Fashion Rave

Blazing Hot Summer Hats

2012-07-02T19:51:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone! I'm back for the summer looking stylish and having fun while I'm at it. Summer is all about the outdoors, whether your enjoying the pool, a barbeque, the park or the beach. You definitely need a summer hat to protect yourself from the blazing hot sun and to keep you looking chic. These are the top two summer hat trends that I'm raving about that you can wear everywhere.

Fedoras- A popular male dominated hat is taking over this summer with casual and trendy women styles. The women's fedora can be found in neutral, vibrant pops of color or prints with a rounded bottom rim this summer. Compliment your summer outfits by adding a trendy or casual fedora to instantly look stylish. Check me out below wearing my fav neutral fedora.

Over-sized Sun Hats- Over-sized floppy hats are reemerging this summer as vintage chic beachwear. You can grab a color blocked or printed large sun hat to make a neutral outfit or bathing suit pop. This summer grab a neutral over-sized hat to top off several outfits and achieve a timeless and elegant look.

So grab a sleek fedora or over-sized sun hat this summer and stay chic in the sun.

XOXO

Spring Fashion Rave

2012-03-02T18:19:00.012-05:00

Spring is upon us, it's in the air, I can feel it. I love the spring season not only for the beauty in nature and the transitioning to a warmer climate but for the amazing fashions. It's time to show a brand new you, so lets spring forward. Here are my favorite spring 2012 fashion trends from the runway that I'm excited about and ready to wear.

1. Brights/Neon-This spring is going to be all about brights and neon, especially incorporating them in accessories like the ones below, the brighter the better. Colored denim is back this spring season, I love colored skinny jeans with neutral flats or heels. It's all about balance you could wear a bright colored dress, pants or top and wear neutral or colored accessories that compliment the outfit not clash it.

My Favorite- Yellow Neon Bag: Target

2. Bold Prints- Bold prints aren't for everyone, but I'm up for it... are you? This spring embrace bold florals, tribal, stripes and geometric prints in relaxed fits. These prints are attention grabbers for sure, bold prints definitely bring a fun energy. Try bold prints this spring in dresses, skirts, pants, and tops. If your not adventurous enough to try bold print clothing yet, try bold print shoes or accessories.

Nastygal.com BCBG MAXZRIA: Spring 2012 Runway Nastygal.com

3. Pastels- Candy colored hues and soft feminine pastel shades hit this springs sweet spot. Pastels bring a distinctive feminine vibe this spring through blouses, blazers and dresses with pleats and ruffle detailing. These pale colors can be incorporated in pants and accessories as well.

Spring 2012 Runway- Philip Lim and Prada: Top left corner

4. Embellishments- Sequins, metallics and embroidered embellishments on tops, skirts and dresses are the perfect touch of spring glamour for day or night. Embellished accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and handbags with baubles are an ideal way to update your look this spring. Look for gold, sliver or pewter colored embellishments.

Harper's Bazaar: Coco Rocha Sequin Dress and Skirt: BCBG MAXZRIA

Hope you enjoyed my Spring Fashion Rave. What's your favorite spring fashion trend or look?

XOXO

♥ Valentines Day Makeup Look ♥ Sweet Island Sunset

2012-02-13T01:08:00.015-05:00

Valentines Day is almost here ladies and I was inspired to create this mesmerizing Valentines Day makeup look. I created this look by using NYC's eyeshadow duo palette in Island Sunset. This V-Day makeup look is easy to achieve and very affordable. I love the color purple, and pink was the perfect color for the holiday. So go ahead, try this makeup look for Valentines Day or any fun occasion. Check out my picture tutorial below for the complete look. Hope you Enjoy!


NYC's City Duet: Island Sunset: CVS $2.99

Step 1 Step 2

Step 1: Start with a freshly moisturized face, I have applied my foundation/concealer. I then applied eyeshadow primer to my eyelids to enhance the colors of the eyeshadows and to keep the eyeshadows from creasing.

Step 2: Using an eyeshadow brush, I took the pink eyeshadow from NYC's Island Sunset duo palette and applied it over my entire lid. You could apply as little or as much color to your liking.

