighter colored neutral high heel shoe for this. After you have your basic day and evening shoes you can select shoes that are more exciting and that will be used to complete specific outfits.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Thigh High Boots

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Sep 17, 2009 by Yissel C.

Last year, our feet couldn't get enough of ankle booties. This fall however, boots reach new heights, surpassing the ankle and stretching as far as over the knee. Seen all over the fall 2009 runways, these boots are designed with heels, flats and in stocking-like styles. To ensure this trend looks more haute couture, below are three ways to wear these thigh high boots right.

If you're planning on wearing shorts with you're over the knee boots, make sure they are boyfriend cut or a loose fitting pair. Avoid tight shorts or cut-offs, these will only give you that look we want to steer clear of. For a daytime look, rock a pair of over the knee flats like the Report Makee with ruched details. Then take your look from day to night, by throwing on a chic blazer and changing into a sexy pair of heels like Stuart Weitzman's Buckley buckle detailed thigh high boots.

Over the knee boots and skinny jeans seem to be the perfect pairing. For a rocker glam look, wear your favorite dark wash skinny jeans with a cool pair of wedged over the knee boots. Suede boots with detailed ruching adds the right contrast to differentiate between boots and jeans. Stuart Weitzman Sidezip boots are an amazing pair of suede boots, featuring an exposed side zipper (which we all know is a great ongoing trend for fall). Complete the look with a great fall scarf and cropped leather jacket.

If leggings are more your style (or just simply more comfortable) a shiny pair of leather thigh high boots are a great match. The Jessica Simpson Tulip slouched boot is not only attractive and affordable, but offered in five great colors. A printed tunic worn over your leggings and boots will give you a sexy bohemian look that's trend worthy for this fall.

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Celebrity Style Mashup: Kim Kardashisan and Carrie Underwood

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Sep 8, 2009 by Pam Gaulin

Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood may seem like night and day at first glance. Kim Kardashian exemplifies busy city style while Carrie Underwood still has a bit of charming country in her step. Both women are chameleons with color, and have the ability to make any hue work.

Kim Kardashian: Splashes of Blue
There probably isn't a color that would not look stunning on city slicker Kim Kardashian. She can wear all pink, black and white, purple, gray, red, yellow and sometimes green. She frequently wears splashes of blue, from bright blue tops to blue skirts. She knows how to pair a longer top with leggings or skinny jeans, top it with a jacket, and the right big bag and high heels.

Even in a pair of blue jeans, Kim Kardashian knows that fully-done big hair and impeccable make up area part of her signature style.

Kim's Silhouettes
Kim's fashion silhouette ranges from wearing a longer top, drawing attention down from her womanly hips and bottom to her legs. The other common silhouette she adores is one which cinches her waist and emphasizes her hourglass figure.

Carrie Underwood: Romance in the Country
For a softer look, turn the other cheek to Carrie Underwood. No matter how big Carrie Underwood's star grows, she still beams that innocent and sweet smile, and will always be a country girl at heart. She looks like she is floating in romantic hues and textures.

A pair of brown slip-on heels will carry Underwood through her days of pink and champagne hues, or a day spent in her jeans. Similar to Kardashian, Underwood can pull off nearly any color, from deep purples and bright blues to orange, pink and black. She also works her hair as a fashion accessory, pulling off a big bangs look, a side swept low ponytail, or big sexy hair, all with aplomb.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Put a Spring in Your Step with Flowers, Seashells and Super Wedge Heels

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Sep 3, 2009 by Sabah K.

The warmer months are finally here, which means it's high time you traded out those jeans and full-sleeved shirts for capri shorts, mini dresses and tank tops. Since it's time to bare it all for Spring break and to count down the days to summer, you can get a head start by picking up some Spring-inspired sandals for the season. This year's top fashion trends include lots of feminine flair, which means it's time to go all out with flowers, ruffles, feathers and fun girly-girl accents.

This season's lineup of the hottest sandals include cork wedges and flats embellished with oversized jewels, and fun flats accented with seashells. Here are a few more ideas for adding some seasonal pizazz to the closet:

1. Croc-inspired slides. Skip the patent leather and plain buckles this season in favor of some flashy, crocodile leather slides. These are great for going out for a weekend brunch or for jetting off on a fun shopping trip with the girls.

2. Seashell ankle-strap sandals. If you can't go to the beach, why not bring the beach home to you? Stuart Weitzman's Shelly Sandals will help you do just that with their soft nappa or calf leather bands and cluster of seashells, fresh from the sea shore, trimming the top.

3. Super wedge heels. Forget about the conservative 2" wedges and reach new heights with 4"+heels decked out in oversized jewels or flowers. Like these Dccyclops by Stuart Weitzman. They're a real head turner with the super-stacked heel and chic espadrille-inspired design. Pair these up with a minidress or short-short skirt of the season and you'll be the life of the party.

4. Open-toe ballerina flats. If you've become a fan of the flats, or just want to give your calves a break this season, slide into a pair of open-toed flats made with patent leather straps. These are perfect for those picnics in the park and relaxing on the sands.

5. Festive thong sandals. Dress up any plain-Jane outfit with a rich leather upper covered with chrome, foil and metallic embellishments. Metallics are back for another season and are sure to add a little sass to your step this Spring.

