Posts Tagged with “guest blogger”
Give Your Wardrobe a Glitzy Upgrade with a Show-Stopping Statement Necklace
Unless I have something brand new hanging in my closet just begging to be worn for the first time, I almost always feel stumped about what to wear for a night-out occasion, no matter how many party-ready frocks I already have. For some reason, my gut reaction to my already-worn attire is nearly always the need to stifle a yawn (such is the life of an insatiable fashionista, I suppose), and I’m always faced with the sudden desire to freshen things up somehow, often on the fly!
One quick solution to livening up a tried and true (and therefore somewhat tired) wardrobe is a statement necklace — you’d be surprised at how much impact just one key piece can have on an otherwise “blah” or simple outfit, and transform a more casual look into something chic and upscale. Opt for something pretty and boudoir-inspired like this Alberta Ferretti bead-and-tulle necklace, or something a bit more rough around the edges yet still gorgeous like this natural-cut amethyst and stone necklace by Dannijo. Go for an elegant take on the tribal trend with this bib necklace from Falconiere, or try an unexpected pop of color with something unique like this gold-plated coral necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane. Or, if you dig the layered look, this dramatic multi-chain necklace proves that edgy can still be glamorous!
Dying to add one (or more!) of these gorgeous statement necklaces to your arsenal of stylish party accessories? Enter our Net-a-Porter $5,000 Shopping Spree Giveaway for a chance to shop till you drop!
In addition to the shopping spree of your dreams, the winner will also receive the support of a dedicated fashion advisor, and shop from the most coveted luxury brands in the world, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.
- Alex Gambardella
Walk On The Edgy Side with a Pair of Studded Ankle Boots
At this point last year, I was sure I wouldn’t be able to stomach seeing another studded accessory. Bags, shoes, jackets, belts, gloves, you name it — the trend was definitely on overkill mode and for once I was ready to embrace anything that wasn’t embellished or bedazzled. However, now that the studded look has had the chance to wind down and brands are getting in the habit of being a bit more, um, selective about what they bejewel or “be-stud,” I’m actually starting to appreciate the edgy, moto-chic vibe of the detail when they’re not just haphazardly thrown on an accessory for the sake of embellishing it. Specifically, I’m loving the season’s studded ankle boots — the look is casual while still making a statement, and gives an otherwise boyish or plain boot style a little tough-girl-chic feminine edge. If you’re diggin’ the lace-up work boot trend, these Ralf studded boots by Ash are combat-inspired cool, and these lace-ups from Penny Loves Kenny have a little studded surprise when you fold them over for a more slouchy look! For a “desert” boot feel, these Sam Edelman Joss Boots from Karmaloop are a cool everyday alternative to sneakers. And of course, short western boots are still hot for the season, so try a pair of studded Frye bootsto add some sparkle to a roughed-up look
Spread The Word In Style With The Boy Meets Girl Breast Cancer Tote!
If there’s one thing I love more than a cute bag, it’s a cute bag that gives back and spreads an empowering message! Talk about feel-good shopping! The Boy Meets Girl tote is dedicated to Kristen Martinez, a member of the Urban Outfitters family who inspires change with her memory and five-year battle with breast cancer. But this tote doesn’t just help you share awareness by touting around with you while you shop — $1.50 from the sale of each bag is donated to the Young Survival Coalition, the premier non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and education to young women with breast cancer. The 2008 edition of the bag raised over $13,000 for the YSC, and tote-loving stylistas everywhere are ready to shop to show their support again! Celebrity trendsetters are already spreading the message — fashionable stars like Gabrielle Union, Katharine McPhee, and Jenn Proske are proud supporters and have already been spotted rockin’ their totes — get yours now at Urban Outfitters and join the cause!
Living VIEcariously: Fall Brights
We typically tend to wear the same color palette for fall over and over again— grey, black, and brown sound familiar right? This season, however, we’re taking cues from no other than the ever-stylish Sarah Jessica Parker to brighten up our cool weather outfits. SJP was recently snapped mixing a bright yellow scarf and vibrant baby blue handbag on the streets of NYC. We love the unexpected pop of colors and think it’s a great way to keep your look fun and refreshing during the autumn months.
Armand Basi Tamare Wool Blend Scarf
Rachel Rachel Roy Fuschia Stone Hoops
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Blade” Fuschia Round Dial Watch
Rachel Leigh Simone Pave Studs
Hype Hobo Handbag
Layla Grace Giveaway at TheFind

Layla Grayce is a destination for cultivating your personal style. Founders Wendy Rossiter Estes and Tiffany Grayce Harris bring their vision of “harmony, balance and happiness to your home and life.” The two friends share a passion for antiques and art before launching Layla Grayce. The carefully curated collection of items for women, children, and home will delight you with everything from luxe modern handbags, to gorgeous jewelry perfect for holiday gift giving. Indulge yourself or a friend with an in-home spa experience with a bubble bath, or scented candle from Lollia, Gianna Rose or Mor Cosmetics. Never mainstream but always functional, Layla Grayce products are designed for longevity – everyday heirlooms that can be passed on to future generations. Layla Grayce is dedicated to creating an inspired haven that reflects a stylish, creative take on your lifestyle.
