DIY towel poncho

I've been meaning to share this DIY for years!  I had found a vintage towel that was turned into a poncho at a yard sale in Portland  a while ago, but I got preggers and wanted to wait till I could share it on.

I'm being lazy and having my tailor make for me.  But, it's super easy!  You just fold a towel (any towel) in half.  Cut a hole in the center where your head would go through.  Then, use a surger to create the hole where your arms would go.  And you're done!  So easy!  And my face towel maker, Fresco is now making towel ponchos as Serb below that are sooo cute and a little less than $200.

The one I bought at a yard sale:)

I'm going to find a fun beach towel and make a larger style.  I've also used hand towels for my babies.  Will share how they all look once they are done:)

The one by Fresco.

The look for less at Old Navy

Inspired by a street style look on Vanessa Jackman:

Classic eyelet dress + statement jacket + oxfords

Look for less from Old Navy:

Eyelet Dress is only $12 in store!  Comes in 7 colors and is $25 online.

Curly hair must-haves from Target

The satin pillow case:

The perfect pillow case to sleep on to keep your curls bouncing.  $23.99

Microfiber towel:

They are usually expensive and boring...I saw one for $3.99 at Target and they go up to $19.99 for a set of 3.

This is the perfect towel to use to scrunch your curls.

Curly hair products:

Target has jumped on the curly hair bandwagon and offer a variety of options from inexpensive mass brands to exclusive, organic brands that specialize in curly hair and might be a little more expensive like Miss Jessie's (but work amazingly!).  

Shoes make mommy style more fun

As a mom who used to wear 4" heels everyday I realize that I need to be in more comfortable shoes that can take on my 3 kids:)  With that in mind I'm not wearing sneakers or a basic pair of flip flops.  Everything I wear still has to have style and that is why I'm excited to share Shoe Dazzle.  A site that offers style and great price options and you can shop from the comfort of your home.  Plus, my fave style icon/stylist, Rachel Zoe has teamed up with Shoe Dazzle to highlight styles she gets behind.  Enough said.
Here are a few styles I think can punch up any look from a maxi dress to a basic jeans and tee ensemble.  As a mom with twins under one it's a given that I can't wear statement jewelry unless I am open to pieces being broken.  (Which has already happened a couple of times.)  To avoid this happening forget the jewelry and let the shoes make the statement.  If you are rushing and don't have time to create fun looks yet just stay with the classics that are always easy to put together.

Some other great accessories to add to your look for an easy update: straw fedora hat or a light weight scarf.

For those that are a little more daring.  I was inspired by Khloe Kardashian, who I feel has the best mommy style!  She wore a pair of print pants with a baseball style tee.  Still comfy, but with a ton of trendy edge.  I'd keep the pant in a cropped or legging style so you can still run after the kiddos:)  The wide, pajama style are still comfy.  But, you might trip going after the kids:)

mommy style with shoe dazzle by fashionalities featuring bleached jeans

***This article is sponsored by ShoeDazzle

Springtime fabulousness with Royal Jelly Harlem

Royal Jelly Harlem Spring 2013 Collection by fashionalities on Polyvore

I asked designer, Maya Gorgoni of Royal Jelly Harlem a few questions.:

-What was your inspiration for the Spring 2013 line?

Our inspiration for the SS13 was girlish, whimsical, innocence. The pastels reminding me of Cotton Candy at a Carnival or the lightness you feel when riding a Ferris Wheel or Carousel! 

-Where do you see this lady going/events attending...where do you see her wearing these pieces?

I see this omniscient, powerful Woman at Gallery & Art openings, going to the Farmers' market or local park, Garden or Tea party, riding her bike to/from work or picking up the kids from school.  Most of all Enjoying everyday and celebrating the beautify of life! 

-How do you see your customer styling these pieces--accessories.

I always respect a Fashionista most when a story is told thru her choice of clothes. Mixing prints and patterns, great vintage pieces, a pop of lip color, hats, cool jewlery and always fab footwear and a fun bag. 

-What is inspiring you right now?

I am inspired right now by the beautiful spring colors of Mother Nature and the anticipation & excitement of the approaching Summer! Eating great meals and enjoying being outdoors as much as possible. Wearing comfortable cotton clothing and Living as Royally as I possibly can!

