Holiday Gift Guide: For Women and Men

Hi everybody, the holidays are quickly approaching and I want to share some holiday gift ideas to give for women and men who are family, friends, and loved ones. These gift ideas would be great for your mom, dad, aunt, uncle,sister, brother, husband, wife, best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend etc...lol you can’t go wrong with these gifts for Christmas. Check out the holiday gift guide I've put together and give one of these gifts for that special person in your life. I've combined a variety of products that you can find in several stores and online. You don’t necessarily have to give the same brands as I have featured, you can choose whichever brand you’d like and that fits your budget. I love all of these gifts and I’m positive that the person receiving any of these gifts will love it.

Gifts for Women

1. Designer Handbag- Give her a designer handbag that fits her personality, a designer handbag is something she will wear all year round.

Coach Swingpack Crossbody

 

2. Perfume/Fragrance- Who doesn’t like to turn heads with their scent, I know I do. Give her a fragrance so she will smell great everywhere she goes. Fragrance gift sets are great now because they include lotions and body washes. Below are some of my favorite perfume/fragrances that I would give.

Calvin Klein: Eternity, Bath & Body Works: Japanese Cherry Blossom, Jennifer Lopez: Live Lux, Mariah Carey: M

3. Makeup Brushes- For the Beauty Queen on your gift list, give her a makeup brush set. Sigma Beauty's Make Me Crazy Travel Kit  is a fun set that carries the essentials brushes to create beautiful stylish makeup looks. I love the containers the brushes come in because you can set it on the dresser or close it up when traveling.

Sigma Beauty: Make Me Crazy Travel Kit

4. Jewelry- Give her a personalized name or monogram pendant she will love and never forget.  You can customize and get these necklaces in sterling silver or gold plated sterling silver at mynamenecklace.com

mynamenecklace.com

Gifts for Men

1. Cologne- Ladies give a cologne that you think would smell great on him. If you know his favorite cologne, go for it. I love the distinctive masculine smell of these colognes below.

  

Calvin Klein: Eternity for Men, Giorgio Armani: Acqua Di Gio, Ralph Lauren: Polo Blue

 

2. Wallet- All men need wallets, give him a sleek classic wallet that he will pull out in style.  

Nautica, Guess

 

3. Watch- Give him a watch so he can always be on time for work, a date and never miss an important event. 

Invicta: Men's Collection Chronograph, Kenneth Cole New York: Men's Watch

 

4. Gift Card- If you have no idea what to get the men in your life, give him a gift card to his favorite store; electronics and clothing stores are a big hit. Or you can give him a Visa or American Express gift card, so he can spend it on whatever he wishes.

 Happy Holidays! Have fun shopping for everyone on your list. I hope this holiday gift guide was of help to choose the perfect gift for the women and men in your lives this holiday season.

XOXO

Thanksgiving/Fall Nails

Thanksgiving is here and I was inspired to do a Thanksgiving/Fall nail design. I was inspired by the red and orange leafs during this time of year. I love watching the color transitioning of the leafs so I combined these two fall colors into my nail design. I had so much fun doing this nail design, I will definitely have this nail design for Thanksgiving. Below is the complete nail look and a step by step visual tutorial to achieve these Thanksgiving/Fall nails.

      Thanksgiving/Fall Nails

Items Used

Step by Step

1. First apply a clear base coat to protect your nails and nail polish. I used Sally Hansen's Ultimate Shield.

2. Take an orange nail polish of your choice, I used NYC Time Square Tangerine Creme and paint half of your nail. 

3. Paint the other half of your nail with a red nail polish of your choice, I used China Glaze Ruby Pumps. 

4. Take a nail art striper or nail art pen and draw a black line down the middle of your nail where both colors meet.

5. Draw 3 diagonal lines from the middle line to the outer corners of your nail on both sides, starting at the bottom to the top. These diagonal lines will be your leaf design. Apply a top coat to seal your nail design and to give your nails an extra shine.

