Fishnets: Yuck or Yay?

Fishnets are controversial, but they have been popular over the years regardless. They've been associated with goths, strippers, and Harajuku girls. Depending on who you ask, fishnets can be perceived as slutty or fashion-forward. They are, given the multitude of styles, quite versatile. Generally speaking, those with a smaller net are considered classier. Nude, beige, or vanilla fishnets are recommened for the office. Black and shimmery ones are best for formal events, and feel free to go for colorful ones for dancing or partying. Below you'll see different celebrities and how they style this particular trend, along with my commentary. I've mostly been seeing fishnets as a part of performance outfits (think Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Ke$ha, Katy Perry...hell, even Miley).

Lily Allen in UK Glamour

I simply adore this look. The red fishnets are very subtle and add a pop of color along with the red pumps. This goes to show you that fishnets can be worn with shorts for visual interest.

Taylor Momsen filming Gossip Girl

It's okay if you have tears and little holes in your black fishnets if you're going for a punky look. Add a leather motorcycle jacket and metallic pointy-toe shoes for an extra punch.

Megan Fox at a Jennifer's Body press conference

Her sophisticated plaid dress looks fabulous with vanilla fishnets and burnt orange heels. If you were dubious about whether or not fishnets could be "classy" look no further than here.

Kylie Minogue in Cannes

Kylie proves that you don't have to be in your twenties to pull off fishnets. A hot pink dress, gold heels, and black fishnets is not something you see every day, but I personally find it to be fabulous and perfectly befitting a pop star.

Sarah Jessica Parker at a premiere

Did she take style cues from Kylie? Strapless hot pink dress + black fishnets...although with different styling.

Ciara

Here's what not to wear with nude fishnets: red knee-high boots and a cut-out gold dress. The dress with the fishnets could have been passable if she chose, say, black heels? Anyway, I'd avoid wearing super short dresses/skirts with fishnets so you don't look trashy.

Blake Lively on the set of Gossip Girl

Fishnets come in fun colors and patterns. Blake tones them down with a neutral outfit and accessories.

Leighton Meester

Blue coat. Check. Blue bag. Check. Blue fishnets. Check. It's a bit much for me.

What's your take on the trend? Do like them colorful, or do you prefer classic black? What would you wear with them? I think this trend deserves a YAY if the holes are small. I personally get bored of wearing opaque black tights all the time, so fishnets are a good alternative. I prefer wearing them with a preppy ensemble so I get just a little edge. I also think it looks better than the over-the-knee sock trend that's been getting stronger recently, at least on myself. Athletic calves and thick socks do not match!

xx Chloe

Glitzy is Glam

I've been saving this outfit for awhile, meaning to post it. While it is not anything particularly edgy or out-of-the-box, I truly admire Carrie Underwood's style. It's well-tailored, classy, yet it still retains a bit of sexiness and surprise fun. From the top, the oufit seems typical: white v-neck, black blazer, and golden hoops. On the bottom, the gold theme is expanded upon with a sequined mini and pointy toe metallic booties. Hey, if you've got nice legs, flaunt them! Flowing blonde locks, a smoky eye, and pale pink glossy lips complete the classy yet glam ensemble.

To replicate this look, you'll need:
♥ A white v-neck tee
♥ A black blazer (preferably one that hits lower than the widest part of your hips)
♥ A gold sequined miniskirt
♥ Gold hoop earrings
♥ Metallic gold booties

Products to try:
1. Gold Sequin Mini Skirt, $29 at Hot Topic
2. Faux Leather Trimmed Strong Shoulder Jacket, $98 at Express
3. Perfect Slub-Knit Tee in Bright White, $10 at Old Navy
4. Dollhouse Fina in Gold, $50 at Shoes.com
5. 24k Gold over Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, $20 at Kmart

xx Chloe

Tell me what your go-to date night outfit is in the comments. Does it look like Underwood's outfit at all?

Beauty in Black

I suppose you can't go wrong with an LBD, but the look can get de rigeur, boring, and unimaginative. That's one reason why I particularly liked Jessica Alba's ensemble at the MTV Movie Awards. Aside from being able to see her bra through her tank, I liked the untraditional take on a nighttime classic. Alba wore a sheer black tank tucked into an asymmetrical Louise Goldin (fall 2010) skirt and sparkling leggings. Her accessories were equally black: Jimmy Choo tube clutch, a rope necklace, black open-toe heels, her belt, and her pedicure. In order to keep her look more modern than gothic, her makeup was light and natural with a nude color palette. You can't tell in this picture, but her hair was slicked back into a sort of French twist by a Frederik Fekkai stylist.