I love seeing how she is wearing the pieces she designs.  The details from the beautiful African prints, to the flattering silhouettes and pockets make me excited about every piece!  

Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the Spring 2013 line.  Secretly, I LOVE them all...but, here are a few to get you excited to check out the entire collection here.  Plus, there are some pieces from previous collection on sale right now too!

Stay tuned for a collab with MZ Wallace in June for some fab handbags!  

Listen up: SOL REPUBLIC, A JAX headphone giveaway

Giveaway SOL REPUBLIC, A JAX headphone by fashionalities featuring tech accessories

I'm excited to share another SOL REPUBLIC headphone giveaway since I am a true believer in keeping technology stylish as well as functional.  (of course:)  The JAX headphones are amazing because you can carry these around with you EVERYWHERE!  Plus, they are a great price, at ONLY $39.99 and they have an "exclusive Ear Tips For Life program so you never have to worry when you lose your ear tips. SOL REPUBLIC is the only manufacturer that will replace your ear tips anytime they are lost, misplaced or if you simply want a different size!"  Plus, the quality is still there, allowing you   Perfect combo!  Right now, there are just two color options, but throughout 2013 more colors will become available.

Some of the info to take note of:

Jax features SOL REPUBLIC's all-new i2 Sound Engines, a tangle-free cable and a 3-button remote control and microphone, making them a great choice for both playing music and hands-free phone use. 

How to win the giveaway:

1.  Follow @fashionalities and @solrepublic on twitter.

2.  Share how this style headphone would work in your life.

3.  Tag #SolrepublicxFashionalities in your response.

Giveaway ends May 25, 2013.  (I can't believe the  month is half way through and I am almost 31!!:)

New ways to dress for the summer a la the working girl, esq

The Working Girl esq always brings something fun to a look.  She does something unexpected that still looks so chic!  Recently it's been incorporating mens pieces in an unexpected still feminine look.  The look by no means screams inspired by menswear or grunge.  Here are two looks I am inspired by and plan on recreating:)

Inspired by Prettma Singh by fashionalities featuring logo sunglasses

If I were a kid...here are all of the DVF for GAP pieces I LOVE!

Get 30% off your purchase by using code: GAP30.  You could get away with wearing a kids tee in a XL...something to consider...it's worth it:)

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts, $35

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts; Gapkids Wrap Dress $50

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts; Gapkids Pleated Tank Dress, $70

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts; Gapkids Romper, $50

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts; Gapkids Printed Leggings, $25

Gap Diane Von Furstenberg &Hearts; Gapkids Espadrilles, $40

A fab collab: Adidas + Opening Ceremony at Urban Outfitters

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what Adidas is doing and had to share this amazing collab!

Adidas X Opening Ceremony Polo Bodysuit, $148

Adidas X Opening Ceremony Patchwork Cardigan, $205

Adidas X Opening Ceremony Lace-up Platform Wedge, $210

Get ready to be inspired, Rachel Roy's trip to INDIA

I can't wait to return to India!  This just makes it even more exciting!

Introducing: FEED 100 Indian Tote by Rachel Roy

Tote $78 from Rachel Roy

As Fashionalities readers know...I LOVE ALL THINGS INDIA!  So I was excited when I read about this collab.  I am definitely getting this bag and supporting the cause.  Here is more information about the project I received from the social media agency:

On a recent trip to India, Rachel worked with local Indian artisans to create the bag that is true to the local culture, and features authentic Indian detailing. According to the World Food Program, India is home to 25% of the world's hungry people and 43% of children under the age of five are malnourished.  Each FEED India bag that is sold will provide meals to 100 hungry school children in India and is now available for purchase on RachelRoy.com for $78.

Don't forget...FEED will be having a collab at Target soon too!  

My faves from the Free People catalog this month

I just received the May catalog for Free People and like always there is so much inspiration for styling and the pieces are just so amazing!

Here are a few things that caught my eye:

Lovely In Stripes Hooded Kaftan, $198

Kore SWIM Flora One Piece at Free People, $246

FP ONE Samba Mix Shirt at Free People, $128

Styling:

I just love how simple and chic this looks.  The scarf does it all...and the long necklace makes something interesting happen.  We The Free Harbor Tunic at Free People, $98

Maxi Skirt styling: