Category — Trendsetter Thursday

If you’re anything like us you likely have thing or two to learn when it comes to the game of golf. Luckily, Kim from FashionCents is here to offer a few tips on how to dress if you’re attending an invitational. Check out her video blog site about developing personal style without breaking the bank.

If your style doesn’t make sense, watch their videos!

We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, so if you don’t have your beach fashion dos and don’ts down yet, no need to fret – there’s still time! Melanie from Unravelled Threads is here to share 5 rules of beach fashion… Be sure to check out her blog, where you’ll find the story of a college grad remixing her closet in the real world.

Good news… being chic on the beach (or at the pool) can be just as easy as being chic in the city. Just follow my five simple rules and you’ll be golden. And not just from the sun’s rays.

Rule #1: Wear sun block–at very least SPF 30. And reapply, reapply, reapply. UVSunSense makes bracelets that change color to alert you when you need to reapply sunscreen or get out of the sun.

Rule #2: Find a swimsuit that fits you right now! You might love the one you wore all through high school, but now that your boobs have grown in and you’ve had a kid or two, it’s probably best to nix the XS string bikini. Wearing a baiting suit that’s too small is never flattering.

Rule #3: Get (or make) a cover-up. Terrycloth and jersey knit are light, comfortable and perfect for the beach or the pool.

Rule #4: Just say “no” to heels. As awesome as it would be, you are not in a Ludacris music video. Put your stilettos away. On the other hand, this is the PERFECT opportunity to wear your cute new sandals.

Rule #5: Wear big sunglasses–because there is nothing chic about crow’s feet.

Now go lather up, slip on your shades and head out to the water. I’ll see you there!

You might not have a personal make-up artist at your disposal, but these great beauty tips taken straight from Miami Fashion Week will certainly add a little glamour to your everyday look. Trendsetter Mandabear’s expertise extends beyond the runway as her blog contains an amalgamation of her of shopping adventures and some awesome beauty product reviews.

Swimsuits aplenty were recently strutted down the catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 in Miami.  As part of the usual Fashion Week woes, we sadly cannot get our hands on the threads right away.  No worries beach bunnies. It’s still possible to get on top of the trends with the magic of hair and makeup.

Here are two looks that will have you covered both day and night from two sizzling fashion shows at Miami Fashion Week: Qiss Qiss and Dolores Cortes. The beauty looks were created by MAKE UP FOR EVER, the official makeup sponsor for Mercedes-Benz Swim!  If you want to recreate the looks to a T, you’re in luck!  All of the products used are readily available for purchase.

[Budget Friendly Tip: The official color descriptions are noted after each product so you can achieve the look with similar products that you may already own.]

Day Look from Qiss Qiss

EYES

• Base: Aqua Cream #16 (pinky beige shimmer)
• Eye Shadow: #132 (berry rose sheen) – applied on top of the base, all over the lid.
• Eyeliner: Waterproof Liner in Black – lining top and bottom lashes.
• Mascara: Aqua Smoky Lash

LIPS

• Lipstick: #434 (transparent coral beige)

CHEEKS

• HD Microfinish Blush #6 Quickie (salmon pink)

HAIR:

• Natural waves. Low maintenance with middle part – if you do like a side part, keep it closer to the middle.

Night Look from Dolores Cortes

EYES

• Base: Diamond Shadow #302 (robins egg blue with shimmer)
• Outer Corner/Crease: Diamond Shadow #310 (dark green teal with shimmer)
• Inner Corner: Aqua Cream #11 (yellow gold shimmer)
• Eyeliner: Aqua Eyes in Black 0L – lining top and bottom lashes
• Mascara: Aqua Smoky Lash

LIPS

• For a matte look: Lipstick #502 (matte nude beige)
• For a glossy look: Glossy Full Couleur #10 (peachy pink)

CHEEKS

• Sculpting Blush #22 (iridescent coral orange)

HAIR:

• Curls achieved with a curling iron or hot rollers. Run fingers through hair to loosen up the curls.  Hair is out of face and swooped to the side to frame the face.  Set with a bit of hairspray.

All Products from  MAKE UP FOR EVER

Shop It To Me Trendsetter and vintage shopping expert Chanelle from The Penelope Times is here to share a few tricks of the trade. By following her 5 tips you’ll be able to turn a potentially overwhelming experience into one that makes your closet AND your wallet very, very happy. Be sure to check out her blog and online vintage clothing store, Penelope’s Vintage!