To replicate this look, you'll need:

♥ A black tank top
♥ An asymmetrical black skirt
♥ A black belt
♥ A black clutch with silver accents
♥ Black sparkly leggings
♥ Black open-toe heels

Products to Try:
1. Crochet-Trim Racerback Top in Black Jack, $10 at Old Navy
2. Michael Stars Raw Edge Asymmetrical Skirt in Black, $68 at Revolve Clothing
3. Wide Stretch Belt in Black, $30 at Express
4. Cut-Out Clutch in Pitch Black, $35 at Express
5. I'Miusa Glitter Sheer Leggings in Black, $14 at Yes Style
6. Fioni Isadora Back Zip Sandal in Black, $27 at Payless Shoe Source

Is Alba's outfit too trendy or special occassion perfect?

xx Chloe

Fashion Blogger Award!

A big, fat kiss to Tayebug, the lovely lady who gave me this honor! She always comments religiously on my posts, and I have a special place in her blog roll. She's super awesome, and I adore her blog. Where else can I find yummy recipes in addition to posts about style?

(Sorry I haven't been on Blogger lately...I've been cramming for college placement exams I need to take before my orientation next Wednesday. I've taken my French one and tested out of three semesters' worth of classes, but I have yet to take my math one. Eep!)

The Rules

1. Give your best style advice

Don't dress specifically to be trendy; dress to flatter your figure first!

2. Show us your "go to" outfit

I'm usually always in dresses and skirts if I'm not sick or working out. I suppose my favorite outfit that is casual yet stylish would be a graphic white tee, a plum a-line skirt that hits at the knee, pink pointy-toe flats with a bow accent, a pair of great silver chandelier earrings, a stack of silver bangles, and my ankh necklace. (I'm always wearing one or two rings as well, and I never take off my Eye of Horus ring!) If it's chilly I'll wear a sequined black scarf with it, but if I'm having a bad hair day I'll wear my purple sequined beret.

My camera's dead, so no pictures. :(

3. Show us what you can't live without right now (fashion wise)

My perfect summer shoes are these Stella Gladiator Sandals I got at Payless (BOGO sale!). They are uber comfy, add extra pizazz to even the most ho-hum outfit, and are a steal.

4. Pass this on to 5 other fashion bloggers

♥ Brooklyn Blonde

♥ 9 to 5 Chic

♥ The Beauty Sanctum

♥ Diary of a Shopaholic Material Girl

♥ *Viva La Fashion*

xx Chloe

June is National Rose Month

I don't know if you knew this, but the rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. For some reason, that romantic flower gets its own month too. Roses are widely held to be symbols of passion and love, but the meaning depends on the hue of the flower in question. In one Arabic legend of the rose, it was said that roses were originally white. A nightengale met one of the white roses and fell in love, and he was inspired to sing (whereas before his type of bird only croaked and chirped). Eventually his love was such that he pressed his little feathery body into the flower, but the thorns pierced his heart and colored the rose forever red. I think that story is quite poignant. On a different note, I've found some fun products that will help you enjoy roses to their fullest!

Beauty Products
1. Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve, $6 at Sephora
2. Aromatherapy Classics Stress Relief Body Wash in Sandalwood Rose, $13 at Bath & Body Works
3. Moroccan Rose Body Mist, $13 at The Body Shop
4. Milani Lip Color in Rose Hip, $4 at Drugstore.com
5. L'Oreal Infallible Plumping Lipgloss in Plumped Rose, $10 at Walgreens

Clothes
1. Floral Pearl Trim Cardigan in Cream/Rose, $28 at Forever21
2. Rose Print Dress, $27 at Wet Seal
3. Falling Roses Dress in Black, $39 at Forever21
4. Sequin Roses Embellished Graphic Tee in True White, $20 at Express

Shoes and Accessories
1. Floral T-strap Sandals in Pink Rose, $30 at GAP
2. Sterling Silver Rose Ring, $40 at Target
3. Pink Satin Double Rose Clutch, $45 at White House|Black Market
4. Fuschia Seude Open Toe Rose T-strap Dress Sandal Heel, $31 at Ami Clubwear

xx Chloe

Wearable Watercolors

Is it just me, or did Olivia Palermo become incredibly stunning once she gave up the bottle blonde? If you need more proof that brunette is beautiful, check out this post. Her chocolate tresses were curled with what looks like a large barrel curling iron, and her middle part was left in tact. Her bags were pinned back, which is an ultra-pretty way to let your face be the focal point. Her makeup was very subdued and Audrey Hepburn-esque: neutral contoured shadows, black liquid liner slightly extended past the eye, shiny light pink lips, and some blue-toned pink blush. The slightly darker than candy red nails are a sophisticated finishing touch.

