5 Style Mistakes That Are Making You Look Way Older

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Age is the one inevitable thing that we can’t seem to avoid. Fortunately, we are able to express ourselves through our sense of style. However, the last thing we want to do is make style choices that add years to our age. Luckily, once we discover what clothing styles flatter us and which don’t, we can avoid those unflattering styles that are making you look much older. Take these tips to keep your style vibrant and full of life.

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Sensible Shoes

via Gemma Correll

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The Color Black

While black clothing has always been hailed as the figure-flattering color, and works for almost every occasion, it unfortunately can make you look older. While it does give the appearance of slimming your figure, it can also emphasize dark lines under the chin, shadows around the eyes and wrinkles on the face, according to The Daily Mail. The solution? Avoid wearing black in areas that frame the face, such as in scarves, hats, turtlenecks, and high-collared shirts and coats, and instead, opt for black in bottoms and in low-cut dresses and tops. Adding a colorful necklace or scarf will help to brighten up your complexion,

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Shapeless Clothing

Belt it, cinch it, do whatever it is you have to do to give your clothing a bit of shape to accentuate your figure. No matter what size you are, whether you are a 00 or overweight, shapeless, oversized clothing is not doing you any favors, and is making you look much larger than you are.

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Trendy Clothing

trendy clothing

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Wrong Bra Size

header_image_Eight_Signs_You_are_Wearing_the_Wrong_Bra_Size-fustany-fashion-style-ideas-main-image.jpg

Are you making any of these style faux pas? Do you have any style tips or any you avoid like the plague? Share in the comments section below!

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Chiara Ferragni

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Chiara Ferragni, the well-known fashion blogger who goes by the name of The Blonde Salad. The street style starlet has collaborated with many well-known designers, including the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tommy Hilfiger, and J. Brand, before starting her own brand of adorable & funky footwear.

Chiara Ferragni, aka fashion blogger The Blonde Salad via ShotByGio #theblondesaladneverstops

While her collection of flats are absolutely stunning, she has recently come out with more heels in her namesake fashion line (much to my excitement!). These comic-book inspired mules are both fun and fashion-forward. Wear them with a pair of high-waisted, cropped skinny jeans and a white t-shirt or paired with a simple red shift dress to complete the look.

Chiara Ferragni Patent Pow Heel, ~~was $645~~ now $323

What do you think of these mules? How would you style them?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Charlotte Olympia

Posted on May 26, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

I’m a sucker for anything kitschy, especially when it comes to high heels. These stilettos by Charlotte Olympia are no exception. Featuring a pair of legs for the heel, these shoes are not for the faint of heart. Pair ’em with a simple LBD and some gold jewelry for a night out.

Charlotte Olympia ‘Cheeky’ pumps, $1,608.07

What do you think of these pumps? How would you style them?

xoxo

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and it seems like no gifts can ever really tell the mother figure in your life how much you appreciate everything they’ve done for you over the years. While Mother’s Day is so much more than just gift-giving, it’s a way to show gratitude and appreciation for someone who has taught us how to love selflessly through their own actions. Check out the guide below for some unique and thoughtful gifts to give to the mother figure in your life.

Miu Miu Pantofole Patent Bow Smoking Slipper, $800 / Kate Spade hand bag, $248 / Pearl jewelry, $1,060 / Long necklace, $495 / Nordstrom fringed shawl, $59 / Tom Dixon scented candle, $119 (set of 3)

And if none of those spike your interest, check out these other top picks below:

Jo Malone ‘Lime Basil & Mandarin’ Diffuser, $103

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera, $55

Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry Large Glass Jar Candle, $39

#Mom Life: An Adult Coloring Book, $11.69

Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, $117

Kate Spade New York: all in good taste, $17.80

Bric’s Luggage, $384

SMEG 50’s Retro Style Aesthetic 2 Slice Toaster, Pink, $149

What are your favorite picks for Mother’s Day?

xxo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Pierre Hardy

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

French designer Pierre Hardy is known for making statement shoes with a unique and modern touch. His shoes are anything but boring, as evident with his giant eye shoes and futuristic, sculptural shoes. This pair of boat shoes are emblazoned with a detachable colorful shoelace motif, which naturally raises the cute factor by 110%. Wear ’em with cropped, white skinny jeans or with a loose-fitting midi skirt for a chic and unique look. And simply detach the motif for a more professional style.