Thanks to our generous friends at Layla Grayce for providing a $250 gift card to one lucky winner in our Autumn Blooms Giveaway. Contest ends October 25, 2010 12:01 a.m. PST.
Tip Your Hat To This Season’s Trilby Trend!
While fedoras had an impressively big moment in seasons past, convincing anti-hat fashionistas everywhere to jump on the brim bandwagon, this season we’re splitting hairs and giving props specifically to the trilby hat. Just like the trilby replaced the fedora in the 60s, as shorter-brimmed hats became both more stylish and more practical, trilbies are coming back to update the retro-fab hat trend in a way that’s more cute and compact. If you’re looking for a casual top-off for your unexpected bad hair day, this wool trilby by Roxy is quirky yet sweet with a sort of folksinger-songbird vibe. To suit the military-inspired trend that’s taking over this season, this olive green felt and leather hat by Hollywood Trading Company adds a little edge to its otherwise vintage look with its studded band. And if you thought hats were just for casualwear, guess again! This wool hat by Rag & Bone dresses things up with its shimmery metallic band, making it the perfect low-key look for drinks with friends or catching some live music at your favorite bar!
ToVieFor Guest Blog: Top Spring 2011 Accessories from the French Fashion Capital
Marni
Celine
Rochas
Givenchy
Giambattista Valli
Stella McCartney
John Galliano
Stay Dry in Style in a Military-Inspired Raincoat
We may have just finished sweating out an unwelcome heat wave here in San Francisco, but now the ominous morning mist in the air promises plenty of rain to come our way this season! Normally, a raincoat is more of a purchase I make for the sake of survival rather than style; in other words, it’s hardly a shopping trip I’m able to muster considerable enthusiasm over. That is, until the whole utility look became the season’s hottest trend! The recent influx of military-inspired trenches and anoraks have quickly become fall’s biggest outerwear staple, further proving that raincoats don’t have to be reduced to shapeless, unflattering ponchos that you throw on just for the sake of staying dry as you dash from point A to point B! Go utilitarian-chic with pockets galore with this hooded trench by Mike & Chris, or if you’re a fan of lots of military-inspired hardware, take a look at this Mcginn Drawstring jacket, available at Nordstrom. To preserve your feminine figure, rain or shine, consider a belted version like this French Connection trench!
Leather Shorts You Can Rock Year-Round!
I’ve just recently started building out my collection of shorts… and I’m about three months too late. Or am I? Just because it’s officially fall doesn’t mean shorts have to go into hibernation until next spring. Leather shorts are a cool way to keep things hot in the colder months ahead, and with the right accessories, you won’t freeze your buns off! Wear them with some over-the-knee boots to stay on-trend and get a little leg coverage while you’re at it, or work them with some textured tights to make your shorts instantly season-appropriate!
I’ll admit, normally I’m a little leather shy, aside from more conventional items like jackets of course, just because the look is decidedly a bit more edgy (or dominatrix-y) than I’m used to. However, lately I’ve been loving the look of leather shorts with this season’s big slouchy sweaters, and the whole idea of balancing cozy-cool with more tough-girl chic!
From left to right: Mackage Leather Shorts, Joie Denver Leather Shorts, and Juicy Couture Perforated Leather Shorts.
-Alex Gambardella
Save on Leather Shorts at Shopbop from TheFind’s coupon site
Step Up Your Denim Collection With a Pair of Pegged Jeans
If you can’t remember the last time pegged pants were popular, I don’t blame you. The 90s trend definitely seemed like a fad that would be done and buried, never to grace the racks again (much less shopping sites!). But like the most unexpectedly successful resurrected trends, the pirate look is back in, revamped, and more chic than ever. Despite the fact that pegged pants are a little tougher to pull off than your average skinny jean or cropped denim pair — anyone with less than mile-long legs should be cautious — I suppose it was only a matter of time before the season’s cropped trouser and “boyfriend” styles evolved into this familiar old favorite!
If you like the pegged-and-cuffed look but want something a little more slimming and streamlined, go for a skinny pair like these ‘Josefina’ 7 jeans or these Pilcro Cohort Corduroys, which incorporate the look in a way that’s not quite so exaggerated. If you’re not afraid to jump right off the plank, this chambray pair by Cheap Monday has an ultra-relaxed look that can be dressed up with some fierce heels! Or opt for a happy medium with a boyfriend style jean like these from ASOS, which are cute with a pair of lace-up boots!
-Alex Gambardella
Save on Pegged Denim Jeans at Revolve Clothingfrom TheFind’s coupon site