Step 3 Step 4

Step 3: Using a crease brush, I took the purple eyeshadow from NYC's Island Sunset duo palette and applied it from the inner corner of my eyelid crease to the outer corner of my eyelid crease. Blend, blend, blend in a windshield wiper motion into the pink color to create a gradient effect. This purple eyeshadow adds dept and dimension to the look.

Step 4: Here I took a flat eyeshadow brush and applied the cream color from Elf's Day to Night quad palette underneath my brow bone as my highlight color. Take your crease brush and make sure to blend the cream color with the purple eyelid crease color.

Step 5 Complete Look

Step 5: Using an eyeliner brush, I took Wet and Wild's gel liner and lined my lower lash line from the inner corner to the outer corner, creating a slight winged cat eye. I then applied mascara and a sheer pink lip gloss. Vuala! there you have it, my complete Sweet Island Sunset V-Day makeup look.

Whether you enjoy Valentines Day with your special someone or with friends and family...love, feel pretty and have fun.

♥ XOXO ♥

DIY: Collar Necklace

2012-01-31T22:16:00.011-05:00

Hi Everyone! I've got the collar craze. I was inspired to make a collar necklace after watching fashion guru Chriselle's DIY- The Collar Craze video which is a very cool and creative idea. In the video she shows a simple way to make a collar necklace from a men collard shirt and accessories you already own.The collar necklace is a super chic way to spice up your dresses, shirts, sweaters and really make a fashion statement. Check out Chriselle's video below to make your own. I've included pictures of my completed collar statement necklace below as well, let me know what you think.

My Completed Collar Necklace

Up-close Look

I've got The Collar Craze!

I hope you were inspired and got the collar craze like me. If you make a collar necklace I would love to see it,
tweet me a pic @FashionRave529 on Twitter.

XOXO

Top 5 Winter Must Haves

2012-01-04T16:34:00.011-05:00

Happy Winter 2012 Everybody! Here in Charlotte North Carolina the real cold winter weather seems to just be getting started. Well now that it's actually here, this calls for an update in my fashion wardrobe. Below are my top 5 winter must haves this season. These key pieces will definitely update your wardrobe and keep you fashionably warm too.

1. Cowl-Neck Sweater

Cowl-neck sweaters are the perfect alternative to your classic turtle neck sweater. The cowl-neck sweater is this season’s IT sweater style.These sweaters have a draped casual neckline which brings attention to your face. You can find these sweaters in a variety of colors and styles. Below are some cowl-neck sweaters and the top of my gold metallic cowl-neck sweater.

Charcoal Slouchy Cowl Neck Sweater Karen Kane Cowl Neck Sweater Vintage Cowl Neck Sweater

@ winsorstore.com @ Nordstrom

2. Faux Black Leather Jacket
A faux black leather jacket is perfect for many seasons. This winter pull out or get a thicker leather jacket to keep warm. The faux black leather jacket is very versatile and comes in different styles such as the Moto or Bomber.You can give any outfit an edge this winter with a black leather jacket, wear it with dresses, with jeans, leggings you name it.

Moto Faux Leather Jacket Black Faux Leather Jacket Xhilaration Bomber Jacket

@ hm.com @ winsorstore.com @Target

3. Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants are a chic must have this winter. Cords are warmer than your regular pair of jeans so they will keep your legs warm in the colder weather. These pants are available in many colors and styles, such as neutrals or brights, skinny, flared and boot cut styles.

KUT from the Kloth Skinny Corduroys J Brand Ali High-Rise Corduroys KUT from the Kloth Skinny Corduroys

@ Nordstroms @ piperlime.com @ Nordstroms

4. Faux Fur

Faux fur pieces are all the rage this winter. Try a faux fur trim cape which adds a little bit of glamor if you’re not ready for a full on faux fur piece. My favorite is the faux fur vest which is a great layering piece to go under coats or over sweaters. Add a hint of glam with a faux fur stole to accessorize your dress for an elegant look.

Faux Fur Trim Cape @ Victoria Secret Sabine Feather Fur Vest Blonde Fur Stole @ dorothyperkins.com

@ piperlime.com

5. Circle Scarves

Now that the cold weather has arrived I grab my circle scarf to keep warm. Circle scarves give a modern vibe to your outfit. You could wear your favorite circle scarf over your coats, cardigans and sweaters. Wrap the circle scarf two or three times around your neck for a warm comfy fit. For a head wrap you can hang the entire loop over your head covering your ears and wrap it once or twice around your neck, depending on the length.

