Tips

How to: Mix and Match Summer Brights

Nothing says summer like bright colors but there’s a fine line between a mix and matching connoisseur and looking like you’re ready for the gay pride parade. To make sure you don’t cross that line, here the three simple rules to abide by.

Match details from a pattern: Leighton Meester showed off her color matching technique lately by wearing an abstract pattern blouse with blue, yellow and grey tones paired with an aquamarine skirt. Follow the GG star’s steps by picking a piece like the Tahoe Diamond Top ($48), and pair it with colors that are part of its details like the Dollhouse Abena Sandals ($19.99) in orange or the City Style Flat Front Shorts in olive.

Mix colors of the same tone: Matthew Williamson’s runways for S/S 09 were filled with bright pallete combinations. The reason even the most unexpected ones worked were because the colors were of the same tone. Brights like the Eva Chiffon Dress ($49.50) in turquoise go with a bright purple like the one in the Sardara Clutch ($14.50) while pastels go with other pastels. Never match pastels with brights… or else…you’ll look bad, that’s pretty much it.

Mix colors in the same family: Take a trip down memory lane and try to remember first grade art class. Blues, greens and purples are cool colors while reds, oranges and yellows are warm colors. Mix and match colors within the same family like the Vida Racerback Tank ($5.99) and the Floral Swing Skirt ($15.80) and you’re bound to look hot and cool (I know, awful joke).

Swimsuits for Everyone

It is the middle of June, which means one thing: It’s bikini season! I know, I know, it came so fast you didn’t even have time to prepare for it. But it’s ok, you can crawl back out from behind your desk. Just because you hate bikinis it doesn’t mean they all hate you. Designers know everyone doesn’t look like a model (because we, uhm, eat) so there’s a myriad of styles to choose from that cover every type of flaw.

If you have love handles: Welcome to the club! While high-waist pants are our best friend for hiding these unfortunate muffin tops, they don’t really go well with a beach setting. Enter the belted bikini bottom. The thicker band around the hips covers up flaws instead of a thinner band that cuts it in the middle and accentuates it. The Side-Tie Bottom from Delia’s ($24.50) is a good option as well as the Waterfront Surf Baroque Swimwear Bottom ($22.78) and the Jump Start Hipster Brief Bikini Bottom ($20).

If you have a small chest: say Horray for demi cups! The underwire gives you a lift while the half cup gives out an impression of a larger chest. You still might not be able to run around the beach like Pam Anderson, but you will have a feminine and sexy figure. The Women’s Mix-and-Match Underwire Bikini Tops from Old Navy or the Floral Print Bikini are good examples.

If you have tummy issues: you are not alone but that doesn’t mean you should go all Britney Spears two years ago and flaunt it anyway. Cover up that unflattering jiggling tummy with a tankini like the Women’s Printed D-Ring Tankini ($19.50), Zeroxposur™ Striped Bow Halterkini Top ($18.99) or the Side-Cinched Tankini ($24.50). Another idea is to go for a classic one-piece. A monochrome in a dark color like the Bandeau One Piece Suit ($19) is extra slimming.

If you are skinny all over: don’t be shy and tell me your secret on the comments section! Any style fits your body type so you have the most options. If you worked hard for that body and feel like showing it off, though, go for a string bikini like the Wrapped halter bikini ($14.99) or the Bikini Candy C ($39.99).

If you are pear-shaped: you’ll want to accentuate your top so it balances your booty. A good trick is to pick a darker bottom and lighter top. The Ruffle Classic Top ($18) adds volume to the top and so do the details in the Twist Bandeau ($24.50) and the SONOMA life + style® Twist Halter Bikini Top ($17.99).

If you have a big bust: Halters like the Sliding halter top ($15) will give you support but will also push your (eh…) assets together making them look even bigger and giving you a strange tan line with a white stripe in the middle (that was a lesson learned the hard way). A triangle top like the Stripe Triangle Top ($9.90) or the Embroidered Triangle Top ($25) won’t push anything up and the sliding factor helps you get as much coverage as you’d like.

If you have no waist: or as my sister likes to call it, the Sponge Bob Square Pants body type (hey, better to laugh off your flaws than cry about them), this season’s vintage styles are perfect for you. As seen on the Michael Kors runways for Spring 09, the bathing suits are high-waisted or one pieces cinched at the waist. Pieces like the A.B. Lambdin® High-waisted bikini bottom ($12) and the Shirred halter bikini ($19) will give you some definition and make you look like a vintage vision straight out of the 40′s.