Let's talk about this outfit she wore at the Institute for Civic Leadership benefit in the Big Apple. I love her use of color, pattern, and proportion. Her floaty top is balanced by crisp, well-tailored shorts. Her cardigan has a very small print, yet the floral print on her blouse is much larger. In order to keep a lean silhouette, she belted her blouse right beneath her breasts with a complimentary braided belt. The shoes are an unexpected twist, but the coral peep-toe T-strap heels synch with the rest of her ensemble. I would have never thought of that! The purple and yellow in her blouse are warm colors, so they gel with the coral hue. Style lesson: Stay in the same color temperature to avoid clashing!

To replicate her look, you'll need:
♥  A neutral 3/4 sleeve sequined cardigan
♥  A watercolor white tank
♥  White short-shorts
♥  A neutral braided belt (similar color as cardigan)
♥  Coral/peach peep-toe T-strap heels
♥  A matching deep red mani/pedi

Products to Try:
1. Michael Antonio Harpo Wedge Sandal in Orange, $30 at DSW
2. Sequin Falls Cardigan in Fawn, $80 at J.Crew
3. Butterfly Watercolor Floral Tank, $10 at Crazy 8
4. AE Skinny Braided Belt in Chalk, $20 at American Eagle Outfitters
5. AE White Denim Shorties, $35 at American Eagle Outfitters
6. L'Oreal Paris Pro Manicure Nail Polish in Dozen Red Roses, $5 at Drugstore.com

xx Chloe

Canary Can Be Sweet

Whitney Port wore this unexpectedly sunny Yigal Azrouel mini to the MTV Movie Awards. I have to say, yellow has never been my favorite color. I own one pale yellow tee and some neon yellow running shorts, but that's it. Of course, Port has always had a very interesting style, especially since she's moved to NYC. The nude in combination with the bright canary yellow makes it palatable, not like she chose to dress up like a citrus fruit. I absolutely adore the accessories she choose. From her intricate gold peep-toe cage sandals, her oversize metallic clutch, and some strategic bangles...she looks fashion-forward. The Brigitte Bardot hair, subdued makeup, dark pedicure, and trendy greige manicure pull everything together nicely. Let's be honest, if I had her legs I'd be showing them off at every opportunity that presented itself!

To replicate her look, you'll need:
♥ A strapless yellow minidress
♥ An oversize gold clutch
♥ Gold cage sandals
♥ Gold bangles
♥ Confidence!

Products to Try:
1. Smocked Tube Dress in Yellow, $9 at Wet Seal
2. Isadora Strapless Dress in Mustard, $16 at Forever 21
3. Surran Heeled Sandals in Gold, $60 at Aldo
4. Gold Studded Peep Toe Caged Heel Bootie, $16 at Ami Clubwear
5. Metal Bangles in Gold Plated, $10 at Old Navy
6. Gold Chain Mail Box, $15 at Forever 21

xx Chloe

Ecofriendly Finds: A Green Summer

Beauty Products to Try:
1. Alba TerraGloss in Garnet, $6 at AlbaBotanica.com
This gloss is free of artificial colors, mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, or phthalates. The formula has Vitamin E, shea butter, and beeswax for perfectly glossy lips. It's available in five other deletable colors, so you're bound to find one in your signature shade.
2. Organix Invigorating Cherry Blossom Shampoo, $7 at CVS
The yummy-smelling formula is free of sulfates and parabens and is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. The bottles are ecofriendly and manufactured from post-consumer resin. The compostable label film is made of corn, and only environmentally friendly ink is used. It promises to add volume at the root while nourishing your hair with rice milk and bamboo extract.
3. Yes to Carrots Hydrating Body Lotion with SPF 30, $14 at Walgreens
This lotion is 97.4% natural and free of petroleum and parabens (cruelty-free as well). This formula will keep you safe in the sun since it provides sun protection while hydrating with organic carrots, aloe, and Dead Sea minerals.
4. NVEY ECO Organic Eye Shadow in 166, $24 at Sephora
This is an organic eyeshadow that's talc-free and rich in color due to the combination of corn silk and jojoba oil. Chamomile and vitamins A, C, and E make the formula excellent for those with dry and/or sensitive skin. There are no parabans, sulfates, synthetic dyes or fragrances, petro-chemicals, or phtalates. There are lots of great shimmery colors to choose from: grey, brown, olive, taupe, pinky peach, copper, and marigold. Matte versions are available in pale turquoise and lavender.
5. Kiss My Face Obsessively Organic Conditioner in Green Tea & Lime,$9 at Kmart
This cruelty-free conditioner is perfect to use everyday due to the organic botanicals and essential oils which improve manageability and diminish tangles and split ends. Plus it's like aromatherapy in your shower!
6. Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Eyeliner in Black Night Organics, $7 at Discount Beauty Center
This eyeliner is free of synthetics, parabens and harsh chemicals while being cruelty-free. It's also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The pencil is made with natural wood, and the formula itself is 37% organic.

