Dreaming Of Silver Links
January 31, 2010
There is something dreamy about a bunch of silver strands and links elegantly combined, especially when it comes to necklaces. My normal accomplishment of such a look is by cleverly combining necklaces of various lentgths together, making sure the end result is elegant and bold but never a mess. Every now and then you find a piece that on it’s own accomplishes the look beautifully. This piece from Truffles Co. is just on case!
The combination of links and strands with a decorated piece bringing the links together, gently hanging down at an angle depending on how it is worn, works beautifully.
The miss match of link sizes with collected strands and a decorative piece with beads makes for a unique and fashionable look. Worn alone is fantastic, but it also gives you the opportunity to mix another piece into this already elaborate setup. The entire piece is designed quite long, in fact it is long enough to be worn as a belt (it is not unusual for me to find link styled belts and wear them as a necklace, lol).
The way I like to wear this style is by having half of the necklace show in the front, and have the other half decorate the back. This works great with dresses or tops that scoop in the front and the back. It can really dress up the look.
I like to wear it where half of each design is showing for a different kind of look. You could certainly wear it where each uniformed style shows from one view- one in the front and one in the back, keeping the decoration resting on the shoulder. But I like the dynamic of the mix.
Another possibility I am playing with is mixing it up as a choker or or very elaborate bracelet. With the length and change of styles there are many opportunities to explore.
I love playing around with shapes and textures, especially when they are in the same color scheme. Elaborate earrings are another fun area you see the trend in, most commonly with chandelier type earrings. I like earrings that are unique and miss matched; having the same theme so you can tell they belong together. When earrings resemble each other but have different lengths, I think that, too, is a fun style with a lot of opportunities. Take for instance this set that also plays into the links feel. This find is another item from Truffles Co. available on yesstyle.com.
Anyone can miss match a pair of earrings, but getting them to feel like a part of the same set is where it gets interesting. They either have to have been designed that way or play as a part of a theme. They have to look like they belong.
This piece from yesstyle.com does that well. You have all the same elements presented only slightly different, giving it a very unique and bold look. I love it. And it has the links and strands that I have been craving in my fashion.
What fashion cravings have you been having?
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.
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!
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
A Decadent Port To Love, The Grandfather Tawny
June 5, 2009
Mmmm, I love a port and this one is exceptional. Definitely a special treat I always look forward to indulging in. I’m delighted any time I find it on a menu, this is a true luxury to me.
The Penfolds Grandfather Tawny Port is something that has to be experienced, it is so rich and smooth with a perfect balance and texture that blends beautifully on the tongue. It is almost like honey and has tastes of raisins, nuts and toffee, with a hint of vanilla near the finish. And it is a beautiful, long finish. It is like candy, but don’t think that it is overly sweet or thick- that isn’t the case at all. It truly is a beautiful balance that must be tasted to be appreciated.
The aroma is heavenly, it makes me smile just to smell it. It is so lovely.
It is called “the Grandfather” to honor the tradition in 1915 when an oak cask that contained a blend of the finest tawnies they had in their possession was set aside and reserved for the Penfold family only. The “Grandfather” refers to the age of the oldest tawnies in the blend and the style you see now is of this same tradition, produceing a decadent and harmonious balance.
This is one that is worth the price when and if you come across it- I highly recommend giving this beautiful tawny a taste. What a beautiful way to enjoy and remember an evening. Cheers.
A New Kind Of Twist
May 23, 2009
If you enjoyed the different kind of updo from the previous post, you’re going to love this new variation. It uses the same technique revealed in the Grand Collection, taken to a whole other level.
The beauty of this variation, too, is that it works with various lengths of hair. It can look sooo cute with short hair, giving it anywhere from a spunky look to an elegant and chic graceful one. It is all on how you want to play it.
I have long hair, so I let it all just melt together. I think I would add more curls to give it extra body and texture the next time I do this- but it works well with the subtle waves just as well.
For those signed up for The Pretty Society Exclusive Newsletter, you are going to love how simple and quick this look is to do. I’ll be illustrating the step by step instructions on both variations- this one above and the updo from the previous post. I’m loving how elegant and easy these looks are to construct.
