Today marks the anniversary of the tragic attacks on 9/11/01, and the memory of it remains strong in our hearts. Take a moment today to remember the heroes who have risked their lives to save others, and to mourn all of the people who lost their lives in this act of terror.
Realize how short life truly is, and cherish the time you have with your loved ones.
xo
Holiday dressing can be confusing, stressful, and not to mention simply tedious (hello, freezing cold!). Thankfully, the folks at WhoWhatWear fixed up this easy, to-the-point guide of this season’s do’s and don’ts for your viewing pleasure.
via WhoWhatWear
What are your go-to rules for holiday dressing?
While we are forever grateful to Lululemon for being the pioneers of fashionable yoga gear (because, obviously, it needed to happen…), there are so many new and exciting yoga apparel brands popping up every day. Considering the last year’s market where sales of athletic pants equaled the sales of denim, it is really not a surprise that more and more companies are banking on the athleisure trend. In honor of the recent article I wrote for MNYoga, here’s the skinny on the coolest yoga gear that’s (ahem) not LuluLemon. Enjoy, loves!
The Upside
This British retailer was founded in 1998 to “inspire women to find empowerment through fitness“. They combine innovative, feminine designs with technical fabrics. Plus, they give super cute reusable bags adorned with their geometric logo and motivational quotes with purchase.
Lucas Hugh has an emphasis on futuristic prints and high-quality, technical fabrics that feature reinforced stitching and streamlined fused seams for unrestricted movement. The designer, Anjhe Mules, uses her fashion and swimwear expertise to cut and craft yoga wear that flatters a women’s physique, while feeling comfortable and able to stretch freely.
This retailer is inspired by life in the fashion and healthy-lifestyle mecca Los Angeles. They test out all their gear on real yogi’s before putting it to market to ensure a slim and functional fit. Plus, their color blocking is so perfect to mix and match tops and pants together. Who knew you could feel so put together in yoga clothing?
WearGrace is yoga clothing designed for both on and off the mat. Its creator is former art director, graphic designer, and then Director of Image for the Gucci group (creative agency for all the brands: Gucci, YSL, Mcqueen, Balenciaga, and Sergio Rossi, among others) who found yoga after a few incidences happened simultaneously, and she found herself unable to walk and lost her father and husband. The founder, Karen Joyce, explains that her yoga practice became an analogy for her life.
weargrace is a message, a belief and an emotion.
Onzie
Onzie was created by a 20-year Bikram yoga practician to create affordably-priced clothing that is functional, flexible, and flattering. Their lightweight, fast-drying fabric allows you to move freely whether you are doing yoga, pilates, spinning, swimming, surfing, or running.
Teeki
Clothing made from recycled plastic bottles? This LA-based retailer creates yoga pants and tops using fabric that is spun from fibers made out of recycled plastic water bottles, then cut, printed, and hand sewn using environmentally friendly practices. Plus, everything is manufactured in the U.S., which provides jobs to Americans and reduces their carbon footprint. Considering it takes over 400 years for plastic bottles to biodegrade, this is such an amazing way to help out the environment and offsets the need to produce new raw materials. All that aside, I can personally attest to how unbelievably soft and lightweight their material is, as I own at least a few pairs of their pants (just doing my part for the environment….), and oh, my, are they just daaaarling.
Teeki
What are your favorite athletic brands? Do you shop at any of labels featured above?
xo
via DFWStyleDaily
Ladies, listen up: This is an antiquated rule that shouldn’t be followed. As countless designers and fashion stars have proved during the past few seasons, white isn’t only appropriate when the weather turns chilly, but also amazingly fresh and modern. One thing to keep in mind when tackling the white-in-winter trend: It’s all about the fabric. Lighter textiles such as white cotton, linen, canvas, and seersucker will look out of place during fall and winter, so be sure you’re reaching for white wool, cashmere, fur, mohair, flannel, silk, and leather.
via Twice-Fashion
As any woman who’s shopped high-fashion and fast-fashion knows, sizing can vary tremendously according to store, brand, and item. Cheaper clothing typically runs way bigger, making it common for a woman to wear, say, a size Large at Forever 21, but still be a size 2 in Stella McCartney. Don’t sweat the number—pay attention to how things look on your body instead.
The perfect modern spin on a retro look.
We all know that fashion is cyclical and that everything comes back around, but that doesn’t mean you should dress in full of-another-decade outfits, which could run the risk of making you look like you’re both in costume and 10 years older.