Clothes and Accessories to Try:
1. Organic Baby Rib Cross-Back Summer Dress in Ultraviolet, $39 at American Apparel
A fun and flattering sundress made with 100% organic baby rib cotton. The back is super flirty!
2. Simple Shoes Satire Leopard Sneaker in Hot Pink Leopard, $50 at Simple Shoes
These comfy and fierce sneaks are made with certified organic cotton, recycled car tires, and recylced plastic bottles. You may have to retire your Chucks in favor of these ecofriendly kicks.
3. Betmar Organic Cotton Eyelet Beret in Twilight Blue, $20 at Delmonico Hatter
You'll feel good (and cute!) about wearing this boho chic find since it's made with 100% organic cotton.
4. Sexy Short Skirt/Top Duo in Mushroom, $49 at Green Earth Bamboo
This multitasking miracle is made from super soft bamboo viscose. The waist folds over for extra versatility.
5. Recycled Thai Fabric Hand Bag, $38 at EarthLover
This colorful handbag is one-of-a-kind! Since it's made with recycled Thai fabric, each bag is slightly unique. The bag is handmade and roomy enough for all of your stuff.
6. Roll Edge Pure Pima Organic Scarf in Sunkist Coral, $10 at Fair Indigo
This cheap and 100% organic cotton scarf is machine-washable. I think you'll get lots of mileage out of it, especially in the freshly pretty pinkish color.

xx Chloe

Street Style: Earn Your Stripes

This stylish blogger from New York, New York was snapped up by Elle's Street Chic Daily, and for good reason. Her devil-may-care casual outfit has loads of horizontal stripes. Why does it work? She stuck with a neutral color palette: gray, white, navy, nude, and brown. Her shirt is James Perse, her skort is Open Ceremony, her shoes are Aldo, her bag is Bogetta Veneta, her sunglasses are Ray Bans, and her jewelry is vintage. I also like how her pink nails pop against the neutral backdrop of her ensemble!

As much as I like designer clothing, I try to look for cheap steals. I am a college student, after all!

To replicate this look, you'll need:
♥ A gray horizontal multi-stripe tee
♥ A gray miniskirt or skort with horizontal stripes
♥ Nude heels (preferably with clear accents)
♥ A brown hobo bag
♥ Bright pink nail polish
♥ A gold chain necklace
♥ Black aviator sunglasses

Products to Try:
1. Perfect Tee in Black Combo, $6 at Old Navy
2. Sandy Stripe Skirt in Black/Gray, $20 at Alloy
3. Love Me Seude Sandals in Taupe, $89 at Chinese Laundry
4. Coffee Faux Leather Gathered Knot Decor Handbag, $43 at Ami Clubwear
5. Revlon Nail Enamel in Oh My Magenta, $4 at Walmart
6. AE Gilt Sunglasses, $16 at American Eagle Outfitters
7. Mixit Long Matte Gold Chain Necklace, $16 at JCPenney



Now you can try your own version of this girlie's effortlessly chic preppy style.

xx Chloe

Pantone Color of the Year

Drum roll please...2010's hottest color is TURQUOISE. You probably already knew that, though. I'm bringing it up because it's the most fitting hue for summer. It makes me think of lemonade, late night swims in the neighborhood pool, and tropical escapes.

There are all sorts of ways to incorporate this color into your life. Turquoise is supposedly a symbol of youth and communication. Additionally, it creates a soothing effect. Why not find a gorgeous new dress or pair of heels in this color? Or maybe revamp the walls of your bathroom? Keep reading for some inspiration and product ideas.

Doesn't Chanel Iman look stunning with dramatic ocean-inspired makeup at the Gucci spring show? Aqua and turquoise eye shadows and dramatic lashes really make her brown eyes pop. All brown-eyed beauties should consider investing in a shadow or liner of this color. It's a bit unexpected yet incredibly summery. It looks equally great paired with a nude lip for the day or a vixen wine lip for night. This color has been cropping up on nails for the past year as well, so try the bold hue for your next manicure or pedicure! I personally own #3 and #5, and I love them both.

