I ♥ Lace: A Fashion Obsession, Part II
December 27, 2009
The beauty of lace is that there are so many ways to wear it: from accessories like hair decorations, gloves, purses and scarves to dresses and tights making an outfit truly stand out.
In my last lace obsessed post I was playing with the idea of lace tights to add more texture and style to your fashion. With the winter trend of thigh high boots, patten tights fit just right in creating a bold and sexy style.
Black is classic and elegant and works lovely with winter’s charm. Later on in the spring nude and white lace may add a soft but playful factor for us to look forward to. But back to the season at hand and how we can have fun with our style.
I have been experimenting with lace quite a lot lately- and not just how it can redesign shoes. Take for instance using lace as a layer and foundation for your existing wardrobe. A long sleeve laced top goes a long way when worn under the right dress or tank top. It is the perfect selection for updating your entire wardrobe, giving old pieces a new feel in an instant. If you want to take lace even further then consider a piece such as this lucky find: A Lace Trim Jumpsuit from TIAN MU.
What I like about this selection is that not only is it one-of-a-kind, it is also all once piece. Well, one piece save for the black tube top underneath. If you have a unique tank top you can play with the lines of the design even more. But this once piece with the casual shorts and lace collar, front, and sleeves creates a simple look that is not to be ignored.
Because it is a single piece it leaves plenty of room for accessories- from vests to belts to playful jewelry pieces. I like the outfit on its own honestly, but I also look forward to reinventing the look over and over again. I’ve been thinking of playing with belts, skinny to “wow” factor big, and different undergarments first. Maybe even a colorful long sleeve top underneath to add a new flair. There’s plenty of ideas available and this very unique outfit will have a different feel each time I wear it because of all these options.
TIAN MU has lots of other great styles which have caught my eye, many of them playing with lace in different ways, too. From baby doll dresses to leggings, there’s lots of great ideas and inspirations to be found.
Click Here to view more from Tian Mu and find some fashion inspirations (or obsessions!) of your own.
A Snowy White Fashion Look
December 5, 2009
With the crisp winter air now all around, I’ve been inspired to create a look that is soft, feminine, and a beautiful snowy white. After looking through my closet and making a couple of welcoming discoveries, I came up with just the right combination.
I first began by placing my hair in an elegant updo. I have many wraps within my wardrobe and knew I would be wearing one to protect my neck from the cold. Right now it is cool enough to be refreshing, and not the harsh bitter coolness that may come in the next day.
With my hair up I knew I wanted to wear a certain dress. This is a dress that was an unepected find. It was displayed at a window of a shop I had never seen while on the road traveling. The shop’s name I cannot recall, it just so happens to be one of those fate finding dresses for me. The material is a soft white and reminds me of a baby blanket, which is perfect for the cool temperatures.
With a white vintage fur wrapped around my neck, this soft blanket of a dress draped on I felt like a snow white princess of winter. I love the bright clean look of this brilliant white color, and all the mixes of textures involved.
Having a solid color all throughout on an outfit, and then multiple textures involved makes an outfit pop like nothing else. I love this style. Shape, volume, and texture when all in the same color is a beautiful fashion playground. Perhaps my absolute favorite one at that.
What is your favorite style to play with?
Bigger Bows For An Adorable Updo
November 13, 2009
When it comes to accessories I love items that are bigger than life. Oversized sunglasses, handbags (to a certain limit of course), watches, rings, and bows. Something about the contrast appeals to me, and I love a challenge when incorporating them into my wardrobe.
The instant I saw this bow I knew it was mine- how I would wear it I did not know.
So this morning when I was putting my hair into a side swept updo, something felt missing. There was a bit more space than I had intended on having, and the updo seemed to tight and clean. Not neccessarily a bad thing, just not the look I was going for. Enter the bow. What a perfect finish- it is whimsical, adorable, black and elegant. The cute factor with the heart, designs, and enormous size fit in perfectly. I love it.
One side is very smooth and clear while the other is a collection of soft textures wraped in place by the giant bow. The silhouette it creates is a unique one with lots of character. I love the angles and feminine cute feel that comes from it.
It’s hard not to feel adorable when you have a bow this big in your hair. Even though one side is light and clear and the other is heavy and textured, the balance remains as each side gives a glimpse into the other. It plays of each other just right creating a uniformed look.
I think I’ll be incorporating this ridiculously large bow into more of my updos, giving elegance a playful and cute twist.
Photoshoot: Elegant Dress + Photographer Of The Year Nominee, Tracy Tesmer
September 14, 2009
If you saw the Sneak Peak Elegant Dress post with photos by Tracy Tesmer, then here are the photos you’ve been waiting for.
Tracy is an amazing photographer and it is always an honor for me to work with her- I love this lady! Her personality and passion truly shines through in her work. But have a look and see for yourself, here with the photos from the shoot:
(And be sure to *vote* for Tracy Tesmer as photographer of the year on bludomain.com. Voting begins on September 18th so be sure to vote for her!
http://bludomain.com/blog.cfm is the link to vote. In the mean time you can view the interview with Tracy Tesmer here at: http://bludomain.com/blog.cfm?postID=565
You can find out more about Tracy Tesmer and see more of her portfolio on her blog at www.tracytesmer.com!
A Dose Of Liquid Hair, Part II
September 14, 2009
After taking my dose of “liquid hair” as described in the previous post, I am now sitting back just enjoying the luxurious results. And they are luxurious, wow. I think even my kitties are jealous!
Sooo shiny, so much stronger and softer to the touch. I keep wanting to just play with my hair, it feels so fabulous- I love it! The keratin oils really made a difference (and these pictures don’t do it justice). I would highly recommend the treatment to anyone wanting drop-dead gorgeous hair.
It moves beautifully and feels like silk- every time I move my hair or grab it to put it up in a pony tail, it seems new and truly revived. It is a GREAT experience!
Check out the original post with information about this treatment here.
Volume In Control: A Must Fashion Accessory
August 27, 2009
I love volume, and there is definitely a certain balance to be maintained in order for it to work wonders. There are also many options to be explored, and all of them have to do with playing around with the silhouette.
Dresses are a particular favorite of mine, and those cozy, voluminous, short ones that have been in style are a dream. Nothing like looking fabulous while being comfortable, some of them feel like silk or even as cozy as a blanket. My latest favorite, from STAR.MIMI, feels like silk against the skin. It is soft, delicate, and moves so elegantly. On it’s own, it has a good amount of volume that is in good balance because of the length (pictured above).
But what about those options? Volume is put into control with this must fashion accessory: the cinched waist belt.
Oh, the cinched waist belt, how I heart the many styles you give me. It is simple, yet can drastically change the silhouette and feel of a style. It is also my little cheat into being able to wear those cute tops and dresses that may be otherwise sold out in my size. The belt allows me to make it work- so brilliant.
I also love belts that come with an outfit- and then taking that belt to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. Ribbons make a great belt alternative as well. I don’t like letting good packaging go to waste!
A collection of belts leaves lots of room for creativity. And vintage belts are a thing of beauty. A simple top or dress gets a whole new personality in an instant. (Some belts.. especially the chain-like ones… depending on their weight, can also make crazy-awesome necklaces or chokers. Just a thought!)
I love the mix in fabrics on this dress- from incredibly soft cloth to a gorgeous silky shine. Fabulous. Both the STAR.MIMI dress and With Mocha heels are from yesstyle.com, I’m hooked on their products. Beautiful one-of-a-kind fashion that always keeps me in my style. And they have something for every personality and feel.
Fit-To-Kill Loving A White Rabbit Accessory
August 17, 2009
With a name like “fit-to-kill” how can you not instantly fall in love? The theme of this design is very Alice in Wonderland which strikes a lot of points from me- I’ll admit I’m mad about such styles.
This post may be a little bit mean since it turns out I was the lucky one to order the very last set of these (yes, it’s too late now) but I still love them enough to share the style idea with you. Something about miss matched earrings appeals to me. A theme keeps them together, almost like a story, but the fact that they are different is beautiful.
With this set- one side is a pretty white rabbit while the other holds dainty flowers.
In case you couldn’t tell from my hat and updo, I’m feeling especially girlie this afternoon. I have my days where I go all out for no other reason than just going all out. I love it.
The earrings are very much like from a fairy tale, also bonus points. There was another pair that I think may be available still that I had my eye on- it is a four piece set so you can mix and match to your pleasing. The signature piece (what would be like the bunny in this set) is a deer, and it comes with a pearl, mushroom, or butterfly to pair with on the other side. I’m still considering it- here’s their sneak peak from the site:
They even have an actual fairy tale set directly out of Cinderella- with choices of a crown, crystal, glass shoe, and carriage to choose from. Very adorable.
It is all very unique and makes a feminine, but darling statement. Pretty fabulous! You can look for more items from Fit-To-Kill by searching on Yes Style.
Sneak Peak: My Cigar Photoshoot
August 1, 2009
This is a sneak peak from my latest photoshoot with the amazing photographer, Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photo and hairstylist, Clemente Javier. Here you can get a glimpse of some of the behind the scenes previews.
Many of you know that I love to indulge my taste buds, and cigars are no exception- I think they are beautiful and have a history to appreciate. You can discover more on my other blog, Smoking Hot Cigar Chick if you, too, enjoy a cigar.
More style posts are on their way- speak with you soon!
The Stylist Perspective: Guest Blogger Clemente Javier On Kerastase
July 28, 2009
Guest Blogger and renowned Hair-Stylist, Clemente Javier, gives us the inside-scoop perspective on what we can do for pretty, fabulous, and gorgeous hair.
He is my personal stylist- I credit him with the condition of my hair, keeping it long and healthy with a beautiful shine. I asked Clemente what the best option would be to survive the humidity, lose the frizz, and not sacrifice the texture of our hair. As always, he has the answer and this is a refreshing one!
Clemente Javier:
I’m generally not a big fan of hairspray, especially on longer hair. Shorter hair sometimes requires the shape to be set and held into place, sometimes. But on longer hair I believe the hair should be movable, touchable, and feel soft.
The problem is hairspray is often necessary, as in more humid climates where my arch nemesis humidity haunts all hair types. It threatens any blowout, taunts straight hair, and down right mocks curly tresses.
“FRIZZ!” I scream waking up in a panic, its a nightmare. I’m not a fan of hairsprays, because I’m not a fan of stiff untouchable hair, but I despise frizzy hair.
Luckily Kerastase makes a spray that cares: Double Force Controle Ultime. This is a wonderful product. Double Force is actually a protective spray, with its UV filter and Ceramide, as well a unique control spray. I say it’s unique because of the way that it does the job of controlling frizz and maintaining shape while not making your hair stiff or robbing your hair of its touchable soft feel.
Just as important to acknowledge is the protective benefits I mentioned. The UV filter technology protects your hair from sun damage, a very important step in maintaining beautiful hair.
While ceramide is a synthetic version of a chemical by the same name naturally produced by your hair follicle to maintain the hair structure. When the hair shaft becomes damaged this is lost, synthetic Ceramide replaces the lost natural Ceramide .
A genius product made by an amazing company. So, if you too are not a fan of hair spray or you just want to love your hair the way it deserves to be loved find your local Kerastase salon and pick up a can of Double Force Controle Ultime.
To discover more about Clemente Javier, visit his site http://www.ClementeJavier.com
