Bloggers We Love: Five Fave Festival Fashionistas

Spring is officially underway and for the music and style obsessed that means one thing: it’s Festival season! According to our incessant Instagram stalking, trying to live vicariously through our fave fashion bloggers desert shenanigans, Coachella weekend number one looked absolutely, positively amazing- and super stylish, to boot! We rounded up our Five Fave Festival Fashionistas to give you a little style-inspiration for Coachella weekend number two!

Fashion bloggers at Coachella in Festival Fashion

1. Denim cut-offs are an absolute must for festival-goers. We love the patchwork pair that Sheryl of Walk in Wonderland wore for her journey out to the desert. Paired with an ombre denim button down and some exotic snakeskin booties, Sheryl is so ready to rock.

 

2. Sydne of Sydne Style donned a drop-dead-gorgeous m Cynthia Vincent maxi dress- the stuff that Coachella dreams are made of! The desert inspired print offers a gorgeous contrast against the dusty Indio valley.

 

3. Chanelle of Penelope Times looks deliciously retro in her spherical white specs. We love her high waisted pants, simple black bandeau, and strappy sandals.

 

4. Understated and chic, Bethany of Snake’s Nest ensemble is perfect for keeping cool and looking cool. The crisp white crop top is fresh paired with a printed mini, chunky heeled sandals, and topped off with a simple side braid.


5. We love that Jenny of Good, Bad, and Fab was not afraid to experiment with color. Her cotton candy colored cut-offs are a fresh take on denim, and that lace top is seriously sexy! A playful floral sneaker wedge and Rebecca Minkoff bag pull together this playful look.

Posted: April 16, 2013 Comments: 0

Name2Know: Friends and Associates by Matthew Edelstein

Friends and Associates Summer 2013 Collection by Matthew Edelstein

A former fashion editor and stylist, Matthew Edelstein stepped away from the world of publishing to have his hand at designing his very own collection. Now in it’s third season, the Friends and Associates brand chronicles Edelsteins ongoing conversation with the classic Americana aesthetic that is heavily influenced by the great American designers, Geoffrey Beene and Perry Ellis. “It’s never uptight, it’s never fussy, it’s just kind of a breezy attitude,” explains Edelstein of the quintessential Friends and Associates customer.


Though the brand is deeply rooted in traditional American heritage, Edelstein does not want the collection to feel nostalgic. “I want to pull away the heritage, strip away the nostalgia and do modern sportswear.” he explains. The Summer 2013 collection, available now on Shopbop.com, is a mix of sharply tailored dresses and separates in a bright color palette. Sporty, yet feminine, the collection feels perfect for a summertime picnic.

 

Source: T Magazine

 

 

Posted: April 15, 2013 Comments: 0

The Digital Dish: 5 Steps to Scoring Free Swag

Running a blog is a hugely rewarding experience for those who choose to invest their often limited and precious extra time into sharing their creative passions with the world. From meeting new people to attending VIP events and learning about yourself along the way, the perks, privileges, and experiences of blogging often go far beyond what many imagined.

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One of the most exciting (and lucrative) aspects of blogging is collaborating with and working alongside brands to promote and market their products or services via product reviews and/or sponsored content. I have personally had great success with this, and over the past 5 years I have partnered with 100’s of different brands who send me free products, ranging from digital cameras to software to clothing. It’s not because I get millions of visitors to my site or because I bought an e-book explaining the secrets to getting free swag. Nope! I simply realized that you can’t be afraid to reach out to companies and ask for what you want. Yep- it’s that simple.

 

Below are some basic steps to assist you with initiating contacting with brands for the first time. If there is one thing to remember; confidence is key!

Read more…

Posted: April 12, 2013 Comments: 0

Lookbook We Love: Ruby Aldridge for Citizens of Humanity

A great pair of denim goes a long way; it is the basis for an effortlessly chic ensemble- and a style lifesaver when you’re in a hurry! Any fashionista worth her salt knows that a great pair of jeans is always in style. And if anyone knows how to do denim- it’s Citizens of Humanity. COH is a favorite amongst Hollywood elite, supermodels, and fashion bloggers who have come to refer to the label as “the new Levi’s”. Classic, cool, and always fresh, Citizens of Humanity certainly has taken the denim world by storm since it’s inception only 11 years ago. In the new COH Shopbop lookbook, supermodel and all-around “It Girl” extraordinaire Ruby Aldridge shows us the must-have denim styles for Spring 2013.

citizens of humanity lookbook

1. The Boyfriend: This Spring, nothing says “cool” like a slouchy, relaxed boyfriend jean. Pair it with a brogue and sharp blazer for a head-to-toe menswear inspired look. Or create an interesting contrast by pairing your boyfriend denim with a classic pump and an uber femme top.

