Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tips on Taking Your Own Measurements for amazing custom dresses like the one I had made by Royal Jelly Harlem


I was beyond excited when the designer of Royal Jelly Harlem offered me a custom made dress from her line...but, wasn't sure how to take one of my measurements she needed. I found a how to on youtube that was all wrong and decided I would share a good one in case anyone decides to purchase their very own Royal Jelly Harlem piece.:)
You can definitely go to a seamstress in your town. If you do, where a tank and leggings so it's as close to your skin as you can feel comfortable doing. Or, if you are in New York, make an appointment with Maya, the designer. But, if you are like moi with a little lady who won't sit still...sometimes you just need to do things by yourself:) And here is how to do it.
And, to prove I did a good job on my measurements, the dress fits like a glove!

P.S.  Another exciting thing about having a dress custom made...choosing the fabric!  Here the options I had for this dress:




Color Blocking Trend

Hey All!

Wanted to share that I did a guest post for my dear friend from IAMDOMO.COM, an amazing blog about all things celebrity you need to know.  Plus, his honest input that keeps you coming back for more. 
This week, I shared my thoughts on color blocking with some inspiration from some ladies who are doing it right.

Here is a sneak peak to what I was blogging about:



Color Blocking

Monday, January 30, 2012

Brimm hat inspiration from Bill Cunningham for Now and Later

I watched the Bill Cunningham video on brimmed hats (he also has a little DIY portion:) and was instantly inspired.  I had bought my brimmed hat for ONLY $15 on sale at TJ Maxx a couple of months ago and haven't had a chance to wear it yet...but, after watching Cunningham's video I started noticing great ideas for how to wear the hat for now and later.  Here are two looks I've come up with and a couple of inspiration shots.
Warm Days
Cool Days

Inspiration shots: 

Above images are from the Sartorialist of course


The above images  are from my instagram feed...if you don't have instragram, download it now.  Tons of inspiration!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Rose Crush continues...

I was just searching for the spring dress I want from Tibi and found more rose hued items to swoon over on Tibi:)


Rose Crush Continues...

First Look: Donna Karan Opens Up About Her Soul Mate - Oprah's Next Chap...

I really need to start watching Oprah's network...I keep meaning to and am missing a lot of great people she's interviewing...has anyone watched?

Julia Sarr Jamois in the ad campaign for Tibi this spring and I'm so excited!

Julia Sarr Jamois for Tibi

Julia Sarr Jamois for Tibi by fashionalities on polyvore.com

*PS I LOVE that tan & black dress by Tibi...I'm going to have to get my hands on that!!!:)

I kept seeing this fabulous curly haired fashionista in all of the street style blogs and just thought she was a model or, maybe a fashionista...and then found out a couple of days ago she is the fashion editor of Wonderland magazine.  I also was trying to youtube her experiences with Tibi for spring and found that she was also working with Philosophy...I wonder if that will continue.  We shall see.  I'm glad to see her moving to other projects and hope to see more in the future.

Check out the blogger, Style by Kling who styled the shoot here.  New blogger for me to follow!

P.S. You can follow her on twitter:

@Sarrjamois 

Weekend DIY Project: LANVIN shopping tote

DIY Project



I was reading the weekly Net-a-Porter mag this morning and had to share this great DIY project I spotted!  Net-a-Porter is declaring that shopping totes are the must-have bag now, and one of the designs was by LANVIN and looked like the perfect weekend DIY project I'm going to try.  While searching on Polyvore I found a Rebecca Minkoff cheaper version for less than $50 that I had to share as well for those of you not interested in a DIY project:)

Here is what you'll need:

Tote w/ leather straps (I searched everywhere and really couldn't find a budget friendly tote with leather straps.  I say either buy a cheapy canvas tote and add some leather straps...makes it even more DIY...or check out etsy for some spendy version that are really cute:)
super glue or fabric glue
large rhinestones

Curly Talk: Naturally Curly hair inspiration

It's all about seeing what curly girls are doing out there.  I love when curly hair can just go wild...it says a lot about the person.  Get ready to be inspired!

