DIY: From Indian Chunni (scarf) to fabulous vest in 1 easy step

To start, what is a chunni??  A Chunni or Dupatta is a long scarf that is essential to many Indian and South Asian women's suits.  It's the perfect length I've found for a long flowing vest that can also be used as a wrap dress if you add a belt to secure the closure.  Plus, the chunni's always have beautiful colors and designs.  I will share a picture of me wearing mine soon...check back for updates...I just didn't want to miss out on sharing you how to do this for this weekend since it's so easy:)

I found the easy direction on a youtube video that takes forever to get to the point...I found a new one after searching through many that shows what to do quick and easy...because that is how easy this is!:)

Here is how the chunni's turned out on my dress form.  Don't they look so flowy and light?:):

Have you checked out the Hello Style Youtube channel yet? Color Blocking Outfits

This is my favorite show, Fashion Mission working with bloggers of Saucy Glossie and Karen Brit Chick and Marie Claire on this channel.  It's like a style challenge every week.  Great tips!

Check out Royal Jelly Harlem's Collab with MZ Wallace

Royal Jelly Harlem & MZ Wallace Collab by fashionalities on polyvore.com

I was so excited when I heard that Royal Jelly Harlem had collabed with MZ Wallace on their Summer Shop!  Here are the items that will be available:

Royal Jelly Harlem 'Luna Tunic', 'Slim' headband in Blue Waves & Xtra Lrg 'Perfect for Two' Red &; Blue Towels!!  Get them now while they are still available! 

Hippie Chic: 6 unexpected finds

Hippie Chic by fashionalities featuring hippie tops

Hippie top, $30
Hippie top, $20
Indian Print Sun Dress on Sale for $32.95 at HippieShop.com, $33
Classic Pullover Baja Hoodie on Sale for $19.95 at HippieShop.com, $20
Water Buffalo Sandals on Sale for $17.95 at HippieShop.com, $18
Harem Skirt on Sale for $16.95 at HippieShop.com, $17

I was on the search for Water Buffalo Sandals (I'm currently obsessed) and happened to find this randomly amazing site, The Hippie Shop.  It's not a fabulous looking site, but it has all of the styles I've been seeing on Etsy recently for over $100 (going to at least $200)!   As soon as I found all of these cute styles that are less than $30 each, I had to share!  

Nicole Richie is the epitome of hippie chic, here are a few hippie styled looks I've found of hers that have similar looks to what I found above.  Her pieces are most likely the really expensive vintage pieces.:

Great boho look featured on Vanessa Jackman today that I thought I would share. 

Weekend shopping: The pieces that caught my eye while flipping through the June 2012 catalog for Nordstrom

Nordstrom weekend shopping by fashionalities featuring vintage shirts

Vintage shirt, $88
Rubbish slouchy top, $26
Free People lace bra, $38
Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Front Knot Jersey Dress | Nordstrom, $148

1.  Everyone needs a straw bag and this one is only $29!  I love the color!
2.  This dress has a classic silhouette that would look great on any figure with the fun print.  Once again, loving the straw bag and the styling here is great.  It shows that this dress doesn't only need to be paired with a dressy handbag.  Although it could:)
3.  LOVING this sheer layered top!  This would also be great worn over a summer cotton maxi or a bikini.
4.  This bralette is a great layering piece. You could rock this under the #3 sheer top.




*I'm pouting right now because some of the items I was loving are already sold out!  Well, at least online...I will have to visit my Phoenix stores and see if I get lucky:)  

Inspired by Halle Berry, The Easy, Breezy, Caftan

Must-have piece: The Caftan by fashionalities featuring victoria s secret dresses

Victoria s Secret victoria s secret dress, $60
Halle Berry | Custody Battle, $88
Brown Multi Jaipur Fringe Caftan - Caftans - Shop | Theodora & Callum, $195


When I saw this picture of Halle I LOVED her (what looks like) her natural curly hair and caftan!  It just looks so effortless and chic! I live in my caftans and it's funny how when you wear one everyone is complimenting.  But, all you've done is thrown on one of the easiest and most comfy pieces ever:)  And some fun flat sandals.  At night you can dress it up with some high heeled sandals. You don't need to be at a beach to rock this look!  It's a great summer look for anyone!
Snaps to Halle for her inspiration.  She is wearing Halle is wearing Michelle Jonas Travelwear’s butterfly kaftan.