Cosmetics to Try:

1. tarte Ballet Dancers Eyeliner in Turquoise, $18 at QVC

2. Essie Nail Polish in Turquoise & Caicos, $8 at Essie Boutique 

3. Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Venetian Blue, $5 at Drugstore.com

4. L'Oreal HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Teal, $10 at Target

5. New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish in East Village, $2 at Sears

6. NYX Trio Eyeshadow in Aquamarine, $8 at Ulta

Clothes to Shop:

1. One-Shoulder Shirred Dress in Deep Teal, $40 at Newport News

2. Nautical Tank in Multi Stripe, $23 at Alloy 

3. Pleated Linen Skirt in Teal, $18 at Forever 21

4. Neon Twist Bandeau Top and Double-String Bottom in Carabi Bubbles, $22 (top) and $14.50 (bottom) at Victoria's Secret

Accessories to Shop:

1. Two-Tone Canvas Beach Bag in Turquoise, $17 at Old Navy

2. Michael Antonio Tulane Sandal in Turquoise, $40 at DSW

3. Woodstock Beaded Necklace in Turquoise, $18 at Free People

4. Xhilaration Tiger Print Scarf in Aqua, $8 at Target

5. Turquoise Striped Floppy Headband, $10 at Hot Topic

6. Sterling Silver Turquoise "Love" Ring, $17 at Overstock

 

 xx Chloe

Backstage Beauty: The Lady's a Tramp

I've always appreciated the eccentricity of Betsey Johnson's style. She didn't disappoint with her Spring 2010 collection, which was starred vampy makeup, larger-than-life hair, lots of tulle, neon animal print, and her signature party dresses. Below you'll find the actual products used to create the "good girl gone bad" look of the runway.

MAKEUP
Stila was in charge of the makeup, which is supposed to be both messy and vampy. It's was smudgy like it was slept in. When you're doing this at home, remember that imperfection is perfection! Skin was merely evened out with a tinted moisturizer to balance out the edgy lips and eyes. Blend gray and black shadows, then top with silver glitter on the lids and dab your makeup brush in red glitter to add to the outer corners. Line the upper and lower lashlines with a black eyeliner, then take an eyeliner brush to add some gray shadow along the line (smudge, smudge, smudge!). Make a V-shape of red glitter on the outer eye. Add several coats of black mascara. For the lips, make sure you line them with a complimentary liner for a smooth finish. Use a dark almost-black red, then dab a little red glitter into the center of your lips for extra oomph.
Products Used: Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Black, Stila All Over Liquid Shimmer, Stila Major Major Mascara in Black

NAILS
The base coat used was butter LONDON Branwen Feather (blackish purple). The next coat was either butter LONDON Rosie Lee (pinkish glitter) or butter LONDON Henly Regatta (bluish-green glitter). It was very grunge chic.

HAIR
The hair was big and teased and offset with giant tulle hairpieces. Create the "mad texture" by using Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse and Redken Aerate 08 Bodifying Cream Mousse. You're aiming for a deconstructed coif.

CLOTHES
Here are my favorite three looks from the collection. Hot pink adds visual interest to classic black and white, strapless mini dresses are de rigeur, tulle makes the perfect hem, and killer strappy sandals finish the ensemble. Edgy, fun, and unique!

xx Chloe

Va Va Voom in Burgundy

Taylor Swift stepped outside of her usual cutsy-boho country look for a plain old sexy Galliano frock at the CMT Awards. She complimented it by ditching her normally curly locks for side-parted sleek and straight strands. Lorraine Schwartz hoop earings and Christian Louboutin for 3.1 Phillip Lim sandals perfectly set off her daring dress. She kept her makeup simple: heavy on the black liner and mascara and nude lip gloss with a natural face.

Taylor swears by Chanel Inimitable Mascara in Black and MAC Fluidline Eyeliner in Blacktrack. I suspect she's wearing some serious false lashes as well to achieve the sultry and subtly smoky eye look.

To replicate this look, you'll need:
♥ A flirty burgundy dress that hits above the knee
♥ Strappy high-heeled burgundy sandals
♥ Major sparkly black hoop earrings

Products to Try:
1. Victoria's Secret Sleeveless Squareneck Jersey Dress in Cranberry, $59 at Victoria's Secret
2. Alexia Admor Burgundy Sleeveless Dress, $159 at EDressMe
3. Burgundy Rhinestone Ruched Gathered Prom Dress, $79 at AMI Clubwear
4. Black Sterling Silver Crystal Hoop Earrings, $30 at Target
5. Ann Marino Lass Criss-Cross Sandal in Red, $50 at DSW
6. Carlos Santana Regent Bootie in Red, $60 at DSW



This look is perfect for a night on the town. Taylor got sexy spot-on, and I have to say I'm loving it!

xx Chloe