Happy Go Lucky

Sunkissed and glowing, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the warmth and fun of the sun in the city. There’s no need to get out of the city to have an amazing time, get playful and get creative there is a ton of good times to be had downtown.

Work hard and play hard, that’s the motto of a city dweller. Take a mini vacay within the confines of your lovely city and explore the sidewalks, boardwalks, and hidden gems within your neighborhood. Who knows what each corner of your metropolis might hold? You may find your new favorite hangout spot, or the best cup of coffee in the city.

Put on your go-to pair of walking shoes, whether it’s a pair of ballet flats or heeled sandals, and get ready for a day of walking and exploring. Since you’re still in the city, stylishness is as much a priority as being comfortable. Fashion AND function are both key.

A nude camisole and printed pants are a great outfit for your weekend adventures, it is the perfect combination of classic meets trendy. You can also opt for a feminine white eyelet sundress that skims your curves perfectly and shows off your ladylike grace and sophistication. Keep the colors of your outfit light for a day of walking, in order to keep you feeling as well as looking relaxed, casual, and cool.

Don’t forget your super chic sunnies for your urban trek. Sunglasses are the go-to for city savvy folks who want to go incognito, and still look fashionable. Eyewear like this can also serve as great accessories to finish off a simple look and give it a more glamorous flourish.

Where will you be heading off this week? Share with us your urban discoveries, and don’t forget to dress for the occasion! Always dress to impress, my fashionista readers!

Beach Look

 

Buy Now: Must-Have Boots for Fall

I can hardly believe that the best season and month in fashion is upon us. September is coming soon, and with it come the thickest September issues, fall fashion shopping, and fashion week of course!

Although this part of the globe doesn’t experience fall, that isn’t a reason for fashionistas not to do their yearly fall wardrobe overhaul and update. Fall is the fashion New Year where style devotees examine their past sartorial decisions and make new ones. Fall is also the season where the hottest trends crop up and the hottest items are up for purchase.

What is the quickest and easiest way to get ready for fall fashion month? The answer is simple, wear boots with everything. Boots are the ultimate shoes of this season, and it will surely make you look fashion forward and up to date with the trends. I’ve picked out 10 of the best boot styles to improve your daily #OOTDs. What’re you waiting for? Shop away fashionistas!

Giuseppe Zanotti Quilted Zipped Calf Ankle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

If you live in head to toe black come fall season, this is definitely the pair of boots meant for you since it’ll give your monochrome outfits a much needed hit of color. The quilted leather and zipper detailing add to the cool girl appeal of these boots.

 

Corvari Beatle Boots from LuisaViaRoma

Chelsea boots, popularized by The Beatles in the 60s (hence the name of this Corvari boot), these sleek yet casual boots should be a staple in any fashionista’s shoe rotation.

Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather Biker Boots from The Outnet

These boots for Marc Jacobs certainly respond to the needs and cries of fashion lovers for footwear that is both all-weather and all-chicness. Try this with a dress and tights for a cute daytime look.

Alexander McQueen Cracked Leather Ankle Boots from The Outnet

Count on Alexander McQueen to make the most uniquely glamourous pair of ankle boots. The cracked leather material is so on trend, and is sure to add visual interest to your LBD.

Gucci Horsebit Embellished Burnished Leather Boots from Net-a-porter

Classic and preppy, this knee-high Gucci boot will fulfill your childhood equestrian dreams and will have you looking every bit of country club chic. These boots will up the ante of you denim and tee daily go-to gear.

Rene Caovilla Crystal Embellished Suede and Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

Plain lace-up leather boots are great, crystal embellished ones are even better. Fashion lovers always want to push the envelope, what’s better than getting some bling and extra sparkle on your feet?

Yves Saint Laurent Paris Leather Ankle Boots from Net-a-porter

If you’re the type of gal who wants the best of the best and doesn’t mind a splurge, here’s the boot for you. These YSL stunners have an amazing silhouette, luxe leather material, and timeless design that will hold you in good stead from this season and beyond.

