FASHIONALITIES

Check out my guest post for Spa Week Daily

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:53:00 PST

I'm excited to share the guest post that just went up for Spa Week Daily where I am apart of the Hot Mom Spa Squad. Check it out here and enjoy my 6 Cheap & Easy At-Home Beauty Escapes. (That anyone can try, even if you aren't a mommy. Have fun!)

P.S. Spa Week will be here April 16-22 so get ready! $50 treatments and your favorite spa's!

Trend alert: Are you knotting your tops?

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:09:00 PST

I keep seeing street style bloggers showcasing people knotting their tops and was wondering if everyone else is doing it...I'm LOVING this styling technique and have done it a few times...I say it's a year round styling not just summer as you can see below. I prefer using button downs, but, you can also use a classic T to give more shape to the look.

From Gap Mag


via Man Repeller's instagram

EverybodyisUgly.com

What I Wore

You can buy tops that have a knot already established. Styles to try here, here, here and here.

Cupcakes & Cashmere

Moi testing out the trend. I also love it with high waisted jeans, short, skirts, etc.

Marni at H&M Directed by Sofia Coppola (Original Version)

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:17:00 PST

I can't wait for this collab! It's going to be GENIUS! I'm going to have a make a date with Scottsdale for this...I'm not missing out!:) How about you?

Make your Wardrobe more Interesting through Indie Clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:25:00 PST

*This is a sponsored post for a brand, Sway Chic I just learned about that has styles you are going to love and prices you can't beat! I'd say the styling is like Forever 21 meets Free People. I thought this was a brand to get on your radar! Hope you enjoy!

Sway Chic by fashionalities on polyvore.com

Pleat Skirt - Bottoms - Clothes
$30 - swaychic.com

Bling Sunglasses - Accessories
$14 - swaychic.com

Belted Maxi Skirt - Bottoms - Clothes
$26 - swaychic.com

Cape Back Chiffon Maxi - Clothes
$39 - swaychic.com

Stripe Dress By BB Dakota - Dresses - Clothes
$56 - swaychic.com

Bright Sheer Button Up Blouse - Tops - Clothes
$28 - swaychic.com

Cut-Open Back Print Dress - Dresses - Clothes
$37 - swaychic.com

Contrast Loafer - Shoes
$25 - swaychic.com

One of the most effective means to make yourself unique and put on show the real you is through your wardrobe. By wearing unique clothes, you will set yourself apart from the masses. If you do your shopping for clothes at department stores or the popular brand name shops, you’re likely to buy what everyone else around you is also buying. As such, you will be wearing the type of clothing that is common to most people. On the other hand, if you step into the cute dresses scene, you’ll be buying shirts that are one of a kind and there’s one in a million chance that you will be meeting someone else wearing the same shirt. Every time we dress differently, we get compliments and it pleases us that other people find our outfit flattering. But how do you achieve the look that will set you apart from the majority and draw other people’s attention towards you? If you can implement the following steps when shopping for cheap indie clothing, then nothing could possibly go wrong. Make sure that the tee-shirt you pick out has a unique design. Wearing a witty or funny shirt can be helpful if you don’t want to be identified with the majority. It’s also a sophisticated means to reveal some aspects of your personality. On top of this, go for a shirt that’s exquisitely designed. Try to avoid getting something with excessive or overwhelming prints like somebody carelessly sprayed paint all over it. Indie fashion essentially adheres more to designs that are simple and straightforward.

The perfect V-Day gift for yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:03:00 PST

Ok...this gift can be for you and your sweetie:)

A little love potion for your VDay pleasure:) by fashionalities on polyvore.com

After Nine West sent me the Love Fury pump that so reminds me of something Victoria Beckham would wear. And the Love Fury fragrance that smells so sweet your love will want to eat you up:) Ok, I'm partial to any vanilla scent:) I thought this would be the perfect pairing for any fashionista to wear on V-Day.
So, why not buy this for the perfect night out... And your honey can rock the new David Beckham chonies by H&M:) It doesn't get better than this:)

How will you be celebrating your V-Day?

Tips on Taking Your Own Measurements for amazing custom dresses like the one I had made by Royal Jelly Harlem

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:18:00 PST

I was beyond excited when the designer of Royal Jelly Harlem offered me a custom made dress from her line...but, wasn't sure how to take one of my measurements she needed. I found a how to on youtube that was all wrong and decided I would share a good one in case anyone decides to purchase their very own Royal Jelly Harlem piece.:)
You can definitely go to a seamstress in your town. If you do, where a tank and leggings so it's as close to your skin as you can feel comfortable doing. Or, if you are in New York, make an appointment with Maya, the designer. But, if you are like moi with a little lady who won't sit still...sometimes you just need to do things by yourself:) And here is how to do it.
And, to prove I did a good job on my measurements, the dress fits like a glove!