Love the look of a wild ’80s neon sweater you found at the Salvation Army? Leave the leggings and sneakers at home and opt for a pair of super-sleek skinny jeans, natural hair and makeup, and a great pair of ankle boots. Found a vintage swingy midi-skirt? Style it with modern staples like a cropped leather jacket and a sleek pair of pointy heels as opposed to wearing a pussy-bow blouse and pearls.
via Jeremy Brooks
If a garment says it needs to be dry-cleaned, it won’t hurt to follow suit, but that can get pricey—especially since some items technically don’t need to be professionally cleaned. Many high-end brands that manufacture items in washable fabrics will often say “dry clean only” to keep up the higher-end vibe. Furthermore, certain fabrics such as cashmere actually hold up better when they’re washed by hand as opposed to getting dry-cleaned. Here’s a good guide to help you figure out what doesn’t really have to be cleaned by a pro.
Karlie Kloss is not only a tall woman who wears heels, she also bikes in them. Badass, kids. via DailyMail
This mandate isn’t only silly, but a little sexist, too. Stemming from a whole bunch of antiquated notions including abundant height isn’t feminine, and a woman shouldn’t draw extra attention to herself, this rule is one no woman should ever follow if they don’t want to. We know plenty of women who are six feet tall and still rock killer heels with grace (ahem, Jenna Lyons, Charlize Theron, Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss….)
We hate to assume you’d buy anything simply so people know you own it, but such is the world in which we live. Are you buying that Balenciaga bag because you really, really love it, or because you want others to know you bought it? If you buy those Jimmy Choo pumps, will you be able to truly enjoy them without posting them to social media? If the answer is no, you might have some thinking to do about your shopping habits.
via WorldFashionChannel
Buying into the notion that all horizontal lines make you look wide is a cliché mistake. Yes, we’ll admit that a skin-tight bodycon dress emblazoned with horizontal lines might only look good on a model, but pieces that are made well and fit well—think a classic cotton Breton striped shirt tucked into dark jeans, a ladylike full skirt with horizontal stripes, or a great striped overcoat—flatters every woman.
Thanks to StyleCaster for these fabulous tips for staying chic all winter long. Go check out the rest of their article for more fashion advice here.
Have a favorite fashion tip? Share in the comments below!
xo, loves
DSquared2 is one of those super awesome labels that just exude a certain cool attitude, with a unique IDGAF kind of feel. And these skeleton heel ankle boots are totally in on it (and kind of perfect for the Halloween season…). The outsides of the boots have a shoelace-inspired lace-up closure that reminds me of equal parts Frankenstein and football, which isn’t an easy feat to pull off.
DSquared2 Skeleton Heel Ankle Boots, $1930
What do you think of these boots? What would you wear them with?
Stay beautiful,
xo
There is something utterly girly and adorable about pom-pons and fringe that gets me all nostalgic about my adolescent days of riding around in a colorful bicycle with hot pink, glittery pom-poms on the handlebars. So, naturally, when I came across these Rochas Fringed Sling-Back Pumps, adorned with gold and pink fringe on the toes, and an gemstone embellished high heel, I immediately fell head over heels (pun always intended…I can’t not.). If your inner child is also smitten for these pumps, you can feel really good about purchasing these $1,194 heels, as they are marked down from the original $1,190, so you’re technically saving $796. Well, just look at you, being all economical and such!
ROCHAS fringed sling back pumps, was $1,990.00 now $1,194.00
What do you think of these Rochas fringed heels? Also, if you love Shoe Porn, be sure to check out the Shoe Porn Thursday archives for more high heel love.
xo
Pantone recently revealed their Fall 2015 color palette, which consists of earthy neutrals and bold, standalone colors that balance each other and “reflect landscape of hope, fun, fantasy, and all things natural”.
These colors were evident in Fall 2015’s runway looks, featuring timeless pieces inspired from the free, bohemian vibes of the 60’s and 70’s, and the allure of the 1920’s. The color palette is, for the first time ever, truly androgynous, and work with both men’s and women’s fashion.
Desert Sage, one of Pantone’s Fall 2015 colors
Perry Ellis’ Interpretation of the color palette
Juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum emphasizes poise and confidence on the runway. The Fall 2015 palette is rooted in multi-faceted, androgynous colors that can be worn to portray effortless sophistication across men’s and women’s fashion; it is the first time we are seeing a truly unisex color palette.
-Leatrice EisemanExecutive Director, Pantone Color Institute®
Rebecca Minkoff’s inspiration derived from Pantone’s color palette
What are your favorite colors from the palette? I am a huge fan of “Dried Herb”, “Desert Sage”, “Marsala”, “Cadmium Orange”, and “Cashmere Rose”. And basically, all of them.
xo, lovely
via WhoWhatWear
Every woman I know has a love-hate relationship with high heels. They love the way they look, but hate the way they feel (especially after walking about 100 meters…). Here are 5 hacks that every woman should know to make walking in high heels a little bit easier. As you read, feel free to browse Trends & Tribulations top high heel picks that you can finally be excited to wear!