Wool Sleeve Eternity Scarf Slouchy Circle Scarf @ Banana Republic The Unisex Circle Scarf

@ Urban Outfitters @ American Apparel

Show off you style this winter, even when it’s freezing cold outside.

XOXO

Holiday Gift Guide: For Women and Men

2011-12-01T12:41:00.015-05:00

Hi everybody, the holidays are quickly approaching and I want to share some holiday gift ideas to give for women and men who are family, friends, and loved ones. These gift ideas would be great for your mom, dad, aunt, uncle,sister, brother, husband, wife, best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend etc...lol you can’t go wrong with these gifts for Christmas. Check out the holiday gift guide I've put together and give one of these gifts for that special person in your life. I've combined a variety of products that you can find in several stores and online. You don’t necessarily have to give the same brands as I have featured, you can choose whichever brand you’d like and that fits your budget. I love all of these gifts and I’m positive that the person receiving any of these gifts will love it.

Gifts for Women

1. Designer Handbag- Give her a designer handbag that fits her personality, a designer handbag is something she will wear all year round.


Coach Swingpack Crossbody

2. Perfume/Fragrance- Who doesn’t like to turn heads with their scent, I know I do. Give her a fragrance so she will smell great everywhere she goes. Fragrance gift sets are great now because they include lotions and body washes. Below are some of my favorite perfume/fragrances that I would give.

Calvin Klein: Eternity, Bath & Body Works: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Jennifer Lopez: Live Lux, Mariah Carey: M

3. Makeup Brushes- For the Beauty Queen on your gift list, give her a makeup brush set. Sigma Beauty's Make Me Crazy Travel Kit is a fun set that carries the essentials brushes to create beautiful stylish makeup looks. I love the containers the brushes come in because you can set it on the dresser or close it up when traveling.

Sigma Beauty: Make Me Crazy Travel Kit

4. Jewelry- Give her a personalized name or monogram pendant she will love and never forget. You can customize and get these necklaces in sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver at mynamenecklace.com

mynamenecklace.com

Gifts for Men

1. Cologne- Ladies give a cologne that you think would smell great on him. If you know his favorite cologne, go for it. I love the distinctive masculine smell of these colognes below.

Calvin Klein: Eternity for Men, Giorgio Armani: Acqua Di Gio, Ralph Lauren: Polo Blue

2. Wallet- All men need wallets, give him a sleek classic wallet that he will pull out in style.


Nautica, Guess

3. Watch- Give him a watch so he can always be on time for work, a date and never miss an important event.

Invicta: Men's Collection Chronograph, Kenneth Cole New York: Men's Watch

4. Gift Card- If you have no idea what to get the men in your life, give him a gift card to his favorite store; electronics and clothing stores are a big hit. Or you can give him a Visa or American Express gift card, so he can spend it on whatever he wishes.

Happy Holidays! Have fun shopping for everyone on your list. I hope this holiday gift guide was of help to choose the perfect gift for the women and men in your lives this holiday season.

XOXO

Thanksgiving/Fall Nails

2011-11-23T14:13:00.019-05:00

Thanksgiving is here and I was inspired to do a Thanksgiving/Fall nail design. I was inspired by the red and orange leafs during this time of year. I love watching the color transitioning of the leafs so I combined these two fall colors into my nail design. I had so much fun doing this nail design, I will definitely have this nail design for Thanksgiving. Below is the complete nail look and a step by step visual tutorial to achieve these Thanksgiving/Fall nails.

Thanksgiving/Fall Nails

Items Used

Step by Step

1. First apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and nail polish. I used Sally Hansen's Ultimate Shield.

2. Take an orange nail polish of your choice, I used NYC Time Square Tangerine Creme and paint half of your nail.

3. Paint the other half of your nail with a red nail polish of your choice, I used China Glaze Ruby Pumps.

4. Take a nail art striper or nail art pen and draw a black line down the middle of your nail where both colors meet.

5. Draw 3 diagonal lines from the middle line to the outer corners of your nail on both sides, starting at the bottom to the top. These diagonal lines will be your leaf design. Apply a top coat to seal your nail design and to give your nails an extra shine.