Curly hair inspiration

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

One of the lucky few

As many known, Coach creates a minimal amount of pieces for the blogger collabs. First, i missed out in the Cupcake & Cashmere collab and I wasn't going to miss out on this one:) The recent collab with Fashion Foie Gras was genius! It was designed with bloggers in mind. But, I think that it's great for travel and for mommy's. So many little compartments you just have to be organized:) I haven't used the bag yet...it's too large for everyday for me. But, I'll be on a trip next month and you'll see pics of it on the trip. I noticed when I was searching the web that none of the people that nabbed it have shared pictures of them wearing it....I can't wait to share so stay tuned;)

P.s. I got this bag because of persistence. I was searching on eBay, calling Coach customer service everyday and communicating with the lovely designer and the Coach twitter team. I found out about the extra pieces because of the amazing twitter team letting me know there were a few. Can I just say their customer service is amaze!? They honored the 30% off that would have gotten when I tried purchasing the bag online a month ago. Plus, they sent it to me overnight free!!! Best customer service ever!!

WATCH The Victoria, Victoria Beckham Teaser Trailer: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO


Wishing the price point was a little more accessible...maybe she needs to work with Target:) Wonder if she would ever do that...more info about what to expect from Victoria Beckham's new diffusion line from Styleite.

Rose Crush

It's official...I'm addicted to all things rose.  At first it was a few rose fragrance products here and there...then, it was rose gold (EVERYTHING) and then, it was rose hued clothing...I'm in deep...so, I figured I'd share all things rose that I love.

Beauty: 
I feel like anyone can rock the rose scent.  It's a nice light feminine fragrance that nothing can compare with.  I use everything from a body oil and rose water (I read somewhere that there is no need to spend big bucks on rose water...it's all the same:) to my new Weleda facial products I've been trying out and LOVE!  I found a trial set to test it out for only $14.99, but I'm going to have to invest in the actual full product because I really love it...so, I'm going to go for the cleansing milk (I keep hearing that is the way to wash your face now) and the Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion.
*Fun DIY I got from the Martha Stewart show: Use roses in hot water for steaming your face.  This is good for sensitive skin...but, I think anyone can do it...I know I will:) 

Rose Gold:
Can we just say genius?  This metal just looks amazing on anyone with tanned skin!  I'm getting my second wedding ring this way and can't way...it will take wearing my wedding ring everyday to a whole other level:)  I love how Rachel Roy says that mixing metals shows you are daring...makes me feel even more empowered to have it be my wedding ring and mix it with other jewelry I want to wear. 
Even though I really do pile on the rose gold...it's just worth it!  But, it all started with my rose gold watch...I never even wore watches and I had to have the Michael Kors watch and wear it as a bracelet basically:)  It's so funny, because now every brand/designer has a rose gold watch offered...and, now Michael Kors has incorporated the rose gold metal into other jewelry options  like rings and bracelets.  LOVE!

The clothes:
Sadly, my blazer is from H&M last year...but, in the March 2012 issue of Bazaar on page 72, you can find an assortment of rose tinted items.  Stylists tip from Bazaar: "Head-to-toe hues are best in streamlined silhouettes."


I just love how they styled this rose blouse with black pants and a black and animal print jacket...great styling inspiration:


Here are some rose items to check out:


*ASOS Skinny Jeans in Soft Rose, $63

*Gryphon Goa Pullover, $390 

*Gap Slim Dolman Top, $25

*West Coast Wardrobe Signature Blouse in Dusty Rose, $60


*Creamy Rose One Button Blazer, $535

*See By Chloe Sneaker Wedge in Light Rose, $375

*See By Chloe Lace Leather Sandals in Light Rose, $250 

How are you be rocking rose in your life?

