DIY: Cheap & Easy Spring Trend Jewelry

Hey, everyone!
Emilyann here, and I'm very excited about the post I have for you all today.  I'm not usually one to follow trends religiously, but there is one trend that caught my eye this season, and that is the neon trend.  Literally everything on the store shelves is neon, and I couldn't be more happy!  One of my favorite fashion eras is the late eighties.  While the nineties influence my style much more, the eighties has that creative pop of color and texture that adds something to any girly outfit.  Neon is a product of the eighties, and I'm happy it's coming back.

Good jewelry can be pretty expensive, and it goes in and out of style faster than you can say Tiffany's.  While most of us succumb to the settlement of Forever21 jewelry and Claire's, I would argue there is a better alternative.  If you've read my posts before, you know I am a huge fan of thrift stores.  I buy in bulk.  It's inexpensive and often extremely rewarding.  I plan on doing a post with some of my best thrifting finds.  Let me know if you're interested in that post.

A lot of the time, the jewelry at thrift stores can be old lady-ish and boring.  But my number one tip for thrifting is to keep an open mind.  Everything has potential.  Including the old lady jewelry at Goodwill.  I went to my favorite thrift store in the town I'm in and got a couple pairs of really big, obnoxious earrings.  Most people would think I was totally crazy.  But my mom gave me a great idea.  In the eighties, she used to buy the one "in" pair of earrings, in white, and then paint them with nail polish to incorporate them into any outfit.  My immediate thought was "neon".

All you'll need for this DIY is:

• Plastic or similarly textured jewelry
• Neon or brightly colored nailpolish
• A paper towel
• Ear piercing cleaner or rubbing alcohol

Firstly, if you bought the earrings from a thriftstore, you need to soak the earrings in some kind of cleaner.  I use the ear cleaner that I got from Claire's when I got my cartilage pierced.  You can also use rubbing alcohol. Once you've thoroughly cleaned the earrings, and the other jewelry, take part of the earring that goes through your ear and hold it up, now you have a good hold for painting it.  Take a neon colored nailpolish, I chose 24/7 by Sinful Colors.  This color is both neon and dries matte.  Make sure to paint in one direction. If it's zigzagged it will look messy. Don't forget to cover the sides.  Once you've painted in one direction, let it dry.  Then paint against the grain. If you painted across, now paint up & down. This will give full coverage and color to the earring.  Let them dry.

If you are using an earring that has a previous color, never fear.  I took this pair of yellow triangle earrings and painted on a base of a light, cool green color by Forever 21.  It's nearly white, so it cancels out the yellow and provides a clean base for the green. If you don't have a color like this, white should work fine.  After letting it dry, go ahead and apply an actual green.  I chose Sally Hansen's Green With Envy.  With this pair of earrings, I decided to use another spring trend- animal print.  I took a paper towel and rolled the earring, still wet, across the towel.  This gave it a snake skin like texture.  You can see the light green and even a bit of the yellow peeking through. I love it.

Do this to any jewelry you want neon and hop on into spring!  This DIY is great because it's incredibly simple, and it's nailpolish, so it comes off!  Just use a cotton ball and nail polish remover and you have your normal jewelry back.  Have a great spring, everyone!

xx,
Emilyann

Because Spring Is Coming...

Winter's almost over (hopefully) but the trends are here to stay!  Perhaps we should put away the darker nail polish colors, and the tights and the blazers, but I'm not quite ready yet, and I doubt all of you are either!  Here are some ways to work winter's trends into your spring outfits.

The left is the winter outfit and the spring is the right in all pictures below.
Also, all outfits were created by me on Polyvore.

Trend #1 - Mixing Metals


This trend was pretty popular on the runway as well as in the real world.  Golds and silvers don't work together?  That's crazy!  They look spectacular together and I'm glad the fashion world finally acknowledged it.  String some bright colored shorts and ribborns around the look.  Make sure to balance out the heaviness of the jewelry with the lightness of the fabric.