*** You could also apply gold diagonal stripes if you wish, I did this only on my ring finger using a gold nail art striper.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you were inspired to try this nail art design. I would love to see your nail design if you try this look or try your own Thanksgiving/Fall nail design. Send me a tweet pic on my Twitter @FashionRave529. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with the people you love and create memories that will last a lifetime.

XOXO

❤ Feathers ❤

2011-11-18T00:14:00.015-05:00

I love feathers, I've been really into feathers lately and have been inspired to wear feathers this month. I tried clip on feather hair extensions, in which I added an extra pop of color to my black hair. Feather hair extensions have transcended from summer to fall and winter. There are many feather extensions available online, in hair salons, malls and local beauty supplies stores. The clip on feather hair extensions I thought would be easier to put on and take out whenever I wanted. You could buy real bird feathers or synthetic feathers which are more cost effective.

You could try feathers in hot fall colors like oranges,browns, mustard yellows and reds to set the color theme for the season, but you don't necessarily have to stick to these colors. Try different colored feathers and see what fits your personality. I love these royal purple feather earrings I'm wearing below, especially because purple is my favorite color. The feather necklaces featured below are very bold and chic, so pick feather necklaces that will compliment various outfits in your wardrobe. Feather earrings and necklaces can be found just about everywhere in wide assortments.

Top Shop Forever 21

Condition Culture Finefeatherheads

Splendora Style Hive: Charlotte Russe Forever 21

The fun thing about feathers is that you can glam up a fashion look or create a laid back bohemian look.

Which feather accessory was your favorite ?

XOXO

December 2011 Vogue: Breaking Away

2011-11-14T10:46:00.009-05:00

Charlize Theron is absolutely stunning in these photographs photographed by Annie Leibovitz. These editorial photos capture a relaxing, romantic and peaceful mood. She looks blissful in the natural setting which captures a since of freedom. The fashions are beautiful, feminine and elegant which Charlize Theron showcases. These are fantastic inspirational photos featuring flowing, beaded, and sparkling dresses which are perfect for the holiday festivities.

Alexander McQueen silver glass-and-metal beaded dress.

Marchesa pale-blue tulle dress

Christopher Kane dress.

Salvatore Ferragamo silk-chiffon halter dress

December 2011 Vogue Cover

I hope you ladies were inspired and enjoyed these beautiful fashion photographs.

XOXO

Fierce Leopard Print Accessories

2011-11-11T11:11:00.011-05:00

Hi Fashion Ravers, leopard print never fails year after year, it's very stylish. Here's how you can enhance and personalize your outfits with a pop of leopard print. Make a statement with these glamorous leopard print pieces by accessorizing only, this adds style to a basic look and updates classic outfits.

Below are some leopard print accessories that you can wear this fall/winter, as well as some of my go to leopard print accessories. So go bold and go wild, you‘ll definitely look sassy and chic with leopard print.

*TIP : Break it up, no need to go head to toe in leopard print. One leopard print accessory will be sufficient, don’t overdo it by wearing a leopard print hat, belt, bracelet and shoes, lol. If you want to wear color with leopard print, stick to one color and neutrals.

Leopard Hat: Nordstroms Leopard Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

Leopard Pumps: Tory Burch Leopard Bangles: Forever 21

Leopard Scarf: Vintage Leopard Clutch: Express

XOXO

My Favorite Fall Shoes

2011-10-17T00:37:00.016-04:00

Hi Fashion Ravers, I'm excited to share with you all my favorite Fall shoes. Here in Charlotte, NC the weather currently varies. It will get chilly in the morning, then during midday/afternoon hours it will get warm in the upper 70's and then at night it will get brisk again. None the less I'm ready for the Fall weather and I'm ready to rock my boots. Check out my tall boots, ankle boots and pumps below.

I love these black riding boots, the buckle strap detailing on the heel give this boot an edgy look. Riding boots will be a great addition to your wardrobe. Fierce! I enjoy wearing my tall brown riding boots for Fall because their sleek and classic. You can wear riding boots with casual dresses, skinny jeans, leggings, skirts or tights.

Nicole Riding Boots Chadwicks Riding Boots

These black booties hit right at the ankle, I love the zipper detailing along the back of the heel. Since I'm a little on the short side, I like wearing these ankle boots with black leggings, jeans or pants because it elongates my legs and I avoid looking short and stubby, which ankle boots tend to do. If your tall your in luck, you could wear these ankle booties bare leg with skirts and dresses.Steve Madden shoes are always on point with the latest looks for any style. I like wearing my round toe pumps for dressy occasions.