*** You could also apply gold diagonal stripes if you wish, I did this only on my ring finger using a gold nail art striper.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope you were inspired to try this nail art design. I would love to see your nail design if you try this look or try your own Thanksgiving/Fall nail design. Send me a tweet pic on my Twitter @FashionRave529. Enjoy your Thanksgiving with the people you love and create memories that will last a lifetime.

XOXO

❤ Feathers ❤

I love feathers, I've been really into feathers lately and have been inspired to wear feathers this month. I tried clip on feather hair extensions, in which I added an extra pop of color to my black hair. Feather hair extensions have transcended from summer to fall and winter. There are many feather extensions available online, in hair salons, malls and local beauty supplies stores. The clip on feather hair extensions I thought would be easier to put on and take out whenever I wanted. You could buy real bird feathers or synthetic feathers which are more cost effective.

You could try feathers in hot fall colors like oranges,browns, mustard yellows and reds to set the color theme for the season, but you don't necessarily have to stick to these colors. Try different colored feathers and see what fits your personality. I love these royal purple feather earrings I'm wearing below, especially because purple is my favorite color. The feather necklaces featured below are very bold and chic, so pick feather necklaces that will compliment various outfits in your wardrobe. Feather earrings and necklaces can be found just about everywhere in wide assortments.

                        Top Shop                                                                                           Forever 21                                                    

Condition Culture                                                                               Finefeatherheads

                   Splendora                                                   Style Hive: Charlotte Russe                               Forever 21

The fun thing about feathers is that you can glam up a fashion look or create a laid back bohemian look.

Which feather accessory was your favorite ?

XOXO

December 2011 Vogue: Breaking Away

Charlize Theron is absolutely stunning in these photographs photographed by Annie Leibovitz. These editorial photos capture a relaxing, romantic and peaceful mood. She looks blissful  in the natural setting which captures a since of freedom. The fashions are beautiful, feminine and elegant which Charlize Theron showcases. These are fantastic inspirational photos featuring flowing, beaded, and sparkling dresses which are perfect for the holiday festivities.

Alexander McQueen silver glass-and-metal beaded dress.

Marchesa pale-blue tulle dress

Christopher Kane dress.

Salvatore Ferragamo silk-chiffon halter dress

December 2011 Vogue Cover

I hope you ladies were inspired and enjoyed these beautiful fashion photographs.

 XOXO

Fierce Leopard Print Accessories

Hi Fashion Ravers, leopard print never fails year after year, it's very stylish. Here's how you can enhance and personalize your outfits with a pop of leopard print. Make a statement with these glamorous leopard print pieces by accessorizing only, this adds style to a basic look and updates classic outfits. 

 Below are some leopard print accessories that you can wear this fall/winter, as well as some of my go to leopard print accessories. So go bold and go wild, you‘ll definitely look sassy and chic with leopard print.

*TIP : Break it up, no need to go head to toe in leopard print. One leopard print accessory will be sufficient, don’t overdo it by wearing a leopard print hat, belt, bracelet and shoes, lol. If you want to wear color with leopard print, stick to one color and neutrals.

    Leopard Hat: Nordstroms                                                                Leopard Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

        Leopard Pumps: Tory Burch                                                          Leopard Bangles: Forever 21

       Leopard Scarf: Vintage                                                                          Leopard Clutch: Express                                  

  

XOXO

My Favorite Fall Shoes

Hi Fashion Ravers, I'm excited to share with you all my favorite Fall shoes. Here in Charlotte, NC the weather currently varies. It will get chilly in the morning, then during midday/afternoon hours it will get warm in the upper 70's and then at night it will get brisk again. None the less I'm ready for the Fall weather and I'm ready to rock my boots. Check out my tall boots, ankle boots and pumps below.

I love these black riding boots, the buckle strap detailing on the heel give this boot an edgy look. Riding boots will be a great addition to your wardrobe. Fierce! I enjoy wearing my tall brown riding boots for Fall because their sleek and classic. You can wear riding boots with casual dresses, skinny jeans, leggings, skirts or tights.

