FASHION STYLE
FASHION STYLE

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

7 For All Mankind's New L.A. Store


Via my inbox, here's an interesting piece of news that L.A. shoppers might want to know about:7 For All Mankind is opening its newest boutique in the Century City Mall on Friday, June 4th, joining the brand’s other Los Angeles shops, located on Robertson Boulevard and in the Malibu Country Mart. Customers will be able to shop the brand’s complete collection, including women’s & men’s denim and

Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Size Scrubs

While it is estimated that around 80 percent of women in the United are wearing the wrong size bra, there is no data about how many medical professionals are wearing the wrong size print scrub jackets and bottoms. Having scrubs that fit right is a key component to on-the-job performance, especially in the medical field where men and women keep a busy schedule. Here are some signs you're wearing the wrong size scrubs.

You have to roll up your scrubs pants to keep from tripping. If you are frequently tripping or nearly tripping because your pants are too long, you might want to consider petite scrub pants. While many years ago there was not much selection in the petite market, now most styles you enjoy in regular sizes can also be purchased in petite. One advantage of ordering petites is that you get the right fit the first time and can then avoid costly alterations. Also, by opting for petites, your will have original hems on all areas of the scrubs, which are designed with smaller frames in mind.

You can barely breathe in your scrub pants. We are often obsessed by labels and sizes. What most consumers don't realize is that sizes vary greatly among designers. You could be a size 12 in one scrub brand and a size 14 in another scrub set. If your scrubs fit too tightly it could restrict breathing and weaken overall job performance. Plus size scrubs give you all of the fashion with a fit that will leave you feeling both comfortable and professional at work. It is also important to consider how our bodies change with age. If you are still wearing the too-tight scrubs that were given to you twenty years ago, your body and your age might be telling your that it's time for a change.

People mistake your scrubs pants for capri pants. Save the short-fitting capri pants for your summer vacation. Much like the growth in the selection of petite scrubs for smaller boned people, there are more tall size scrubs available on the market than ever before. You don't even need to go to a specialty shop to buy them. Scrubs retailers carry the full gamut of sizes and can be ordered online from the comfort of your home.

You notice that your scrubs have a see-through quality. Many times the oldest scrubs are the softest. Repeated washing, combined with wear-and-tear are two frequent contributing factors to your scrubs taking on a see-though quality. When you notice this, it is signal that is may be time to retire your favorite scrubs and buy new ones. Don't worry old scrubs, once retired make great pajamas.


Hawaiian T-Shirts - Fun and Comfortable

You're on vacation headed out to the beach for a day of fun in the sun, what is your favorite thing to wear. A t-shirt of course, and a Hawaiian t-shirt is exactly the right choice.

The beach is all about freedom and comfort - it is about nature and men. When one is in the beach, a feeling of total serenity is felt and experienced. Everybody just want to have fun! And this is where Hawaiian T-shirts come in - but hey, it's not as drab and only-for-the-thick-ones type. There are many stylish t-shirts that scream with fashion sense as well.

Hawaiian T-shirts are great and they can give any one a Miami Vice vibe too. Not to mention, they are cool to the body and you will feel lots of breeze and air around you. There are so many styles and varieties available that will fit anyone - from bulky to all muscles kind down to the frail-looking, skinny ones. Usually, Hawaiian shirts are made of cotton, silk and rayon.

There is this resort shirt that is sophisticated with coconut buttons to give it a more Hawaiian look. There is also this basic Hawaiian shirt often called the Aloha shirt - often worn during barbecue parties and other beach events. Repetitive patterns are what this shirt is all about - bamboos and coconuts make up the all-over design.

There is the border shirt - which is very famous with those who do not like to be overwhelmed by the Aloha shirt. This shirt was famous and yes, even worn by famous celebrities in the last 1930's. One major image is the only design with matching sleeves or pockets.

Pick the right Hawaiian shirt for you and be proud to wear it. Mens Hawaiian shirts, women's Hawaiian print dresses, mens Hawaiian t-shirts - you name it and you can find a great looking beach shirt that is exactly what you are looking for. Half of having fun in the summertime is being able to wear something that is cool, fun, and has a little style.


Discover Gucci Sukey 211943 Black Guccissima Tote Bag

Every discerning fashionista worth her weight in gold earnestly awaits the new fashion season. Major fashion shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York usher in a new wave of designer styles and trends that sometimes trickle down to the fashion streets of every major city and become a symbol of elegance and relevance.

Just the way the film world celebrates new movie releases in the ultra posh surroundings of Monaco at the Cannes film festival, and makes a big hoopla over the event, the same is also true for every major fashion show in the world. Careers are made and buried at such events. Now it is still up to debate which is the biggest fashion show on the planet. However, regardless of your personal opinion of which fashion show you consider the most popular, there is one common denominator amongst them all that is a fact. You will always discover something new and edgy to warrant a place in your wardrobe.

The beautiful thing about fashion shows is that they sometimes give birth to style or trend that lasts beyond the season they emerged from. One fashion house that rarely disappoints at each and every fashion show is Gucci. From dresses to perfumes to sunglasses (and the list goes on), they always create memorable and unique designer products that draw the attention and praise of the fashion world.

One such designer product that still remains popular on the streets of London, Paris, New York and every other high street in the Capitals of the western world is the Gucci Sukey 211943 Black Guccissima Large Tote Bag. This bag also comes in fabric leather. Although this purse came on the scene some moons ago, its still one of the most popular Gucci tote handbags around. While the Gucci Sukey 211943 in fabric leather is also very popular and comes in a variety of trims, I find the Gucci Sukey 211943 Black Guccissima Large Tote Bag to be more unique and definitely a head turner.

When you take some time to analyze this purse's features, you will discover why its been so popular and a bag you should add to your designer collection. These features include the black Guccissima leather with black leather trim. You will also see that it has light gold hardware, double straps, snap closure and side snaps. Also another thing that makes this bag stand out is the pleat detail, detachable interlocking G charm, studs and inside zip pocket.

I first saw this bag online but was amazed when I saw it on a lady walking past me. This baby was huge compared to the image I saw online. Its measurements are approximately 16.9 inches in length by 5.9 inches in width by 11.8 inches in height. Truly a bag to get heads turning in your direction when you go to that special event.

I would like to introduce you to a world of authentic Gucci Sukey handbags that will make a fabulous addition to your designer collection plus an unforgettable gift to a loved one.


Cool Tips For Men's Earrings

Word jewelry is not remaining the domain of women now days especially since the early 19th century when discoveries were made to old civilizations of Egypt, India and Persia. We saw paintings of men on the walls wearing necklace, bands and earrings of different sizes. If we go back in time line, we can see that up to middle of 20th century, earrings for men were not present as much as they are today. Neither these were available as a choice for men nor in term of fashion. But suddenly when some famous singers like Kenny Rogers, some athletes and musicians wore earrings during their performances and put men's earrings in the fashion.

In men's jewelry, stud earrings are most popular in all. The main reason of popularity of stud earring is that when some body wear stud earring, very few people can judge either person's earring has some physical or permanent connection with the ear or not. A more classy type of stud earring jewelry is the ones that feature a diamond as its stud. This type of stud earrings is also a popular variety because of it can be worn with an ease.

When one decide to wear earring either in his one ear or in both ear, he must know how to wear and which variety to be wear at some specific occasion. These handy tips will definitely help men while they wear earrings.

It should not be noted that there some time when you should not wear sparkles in your ear. One should wear earrings while playing sports or working in which your body directly involves as a whole. There are few reasons when one should not wear earrings at these times. During physical activity your body produces excessive amounts of sweats. And because of this your precious earring will get dirty and you need to clean them in regular intervals. Other reason for you shouldn't wear earring when playing or working because there are chances that you may injure your self. Imagine that you are playing basketball and you slipped while you were wearing earrings, my friend it hurts and it hurts very bad. So you better put off your earrings and take care of yourself.

Many men like to wear hoops. It's your choice but please don't wear big & large hoops because hoops on guys must be small. Wear simple hoops don't wear encrusted with diamonds. Nothing more on this, just men shouldn't wear large hoops because it looks funny.