And with the variations, there’s room to add your own personality and unique creative touch into the mix- make it your own and rock this look!
Elegance and glamor don’t have to be complicated or time consuming- it is the simple details we do for ourselves that shine the brightest and make a difference.
A Fabulous And “Flipped-Out” Do
May 21, 2009
This is my latest creation in hairstyle updos, and I must admit I am loving it even far more than expected! The idea came to me in an instant and I wasted no time getting to the results.
It is an elegant, chic, bold and definitely “flipped-out” do-and surprisingly simple and quick to do. I cannot wait to experiment further with it as there are so many options available. My hair is long, but there are still great possibilities for those with medium length hair as well. It works.
I’ll be featuring the step by step illustration of how to do this magnificent do in my next month’s issue of “The Pretty Society Exclusive Newsletter“- along with other great insights on food, beauty, wine, and more. I like to keep things interesting, and this will be a special issue to love.
I’ve been enjoying this look all day, and it has been holding well. From running errands to even sitting by the pool for bit this afternoon- I’ve been able to go from one place and outfit to another without the slightest hesitation. And the glamor is very present and strong with this look- it feels so fabulous!
I am calling it the “flipped-out do” because it is based off a technique I reveal in my BombshellBeauty Grand Collection. This one takes the technique to a whole new level, and the results are simply marvelous. I’ll be showing you variations you can do with the look as well in the next Newsletter edition of The Pretty Society- so be on the look for it for those of you who are signed up!
If you aren’t signed up yet and want in on the details, visit http://tinyurl.com/exclusive-newsletter for more.
1920’s Vintage Wedding Dress Find
May 5, 2009
Here it is, finally- my 1920’s wedding dress discovery! And did I mention the price tag on this little gem- I couldn’t even believe it when I heard it.
We were visiting our great friends in Seattle, having an amazing weekend, when us girls decided to go shopping out on Whidbey Island while the boys stayed home and went over some business. The last time we were here, we discovered a beautiful little antique shop where I found these gorgeous jewelry sets for an amazing price as well. Back to this visit though-
Of all the amazing items I found on this visit and have shared with you, this one is exceptional. We all admired this delicate wedding dress sitting gracefully on in the window, dreaming and not daring to consider the price. It looked so elegant with such a story to tell. The tag on it was resting at the top very high, and we could only just slightly see the number three written on it. If that was the start of the price or the item number, we couldn’t tell. As we were leaving we casually asked the attendant the price of the dress, to which he answered $39.99.
I didn’t know what to do at first, honestly. My mind was wowed.
So after a little walking and thinking I decided to at least give the dress a try on while my mind continued to absorb the concept.
This dress fit me in every way possible- you could even see how delicately it had been altered for a custom fit. The buttons are small metal ones (which I left unbuttoned for these photos as they are difficult to close by yourself, with assistance it is a simple task though) and some eye hooks.
Even the clasp at the end of the sleeves fit me perfectly. This was incredible, how unusual to find a dress of this style and condition, at this price, and fit like a custom made dress.
Incredible. The dress is beautiful as it is and definitely a look of the 1920’s- I am planning on giving it a modern twist that will remain classic and elegant. The sleeves will be going- they are a bit much for me. I think some antique lace continued just over the shoulder would make a very sleek and elegant look.
The front, too can be altered a bit- removing some of the rosettes and bringing the line a bit lower, this will be something I will have to play and experiment with. Over all I don’t want to do too much to this dress, but I think some simple well thought alterations and touches will blend some modern elegance into the feel (and make it my own).
The back is gorgeous, too- with a very long and graceful train.
With a little cleaning, pressing, and alterations this dress will have a complete turn around. I am very much looking forward to it! A slip will also need to be created with antique lace at the bottom so that heels can be worn with the dress. Little things!
Oh, it also came with a veil, the headband can be used but the material will have to be replaced as it is old and tattered. I may eliminate it completely, I haven’t quite decided yet- opinions? It may be a bit much!
So here you are- the original before photo shots of my $40 wedding dress find, I still don’t know what I think of this amazing find- or that it is real. But here it is!