Casadei Suede Over-the-Knee Boots from The Outnet

Never underestimate the awesome power of a pair of over-the-knee boots. These uber sexy boots will surely up the sexiness of anything you wear it with. Whether it’s tights and cozy sweater, or bare-legged with your LBD, these over-the-knee boots always have maximum impact.

Christian Louboutin Leather Ankle Boots with Fringe Trim from MyTheresa

Put some fringe benefits (pun intended) into your wardrobe with this Louboutin boots. Fringe is one of the must-have microtrends this season, and these boots are the perfect pair to get some boho fringe into your everyday looks.

Balenciaga Leather Ankle Boots from MyTheresa

A classic taupe shade in this Balenciaga boot expresses understated elegance. This can be a great addition to your boot closet, and a great alternative to the typical edgy black boot. An added bonus is that these boots can be great for your work wardrobe too.

There you have it ladies, it’s time to boot up! Which one will you be rocking this fall? I know I’ll definitely be on the lookout for a pair on my next shopping trip!

Beauty How To: Smoky Eyes

Smoky eyes are a quintessential beauty look that every woman should master. Intimidating and highly technical as this makeup look may seem, in reality it is actually pretty easy to execute and perfect. Granted there will be some mishaps during your initial attempts (hello raccoon eyes), it’ll be no time till you’re rocking this smoky eye and applying it with confidence and expertise.

Don’t fret, because I’m here to guide you as you navigate through the numerous smoky eye how-to tutorials. I’ve personally picked out two of the simplest tutorials that yield the best results. First things first, let’s go through the basic tools you’ll need:

• Mascara
• Eyeshadow (at least 3 similar shades to blend together)
• Eyeshadow Brush
• Angled Brush
• Eyeliner

It’s important to remember that the smoky eye look is all about blending. If you’re more comfortable with blending with a sponge or even your fingers, feel free to do so.

The infographic below takes you through the step-by-step process in achieving the glamourous smoky-eye look.

 

Image Source

Straight-forward and easy right? The great thing about the tutorial above is that you can use it for any type of smoky eye you want. It is important to note that smoky eye is not just about dark eyeshadow, you can use the same technique and process outlined above to achieve the metallic smoky eye or even the daytime smoky eye. All you need to do is simply switch up your eyeshadow of choice, from a dark black/brown palette to lighter shades for the daytime. If you’re feeling bold, you can even do a bright-colored smoky eye like purple or blue.

If you’re looking for an even quicker and easier way to achieve a classic dark smoky eye, this how-to from The Beauty Department has you covered. Using only a black kohl pencil, blending brush, eyeliner, and mascara, you can achieve the dark smoky eye in a snap.

Image Source

Now that you’ve pretty much gotten the gist of what makes the smoky eye look work, here are some products that’ll make your smoky eye look even more glam. You may want to invest in these beauty products down the road, it’ll make a difference with your smoky eye look for sure.

This new They’re Real push-up eyeliner from Benefit boasts of a no-brainer application and a smudgeproof finish.

Priming your lids before applying shadow will make your application smoother and will make your smoky eye last longer. This Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer is anti-crease too!

You probably have an eyeshadow brush and angled brush in your kit already, but a blending brush is an addition worth looking into. You can use this Bobbi Brown blending brush for face contouring as well.

Every makeup fanatic owns or dreams of owning an Urban Decay Naked Palette. Its cult following is well deserved since you can do a wide range of looks just from this one palette.

A quick pat of Nars Translucent Setting Powder will set your look for an entire night.

Are you excited to flex those makeup artist skills yet? Race you to the mirror ladies! Have a great and beauty-filled week ahead!

Style Icon: Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung is a perennial Best Dressed list favorite. Since becoming the host of the UK show Popworld, she landed on everyone’s radar and quickly became the darling of the fashion world because of her distinctively individual style choices and way of dressing.

Her fashion resume pretty much speaks for itself. A contributing editor for British Vogue, an author of the best-selling fashion book “IT,” recipient of the British Style Award, a design collaboration with Madewell, as well as the inspiration and namesake of the famous Alexa Mulberry bag, there is simply no misstep in Alexa Chung’s illustrious fashion career. Described by New York Times as “the Kate Moss of this generation,” it will do all of us well to take style notes from this fashion wunderkind.