Madden Girl Ankle Boots Steve Madden Pumps

I hope you enjoyed taking a peak at my favorite Fall shoes. Go ahead and make a stylish statement this Fall with your favorite shoes.

Vogue Italia Beauty

2011-10-14T02:23:00.016-04:00

Hi ladies, I enjoy looking at various editorials for artistic inspiration. I want to share this gorgeous beauty editorial I came across on fashiongonerogue.com from the October 2011 issue of Vogue Italia. Photographer Sølve Sundsbø captured these eye catching beauty portraits featuring Sigrid Agren. These photos capture beauty trends for Fall 2011 featuring floral bright eyeshadows, and bold red lips. I love the creativity of the obscured beauty looks with the water drops and the image manipulation. This editorial spread is so unique and beautiful that I was inspired to take an obscured beauty portrait. Using Image Manipulation of broken glass I created my own portrait.

Autumn Smile

2011-10-02T01:23:00.010-04:00

Check out this video "Autumn Smile" it's chic, fun and flirty. It absolutely made me smile and it features some awesome fall fashions from the Spanish brand Blanco. I definitely found some fall outfit inspirations and I hope you do too. ENJOY! =)

Autumn Smile. Woman Collection from SUITEBLANCO on Vimeo.

DIY: Easy Chevron Nail-Art Design

2011-09-30T11:34:00.006-04:00

Hey Ladies, I loved this chevron nail design I saw on Refinery29.com. I was inspired to try it myself and blog about it for you ladies to try out as well. This nail design is a chic reverse French manicure, the nail art design can be created using a variety of colors. Since I love the color purple and I thought it would be a great color for Fall, I used China Glaze: Coconut Kiss for my base color and L.A color art deco nail art lacquer in black. Here is a photo of my own design and what I used.

1. Start by painting the nail polish of your choice on the bottom of your nail in a rough triangle shape, it doesn't have to be perfect. Refinery29 used a nude nail polish, and for mine I used a purple.

Refinery29

2. Then taking a thin, precise black brush, I used the L.A art deco, draw two criss-crossing diagonal lines over your nail. You should be drawing over your base color.Then fill in the rest of the nail with black polish.

Refinery29

3. Wait until your nail polish is completely dry to prevent smearing, then apply your favorite top coat and your done. An easy, simple do it yourself Chevron nail-art design.

Refinery29

I would love to see your own design. Tweet me a picture @ FashionRave529 on Twitter.

Fall Must Haves

2011-09-26T23:13:00.019-04:00

I've selected my top 5 Fall must haves. These Fall must haves are versatile and will keep your friends raving about your fashion style.

1.Sweaters- There’s nothing like a comfortable cozy sweater for the Fall season to keep you warm and stylish.You could wear a sweater with jeans for a relaxed look or pair it with a midi skirt for a more polished look. Below are some of my favorite sweaters this Fall.

Left- J Crew: Fisherman sweater, Right- H&M: Jumper sweater

2.Scarves- When it starts to get a little chilly outside grab your scarf to keep warm. Scarves give a modern vibe to your outfit. You could wear your favorite scarf over your coats, cardigans and sweaters. Scarves are a great way to add Fall flare. There are many options when it comes to scarves, like colors, patterns, and fabrics.

Left- Top shop: Pleated pussybow scarf, Right- Heavenly Couture: Cheetah scarf

3.Midi skirts- Ladylike midi skirts are all the rage for Fall. Midi skirts are a trendy Fall must have that I’m thrilled to put on.Wear a Midi skirt along with a 70’s inspired blouse and tall boots for a retro feminine look. Check out these midi skirts.

Left- Missselfridge.com: Crepe midi skirt, Right Topshop: Embellished midi skirt

4.Flared Jeans- Flared jeans are a staple piece in my wardrobe and a must have for Fall. These 70’s inspired jeans can be worn with just about anything.

Left- Gap: Wide leg trousers, Right- Old Navy: Flared jeans

5. Black Boots- You can never go wrong with black boots, they are classic. From knee high boots to booties you can wear black boots with your coats, midi skirts, dresses and jeans. Wear black boots with confidence this Fall 2011.