My name is Chanelle and I’m here to help you overcome your fear of thrift shopping or make thrift shopping easier on you. I own an online vintage clothing store, Penelope’s Vintage, therefore I’ve had some practice. I have 5 super simple tips to help you shop or get you started.

Be organized: Dive in and go one rack at a time. Thrift stores usually have everything separated nicely. Start off with the lightest weight items like blouses, then work your way across the store. If you’re like me you will end up with a mountain of clothes, they add up QUICK.

Look for patterns or colors that appeal to you: Walk down the aisle and spot the prints etc. that appeal to you. You can also push all the clothes to one side of the rack then push them one by one to the other side in a quick motion. While doing this spot out the prints and styles that you like and take it off the rack to see if it’s love.

Start off simple and take chances: First time? Vintage t-shirts are a great way to start, they go with ANYTHING and the men’s section is usually a jackpot. Eventually make your way into blouses, bottoms etc. and before you know it you’ll be in a full sequins jumpsuit! Try on at least one outrageous item; those are usually the best ones.

Picture the items on and/or with an outfit: Do you wear items alone? NO! You wear them WITH AN OUTFIT! Try picturing the item with a belt at the waist, if something is too long, picture it rolled up, put the outfit with a clunky bracelet and a cocktail ring. Play with the item if you like it. You can also research before shopping on sites like Lookbook.nu or Chictopica.com, which have AMAZING outfit ideas with vintage items.

Try everything on: Most places have mirrors and not dressing rooms. My best advice would be to go shopping dressed in leggings and a tight shirt so you can try items on over your clothes. Things look COMPLETELY different on than they do on the rack therefore this step is crucial.

The thing I love most about thrifting is; it’s creativity at its finest. You have to search, have imagination and be bold. It’s gratifying when you find that JEM that is a piece of vintage. It’s yours, and you found it. If thrifting is not your thing but you love vintage, there are Ebay and Etsy stores that do all the work for you. They do the shopping and show you different ways to wear it. Just click “buy”!

*image via Fashion Gone Rogue

Guys, if you’re trying to spice up your summer wardrobe Trendsetter That’s So Rad is certainly the right gal to take advice from. Not only does she author her own fashion blog, work at Blue Bee,  and have some seriously awesome photo editing skills, but she also knows the ins and outs of the fashion industry and will tell you exactly where to go to get this summer’s hot looks!

BlueBee.com has also taken our favorite hot summer vacation wear and cooled them off with a 30% off Sale for both Men and Women starting Thursday July 22nd. Use special code VAC30 to apply the discount!

In the last 5 years men have become increasingly concerned with what they wear and how they wear it. Men’s fashion is taking a turn for the better and Summer 2010 for Men is more exciting than ever.

On the beach men have so many awesome board short options to choose from. Inspired by European Style, board shorts are getting shorter (such as Caulfield Preparatory’s Fitzgerald Boardie) which is more tailored creating a silhouette that is a sexier alternative for men.  For a more casual look with a lot less leg exposure try Quiksilver, Paul Smith and Warriors of Radness.

Accessories are by far one of the most important details in a man’s style. Watches, ties, and hats are the perfect way to show your personal sense of style and stand out from everyone else. G-Shock watches by Casio are back by popular demand and are worn by leading men such as Ron Browz, Asher Roth and athlete Joel Centeio.  ALSO, believe it or not men’s bracelets are becoming increasingly more popular. Miracle Icons is our most sought after men’s jewelry brand and the great thing about them is that no 2 are alike. How is that for individuality! So RAD!

Khaki shorts are one of the greatest staples in a man’s summer wardrobe but beware, baggy shorts with large cargo pockets and a long rise is NOT what is hot this summer. Look for a slimmer cut, trouser style short that hits an inch or two above the knee. Paul Smith Jeans Standard Short is our top choice that fits any man’s style and shape. Wear it with a tasteful graphic tee and a casual slim button up, or a 3/4 sleeve shirt open, and a pair of Sperry Top Siders (with no socks) and you are ready to take on the day.

This is just the beginning when it comes to men’s summer styles. I love talking to people about fashion and I have many men call to discuss what pieces are right for them. I invite you to do the same as this is the radest part of my job!