Here are my top 10 picks of Alexa Chung at her sartorial best:

Leather shorts, peter pan collar top, and a leather frame bag. This outfit is the perfect representation of Alexa Chung’s style–a little edge, a little bit of tomboy chic, and a touch of girly vintage.

Denim overalls and espadrille wedges plays into Alexa Chung’s love for unconventional and offbeat styling. The snakeskin purse and chunky necklace nicely rounds out this outfit.

A tomboy at heart, Alexa shows us the right way to do menswear-inspired dressing. This blazer skirt suit in vibrant red is given a feminine treatment with a coquettish pair of pointed toe T-strap flats.

A leather motorcycle jacket casually draped over the shoulder succinctly captures Alexa Chung’s effortlessly cool style. The fully buttoned up shirt and plaid check skirt shows her skill in mixing different fashion elements together and making it work perfectly.

Proclaiming her love for her personal style icon, Jane Birkin, she displays that signature mix of girly and tomboy in this floral skirt, black jumper, and patent tassel loafers.

Alexa has been famously quoted saying that she can live in navy jumpers. Although this jumper is gray, she certainly knows her way around styling these knit fashion staples. Matching this sweater with a sparkly skirt is an advanced style move that elevates this chunky knit.

A great thing about Alexa Chung’s style is the whimsical accents she always adds. In this case, a black purse with a cat face on it gives her red carpet look a bit of sass and personality.

Toting the famous Alexa Mulberry bag, she dresses up a girly polka dot dress with ankle boots and a leather jacket, which is one of her style staples.

High waist vintage denim cutoffs are another one of Alexa Chung’s personal closet favorites. The printed polo, tortoiseshell sunnies, and Converse sneaks all come together to make this casual look more striking and fashion forward.

A knit mini dress, an antique frame bag, minimal sandals with a chunky heel, and a wide brim hat–this is Alexa rocking her best moves to bring a dash of quirky style to a simple frock.

Which Alexa Chung look will you be stealing some styling tips from? I love them all!

Images from: Grazia Daily, Elle UK and Harper’s Bazaar

Latest Trends: Embellishments

Embellishments are an amazing way to glamorize any look and it can instantly increase the stylishness of your daily outfits. A touch of bling, a dash of feathers, and a dose of sparkle is all it takes to take any piece of clothing from blah and boring to chic and fabulous.

Adding these glitzy extras have become such a major trend this season, even though embellishments have long been a staple in fashion designer’s arsenal. The glamour of putting textured accessories, metal studs, floral appliques and dazzling sequins can’t be beat. Just take some inspiration from these street style looks that show you that embellishments aren’t just for black tie or red carpet events, a little extra adornment can go a long way in your wardrobe and can improve your daytime style drastically.

Images from: WhoWhatWear

This season designers take the embellishment trend and lift it to a higher level. Putting that extra panache and giving a fashionable flourish on everything, from T-shirts to fall coats. Take a peek at this roundup of embellished pieces to upgrade your wardrobe’s glam factor.

SWETC Embellished Sweatshirt from Net-a-porter

A dusty pink sweater looks perfectly sweet and ladylike when paired with a pleated full skirt. Top off that look with a pair of sneakers for an on trend sporty meets feminine look.

Alexander McQueen Embellished T-Shirt from MyTheresa

The famous McQueen skull print on this tee will immediately let onlookers know that you take your fashion seriously. With sleek black leather leggings and sky high stilettos, this piece will prove that T-shirts can be sexy.

Burberry Prorsum Embellished Pencil Skirt from MyTheresa

Give your closet a chic element of added texture with this Burberry Prorsum skirt. The taupe and beige combo is elegant, while the trimmings on the skirt put in an edgy feel to the conservative pencil cut silhouette.

DSquared Embellished Jeans from LuisaViaRoma

There’s no reason why your everyday denim can’t get a flashy update. This will certainly brighten up your denim-and-tee daily uniform. Wear with nude heels or plain ballet flats to keep your attire looking sophisticated.