Pierre Hardy, $595

What do you think of these funky shoes? How would you choose to style them?

xo

Your Ultimate Beauty Guide, From A-Z: The Letter A

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

via MindBodyGreen

With so many products and treatments available in today’s world, it is difficult to know what each of them mean, and what they do. The A-Z Guide of Beauty is a new segment on Trends & Tribulations that will explain everything related to beauty, starting from the beginning of the alphabet. Without further ado, I bring to you the A’s of beauty.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Activated charcoal is carbon that’s been treated to increase its absorbency. It’s the same stuff that’s been used in emergency rooms to treat alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses for years. It works by attaching to toxins in the stomach and absorbing them before the bloodstream can. Similarly, it acts like a magnet in beauty products to attract and absorb dirt, oil, and impurities.

ALKYL BENZOATE

Used as an emollient in beauty products, from cosmetics to skin and hair products. It provides a conditioning and silky touch to skin.

ALOE VERA

Thayers Alcohol-free Rose Petal Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera, $10.90, via Amazon

Aloe Vera gel comes from the plant, which stores water in its leaves. It has many benefits, including anti-aging and moisturizing properties for skin, and is beneficial for hair, as it balances the pH of hair, encourages hair growth, and is conditioning. Additionally, drinking a few ounces of aloe vera juice daily has great benefits for your health by eliminating toxins in your body.

ALPHA HYDROXY ACID (AHA)

These are acids used to exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells that naturally occur in sugar cane, fruits, and milk products. Helps to clear up sun damage, hyper pigmentation, acne, and fine lines. There are multiple AHA’s out there, but the most popular and most potent one is Glycolic Acid. Some products that contain AHA’s are Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Treatment, $45, via Sephora, or in Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream, $9, via Target.

Tip: Avoid using Glycolic Acid if you’re using a retinol, and instead opt for gentler forms of AHA, like Lactic Acid, which is still effective but less drying.

ANTIOXIDANTS

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist, 1 Fluid Ounce, $10, via Amazon

Antioxidants are nutrients and enzymes that neutralize free radicals to help prevent damage and to repair skin cells.

ARGAN OIL

ACURE 100% USDA Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, $13.49, via Amazon

This oil is pressed from kernels of Argan trees, and contains nutrients and Vitamin E to nourish skin and hair.

ASCORBIC ACID

Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Petal Peel, $64, contains one of the largest amounts of Vitamin C compared to most beauty products

The most researched form of Vitamin C, and the most commonly form of Vitamin C found in skincare products. Helps create younger, firmer skin while fading sun damage and acne scars. Can be used alone or with other antioxidants.

Did any other ingredients beginning with A miss the list that you are curious about? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay lovely,

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Givenchy

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Oh, leather & lace, you never get old, do you? Check out these perforated white leather mules by Givenchy. With a 4 inch heel, these beauties would look amazing styled with a pair of oversized culottes or a flowing, below-the-knee A-line skirt. Personally, I love the white, as it blends perfectly with the leather and lace combo, but the boot equivalent is available in black here, if that’s more your style.

Givenchy
Leather & Lace Lace-Up Mules, $995

What do you guys think of these? Will you be wearing mule sandals this spring & summer?

xo

SHOE PORN THURSDAY: Aquazzura X Poppy Delevingne

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Trends & Tribulations

Anytime great fashion designers collaborate with coveted style icons, the end result is amazing across the board. This season, Aquazzura and Poppy Delevingne brought their fashion forces together to create a beautiful collection of sandals and boots inspired by the bohemian style of her wedding in Morocco.

One of my favorites from the collection are these Midnight sandals, created with nude suede and metallic leather. They are embedded with astrological symbols and turquoise stones, which look incredible contrasted against the shimmery gold.

AQUAZZURA X Poppy Delevingne Midnight sandals, $905

Style ’em with a pair of oversized silk shorts à la Poppy (do a Pinterest search for Poppy Delevingne’s style if you’re confused), or with a flowing midi skirt to amplify the free-spirited feel of these sandals.

What do you think of these strappy sandals? Would you wear them?

xo, loves

What’s What: The Top Trending 5 This Week

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

What’s Trending this Week:

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via BestProducts

This week marks the second week of December, which means the Christmas Hustle is on. Check out this ultimate holiday gift guide here for last-minute gifts for everyone on your list.

2.

A random stranger caught the perfect engagement moment on camera…and by the grace of social media, the couple was able to track down the photographer and the darling photo. Read more about this wonderful coincidence here. Then, check out Harper’s Bazaar’s top 100 engagement rings inspiration here.