Studs! Yes the best choice for men's earrings. Not in some specific country or region, universally studs are best and popular. One big reason, you can have them in thousand of styles and colors to match your outfit or any special occasion. But again if you not wearing to large studs, its fine. Large studs or large hoops will minimize the look of your clothing and you will never like that.

More or less what ever style you like, it must reflect your style and it must be "in" because it doesn't it may not fill the purpose.


The Lazy Person's Guide to Caring For Clothes

Caring for your clothes is important if you want to look good and for your clothes to last as long as possible.

If you follow these easy steps, this process need not be time consuming, but there are a number of tips that can help make the process as easy as possible and keep the time and effort you need to spend to a minimum.

1. Hang your clothes up as soon as you take them off. Where possible, use a good quality hanger for suits and jackets. This will allow creases to fall out and give them the opportunity to air whereas if you leave your clothes in a pile on the floor they will become creased overnight meaning you will need to spend more time ironing them again before you can wear them.

2. For badly creased items, hang them in a bathroom whilst you have a shower. The steam should help remove the creases without you needing to press them again.

3. For clothes that are too dirty or soiled to wear again put them into your washing basket, before sorting on washday. Sorting is important as you will want to wash clothes of similar colours together. This is particularly important with white garments, which can soon become discoloured if washed with dark items, or worse still, can turn out pink if the colours from a red item run in the wash.

4. Tumble drying items can help avoid the need to iron them, but only if you get the clothes out as soon as the cycle finishes and they are slightly warm. Hang these clothes straight onto a hanger and put them away. This tip can also work with certain items that are line dried.

5. Where you need to iron clothes, a good steam iron can make the process quicker and easier, as well as giving better results.

6. If you do not have a steam iron, a bottle of water with a spray attachment can be used to lightly dampen clothes, which helps to remove the creases as you iron.

7. Alternatively, iron whilst your clothes are still slightly damp and then hang them up on a hanger to finish drying. This can both improve the finish as more creases are removed and speed up the drying process. It does however increase the time it takes to iron each garment.

8. Do not hang too many items together as if they are packed in too tightly in your wardrobe they can become creased again.

Whilst getting into good habits takes a little effort it can help you save a load of time on a regular basis and keep wash day chores to a minimum.


Most Popular Metals Used in Men's Jewelry

Since the beginning of human history, men and women always try different ways to attract each other. This phenomenon is very much normal and natural. Jewelry is a main item of their wearable. Men used to wear jewelry since ancient times as we see in old pictures painted on stone and leather as well. In different times, different materials are used to produce men's jewelry. Generally, they are available as neck-chains, rings, stud earrings, hoop earrings, cuff-links, buttons, pendants and key rings. Below are the most famous metals used to make men's jewelry?

Gold is the most popular and precious metal among all other metals. The reason is that gold is most dense softy, shiny and delicate pure metal ever know to man kind. Gold is a very valuable metal and very common in every kind of jewelry. Then it comes to Platinum and when it comes to platinum, men's wedding bands made of platinum are getting popularity as compare to traditional men's wedding bands made of gold. There are few solid reasons for this change. Platinum is durable, typical and advance. Also one can find more variety available in platinum than in gold. But above all reasons, like gold when it is pure platinum is beautiful and tensile.

Silver is also an all important metal for men's jewelry when it comes to the matter of Muslim world because of their some religious restriction. Silver has its own charm and shine. Designer's made men's silver jewelry is always the best for men's special occasions.

Then don't forget everybody's love Titanium. It also less expensive than gold but it is also lasts longer. A big advantage in titanium men's jewelry is that it can be worn on daily basis with a very little maintenance. It is extremely durable through the years of wearing. When it comes to hardness, it is no other men's jewelry but made of tungsten. Wedding bands made of tungsten is becoming the first choice for man because of its ability to fight against scratching. But one thing should be clear about tungsten men's jewelry that it must be polished very delicately although its need just a cloth to get new shine whenever you clean it.

Regardless whether you are looking for the elegance of gold or platinum, the magnificence of tungsten or titanium or the durability of stainless steel, important thing is the choice of your partner. Men's jewelry or women's jewelry does give a meaning to the feelings about your life partner but most important is the traditional values and moral character which takes your life all along. Also it is very important that when men's jewelry should be used? Is it only made for special occasions or for daily use? Of course like women's jewelry, men's jewelry should also be used in daily routine. It is up to user of the men's jewelry to decide that what kind of jewelry he wears in daily routine and what kind of jewelry he kept aside for special occasions.


Popularity of Men's Jewelry Over the Years

There were the years when jewelry was the area for women only but not their monopoly on jewelry has finished since a long time. Now this is era of competition. Designers designing jewelry for both genders, media showing for fashion for both men and women but it is very rare that you come by to any thing like this that what are the reasons that man should wear jewelry. Let's try to find out.

Now for a moment if we see in the history of, we observe that history recorded many in the paintings especially in palace walls. It is said that in those ancient time men's jewelry was a symbol of power instead a fashion and as fashion jewelry was tend to be for women only. Men's jewelry got some attention and popularity in the past 40 or 50 years and now the trend seems to remain the same for a very long time.

Initially there were only two types of jewelry which were introduced; cufflinks and watches and rest remains for their original consumers "women". But in this modern era, this is not the case now. You name it and you will find the same in men's jewelry collections not in few numbers but in hundreds of designs, verities, colors and styles. If you ask younger generation you will get answer which will lead to status symbol and a trend in men's costume. This trend which is actually created and first adopted by youngsters, they created more designs which not attracted the celebrities but now a day common people of all age groups are already attracted by this trend. So we may say that one reason is "fashion" and "trend" which is followed and men's jewelry got popularity.

Now come to another one, this time the rich & wealthy created something which is called "show-off". Stud with diamonds encrusted on them of small and large size were also become love of many rich and wealthy community. In these days they are also doing with their ears, by wearing earrings. This trend of wearing earrings is more popular in sports and music industry.

Last but not the least; it is very much easily available. Your local neighborhood jewelry shop is offering all kind of variety of men's jewelry. OK you don't have time sit at your computer, just go to any search engine; search for any online website for men's jewelry and in seconds millions of stores will be ready to take your order. This is another big reason for popularity of men's jewelry that it is so easily available that in minutes you can order your choice maybe not 100% same as your favorite singer or player was wearing but very near to that.

Men's jewelry has taken a turn and so many of fresh designs in rings, tiepins, necklaces, bracelets, wrist chains, ear rings and pendants fitted with diamonds, ambers, emeralds, amethyst, jade, jasper and quartz are available with us. We offer all the available range on just a click; you can visit our jewelry box and select whatever you want at our browser friendly. Mens Earrings - The Latest On-Style Designer Jewellery Online.


Ray Ban Aviators - Originality Speaks For Itself

Ray Ban offers the best quality and extremely stylish sunglasses that outclass many other top-notch brands. The brand is iconic when it comes to the eyewear industry. Every piece from this luxury brand is engineered with utmost finesse and cutting-edge technology.

What Ray Ban is most known for is the ultra-cool and sexy pair of Aviators, which the brand invented keeping in mind the need of the military pilots. Aviators are also commonly known as Pilot Shades or Stunner Shades. The style was introduced in the market in 1936, but at that time they could be bought only by fighter pilots. However, the burgeoning popularity of Ray Ban Aviators got the public talking and in 1938 the style was introduced in the market for the commoners.

The sassy pair of shades is characterized by dark, mostly reflective lenses which have an area approximately 2 to 3 times bigger than the eye socket. What adds to their appeal is the metallic frame. One can also get the Aviators customized according to the face-cut etc. They can also be obtained in gold or silver polish frames.

The numero uno brand in the eyewear industry is loved by both men and women. The look of the Aviators has changed with time keeping in mind the dynamic market trends. It is not difficult to find a pair of Aviators for anyone. The brand has flooded the market with some of the best and coolest pairs when it comes to Aviator-styled sunglasses.

Some of the most popular designs in the Aviator category are:

RB2140 Sunglasses- These Aviator styled sunglasses have the classy as well as contemporary look. Ray Ban 2140 is available in 20 plus color variants in the lenses. The tear-drop shape of the lenses is the most reminiscing feature of the first Aviators ever made.