P.S. Another exciting thing about having a dress custom made...choosing the fabric! Here the options I had for this dress:

Color Blocking Trend

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:48:00 PST

Hey All!

Wanted to share that I did a guest post for my dear friend from IAMDOMO.COM, an amazing blog about all things celebrity you need to know. Plus, his honest input that keeps you coming back for more.
This week, I shared my thoughts on color blocking with some inspiration from some ladies who are doing it right.

Here is a sneak peak to what I was blogging about:

Color Blocking by fashionalities featuring gown dresses

Brimm hat inspiration from Bill Cunningham for Now and Later

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:36:00 PST

I watched the Bill Cunningham video on brimmed hats (he also has a little DIY portion:) and was instantly inspired. I had bought my brimmed hat for ONLY $15 on sale at TJ Maxx a couple of months ago and haven't had a chance to wear it yet...but, after watching Cunningham's video I started noticing great ideas for how to wear the hat for now and later. Here are two looks I've come up with and a couple of inspiration shots.

Warm Days

Cool Days

Inspiration shots:

Above images are from the Sartorialist of course

The above images are from my instagram feed...if you don't have instragram, download it now. Tons of inspiration!

Rose Crush continues...

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:29:00 PST

I was just searching for the spring dress I want from Tibi and found more rose hued items to swoon over on Tibi:)

Rose Crush Continues... by fashionalities on polyvore.com

First Look: Donna Karan Opens Up About Her Soul Mate - Oprah's Next Chap...

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:18:00 PST

I really need to start watching Oprah's network...I keep meaning to and am missing a lot of great people she's interviewing...has anyone watched?

Julia Sarr Jamois in the ad campaign for Tibi this spring and I'm so excited!

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:02:00 PST

Julia Sarr Jamois for Tibi by fashionalities on polyvore.com

*PS I LOVE that tan & black dress by Tibi...I'm going to have to get my hands on that!!!:)

I kept seeing this fabulous curly haired fashionista in all of the street style blogs and just thought she was a model or, maybe a fashionista...and then found out a couple of days ago she is the fashion editor of Wonderland magazine. I also was trying to youtube her experiences with Tibi for spring and found that she was also working with Philosophy...I wonder if that will continue. We shall see. I'm glad to see her moving to other projects and hope to see more in the future.

Check out the blogger, Style by Kling who styled the shoot here. New blogger for me to follow!

P.S. You can follow her on twitter:

@Sarrjamois

Weekend DIY Project: LANVIN shopping tote

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:30:00 PST

DIY Project by fashionalities featuring a printed canvas tote

I was reading the weekly Net-a-Porter mag this morning and had to share this great DIY project I spotted! Net-a-Porter is declaring that shopping totes are the must-have bag now, and one of the designs was by LANVIN and looked like the perfect weekend DIY project I'm going to try. While searching on Polyvore I found a Rebecca Minkoff cheaper version for less than $50 that I had to share as well for those of you not interested in a DIY project:)

Here is what you'll need:

Tote w/ leather straps (I searched everywhere and really couldn't find a budget friendly tote with leather straps. I say either buy a cheapy canvas tote and add some leather straps...makes it even more DIY...or check out etsy for some spendy version that are really cute:)
super glue or fabric glue
large rhinestones

Curly Talk: Naturally Curly hair inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:31:00 PST

It's all about seeing what curly girls are doing out there. I love when curly hair can just go wild...it says a lot about the person. Get ready to be inspired!

Curly hair inspiration by fashionalities on polyvore.com

One of the lucky few

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:16:00 PST

As many known, Coach creates a minimal amount of pieces for the blogger collabs. First, i missed out in the Cupcake & Cashmere collab and I wasn't going to miss out on this one:) The recent collab with Fashion Foie Gras was genius! It was designed with bloggers in mind. But, I think that it's great for travel and for mommy's. So many little compartments you just have to be organized:) I haven't used the bag yet...it's too large for everyday for me. But, I'll be on a trip next month and you'll see pics of it on the trip. I noticed when I was searching the web that none of the people that nabbed it have shared pictures of them wearing it....I can't wait to share so stay tuned;)

P.s. I got this bag because of persistence. I was searching on eBay, calling Coach customer service everyday and communicating with the lovely designer and the Coach twitter team. I found out about the extra pieces because of the amazing twitter team letting me know there were a few. Can I just say their customer service is amaze!? They honored the 30% off that would have gotten when I tried purchasing the bag online a month ago. Plus, they sent it to me overnight free!!! Best customer service ever!!

