For Starters...Summer!

Hey, everyone, it's Emilyann!

It's about that time again when we're starting to pull out the shorts and tank tops, getting ready for the heat and the sunshine.  Along with summer comes a lot of things.  Summer trends, haircuts, and tans.  I'm going to be addressing in a short series all of what you need in your closet during the summer, how short to chop your hair or whether to chop at all, and how to get a healthy summer glow without too much damage to your skin and withOUT looking orange.  Let's get started!

Must Have For the Perfect Summer Wardrobe

(1) A flowy white skirt.  This goes with everything and automatically makes an outfit dressy and summery.

(2) Long, layered necklaces.  They go with everything and take a minimalist look to the next level.
(3) High waisted shorts.  They're SO in right now, and look great with flow-y tops.
(4) Offwhite rose studs.  Too cute, and absolutely everywhere you look.
(5) Color blocking.  This is the trend of the summer, a total flashback from the '80's that you see on the runway and in everyday wear.
(6) Clunky bangles.  They give a boho feel to any look.
(7) Maxi dresses and skirts.  Another boho flavor this summer. It doesn't look good on everyone, but if you have long legs and a minimally curvy figure, this should work.
(8) Denim button up tops.  They're cute to roll up, or leave open, or even tie in front.  If you choose to wear it in jeans, don't try to match denims.  A dark wash looks good with a middle to lighter wash.
(9) Gladiator sandals.  These were around last summer as well, but they're still very much a must-have in a summer wardrobe.
(10) Feather earrings.  The more colorful the better. Feathers anyway are very in.
(11) A turquoise ring.  These are adorable and add flair instantly.
(12) A white sundress.  You'll see these dresses in every store window, from New York & Co. to Vanity.
(13) A leather messenger bag.  Preferably with a shoulder AND hand strap.
(14) A pair of Ray-Bans.  Very hipster, and there are inexpensive dupes everywhere.
(15) Boyfriend jeans.  They look amazing with a nice pair of pumps, or even embellished flats.
(16) Nude heels. An essential for the female closet.
(17) A sun hat.  The floppy ones are the best.  They protect your skin, shield your face and look very sweet.
(18) Anything floral.  The more vintage feeling the better.
(19) - (20) Sperry's and TOM's.  They're equally as popular so take your pick! I personally love TOMs because every pair you purchase, a pair goes to a needy child in another country who doesn't have any shoes.  Awesomeness.
(21) Boyfriend blazer.  You can get these at thrift stores and vintage shops for CHEAP.  They look good over tank tops and band t-shirts, flowy dresses and rompers.  It's a safe bet that if your outfit seems to be lacking something, add the blazer and it could just spice up your look the way you want it to.
(22) An oversize clutch.  It's a bit impractical if you carry a lot of things in your purse, but for a night out, rather than an everyday purse, it's very cute.
(23) Wedges. These never go out of style and they're great gateway heels because they're pretty easy to walk in if you're not used to walking in pumps.

So are you excited for summer yet?! :D  Next installment coming soon. 

 Emilyann


PS: Go check out my  Main Blog for a giveaway!!! <3

Making it Yours

Hey, It's Caroline!  Before I begin, I'd like to remind you to enter our giveaway.  You won't regret it!

Now back to the good stuff... I know that everybody who reads this has their own style in one way or another.  And a lot of times, we may have a style that we want to express, but we're worried about what people, especially our family, will say.

All I can say is that it's a lengthy transition.  I grew up in Hawaii, land of jean shorts and t-shirts, and I wanted desperately to fit in.  Because of this, I bought denim shorts and wore a whole lot of tank tops.  But I wasn't quite comfortable.

So I slowly began deciding to embrace my own style, and it began with... a scarf.  I actually remember my first "experiment."  It was a brown, empire waist dress, black leggings, ballet flats, and a bright blue scarf.  This sounds... very cute, but not nearly as daring as I am now.  This shows you exactly the style I used to have, noting that this was a significant improvement.

I was beside myself as I twirled around my room (I do that), and when I walked into the kitchen, I tried to act nonchalant.  However, this nonchalant air was unsuccessful, and I remember my brother, mom, and dad both noticed the difference and made comments here and there.  They weren't negative comments, but they were certainly... amused, perhaps?  But I'm fairly used to being a source of amusement for my family.  It's like a contest.

However, as time went on, and my family became less and less surprised that I was wearing bright scarves and such, I amped it up.  I started wearing chandelier earrings, heels, and bright colors, especially purple.  I slowly developed a sense of style.  Of course, my style is sort of undefined, because I'm not really sure how to categorize it.  But there are things I would and wouldn't wear, and it's becoming apparent to those around me.

My mom will see things in a store or in a catalog and say "Oh, this is so you!"  And to me, that's a high form of flattery.  To know that I've finally found my place in such a small arena of life as style is really refreshing, and I don't have to worry about what works for me and what doesn't for the most part.  I see something, and I know.

So, what I’m trying to say is, if you’re struggling to find your style, just know it takes time.  But I sort of unintentionally did it in little steps, and I snapped a few photos to help illustrate my meaning.

Basically, if you want to start exhibiting your personality through your attire, I suggest starting with accessories.  If you’re preppy and all-girl, I suggest getting some pumps like these:

If you aren’t willing or ready to wear heels that high yet, I suggest getting some simple, matte black pumps.  You can wear these, and the nude heels, with jeans, dresses, skirts, or anything you like, really.

(Just a note.  These heels aren’t as big as you’d think.  It’s just my thumbs.  They’re miniscule.)


For a more girly girl, bright colored bags and scarves are a great accessory.

Now if you’re a bit more sporty and tom-boyish but still want to add a bit of chic to let people know that you can make it happen, I suggest some more substantial accessories.  For shoes, I think that neutral wedges with boyfriend-style jeans are a perfect look, and leather bags in a pop of color are easy and yet still cute.  To add to that, chunky jewelry and top-knots are perfect for this type of look.

There are a few more things you can do, too.  If you’re edgier, rock some black ankle boots with a wild heel, skinny jeans, and a band t-shirt.  

And of course, if you want to add some instant cuteness to any outfit, throw on a scarf!

 

The basic gist of what I’m saying is to start small.  If you all of a sudden explode and start wearing everything you want at once, it’ll be a bit of a shock to others, and you might miss out on learning how to pair things in just the right way for you.  Be it a bright nail-polish color, a new haircut, a new pair of shoes, or a vivid scarf, just take things little by little so you can get it right.

Have fun!