3.

pantone color of the year 2016

Pantone officially declared two colors of the year for 2016: Rose Quartz & Serenity. Rose Quartz is a dusty rose hue, while Serenity is a soft, purplish blue, which represent the blending and blurring of gender lines. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains, “In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted color trends throughout all other areas of design. This, [with] societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information.”

4.

via Well + Good

Scientists have finally discovered the secret to Rapunzel-esque locks: Mushrooms. Read more about the how and why here.

5.

Pirelli’s 2016 calendar includes (from left) Amy Schumer, Yao Chen, and Serena Williams

Pirelli is changing things up for their annual calendar. For their 2016 edition, they traded out their pages of sexy, provocative stars with influential and powerful women that includes businesswomen, athletes, and other world thinkers alike. The cast includes Fran Lebowitz, Yoko Ono, and Tavi Gevinson, to name a few. Check out the other photos and inspiration behind it here.

I hope you all have an amazing week!

xo

Trending Now: The Boho Look

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Trends & Tribulations

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Style Roots

Boho chic is once again one of the leading fashion styles of the season. Drawing influences from unconventional bohemian lifestyle on the one hand, and hippie subculture on the other, this fabulous trend has to be your choice for this autumn. However, if you are not quite sure how to achieve this kind of look, we are here to help you. Here is an essential style guide with some useful tips concerning this fashion style.

Fashion Inspirations

This amazing style is a throwback to the 1970’s, being an inspiring combination of characteristic shapes and fabrics embodied in flared jeans, bell sleeves, culottes, fringes, suede dresses and many others. Even though it was fairly popular back in the 70’s, it actually reached its peak in 2005. Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen largely contributed to the popularization of this specific style. They introduced oversized tunics and dresses, peasant blouses, maxi skirts, and fringed jackets, and we have those lovely ladies to thank for bringing this trend into the mainstream. This season, many designers recognized the beauty in this style, and chose to incorporate it into their collections. Stella McCartney’s larger than life flared pants, Alexander McQueen’s extraordinary boho floral dresses, Asian-influences at Marchesa, and Marc Jacobs’ woven hobo bags with fringes are true representatives of this free-spirited style.

Ethnic Influences

Wearing bohemian clothes means connecting with nature as well as with other cultures which influenced this style. It is present everywhere, from runway to high street fashion, which is why it became so trendy and available to everyone. The most prominent elements of this style are related to ethnicity, because designers are drawing their inspiration from the distant cultures of Africa and Asia. In this way, they are creating unique pieces of clothing that are indeed a form of art, but which can be combined with basics such as jeans or classic trousers. If ethnic wear is your cup of tea, the possibilities are infinite. There is a wonderful variety of Salwar suits for true fans of Indian ethnic wear. You can choose them in accordance with your favorite colors, and be sure that gorgeous embroidery will blow you away. Of course, jewelry is unavoidable when it comes to this style, and the rule is – go big or go home!

Layering jewelry is key to achieving a boho look. Image via Pinterest

How To Achieve the Boho Look?

Vintage accessories and flowy clothes are a basis for this look.

Beauty:

To achieve the look with your make-up, choose natural make-up and relaxed, beach waves for hair.

Clothing:

When it comes to fabrics, with the bohemian style, anything goes – there is everything from cotton, leather, suede, linen, and (faux) fur pieces. Make sure that you have chosen items in natural colors, such as beige or white, so you could pair them up with other patterned items.

Patterns & Prints:

A wide range of patterns is allowed, from floral to more abstract and ethnic-inspired ones. Lace dresses, as well as crocheted blouses and tops are an absolute must-have when it comes to boho look. Accessorize yourself with fringes and beads and you are halfway there.

Bohemian Color Palette:

via TheChicFashionista

Boho style is all about comfort, which is why it is characterized by oversized clothes, often worn in layers. A great option would be to try combining skinny jeans with a flowy, floral blouse and a fringed vest for a gorgeous & easy look.

As you can see, this fashion style is beyond inspirational and it allows for playful exploration with clothes and patterns. This is exactly why many people would agree that boho is a state of mind, and not just a trend in fashion that will pass sooner or later. No matter how you perceive it, boho chic is a style that is worthwhile, simply because it survived and remained popular throughout many decades of confronting with different trends in fashion.

About the Guest Blogger:

Peter is a fashion stylist and a writer for HighStyleLife magazine located in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute Of Creative Design, he worked as a style assistant for many local fashion events. Combining all his skills and experience along with his complete love for fashion, he is planning to launch independent styling company.

xo, darlings