Summer Nails (and how to mix them)

Turquoise

One of the oldest stones known to man, turquoise has always played a special part in cultural elegance. Native Americans used to wear turquoise jewelry around their necks and hands to bring them closer to the heavens and bring them plentiful water, while Egyptians would use the precious stones in adorning sacred tombs (http://www.zoultier.com). Whether stone or color, turquoise is always precious.

Beyonce in Why Don't You Love Me music video

Nouvelle Vague (turquoise) by Chanel

Turquoise and Caicos from Essie

Azure for Sure- Torrid Turquoise from OPI

Barry M Turquoise

Source: http://www.lacquerized.com, http://www.lovelyish.com, http://styletips101.com, http://www.makeup4all.com

Don’t Have This Color?

Mix a blue and a green nail polish in a bottle top.

Optional: Add white nail polish to make lighter.

Berry Fuchsia

A cute and fun way to add a little punch to your look, fuchsias are great nail colors. They have a playful, juicy look and are fun to match to your lipstick. Not just Barbie's favorite color, fuchsia is worn by celebrities everywhere. Kim Kardashian, Kate Beckinsale, Scarlett Johanson, and Fergie have picked up on the trend!

Nicki Minaj in Check It Out ft. Will.I.Am

OPI La Paz-itively Hot Matte with Shiny Top Coat

Flirty Fuchsia by Essie

Rimmel 60 Second Green With Envy 

Vivid Fuchsia by Natio

Source: http://iamboigenius.com, http://www.neverenoughnails.com, http://www.enailsupply.com, http://www.makeup4all.com, http://www.nailpolishlove.com

Don’t Have This Color?

Mix pink and a tiny bit of purple nail polish in a bottle top.

Optional: Add white nail polish to make lighter.

Coral

A valuable resource grown on rocky sea floors, coral is beautiful and looks great on everyone. Coral has been popular in Japan and Taiwan and countries by the Mediterranean Sea where coral reefs grow. Historically, coral has been a sign of affluence in countries such as Nigeria where women adorn themselves head to foot in coral jewelry.

Rihanna and Stephanie Pratt

Palau Coral by Nubar (Coral Collection)

California Coral by Essie

Distraction by Chanel

Paradise by Dior

Source: http://www.stylishandtrendy.com, http://www.thefashionablehousewife.com, http://apothica.com, http://the-swatchaholic.com

Don’t Have This Color?

Mix red or orange and pink nail polish in a bottle top. Add white or cream nail polish to make lighter.

Couturieres around the World

Netherlands

Iris Van Herpen, considered fashion’s next Alexander McQueen (whom she did an internship with in London), is something of a rogue. Inspired by architecture, technology, and natural processes, Iris had been creating couture pieces since her debut collection “Fragile Futurity” for the Spring/Summer 2008 runway show. One of Iris’ most famous techniques is using 3-dimensional printers, which she used to create life-like water splashes on garments in her Spring/Summer 2011 "Crystallization" collection. Her notable materials include metals, metal and silk blends, cords, rubber, leather, chains, and plastics. Limited edition shoes from her collaborations with United Nude have been worn by celebrities such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Keyshia Cole. Iris Van Herpen continues to push the boundaries of fashion and construct wearable works of art.

Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Source: http://www.irisvanherpen.com

Japan

Atsuko Kudo: while many may not know her name, they most likely are familiar with her work. Atsuko Kudo is the lady of latex; inspired by a material previously unexplored by eminent fashion designers, she started designing couture latex womenswear in 2001. Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé are just a few of the celebrities who wear Atsuko Kudo latex. Remember the yellow dress Beyoncé wore in Telephone? Or the red gown Lady Gaga wore to meet the Queen of England? Both belong to none other than Atsuko Kudo. Whether she's doing collaborations with Nicola Formichetti for Mugler, Manish Arora, David Koma, Cerruti, or Topshop Unique; or inspiring renowned designers to use latex for daywear (Balenciaga, Prada, VPL, Marc Jacobs), Atsuko has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, whether we are familiar with it or not.

Source: http://gagafashionland.com/

Source: http://www.carteblanche-x.com

Source: Style.com

China

Guo Pei is one of the world’s most detailed courtiers. Her magical creations inspire millions when worn at events such as the Beijing Olympic Games or the CCTV Spring Festival Galas. With over 300 hand embroiders (http://www.fastcompany.com), Guo is known for her eye for detail. Guo has become a world legend; she has been designing for her own company, Mayflower, since 1996, where we hope she will continue to reign.