Trend #2 - The Trenchcoat

By taking off the sleeves of the trench coats and adding some bright accessories, and giving it an overall more relaxed feel, you can easily take the trenchcoat trend into spring with you.

Trend #3 - Tights and Boots

Tights are almost always practical.  Just change to brightly colored tights to transition them into the spring time! Use boots to give a more earthy effect.

Winter is definitely my favorite fashion month, and I'm not ready to say goodbye to it quite yet, so I'm loving these transitions.  What is your favorite season fashion wise?

xx,
Emilyann

Fall Trends: The Varsity Jacket

Hello all, Lillian here!

Today I am sharing with you my love of the new varsity jacket trend.  I've always loved the look of varsity jackets, and even though I'm usually averse to such blatant trendy-ness, I just purchased my very own.  I think it's pretty terrific.  But unfortunately, in a sad case of ditsy-ness on my part, my camera is all the way across America at the current moment.  So instead of posting any sort of outfit post, I am going to share with you two different ways to style your jacket, should you choose to join me in this awesome-jacket-party. 

{Number One:  The Authentic, steal-from-the-guys, Varsity Jacket}

For this type of look, go to the guys section of stores, thrift stores or actually steal it from a brother or friend.  It'll be a bit large, but that's what we love about this look.  Pair it with casual dresses or jeans, or for a more fancy look, try it with a high-waisted skirt and blouse, and just sling it across your shoulders, getting more of a 50's look.


{Number Two: The more style-ized Look}

For this type of look you can have more of a free-reign on what exactly a varsity jacket is.  But that's ok, because this is a trend, and you always want to have your own twist on it.  Take a sweater version, or a patterned one, or a sweater with barely a hint.  Style them however you see fit with girly accents or retro ones.

But really, just have fun, because what is the point of getting dressed everyday if it isn't fun? Well besides the fact that it isn't socially acceptable to go everywhere naked... but you knew what I meant.  ;)

Are you considering getting your own varsity jacket?

Any other trends you are embracing this fall?  Do tell!

{love}
{lillian}

P.S. See the original Polyvore sets here.  
P.P.S Mine is most like the red-sleeved "authentic" jacket in the first picture. 

My Three Favorite Fall Makeup Trends

I just had to take a break from the body shape series and write this post.  It was calling to me.  "Caroline.... Caroline.... tell the world.... post... post it......"

I'm absolutely head-over-heels for fall's clothing trends, but I'm even more in love with the makeup!  I'll give you the run-down on my three favorite trends that are what's hot right now.

• Bold, Berry Lips.



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• Exfoliate your lips using a scrub or your toothbrush, and apply some concealer.  The concealer will give you a blank, smooth canvas on which to apply your color, and it also acts as a primer.  Line your lips with a nude or berry pencil, to prevent bleeding, and then put on your berry lipstick or lipstain.  Always pair this lip with a neutral, warm-toned eyeshadow like brown or gold.

• Metallic Eyeshadow

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• Prime your eyes and apply your favorite shimmery eyeshadow.  Either go for silvers and blacks, or browns and golds.  Matte is out for this season, and the dewy, glittered look is all in.  Focus the darker color on the outer part of your lid, and the lightest color on the inner corner and out towards the center.  This look is fun because it can be natural and light, like Drew Barrymore and Vanessa Hudgens here, or it can be bold and funky like Amanda Seyfried at the top.

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• Doll Lashes

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• This trend is also known as "spider lashes," but I think that confuses people.  I've seen people take this trend the wrong way, and when they do, they generally clump their eyelashes on purpose.  In actuality, you want to be very careful with your mascara wand and gently separate all of your individual lashes, especially on the bottom.  But once you've done that, let your mascara dry and do another coat or two after that so you get the full, wide-eyed effect.  I definitely had some trepidation with this trend, but once I tried it, I loved it and have been doing it every day since.

 And that's all for now, folks!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Tell me... what are your favorite fall makeup trends, or what makeup have you been doing lately that you love?

