You Are My Sunshine, My Only Sunshine

When the weather goes from glorious to gloomy I need a little something to daydream about to get my spirits up (while listening to "You Are My Sunshine" on repeat, is that weird?).  We had uncharacteristically sunny and warm weather about a week ago (I wore shorts and a tank all day last Monday!) and today, while I remain optimistic, the clouds don't look like they are going anywhere.  So, in light of this dreariness, let's talk about sunshine style!  

Whether you have an upcoming tropical trip planned (I'm headed to Florida Saturday!), live in a sunny locale (lucky duck!), or are patiently waiting for the sun to come out (tomorrow perhaps), draw up a mental image of your sunny happy place.  The sun is shining, the beach beckons, the waves roll in and out soothing you to sleep as you lounge in your bathing suit by the sea.  Sounds pretty nice right?!

Now, what to wear?!  Let's talk swimsuit style.  Are you sporty and spunky with a love for bright colors?  Do you lean towards frills and ruffles and all things feminine?  Decide what sunshine style best reflects you.  Personally, it depends on the day for me, but in general I lean towards classic summer chic looks with a feminine and boho inspired twist.

Here are my tips for taking your swimsuit style from same old same old to stunning.

Tip #1 - Class it Up with a Cover Up

Cover ups are crucial to a head-to-toe beach ready ensemble.  Get rid of your boxer shorts and tanks from high school and pick up something in line with your style that will make you feel great.

Stella McCartney Sarong - peek-a-boo takes on a whole new meaning.


Tucker Maxi Dress - beach to shopping to restaurant ready.

Pret-a-Surf Boy Shorts - sporty and color blocked and a bit patriotic.


Emilio Pucci Oversized Shirt - Pucci perfect.

Tip #2 - Tame your Tresses!

I love the ocean, the wind, and the water, but not so much the snarled hair and scalded scalp that comes with it.  My simple solution?  Throw on one of these fabulous hair protecting pieces.

Gap Floppy Sun Hat - a classic style with a modern and bright stripey-ness (I own this hat in black!).


Gap Striped Hat - picturing this paired with a tangerine and cobalt blue bathing suit.


Missoni Zigzag Crochet-Knit Headscarf - spice things up with this spunky scarf.

Tip #3 - Show off your Shades

Sunglasses not only protect your peepers, they also have the power take your look from plain Jane to glamazon.  Pick a style that you love that also works with and for your face, not against it.  Check out my previous post on picking the perfect sunnies for your face shape!

Prada 'Baroque' Round Sunglasses - Audrey would approve.


Halogen Retro Inspired Sunglasses - funky and fresh and ready for some beachy fun.


Vince Camuto Square Metal Sunglasses - OMG, absolutely adore these.


Prada 'Postcards' Sunglasses - spectacles with a whole lot of personality.

Tip #4 - Totes Cool

Not only does a beach tote serve a necessary function (holding all your beach goodies - sunscreen, water, snacks, towel, magazine, kindle, etc.), it also adds a little something special to your ensemble.  I am such a sucker for a cute tote.

Gap Striped Straw Bag - straw and striped and summery.


Marc by Marc Jacobs 'What A Spectacle' Tote - who knew sunnies could look so chic on a tote?


Forever 21 Striped Straw Tote - you won't want to put this tote down it is so fabulous.


Forever 21 Sailor Tote - show off your nautical side.

Off to pull my summer gear from storage and make sure I have all my beach basics packed for the Florida sunshine!

XX
C

Images courtesy of Gap, Net-a-porter, and Nordstrom.

Friday is for Fads

Happy Friday everyone!  Fridays make me want to try something new and different with my look and a few of the beauty trends right now are calling my name.  Not sure if these fads will be around for long, but while they're here, I'm getting on board.

Matchy Matchy Nail Art - so fun and funky and coordinated cool.


Cat Eye Class - dramatic and sultry.


Shimmery Shadow - funky and fabulous, yowza!


Blowouts are Back - the bigger the better.


Tinted Tresses! - this is my fave of the fads, taking precious hair to punk perfect.

Friday brings out a bit of the funk in us all.  As you shake off the worries and stresses of the week, try out one of these fads and have fun expressing yourself!

Off to find some tinted hair extensions...

XX
C

Images courtesy of Harpers Bazaar, CND, Imaxtree.com, and Vogue.

Spring Trend Alert #10 - Color Block Clad

One of my favorite aspects of spring style is the burst of color that always accompanies the season's trends.  Fashion reflects the world around us and as we settle into spring our wardrobes wake up from winter's slumber and want to go a little wild with a post-hibernation hue fest.  This spring, color on color combos are all the rage and mixing and matching complimentary hues in blocks is paramount.  