Monday, January 23, 2012

NuyBeauty: Mixed Kids Curly Hair How to, Care, Style Tips w/ @Fashionalities


I'm excited to share these curly tips for little one's hair and a fab giveaway that I'm doing with one of my favorite beauty sites, Nuy Beauty! I've known Nuy since my days in New York and she's always been the person I turn to with beauty questions. Recently we were chatting about our girls curly hair and what we use to work with it and decided we would do a post to share what we use/do and see what we can learn from our readers.
To win the amazing Brazilian After Dark Blow Dryer, please leave a comment here or on Nuy Beauty sharing what you use for your child's curly hair by next Monday, January 30th. Also follow us on twitter at @nuybeauty and @fashionalities and on facebook www.facebook.com/nuybeauty and www.facebook.com/twitter to get more fun insight on beauty and fashion.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy the video!:)

The product I use on Sahara and my hair:
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner 8 oz ONLY $12!!
I couldn't find the exact comb I use on Sahara...but, here is another curly hair comb by Conair:
Conair Brush Styling Essentials Style & Detangle Comb, Great for Thick & Curly Hair $2.99

Friday, January 20, 2012

The LEAF Series: How To Layer Jewelry


Layering is truly an art...have fun playing with your jewelry this weekend...I know this will help inspire you:)

Some of my fave items from the new selection at Madewell

I love the styling at Madewell and their items too of course! They have an amazing catalog too! Sign up online for it...it's worth it!:)
Stucco Stripe Songbird Dress $128
Two-tone flatstack platform $178
Striped Parklane dress $178
The tassel pocket wallet $52
Cabana Dress $178

honeydew® intimates flower lace bralette $32

Introducing my new beauty obsession: BIRCHBOX


Who doesn't want to get samples like this for ONLY $10 a month and learn about new products!? It's like getting a goodie bag every month without going to an event:) And, you can buy anything you LOVE from the sample set on BirchBox usually with a discount.
I just received my first months box and loved it...it was super fun getting new items to try. I'd been meaning to sign up for so long and I'm mad I waited so long. This is also a great gift for someone. This way they'll get something special from you every month:) If you are interested in signing up check it out here.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Cheap Chicas on Nate Berkus show sharing about 8 items every lady should have in her wardrobe...including the ponte knit pant

Here is the show and a couple of ideas for how to style your new ponte knit pants:)
and

The new must-have pant according to Cheap Chicas

Ponte Knit Pant



1.  Women's Alexander Wang Ponte Knit Track Pants $450 crazy high, but thought I'd share designer version as well;)  2. Lilliana's fave!  Simply Vera Vera Wang Skinny Ponte Pants on sale for $33.60..maybe get a coupon and take a little more off:)  3.  Rachel Roy Skinny Ponte Pants $207 4.  BCBGMAXAZRIA Mason Ponte Knit Pant $118  5.  Similar to above: MICHAEL Michael Kors Petite Pants, Skinny Leg Ponte Knit $29.99  6.  The pair I think I'm getting by Gap of course:)  Gap Ponte Pant (they seem to have a variety of styles in ponte knit) $16.99

After watching the Nate Berkus show last week an item that Lilliana Vazquez of Cheap Chicas was gushing over caught my attention.  The Ponte Knit Pant.  Now she says this is an everyday pant for any lady...from home to office...it's an upgrade to the legging, but just as comfy.  I'm excited to try them out...but, wanted to ask her a few more questions and thought I'd share:)
NOTE: Here is the show that I am referring to over and over:)


*Why would you say every woman needs a pair of black ponte knit pants in their wardrobe?
IT’S A STAPLE...JUST LIKE A CLASSIC WHITE BUTTON DOWN.  THEY'RE EASY TO PAIR WITH OTHER CLASSIC ITEMS OR USE THEM TO EXPERIMENT WITH MORE FASHION FORWARD ITEMS.  I'M ALSO ALL ABOUT PIECES THAT MIX FUNCTION AND FASHION--PONTE PANTS ARE SO COMFORTABLE AND THEY CAN GO SUPER CASUAL OR DRESSED UP.  AND IN MY OPINION, THEY'RE THE PERFECT HYBRID--THE COMFORT OF A LEGGING WITH THE STYLING OF A TROUSER THANKS TO THE DOUBLE KNIT INTERLOCK FABRIC THAT MAKES THEM FIRM AND RESILIENT BUT STILL FLEXIBLE AND SOFT.
*I don't own any yet and I'm searching for the right pair.  Which brands do you recommend trying?
I REALLY LIKE SIMPLY VERA VERA WANG AT KOHLS.  HERS HAVE GREAT DETAILING (SEAMS, POCKETS), GREAT STRETCH THAT BOUNCES BACK AFTER WASHING AND THEY'RE SUPER AFFORDABLE!  OLD NAVY ALSO MAKES SOME GREAT ONES THAT HAVE A MORE MODERN FLAIR! (She got these in December…I didn’t see them online.  But, I say check out your local store.  They have huge sales going on right now and you might be able to test this new pant out for nothing:))

