FASHIONALITIES: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

India Fashion Week (playlist)

Be inspired! I see a few DIY and styling ideas in these shows!

60-Second Stylist: 3 Aspirational Looks For Summer

Ok, I'm about to check out these 60-second stylist features for Free People right now! I am loving the layered scarf on the waist detail in the first look!

Introducing Maheya From Free People

BE INSPIRED:

Exclusive items on American Eagle Outfitters

People, I spotted a dress on AE's Instagram and fell in love! Found out it's exclusive online! AE has a lot of Indian style prints that are beach worthy. Perfection!

All under $50!

Sign up for their emails and text updates for discounts and updates on free shipping. Here is what I had in my texts recently:

AE: Shh...Secret Summer Sale in stores & AE.com (exclusions apply). Use code 90017431 online or get coupon at on.ae.com/Secret to reveal amazing savings. Ends 6.2

http://m.ae.com/web/browse/category.jsp?catId=cat1320034#

LOVE her hair!!

DIY: Transform A Plain White Tee Into A Stylish Swim Cover-Up

GENIUS & easy DIY using things you just might already have in your closet! I'm about to see if I can make mine for my trip to DR!!! Glitter n' Glue had another cover-up I wanted to try....Sharing again because it's that good!:)

The other one:

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

A perfect addition to every closet: The Sari Vest

Ok, friends! This is what I'm selling: these one-of-a-kind sari vests. These can be styled with everything! From a bathing suit (I'll be rocking one in DR) to over a tank and jeans or denim short combo to punch up the look. Stay tuned for the still images for how to wear these fab pieces. I will be selling them for $50. ***LOVING how my brother in law created these GIF images~brilliant!

Geek Chic with Derek Cardigan line of glasses at Coastal.com

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

Designer Eyeglasses have become the new "it" accessory to rock beyond a pair of shades. Fashionistas like designer Rachel Roy and actress from The New Girl, Zooey Deschanel show it's stylish to wear glasses and to skip contact lenses. I've purchased from Coastal.com numerous times not only because they sell brands like Derek Cardigan Eyeglasses that offer fab styles, but the prices are unbeatable! I still can't believe my first pair I ever bought on Coastal.com were FREE! Yes, you read that right, FREE! And, they always offer FREE options for your first purchase, or AMAZING discounts you can't say no to. You should follow Coastal.com on all of it's social media outlets and sign up for the emails to find out about all of their promos. I feel like every fashionista should have a variety of style glasses to go with their looks accordingly. It's like your sunglasses. You have different frames for different styles you wear.

Here are a few Derek Cardigan Eyeglasses that have caught my attention recently.

I love the color and the retro vibe of this style!

These seem really funky and I LOVE that! The clear just means it will go with everything.

These have a really interesting shape. It reminds me of a cross between a box and a cat eye.

I have these in a maroon color and love the ombre effect. Gives a classic style a ton of edge.

I LOVE the shape and the tortoise shell for this style! It's classic, but gives any look some edge.

I think I'm in LOVE!! These are the last pair I saw and they are amazing! Funky take on cat eye glasses---I like the larger style and tortoise shell design. And only $98, or eligible for 2 pair for $95! I told you they always have an amazing deal you can't say no to! Stay tuned for me rocking these:)

As you can tell from the styles I chose, Derek Cardigan can give your glasses options more fun and edge to add to your wardrobe.

Plus, I'm all about giving back, so I love that Coastal.com donates a pair of glasses to someone in need whenever a pair are purchased!

Fab beach towels

I'll be leaving soon for DR and I'm becoming addicted to ALL beach towels! I just got my first Fresco (http://rstyle.me/~cz-x6sD), and I'm still looking:).

Here are a few I'm gushing over:)

Boho beach times with a

Live Peruvian Lima Blanket / Wrap( $40) on the sand http://www.liveworldly.com/live-peruvian-lima-blanket-wrap/

Get a 10% discount by using code: liveworldly10

The perfect beach towel: GRAND BAZAAR, Orange Double Stripe Beach Towel & Sarong (I'd also use it to create a turban if my hair gets crazy after swimming in the beach:), $45 http://rstyle.me/~cz-x76Z

Vera Bradley Beach Towel, http://rstyle.me/~cz-x6tv

Royal Jelly Harlem has another fab collab with MZ Wallace, $125. http://mzwallace.com/mzwshop/product.php?products_id=2334

Summer trend: pineapples

Marni was inspired by the pineapple for this springs collection: http://rstyle.me/~cz-x5be

I think a muscle tee with a pineapple design is a fun way to rock the trend. http://rstyle.me/~cz-x6lt

As seen at H&M. Less than $20.

Pineapple brooch on Poshmark for $7. Sign up through me and get a $5 coupon! Code: HBAEC

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Don't miss out on the Memorial Day Sale at Shoe Dazzle that ends today

***PLUS***

The Memorial Day sale ends today at ShoeDazzle! by fashionalities on Polyvore

20% off of full-price items and an extra 30% off sale items

#spon

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Tummy Time

I LOVE this set from Royal Jelly Harlem by fashionalities on Polyvore

*Find shoes here. #spon

As a mom of three young kids, tummy time has turned into a time where my babies play on the floor (on their tummy:) to gain strength and skills to start crawling and then walking.

In fashion, I would have said pre-baby, tummy time was all of the decades that trends have been influenced by baring the tummy. Well, kind of:)

I'd say as far back as women in Indian baring their midriff while wearing a sari and still feeling covered.

Then, the 50's where just a little skin was showing and it still looked respectful.

I'd say the most "revealing" time when middrift's were out was in the 90's. I feel like that was more rebellious because pants were low and tops were high. It wasn't my favorite way to style baring the tummy.

Middrift trend by fashionalities featuring patterned skirts

Now, the style is back and we are doing it right. Taking styling cues from the 50's and I'd say marrying them with aspects from India and how they bare their midsection.

I think that this style is totally appropriate for a mother that it flatters their body and isn't showing "too much" skin. Thoughts?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

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.

Monday, May 20, 2013

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!).

Friday, May 17, 2013

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!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

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!!:)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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:)