Exciting new monthly bag of fun with I-ELLA

Here's all the info I just read, kind of exciting so had to share:)  Who doesn't LOVE a goodie bag!?:)

ARE YOU ON THE LIST?

Imagine receiving a gift bag each month filled with the most coveted designer brands and with free stuff.

Dream no more. Inspired by gift bags handed out at swanky New York parties (insane!), I-ELLA.com is launching our own line of I-ELLA Gift Bags.

Once a month, our network of stylists, fashion insiders, fiercely cool friends and of course, the I-ELLA girls will hand pick the perfect accessory, shoes, handbag and/or apparel to enhance your wardrobe. Whether you're uptown or downtown, California cool or Brooklyn chic, you will receive an amazing gift bag tailored to suit your unique style.

You get to choose between 3 types of bags: The Starter Bag ($59), The Soho Bag ($129) or the St. Barth's Bag (it's really fancy, $389). Each bag will contain 4 to 6 items including 1 or 2 featured designers along with free samples of make-up, nail polish, personal care products, technology items or whatever we're obsessed with at the moment.

Our goal, to delight you with each bag.

Have questions?  Checkout our FAQ's here

Join other lucky I-ELLA Insiders and claim your spot on The List beforeThe List is closed.

RSVP to

thelist@i-ella.com

Rocking my gifted stripe hat from Land's End Canvas

Since living in AZ I've become such a hat girl. When Land's End Canvas asked me to participate in a styling project with pieces that have unexpected details I was up for the challenge.
Although this pinstripe hat has a classic flair and can easily be paired with a navy or cream a-line dress or a blouse and some ankle length pants. I wanted to change it up. I wanted it to be a bit unexpected and add some of my Indian flair:). So I paired it with my husbands Indian silk kurta I wore as a dress, red wedge espadrilles by Steve Madden I got from Buffalo Exchange, Indian yellow gold earrings, and the bag is a rice bag, yes a rice bag:). I thought it pulled the look together:)
It just shows how the unexpected details can come together...and I think it's quite a fun look...can't wait to wear the hat in a classic manner...let's see of I have anything maternity that works:).

*Update, this rope trim fedora by Land's End Canvas was $40 and is now ONLY $17.99!  Now through Tuesday they are taking an extra 25% off everything and get free shipping when you spend $50 or more!  Code: PRIVATE and Pin: 2530

Trend alert: Mochila Handbags from Colombia

I first found out about these bags when Silvia Tcherassi for Payless shared items apart of her collection outside of Payless on the Martha Stewart Show.  After that I waited, thinking that she might incldue similar designs in her Payless collection...but, still nada:(
But, recently I've been seeing these Mochila designs popping up everywhere from Club Monaco to J. Crew.  And the styles are really cute!  Plus, back in 2010 I found that Honestly WTF had written about these handbags and provided options for where you can purchase the handbags onlne.

The Club Monaco Mochila

The J. Crew Mochila

Update: Just saw that Net-a-Porter has Mochila bags on the site too! 

"The Daman Chronicles" - A Swarovski Production

I'm so excited about this new web series, The Daman Chronicles and had to share with all of my fashion friends:)  Hope you tune in!:)

FYI-Eric Daman is the Costume Designer of Gossip Girl:)

The new trend in beauty: monthly sample boxes

I've become a little obsessed with the idea of receiving fun samples in the mail since signing up for Birchbox last year...which I have to admit was pretty late to sign up for this program too:)  I heard about it a while ago, but wasn't sure how I felt about monthly samples.  But, now that I get them, I'm on board and interested in trying out new ones I've heard about recently.  Thought I'd share some of the new programs I've heard about:)

Birchbox:
With birchbox, you get a themed box every month that's really fun.  From all natural products in the month of April to New York themed items to celebrate the finale of Gossip Girl.  It always changes and the products are always fun!  ONLY $10 a month!  Great gift for a year for someone you love!  Plus, you can buy all of the items you try in the monthly birchbox on the birchbox site.  And there are monthly videos to watch on youtube that are great too!