A Line Above The Lash
March 7, 2009
A little can go a long way, and sometimes I like to let my lashes speak for themselves. Long lashes look beautiful on their own and make an otherwise clean natural look really pop.
But then sometimes I want an extra little flair to keep the look playful and interesting.
Eyeliner comes first to mind- there are so many possibilities that come with it, colors included. Since I am going for a natural clean look I chose to use black eyeliner and use it very sparingly.
To keep it natural I don’t even want to line the entire eye- the look is bold and fun but not minimal enough for what I am looking for. So I play around with the end and add just a simple extension from my natural line, filling it in until it returns meeting the rest of my eye, leaving two thirds of the top line of my eye lashes completely untouched.
Very simple, very delicate and the look is beautiful. I love it.
I keep everything else simple to complete the look as well- only a slight brush of bronze on my cheeks, revealing only a hint of color, and some light pink gloss for a little shine.
I think there is something elegant about keeping it simple from time to time, letting features speak for themselves.
And this tiny little line does just the trick- beautiful, simple, and elegant.
A Bow With A Bow To Match
February 4, 2009
Buy the accessory and the dress will appear- at least that is what happened in this case! I purchased these cute bow earrings not all that long ago, and sure enough this dress finds me- what a perfect match, I love it and couldn’t help myself.
The earrings alone were quite fun, but this darling dress paired up with them I find to be simply adorable. It is hard not to feel that way when you have that many bows on you.
It is something slightly different, and not too much. I think it comes together nicely without being overwhelming. Any more bows and it would most likely cross that line- but I am good with where I am here.
The dress on its own is very pretty and comfortable as well- I love such a combination.
It is slightly fitted at the top and then flows down gently and slightly loose- which moves nicely when you walk.
The pattern is quite simple, and very pretty with large pearl buttons, some white lace down the center, and then the two black bows at the beginning of the straps. Absolutely darling.
Keeping your hair shiny, silky, and nourished
January 29, 2009
This is something I have been using recently-for the past few months now at least, on a regular basis. I love this product, not only is it light and silky in texture itself- it smells radiantly gorgeous!
Seriously, I love the subtle perfectly scrumptious scent of this product. It is such a beautiful smell! It is very light and feels weightless in my hair- I cannot stand it when I can feel the product, let alone with a product is sticky and gunky. None of that from this one- it is smooth perfection.
I asked my stylist to recommend something I could use for days that I do not wash my hair- something to keep my ends nourished and smooth but without the gunky feeling. This is what he presented to me and I couldn’t be happier. It is truly what I wanted.
This particular bottle is the ends express from wella’s System Professional Line. Look for the SP symbol; this bottle cost me about $24 from the salon- though prices I am sure could range. It is well worth every bit of it and honestly I was surprised by the low price for such a product (I was expecting a little over $100 honestly as some of these items can be about that much). Even then it would be worth it to me, but I’ll take the pretty price of twenty four dollars for it any day.
A little goes a long way, so the little bottle will last quite a while. Just a small pump and my hair feels cleaner than clean and moves so freely with a beautiful and healthy shine. I definitely recommend it and will continue to use it over and over again!
Pretty In A Bow
January 26, 2009
Something I haven’t done in ages- but used to always do and love, is wearing a ribbon around my waist and tying it into a bow for the absolutely adorable belt result.
I think it began as a child- you know how it was, turning the gift wrapping into accessories.. I loved the silky long ribbons people used to wrap their presents and would keep them to wear them as a belt (still do, lol). They come in such beautiful vibrant colors, too. It is just such a waste to throw them away.
This one is a more down to earth shade, very neutral. But when combined with a matching skirt of the same color- they come together in a delicate and feminine cute fashion. It is a look I love and feel comfortable in, its hard not to smile when you have a bow tied around your waist after all.
If you do not wish to use it as a belt- but still want to incorporate the ribbons into your fashion- they make a great accessory when tied into a bow on your purse, too! Very adorable and such a nice unique touch.
Here’s to more great fashionable ideas and inspirations 
much love.