Spring Trend Alert #10 - Color Block Clad

My mom called me a month or so ago and asked me about this color blocking trend that her and her best friend/shopping buddy had notice on their bi-annual shopping spree.  She wanted to know what color blocking meant and how to pull off the look.  Color blocking is basically (as the name suggests) combining blocks of monochromatic color in an outfit (usually in a fun and unexpected way - who knew neon green, black, and white could work wonders together?!).  And while many of the pieces below incorporate the color blocking trend within the piece, you can also pair together monochromatic pieces you already have in your closet in different colors and voila, you are color blocked.

You are sure to wow in these cutting edge color blocked designer duds.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Two-Tone Silk de Chine Shirt - pink and orange pack a powerful punch.


A.L.C. Color-Block Fine-Knit Wool Sweater - buzzworthy.


Preen Line Monaco Stretch Cotton-Drill Jacket - blue on blue blocked beauty with a patriotic pump.


Donna Karan Concealed Hood Shell Jacket - spring showers have met their match.


girl. by Band of Outsiders Silk-Satin Tapered Pants - silk pants can kiss the boudoir bye-bye.


Boutique by Jaeger Colour Block Skirt - I've got the moves like Jagger.


Cameo Nomad Skirt with Colour Block Layered Pleats - pleated pantone perfection.


Roksanda Ilinsic 'Beatrice' Color-Block Wool-Crepe Dress - meeting maven.


Elizabeth and James Paloma Paneled Silk-Georgette Dress - precious and pulled together chic.

Are you more of a coupon clipper than a label lover?  Here are some fab less expensive options for you.

ASOS Cami with Colour Block Swing - colorful and carefree.


Forever 21 Tiered Color Block Top - ready to mingle in this tiered two toned top.


ASOS Blouse with Colour Block and Pintuck Bib - picturing this with a neon clutch and pumps.


ASOS Colour Block Parka - the neoprene scuba look is so in, and this is my favorite way to rock it.


Rare Colour Block Hem Skirt with Belt - color me beautiful.


River Island Colour Block Playsuit - romping has never looked so good.


Oasis Colour Block Shirt Dress - one stop color block shop.


Forever 21 Silk Color Block Shift Dress - it's all in the details and pockets are a deal maker for me.


ASOS Colour Blocked Body - cocktail party ready.

This is the last (but definitely not least) in my spring trend alert series and is the perfect trend grand finale.  Color blocking can be combined with any of the previous trends - pair some funked up jeans in tangerine with a pink top with a peplum or throw on some yellow silk pants and top your look off with a pleated top in navy blue.  And whatever you do, make sure your clothing reflects you, because you, my friend, are fabulous, so make sure what you're wearing shows you off (and not the other way around).

XX

C

Images courtesy of Net-a-porter, Nordstrom, ASOS, and Forever 21.

Sunnies Style for your Face Shape

Seattle sells more sunglasses per capita than any other city in the nation.  True or False?  

Surprisingly, this is TRUE!  While we aren't known for our sunshine here in the Evergreen State, we still get a fair amount of it (whether it is hidden behind a cloud cover or not).  Years ago, when I was attending Santa Clara University in California, I had one single pair of Kate Spade sunglasses that I carried around with me at all times (a birthday gift from my parents).  Now that I live in Seattle I barely ever have sunglasses on hand, but I own 4 pairs of sunnies in all (none nearly as nice as my college Kate Spades that I have since lost).  Sunglasses are never a staple in my purse, but obviously should be and when you need a pair of shades, a lot of times you need them asap.  So let's just say I've picked up quite a few last minute pairs of sunglasses and according to Seattle's sunglasses sales, I'm not alone!  My favorite place to pick up stylish and reasonably priced sunnies in downtown Seattle is Fini (their glasses are glam and gorgeous and all around $15).

Style-wise, sunglasses should be two things, in line with your style sensibility and flattering to your face shape.  I have always adored aviators, but unfortunately they don't do anything for my face shape.  I have an oval, roundish face that looks best in square framed angular glasses.  Opposites attract when it comes to face shape and sunglasses shape, so determine your face shape and find a pair of sunglasses that counterbalances that shape.  

Here are my top sunglasses style picks right now and the face shapes they flatter.

#1 - I'm a Square

Your face is round or oval, with more curves than angles.  You have a medium sized face and like to frame it with a stylish cut.  You are a bit of a square, but a fashionable one.

Vince Camuto Square Metal Sunglasses - fierce in fire engine red.

#2 - Angling for Aviators

You are blessed with a strong, angled jawline and an angled face.  You are a leader known for your sense of adventure and spunky style.

Kate Spade Metal Aviator Sunglasses - pink, but not precious.