Curlbox:
I literally found out about this yesterday!  I was so excited because I'm all about trying new curly hair products!  This option costs $20 a month, but totally worth it when you think about all the product you have to actually pay for with curly hair.  There is a wait list right now, but June 16th at 2pm, there is a chance to you to get on the list.  I am marking my calendar and will be waiting an hour before hand!  Apparently she is giving it two hours to sell out!  I bet the website will go down!  We shall see.  All I know is I will be ready:)  P.S.  I LOVE their pinterest site and apparently they create a mini mag you receive with your monthly box!:)

Cravebox:
This is a cool box because they items aren't just for hair, beauty, or eco-friendly...they are products from your home to food and everything in between!  How fun!  It's only $10 to sign up for this program.  It's closed right now...but, keep checking back and sign up for their email list.

Goodebox:
I found out about this while I was in Portland, OR.  It's a Oregon based company that provides trial sized healthy, eco-sensitive, innovative & effective beauty and personal care products, and wellness goods.  This is right up my alley!  Only $16 a month, which is a steal when you consider how much eco friendly products usually range.  It's fun to learn about new products that are good for your you and your home.  You get about 6-7 products a month.  Plus, you get exclusive discounts on the products you try when you buy the full size item.  Sign me up!:)

Citrus Lane:
This is a care package for kids and their moms!  I won a package before and LOVED it!  They aren't just sample/trial size products, these are the real deal!  It's a great way to pamper yourself each month!  They offer boxes at a variety of prices and always have coupons.  I say this is a great gift for a new mom or someone who is pregnant!  Packages vary for 3 months it's $75, 6 months $125 plus a free box, and 1  year is $250 with 2 free boxes.

Which one do you think you'll sign up for?  Are there any I'm missing?

Update: Some boxes I missed that Refinery 29 just wrote about here.

The look for less: Grecian Style Sandals

It's all about the toe detail here and these sandals can be worn everywhere this summer...now to choose if you want the high or low version...I might need both:)  High Version at Matta NY in gold or silver.  Low version by CL Chinese Laundry and comes in 5 different colors.

The look for less: Grecian Style Sandals by fashionalities on polyvore.com

Maine - Black and White - Photograph- Bar Harbor - 8x10 - Wall Art -...
$30 - etsy.com

Amazon.com: CL by Chinese Laundry Women's Crystal Ball Thong Sandal:...
$50 - amazon.com

Beauty Vlogger Boot Camp with Elle and Blair Fowler

New show on Youtube I'm watching!  This is the new trend and I'm LOVING it!

A new program called Shop Your Way that makes it easy to make money

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of ShopYourWay Program for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Fashion friends, I have just signed up for the easiest way to make money ever and had to share!  Shop Your Way is a new social shopping platform offered by Kmart, Sears and Lands End.  It's GENIUS!  If you are like me, you already shop these locations for everything from clothes and shoes to home necessities.  So, you aren't doing anything new, just signing up with your Rewards Card (that you should have to earn points just for shopping to receive goodies at the end of the year:) makes it easy to do.  Just use this Request an Invite to ShopYourWay  to sign up, check your email for the directions to follow and complete your registration and voila you start making money!  At the end, you will see this prompt and will know you have completed the registration and are ready to start.

Share what you will be doing with your friends so that you can make money just from shopping and sharing items you are loving.  Inviting friends is easy.  You can do it via your email at Gmail or Yahoo or via facebook.  They also provide a code that you can use on any other platform like twitter or pinterest.  It's all about keeping it personalized so your friends know it's you they are working with and not some stranger.  

Another smart thing about this program is they offer an app!  They are on it!  I'm all about having an app handy when I'm shopping and see something to add to a catalog for my friends to check out.  Just search Shop Your Way and download and it's ready to use.

Check out my catalog and see stuff I know every fashionista will want!  You can personalize your catalogs and call them anything you want.  Kmart and Sears are really coming up with great brands and styles!  I post Kmart videos on my blog all the time and find great items that always have great prices.  

I'm already excited about making 1% of sales and getting a check in the mail whenever I hit $20.  Extra money just for sharing what I love with Shop Your Way...can't go wrong:)  I can't wait to find out more about the members-only deals and exclusive opportunities to engage with brands!  The fun just doesn't end with this program, check it out now!  Enjoy! 