If you have a long body: the best way to make that work to your advantage is by wearing a sexy one-piece like the ones Versace showed in its runways. The Gold ring one-piece monokini ($35.99) or Tye Die Monokini ($29.50) are great examples of how a one-piece can be way sexier than a two-piece (IF you have a flat stomach).

Finally, the best way to find your look is by trial and error. Just give yourself a chance, wax your legs and tan a little before you head into the dressing room and you’re bound to walk out with the one (or three) swimsuits that will make you look absolutely fabulous.

Things to try out

Celebrities are fascinating. They go from a size 8 to a size 0 in weeks, they get to call going to extremely lavish parties work and they get paid gazillions for making out with similarly perfect looking people. While so many worry where these fascinating people spent last night, how excruciatingly awful their last movie was or how many times they’ve checked in and out of rehab, fashion lovers could really care less as long as they look fabulous (we’re wonderfully forgiving people, you see). So while we can only dream of one day having Heidi Klum’s abs and receiving a paycheck for spending a day with Brad Pitt, we can always take note of their extensive wardrobe and style selections, giving us that A-list je ne sais quoi.

Mischa Barton is a classic example. The girl hasn’t had a single project since The O.C. but she pulls off unemployed like no other with her outfit choices. Her latest was a mix of black and grey with bright yellow shoes and a matching leather jacket. Sienna Miller pulled off the same shoes with pants and while this pair is pretty unique, the contrast of neon detailing with neutral tones is an idea worth replicating with a bright cardigan, belt or jewelry.

Taylor Momsen’s channeling of Little J has greatly surpassed her efforts on the set of Gossip Girl, and we can’t really object since that means double the daring style choices. The use of a rosary for a necklace paired with a simple cotton tee and summer jacket is just one of the edgy and different combinations we have come to expect from her. Who knew something you take to church could be so fashionable?

Rihanna has been able to climb her way out a very deep pit of drama lately and she’s done so fabulously. Known for sometimes being a little over the top, RiRi kept things chic and simple with a large gold boyfriend watch, adding a masculine touch to her feminine look. The best part is that the accessory can be easily found. A father, boyfriend or brother are bound to have one, and if they don’t, any vintage shop will.

Lipstick Jungle might have been cancelled but Lindsay Price’s style will live on. Her mix of a delicate floral chiffon dress with a thick leather belt makes for the ultimate tough and sweet combo and the look can be imitated with any feminine dress or top and leather belt or shoes.

Summer Must-Haves for under $50

The countdown is almost done for Memorial Day weekend. Year after year we anxiously look forward to this holiday because it’s every girl’s trifecta: we get a day off work, can’t walk a full block in New York City without running into a large group of sailors and, most importantly, we get to shop and premiere brand new looks for the season.

For Spring/Summer 09 the runways showed a mix of familiar and new items. Among one of the recurring trends were Michael Kors’ nautical stripes. The navy blue, red and white are a classic summer must-have and immediately add a touch of preppy to any wardrobe. The Rubbish® Cotton Sailor Trousers ($21.99) from Nordstrom are a good option for both the city and the beach. The structure and fit are the epitome of the nautical trend with its high waist and large buttons and the airy fabric makes it the perfect pair of pants for a hot day. Express’ Sailor Short is a more subtle take on the trend while the Island World Apparel Navy Blue Stripe Bikini ($32.99) offers a modern and innovative twist to it.

Speaking of twists, remember those gladiators you just had to get last summer? They’re back but in a slightly different, more grown up way. Instead of the Spartan look, go for a more delicate and embellished one like Target’s Women’s Mossimo® Palesa Flat Sandals ($21.99) or DSW’s BC Footwear Earthquake Ankle Wrap Sandal ($42.50).

Another rerun of last year are the denim cutoffs. Fashionistas like Nikki Hilton and Rihanna have been spotted pairing destroyed pairs with heels and boyfriend blazers while William Rast’s runway paired them with graphic tees. For an acid wash, opt for American Eagle’s AE Destroyed Cutoff Denim Shorts ($34.50). For a more loose edgy fit, go for Urban Outfitters’ Levi’s 501 Cutoff Shorts.

Also on the more daring side of fashion are Carolina Herrera’s round sunglasses. Mary Kate Olsen successfully pulled them off but then again so did John Lennon. This trend is not for everyone but both Fred Flare’s Round Emma Sunglasses and Urban Outfitter’s Crystal Coco Sunglasses offer more subtle alternatives. If they’re still too avant garde for your taste, RayBan Wayfarers aren’t going anywhere for a while.

Another accessory must have for the season is the one every girl wanted after watching Carrie Bradshaw’s Mexico vacation in Sex and the City last June: the straw fedora. Rumor‘s version has the classic tan and contrasting band but the chapeau looks just as chic in Tilly’s version in black or Bebe‘s in white.

If hats are not your accessory of choice, opt for other types of embellishments. A DVF-inspired flower headband, Fred Flare’s Dapple Feather Headband or Free People’s Beaded String Headband are all great finishing touches.

Hot weather begs for showing some legs and abstract floral mini skirts like Dillard’s Fleurish floral Poplin skirt ($29) or Urban Outfitters’ Kimchi Blue High-Waisted Abstract Floral Skirt ($29.99) are great ways to go about doing so. Another way to bare the heat is showing off some arm with a sleeveless tank. This year, instead of a fitted long one, go for an Alexander Wang-like loose fit like Forever 21′s Basic Knotted Back Tank ($11.80), Victoria’s Secret’s Vintage Beach Tank or the BDG Meridian Tank for a printed option.

Finally, the one item destined to be the superstar of spring and summer of 09 is the jumpsuit. The Wide Leg Knit Jumpsuit ($24.80) is just one of the many options out there, make sure to check the Jumpsuits for Everyone post to find one that’s right for you.

Finish all looks with pastel nails like OPI Bubble Bath or Elf’s Gum Pink and red lips like Neutrogena’s Coral Dream or Kat-von-D’s Hellbent from Sephora and you’re ready to turn on the heat.

Earth Day à la Mode 

Fact: Tim Gunn convinced Donna Karan to stop using fur

He’s mostly known for telling aspiring designers to “make it work” on Project Runway but apparently this fashion expert has no problems giving advice to established professionals as well. The Parsons School of Design’s Dean made a video directed to the designer, asking her to own up to her responsibility as a trend setter and acknowledge how her fur items come to be. The video shows images of undercover investigations exposing the cruelty animals are put through before they’re killed. Shortly after, Karan released a statement saying her Fall 2009 collection would not include any fur.

You should know:

Because if watching the video isn’t enough to make you stop wearing fur, know that if you run into Tim Gunn on that mink coat there’ll be no autograph or picture for you.

Fact: Cotton is the most used and toxic fabric in the planet

Those little white flurries seems innocent enough but to be turned into your favorite tee about 150 grams of pesticides are needed. Then there are the multiple treatments to turn into clothing which takes more toxins and by the time it reaches your drawer, you better be biking to work, have your home powered by light panels and be a member of Greenpeace to make up for your carbon footprint.

You should know:

Because organic cotton doesn’t use any pesticides and goes through less treatments before reaching store racks. That means if you buy eco-friendly clothes you can take responsibility for saving the world and your ego would really love that.

Fact: Not all organic clothes are expensive

Some, but not all. While a lot of the clothes made out of bamboo, hemp and organic cotton are made in small batches by eco-friendly upscale designers, Target and Wal-Mart are bringing these green fabrics to us commoners for a low price tag.

You should know:

Because now you have no excuse to not save the world. Your ego is looking at you.

Fact: Over 90 million items of clothing end up in landfills around the world each year

Where did you think your old sneakers ended up after you tossed them?

You should know:

Because one woman’s trash is another’s treasure and that other woman can’t dig through a landfill to find it. Instead of throwing out clothes, take them to clothing swap parties or sell them to a consignment shop for a few extra dollars. If they’re really worn out, give them away at a Salvation Army, someone will get use of it. Recycling is not only for paper, plastic and glass anymore.

Fact: An average of 300 bottles of water are consumed per show during New York Fashion Week

And that’s a small number compared to the 2.5 million bottles consumed each hour in the U.S.

You should know:

Because if you buy a stylish non-toxic aluminum bottle instead, you’ll make a statement and stop wasting plastic. You’ll also be amazed at how much money you’ll save on buying your Fijis. You didn’t think they were charging you $2 for the actual water, did you?

Déjà vu 

There are many reasons to love spring: the rising temperatures we thought the thermometer was determined to not reach ever again despite historic proof showing the opposite, the re-emergence of our toes into the social scene and the adventurous day in which we decide time has come to purposely make our rooms look like our closets threw up and do some much needed spring cleaning.