Left- Nordstroms, Right- Womensblackboots.com

Fall 2011 Beauty Trend: Spider Lashes

2011-09-24T15:14:00.006-04:00

I was very intrigued by Spider lashes when I saw them on models from Gucci Fall 2011, as well as in several fashion magazines. Spider lashes are a hot trend this Fall that I had to try. Below are images of the runway beauty look and my interpretation of the beauty look.

Spider Lashes, Gucci Fall 2011

*** For this look keep your face very simple and clean, do not put any eyeshadow on and go for a classic red or neutral lip. The Spider lashes will speak for themselves and make your eyes pop. I used my Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Blackest Black, applied 3 coats and clumped my lashes together. For a thicker Spider lash effect apply 5 coats of mascara.

Fall Fashion Trends 2011

2011-09-23T16:37:00.011-04:00

Hi Fashion Ravers, well today marks the first official day of Fall. Fall I have to say is one of my favorite seasons. I want to start off by showing my favorite 2011 Fall trends. I hope you ladies like my picks and incorporate them into your fashion wardrobe.

1. Polka Dots- Fun and playful polka dots are an old time favorite and is one of the hottest trends this season. This Fall be spotted with big bold polka dots to micro polka dots in a variety of colors. You will certainly feel chic and stand out in the crowd. Polka dots are popping up on hosiery, hats,skirts, blouses and dresses.

Marc Jacobs Jil Stuart Macy's

2. Tie Neck Blouses- This Fall try a feminine, romantic tie neck blouse to enhance your confidence. Tie Neck Blouses are elegant and ladylike, they can be worn to dress up your suits or your denim jeans.

Nordstrom's PiperLime BCBG Max Azria

4. Berry Hues- This color trend has various hues from violets, to rich berries and plums shades. I absolutely love this trend and I'm berry excited to wear this color for the Fall. Wear just hints of berry hues, and avoid wearing the same color from head to toe. You could try this trend in blouses, skirts or dresses.

Pink Tartan Gucci Brian Reyes

5. Mustard Hues- Deep yellow hues for the Fall is very chic and bold. Try mustard hues that compliment your skin tone, choose from a deeper mustard hue to a medium or vibrant shade.

Lanvin The Row Wes Gordon

** When wearing the monochromatic color trend from head to toe follow these tips to complete your look.

- Choose slightly different hues of the same color.
- Wear contrasting accessories to break up lines.

Must have Bags for Summer 2011

2011-07-19T16:12:00.002-04:00

# 1. Fringes

When I think of fringes I think fall or winter, but fringes are back and in style this summer. Fringed bags will give you that Hippie fashion look you've always wanted.

Roberto Cavalli Blu Marine

# 2. The Mini purse

The mini purse is when you don’t want to carry a lot of things around. So it’s perfect for the summer when you’re going out for a quick errand, a date night, or a fun night out where you don’t want to carry your whole life around. These purses are very chic and I love the chain detailing which acts as an accessory to your outfit just like a necklace would.

Blu Girl Derrek Lam

# 3. Natural Fabrics

I love flower prints, and this summer bring bright colors and natural fabrics to your hand bags such as raphia, straw or linen. These bags are perfect for the beach and everyday to bring a natural eco- chic style to your outfit.

Moschino Cheap & Chic Hermes

# 4. Shoulder straps

I enjoy carrying shoulder strap bags especially in the summer when I go to school because my hands are free to carry books, magazines, keys you name it. This summer pouches and messenger bags can be worn across the chest or on the shoulder along the hips.

Moschino Ana Sui

Images provided by Caroline Daily.com

Larger than Life Jewlery

2011-07-07T17:03:00.007-04:00

I’m captivated by Charles Albert’s use of various stones and sterling silver to create these extravagant glamorous statement pieces. Charles Albert’s jewelry is a fashion-forward brand, with a variety of large beautiful pieces. I was amazed at the different stones he uses along with the sterling silver detailing. His jewelry is a work of art as well as high fashion which I find irresistible.

