Fashion Normality

Star style: Initial pendants

2012-05-10T12:09:00.002-07:00

Did the initial pendant trend ever go away? Well, no matter what, it's still going strong, as evidenced by the necklaces that have been spotted on Maria Menounos and Giuliana Rancic. Both were spotted wearing one of Blue Nile's white topaz initial pendants ($85).

Maria wore her "M" pendant to her Dancing With The Stars rehearsal, while Giuliana donned a "G" to the E! Network upfronts. Check out the picture below, or follow the link above to get your own necklace.

Junk Food Clothing Takes on Snow White

2012-04-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Junk Food Clothings' Snow White capsule collection consists of tee's and tanks inspired by the classic Disney movie. Here are a few of them:

From left to right: Snow White Vintage Inspired Solid Tee ($30), Snow White Vintage Washed Tank ($30), Snow White Vintage Easy Rider Tank ($34) and Snow White The Evil Queen Vintage Off the Shoulder Flirt Tee ($32)

Other styles are available at Junk Food Clothing's website. They range in price from $28 to $40. And just the record -- the first one pictured here is on my wish list!

On The Map

2012-04-24T17:42:00.001-07:00

On The Map by fashionnormality featuring canvas tote bags

Awesome hippie-chic bags from The Frye Company

2012-04-18T10:48:00.002-07:00

You don't have to be at the Coachella Music Festival to take advantage of this trend. Between the braided leather strap and nubuck fringe on the Lola Fringe Crossbody bag by The Frye Company, you can inject a little "hippie-ness" into every day.

The Lola Fringe Crossbody bag is available in five different colors (see below) and measures 7.75" high by 8" wide and 2" deep. It sells for $348 on The Frye Company website.

Accessory of the Week: Black Ties by Bloom Jewelry

2012-04-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

Why didn't anybody think of this sooner? A ponytail holder disguised as jewelry? Brilliant. And highly useful for those special occasions (or everyday life) when it just doesn't look right to have a boring hair tie around your wrist.

This line of cool hairbands, called Black Ties and designed by Bloom Jewelry, are available decorated with rhinestones, pearls, and chains, and come with sterling silver or 14K gold detailing. They retail for between $26 and $48 for a set of two. They're specially designed so that the embellishments won't get caught in or snag on your hair, and best of all - they're handmade in America!

For more details, go to the Black Ties website, or the Bloom Jewelry site.

Unleash your inner fashionista with MLfurs.com

2012-04-07T16:02:00.001-07:00

Whether you want to look stylish in the spring, fall or winter, there's a style of fur coat out there for you.And, if you're in the Denver area, or feel like shopping online, check out the fur coats for sale at MLFurs.com.

MLFurs is Denver's oldest and most trusted furrier, having been in business since 1951. Their website features numerous fur coats for women in styles ranging from vests to full-length coats. MLFurs also sells fur accessories, including shawls, earmuffs and scarves. If full-on fur isn't your style, you can still enjoy the luxury of a fur coat thanks to the many varieties available with fur trim only.

Whether you feel like your closet isn't complete without a shearling jacket, or a mid-length mink coat, turn to MLFurs.

Are those... turquoise friendship bracelets that I spy?

2012-04-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

For some reason I'm really into friendship bracelets these days. Some of my favorites (besides the ones that I drool over on Etsy - more on those tomorrow) are these cool ones with turquoise beads by Ettika.

These are on my want list:

Turquoise beads on brown waxed linen($58)

Triple turquoise on rose gold tiny bead bracelet ($45)

Chain bracelet with turquoise heshi beads and round turquoise balls ($36)

Small apartment building

2012-04-03T16:29:00.001-07:00

I appreciate the guest post, Ignacio Phillips

I recently moved into a small apartment building, and there is such a different feel here from the bigger ones I have lived in. There are only six units in the building, and everyone is very friendly. My next-door neighbors are an old retired couple with a dog, and they are very sweet. They always look out for me, which I appreciate. I watch their dog for them when they go out of town, and he is so cute. Upstairs there is a young married couple who are very social and always know the cool events going on around town. Also upstairs is a tech geek who is awesome to have around. He can fix anything and is always there to make a suggestion. When I didn’t know which company to go with for my internet service he recommended I go to WirelessInternetProviders.net. I feel like we are a little community, and it’s nice to have people I can depend on. I don’t know too many people in town, so I feel like I got lucky finding this place.

Blush Lingerie Launches at Bloomingdales

2012-03-28T09:47:00.002-07:00

If you're in the NYC area, make sure to head to the Bloomingdale's in SoHo tomorrow night for a fabulous lingerie launch hosted by fashion guru Carson Kressley.

The event starts tomorrow, March 29th at 5pm, and will ending at 7pm. During that time, you'll able to check out the newest Blush Lingerie styles, listen to a presentation given by Kressley (which includes how to Style Your Innerware at Outerware). Ten lucky winners who tweet @BlushSocial about #WhatMakesYouBlush will be chosen to win a free set of Blush Lingerie (and you don't have to be in attendance to win!) On top of all of this, the book Second Skin: The Exotic Art of Lingerie will be unveiled.

