Coachella 2012

I'm sure everyone in North America is aware that the long awaited dual weekend of Coachella festival is finally here. The first weekend ended with a bang, and everyone seemed to be there. This year the musical guests ranged from Radiohead to Swedish House Mafia, and everywhere in between. With such a wide variety of musicians, celebs were spotted left and right enjoying their favorite bands, or just attending the parties. Some used this weekend to make an impact with their outfits, like Lindsay Lohan sporting her Jeffrey Campbell 'Lita' pumps with a lace dress or Vanessa Hudgens with her oddly matched prints and thigh-high sheer socks. But with this weekend's projected forecast of highs reaching over 100 degrees (yikes!), you might want to take it down a few notches by choosing to wear lower maintenance pieces that will allow more movement and breathability. And how are you supposed to have fun at a music festival if all you're doing is tugging and pulling at your clothes? After all, you are going to be in the desert and surrounded by dirt, the best case scenario is that your clothes will end up with pit stains. So I suggest leaving your favorite pieces back at home, dress cozy but cute, and use your accessories to set you apart. Take a note from these celebrities and dress appropriately!

Kate Bosworth was my favorite from weekend #1! In her first look at the Lacoste pool party she opted for a simple tee and jean shorts. But notice how she used her spikey sneakers and studded waistband to spice it up. In her second look at the festival, she made her simple black tank more interesting by pairing it with an open western-style button up and long necklace. Her outfits were simple but very desert-chic!

Diane Kruger stayed cool in this off the shoulder striped t-shirt dress. Her skinny belt cinched her waist and gave her body definition, but you can tell she was still comfortable.

 Harley Viera-Newton paired her staple denim shorts with a cute cherry printed tank

Bijou Phillips (left) and Monet Mazur were both on the same wavelength when they chose to wear simple flowy dresses paired with oversized hats and shades.

Nina Dobrev did it right when she wore her bright red maxi on day three. Her floppy hat looked cute and protected her skin from the sun. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.



Still can't decide what to wear? Check out these finds:

 Floral denim shorts, Forever21, $18

 Just throw a maxi skirt or cute cut-offs over this monokini and you'll be good to go! Target, $25

 Top and bottom in one, can't get any easier than that. Mango, $55

A bit on the pricey side, but how easy would it be to tie-dye your own t-shirt maxi dress? revolveclothing.com, $125

You can never go wrong with a side slit maxi skirt. Asos, $33


Hope this helps for weekend #2!
<3, KMR

Swim Swim Swim :)

I have dedicated an entire post to swimwear trends and styles because as of now I am swimsuit CRAZED!! The fact that I'm still stuck in spring break mode (Miami 2012!!) and see swimsuits on a daily basis just adds more fuel to this addiction. So after browsing through tons of different swimwear styles, I noticed that in the year 2012 I've seen the swimsuit industry expand and become more prominent in the fashion industry. I remember back 8 years ago when swimsuits didn't really have all the different sub-styles we have now. In order to classify swimsuits back then, they were either described as a bikini, one piece, or a tankini with different strap variations. Now there's crocheted bikinis, sexy cut out one pieces, one shouldered, off the shoulder, etc, there's literally a swimsuit for EVERYONE!! Here are the top 5 trends to watch out for:


1) Statement Strapping
     One of the newest swim trends this year are straps with an attitude. Many designers have incorporated fun and trendy designs to give something extra to the swimsuit. However, I wouldn't suggest tanning in these otherwise you're looking at some pretty interesting tan lines...

Free People

Maria Hoffman MBFW 2012 Miami

2) Bold Prints

        Taking note from the Fall/Winter 2012 trends, bold prints are also in in swimwear. Many designers are taking a huge step and incorporating big, attention-grabbing prints including tribal and color-blocking.

Shivan & Narresh Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

Sonia Vera Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

Maria Hoffman Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

Luxe by Lisa Vogel MBFW Miami 2012 

3)  Vintage-inspired swimwear

       Who ever thought that 50s style swim would come back in fashion?  Making high waisted, full coverage bottoms cute again, designers at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2012 in Miami show their latest inspirations in from the 50s. Prints are mainly gingham checks, Hawaiian, and nautical.    

Red Carter Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

            

Kooey Swimwear Australia MBFW Miami 2012

White Sands Australia MBFW Miami 2012

4) Ruffles
     It's without a doubt that ruffles can make ANYTHING look super feminine and flirty, and it should be no surprise that this season's swimwear designers used various incorporations of ruffles to add aesthetic value to the design. 
A little tip: when choosing a swimsuit with ruffles try to avoid areas that you don't want to draw attention to (i.e. hips, thighs, and butt) and vice versa, use ruffles to enhance areas that you do want (i.e. chest)       

Maria Hoff Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

 

Norma Kamali Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

                         

Terri Donna

5) Cool Cut-outs
     In an effort to make one pieces look sexier and trendier, designers have incorporated funky and fashionable cut-outs which can make any swimsuit look sexier. Now all types of women can be seen buying these cool cut-out swimsuits!!