2. The Printed Playshort: Printed denim was a huge trend last Spring, and this season they’ve taken the chop! We love this simple striped pair with a casual sneaker, white tee, and rock-n-roll vest.

3. Black and High Waisted: Cut-offs are a must; but the freshest take on this trend is to go for a pair of black denim in a high-waisted cut. This look is retro but not cutesy, and can be effortlessly paired with your fave oversized sweater and booties for aestival inspired ensemble.

4. The White Pant: This Winter we saw the rise of “winer whites”; and this trend is set to continue into Spring. A crisp pair of white denim looks crisp and cool on a sunny Spring day. Pair them with black accessories for an edgy take on the trend.

5. The Overall: Not for the faint-of-heart, the Overall is what every trendsetting fashionista is lusting after this Spring. Citizens of Humanity has the perfect pair- cuffed and slouchy. Show off your shoulders by pairing them with a tank underneath.

Posted: April 10, 2013 Comments: 0

Name2Know: Nanushka by Sandra Sandor

Nanushka by Sandra Sandor Spring Summer Collection 2013 Lookbook
Nanushka, named after the childhood nickname of lead designer Sandra Sandor, is a Hungarian based label created for the modern urban nomad. Sandor describes her customer base as the girl who is constantly on the move, yet always feels right at home. With the active lifestyle of this woman in mind, Nanushka’s designs focus on enduring silhouettes, comfort, and functionality with an infusion of kitschy, playful, and eccentric details.

The Nanushka Summer 2013 collection is a wide range of cool mix and match separates in a muted color palette with pops of blue, cranberry, burnt orange, and metallic gold. A mix of both organic and structured shapes, these pieces strike the perfect balance between comfortable and sexy and perfectly captures the casually-chic appeal of the “model off duty” aesthetic. A collection of intimidatingly “cool” pieces, Nanushka is an up-and-coming label loved by street-style starlets and it-girls across the globe. Stay ahead of the fashion pack and shop this up-and-coming label’s Summer 2013 collection on Shopbop.

Posted: April 9, 2013 Comments: 0

The Social Scene: Tumblr Obsessions Du Jour

Fashion Inspiration from Tumblr

We’ve all been there, the dreaded “style block”. (It’s like writers block, only for fashion.) As in, you feel completely uninspired, bored, and unable to conjure up your next drop-dead-fabulous ensemble. What’s a fashion blogger to do? Have no fear, my dears! We’ve rounded up our Tumblr obsessions du jour. Warning: Possible side effects include several wasted hours of site stalking…but it’s all in the name of research, right? You’ve been warned…

1. Bohemea: The perfectly curated mix of editorial, celeb street style, indie fashion photography, movie stills, AND some of our favorite Hollywood hunks. What’s really impressive is the way this Canadian blogger manages to find vintage photographs that feel nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

 

2. Real Bronx Betty: Runways shots, editorials, vintage photography, and pop culture musings come together on this Tumblr that is bursting with inspiration from the most unexpected of places. Browsing through the pages of Real Bronx Betty feels like going through old scrapbooks; randomly and haphazardly put together- yet very personal.

 

3. Chanel for Breakfast: Just as the name suggests, Chanel for Breakfast is a Tumblr that appreciates the more glamorous things in life; like leggy supermodels, exotic locations, red-carpet moments, and luxe interiors. And yet the blog strikes a perfect harmonious balance by sprinkling in inspirational quotes, romantic imagery, and baby animals.

 

4. La Belle Fabuleuse: When it’s pure unadulterated fierce fashion that you’re after- La Belle Fabuleuse is where it’s at. This girls got the best of runway, editorial, behind-the-scenes, and street style, all filtered through her high selective eye. Only the chicest of the chic for La Belle Fabuleuse.

 

5. LadyLux: Now we may be biased here, but our sister site LadyLux.com has got a Tumblr blog that dreams are made of. It’s an ethereal and whimsical mix of fashion and lifestyle imagery for the woman who emphasizes a life of passion expressed through personal style, leisurely past times, and intimitable charm.

Posted: April 8, 2013 Comments: 0

Trend2Try: Black & White & Chic All Over

Black and White Trend Spring 2013

As much as we love experimenting with colors, after seasons of flashy neon brights; black and white feels so right. It’s no wonder this fresh color combo was  all over the Spring runways. Marc Jacobs went with a mod interpretation, in graphic pop-art style stripes. Alexander Wang took a sporty approach, with a black and white palette adding to the bold shapes and cut out detailing. At Celine we saw a menswear inspired collection of black and white oversized suiting separates. Karl Lagerfeld was channeling a chic gingham clad farm girl in bold black and white prints. And at Narciso Rodriguez the daring contrast of dark and light added to the sex appeal of the slinky dresses.