Following tomorrow night's festivities, Blush Lingerie will be available for sale in select Bloomingdale's stores around the country. This marks the first department store availability of the brand.

Beauty must have: Bright "peppy" nail polish

2012-03-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Maybe all of this sunshine has gone to my brain, but I'm really into bright, colorful nail polish right now (as evidenced by my pedi here.) Here are some of ones that are on my wish list:

Essie's "Go Overboard"

And "Mezmerised"

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails "Going Green"

And "Purple Potion"

Ginger + Liz "Dancehall Queen"

And "Goin' Back to Cali"

Accessory of the week - Aerial 7 headphones

2012-03-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

These headphones by Aerial7 are awesome. Why use the standard (read: boring) pair that came with your MP3 player or cell phone when these colorful ones exist?

I can't decide which ones I like better:

The Neo - $60 - They come in 4 different designs, this one is "Slurpee"

Or the Bullet - $20 - Availble in 7 different designs, this one is called "Candy"

Show off your spunk with jewelry from Devora Libin

2012-03-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

I thought that these were so cool that I had to share them with you. Self-taught jewelry Devora Libin makes her funky rocker-chic necklaces and bracelets from semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski crystals and various metals. Here are some slightly bad-ass ones that are on my wish list (all available at Devora Libin Jewels.com.)

Rubber Skull Bracelets with 14K and Sterling Silver Skulls - $80 each

Sterling Silver Handcuff Necklace - $135

Chloe Stud Earrings (Sterling Silver with Swarovski Crystals) - $70

First pedicure of the year!

2012-03-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely weather here in Ohio, I've busted out the sandals and painted my toenails a cool shade of green. (I don't like "normal" colors, and never paint my fingernails, because it chips off so fast that it's just not worth it.)

This is two coats of Julep's Leah, followed by their fast dry top coat.

With a flash, the color looks way more neon than it really is:

Here it is in natural light and no flash:

The 4C's of diamonds explained

2012-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Guest post and inforgraphic courtesy of: Brilliance.com

A sparkling diamond is beautiful and elegant. It is the strongest mineral in the world and has dated way before the ancient times. Its beauty was so fascinating and unreal that people once thought they were fragments of falling stars, and even tears of a goddess. It heightens the level of one’s fashion and look - giving a fire and radiance like no other. These facts are some of the reasons why most folks want to get their hands on one of these prestigious stones. As an end-consumer for these magnificent stones, do you do your research about how to get your hands at a diamond at the right price?

Contrary to popular belief, diamonds aren’t really that rare. In fact, it is rumored that the reason why diamonds are so expensive is because some major diamond suppliers are creating an “artificial” scarcity – meaning they harvest diamonds and stockpiles them to be sold in small batches. Most end-consumers would still buy from these major suppliers because they don’t want to risk themselves getting a lesser quality diamond from a not-so-popular diamond source. But let’s think about it: if were gonna end up paying an extra for royalties and brand names, do you realize that you can get more, or a better piece of loose diamonds if you just know how to spot a good deal or a good diamond?

Well, if you want to have the best deals on diamonds out there; you got to learn how to be the master of your own market. So how do jewelers actually price these Diamonds? You see, there are qualities of a diamond that determine their value. Qualities that are quite a major factor for a diamond to emit it’s beautiful and radiant fire. These qualities are called the 4C’s of diamonds – which is the topic of this Infographic made by Brilliance.com. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, a hip-hop bling collector, an amateur jewelry and accessory collect, or just a regular guy looking for a good engagement ring for the right price, you better read this Infographic. Hopefully, it can explain the 4C’s better than I can.

This week in sample sales

2012-03-19T15:02:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the coolest sales going on this week on:

Ideeli

Starting tomorrow, 3/20 - Von Vonni, home of the transformer dress

Starting Wednesday, 3/21 - Emilio Pucci

Hautelook

Starting Tuesday, 3/20 - BCBGMAXAZRIA Handbags

Starting Wednesday, 3/21 - Lucky Brand

Starting Thursday, 3/22 - C&C California

Gilt

Starting Tuesday, 3/20 - Calvin Klein Collection

Starting Wednesday, 3/21 - French Connection

Starting Thursday, 3/22 - Kooba Handbags

Starting Friday, 3/23 - We've Got Your Shoe Size!

RueLaLa

Tuesday, 3/20 - Tumi Luggage

Wednesday, 3/21 - Judith Ripka

Thursday, 3/22 - Calvin Klein Home Rugs

Friday, 3/23 - Emilio Pucci

Beyond the Rack

Tuesday, 3/20 - Not Your Daughters Jeans

Wednesday, 3/21 - Sinclair Jeans

Thursday, 3/22 - Genuine Stone and FWP Earrings

Must have: Tetris T-shirts

2012-03-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

I love old-school computer and (original) Nintendo games, so it makes sense that I love these cool Tetris t-shirts.