Maria Hoffman Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

Sonia Vera Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami 2012

Shivan & Narresh MBFW Miami 2012

Taking notes from these fabulous looking models, I've also researched the best swimsuits to go with each body type. Hope it's useful!


Fuller figures: try going towards the style of the vintage swimsuits. The bottoms are usually high-waisted and cinched in order to form a nice hourglass shape. Also halters would be best because it draws in the attention to your neck and face while still accentuating your curves!


Pear shapes: Ruffles are your friends :) Try looking for tops that have ruffles because it adds more volume which makes you appear to have a fuller bust.


Top Heavy: Try to avoid string and crocheted bikinis because they don't give much support, however if you got it and want to flaunt it then by all means, shake what ya momma gave ya!! Instead you can try tops with more structure and thicker straps to add more support. 


Hourglasses: You can pretty much get away with anything!! However, if you have a short torso but longer legs (like me!), try wearing bandeau tops. I noticed that when I wear bandeau tops it tends to make the upper half your body look longer, balancing out your short torso. 
       If you have the opposite, shorter legs versus torso, try to find high-leg cut bottoms which will appear to length your legs.




-BMW

HEADBANDS ...All DAY, EVERY DAY!

What girl does not like to adorn their locks with some flowers, bows, beads or bling? The headband trend is like a boomerang, it comes and it goes. This summer it is back in action, bringing its vintage inspired look and adding on modern day twists. In this blog I am going to draw inspiration from past and current runway looks, celebrities and bloggers from sporting this summer trend. Then I am going to focus on do it yourself headbands. This look is a great way to freshen up your outfits and accessorize in a fun, fresh, and feminine style. The fun thing about the headband trend is you can make it your own and you can style it to your preferences. This can be a fun, cheap, and unique staple to represent your individual style.

INSPIRATIONAL LOOKS

THE BOW

 

Diane Von Furstenburg adorns her models with over the top head wrapped bows in her Resort 2010 line. These bows are bold fashion statements that can only be worn by confident courageous women. She had thick wraps in both white and black that was placed an inch above the eyebrows, and wrapped around the head to cover the ears. This look was worn with the hair down in loose waves for a beachy carefree, summer style.  The bows came in solid orange and blue, and in prints such as poke-a-dots and stripes. These bows play on the girly innocent look we loved as kids, and still love to incorporate in our wardrobes today to feel youthful.  I personally love the big bow and will be making one this summer in a solid coral and pair it with a maxi dress.

HIPPIE CHIC

 

At the Merecedez Benz 2012 Fashion Show in Miami these models confidently wear the headbands across their foreheads. Their hair is parted straight down the middle and keep to loose curls or beachy waves for their hair style. The model on the left wears a thin band with a flower on the side.  The model on the right has a thicker band and keeps to a more nude color.

 Lauren Conrad dolls up the look in a sophisticated take on the boho headband.  She still parts her hair in the middle but keeps her hair in loose fallen curls that frame her face.  The headband is twisted in a rope like style and placed above her forehead like a crown.  A very glamorous and chic way to wear a headband at night or a more formal event.

 Celebrities like Nichole Ricci and Rachel Bilson take to the laid back style and pair the head band with jeans, a tee, sunglasses, and minimal accessories. Nichole's headband has a piece that actually comes up and lines the part in her hair.  Rachel's headband is embellished with flowers that go back to the 70s and the true hippie inspired style.

 Aaaahhh!! LOVE this look so much! My favorite headband is the hippie band.  It is so fun and cute all year around, but it is most fitting for the summer months.  You can pair it with jean shorts and a loose tee or a bathing suit and it will add a more unique flare to your outfit.  This look is all about making it your own and letting your personality shine through your accessories.

FLORAL HEAD PIECES

 

  At the Lacoste 2012 fashion show,  the crazy stylish French actress and singer Josephine de la Baume had this halo of orange poppies on her head. It was awesomely accented with coral lips and blush.

 This look can be worn everyday.  It has a braided band with browns, pinks, blue, and beige. The flower is placed off to the side with pearls in the center, to create an innocent and feminine style.

Blogger Tavi Gevins adorns her red head locks with a fuchsia flower crown at the Rodarte 2012 fashion show. She sports a serious '70s bridesmaid inspired crown with faux blossoms that swoop over the top of the head.

EMBELLISHED

Zac Posen accessorizes his looks with an embellished gold crown.  It has spikes, flowers, beads, and all the intricacies of a beautifully put together headband.  It is almost royal like with all the gold but the spikes give it a bold edge and make the look young and fresh.

