Spring has sort of sprung!

Being April you think it would be high 50's, low 60's everyday but the weather seems to be confused. This becomes a predicament every morning, when trying to decide what to wear. I've found what works best is a long-sleeve T-shirt and jeans. Having a sweatshirt with you just in case is always a good idea, for those occasional gusts of wind. It is still okay to wear UGGs but I would think about retiring them soon because people have already started to break out the flip-flops. This weather has us all confused, I wish it would just make up its mind!

An APP that helps you save!

An avid shopper, such as myself, always likes to save wherever possible. Luckily, there is an APP for that. RetailMeNot is an APP where you list all of your favorite stores, and even restaurants and it will provide you with information regarding sales and discounts. Sometimes the deals are online and sometimes they are in the store. The best part is, when there are deals in an area near you then you will get notified. Having this APP is super convenient because no matter where you are you can always find out if there are discounts or sales. I personally use this APP a lot because being a college student and a lover of fashion, saving a little is always better than not saving at all!

Oscar Fashion 2014

The Oscar's is a big event for fashion lovers all around the world. The stars get dressed up in fancy gowns, and then fans gawk over them for days after. This year,at the 86th Annual Academy Awards, fashion had its ups and downs. Vogue.com mentions, "The Oscars red carpet is one of the most-watched fashion moments of the entire year," (www.vogue.com). Some of the best dressed at this years award show are Lupita Nyong'o in a Prada gown, Jennifer Lawrence sporting Dior, and Kate Hudson wearing Versace. Among some of the worst dressed this year are Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli, Angelina Jolie wearing an Ellie Saab gown, and Charlize Theron in Dior. These awards are very important to the stars in that they will be judged based on their outfit choice. If it was a fail this year, they better step up their game for next year!

My Lipstick is Poppin'

Bright colored nail polish was one thing but now there are lipsticks of every color of the rainbow. It is almost impossible to find a girl not wearing a bright shade of lipstick during a night on the town. What is it that made lipstick the thing to be wearing?

            There are so many different colors of lipstick that you could choose one based on your skin tone. Oddly enough, bright red lipstick looks good on pale people because it makes them stand out. On a person with tanner skin, it stands out but not as much. When you go to any makeup store or counter an associate will help you to find your best match. If it does not look as bright as you would like in the bottle, odds are when you put it on it will look a lot brighter than you expected.

            Many celebrities have been seen with brightly colored lips as of lately. Celebrities such as Sarah Jane Crawford, Alina Baikova, and Kaya Scodelario have made bright red lipstick such a big trend. Christina Milian has worn black lipstick, and Beyonce wore plum colored lipstick in her new Haunted music video. Beyonce has been loving the bright lipstick as a matter of fact. In her blow music video she wears neon orange lipstick and it was said to be “very entertaining and sexy from start to finish. Beyonce and her girls looked like they were having so much fun in all the scenes…” (Brightlipsticks.com).

According to RealSimple.com five of the most flattering lipstick colors are NARS Schiap Lipstick, MAC Perpetual Flame, Maybelline Plum Perfect, Revlon Orange Flip, and Dior Pink Caprice. “I love lipstick. I wear it every time I go out, and I have tons of different shades. My favorite is MAC New York Apple. It makes my eyes pop and makes my outfit turn out just right,” says senior Alex Drexl.

While lipsticks may seem expensive, in the long run it will last you a while and it will definitely not go to waste. It is a good purchase that you will not regret. Next time you are shopping for makeup, pick up a bottle of lipstick and let the experience begin.

Day to Night Looks

Do you ever come home from a long day of work and realize you have to go right back out? Luckily these days there is a solution for everything. It is very common to wear something during the day and have it be appropriate to wear out to a function in the night. There are plenty of ways to achieve this look and it will not even look like you did it on purpose.

            Why do girls sport these day to night looks? Most commonly it is because they do not have time to change between the two intervals. They look great no matter what time of day they are worn. Celebrities are notorious for doing this, especially since they often have to rush from one spot to another. “There’s something to be said for the mystique of transformation. During her turn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn- everybody’s favorite fashion icon and early champion of the Little Black Dress-updates her simple shift in minutes with the addition of a hat, gloves, and kitten heels,” says Christine Whitney of Harper’s Bazaar.