Source: http://www.wwd.com

Source: http://www.chinaentertainmentnews.com

Source: http://weyume.com

Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn

Source: http://www.fastcompany.com

http://maosuit.com

Invest in Shoes

               Some boots may be made for walking, but some shoes are made specifically for looking fabulous! I have made a list of four shoes that will make any woman’s closet complete. This list consists of the black pointed toe mid-heels, knee-high brown leather boots, nude platform pumps, and strappy metallic heels. With these and nothing else, you will be able to rock any and all outfits!

Black Pointed Toe Mid-heels

               These sophisticated shoes are a must-have in any closet.  Take good care of them and they will take you far (no pun intended). You can wear these shoes with anything from a cocktail dress to a suit. For a more sophisticated look, choose satin or suede. For a more adventurous look, choose leather or an exotic skin. Regardless of the material, be sure to find a shoe with a dainty heel, as clunky heels will add unwanted weight to an outfit. Black pointy-toed mid-heels are a bestseller for any designer or brand because they are so versatile. As Amy Winehouse always said, you always go back to black.

Andrew Gn AW11, Anne-Sofie Back Atelje AW11, Anthony Vaccarello AW11, Carolina Herrera AW11, Camilla and Marc SS12

Source: Style.com

Sigerson Morrison, Rupert Sanderson, Christian Dior, Manolo Blahnik

Source: Style.com, thebootsclub.com

Knee-high brown leather boots

               Whether you’re dressing for the middle of winter or the beginning of autumn, these low maintenance boots will keep up with you through thick and thin. From being a necessity for Texas rangers to being a coveted item for New York City’s finest, brown leather boots have come a long way to becoming a bestselling style. Alongside a short flowing dress or a casual pair of jeans, these boots will always remain stylish! 

Frankie Morello SS10, Hermès AW04, Dolce & Gabbana AW06, D&G SS10,

Source: frankiemorello.com, style.com

Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Christian Dior, Antik Batik

Source: kaboodle.com, christianlouboutin-topshop.com, bluefly.com, shopstyle.com

Nude Platform Pumps

Any variation of the nude platform pump will automatically add height and leg to any outfit. Perfectly matching any and all possible clothing options, whether it is a tight bandage dress, a flirty skirt and top, or a pair of jeans, these shoes will keep you on your toes (pun intended). The perfect option from morning till night, these nude heels are always in fashion!

Alice & Olivia AW10, Erin Fetherston Resort12, Juan Carlos Obando Resort12, Hervé Léger by Max Azria Resort11

Source: style.com

Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Ruthie Davis

Source: christianlouboutinoutletshoe.com, http://awomanandhershoes.com, yvessaintlaurent.com, ruthiedavis.com

Strappy Metallic Heels

A staple in any wardrobe, the strappy metallic heel is always in style. Whether gold, silver, bronze, or grey, these heels go with clothes no other color shoe may go with. When they can be paired with anything from bohemian summer dresses to that LBD, it’s never a bad idea to buy another pair of strappy metallic heels.

Ralph Lauren SS10, Versace SS04, Ralph LaurenSS12, Alberta Ferretti SS08

Source: style.com

Chelsea Paris, Jimmy Choo, Brian Atwood, Gucci

Source: style.com

Why Kristen Stewart Should Have Been Named Glamour’s Best Dressed Woman of 2012

She knows what looks good on her (or at least her stylist does)

                 Kristen is pale, leggy, and has a slightly boyish physique. While some girls may wear cutesy clothes to make themselves appear girlier or revealing clothes to appear more womanly, Kristen Stewart wears clothes that play to her strengths. Like the red and black racerback slit dress by Proenza Schouler that she wore to the 2011 MET Gala, K-Stew always wears clothes that suit her body type. Her hair color is always important in her wardrobe choices, such as when she wore the blue and black J.Mendel dress to the premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 1, which perfectly matched her newly raven hair (dyed for Snow White and the Huntsman). Kristen highlighted the color of her eyes when she wore a strapless pastel Balmain Spring 2011 to the 2011 Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

Source: Proenza Schouler

                

Source:  http://www.aceshowbiz.com

   

Source:  http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

She tries out new looks.  

                Unafraid of taking risks, Kristen Stewart always shows up on the red carpet wearing something eye catching. At the Snow White and the Huntsman Premiere she wore a floor length black Marchesa Fall 2012 dress embroidered with a skeletal back. Though many would not risk this out of the box look, Kristen pulled it off with finesse. In Madrid at the opening for the same movie, Kristen chose a short transparent lace BCBG Max Azria Prefall 2012 dress over which she wore a black leather belt.