RB4068 Sunglasses- Ray Ban 4068 is another most sought-after pair of Aviator shades. The frame provides best comfort and superior fit. The lenses provide 100% UV Protection and shield the eyes from the harmful glare of the sun. The style is also available in a multitude of lens colors.

RB3044, RB3030, and Ray Ban 3362 are some of the other Aviator-styled sunglasses that are much sought-after.

Aviators are classy and stylish and lend the best contribution a pair of sunglasses possibly can to enhance one's looks. The best feature about Ray Ban Aviators is that they can be customized and can be made-to-order to suit personal likes and dislikes. There are other brands as well which manufacture Aviators. But when the big leader is still serving the best in the industry then why opt for others?


Product Line Review - Kapenzo Equal Lace Wigs

Kapenzo Equal has a great lace wig line and is ever evolving to keep up with the latest trends. Although other brands may have better quality hair as far as virgin hair, Kapenzo provides the most bang for your buck.

Style Selection and Versatility

Their hair system line has a growing number of full lace wigs in the lace front wigs cap construction. They have an additional two hair wig lines. One of the lines has 8 baby hair unit with the other line having 3 individually hand tied full hair wigs. The laces wigs are very versatile in style ranging from curly to silky straight. They also include a few kinky/afro hair type hair wigs.

Each wig comes in multiple colors and lengths. The good thing about Kapenzo is that their lace actually allows versatile parting. Many hair system companies advertise that you can part anywhere in the first few inches but the hair remains too stiff or unnatural looking to part in any fashion.

Lace Wig Quality

Kapenzo offers a good quality for a good price. In comparison to many of Kapenzo's full hair systems priced around $500, the units are approximately $350-$500. Virgin hair wigs at that price typically tangle easily and often leave you with the afterthought, "you get what you pay for".

Kapenzo supplies rather natural looking hair and the quality only improves after you take the necessary steps such as washing with apple cider vinegar or brushing with baby powder to increase the natural look. Perhaps the only downside to the Kapenzo lace wig line is the limited in stock selection. Since it is a new European luxury brand priced at a lower rang than most, and is generally customized.

Maintenance and Wig Life

Maintenance on a virgin hair system is usually low as it is pre-styled. The difficulty with most virgin hair systems happens with curlier styles. Kapenzo does a good job at creating styles that avoid tangles. Few of their hair wigs have curls that will interlock easily. The simple wavy styles flow easily and do not seem to tangle.

Overall, this is a great lace wig line for any woman who wants to look fabulous on a budget. The amount of styles provides a look for every occasion and location and the maintenance is rather low.


How to Choose the Perfect Plus Size Dress

Not every woman is naturally gifted in terms of size. Some work their way to achieve the impeccable hourglass look and a few are just happy and cheerful the way they are. Whatever size it is, every woman desires to look good and wear the perfect attire. Plus size dresses are an apt solution for women who know how to carry themselves with veritable confidence despite of their plump appearance. There are a variety of options available these days and decking oneself up with the outfit that complements the body type isn't difficult to find. The best solution is to hunt for patterns that make you look thinner.

o Women who are fashion enthusiasts but are in a dilemma on what to wear because of their size can try empire waistline dresses. This kind of a pattern accentuates the bust area and hides the fat around the waist. A floor length gown with rhinestone adorned spaghetti straps will look highly chic.

o Colors like black will help look thinner. Black is a universal party color and exudes sophistication to the hilt. An A-line floor length black dress with a front slit and a stone studded sweetheart neckline will impart your personality a fashionable look.

o Avoid wearing heavily embellished clothes which firstly wouldn't contribute in making you look thin and secondly impart a kitschy look which is truly a fashion disaster. Opt for monochromatic colors with trendy styles and cuts. Team up and color co-ordinate your attire with a pretty scarf and trendy accessories and you will be all set to create an impression wherever you step.

o It is a myth that loose flowing hanging clothes hide everything. They actually make you look chubby and are an absolute confidence dampener. Make sure you know your size properly. Do not hesitate trying an attire a dozen of times until and unless you are confident about the fit. Choose an adept seamstress or shop something exclusive online; there are options galore.

o Women who feel good about themselves regardless of the size can try trendy styles like bandage dresses, wrap around dresses, one shoulder designs, shutter pleats etc. It will help you stand out from the crowd and create an impression.

Women who are plus sized need to keep in mind the fact that there are multitudes of clothing alternatives available for them. The contemporary styles in the fashion arena are sensible as well as stunning. Do a lot of web searches, read fashion magazines, experiment unhesitatingly etc. and it will only help you and add up to your fashion expertise. The point that is of paramount importance is not how expensive your attire is, but how confident your demeanor is.


Tuesday, June 1, 2010

More Summer Style

Bright pops of color, light floral prints, flirty skirts, and bold necklaces round out my latest store window photos. Admittedly, I occasionally encounter retail boredom this time of year, when summer merchandise has long since hit the racks, and the season's trends have lost their novelty. The antidote to this lack of enthusiasm is to experiment with new silhouettes (such as a strapless romper

Dresses For Girls Who Don't Like Dresses

A problem we encounter very often is a girl who absolutely WILL NOT wear a dress. She completely detests every dress in existence, past, present, or future. The dresses in our shop (of which we are so proud) are no exception.

A related challenge is modern parenting teaches us that bribes and coercion are not the way to good behavior. And, truly, that good behavior from a child and getting a child to do what we want of them, are not always one and the same. So, what to do when it really is an important dressy event and your dress loathing daughter refuses any dresses for girls?

We do not have the answer for every family. In our experience, the first thing to do is discuss the event with the little girl. Usually, the event in question is a wedding where the girl is asked to wear a flower girl dress or it is a performance where the girl is asked to wear any type of dresses for girls. In both these possibilities, as well as for a number of others not mentioned, we suggest you find the most positive element of why the child is participating in the event. If she is asked to be a flower girl, the bride must love and admire her dearly to want her to be a part of this most special day. If the event is a musical performance, then the child must enjoy her instrument and the lessons that have led up to a performance. This is a chance to share talent and demonstrate the beauty of her growing abilities. Discuss the importance of these very significant precursors to the actual event and perhaps the displeasure of having to wear a dress will seem small in comparison.

There may still be protests over having to wear a dress, remind her that not all dresses are frilly, flowery, or full of lace. A simple A-line dress is often an accepted compromise for the girl who detests dresses. We have also found that a simple A-line dress in the girl's favorite color may be readily accepted. We also witness that darker jewel tones opposed to pastels and whites, appeal to girls striking against traditional frill. In the case of a flower girl dress, you will need to be upfront with the bride and groom who ask your little girl to be a flower girl. It is only fair that you warn them an overly romantic or feminine flower girl dress probably will not work and may result in unhappiness for everyone.

If there is no way, short of force, to have your dress detesting child wear a dress, then it is probably time to respect her opinion. We can never tell why certain things are so important to a child. It can sincerely be a matter of anxiety over appearance, and this is a sacred concern for young girls we wish to blossom into independent self-thinkers. Here is where you may have to search for dressy pant outfits and out-of-the-box solutions. Here is also where she may not be able to be a flower girl in your sister's wedding. Be sure to discuss clearly, and without guilt, the results of not participating in the wedding or event. Then she has a choice to make on her own.

Remember, too, to find a retail outlet that specializes in children's special event clothing, you are more likely to encounter helpful and friendly assistance, as well as advice and suggestions on selections. If the girl is not too young, she can perhaps be given the quest to find the dress she will actually wear. Allow her to browse online and share possible candidates with you. Again, if the event is a wedding and she is to be the flower girl, find out if you have the choice of the dress. If not, show her a picture of the dress and let her decide if it is acceptable after discussing the importance of a wedding.

Remaining calm, helpful, and full of respect for the child has rendered the best results in our 10 years of experience. Good luck!


Lace Wig Faux Pas - Top 4

As wonderful as lace wigs are, there are a few blunders that many women make. However, these mistakes are not exclusive to newbies as even some celebrities have been caught in the embarrassing spotlight. To see what not to do while wearing your hair wig, read more below.