#3 - Classy and Catty 

You have a triangular, heart shaped face and a classic, old-school style.  You are inspired by vintage looks and a pro at throwing together thrifted pieces to create a unique and old-world ensemble.

Tom Ford Cat's Eye Sunglasses

#4 - Retro and Round

You have petite features and a small face, a la Audrey Hepburn.  You are artsy, inspired by the world around you, and intellectually curious.  Your style is offbeat with a sense of humor - just like you.

House of Harlow 1960 'Audrey' Sunglasses - ready for Breakfast at Tiffany's.

#5 - Large and in Charge

Oversized styles work on most face shapes and are for trend setters and style innovators - think Jackie O.  You are bold in your style and are known for thinking outside the box.  Your motto is "go big or go home."

Dior Oversized Sunglasses - outstanding in oversized ombre sunnies.

Hoping this post will send some sun karma to the city of Seattle and bring back the beautiful weather of the past few days.  And when the sun returns, you will be armed with all the tips, tools, and trends to help inform your sunglasses style!  

XX
C

Images courtesy of Nordstrom.

Sustainable Style

This past weekend Mother Nature showed Seattle some major love and showered us with sunshine and warmth (hence my lack of posts and slightly sunned complexion).  And it seemed so very appropriate, given Sunday was Earth Day!  

In honor of Earth Day, I want to focus on ways to be sustainable and responsible without sacrificing style.  Here are the top five fashionable ways I plan to stay sustainably stylish and keep up with seasonal trends without negatively affecting our dear Mother Earth.

#1 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

When I learned the three R's in grade school I thought they applied primarily to typical every day garbage,  particularly food and packaging.  However, you can really apply this term to any and every material item - including clothing.  Recently I have come across a number of local Seattle boutiques that specialize in reducing environmental impact by carrying inventory that is made from reused and recycled materials.  My favorite right now is Reconstructed Co. in downtown Seattle - this past winter I picked up a pair of classy and comfortable waterproof pleather riding boots (made with recycled plastic and reused tire material for the soles) for a trip to Poland and am officially obsessed.  The boots are functional and fashionable (I've gotten a ton of compliments on them) and they were reasonably priced to top it all off - now that's sustainability I can get behind. 

#2 - Ditch the Dry Clean Only Duds

Dry cleaning is not only expensive and environmentally unfriendly, it is hard on clothing (think caustic) and rough on the wallet.  While I won't be tossing all my special event attire that requires dry cleaning I am going to limit the amount of every day attire that requires dry cleaning to a minimum.  And perhaps now is the time to get a bit more in touch with my iron (and to work on my ironing skills).

#3 - Clear your Closet (and your conscience) and Consign

I am a huge advocate for closet cleaning as a way to clear space (mentally and physically).  Cleaning out  closets is an exercise in establishing what you have, what you need, and what you don't need.  And post-closet cleaning consignment is a great way pass on your gently used items and increase the green in your wallet.  Consignment shops are also great for purchasing clothing and the thrill of finding something at a consignment shop is magical.  My top consignment boutique pick right now is Sell Your Sole Consignment Boutique in downtown Seattle - check out my recent review - Shopping Shout-Out to Sell Your Sole  - on this gem of a newbie to the Seattle consignment scene.

#4 - Listen to your Labels

Only recently have I started reading the ingredients on packaged food labels and it has made a world of difference in what I stock in the kitchen (goodbye PowerBars, Diet Dr. Pepper and Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches).  Now it's time to apply this label awareness to my clothing.  There is so much locally made, sustainably sourced, organic material clothing out there right now and more and more reasonably priced brands are carrying locally sourced, organic lines.  My current fave is H&M's Conscious Collection - eco-friendly and exquisite!  And one-upping mass produced store brands everywhere is Etsy - where you can get your items directly from the artists and designers creating the pieces.

#5 - Go on a Worry Free Shopping Spree (in your closet)

This is the greenest way to go.  Instead of heading out the front door when you are wanting to spice up your style, head to your closet.  I love showing people how much they have awaiting them inside their very own closet and also, how much you can do with very little.  My favorite extreme example of this is Sheena of the Uniform Project who wore the same LBD for 365 days - mixing it up to look fun and different all along the way (and as if that wasn't enough - raised funds along the way for the education of underprivileged children in India).  If you need some inspiration, check out some Pinterest fashion boards or Polyvore clothing combos or grab a friend to help you see your closet anew.

I am really excited to start sticking to a more sustainable style regimen.  I hope you will join me in my attempt to be more earth friendly in regards to my style.  What are your favorite ways to embrace environmental consciousness in regards to your style?  Any tips for me?!  

Have a great day!