They're available at Think Geek, 80s Tees, and Urban Outfitters. Check out some of the awesome designs below:

Tanda Skincare offers light therapy treatments for clear skin

2012-03-18T13:19:00.001-07:00

Whether your problem is aging, hairy arms or acne, Tanda Skincare has the treatment for you. Their patented blue and red light technology is just what you need to get the skin of your dreams.

If you need acne light treatment, you have your choice of the clear+ or zap blue light handheld devices, while those seeking anti-aging light therapy are in need of their luxe device, which uses red light and warming sensations to give you smooth, glowing skin.

On the other hand, if you're seeking a painless method of hair removal, or a simple way to whiten your teeth outside of a dentists office, you need to seek out the me hair removal system (only available in Canada, sorry U.S. readers!) and the pearl teeth whitening system.

For more information on skin care, please read the infographic below:

Via: Tanda Skincare

Do you FLIP for FlipOut Sandals?

2012-03-18T13:02:00.001-07:00

How cool are these? FlipOut Sandals -- your choice of traditional flip flops for $24.99 or jellies for $59.99 -- that come with two sets of removable crystal-encrusted shoe jewelry. You can even purchase additional jewels in order to change your look daily, or even match them to your swimsuit and cover up.

Choose University Supply Store for your college apparel

2012-03-17T14:38:00.002-07:00

It's springtime. The time that all high school seniors look forward to -- not only for prom and graduation, but also for college admissions decisions. On the other hand, it's graduation time for college seniors as well.

If you're planning on attending (or graduating from) The University of Alabama, check out University Supply Store. They have everything you're looking for - from Alabama apparel to textbooks. University Supply Store even sells everything that 'Bama seniors need to graduation, including caps and gowns, announcements and frames for your degree. You can also purchase car decals, blankets, toys and everything you need to prepare for pre-game tailgating (except for food of course.)

If you're looking forward to your new fall classes, or selling of your books from your spring ones, University Supply Store can handle that, too. They even have books written by alumni, special 'Bama sports guides and university guidebooks. But, I digress, this is about the clothes...

Whether you're an alumni, looking for special gear, or just a fan hoping to show off your hometown (or team) pride, you're come to the right place. University Supply Store sells University of Alabama shirts for men, women and even children, so, no matter what size you are, you can show your Crimson Pride!

Zoya nail polish and some goodies

2012-03-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

Remember back when I wrote about taking advantage of Zoya's Color Your World Promotion? Well, my two free bottles arrived (actually, they arrived about a month ago and I forgot my promised follow-up post) and here they are!

I recived full-size bottles of (from top to bottom) Cynthia and Anja, and two free color plates from their Feel and True collections. Pretty cool, huh?

Get a jump on summer with Bettinis bikinis

2012-03-02T07:47:00.002-08:00

Ready to push past this weird winter weather and head on into summer? You can start by purchasing a bikini during Bettinis spring sale. The sale takes place only on Hautelook and starts today, so hurry!

Enter the ZoeBrianne pre-launch sweepstakes

2012-02-29T16:36:00.000-08:00

Want to win free clothing and accessories for a year? The newest (and hottest) affordable fashion site, ZoeBrianne.com is having a pre-launch sweepstakes from now through March 9th.

Just go to ZoeBrianne.com and register to win one free item a month for an entire year! One winner will be chosen each day, starting March 12th and running up until March 16th.

How can you beat that?

Jason Wu at Target

2012-02-29T16:30:00.002-08:00

Contribution by Kennith Griffin

I used my clear internet Trenton connection to get on-line this past Sunday and order some things from the Jason Wu collection at Target. I have been excited about the collection since I saw it advertised on the “Today Show”. Last time that Target had a designer collection I dropped the ball. I was really surprised at how quickly the Missoni for Target line sold out. I got to Target about two o’clock in the afternoon and everything was gone! They didn’t even have any socks left! I called my mother in law and she ran down to the Target in her home town. It is a really small town and everything wasn’t sold out. I ended up getting a cook laptop bag, carrying case, hat, and pajamas. I didn’t totally miss out, but I didn’t get what I really wanted—a scarf. I already looked through the Jason Wu collection before it was available and picked out what I wanted. I got on-line and got the purse that I wanted!

Catbird + Ban.do = creatively awesome 3 in 1 accessory

2012-02-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

The designers from Catbird and Ban.do teamed up and invented this insanely cool 3-in-1 accessory. This accessory, complete with 2 satin-silk flowers in taupe and hot pink threaded onto a black grograin ribbon, can be worn as a headband, a choker-style necklace or necktie, and as a corsage. It's only available at Catbird and sells for $48, which, when you do the math, is only $16 an option.

Here are a few pictures for inspiration:

Bring out the rocker in him, with John Varvatos Sunglasses

2012-02-15T17:19:00.000-08:00

I usually don't cover menswear or accessories, but these sunglasses are too cool not to mention:

John Varvatos V908 Guitar Pick Sunglasses

Produced in a limited numbered edition of 200, these awesome sunglasses have a slot in each temple that holds a guitar pick. A set of 4 guitar picks (2 in red and 2 in gunmetal) come with the sunglasses. For more information, go to the John Varvatos website.