Black and White Trend on Fashion Bloggers

The fashion blogosphere has certainly taken a liking to the hottest color combo of the season. Whether printed, striped, or color blocked these ladies know that sometimes bold black and white is all you need to make a style statement. Megan of DonatilaRose went for that timeless Parisian chic it-girl in a black mini, simple white top,  and a classic black bag, sexy pumps, and lots of leg. Love the fashion forward and fierce ensemble on Borjana of Bee’s Wonderland; the asymmetrical mini, striped button up, sharp blazer, and bold rep lip is so striking. Sissy a La Mode looks fresh in white on white with graphic black paneling on her top. Head-to-toe black with a white pump is an unexpected and fresh combination on Sheree of It’s Not That Deep; and the printed clutch adds a graphic interest. Ivana of Fashion Quite is a modern mod in her black mini, striped crop top, and edgy moto booties. What’s your take on the black and white trend? Have you rocked this bold color combo?

Posted: April 5, 2013 Comments: 1

Name2Know: MSGM by DJ Massimo Giorgetti

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Before his venture into the world of high fashion, DJ Massimo Giorgetti was spinning the latest tracks at some of the hottest clubs across the globe. Now, his musical and artistic taste influence his unique point-of-view as chief designer and creative director at MSGM. Though the label is still considered a newcomer with it’s initial collection launching in the Spring of 2010, the brand has quickly established a name for itself in the fashion world.

MSGM is garnering attention for being fun, chic, young, and “insanely on-trend”. The Spring 2013 collection made a huge statement, with kaleidiscopic prints and flirty silhouettes. The collection is meant to be mixed and matched with ease- though it’s not for the faint of heart. The MSGM girl is wild, carefree, and spirited with her fashion. Shop the Spring 2013 collection at Shopbop.

Posted: April 4, 2013 Comments: 0

Rumor Mill: Nasty Gal to Test Monthly Shoe Subscription?

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Sohpia Amuroso is the CEO darling of the fashion-tech world, and these days it’s all eyes on her eCommerce super-giant, NastyGal.com. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Nasty Gal is the go-to e-tailer of the next generation. Their customers are edgy, hip, and effortlessly cool girls who feel empowered by the sexy and often provocative offerings on Nasty Gal.

But Amuroso knows that in today’s world, you’re in one day and out the next, and her personal motto is “Only the paranoid survive.” So what’s Nasty Gal’s next move? A recent New York Times piece speculated that the next step for Nasty Gal could be an acquisition by the hipster Mecca Urban Outfitters; but that rumor was squashed just almost as quickly as it came.

Did Amuroso spill the company’s next move via Instagram? In a somewhat cryptic post from the CEO herself, Amuroso posted to her 36,000 followers the following message, “Ooops. #shoecult hits later this year.” Could it be that Nasty Gal’s next venture will be tapping into the shoe subscription program, a la ShoeDazzle, JustFab and ShoeMint?

This is especially interesting (and juicy) considering that ShoeDazzle’s COO left the company this past June to join the Nasty Gal team as COO/President.

We’re looking forward to seeing how this venture will develop for the indie company, as it has been a tumultuous road for the aforementioned. Honestly though, if anyone can make it work, it’s Nasty Gal. After all, “Nasty Gal’s do it better.”

Posted: April 3, 2013 Comments: 0

Brazilian Sensuality & Italian Style: DosMares Swim

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The dosMares swimwear collection combines the Brazilian sun goddess sensuality with the fine craftsmanship and materials of Italian fashion. Chief designer Anna Maria Settimi was born and raised on the Brazilian beaches and is inspired by the surf, sun, sand, and all things realting to the sea. The dosMares woman lives an active lifestyle, but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort for style; and Settimi is known for balancing wearability with great design. She works with a classic silhouette and still manages to gives each collection the perfect air of modernity.

The dosMares Summer 2013 collection is a modern interpretation of the surf culture and “beach bum” lifestyle of the 1970′s. Floral prints, psychedelic colors, and flirty bandeau tops are reminiscent of the “Endless Summer” days and would be perfect for attire for a surf competition, beachfront music festival, or poolside BBQ…don’t forget the denim cutoffs, RayBan sunnies, and SPF!  To shop the dosMares Summer 2013 collection, check out Shopbop.com.

Posted: April 2, 2013 Comments: 0