 This gorgeous headband is embellished with bronze studs, beads, and jewels.  It gives off a gladiator feel but can be paired with a dress for a feminine twist.

 This is a bling, ultra girly headband.  It has rhinestones that shine in the light and will ensure some head turns. It reminds me of glitter and being youthful playing princess.  I love that it is inspired from the 20s.  You can wear your hair in a bun and add this headband and look completely done up.  It is a very unique piece that can add instant glam to a look!

DO IT YOURSELF LOOKS

DIY FLORAL HEADPIECE

 

This DIY look is so affordable and can be done to achieve the floral headband.  You can pin a flower brooch or hair clip to an elastic headband and you have created a side flower headband!

DIY EMBELLISHED

 

 This DIY headband is where you can get a little more creative. You can use ribbon or elastic, with the ribbon make sure to burn the edges.  Choose your applique from any craft store.  If you use elastic,  measure the elastic around your head and cut the elastic with a few inches of gap left to add the applique.  Then stitch the applique to both ends of the elastic to create a full circle band.  This will then stretch around your head for a snug fitting embellished headband.  If you use the ribbon you can stitch the applique directly on the ribbon and then wrap the ribbon around your head securing in a bow.  You can cut the ends short or leave long for a more flowing look.

DIY T-SHIRT HEADBAND

 

 Lay t-shirt flat. Cut one inch strips from the sleeves with the rotary cutter. You should be able to get 8-10 strips out of one shirt

Stretch the strips until they naturally curl up like the picture above. This also makes the perfect sized headband for the most part.

 Place seven or eight loops together. Match up the seams from the shirt.

 With an extra t-shirt strip, wind it around all the t-shirt loop seams. Tie in a knot. Tuck the loose ends into the knot you just created.

 Should look like this when you're done.

This trend is all about finding a statement headband that suits your personality and lets it shine out through your styling.  Do not spend money on a headband that you can create for yourself! I find that going to a store and paying for a headband that everyone is going to be wearing is not as satisfying as making it yourself.  It is extremely cheaper, you can tailor the piece to your favorite colors and make it as bold as you dare to go. Another cool plus is girls will be asking where you got that headband and you can say you designed and made it yourself!!!

-XXOO T

DIY Embellished Collar

Lately I have been obsessed with collars! Everyone from Emma Watson to Alexa Chung have been showing off their statement collars. Adding a bold collar to a simple outfit can easily translate from day to night and is an accessory all on its own. So many of us have to wear the same necklaces over and over to spice up an outfit and I think it's time for something new. Then it hit me. Embellished collars! No necklace needed, just pop on an oversized cocktail ring and the day is ready to be conquered. However, this weekend I scoured the department stores and searched my favorite online retailers but was left empty handed. So now I'm taking this matter into my own hands.     

What you'll need: 

collared shirt, needle nose pliers, and metal studs with spikes on the back that can be folded over

Step 1

Place the pointy ends of the stud on the uppermost part of the collar, parallel to the stitching, and push through so that all of the spikes come out the opposite side 

Step 2

Flip the collar over. With one hand hold the stud in place. With the other, use your pliers to fold down the spikes. Make sure they are completely flat against the fabric so you won't get poked when you wear it!

Step 3

Place another stud on the bottom most part of the collar. (This will ensure that the middle stud will be spaced equally apart from the top and bottom studs.) Use the collar's stitching as a guide to help you line it up. Repeat Step 2 to secure the stud into place.

Step 4

Place the third stud in the center of the first two in order to make a straight column. Repeat Step 2 to attach

Step 5

Now that you have your first line of embellishments, you can jump ahead and position the next three studs next to the first ones. Flip the collar over, and secure all three at the same time. If you're not too confident with your studding skills, take it one at a time. But make sure the spacing between the studs and the rows are consistent 

Step 6

Repeat steps 1-5 to make 5 additional columns with 3 studs in each row. As you move along, the width of the collar will begin to narrow and you will need to decrease the columns to 2 studs. Make sure to place these 2 studs in line with the empty spaces from the column before. 

Step 7

Once you finish with the first row of two studs, start working on the other side of the collar. It will be easier to line up the rows on the back of the collar if you use the front portions as a guide. Also, if you run out of studs, at least the front of your shirt will be embellished. Repeat steps 1-6

Step 8

Now that the front is completed, start studding the back part by making rows of 2 studs. To ensure that your rows are equally spaced and consistent, do a few rows of studs on one side of the collar, then switch off to the other side.

Step 9

Now that your rows are closing in on each other, it may be helpful to arrange the remaining rows of studs all at once. This way, you can edit the rows that look too cramped or adjust uneven spacing. Flip the collar over, then all of the studs can be secured at the same time. 

Step 10

Wait, there is no step 10. We're already done! Now you can wear and admire. Be careful not to go crazy with your accessories, a ring or slim bangle is all you need. What a relief.

<3, KMR