I was inspired by the statement pieces of jewelry which could be worn with simple outfits to make them pop. I love how Charles Albert incorporated a Look book Collection on his website; you really get a feel for what his designs represent. His jewelry is meant to attract attention and is larger than life. The editorial pictures show off the bold and edgy jewelry and the Look book Collection pieces have been featured in Marie Claire, Vogue Germany, ELLE Mexico, ZINK, Hydrogen, TLC and Teen Vogue.

Check out the Lookbook and the Website----> http://www.charlesalbertlookbook.com/

This jewelry line is in a high end market, but you can find affordable alternatives similar at Aldo accessories, Forever21, and Charlotte Russe. *Check out the links below the images.

Charlotte Russe Necklaces

Aldo Necklaces & Forever 21 Rings

Green is the New Black: Ad campaign

2011-07-07T14:11:00.001-04:00

Last quarter for my Principles of Advertising class, my group and I had the opportunity to create a mock advertising campaign for Runway to Green; which had "29 top designers in the fashion industry staging a runway show to raise money for environmental education and awareness programs. The designers also agreed to participate in the Natural Resources Defense Council's Clean by Design program, which will teach them how to integrate greener practices into many aspects of their businesses, from raw materials, fabric finishing and production, to packaging, recycling and shipping".

Huff Post Style: Green is the New Black

Our ad campaigns goal was to create a widespread awareness and interest about Eco-friendly fashion in the Charlotte, NC community, and host an event such as Runway to Green here locally. We wanted customers to get excited about “doing their part” and becoming involved with environmental practices. For our campaign we hosted a “green” fashion show at South Park Mall. My group and I did research and conducted surveys to become knowledgeable about our target market, venues, retailers, sponsors, and created a creative brief for our objectives.

Images: Getty Images, Charlotte Style Magazine, Stylecity2 Blog

The group wanted a name that combined Eco friendly with fashion, so we agreed to go with the concept and name the fashion show event “Green is the New Black” with the tagline “Changing the World with Style. The event would take place in South Park Mall on Saturday, September 24, 2011. We would collaborate with retailers in the mall who currently sell Eco-friendly merchandise such as Anthropology, Urban Outfitters, as well as use clothing from local designers/retailers. I had the opportunity to create the logo and media graphics in Photoshop that would be featured for our social media on Facebook, Twitter, our YouTube channel and Website that we created on Wix.com. For our ad campaign “Green is the Black” we would have “Teasers” advertisements beginning in June on the digital posters in South Park Mall as well as on the South Park Website and on our social media sites. We would reveal one puzzle piece first then the other puzzle pieces would be added sporadically with in the week leading up to the event then eventually revealing our fashion show event.

Green is the New Black Ad and Logo

Green is the New Black Facebook fan page

Visit the Green is the New Black website

We had several sponsors for the event that promote and sell eco friendly merchandise such as Trader Joes, and Whole Foods. We also had Simon Mall, and Clean by Design as sponsors. At the fashion show event we would have a 1 minute video presentation about Runway to Green and Green is the New Black in the beginning of the event to educate the audience. At the event we would be giving out eco friendly Green is the New Black tote bags with stuffers from featured retailers and sponsors. We would give out T-shirts at the end of the event and also sell them afterwards in our information booth. We wanted Green is the new Black to be positioned as a fresh, modern idea to help preserve the environment through the fashion industry. Overall, I had fun creating this ad campaign and our teacher loved our campaign and wishes this event would come to reality.

Check out the Green is the New Black merchandise

Summer 2011 Sunglasses Trends

2011-06-25T20:44:00.010-04:00

Here are some of the summer’s hottest sunglasses from the runway. Summer is here and the sun is blazing hot. Try some of the summers best shade trends to protect your eyes as well as look fabulous on your summer traveling adventures. You will surly make a statement and complete your outfits with these summer sunglasses. There are many affordable sunglasses in various retail stores.

Aviators Sunglasses
Aviator shades are my go to favorites for the summer, they are very stylish, and versatile. I love my bronze metal-framed aviators. Aviators look clean but still have an edge to them.

T.J. Maxx: Rampage Chanel

Retro Sunglasses
Retro shades please most face shapes and are universal. Retro sunglasses come in infinite shades and designs. I like the angled design on my retro sunglasses with the dark lenses, and the silver pieces in the front.