            Looking at Audrey Hepburn may not seem very modern but the feeling of adapting a look for day and night is more hip than ever. No one wants to carry around a change of clothes anymore, people have started to become more creative and to be honest its for the better. Changing in a crammed bathroom stall is harder than it looks.  The easiest look to adapt from day to night would be the little black dress. By adding colorful jewelry or heels after work will make this outfit pop for the night. Stylist Cristina Ehrlich says, “It’s the most iconic and easy thing a woman can fine. You’ll never have to go home and change.”

            Wearing a day to night outfit causes a lot less stress as well as saves time.  It is amazing what can spice up an outfit without that much pressure. Chunky necklaces are extremely popular now, and if you add that to almost any outfit it dresses it up. Changing your shoes is also very common in making an outfit pop from day to night. You can wear your normal heals to the office but once you get out slip on that pair of shoes in your car that are fun and you have been waiting to wear. Whether they are bright red or even leopard, they will definitely take your outfit to the next level making it ‘night appropriate.’ When asking Sacred Heart students if they have done this most are very quick in responding with yes. Senior Kim O’Connell says, “I have my internship all day on Friday, so when I am meeting my friends for dinner or drinks afterwards sometimes I don’t have time to stop home. I will wear a nice blouse and colored pants to my internship and throw on a necklace to meet my friends. This saves me a lot of time and stress of picking the perfect outfit.” This trend is common among many adults as well as people our age that we can relate to. So next time you have a hectic day, don’t worry about people recognizing that you wore ‘that outfit’ all day, because chances are they have done the same thing.

Hated Headwear

If you are anything like me and hate hats, then you are usually out of luck in the cold and your ears tend to become numb. Over the past couple of months I noticed fashionable headbands that cover your ears and keep your head warm in the cold. They often have a cute flower on the side or some sort of beading that makes them an item that will not kill your 'trendy-ness' so to say. They come in a multitude of colors, which makes them even more fun. At first I thought they would be itchy and bother my head because of the fabric, but they are actually very comfortable and surprisingly DO keep me warm. They are available in so many places such as Icing, Charming Charlie, and mostly every department store. So if you hate winter headwear, definitely invest in one of these headbands! You may even wear it just because it looks cute! Why not stay warm and be fashionable at the same time?

The Cold is Upon Us

          The cold weather has been coming and going and people seem to freak out because of the change in weather. One day it is 65 and the next it is 33, so it is understandable. Then there is the dilemma of remaining fashionable in the below freezing temperatures. Most often, especially around my college campus, you will see girls dressed as if it is 60 degrees all the time. When asked why they are not dressed for the cold weather, I get the response "It's not fashionable," or "It doesn't make me look good." Well girls you are in luck, because there are definitely ways to look good and stay warm at the same time.
           One way to achieve this is to buy a trendy scarf. Scarves are really big now-a-days and they come in a multitude of styles, colors, and even patterns. Throw on a scarf with your sweater can really spice up your outfit. It will keep you warm, and you will look trendy at the same time. The good thing about them is that after you take off your coat, you can leave them on as part of your outfit, as well as being acceptable for men and women. Another, is a vest. Vests have been making a comeback and mostly seen in faux fur. You can throw this on over a thin top and still remain warm without the bulk of a heavy coat.

                Peacoats have always been stylish and are a definite way to remain warm during the cold temperatures. The best type to buy would be a thigh-length peacoat so there is no draft. If you want a more dramatic coat, you can try a half-calf length peacoat. The great thing about peacoats is they are stylish for both men and women. Stockings and leg warmers are definitely in style this winter. Stockings come in all different colors and even patterns to dress up your outfit a bit. Leg warmers are used a lot when wearing boots to give your legs that extra little bit of warmth.

                   These are just a few helpful hints on how to stay warm and stylish during the cold winter weather. There are plenty more but these will help you for sure on staying warm and not to get sick. When there is a way to prevent getting sick you should! The less clothes the better is not a good motto to follow, so throw on your puffy coat and rock it! Trends are easy to find, so if you find yourself cold more often than not, sit by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and start looking up ways to stay warm. I think you will be more satisfied than you thought. Happy shopping!