-Caroline

Flattering Trends Part 2: Pleats

Hey, y'all, it's Caroline!  I'm back with more trends for your body shape.  For reference, check out the first one here.  :)

Today I'm talking about pleats.  This style has been "in" all summer, and is continuing through the fall.  The problem is... it can be hard to find a way to wear it without completely losing your shape, or without widening you too much.  So here's how every body type can incorporate it well into their wardrobe.

Rectangle:

Type 1

You can wear the ever-popular pleated skirts with ease.  Throw on a loosey-goosey top, or even a t-shirt, tuck it in, and cinch your waist with a belt, and you've got a great look!  When pairing with shoes, go for fun colors or quirky oxfords.

Rectangle:

Type 2

Keep your pleats very simple.  Go for gorgeous, flowy blouses with some pleated detail, or even some jewelry with a similar look.  Pair with your favorite jeans and a funky pair of wedges, if you dare.

Apple:

Because your upper half is fuller than your lower half, wear pretty dresses with little to no pleating on top, and with a-line shapes that have narrow pleats.  Give it some oompf with fun shoes, but go simple on the jewelry.

Pear:

Pear Pleats by jabberbabywokky featuring summer tops

Go crazy with the pleats on your top half, and then balance it out with some jeans and some fun heels.  Granted, you have to wear what you're comfortable with, so wear flats if you need to!  But a pair of cute wedges or pumps will just lengthen those legs and make your fuller lower half look a little narrower.  Avoid pleated skirts, which will make your hips look wider.

Hourglass:

hourglass pleats by jabberbabywokky featuring a pleated skirt

With an hourglass figure, you can copy Rectangle 1 and cinch a pleated skirt at the waist, or you can be a little different and wear one under a chunky sweater with an a-symmetrical hem.  Pair with colored flats and preppy tops, and you've got a very hip look.

That's all for today!  Remember, buy what you feel comfortable wearing and don't hesitate to get a second opinion.  But don't wear a trend just because it's "in," wear it when it really enhances you and makes you look your best.  

-Caroline

Flattering Trends Part 1: Color Blocking

Hey y'all, it's Caroline!

I know that trends come and go, and we often find ourselves hustling through shops, buying whatever's "in," and throwing it all on without stopping to think about how it REALLY looks on our body.

This is something you have to remember whenever you shop for that one particular trend you love: every trend looks good on a model.  When you see it in magazines, yes, it's going to look fabulous!  However, normal women have all sorts of different body shapes and can't always look that wonderful in everything they throw on.  So I'm going to be giving y'all a series on trends and how to conform them to your figure!

You have to keep in mind that these aren't hard and fast rules.  Always go with what you're comfortable wearing, and get second opinions from people you trust.  Basically, just don't wear a trend that doesn't suit you physically, or if it's out of your comfort zone.

First, let me describe the basic body shapes under which you'll need to categorize yourself.

{1}  Rectangle.  There are two types of rectangles.  One is slim and trim, and usually the body type of younger girls.  The other is a a slightly stockier rectangular shape that generally includes a broad chest and a similarly proportioned abdomen.

{2}  Apple.  An apple body shape is one with broader shoulders and a wide chest, while the rest of the body is narrow.  An apple shape, like the rectangular shape, does not have many curves.

{3}  Pear.  Girls with a pear shaped body have narrow shoulders and a narrow chest, but they have wider hips and thighs.

{4}  Hourglass.  Girls with an hourglass figure usually have a narrow waist which descends into slightly wider hips, along with, usually, broader shoulders and a fuller chest.

Now that you've identified your body shape, let's go ahead and apply it to a trend!  We'll start off with color blocking.

Rectangle:

Type 1

Rectangle Color Block by jabberbabywokky featuring wide leg pants

You can rock the ever-popular horizontal stripes on top and cinched skirts.  Horizontal stripes give a widening effect, and since you're so slim, this will actually help you out.  Try some skirts with a tight, high waist to give the illusion of having a bit of curve.  Plus, maxi skirts will flatter and look ladylike. You can wear flats or heels and still look great.