It is during spring cleaning that we have enlightening moments (so that’s where THAT’s been!), infuriating moments (I used to fit into THAT!) and surprising moments (I didn’t even know I had THAT!).

It is on the latter that we’ll focus on this post. Fashion has been going through a very déjà vu  phase lately and by keeping an eye out for items of closet’s past, you’re bound to find some useful pieces to be recycled into a 2.0 outfit version. 

So what items should you be looking for? Well, in case you didn’t get the memo, the 80′s are back. But not everything is from the times of The Breakfast Club and MC Hammer. Some of the items that have been filling the red carpets and runways would make you want to pop in a Spice Girls CD and party like it’s 1999.

So without further ado, first on the list of clothing items making a comeback are the Acid Wash Destroyed jeans. This 80′s punk staple was all over Justin Timberlake’s William Rast Spring 09 collection both as pants and shorts. The best thing about this trend is that even if you don’t find a pair in that wash in your closet, they’re easily made. Place an old pair of jeans in a bucket of bleach for a short time (this is key otherwise your jeans will deteriorate), take them out, rinse, wash separately and let dry.

Also in the denim family is the jean jacket. Whether fitted or a little loose, this is, once again, the choice for coverage with a dress, as shown by tyro fashionista Emma Roberts, or skinny pants and heels like Alex Wang showed on his runway.

The boyfriend blazer would be an item to look for in your mother’s closet. It is a little longer and looser and if your progenitor was a working woman in the 80′s, she probably has one hiding in her racks. If it has shoulder pads, no worries, they’re making a comeback next season (I’m just a messenger, people!).

Wedges were huge in the mid to late 90′s and designers like Tory Birch decided to bring this comfortable heel option back. This time around, ditch the low rise jeans and tank top and go for a boho chic look with trouser-like denim and tucked blouse.

Finally, studs were all the rage in 1998 and thanks to D&G they’re still all the rage over 10 years later. 

Happy closet shopping!

 

 DVF: Runway to Real Way

Diane von Furstenberg is everywhere as of late. While most us can count on one hand the number of significant accomplishments we’ve had in the past year (no, joining Twitter does not count as one), Miss Furstenberg has managed to reinvent and expand her brand, become a household name and snag a primetime spot television show.

DVF’s Spring 2009 collection might just be what started all of this last year. The runways were filled with bright colors, feminine pieces and hippie chic flower child headbands that had everyone vying for Spring to come so they could incorporate all of its trends into their wardrobes.  The looks were bold but by picking out individual pieces, easy additions into the day-to-day look book.

But before we explore the plethora of possibilities DVF offered in just one season, let’s take a stroll down memory lane and review how DVF arrived in the center stage.  In 1972 Diane von Furstenberg arrived in style in the fashion scene with her iconic wrap dress. Always emphasizing girl power in both her work and personal life, DVF became the go-to designer for every feminine and strong woman. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2005 but it wasn’t until 2008, when Whitney Port marched her little stilettos to her meat packing district showroom that the brand became a powerhouse to a younger audience as “The City” became an instant hit on MTV.

It was exactly those young and feminine elements that made the Spring 09 collection such a hit and easy to transition from runway to the real way.

The white lacy tunic, for example, while hard to find an occasion for unless you’re Coco Rocha or Chanel Iman can easily be replaced by a lacy top like Urban Outfitters’ Kimchi Blue Double Strap Diamond Cami ($19.99). Pair it with skinny jeans and wavy hair for a modern hippie look.

The famous (or shall we say infamous, Miss Palermo?) floral outfit that Jessica Alba wore on the cover of Elle, is a little too iconic for outside the tents but a pastel toned floral top like the Garden Bloom Chiffon Top (Forever 21 $17.80) will have the same delicate effect when paired with tan tailored shorts and strappy heels.

Perhaps the most daring item in DVF’s collection was the pair of satin harem pants. They’re fashion forward and edgy and not for everyone. A more casual style like Victoria’s Secret’s Garment-dyed Beach Linen Belted Harem Pant ($29.99) might be a good starting point.  It takes away the shiny factor from its already flashy structure and makes it simpler to wear during the day with flat sandals and a basic tee or at night with a form fitting top and heels.

Finally, the staple floral headband can be replaced by a more demure option like the Twin Floral Headband ($8.80 Forever 21).