Now It's Okay!

The weather has finally started getting colder, which only means one thing. UGG season is back...finally! Everyone loves these comfortable boots that come in a variety of colors and styles. Not only are these boots a timeless fashion but they go with almost any outfit. However there is controversy as to when the appropriate time to start wearing these boots is. Some people start wearing them as soon as September hits and in my opinion that is way to early. Even though it is said that UGGS were made to be worn in the summer, they are just too hot to wear in the warm weather. Don't get me wrong, UGGs are one of my favorite types of shoes, seeing as I have 5 pairs in all the basic colors, but I started wearing them maybe a week or two ago, which I believe is the best time to start wearing them. The weather is just starting to get cooler and it is getting too cool for flip flops and most UGG boots are made in the perfect fall colors. So if anyone asks if it is appropriate to wear UGGs, the answer is officially YES!

Vans, more than just a pair of sneakers...

Personally I love myself a good pair of Vans. They are super comfortable and come in a multitude of colors. Well it was rumored that Vans was 'revamping' its clothing line and guess what...THE RUMORS ARE TRUE! The brand is known as a skater brand and everything is laid back. With the new line the brand is sticking to the same personality being that it is still has that laid back, cool aesthetic but it is more fashion forward than it has been in past years. Kristin Tice Studman, of Elle Magazine, says, "Highlights included the denim-on-denim cutoffs paired with the printed chambray shirt, zig-zag printed, black and white summer dresses, and leopard, flat-brim hats." The well-known checkered slip on sneakers were obviously thrown into the mix as well! With all of this being said I can not wait to go shopping at Vans come spring 2014!


http://www.elle.com/news/fashion-style/vans-spring-2014-collection

I'm Back!

Hey everyone I'm back! Its a new school year and the blog is back in action. Sorry I've been away for so many months but that just means I have that much more fashion news to share with all you lovely people! I hope you are as excited as I am to learn more and more about the world of fashion and the trends that you will not forget this year!

Workout in Style

When going to the gym, people obviously do not wear their regular everyday clothes, but some sort of athletic wear. LuluLemon is the newest fad in athletic wear. It was founded in 1998 but recently became popular and well-known. It is yoga-inspired athletic apparel company. Dennis 'Chip' Wilson created the brand once women's participation in sports and athletics went up. Their main philosophy is to 'create components for people to live long, healthy, and fun lives,' and there core values include product, quality, balance, integrity, greatness, entrepreneurship, and fun. They have about 201 LuluLemon Athletics stores and each offers free yoga classes. Now, what makes this athletic wear different than every other type? Wilson, the founder of the company, discovered yoga classes in Vancouver and realized that cotton just wasn't cutting it. He found that cotton clothing was used for stretchy, sweaty power yoga and did not seem appropriate to Wilson. So his passion became technical athletic fabric. To ensure the success he started to sell these clothes. The design studio became a yoga studio at night in order to pay the rent. Feedback and insights from other yoga teachers who wore the clothes was what Wilson was dependent on, to see if his clothing was a success or not. They offer both men and women's athletic wear which is a plus. The price range may be a little high but if you are dedicated to your workouts then these are definitely products to consider!

Shoes Shoes Shoes !