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Building a Wardrobe in Your . . . Teens 20s, 30s, Etc: Flattering Fashion Tips

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Aug 28, 2009 by Eisla Sebastian


Clothes that you buy at stores are sized based on standards set by the pattern makers. These sizes are based on average body proportions and dimensions. As you are most likely well aware of, few bodies have these exact dimensions and shapes and that is why clothing off the rack doesn't always fit or flatter your body's shape. Fortunately, there are ways to make off the rack clothes fit your body better.

Tip #1 - Use Belts


One simple way to make adjustments to the shape and fit of clothing is to utilize a belt. Belts can be used with jeans and slacks to help bring in the waist of pants that are a little too big, or they can be added to a shirt to create a more tailored look. You can also use belts of different colors and textures to add a point of visual interest to your outfit.

Tip #2 - Make Adjustments to the Seams


If you are between sizes then you will want to buy the next size up and then make adjustments to the seams. You can do this simply by figuring out where the clothing is too big and then by taking in the seams. Usually you will only need to take in the side seams to make a shirt or a pair of pants fit your shape better. When you take in the seams you need to do it evenly on both sides so that the clothing item will fit properly on your body.

Tip #3 - Make Adjustments to the Length of the Item


Another dimension that may not fit your body properly is the length of the clothing item. If the item is too long then you can hem the bottom of the item. This is a very simple fix that even novices can handle. Keep in mind that you can shorten shirts and jackets, as well as pants, shorts and skirts. Hemming can be done by hand with a needle and thread, or it can be done using a sewing machine. There are also hemming tapes that you can use to quickly set a hem. You can use the tape to hold the hem for a day while you wear the item, or you can use it to hold the hem in place while you stitch it up with a needle and thread.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Scarves

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Aug 27, 2009 by Yissel C.

Scarves used to be classified as an accessory only used when outdoor temperatures made our necks intolerable to bare. Over the recent seasons, however, scarves have been spotted not only during the spring and summer seasons, but also worn around the head and neck in various different ways.

From silk to cashmere, designers have experimented with new fabrics transcending the traditional wool that labeled scarves as only a winter accessory. These lightweight and elegant fabrics not only make them suitable for the hotter seasons but also make them malleable enough to be used creatively as a trendy head accessory.

As seen on many celebrities, the "summer scarf" is worn around the neck (not wrapped) and worn to slightly adorn bare shoulders when worn over a tank top or cami. Solid colored scarves give a sophisticated look, while various prints give a more casual and youthful feel. Designers such as Ed Hardy and Alexander McQueen have branded their scarves with highly popular prints that are easily referenced back to the designer, like the Alexander McQueen silk skull scarf. This particular scarf was seen on many celebrities, including Nicole Ricci and Lindsey Lohan.

This year, a particular way to wrap scarves around the neck put a huge spotlight back on this ancient accessory. The "triangle-tie" resembling the look that cowboys used to don were seen all over the runway and streets. Plaid patterns and fringe details were the most sought after styles, modernizing this primitive look.

What can be worn one day around the neck, can easily be transformed into a different look by wrapping it around the head. This season, scarves were highly merchandised with swimwear as the season's must-have accessory. The different ways of wearing scarves around the head are countless, which is why scarves have become highly popularized, for their capability of being a highly versatile fashion accessory. Whether draped around the neck, wrapped around the head or cinched over the waist, scarves can turn any outfit from dull to dramatic.

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Easy Fashion Tips: Eco-Friendly Clothing

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Aug 20, 2009 by Lyn Lomasi

Right now, being fashionable is all about being eco-friendly. So, if you're a nature lover at heart, this fashion trend is all about you. If not, you might want to get with the times. The fashion world is always changing to reflect the moment and this is one good example. Even many celebs are going green and donning eco-friendly garb. To some, eco-friendly and fashion may not seem like a good fit, but wait just a second. Don't judge just yet. Eco-friendly fashion has come a long way since its inception. In fact, you may even have worn a few eco-friendly outfits without even trying or knowing.

With designers getting more creative than ever, it's tough to tell the eco-friendly fashion from the not-so-green clothing anymore. In fact, eco-friendly clothing often sets its own trends. From lounging clothes, to business clothes and even designer gowns for a formal evening, eco-friendly designers have got it covered. To pick the best in eco-friendly clothing, don't be afraid to ask questions. Make sure what you are getting really is eco-friendly.

Most have likely heard about (and maybe even used) eco-friendly bags for groceries. But, what about eco-friendly handbags and purses? It's true. Purses have gone green, too (no, this is not in reference to what's inside the wallet). Going green with purses can involve hemp, crochet, and more, all in varied shapes and sizes. Just like with any other handbag, make sure you are buying one that goes with something and that you actually will use it. Otherwise, it may be a little wasteful. A little counterproductive to the eco-friendly goal.

Don't worry, shoes are not left out of the eco-friendly fashion world. From recycled canvas to bamboo, shoe manufacturers are constantly thinking up new ways to go green with shoes. It may seem that eco-friendly shoes would be uncomfortable, but sometimes they can be even more comfy. Green shoes come in many styles, including sandals, tennis shoes, and even heels. As with any other shoes, be sure you've got something to wear them with and that they feel good on your feet.

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