*How would you style the black ponte knit pant?
I LOVE A PONTE PANT WITH AN OVER SIZED SWEATER AND FLAT BOOTS IN THE WINTER.  FOR A DRESSIER LOOK AT THE OFFICE OR A NIGHT OUT THEY ALSO LOOK SUPER CUTE WITH A SILK BUTTON DOWN, A BLAZER AND HEELS!

*Please include anything about the pant I should share:)
THEY HAVE TO HAVE DETAILS LIKE SEAMS AND/OR POCKETS-- THE FABRIC SHOULD ALSO FEEL THICK AND STRUCTURED, OTHERWISE IT'S JUST A LEGGING!
 



Introducing The Shops at Target


I get even more excited watching this! I want it all...ok something from every focus:) Or maybe more...I will either be buying in store (preferably) or online. Wondering what the price point will be like and how they will have the "boutique" look in store.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Hello Willis from Coach

Well, it seems I keep falling in LOVE with Coach handbags recently...and this time it's not a limited edition Blogger handbag...but, it is something special.  A remix to the classic everyone already loved.  I'm loving the color choices below...but, there are more options.  The top right is so fun, but I'd probably go with the classic bottom left option.  I just love that color for everything:)  I think the tassel is also what does it for me.  I wonder how large the bag is...I do like my bags big.  Hopefully they will have the handbag in store so I can check it out.  I'm going to the local Coach store on Friday since I was told new items would be coming in, so I'm crossing my fingers:)  Which color would you get?

Hello Willis!


Handbag, $298
Handbag, $298
COACH leather shoulder bag, $298
Handbag, $298
Handbag, $298

Jason Wu for Target on the Today show

I'm really going to have to see everything in store...I'm just never sure if items will be too short.  But, I'm very excited about some of the handbags!  They have definitely caught my eye!  What are you wanting from the Jason Wu for Target line?  Do you think it will sell out like Missoni for Target did since the first lady has worn his designs?





GlitternGlue Rhinestone Strand DIY Necklace


One of my favorite DIYers! Get ready to be inspired! A DIY project and some tips on how to buy the tools you use on a budget.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

My new addiction: Poshmark

I have been using the Poshmark app nonstop recently. I'm always selling clothes at Buffalo Exchange, but recently this is the place to sell things. You get 80% of the sales (they pay via PayPal, check or credit for their site.), they handle the shipping and it's just sooo easy! If you have an iPad or iPhone start selling or buying now.
Here are a few items I'm selling right now.:

Monday, January 16, 2012

The Revolution - Tim's Tips - Prioritize Your Closet - The Revolution

Tim is so cute...ready to start watching this manana:) Make sure it's on your list! (It started today and I missed it...)

Still following Solange Knowles style in 2012 plus, her first runway show with Alberta Ferretti

She has been in a variety of magazines since the new year. I'm loving the images from Oyster mag(above).  Loving her hair and the styling of course...just amazing.

Recently, Solange walked in Alberta Ferretti's Pre-Fall 2012 show. See video below.


Also, check out her blog...it's a visual blog on Tumblr so a ton of inspiration. (mydamnblog.com) Also, follow her on twitter...she shares a lot...it's fun:)  (@solangeknowles)  Plus, stay tuned for her new album out soon!

StyleMint Stylist of the Month - Katherine Power

Great styling inspiration for a stripe dress or T I say. LOVE all the looks! Hmmmm...decisions, decisions...the dress or the T...ok, both:) Enjoy!

Styling inspiration: what to pair your turbands & turbans with

I'm always raving about how much I love turbans and turbands and sharing where I've bought them. But, I just noticed I've never shared the styling inspiration I've found that makes me LOVE them even more.

*These are all street style images I have saved to my iPad that I'm sharing and none that I take credit for.