Source: http://www.mydochub.com

Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

She is unique.

                Some fashionistas take a look from the runway and one of two things happens (unless you’re Anna Dello Russo). If they’re lucky, they’ll look like a clone of the runway model and be praised on recognizing great fashion. If they’re unlucky, they’ll look like a girl playing dress up and the clothes will wear them (these offenders shall remain nameless). If you’re like Kristen Stewart, the clothes will not wear you; the clothes will only make you look like the most amazing version of yourself. Such an example is when Kristen wore a black Roberto Cavalli Spring 2012 dress to the London Premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 1. Opting to wear a black slip underneath the see-through gown, Kristen looked more demure than her runway counterpart. Also, Kristen chose a black leather Alexander McQueen belt to wear high on her waist instead of the low-slung Roberto Cavalli one. While Izabel Goulart deserves props for rocking her translucent version of the dress on the runway, I much prefer Kristen’s personalized version of the dress. Certainly Kristen does not look like a copy cat of anyone.

Source: http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com

The NEW Ponytail (Tutorial)

Source: natural-hair-care-info.com

The High Ponytail (Hair tied)

How to:

      1.       Gather all you hair into a high ponytail at the top   of your head and secure with a hair tie.

      2.       Take a medium sized section from the underside of the ponytail and wrap section around the elastic.

      3.       Tuck the remaining end into the new hair wrap. Secure with pins.

Optional: Spritz with water before gathering the hair into a ponytail for a sleeker look.

Source: virtualhaircare.com                                                     

The High Ponytail (twisted hair tied)

How to:

     1.    Gather all you hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head and secure with a hair tie.

       Optional: Spritz with water before gathering hair.

     2. Take one medium sized sections from the underside of the ponytail.

       Optional: Spritz section with water.

     3.   Split this piece into two halves.

     4.   Twist halves in one direction.

     5.  Twist halves together in the opposite direction from the previous step.

     6.  Secure the end of the twist with a small hair elastic.

     7.  Wrap the twisted hair around the hair band securing your ponytail.

Source: http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com

      The High Ponytail (braided hair tied)

      How to:

      1.  Gather all you hair into a high ponytail at the top of your head and secure with a hair tie.

             Optional: Spritz with water before gathering hair.

      2.   Take one small or medium sized sections (depending on how big you want the braid) from the underside of the ponytail.

      3.   Split this piece into three equal sections.

      4.   Braid section. Move the left section over the middle section. Move the right section over the middle section. Repeat for the rest of the section.

      5.   Secure the end of the twist with a small hair elastic.

                                    6.   Wrap the braided hair around the hair band securing your ponytail.

         

Source: shoppinglifestyle.com

        High Teased Ponytail

        How to:

        1.      Optional: Lightly curl hair into waves.

        2.      Separate a large section at the crown of your head.

        3.       Pin section away.

        4.       Take the rest of the hair and gather into a high ponytail at the top of your head; secure with a hair tie.

        5.       Take the top section you separated and tease with a comb. Comb lightly backwards.

        6.       Push section forward to encourage a pouf.

        7.       Gather top section into the original ponytail. Secure with a new elastic.

        8.       Take a small piece of hair from the underside of the ponytail and wrap around the hair ties. Pin in place.

Source: dailymakeover.com                              

      Low Wavy French Braid Ponytail

      How to:

      1.       Optional: Curl hair.

      2.       Take a small section from the left side of you head along the hair line.

      3.       Split section into three pieces.

      4.       Braid section. Move the left section over the middle section. Move the right section over the middle section.

      5.       Take a small piece of hair from behind where the rest of the hair is. Add this piece to the left hand piece of the braid. Move over the left section.

      6.       Take a small piece of hair from behind the right piece along the hair line. Add this piece to the right piece of the braid. Move over the right section over the middle.
            7.    Repeat steps 5 & 6 along the hair line until you reach the nape of the neck.
      8. Gather all of the hair into an elastic.
      9.       Take a medium sized section of hair from the underside of the ponytail.
      10.   Wrap this section around the elastic. Pin in place.

Source: http://hair.allwomenstalk.com

     Princess Jasmine Ponytail

     How to:

     1.       Gather all you hair into a ponytail in the middle or top of your head and secure with a hair tie.

     2.       Secure hair about an inch and a half down with a tiny clear or hair-matching elastic.

     3.       Hold the hair between the bands and push with thumbs inwards and then with the rest of the fingers push outwards. Push the bottom elastic upwards and fluff this section of the hair until it resembles a bulb.

     4.       Repeat steps 2 & 3 till you reach the end of the hair.