Matthew Williamson Embellished Jacquard Jacket from The Outnet

The intense and vivid chartreuse with chrome metal trim that outlines this Matthew Williamson jacquard jacket playfully picks up the ikat and tribal-inspired print of the jacquard fabric. Heads will turn when you slip on this topper.

Versace Embellished Wool Blend Coat from LuisaViaRoma

Sometimes a little goes a long, long way. Such is the case for this rich emerald green Versace coat with embellished lapel collar tips. The trimmings may be a bit on the subtle side (note the exposed zipper detail on the sleeves), but the effect is all the same–chic and exciting.

Marni Embellished Crepe Dress from The Outnet

The best thing about this Marni Embellished Crepe Dress is that it is a one-piece wonder. The neckline ornamentation eliminates the need for jewelry, this item is definitely a no-brainer outfit choice on date night.

Miu Miu Embellished Crepe Shorts from Net-a-porter

Shorts don’t always have to mean casual and rugged. Embellished shorts with peplum-esque detailing can easily take you to your next formal event or classy dinner party. Just pair with a crepe or silk top, complete with your favorite high heels, and go.

So, any outfit ideas for your next embellished look? I’m excited to style myself with some sparkle and glam!

Layer It Up: 13 Street Style Looks to Steal

Layering is an art that all fashionistas aim to perfect and excel in. It’s not just simply about piling one piece of clothing after another. Layering is all about mixing textures, playing with silhouettes, combining colors and harmonizing trends together in order to create a multidimensional visually interesting and appealing look.

Typically associated with the colder months of the year, layering has now spilled over to the warmer months. Style soldiers don’t just layer in the fall or winter, summer layering is a legitimate fashion movement too. Layering takes some skill and fashion savvy and when you’ve done it as expertly as these street style looks have, you can undoubtedly call yourself a true blue fashionista.

I’ve handpicked 13 of the best street style looks that show layering mastery. Jot down some notes, and apply your fashion learnings to your own style.

All white is a quintessential summer outfit. An unbuttoned silk shirt in a burnt orange hue gives these white separates a punch of color. It also adds an element of undone casual glamour.

Refresh your fall layering by wearing a pair of sheer tights underneath your super skinny jeans, it’ll be a nice and alluring sartorial surprise. Keeping the blazer fully buttoned also creates a stronger color statement when combined with blue and red.

Use summer closet items to keep your fall outfits interesting. A pair of leather shorts and white sneakers looks unexpected yet totally apropos with a chunky knit, a cozy scarf, and a luxe camel overcoat.

A sliver of your denim shirt underneath a warm cable knit sweater is grandpa chic meets urban styling. The cuffed jeans and red clutch are much needed details that sweeten up this look.

Leopard + stripes + buffalo check print equals a print on print layering extravaganza. This look manages to meld all those prints together without having it clash, the key here is choosing it in more neutral color palettes that are easy to mix and match.

When it gets way too cold that one coat can’t handle it, layer two on! There’s no fashion rule that says you can’t anyway. Putting on a nude coat over a buttoned bold colored one is a great style fix for those extra chilly days, it’s fashion without sacrificing comfort at its finest.

Leopard print is so chic, timeless, and versatile that most fashion pundits consider it a neutral print. A leopard print topper, like this one, is an excellent way to upgrade an all black ensemble. The leather moto jacket peeking out hints at texture layering.

A boxy leather shell top and a white classic button-down isn’t the typical match, but when layered together it’s a match made in fashion heaven. This closet pairing works brilliantly because of the texture as well as genre contrast, the traditional vs. modern and the tough leather vs. the relaxed white cotton/linen.

A clever styling trick to keep warm and snug is layering two scarves together. It’s also a great way to introduce more prints into your everyday attire. Just make sure that the prints you choose for your scarf will harmonize and complement each other, almost like they were meant to be worn together.

Get into the sport trend by opting for a varsity jacket to wear under your coat. Ditch your layering staples, i.e. your fave denim and leather moto jacket, for a day and take the athletic trend out for a spin.