XX

C

Friday Fete Fashion

Happy Friday everyone!!!  Today is the BF's birthday (happy birthday babe!) and I am stoked for the birthday festivities to begin.  Something about birthday celebrations and gift giving makes my giddy with anticipation and excitement.  Now that I have picked and wrapped all the presents (okay, most of them), made dinner reservations, and organized a little post-dinner get together with friends, all that's left to do is pick out my outfit.

Birthday parties (and most special events and parties for that matter) provide a great excuse to dress up (not that you need an excuse!) and I am planning on taking full advantage.  Here are a few looks and pieces I've picked out to inspire my birthday soiree style.

Diane Von Furstenberg Desta Contrast-Back Sequined Tank - gorg!


Alice & Olivia Barret Sequined Stretch-Mesh Top - metallic with a precious peplum pop.


Roberto Cavalli Appliqued Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans - these pants would be a great DIY project.


Gucci Metallic Leather Mini Skirt - gold and leather and a mini...it's party time!


Juicy Couture Sequined-Tulle and Velour Sweatshirt - you had me at tulle.

Putting together an inspiration board or list is a great way to figure out what type of look you are trying to achieve for a particular event (Pinterest and Polyvore are two helpful sites that further facilitate putting together an online inspiration board).  As evidenced from my inspiration board picks, I am going to be donning something shimmery and glitzy and metallic.  I can't wait!

What is your go-to event look?  How do you decide what look you're going for prior to a special celebration?

Images courtesy of Net-a-porter.

Spring Trend Alert #9 - Playing with Prints

This spring is all about prints.  Prints add instant interest and dimension to a piece of clothing.  And what makes prints trendy and of-the-moment is mixing and matching them with abandon.  This season I'm playing favorites and my top print picks are floral prints (always), geometric designs, and tribal, animal print attire.

Spring Trend Alert #9 - Playing with Prints

Check out these high end perfectly printed pieces:

Giambattista Valli Floral-Print Cotton Top - such an unexpected and exquisite combo.


Jason Wu Floral-Print Chiffon Blouse - Jason Wu, I love you.


Vineet Bahl Printed Cotton Top - neutral pieces play well together with a pop of pink from the purse.


MSGM Giraffe Print Shirt - classy and polished with personality.


Paul & Joe Sister 'Kawai' Cardigan - preppy with a pinch of precious.


Black Fleece Striped Cotton Blazer - a vision in black and white stripes.


Yves Saint Laurent Poppy-Print Crepe Shorts - a conversation starter.


Surface to Air Track Shorts Aztec Print - tribal print transcendence.


Matthew Williamson Ikat-Print Skinny Pants - black and white has never been so colorful.


Peter Jensen Pencil Skirt in Safari Print - safari inspired office appropriate attire.


3.1 Phillip Lim Leopard Print Silk Crepe de Chine Dress - definitely a lady who lunches.


Mara Hoffman Printed Column Dress with Open Back - exquisite!


Anna Sui Floral-Print Silk Crepe de Chine Playsuit - spunky and sexy and oh so chic.


ASOS Printed One Shoulder Jumpsuit - I'll take one in every color.


Etoile Isabel Marant Jane Floral-Print Cotton and Silk-Blend Jumpsuit - ready to romp.

Want to add some prints to your repertoire for less?  Here are some pieces with a lower price point.

ASOS Sleeveless Top with Rose Print - print on print precision.


Forever 21 Dropped Geo Graphic Tee - geometric glam, making math fun.


Vero Moda Floral Woven Top - garden party ready.


ASOS Premium Peplum Jacket in Floral Print - my peplum fixation continues...


Forever 21 Open Tribal Print Jacket - a concert ready combo.


Forever 21 Leopard Satin PJ Short - printed pajamas that I would wear out and about (shhhh!).


Caslon Woven Maxi Skirt - picturing this with a striped blue and white tee.


Le Ciel Printed Pants - who knew leopard and cheetah were so compatible?


ASOS Petite Exclusive Pants in White Floral Print - how you doin'?


ASOS River Floral Print Peplum Dress - this dress does the mixing and matching for you.


Velvet Torch Stripe Maxi Dress - striped and color blocked and cozy comfy cool.


Forever 21 Bow Back Geo Dress - eyeing this for my upcoming trip to Florida.


ASOS Petite Exclusive Playsuit with Elephant Print - playful and precious.


Wal G Floral Playsuit - easy breezy beautiful floral girl.


Religion Treasured Flower Jumpsuit - print party.

Another way to integrate prints into your look this season is with accessories like scarves, turbans, and handbags.  With just a few printed pieces you can update your outfit from blah to a ha!  And remember, while there are definitely guidelines and pointers for mixing and matching - as I discussed last week - I encourage you to throw some prints together and see what you end up with.

Let the print play begin!

XX
C

Images courtesy of Net-a-porter, ASOS, Forever 21, and Nordstrom.