Rectangle:

Type 2

Rectangle Type 2 Color Block by jabberbabywokky featuring leather handbags

With the stockier rectangle body type, you'll need to avoid horizontal stripes and anything that can cut you off.  Try a white tee with a funky colored jacket or blazer, and pair with a bright colored shoe or bag.  Add bright and bold accessories, and combine with some boot-leg jeans.

Apple:

Apple Color Block by jabberbabywokky featuring leather flats

Because you have more width on the top than on the bottom, you're going to need to do a balancing act. Wear slimmer fitting (but not too tight, obviously) clothing up on top, and keep it simple.  On the bottom, you can wear bubble, a-line, or belted skirts and horizontal stripes to add more volume to your lower half.  You look best in heels, which balance out the wide skirt, but of course, flats look good on everyone, too.

Pear:

Color Block Pear by jabberbabywokky featuring a line skirt

With a pear shape, you have to balance out your narrow top with your fuller lower half.  Do this by picking shirts with detail, like ruffles, up at the top.  Wear a-line skirts, which are universally flattering for girls with curves.  Avoid horizontal stripes on the bottom, and the ever popular pleats can also have a widening effect.

Hourglass:

Hourglass color bloc by jabberbabywokky featuring a knee length pencil skirt

With an hourglass figure, you can work a wide variety of looks.  The best, though, are pencil skirts with floaty, un-structured tops, and dresses with open jackets on top.  Horizontal stripes are a no-no unless they're very, very thin stripes.  Wide blocks will do you no favors.  Try florals and checks.

So here you have a basic guide to color-blocking for every body type.  Again, there are always exceptions, and you should always feel comfortable in what you're wearing.  You can add more color to your bright outfits with bags, bangles, headbands, scarves, etc, but this is just how to get the perfect top to bottom combinations that will suit you.

Have a great day!

-Caroline

French Sophistication

Bonjour!  It's Caroline.

I've just moved to Brussels, Belgium, as of yesterday.  I love it so much, and I definitely think I will enjoy living here.

Brussels is very metropolitan, and has beautiful architecture and a lovely atmosphere.  However, one thing I noticed, of course, was the clothes!  At this time of year, the weather is fairly chilly, but comfortable enough to get by with a light jacket.

There are two main groups of people in Brussels:  the French and the Flemish.  I have always loved French magazines and so on, but I'm finally really seeing the French style in action, and I've decided that it's absolutely my favorite.

French woman make style look so easy.  They put together very simple pieces in elegant ways, but manage to look like they just rolled out of bed and threw on the first thing they saw.  It's incredibly impressive, and very feminine and classic.

Their hair and makeup looks very un-done.  Secretly, they spend quite a bit of time on it, but it looks as if they, again, rolled out of bed and spent two minutes doing it.  This is a skill I must absolutely master.

I've seen a few types of outfits that hit me in particular, and so I went on Polyvore and made a couple for you!  (And I love how the French wear color, as opposed to the Italian aesthetic of dark blacks and grays.)

French 01 by jabberbabywokky featuring a button jacket

This particular style I took from the lady in front of us on the plane.  Her hair was perfectly mussed, and she just looked so elegant.  It's amazing how she looked elegant even in converse shoes and jeans.  I was deeply impressed, to say the least.

French 02 by jabberbabywokky featuring retro pumps


Most of the people in this particular area, where we're staying temporarily, are business people.  The business women wear very cute shoes, mostly with shorter heels as opposed to the Italian stilettos, and wide-leg pants, which are very on-trend.

French 03 by jabberbabywokky featuring a biker jacket

I've seen several women, mostly younger ladies, wearing a simple trench coat or a leather jacket with summer dresses and bare legs.  It's not quite so cold that this is strange, and I think it looks very put together, especially with a top-knot and some ballet flats.  The trend of slightly masculine jackets with a feminine dress and girlish accessories is very popular here, from what I can tell, and I love it!

That's all for now, but tell me... would you wear the French style?

-Caroline