Breaking News: Looks like the only designer collab at Payless will be Christian Siriano

Sad, but I think it's true.  I've been waiting for updates on the site with the designer collab items and have seen nothing new except for Christian Siriano.  I was told a couple of months ago by a Payless employee at a mall store where the designer collab items used to be sold that they hadn't received anything yet.  Then, yesterday, I sent an email to my Payless PR rep to find out from another rep that they are offering Christian Siriano items but, nothing about the Lela Rose or Isabella Toledo items we love.  I hope this isn't true and they are working on something BIG!  Here is to hoping...until then, I guess I will be searching on eBay for some of the favorites I missed a long the way.

This is what I received from the Payless PR rep:

The Christian Siriano for Payless collection will be available in stores throughout the year. His summer line is currently available online and in stores and his fall ’12 collection will be available starting in August so let us know if you are interested in getting images at that time.

Important Message to Tyra Banks, Love P'Trique

I hope Tyra does something with him...he is AMAZE!!!

Theodora & Callum on Access Hollywood-how to style your scarf this spring

These looks are adorable!  I can't believe how easy and adorable the vest style is!  Doing that ASAP!

 My fave scarf on the T&C site right now...I love the color in this scarf!

Preggers Styling: rocking my new Avarcas shoes

My new summer staple that I'll be wearing forever! These Pons shoes (http://www.avarcasusa.com/) are so comfy and make me feel like I'm walking the streets of Europe. I'm so glad I saw them on the ...love Maegan blog and reacted. She said they ran big and was she right. I usually wear a size 8.5 shoe and in these I bought the 7!! And they fit perfect! I can't wait for them to get worn in...I think they'll be be better then. I also can't wait to wear them with a shift dress or cropped black pants and a tunic after I'm done being preggers:). These will stay a staple in my wardrobe. Oh, and the color is called saffron...I was going to get black, but when I saw this color they just spoke to me:)
P.S. next I'm getting these for the hubby and the kids! This will be a family affair:)

Trina Turk collab with Banana Republic now available! Dog Days Of Summer

I am beyond excited!  Trina Turk's collab with Banana Republic is finally available and oh so cute!  Check it out online now or head over to a store today.  Plus, there will be a fab event in stores across the states to celebrate!  Check online for which stores will be participating.

Had to share: Bought these topshop espadrilles today

Noticed the original color I wanted was basically sold out today and jumped on the coral pair.  I also realized that the other color offered is probably sold out because The Glamourai featured them on her site.  Plus, they are ONLY $24, such a great deal!

From Drab to Fab with the help of my Theodora & Callum scarf

This is what I wore on my trip from PHX to PDX. I flew with my almost 2 year old and I was 21 weeks preggers...so with all of that in mind I had to be comfy so I could run after S and wanted to still look like moi. I went for some basic maternity cargo pants and a tank. Then, added the accessories that made the ensemble more fun. The Aldo hat which I bought a couple of years ago, but never fails me:). And the Theodora & Callum scarf I received for being an ambassador for the brand:). And to finish it off, my rose gold Payless Christian Siriano flat peep toes.

HBO Girls Style

I've recently started watching HBO, Girl's and I'm hooked!  This will mark my new replacement for SATC since I haven't found anything yet...unless the new show on the CW, Carrie's Diaries is just as good...but, until then this is it:)  (Although I have to give props to Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars which returns this week...)
On to the style.  I always seem to identify with two characters style...like on SATC it was Carrie and Charlotte...for Girls I seem to be gravitating toward Marnie & Jessa.

 *Marnie has more of the classic, and girly style.  Resembling the Charlotte of SATC:)  I kind of went for the same combo of styles as SATC as you can tell:)

 *Jessa is on the left.  As you can tell, she has a very bohemian look.


I LOVE Marnie's jacket in this clip!
If you don't have HBO, no need to fret.  You can watch full episodes on the HBO site here.
Whenever I like what someone is wearing on a TV show or movie I go directly to IMDB to see who is working on it...I'm going to do some more research and try and interview some folks from there..but, until then.  I just found an article about the costume designer I found on IMDB, Jennifer Rogien.  The article is here.  I can't find much on her besides that, so stay tuned.

***If you are like me and want to shop the shows...check out Possessionista, she's a great resource:)

Princess Of China Coldplay ft. Rihanna

I love her black tassel earrings (DIY project!) and the white look  Plus, she rocks amazing nails ready to be DIYed ASAP!  .  Really a great video.  Go Rihanna!  My daughter (will be 2 in August) even loves the song, it's on repeat right now and she is singing:)