Barber Straight Hairline

This is perhaps the most obvious of signs that someone is wearing a poor quality or poorly applied lace wig. The barber straight hairline implies that your hairline has a straight razored edge as if you just visited a barber. Higher quality wigs have a slightly varied hairline to mimic the natural hairline.

There is a simply way to fix this if the wig you order has this problem. Place a white paper towel behind the lace so you can see. Afterwards, begin to lightly tweeze individual hairs from the hairline so that it is more natural in appearance. Make sure to work slowly since you cannot reapply the hairs after removed.

Unsealed Knots

Unsealed knots on your lace wig can be disastrous. At first, the knots will remain relatively intact and tied. However, overtime the unsealed knots can lead to excessive shedding. This shedding can happen from brushing or even running your hand through your hair. Your lace wig hair should remain on your head not your shoulders and clothes.

Sealing knots is a simple process that you should never skip. Purchase a knot sealant from any beauty supply store. Before applying your wig for the first time, turn it inside out and spray the cap. It should be saturated enough with soaking through to the hair on the other side. Let dry and then reapply at least once. After your first sealing, you will only have to spray when you are about to wash your hair wig.

Visible Lace

The point of a lace wig is to not show your lace lines. Unfortunately, some women are caught for this offense by the tell tale criss cross pattern evident on their hairline. Typically, French lace wigs make the pattern more evident since the lace is thicker. Glue shine makes this pattern more apparent or having lace that does not match your skin tone. You can either dye your lace to blend in with your natural skin tone or rid yourself of glue shine.

To get rid of shine caused by excess glue, take a q-tip or makeup sponge with adhesive remover or alcohol. To simply remove a very small amount of excess glue, alcohol is suggested as adhesive remover may weaken the surrounding bond. After you remove excess glue, let dry and then apply makeup near the hairline to conceal.

Heavy Density

A heavy density is never natural in appearance. When you lace wig begins to sit on top of your head or have thick hair coming from the temples, something is wrong. A heavy density is rather difficult to fix at home and may require professional help. For those who are experienced with styling, you can thin out the hair with shearing scissors.

If you do not how to do this, you can bring your lace wig into a wig maker or repair person and have the density corrected. You will want to make sure that your density is in line with your hairline density so that a natural progression occurs.


Remy Hair on Human Hair - Lace Wigs

From the lace wigs inception, hair types were limited to only a few textures. Today, there are a myriad of remy hair choices for all ethnicities and backgrounds. These added options make having a lace wig even more exciting as you transform yourself into a style chameleon.

Remy

Remy is hair which the cuticle is facing the direction in which it grew. There are many different categories that remy can full under and each one varies greatly. The highest of quality for human hair is virgin. This hair is unprocessed and was cut in the direction it originally grew in. Not all remy hair is virgin. Once virgin hair is chemically processed or colored, it simply becomes remy and is no longer virgin.

The term remy itself is often misused today in the industry to lure those interested in lace wigs. Some remy is processed with harsh chemicals after being collected from mass hair collectors in China and other Asian countries. Only the finest of remy hair is collected by a single collector who extracts the hair directly from the donor being careful of damaging the cuticle.

Indian

Indian remy is the most popular and produced lace wig hair. Indian remy can come in a variety of colors and lengths. Since most Indian's have very dark colored tresses, hair marketed as virgin cuticle hair should also be the same color.

Indian texture is so popular because it is versatile for different cultures. It is thick enough without tangling easily for many African-Americans while it has a very soft wave to mimic some European tresses. Culturally, Indian women grow their hair very long so the process of collecting virgin Indian remy hair is very easy.

Malaysian

Malaysian remy is quickly replacing yaky hair texture. Many African-American women have yaky or yaki lace wigs to resemble chemically treated African-American hair. As remy hair is not processed, this posed a problem. While some companies stated they offered yaky with virgin cuticle hair that was unprocessed, this was usually untrue as most yaky is actually processed.

Malaysian hair is soft and silky. The hair color is more varied than Chinese hair but since it comes from the same region, it is comparable in price. Malaysian hair has a similar density to Indian hair but does not have the natural wave. Since it is so straight but thick, it easily replaces yaky texture hair.

Brazilian

Brazilian remy hair is fairly new but catching on fast. This texture is soft and rather thick like Indian hair but is more versatile in color choice. The hair has a softer wave and is slightly finer.

Many African-American lace wigs are being made with Brazilian remy since those who want a straighter texture find it hard to use European remy. The colors of virgin hair offered are typically dark brown, off black, light brown and medium blonde shades.

Chinese

Chinese remy is very popular for use on stock lace wigs. The hair is straight in texture but very coarse. The naturally dark color of Chinese virgin remy is great for anyone who wants very dark virgin cuticle hair.

There are some issues with Chinese remy that comes out of China. The hair quality is good but some of the techniques used to extract the strands are not true remy methods and can damage the hair cuticles. Since the hair is so coarse and can look unnatural on those with fine hair, Chinese remy is often dipped in an acid bath to thin out and lighten. For those who want completely unprocessed hair, make sure to do your research on the lace wig supplier that your company of choice uses.

European

European hair is not an actual hair structure but a group name for similar structures. Indian and Brazilian remy would fall into this category as the natural cuticle is rather smooth and gives it a straight appearance. If you go to a beauty supply store and request European remy, a store associate can plausible hand you Indian or Brazilian and it will be the silky texture you want.

If you want a true European hair texture as in from Europe, ask for Italian or Russian remy. This is a harder hair type to find in stores and may need to be special ordered or ordered offline. This hair is naturally very glossy and bouncy since it is so light. The hair colors are varied from light blonde to dark browns.


Integrating Lace Frontals

A lace frontal is a great way to make any hair extension appear more natural. As a unit that is designed to create a natural part and hairline, it is a more affordable option than most lace front wigs or full lace wigs. Even though many women venture to the salon for lace frontal installation, it can be done at home.

Finding the Right Unit

Finding the right lace frontal is the first thing that you should do. Most lace frontals cover up to the first 6 inches of the head ending at the crown. However, some cover less with the smallest lace coverage area being around 3 inches. This is important to know since your braiding pattern will depend on this in addition to the amount of hair for a weave.

Choosing a lace frontal is in many ways just like choosing a lace wig. The same lengths and textures are offered with one exception. Since lace frontals are not as popular, the color choices are rather limited. Buying the lace frontal first is best so you can match it to any other hair that you will be integrating. These partial units are often in the $100-$200 range.

Choosing Your Method

There are a number of methods you can use to integrate your lace frontal. Each one has its benefits depending on your hair needs. Each one is listed as follows.

Method One: Integration with Natural Hair

This is a good choice if you have a nice head of hair and do not mind daily styling. If you have a damaged or thinning hairline but the rest of your hair past the crown is full, this is a good option. To integrate with your own hair, make sure that the lace frontal matches your hair color and texture well.

Since the back half of the unit has lace as well, you will either need to purchase and sew in clips or securely bobby pin in the back. Securing the back with sew in clips is suggested since it will provide a better hold. Attachable clips can be purchased at your local beauty supply store or online. Sew these in with weaving string in a line of three at the back base.

All you have to do now is clean your forehead, cut the front lace, and apply with glue or tape. Once your front is secured, close your hair clips on a small horizontal braid or onto loose hair.

Method Two: Integrating With Extensions

Prior to installing the lace frontal, you must possess knowledge of hair weaving techniques. Many women choose this option because they simply want the natural hairline and part but do not require anything else as far as high ponytails.

If you want something that does not match your own hair texture or color and do not want to deal with daily styling, this is a good option. This will also act a protective style for hair growth since your natural hair is concealed.

Your first task will be to select a braiding pattern and attach the hair weave. The braiding pattern can vary depending on your style. Some women who install curly hair use a serpentine pattern since the curls are suppose to free flowing and a little wild. If you want a sleek, straight look the traditional circular pattern will work very well. Braid your hair and then prep your lace frontal. Mark where the lace frontal will end and the extension hair will begin.

Some women prefer to install the lace frontal first and then the extensions so that they can sew the final top row of hair on top or the frontal. Others prefer to install the extensions first and then lace unit using sew in clips from method one. Whatever your preference, make sure that these two are closely installed so that the hair flows seamlessly as one unit.


How to Measure Your Head For Lace Wigs

Measurements are typically for custom lace wigs but can be helpful to all wig wearer's. While many non-custom units come in one size fits all, the option of small, medium and large are sometimes offered. It is important to know when you are purchasing online the measurements of your head to ensure that your unit will fit. From how far the lace extends to the ear to ear tabs, knowing the dimensions and size of your head are important.

Before You Measure

Before you begin to measure your head, you will need a few things. It is a good idea to purchase a cloth measuring tape rather than the standard ones used for home repairs. Since you will need this to go around your head smoothly, the cloth is the best option. Have a pen and paper on hand to write down the measurements once taken.

Next, you will need to prep your hair. If you will be wearing your hair braided under your lace wig than that is how you should measure it. You may also wear it under a wig cap or wrapped. As long as you take your measurements while wearing your hair in the same manner you will to wear the wig you will be fine. When measuring, make sure to hold the tape snug but not tightly pressing into the skin. You do not want your lace wig cutting into your skin or inhibiting circulation.

Circumference

The circumference is the distance around your entire head. Hold the tape firmly at the center of your front hairline. You will want to circle your head similar to a hair band. Make sure the tape goes just above your ear and slopes down to the nape of your neck.

Do not extend to any far off, stray hairs at the nape of your neck. For all measurements, extend to the last of the bulk of hair. If you have baby hairs anywhere, include them in the measure but do not include single insignificant strands.

Front to Nape

This is used to measure the length of your head for your lace wig. You will measure from your hairline to the nape of your neck. If you are unsure where the nape of your neck extends to, tilt your head back and feel for a slight crease. Where your neck folds or dents, this is where your nape is. This area typically has a distinct line with baby hairs extending past.

When actually taking the measurement make sure to bend your neck down looking at your feet so the skin on your neck is stretched. Hold the cloth tape at the middle of your front hairline and then pull right over the top of your head. This includes the front hairline, through the crown of the head and ends at the nape of your neck.

Ear to Ear across Forehead

You will want to place the tape at your temple in front of the ear. Continue by bringing the tape upwards about 1.5 inches behind the hairline, across and then to the other temple in front of the ear. The placement of the tape should remind you of when you put your glasses or sunglasses on your head.

Ear to Ear over Top of Head

This will provide the measurement for the top of the lace wig base. Start at the top edge of your ear; extend across the top of your head to the other top edge of the other ear. This should resemble the placement of headphones.

Temple to Temple around Back of Head

Place the tape at your hairline in the temple area. This will be almost in line with where your eyebrow rests at the outer corner of your eye. Stretch the tape around the back of your head over to the other temple.

Nape of the Neck

The final measurement for your custom lace wig is the nape of your neck. You will be measuring the width of your nape for full lace as well. Simply place the tape at one side of your nape and extend across to the other edge a few inches away.

Now that you have all of your measurements, repeat two more times so that they are correct. If you cannot seem to get matching results than you may be doing something wrong. When you finally get accurate and consistent numbers, you will be able to purchase your perfect fitting custom lace wig.


Lace Wig Vs Hair Weaves

Lace wigs versus hair weaving is the ultimate battle that was bound to happen. For years, weaving techniques have been the preferred choice for women who wanted to change their look without drastically changing their own hair. Now, many people have migrated to using hair wigs for their realistic look and seamless fit. For those of you who are still choosing sides, the differences are stark and listed below.

Realistic Look

Through various weaving techniques, many styles have a natural appearance. If your natural hair crown is exposed, this is as real as it gets. Another method includes the net or cap weaves. This technique allows for your braided hair under the stocking cap or net to grow without creating a cone head appearance. While all of these methods are advancements from traditional weaving techniques, lace wigs have went a step further.

Lace wigs are similar in the sense that they are made to attain a natural looking hairline and part. With hair wigs, the base is typically French lace or Swiss lace so that it can be applied directly to the skin. To achieve a natural part, none of your natural hair needs to be out as the lace wig acts as your hair and your scalp in one unit.

Healthy Hair & Growth

An added bonus of a hair weave can be potential hair growth. Many women get weaves to try different styles but they also do this so they cannot damage their own hair. The problem with this is that the weave itself can cause some issues. Tight braids and the weaving string that is laced through the braids can cause significant damage if not properly cared for. For women who were tired of taking out their weave and seeing damaged hair,hair systems were the answer.

Lace wigs are almost certain to aid in hair growth and prevent damaged hair. You have the option of braiding the natural hair or simply wearing it unbraided under a stocking cap. This is an option that cannot be had with a hair weave. Since the hair wig itself acts as the natural hairline and scalp, none of your own hair needs to be out so it acts as a protective style. This means that in harsh weather conditions, your hair will be protected from damage.

Cost Effectiveness

As the price of lace wigs and weaves vary greatly, the cost effectiveness is in the eye of the beholder. Some women feel as though their at home full weave is well worth the lower cost while others will only go to the top salon for installation. A simple way to compare is to look at the cost of maintenance overtime.

A hair weave will require the purchase of hair. Human hair at longer lengths is often more expensive just like with lace wigs. Your hair must then be washed, deep conditioned and braided. The process is the same with a hair wig with the exception of braided hair which is completely optional.

Depending if this is an at home style, the installation for a weave can cost anywhere from $60 to $300 and up. For lace wigs, this is almost identical. While hair systems are rather expensive on the front end, they can last a lifetime. A hair weave can usually be worn for no more than 2 months.

After the weave is taken out, the whole process of purchasing hair, braiding, and installation must be repeated at the same costs. For lace wigs, you can use the same hair wig over again after washing. When your hair wig is lacking, you can simply have it repaired versus buying a brand new one. The overall cost and ease of a lace wig seems very worth the front end cost as it is a long term investment in your beauty.

Some women love their weaves but for those who decide to switch over to lace wigs, very few are disappointed and seldom return to the unnatural appearance, costly process, and potential hair damage that a weave causes.


Paris Hilton Perfume

Another product named after a celebrity, Paris Hilton perfume hopes to capitalize off of the fame and notoriety of this socialite. In this case, however, the name may actually harm sales. I mean, I wouldn't have bought this product due to the name alone. But, you should give it a chance. Believe it or not, Paris Hilton perfume gets a lot more good reviews than bad ones. If you like smelling sweet and very girly than this perfume is for you. It's described by one website as having almost cotton candy like tones.

Introduced to the world by Parlux Fragrances in 2005, this ultra-feminine perfume comes in a bottle that resembles a mix of the Eiffel Tower and a lamppost thrown into a glass window. Needless to say, it's quite an interesting design that doesn't need to be hidden away in a medicine cabinet.

So, what exactly does Paris smell like? Apparently, she smells like a blend of, oak moss, mimosa, peach nectar and jasmine. It also includes the generally accepted aphrodisiacs frozen apple, fressia, sandalwood, ylang ylang. For added head turning power, it also comes with a healthy dose of human sex pheromones.

As always, when shopping for a perfume and unless you're a collector, you need to make sure that it goes well with your body chemistry before you buy it. If you're buying it as a gift, make sure it goes well with you're friends body chemistry. All good department stores will have tester bottles available for you. Simply spray some of the perfume on your one of your wrists pulse points. Smell it immediately to see what it smells like initially. Then wait a few minutes and smell again. The chances are the smell will be different once it has settled into your skin. You need to make sure this smells good.


Lace Wigs For Weddings

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. While what you will cherish most is your friends and family seeing you marry the one you love, you also want to look your best on your best day. It is always hard to find the perfect wedding dress, the best tasting cake, and the most romantic honeymoon spot. Check one thing off of your list early so you can sit back and relax while preparing for that special someone. A lace wig is a great hair option that will have you worry free on your wedding day and honeymoon.

4 Months Before

This timeframe completely depends on the lace wig you will be getting. If you are someone who will be purchasing it straight from the beauty supply store, then 3 months is more than enough time. However, for such a special occasion most women invest in a custom made human hair lace wig. Either way, this is when you should begin researching which wig type is right for you.

Certain things you will need to ask yourself. Do you want to wear an updo? If so, a full lace wig is your best bet. Do you know how to install a hair wig? If not, finding the right stylist who can run a test run and the wedding day hair will take some time.

If you will be ordering a custom lace wig, you will need to find the right online or in person store to purchase from and allow enough time for the creation and delivery. This 4 month period will also allow for last minute mishaps in case the delivery is lost and you must run out and seek a new hair wig.

2 Months Before

With only 2 months left to finalize, you will have more than your hair on your mind. For those making custom orders, you should have already ordered your lace wig. The average time for a custom creation can be from 4 to 8 weeks not including delivery. You will want to extra time in case the sizing is inaccurate or it is not what you hoped for.

If you already received your lace wig, the hard part is over. This will be the time when you want to finalize your stylist and booking appointments. The important appointments concerning your lace wig will be a test run and the final style right before the wedding. Some women like to have 3 appointments with the first being the application, the second being for alterations after wearing and the third being a simple style. Depending on the complexity of the style, 3 appointments is a good idea. For curly styles, seeing how the curls fall overtime and if they can take movement from walking, wind, etc. is important.

2 Weeks Before

This is where all of your finalizations and little imperfections are fixed. For some, there may still be a lot to do. It is best to get your hair installed at least one week before the wedding and the final style the day before or the day of. Your style for your hair system should have been discussed with your stylist already and a test run on the lace wig.

You will want to receive all of the information about care and the style of the unit from your stylist. If you have a synthetic lace wig, your stylist should instruct you on if it is future so you can re-curl it, how to fix loose lace, and suggested alternate styles.

Alternate styles are a good backup for last minute mishaps or even for later occasions. If you want to wear your hair differently for the reception or the honeymoon, make sure what is fine by asking your stylist. Also, if you plan on getting your lace wig wet on the honeymoon ask your stylist about proper drying techniques.

While your wedding planning may be hectic, the day of your wedding will be beautiful. The wonders of a hair wig will help to ease your stress and keep you looking great from the wedding through the honeymoon and for years to come.


Selfridges and Attitude Team Up to Court Gay Market

Well I could think of worse ways to spend a balmy spring evening in London town. Forget what you've read about gay adoption killing off the pink pound - the gays still know how to throw a hell of a party and London superstore Selfridges is more than happy to host.

Tribal drums pounded by hot ethnic boys in Havaianas and a stunning performance from the cast of Priscilla kicked off the annual Attitude 'Summer Daze' beach and undies fashion show in super style.

Enter wave after of wave of Jaw-droppingly-gorgeous underwear and swimsuit gods, parading down the pink carpet flashing the latest gay must-haves from Aussiebum, Diesal, Ted Baker, Paul Smith, XTG et al

A fitting tribute to fashion icon Alexander McQueen stole the show as the hottest models flaunted an exclusive-to-Selfridges red McQ charity boxer brief in aid of The Terrence Higgins Trust and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

The amalgamation of gay and straight super-brands is not so strange as it may first appear.

Just as the uber-straight catwalk hunks had no trouble lapping up the attention of a predominantly male audience, increasingly major corporations seem to be glamming it up to court the gay demographic.

Last month General Motors hosted its gay-focus event at The New York International Auto Show styled "A Night OUT with Cadillac" tagged "Later we'll whisk you away by courtesy motor coach to a VIP afterglow". Fabulous. If not a tad hackneyed.

And with similar aplomb high street brands such as Thompsons and Barclays are targeting the gay market as the economic recovery demands maximisation of the consumer pool.

It may take more than pink champagne and buff buns of steel to woo brand conscious gay men, however - and lesbians will be a tougher nut to crack - but what the hell, we're having a lot of fun - as they try it on.


Lace Wigs - Styles For Your Face Shape

A good lace wig makes every woman look fabulous but a great one makes us sparkle. The problem with finding that perfect unit is not always because of the wig quality, hair or color. Certain styles of hair frame the face better than others while some actually detract from your beauty. Find your face shape below to perfectly match you to the perfect hair wig.

Square

Square face shapes are almost equally as long as they are wide. You must likely have a strong jaw and bone structure to differentiate your face from a round shape. Elongating the face and giving it a softer appeal will be your goal. A short to medium lace wig will flatter the face in a wavy texture. Adding wispy bangs to the style will help to give more of a feminine appeal.

Try to avoid long and straight hair or lace wigs with middle parts. Angled parts with volume at the crown will help lengthen the face. The advantage of your square jawbone is that since your face has such edge, bold colored lace wigs will always look nice as long as the cut is appropriate.

Long

A long face shape can add age to your appearance overtime. Many women make the mistake of getting shorter cuts to offset their long faces but this only makes it more obvious. Others try to hide it with even longer hair which only makes the look more drastic and slightly aged.

Balancing the shape of your face with soft bangs for shortening and full styles for width is best. Full curly or wavy lace wigs are a great choice especially if in medium lengths. For a full lace wig, a slicked back high ponytail will work very well also without adding too much length to the face.

Heart Shaped

Your face resembles a heart as you have an average to wide forehead, temple to temple, and narrow chin. A chin length bob is your best friend. These hairstyles works great for hair systems and are very popular choices.

Short cuts still work well with a heart shaped face with the exception of top heavy cuts. A cut like Halle Berry's is thin on the sides and the volume does not attract to your narrow chin. Short cuts like Rihanna's has too much volume near the crown and will only attract to your wide cheekbones.

Round

Your face is very round with full cheeks and a rounded chin. There are a lot of styles that can add roundness to the face. Any style that is chin length with fullness around the ears will only create a more rounded look. Chopped or blunt bangs on your lace wig are not as flattering also.

Styles that have off center parts, fullness at the crown, and that are swept back away from the face create a more slender look. Long human hair lace wigs will work great for your face since long styles offset your round face.

Oval

An oval face shape is slightly narrower at the jaw line than at the temples and you have a slightly rounded hairline. The sky is the limit for your style selection. The only thing to avoid is covering your well proportioned face with too much hair. Full styles will work well for you but by hiding your cheekbones, lovely jaw line and nicely shaped hairline you will only take away from your look.

For a slicked back hairstyle or high ponytail, full lace wigs will be a good investment. From the slicked back look to romantic waves, human hair wigs will work best. You will be able to achieve the biggest variety by purchasing the most varied hair system.


Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Zara Saga - Adventures in Price Tagging

After an interesting scenario at Zara at the Topanga mall (located outside of Los Angeles) today, I felt compelled to share this story. Especially in light of Zara's Betty-inspired t-shirt, I want to highlight some more of their unfavorable practices and policies. So enough about Zara stealing from fashion bloggers, here's what happened to me... As I browsed, I picked up a few items to try on.

New Summer Neutrals

I decided to switch up my pedicure from a bubble gum pink to a new nail color that I received. The nail polish is a slightly shimmery taupe hue called Belly Dance from Shades by Barielle. It's from the disco-inspired High Steppin' collection, and I love that it contains no formaldehyde, toluene, or dibutyl-phthalate. The color is light enough to work with my summer shoes and the neutral mocha

Monday, May 24, 2010

Treat Your Feet Well

I just finished reading a book that I received called Bad Shoes & the Women Who Love Them by Leora Tanenbaum. It's an informative, eye-opening, and entertaining look at the history of heels, why women wear them, and how they can damage and deform our feet. Being an admirer of high heels, the book is a strong reminder for me that high heels (over 1.5 inches) should only be worn for limited periods

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Bohemian Touches

The onset of summer often precipitates the wearing of relaxed bohemian-inspired attire. Something about warm weather makes such carefree pieces seem more appealing. We stow away our winter tights, scarves, and jackets in exchange for lighter, skin-baring styles and fun accessories. Think along the lines of: printed head scarves, braided belts, stacked bangles, printed sundresses, crochet

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Refinery 29 is Coming to L.A.

May is shaping up to be a great month for shopping events and sales in the L.A. area. I came across this event in my inbox:The Refinery29 East/West Tag Sale – open to the public.SALE DATES: Friday May 21st and Saturday May 22nd 10AM-10PM, and Sunday May 23rd 10AM-9PM LOCATION: Space 15Twenty: 1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 To kick off Refinery29’s L.A. launch, the Refinery29 team

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Strawberry Fields Forever

I spent a few hours at the annual Strawberry Festival in Oxnard this weekend. With everything from strawberry popcorn and strawberry wine to strawberry pizza and nachos, there's so much food at the festival that it's a good idea to go on an empty stomach. Having almost recovered from oral surgery last week, I went in knowing that I'd lost a few pounds (from eating only fruit smoothies and soft

Saturday, May 15, 2010

American Apparel's Rummage Sale Coming to Santa Barbara

For more info, a map of the parking, and to request clothing, see their Facebook pageFree admissionCash, credit, and debit accepted

Friday, May 14, 2010

It's All In The Details

In this installment of store window photos, I want to focus on interesting details. Whether it's crochet detail, gem embellishment, a beaded neckline, or chains, a little something extra can go a long way towards making something special. Below are six of my favorite tops with eye-catching details.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Shopping at Shecky's Girls Night Out

I came across this event in my inbox and wanted to share with my readers in the Los Angeles area:Shecky’s Girls Night Out L.A.Date: Wed.-Thur., May 19th-20th, 2010Time: 5pm-10pmPlace: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium1855 Main St. (Pico Blvd. & Colorado Ave.)General Admission Tickets*: $10 in AdvanceShecky’s Goodie Bag + General Admission Tickets*: $25 in Advance$35 at the Door*Tickets may not be

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Elevated Footwear

Some women dream about handbags, others buy copious amounts of makeup, and still others love jewelry. For me, it's always been (and always will be) about the shoes. Not only do shoes form the base of any outfit, they anchor you to the ground, and can instantly change both your height and your posture. Being a longtime fan of wedges and platforms because of their comfort and stability, I've

Friday, May 7, 2010

Mini Trend Report: Summer 2010 Denim & Footwear

Denim is a wardrobe staple. Practically everyone has it in their closet. This season, it's taking on an Americana theme, especially when paired with fringed accessories, Little House on the Prairie-inspired calico prints, and clogs. The best news is that denim is not just for jeans. At the retail level, denim is showing up in many incarnations, on everything from hats and handbags to strapless

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Biking Over Blogging

This morning I put my hair in a braid, donned my most stylish neon jacket (a collarless 3/4-sleeve windbreaker from F21), and went for a bike ride along a new route - scenic PCH. Luckily, no snakes were spotted on this ride, although I nearly rode over a tiny lizard who refused to dart out of the way. Although my hands are numb from the bumpy road and my legs feel like putty, I'm going to

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Love Culture to Open in Santa Barbara

While checking my blog statistics yesterday, I noticed that people were finding my site via Google searches for "Love Culture Santa Barbara." Since I was unaware of any Santa Barbara Love Culture store location, I decided to research it myself - first online, then in person. On Love Culture's site, it lists an April 23, 2010 opening date at La Cumbre Plaza. On La Cumbre's site, Love Culture is

Style Sample News

I'm excited to announce that the May/June issue of Style Sample magazine is now available. This issue is particularly special to me, as I contributed a feature on how to write professional blog reviews. Click here to check it out.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Facing the Fear

I want to dedicate this post to a non-fashion topic. Although this is a fashion blog, there is something else that I love just as much (and that I spend a lot of time doing) and that's cycling. I spend several hours per week on the scenic bike trail pictured above, and have been doing do for almost two years. In that time, I've probably pedaled over a thousand miles. On today's bike ride I

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Vacation in Style... Is there any other way?!

Beyonce vacationing in style!
Left to right: Geometric Print Kaftan Dress by Supertrash $205.13, www.asos.com; Flirt Kaftan, $71.20, www.chicos.com; Cheesecloth Embroidered, $85.50, French Connection; Bold Flower Paradise Poncho, $63.20, www.chicos.com
Left to right: V Neck Kaftan Cover Up, $40, www.topshop.com; Aurora silk kaftan by Emamo, $650, www.net-a-porter.com; Marlin Print Kaftan, $110, www.monsoon.co.uk; Davina Kaftan, $100, www.monsoon.co.uk
Planning a trip away soon and have no idea what to wear? No problem. Take a leaf out of Beyonce's holiday wardrobe and pack your suitcase full of vibrant kaftans and tunics for lazy days on the beach. Truth be told you don't even need to be vacationing on an island to copy this look. Wear these tops with shorts, skinny jeans or flowing linen pants for instant "sunshine chic."

Trend on the Rise - Tropical Temptation

It's almost May and I can't wait for warm summer weather. Despite not being outdoorsy, I can still appreciate a bright and sunny day at the beach (as long as it involves some form of biking or walking). Hence my recent affinity for tropical prints. They're getting me in the mood for summer, and right now, they're the perfect antidote to this breezy, cloudy weather that's making me want to stay

Saturday, April 24, 2010

A Review of Zac Posen for Target

I spent a few minutes at Target this afternoon inspecting the Zac Posen for Target collection a day before the April 25th release date. I found the racks to be thoroughly picked through, with the tuxedo jacket, tie dye tank dress, and black prom dress being the most scarce. A handful of interested young female shoppers admired the goods, and one even made a call to inform her friend that "Zac

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

On Your Feet

As I write this, it feels like the dead of winter, complete with unusually chilly temperatures and wind gusts over 30 mph. Quite an abnormality for April in southern California, but that doesn't mean that I can't daydream about spring footwear. This past weekend, I spotted a few lustworthy styles on State St. in Santa Barbara. From studded combat boots and animal print wedges to boyish oxfords

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Two New Shoes

I went a little shoe crazy this week, and purchased four pairs - three pairs from Topshop and one pair from the Cynthia Vincent for Target collection, which was released a few days early. Luckily, the first Topshop pair I ordered was shipped before the volcanic ash halted flights from England, and I received them much earlier than expected. (The other two pairs will likely be delayed, thereby

Thursday, April 15, 2010

On My Radar - Spring Florals

Although I prefer not to label my personal style as girlie or romantic, I clearly have an affinity for floral prints. A quick glance at my closet and some of my recent purchases (floral challis shorts, a strapless rose print dress, a floral wrap headband, and floral print booties) are evidence of my desire to adorn myself with flowers. Fortunately, floral prints and motifs are always blooming

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Five Picks for April

1. Tropical print blousant dress, Arden B., $59, 2. Four Leaves head piece, Free People, $118, 3. Flower cup corset, Topshop, $60, 4. Jeffrey Campbell Exam, Solestruck, $179.95, 5. Motel rose garden bowtastic dress, Asos, $67.64.images from ardenb.com, freepeople.com, topshop.com, solestruck.com, & asos.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

Photo Diary - The Past Ten Days

1. a dog on a motorcycle (photo taken through a dirty car window at a red light on Topanga Canyon Blvd.)2. butterfly display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History3. starfish at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History4. the Santa Barbara mission5. an unknown species of bird at the beach6. my dog taking a nap on the contents of his stuffed bear© 2010 Fashion Trend Guide

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Introducing Boxing Kitten


Designer Maya Lake in one of her dresses.

In keeping with the African and vintage-inspired theme, I thought I should highlight designer, Maya Lake who is the brain-child behind Boxing Kitten. You may recognize her designs from Beyonce and Alicia Key's upcoming video "Put It In A Love Song" and Rihanna's video for "Rude Boy." Other celebrity fans include Fatima Robinson, Solange Knowles, Fergie and Erykah Badu. I love the uniqueness their pieces but be prepared to pay between $50 - $270. You can view the entire line at www.boxingkitten.com.