WATCH The Victoria, Victoria Beckham Teaser Trailer: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:07:00 PST

Wishing the price point was a little more accessible...maybe she needs to work with Target:) Wonder if she would ever do that...more info about what to expect from Victoria Beckham's new diffusion line from Styleite.

Rose Crush

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:52:00 PST

It's official...I'm addicted to all things rose. At first it was a few rose fragrance products here and there...then, it was rose gold (EVERYTHING) and then, it was rose hued clothing...I'm in deep...so, I figured I'd share all things rose that I love.

Beauty:
I feel like anyone can rock the rose scent. It's a nice light feminine fragrance that nothing can compare with. I use everything from a body oil and rose water (I read somewhere that there is no need to spend big bucks on rose water...it's all the same:) to my new Weleda facial products I've been trying out and LOVE! I found a trial set to test it out for only $14.99, but I'm going to have to invest in the actual full product because I really love it...so, I'm going to go for the cleansing milk (I keep hearing that is the way to wash your face now) and the Weleda Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion.
*Fun DIY I got from the Martha Stewart show: Use roses in hot water for steaming your face. This is good for sensitive skin...but, I think anyone can do it...I know I will:)

Rose Gold:
Can we just say genius? This metal just looks amazing on anyone with tanned skin! I'm getting my second wedding ring this way and can't way...it will take wearing my wedding ring everyday to a whole other level:) I love how Rachel Roy says that mixing metals shows you are daring...makes me feel even more empowered to have it be my wedding ring and mix it with other jewelry I want to wear.
Even though I really do pile on the rose gold...it's just worth it! But, it all started with my rose gold watch...I never even wore watches and I had to have the Michael Kors watch and wear it as a bracelet basically:) It's so funny, because now every brand/designer has a rose gold watch offered...and, now Michael Kors has incorporated the rose gold metal into other jewelry options like rings and bracelets. LOVE!

The clothes:
Sadly, my blazer is from H&M last year...but, in the March 2012 issue of Bazaar on page 72, you can find an assortment of rose tinted items. Stylists tip from Bazaar: "Head-to-toe hues are best in streamlined silhouettes."

I just love how they styled this rose blouse with black pants and a black and animal print jacket...great styling inspiration:

Here are some rose items to check out:

*ASOS Skinny Jeans in Soft Rose, $63

*Gryphon Goa Pullover, $390

*Gap Slim Dolman Top, $25

NuyBeauty: Mixed Kids Curly Hair How to, Care, Style Tips w/ @Fashionalities

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:14:00 PST

I'm excited to share these curly tips for little one's hair and a fab giveaway that I'm doing with one of my favorite beauty sites, Nuy Beauty! I've known Nuy since my days in New York and she's always been the person I turn to with beauty questions. Recently we were chatting about our girls curly hair and what we use to work with it and decided we would do a post to share what we use/do and see what we can learn from our readers.
To win the amazing Brazilian After Dark Blow Dryer, please leave a comment here or on Nuy Beauty sharing what you use for your child's curly hair by next Monday, January 30th. Also follow us on twitter at @nuybeauty and @fashionalities and on facebook www.facebook.com/nuybeauty and www.facebook.com/twitter to get more fun insight on beauty and fashion.
Good luck and I hope you enjoy the video!:)

The product I use on Sahara and my hair:

The LEAF Series: How To Layer Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:30:00 PST

Layering is truly an art...have fun playing with your jewelry this weekend...I know this will help inspire you:)

Some of my fave items from the new selection at Madewell

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:51:00 PST

I love the styling at Madewell and their items too of course! They have an amazing catalog too! Sign up online for it...it's worth it!:)

Stucco Stripe Songbird Dress $128

Two-tone flatstack platform $178

Striped Parklane dress $178

The tassel pocket wallet $52

Cabana Dress $178

honeydew® intimates flower lace bralette $32

Introducing my new beauty obsession: BIRCHBOX

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:48:00 PST

Who doesn't want to get samples like this for ONLY $10 a month and learn about new products!? It's like getting a goodie bag every month without going to an event:) And, you can buy anything you LOVE from the sample set on BirchBox usually with a discount.
I just received my first months box and loved it...it was super fun getting new items to try. I'd been meaning to sign up for so long and I'm mad I waited so long. This is also a great gift for someone. This way they'll get something special from you every month:) If you are interested in signing up check it out here.