Take yourself out of your comfort zone and see where these awesome trends lead you. It is amazing how the details and items of clothing make people notice that you are a Man of Style.

Cristi, Customer Care
1-866-258-3233 x104

We’ve become head-over-heels obsessed with Trendsetter Ann Colville Somma’s blog, Holier than Now. Her site is the inspiration destination for fashion lovers far and wide. If you have any interest in gorgeous things (and who doesn’t?), we’d strongly encourage you to check it out!

Ann’s here to share her NYC style smarts and show us some affordable Salemail finds in the most visually appealing of ways!

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Head to the roof on any given night in NYC and you’ll spot silhouettes on the skyline.  From exclusive bars under the stars to off-limits roof areas strung with makeshift lights, you’ll find us keeping cool on summer nights en plein air.  But what to wear to take you from sunset past midnight?  Build a sparkling look with five pieces under $50 – and take advantage of a breezy night’s invitation to break out Fall boots!

Clockwise from left: Urban Outfitters Pins & Needles Tux Jacket, $39.99 (was $68.00) | White House Black Market Mirrored Snake-Embossed Bag, $29.99 (was $48.00) | Urban Outfitters Silence & Noise Cut-Out Dress, $29.99 (was $58.00) | Joust Over the Knee Boots, $49.95 (were $98.00), Marc by Marc Jacobs Star Studs, $37.90 (were $58.00).

Don’t forget to stop by Ann’s blog, Holier than Now – the fashion frontrunner’s source for emerging trends, inspiration, and curated round-ups of affordable “ways to wear it.”

Vacations are intended to be relaxing, but sometimes planning, packing, and the dreaded airport can put a damper on your trip. ModlyChic is here to make your vacation the well deserved getaway it is intended to be with some great tips on what to pack and how to dress for your voyage. Her blog not only focuses on looking stylish, but also on dressing in a smart, practical way that will make you feel great about yourself.

It’s the summertime and we’re already looking forward to those few precious days of vacation. Whether you’re headed to Europe or staying in the States, deciding what to pack and travel in is key to a successful trip. To make the trip a little less stressful, here are my suggestions for what to wear to the airport and what to put in your carry on.

Your airport attire should be a mix between comfortable and chic. A pair of boyfriend jeans, an embellished t-shirt and cute flats is a great option. Or maybe a jersey skirt, layered tank tops and a scarf. Don’t forget that sometimes the plane is chillier than we would prefer so throwing an extra sweater or scarf you can wear as a wrap in your bag is usually a good idea.

For your bag, you don’t want to overload it and then be forced to lug it around the entire airport. It’s no fun heaving that thing on to your shoulder every time you want a cup of coffee or need to use the bathroom while you are waiting to board your plane.

Consider taking only your essentials. Pack a small makeup bag, don’t forget for security it needs to be a clear bag. Take your powder foundation, mascara, lip gloss, hand cream and a mini perfume sample. These items will ensure that you look fresh when you arrive to your final destination but aren’t extremely bulky. Blotting pads are a great addition as well.

Beyond makeup don’t forget some reading material; a good book or favorite magazine can help fill the hours of waiting. So can your mp3 player. Gum to avoid your ears from popping and to give you fresh breath (after all you never know who might be sitting next to you.)

And of course don’t forget your ID/passport and credit card. Happy travels!

When you think of classic, stylish fashion icons, who’s the first person you think of?  Most likely it’s Sophia Loren or Audrey Hepburn.   Audrey Hepburn gave us that classic, elegant look, and Sophia Loren offered up all that with a little added glamour and sex appeal.

No matter how old you are or what season it is, a classic, luxurious sense of style is always in fashion.  If you want to modernize a classic look, take a peek at the Fall 2010 collections from Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Moschino.  These designers included pieces that can be worn now and for many more seasons to come. For a more affordable, stylish take on the timeless trend try an  Emilio & Coco dress. Or select from the many designers offered by Shop It To Me and search Sale Spot for LBD’s galore!

A classic, luxurious sense of style is also about sticking to pieces that are made of quality materials and can stand the test of time.  It’s not about chasing every single fashion trend.  In the words of Gianni Versace:

“Don’t be into trends.  Don’t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.”

Always remember that class, glamour, and luxury is what YOU make of it.  Now go and be your fabulous self!

–

Guest post written by Clarissa Schiller, a freelance fashion writer based in San Diego, California.  She is also a contributing editor at Studio 747 Media (www.studio-747.com) and has a passion for helping women discover their unique fashion style.