Summer layering can be a bit tricky. This street style look, however, makes it looks effortless and easy. The sheer panel at the top makes it still look breezy and light, even with the leather jacket on. The flannel layered underneath just adds that extra print detail. The top handle bag and neon-laced sneaks are surprising accessories that work brilliantly in completing the look.

A T-shirt in a similar hue as the sweater is an ingenious layering tip that you can easily copy and personalize. The monochromatic layering maintains the ease of this look.

 

Leave it to Olivia Palermo to introduce and successfully pull off luxurious layering like this. A emerald green fur vest and a tweed coat with leather sleeves? Yes, please. She ups the ante of her jeans and sneaker combo further with her exotic croc skin frame bag.

 

Inspired yet? I know I am. Get to your closet stat, and start experimenting with layering different pieces, textures, and colors. Have fun ladies!

All Images from WhoWhatWear

 

 

Trend Roundup: Mini Bags

The era of the “it” bag is over; these bags came of age and into popularity right around the 00’s. The LV Speedy, Chanel Jumbo Flap 2.55, Fendi Spy, YSL Muse–all these roomy luxury totes were all the rage. Now there is a new bag taking over the scene, the mini bag.

Designers this season have been making teensy versions of the luxury bags we’ve come to know and love, and fashionistas from Rihanna to Giovanna Battaglia have been snapping it up and toting these mini bags around town.

Spotted all over the streets of Paris during Haute Couture Fall 2014/2015 Fashion Week, this little bag is making major fashion headlines. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in chicness. These little purses are certainly in line with the minimalist trend that is big in fashion. The size and sleekness of these tiny fashion wonders serve as accessories that blend in or streamline minimalist ensembles. It never takes over or draws attention, mini bags are all about subtlety, it’s all about having a touch of designer luxury. Just a touch.

Images from Fashiontag.Wordpress.com

Refresh your purse game and snap up these mini bag babies. Here’s our roundup of the chicest mini bags around:

ValentinoVa Va Voom glossed-alligator shoulder bag from The Outnet 

Alligator skin + studs = major luxury. This bag definitely makes a statement, and the right one at that. Sling this over your shoulder and watch everyone swoon over your purse pal.

Givenchy Mini Antigona Grained Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The big sister version of the Antigona is pretty popular as it is. Carrying this mini Antigona will separate you from the fashion pack, and selecting a bubbly and punchy color like this shocking saturated pink is your ticket to being a street style standout.

Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Classic Smooth Leather Bag from Luisaviaroma

The PS11 classic satchel silhouette combined with the heavy metal hardware makes it impossible to resist. It adds modern polish to any outfit. Wear this across your body with a plain maxi tank dress and flip-flops to glamorize even the most casual days.

Maiyet Peyton Mini Elaphe and Leather Shoulder Bag from Net-a-porter

The red, black, and white stripe print on this Maiyet Mini Shoulder Bag may just be what your denim-and-tee uniform needs. Match your threads with the colors in this bag, or choose a complementary color and wear a cobalt blue boxy crop top; either way all eyes will be on you.

Chloe Leather Baylee Mini Tote from MyTheresa

This Chloe Baylee Mini takes your everyday carryall to another level. The zipper detailing and contrast leather handles and straps are opulent extras that are great glitzy accents to any getup.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Metallic Shoulder Bag from MyTheresa

The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli has reached iconic status by now. This crackle metallic blue leather gives an edgy vibe to the fashionista favorite Pashli shape. Wear with leather pants for maximum tough gal appeal.

Balenciaga Classic Mini City Leather Bag from MyTheresa

A modern classic this Balenciaga Mini City Leather bag takes that typically roomy holdall design and downsizes it, thereby giving it a fresh look. This black leather purse is an investment that will pay dividends since it can match practically anything in your closet, and can quickly switch from day to night.

Chanel Blue Velvet Mini Boy Bag from The Luxury Closet

The mini bag that started it all, the Chanel Mini Boy Bag has reached cult status and this reverence will surely last beyond this season. The quilted leather flap bag that Chanel is famous for is given a few tweaks, like chunkier chain straps and a geometric logo setting, resulting in a more current look that fashionistas easily fell in love with.

Which bags will you be rocking? Let me know in the comments! Have a great week ahead everyone!