Cheap Chicas on Nate Berkus show sharing about 8 items every lady should have in her wardrobe...including the ponte knit pant

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:34:00 PST

Here is the show and a couple of ideas for how to style your new ponte knit pants:)

and

The new must-have pant according to Cheap Chicas

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:13:00 PST

Ponte Knit Pant by fashionalities featuring ponte knit pants

1. Women's Alexander Wang Ponte Knit Track Pants $450 crazy high, but thought I'd share designer version as well;) 2. Lilliana's fave! Simply Vera Vera Wang Skinny Ponte Pants on sale for $33.60..maybe get a coupon and take a little more off:) 3. Rachel Roy Skinny Ponte Pants $207 4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Mason Ponte Knit Pant $118 5. Similar to above: MICHAEL Michael Kors Petite Pants, Skinny Leg Ponte Knit $29.99 6. The pair I think I'm getting by Gap of course:) Gap Ponte Pant (they seem to have a variety of styles in ponte knit) $16.99

After watching the Nate Berkus show last week an item that Lilliana Vazquez of Cheap Chicas was gushing over caught my attention. The Ponte Knit Pant. Now she says this is an everyday pant for any lady...from home to office...it's an upgrade to the legging, but just as comfy. I'm excited to try them out...but, wanted to ask her a few more questions and thought I'd share:)
NOTE: Here is the show that I am referring to over and over:)

*Why would you say every woman needs a pair of black ponte knit pants in their wardrobe?

IT’S A STAPLE...JUST LIKE A CLASSIC WHITE BUTTON DOWN. THEY'RE EASY TO PAIR WITH OTHER CLASSIC ITEMS OR USE THEM TO EXPERIMENT WITH MORE FASHION FORWARD ITEMS. I'M ALSO ALL ABOUT PIECES THAT MIX FUNCTION AND FASHION--PONTE PANTS ARE SO COMFORTABLE AND THEY CAN GO SUPER CASUAL OR DRESSED UP. AND IN MY OPINION, THEY'RE THE PERFECT HYBRID--THE COMFORT OF A LEGGING WITH THE STYLING OF A TROUSER THANKS TO THE DOUBLE KNIT INTERLOCK FABRIC THAT MAKES THEM FIRM AND RESILIENT BUT STILL FLEXIBLE AND SOFT.

*I don't own any yet and I'm searching for the right pair. Which brands do you recommend trying?

I REALLY LIKE SIMPLY VERA VERA WANG AT KOHLS. HERS HAVE GREAT DETAILING (SEAMS, POCKETS), GREAT STRETCH THAT BOUNCES BACK AFTER WASHING AND THEY'RE SUPER AFFORDABLE! OLD NAVY ALSO MAKES SOME GREAT ONES THAT HAVE A MORE MODERN FLAIR! (She got these in December…I didn’t see them online. But, I say check out your local store. They have huge sales going on right now and you might be able to test this new pant out for nothing:))

*How would you style the black ponte knit pant?

I LOVE A PONTE PANT WITH AN OVER SIZED SWEATER AND FLAT BOOTS IN THE WINTER. FOR A DRESSIER LOOK AT THE OFFICE OR A NIGHT OUT THEY ALSO LOOK SUPER CUTE WITH A SILK BUTTON DOWN, A BLAZER AND HEELS!

*Please include anything about the pant I should share:)

THEY HAVE TO HAVE DETAILS LIKE SEAMS AND/OR POCKETS-- THE FABRIC SHOULD ALSO FEEL THICK AND STRUCTURED, OTHERWISE IT'S JUST A LEGGING!

Introducing The Shops at Target

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:25:00 PST

I get even more excited watching this! I want it all...ok something from every focus:) Or maybe more...I will either be buying in store (preferably) or online. Wondering what the price point will be like and how they will have the "boutique" look in store.

Hello Willis from Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:46:00 PST

Well, it seems I keep falling in LOVE with Coach handbags recently...and this time it's not a limited edition Blogger handbag...but, it is something special. A remix to the classic everyone already loved. I'm loving the color choices below...but, there are more options. The top right is so fun, but I'd probably go with the classic bottom left option. I just love that color for everything:) I think the tassel is also what does it for me. I wonder how large the bag is...I do like my bags big. Hopefully they will have the handbag in store so I can check it out. I'm going to the local Coach store on Friday since I was told new items would be coming in, so I'm crossing my fingers:) Which color would you get?

Hello Willis! by fashionalities featuring a leather shoulder bag

Handbag, $298
Handbag, $298
COACH leather shoulder bag, $298
Handbag, $298
Handbag, $298

Jason Wu for Target on the Today show

noreply@blogger.com (Natasha Holstine) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:12:00 PST

I'm really going to have to see everything in store...I'm just never sure if items will be too short. But, I'm very excited about some of the handbags! They have definitely caught my eye! What are you wanting from the Jason Wu for Target line? Do you think it will sell out like Missoni for Target did since the first lady has worn his designs?

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