Achieving the perfect balance between weather-appropriate dress and work-appropriate attire can be a very tricky task. But fear no more, A Diva State of Mind is here to share her two cents on how to maintain both comfort and class in the office this summer. After you’ve soaked in all there is to know about summer workplace attire check out her blog for more great reads on fashion, entertainment, and relationships.

Now that summer is here, it’s time we make sure we’re dressed appropriately for work.  Many people have been pushing the limit with summer work-appropriate attire. Ladies, please leave the short shorts, short skirts, flip flops and spaghetti straps at home.

Now I know flip flops really depend on your work environment and you may be able to get away with them on a casual Friday, but they should NOT be the $1 flip flops from Old Navy. If your office does allow them on casual Fridays, they should be leather and/or jeweled.  Something dressier than the ones you wear to the beach.

Here are some other appropriate attire suggestions to make sure you stay cool but look appropriate at work during the hot summer months:

1. Skirts & Blouses: Work skirts should be knee length, but to stay cool wear nice cotton skirts.  Skirts can be paired with sleeveless sheer blouses; a thin camisole should be worn under blouses so undergarments are not visible. Always cover shoulders with a nice cardigan or lightweight blazer.  This is a great outfit that will allow you to effortlessly transition from the office to happy hour during the middle of the week.
2. Dresses: Dresses should be knee length, but you don’t have to settle for grey and black.   Just because you’re in the office doesn’t mean you can’t wear colorful summer dresses. Wear a fun printed dress paired with a SOLID cardigan so it’s not too loud at work.



3. Pants: To stay cool, wear light colors such as light grey and light brown instead of black. Linen wide leg pants are also a great alternative to the traditional dress pant.  For the office, rock your wide leg pants with heels for a more professional look.

   

4. Casual Fridays: Many companies allow for casual Fridays which means you can wear jeans.  Destroyed denim, denim Bermuda shorts and short jeans shorts are inappropriate.  Save those for the weekend.  Wear your dark denim jeans with cute flats or wedges.  If it’s too hot for dark denim jeans, wear linen pants with flats, a cute top and cardigan.
5. Fabrics: In some regions, the temperature this summer will reach 100 degrees.  To stay cool, look for clothing made out of cotton, linen and rayon. All three fabrics are absorbent fabrics which will keep you dry and cool.

Every girl knows shopping for clothes on a budget takes skills, patience and a hint of magic, and that could not ring more true for a college girl. We gotta look good, right? But how can we afford our Rachel Zoe closet when we’ve got mounting student debt…and a weekly bar tab to take care of?

Good news: it’s possible and CollegeCandy has the magic wand (or 3 great tips) that will have you wowing your campus without dipping into your “I need to eat something besides Easy Mac” fund.

1) Spend On Classic Pieces
So many people fall into the trap of thinking spending $50 on 5 cheap items is better than buying one well-made piece. Seriously, Forever 21 rocks when you need a pretty dress to go bar hopping, but that blazer you saw on Blake Lively? Or that gorgeous pencil skirt you’ve seen on all the runways? Better go to Nordstrom and find one that really fits, really lasts and will work in your wardrobe for years.

2) Borrow from your fashionable friends
Need something cute to wear? Why spend your hard earned money at the mall when you’ve got closets full of free clothes just down the hall? BORROW. Mix and match pieces from your friends’ closets with the staples in your own and you’ll have an endless array of fabulous, fresh and on-style outfits for every day of the week.

3) Recycle
No, I’m not telling you to take those old Stats notebooks and fashion them into some sort of paper dress (imagine what would happen if it rained!), but I am telling you to re-think the clothes that are already in your closet. Got a great graphic skirt you haven’t worn in years? Hike that sucker up, belt it and turn it into a mini-dress. Pair some unexpected pieces together. Take a basic dress and layer on big, bold necklaces. With that closet that is so full you can’t close the door, you’ve got the pieces of a hot look, you just need to build it.
In the end, think smart and shop smart and you’ll be the most fashionable girl in your class…. and at dollar pitcher night.

*CollegeCandy.com is the premiere online lifestyle magazine for 18-24 year old women. They cover everything – from fashion to relationships, celebrity gossip to surviving those classes in which you read celebrity gossip to pass the time – with the college girl in mind!