Urban Outfitters: Risky Business Sunglasses Stella McCartney

Cat Eye Sunglasses
The 50's cat eye shades are back in style this summer 2011. Look for frames with a slight point. Cat eye shades are one of the seasons must haves to top off your outfits. Try updated cat eye sunglasses in colorful frames to give you that modern edge with a pop of color. I find these purple cat eye shades irresistible.

Kohls: Simply Vera Vera Wang Christian Dior

Sizzling Summer Makeup

2011-06-23T14:15:00.004-04:00

Keep things sizzling this summer with this hot makeup look. I love trying

bold and vibrant color looks especially in the summer. You too can be unique and show off your own style

with this yellow and orange eye makeup look that you and your friends will be raving about.

Items Used:

Foundation- Cover Girl- Q215 Brown Bronze 2

Eyeshadows- Nyx- Trio, NYC- Upper Zest Side

Black Mascara- Maybelline Great Lash

Black Eyeliner- L'Oreal Pencil Perfect

Lips- L'Oreal Hip- Adoring 578

Spring Trend, Color Blocking

2011-04-12T15:20:00.004-04:00

Hi fashion ravers, I've been in love with color blocking which has got to be one of my favorite trends for spring. I love the vibrant pops of color which are eye catching and fun; color makes me feel happy go lucky. Below is my color blocking look which was inspired by Gucci's mix of colors from the runway.

Color Blocking; Outfit of The Day

Spring is all about bold brights and cool color combos that create contrast to your outfits. You could wear a color combo by choosing two hues in the same color family; for example green, you could try a lime green and a forest green, just make sure that the colors compliment your skin tone. So go ahead and try different color combos and see your vibrant new look.

When wearing the color blocking trend keep bags, shoes and accessories in neutral colors. I chose brown heels and no accessories for my outfit. Makeup and hair as well should be kept very minimal; I just have on foundation and lined my bottom lash line with black eyeliner, no eye makeup and I applied mascara. For a chic touch I applied a red orange lip.

Fashion Styling Video-Blissful Escape

2011-03-24T01:18:00.031-04:00

Hello everyone so continuing with my previous blog post I and partner Jillian McConnell were inspired by a video that designer Killian Kerner had already made featuring some of his spring/summer 2010 collection. In the video he features the indie Berlin band Mor La Peach. The video took place on a windy beach natural setting.

Our group decided it would be best to use the aspects we saw to our advantage. To achieve the natural setting we saw in our inspiration video we chose to shoot our video at a park against the tree line and in the forest itself. We chose a male and a female model as well, our fabulous models were Lisette Ocampo and Ryan Jones.I bought the dress that our model wore and bought yards of fabric which Jillian sewed and draped over the dress, she was also our videographer. Ryan Jones had a fab wardrobe selection so he brought his outfit. I did the models hair and Mai Lee Vang did the makeup. To give the windy effect, we used foam core boards to create wind. Our models had many open and free movements to portray a blissful emotion. So our overall theme was Blissful escape, which is described as the following: Escape from your world. Throw away the everyday stresses of life and take a nature getaway. Relax and feel the bliss of a peaceful environment.


I loved my team, Right: Ryan Jones and Me, Middle Jillian McConnell and Mai Lee Vang, Right: Lisette Ocampo. Everyone did a wonderful job.

Fashion Styling - Designer's Voice

2011-03-24T00:46:00.008-04:00

Designer Kilian Kerner

Hi Fashion ravers, I’ve been working on several fashion projects for school and I am excited about this particular project and would like to share it with you. I and my awesome partner Jillian McConnell were assigned a project in which we had to create a 45 sec promo video featuring a designer of our choice. We chose an up and coming designer Kilian Kerner, who is a German fashion designer from Cologne Germany. He studied drama in Berlin and lives on emotions, and his clothing and fashion shows portrays various emotions. Kilian Kerner started his own fashion label in 2004; he designs for women’s wear and men’s wear. Killian Kerner’s women’s wear is romantic, feminine, and is inspired from Grecian designs and gives a sensual feel. His men's wear is more focused on detail in tailoring as well as casual fashions. You could say his is a minimalist with a chic flare. Killian Kerner is famous for incorporating live music at his fashion shows, he features music from underground indie bands from Berlin on stage as models walk the runway. I did research on various fashion collection Killian Kerner has and selected inspirational photos that portrays the voice of the designer which we would later style for our video.

Our Kilian Kerner fashion photo inspirations from various collections