Who doesn't love a new pair of shoes? Especially in the spring and summer months, when you can never have enough pairs of sandals. This seasons shoe trends are ones you're not going to want to miss. The first trend noticed were the gladiator sandals. These have been around for several spring and summer seasons now but these spring the sandals with a little "bling" are the ones in style. It is considered one of the 'fiercest' footwear styles and is called the 'glam gladiator.' They come in a variety of patterns such as snake skin, as well as metallics , and even including bright colors that will pop. People have been rocking the Sperry boatshoes for many years now, but this season they have become 'fancy.' Adding glitter and sequins to the plain boatshoe has made them more popular than ever. Adding patterns and bright colors are another positive factor to the boatshoe's new look. Want to add a little point to your life?  Good thing this spring and summer pointed pumps are the 'in-thing.' It is said to have a MadMen, Rock-n-roll edge that is appropriate for a day at work or a night out. If you choose the right color, such as nude, you can even wear the pumps through the fall. As you may know bright colors are all the rage. Lucky for us girls, candy colored pumps is what everyone is wearing. It is a chance for you to stand out no matter which bright color you choose. You can satisfy your sweet tooth without obtaining the calories when purchasing a pair of these candy colored heels. Being comfortable is every girls biggest wish while wearing heels. Good thing this season the new sneaker wedges are what you want to be seen wearing. They are not made for athletic use but in fact just for show! You can pair them with any outfit to get that athletic-chic twist. Last but not least, our favorite...WEDGES! But wait not just any plain wedges, but now they come patterned. This could give a subtle flair to a plain outfit that will get everyones attention. These wedges have expansive heels as well as wide straps that come in a variety of patterns such as flowers, stripes, polka dots, and many other abstract patterns. Can't choose just one trend? Choose them all! They will definitely not go to waste this spring and summer season!

Weather Confusion

The term 'spinter' has been coined to describe the time between winter and spring, specifically the months of March and April. These are the months where you may be confused as to what to wear because of the unusual weather patterns, especially this year. You would like to wear shorts but it is still a bit chilly, which makes you want to put on a jacket. Even the lovers of fashion could be caught in the mess of what to wear this season and be caught in wardrobe blunders. Here are some tips on what to wear and what would make you most comfortable.

Instead of flip flops and a down jacket, which are great separately, however not competent at all together, grab a pair of ballet flats and trench coat instead. You will be able to feel the air of springtime without fully exposing your toes and a bright trench will balance it all out.

Legwarmers and skirts are a no for this time of year. Skirts are good all year round but when the first of spring hits people get anxious and decide to pair them with leg-warmers, but would look much better with stocking which is definitely good for spring. Leg-warmers are meant to keep your legs warm so it defeats the whole purpose. So the solution for this is to wear a maxi dress. This will give you the same 'breezy' feeling as wearing a short skirt but it doesn't expose your legs. Paired with a cropped blazer and ballet flats you will be totally prepared for the weather.

                                             

Even though they say UGGS were made for the cold weather, they just don't do justice when paired with shorts. Instead choose to wear shorts with a pair of tights. This is a look you do not see often but it is still considered fashionable. This is an obvious trend to go for if you are looking to wear shorts in the spring.

 

Mrs.Carter

As many of you know Beyonce, is a celebrity loved by many, especially after her performance at the 2013 Superbowl. She also has a sold out tour coming up this summer, which many anxiously await. Beyonce is participating in the campaign, Beyonce as Mrs. Carter in H&M. H&M continues to send out photos which are teasing many of her biggest fans. In this campaign, Beyonce hit some of summers hottest trends that you will definitely seeing a lot more of after this campaign is over. She is pictured in bikinis in a multitude of bright colors that compliment the variety of tropical flowers in her tousled hair. Beyonce rocks the various accessories that go along with each outfit, including the tons of gold bangles. The line is said to come out in May and an incentive to shop the line is that 25 percent of the proceeds will go to Wateraid. Wateraid is a charity that gives safe water to developing countries. Donald Schneider, H&M's creative director says, "H&M's summer collection starring Beyonce is an epic fantasy, with glamour, drama, and also a sense of paradise."

Little White Dress: LWD

LWD otherwise referred to as Little White Dress, a spin on the common safe bet of a LBD a little black dress. Even though its said you can't wear white after labor day I think that it is a necessity for the Spring and Summer season. It is perfect for a date night or a night out on the town with your friends. Even though you should not be spotted in this at a wedding all summer and spring activities are the right location for a LWD. You can match the dress with a nice pair of shoes and jewelry to make it a fresh new look and you can rewear the dress so it is not just a one time outfit. I love having a silhouette dress and wear with a nice pair of sandals to go out in. Casual and comfortable is always the way to go when it comes to summer and spring.

Stars and STRIPES!