Lucy Choi, $350, via ShoeScribe
Fendi, $1,050, via Nordstrom
1.
Tape your 3rd & 4th toes together using clear sticky or nude medical tape (count starting with the big toe out).
This trick helps to take pressure off the ball of the foot. There is a nerve between these toes, and the tape helps to balance the weight by minimizing strain from shifting the weight forward.
Sophia Webster, $1,095, via Neiman Marcus
2.
Apply fabric plasters on your feet.
Wear your new shoes around the house to find out where they rub uncomfortably around your feet. Then, apply fabric plasters to those parts of your feet. Soak your feet in water for a minute or two (with fabric plasters on your feet), then walk around the house in the shoes some more. The wet plaster will expand and help to soften and stretch the shoe in those places.
Moschino, $650, via Shoescribe
3.
Use shoe cushions (or petals).
Shop foot petals here in all shapes and sizes to help provide a cushioning wherever your need it.
Charlotte Olympia, $850, via Shoescribe
4.
Spray your feet with an aerosol deodorant.
Feet can often slip around in your high heels after wearing them for a bit, so spritzing them with aerosol deodorant before wearing can provide traction and ensure your feet stay in place.
Jeffrey Campbell, $130, via Urban Outfitters
5.
Choose a heel that crosses around the front of your foot.
This will provide more support over your foot and around the heel and ankle. Think of it as a “seatbelt” for your feet (awe!), if you will- it takes pressure off your feet, as they do not have to work so hard to hold the heel in place. The Jeffrey Campbell ones (above) and Steve Madden pair (below) are chic options.
Steve Madden Raela, $109, via Steve Madden
What do you think of these tips? Will you try any of them? Do you have any tips that you swear by? Share in the comments section below!
xo
<img style=”display:none;” src=”http://www.brandbacker.com/camp.php?qargs=view_type=V%26camp_id=298%26camp_mem_id=70948″/>
OZ Naturals Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $15.79, via Amazon
I absolutely love natural products, so when OZ Naturals asked me to try out their Hyaluronic Serum recently, I agreed, and wanted to share my review with readers. First off, the serum boasts that it is a clinical strength anti-aging, anti-wrinkle serum that is proven to plump skin & fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
Some of the other lovely tidbits about the serum:
-Cruelty Free: Vegan hyaluronic acid serum does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates and is safe for all skin types.
-Made in the USA: In a state-of-the-art FDA registered facility.
-Made with 98% Natural Ingredients & 72% Organic Ingredients.
My thoughts:
It has a lightweight feel, with no greasy residue. It dries quickly, and gave my skin a moisture boost, and worked great underneath moisturizer. It is especially great for the months where the temperatures are high, as it is light and moisturizing. Also, it contains Vitamin C, Organic Aloe, which is great for hyper pigmentation, redness, and anti-aging.
Share your thoughts in the section below!
xo
Powered by BrandBacker
With shorter days and less sunlight, colder temperatures that make it difficult to enjoy any time outside, and the holidays over, it is easy for us to lose sight of our health and happiness.
Here are 5 ways to become happier this winter season:
1. Enjoy nature.
Although nothing can beat laying out on the beach in the summer, the winter is exceptionally beautiful and can offer some very unique experiences. Try snowshoeing in a woodsy area, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skiing, or even gather some friends and go sledding.
This could SO totally be you!!
2. Break a sweat.
The cold weather makes our muscles tense up. Moving your body releases those muscles, which feels amazing. Plus, exercising releases endorphins, which comes down to a happier you.
3. Be social.
While it often sounds daunting to go out in the cold weather (especially here in the frozen tundra known as Minnesota), getting together with a friend for coffee, a hockey game, or going to a spin class together is important to stay happy. Engaging with other people can make this time of the year feel a lot less lonely.
Taking an hour out of your day to grab coffee with a girlfriend can boost your mood instantly.
4. Eat right.
Enjoy the food you eat, and make healthy choices that you will feel good about after you have eaten. Everything in moderation…including moderation.
5. Find silence.
Sometimes all we really need this time of the year is a little quiet time to reflect. Whether it’s through meditation or simply sitting in silence while working or driving, taking a break from the hustle and bustle of life can do wonders.
What are some things that make you happy throughout the winter season?
Trends & Tribulations 