Kardashians by Bebe Part 2

Given how quickly the first Kardashians by Bebe pieces sold, there are probably some of you still looking to get your hands on the line. Here's a sneak peek at the second installment of the Kardashians by Bebe collection, scheduled to launch on April 20. Expect to see more sexy separates and slinky dresses, pefect for warm summer nights.images courtesy of bebe

Monday, April 5, 2010

Five Trends To Watch for Spring 2010

As I sort through hundreds of trend spotting photos that I've collected in March and April, some predominant retail trends have risen to my attention. Here are the five that I'm currently seeing everywhere from Angl and Urban Outfitters to Forever 21, Guess, and Zara.1. Embellished necklines are popping up on knit tops and dresses. Opt for one if you want to draw attention to this area or you'd

Sunday, April 4, 2010

ASOS Launches Africa Line

ASOS AFRICA Printed Tie Waist Shorts, $68.38
ASOS AFRICA Printed Jumpsuit, $128.21
My favorite U.K. online store for about 9 yrs now recently launched an African inspired line. I've been shopping at ASOS since it was pretty basic but I love how they've evolved over the years and become a force to be reckoned with. This latest line mixes ethnic prints and vivid colors with contemporary shapes. Now I must admit, you could probably get and African relative to buy the fabric pretty cheap and have these styles made for half the price, but if you don't have that "African connection" then ASOS is ideal for you. Click here to see the full collection.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Spring Transition

With spring in full swing, it's time to transition to lightweight layers, peep-toe footwear, and embellished sandals. Recent shopping trips have offered me plenty of inspiration to trade my faux fur jackets for lighter knits, my beanies for floral headbands, and my beloved boots for lace-up sandals. Below are six of my most recent spring picks from various retailers in the L.A. area.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The British Style Bloggers Ebook

I want to thank Amy T. of British Style Bloggers for asking me to be a part of the "Feel Good" ebook. It's a huge honor to have my work included amongst that of such talented and uplifting people. Congratulations and a job well done to all who contributed!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Best News Ever

As I type this, I'm breathless and giddy with excitement. You see, I just returned from shopping and I saw that H&M will be opening a new store this fall at Ventura's humble Pacific View Mall. Ventura area shoppers - chic, trendy, and affordable clothing via the super stylish Swedes can soon be yours.When I first saw the H&M signage, I shrieked in amazement and happiness, so loudly in fact that

Walking in Warm Weather

Although I'm undoubtedly partial to boots, the time of year eventually comes when it's time to shed the heavy footwear, ditch the socks, freshen the pedicure, and show some toes. While window shopping at Urban Outfitters in Santa Barbara this weekend, I spotted some perfectly pretty sandals (and some brogues) ideal for the summery weather we're currently enjoying in southern California. This

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Shopping the H&M Garden Collection

This morning I visited my nearest H&M store in an effort to inspect the affordable and eco-friendly Garden Collection. Apparently, other shoppers were anxious to check it out as well. I arrived shortly before lunchtime, and there appeared to be high shopper interest in the floral tunics and floaty dresses. Never one to shy away from a colorful floral print, I snapped a few photos of the

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Retail and Shopping News

I want to share some interesting shopping and retail information that landed in my inbox yesterday. According to the Colliers International 2010 Retail Trends and Opportunities report that was just released,"Department stores are jumping on the ‘Cheap is Chic’ bandwagon over the next couple of years, joining the slew of dollar stores and pop-up stores taking over vacant retail spaces left behind

Monday, March 22, 2010

Five Fresh Picks for Spring 2010

Now that spring is officially here, I'm stowing away my heavy jackets, stocking up on sunblock, and finding inspiration in everything from florals, utilitarian details, sky high wedges, and patchwork denim (the answer to last season's ripped and distressed denim). With more hours of daylight to enjoy, I'll be searching for fun incarnations of straw hats, sleeveless tops, and lace up sandals.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Why I Don't Read Shape or Self

Once upon a time, when I first began to incorporate exercise into my life, I subscribed to Shape magazine. With my newfound interest in fitness tips and exercise ideas, I initially found the magazine to be informative and helpful. After a few months, however, my opinions of magazines such as Shape and Self began to change. It seemed as though the majority of the content was geared towards advice

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Spring 2010 Sandals

Given the summer-like weather we're having in California, I'm tempted to dig out my sandals and bring them to the front of my closet in exchange for my myriad boots. In order to get inspired to bare my toes for the official start of spring this weekend, I've been browsing my recent store window photos for sandal ideas. Knotted sandals, embellished gladiators, flirty peep-toes, and multi-strap

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

French Fashion Is Fun

Here's another video clip via Barracuda Film & TV. This one shows the Sonia Rykiel A/W 2010 collection shown during Paris Fashion Week on March 7th. It features exclusive interviews with Nathalie and Sonia Rykiel, Anna Dello Russo, and Susan Cernek, in addition to behind-the-scenes footage. It's refreshing to see the models smiling, winking, and enjoying themselves on the runway. Perhaps it's the

Monday, March 15, 2010

Zac Posen for Target

On April 25th, Target's Go International will start selling it's latest one-of-a-kind offerings from acclaimed young designer Zac Posen. If you recognise the model in the above pictures it's Ms. Golden Globe '10 herself, Mavis Spencer (Alfre Woodard's daughter). It's being reported that she's Zac Posen's latest muse and I can see why judging from these gorgeous floral prints that look like they were made just for her. To view a sneak peak of his upcoming collection, click here.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Floral Fever - A Mini Review of Liberty of London for Target

In an effort to satisfy my love for Liberty prints, bounce back from my disappointment over the nylon-infested Jean Paul Gaultier line, and inspect the Liberty of London for Target merchandise in person, I arrived at Target just before 8am this morning. No, I'm not proud to admit this, but I was determined in my search to hunt down the teapot, wallets, scarves, mugs, and rain boots. Given the

Friday, March 12, 2010

Staying Neutral

Just as in spring 2009, neutral hues are big news for spring 2010. They're ideal for those who shy away from the brighter colors often associated with spring. To counteract the understated effect of neutral accessories, play with textures and materials in order to create visual interest. Faux animal textures, stacked bangles, strappy sandals, oversize rings, and embellished handbags are fresh

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Jodi Arnold Shopping Event

I haven't been as good as I want to be about posting L.A. events and sales, but here is one event that might interest my L.A. readers.Jodi Arnold will be throwing a Fashion Trunk Show & Benefit at The Thompson Hotel in Beverly Hills on Saturday, March 20. Guests will have the opportunity to take 30% off the not-yet-released Jodi Arnold Spring collection, and enjoy cocktails and original art. A

In Ventana

When I started this blog just over three years ago, I never imagined seeing my words in a magazine. Although I briefly entertained the idea of being a writer in the third grade, as an adult, I gravitated towards trend forecasting and trend spotting. As much as I love what I'm doing, I'm starting to lean more towards other writing projects. This blog has given me valuable writing experience, and

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Sonia Rykiel for H&M, Anyone?

I completely forgot to post these photos of the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection that I took during my time in San Francisco last month. Given the popularity and instant sell-out status of the Cavalli and CdG for H&M collections, I was quite surprised to see the Rykiel merchandise still on the racks of the San Francisco flagship three days after its release on February 20. As much as I love a

Monday, March 8, 2010

I Like to Bike

Like many other people, I gasped in delight when I first saw the photo of the floral-printed Liberty of London for Target bicycle. Unlike many other people, however, I ride a bike about 40 miles per week. It started in the summer of '08. Sick of my treadmill and elliptical workouts at home, I dusted off an old mountain bike and began riding several days per week on a trail. Soon I sold the

Sunday, March 7, 2010

My Non-Review of Jean Paul Gaultier for Target

No doubt some of my readers are awaiting my review of Jean Paul Gaultier for Target, which debuts today. After all the blogger buzz and amateur reviews surrounding Rodarte's line for Target, I temporarily lost my enthusiasm for fitting room photos and commentary on Target's collaborations. Having reviewed these lines for years, I've realized that Target doesn't respond to or acknowledge the

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Trend Spotting - Abstract Prints

It seems as though each spring, certain prints take center stage on the trend cycle: nautical stripes, dainty florals, preppy gingham, polka dots, worldly ethnic prints, and abstract designs. When it comes to prints, although I'm unabashedly drawn to florals, stripes, and animal motifs, abstract prints also appeal to me. Recent window displays and magazine editorials that I've seen have sparked
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