Spring Trend that is hitting the nation is STRIPES! You can find them throughout your average Forever 21 and even by hot designers such as Marc Jacobs. It is a trend that has been around to decades and has always been controversial with if it is fashionable or if it something that makes you look larger then you are. Above are some examples of stripes dresses and striped shirts. Notice that they are not just horizontal stripes, but they also have dresses and shirts with vertical stripes. I think that it something that we as the younger generation understand and can relate to something that the older generations can relate to as well. It is not something that your grandparents would be ashamed of seeing you, which can happen a lot with how our age group dresses. I think that stripes are classic and something that you will be sure to spot me in this spring!

Business Chic:Colorful Spin

A business blazer is in every working women closet. Mainly be found in black or blue, and is for the sole reason that it is professional and can match most pant suits. But, look no further ladies you can be sure to by the trendy new ideas of colored blazers. You can match them with many different outfits and can also be as professional as the original black blazer. They range in prices and can be less expensive then what a business suit blazer costs. Also, pairing the blazer with a simple dress that is seen with the hot pink blazer will dress up something that would be plain alone. Also, is wonderful to pair with a pair of jeans to make the make you ready to hit the town with all your friends!

Attention: All Spring Breakers!

It is that time of year for spring break, so pack up your newest cutest bathing suit and head in the sunshine. New trends that are scene in bathing suits are all over all of the best social networks. Going onto Pinterest and Wanelo you will see all the new bathing suits that will huge this Spring Break and the Summer 2013.

 First Trend: Bows
Small or big bows are all over, which changes all outfits. Now bows are being found on bathing suits. Both one pieces and two pieces with bow can change a plain bathing suit into a trendy new bathing suit that you will be sure the talk of the beach. On the left, here is a red bikini that instead of plain strapless top there is a large bow that will draw attention, but won't leave you with the strange tan that you might get with some other cut outs. On the right hand side, there is a pale pink, which will bring out any tan. There is a sweetheart strapless neckline with a bow on the chest that will give you the same outline as the bathing suit top on the left.

Second trend: Vintage bathing suits! Taking back bathing suits to the originals of bathing suits. Having the halter bathing suits that are longer than your average one piece bathing suit. They mimic the ideas of Marilyn Monroe who was photographed in the white one piece that is in the left photo. The left are mainly one pieces so they are not as revealing or low cut that have been seen too. On the right you get some of the other ideas of the two piece vintage bathing suits. The bottom bathing suits are high waisted so they are not like what we see today. They are more flattering to someone who may not feel comfortable in the two piece regular bathing suit. 

Finally: Tassel Bathing Suits. Tassels are found in clothes such as tank tops and t-shirts and have been transitioned into bathing suits. On the left hand side there are the two piece bathing suits that the top part being all tasseled. They come in may colors and also can be seen in the one piece cut out bathing suit that are is displayed on the right photo. It gives it a fun spin on a traditional bathing suit and sure to be scene on the best Spring Break Trips!

          

Spring is in the Air!

If anyone is like me, they are counting down the days until spring comes. Being able to put away the coats and the layer and be able to wear bright colors that just make you feel like your in a better mood. Looking at some of the trends you see a lot of bright colors paired with basic colors that make the bright colors pop.

Taking this casual wear that you can be seen in at the mall or even a fun night out with friends. Wearing skinny jeans with a light materialized long sleeve shirt. Making sure that it is not just a normal jeans and tee they add the scarf with the flower embellishment with a fun purse and leave earrings make it an it spring outfit. 

 Can someone say St Patrick's Day? Wearing these trendy pants which is colored makes all the difference these days on if you have trendiest attire.Wearing the green jeans with the flats that match with the floral prints. With brown accessories and a plain white button up it makes it casual chic and can be found on any trendy city trend setter.

 

Spring is known for weddings and graduations, where you have to dress and get ready to look your best because there is going to be a lot of photos taken. This coral dress is sophisticated and sleek all at the same time. Pairing with my favorite accessory a pair of nude platform heels. Adding some turquoise jewelry, which would seem to clash but when put together it comes together like a perfect puzzle piece. 

Coming up an appropriate spring work attire is hard. Wearing this rose colored dress that is work appropriate length dress, with a white sweater and brown boots and purse with more aqua jewelry. Anyone can be ready to hit the work place and still be able to throw off the sweater and catch a bite to eat with your close friends.