 Nicole Riding Boots                                                                       Chadwicks Riding Boots

These black booties hit right at the ankle, I love the zipper detailing along the back of the heel. Since I'm a little on the short side, I like wearing these ankle boots with black leggings, jeans or pants because it elongates my legs and I avoid looking short and stubby, which ankle boots tend to do. If your tall your in luck, you could wear these ankle booties bare leg with skirts and dresses.Steve Madden shoes are always on point with the latest looks for any style. I like wearing my round toe pumps for dressy occasions.

Madden Girl Ankle Boots                                                                   Steve Madden Pumps

I hope you enjoyed taking a peak at my favorite Fall shoes. Go ahead and make a stylish statement this Fall with your favorite shoes.

Vogue Italia Beauty

Hi ladies, I enjoy looking at various editorials for artistic inspiration. I want to share this gorgeous beauty editorial I came across on fashiongonerogue.com from the October 2011 issue of Vogue Italia. Photographer Sølve Sundsbø captured these eye catching beauty portraits featuring Sigrid Agren. These photos capture beauty trends for Fall 2011 featuring floral bright eyeshadows, and bold red lips. I love the creativity of the obscured beauty looks with the water drops and the image manipulation. This editorial spread is so unique and beautiful that I was inspired to take an obscured beauty portrait. Using Image Manipulation of broken glass I created my own portrait.

Autumn Smile

Check out this video "Autumn Smile" it's chic, fun and flirty. It absolutely made me smile and it features some awesome fall fashions from the Spanish brand Blanco. I definitely found some fall outfit inspirations and I hope you do too.  ENJOY!  =)

 

Autumn Smile. Woman Collection from SUITEBLANCO on Vimeo.

 

DIY: Easy Chevron Nail-Art Design

Hey Ladies, I loved this chevron nail design I saw on Refinery29.com. I was inspired to try it myself and blog about it for you ladies to try out as well. This nail design is a chic reverse French manicure, the nail art design can be created using a variety of colors. Since I love the color purple and I thought it would be a great color for Fall, I used China Glaze: Coconut Kiss for my base color and L.A color art deco nail art  lacquer in black. Here is a photo of my own design and what I used.

1. Start by painting the nail polish of your choice on the bottom of your nail in a rough triangle shape, it doesn't have to be perfect. Refinery29 used a nude nail polish, and for mine I used a purple.

Refinery29

2. Then taking a thin, precise black brush, I used the L.A art deco, draw two criss-crossing diagonal lines over your nail. You should be drawing over your base color.Then fill in the rest of the nail with black polish.

Refinery29

3. Wait until your nail polish is completely dry to prevent smearing, then apply your favorite top coat and your done. An easy, simple do it yourself Chevron nail-art design.

Refinery29

I would love to see your own design. Tweet me a picture @ FashionRave529 on Twitter.

Fall Must Haves

I've selected my top 5 Fall must haves. These Fall must haves are versatile and will keep your friends raving about your fashion style.

1.Sweaters- There’s nothing like a comfortable cozy sweater for the Fall season to keep you warm and stylish.You could wear a sweater with jeans for a relaxed look or pair it with a midi skirt for a more polished look. Below are some of my favorite sweaters this Fall.

Left- J Crew: Fisherman sweater,  Right- H&M: Jumper sweater

2.Scarves- When it starts to get a little chilly outside grab your scarf to keep warm. Scarves give a modern vibe to your outfit. You could wear your favorite scarf over your coats, cardigans and sweaters. Scarves are a great way to add Fall flare. There are many options when it comes to scarves, like colors, patterns, and fabrics.

Left- Top shop: Pleated pussybow scarf,  Right- Heavenly Couture: Cheetah scarf

3.Midi skirts- Ladylike midi skirts are all the rage for Fall. Midi skirts are a trendy Fall must have that I’m thrilled to put on.Wear a Midi skirt along with a 70’s inspired blouse and tall boots for a retro feminine look. Check out these midi skirts.

Left- Missselfridge.com: Crepe midi skirt,  Right Topshop: Embellished midi skirt

4.Flared Jeans- Flared jeans are a staple piece in my wardrobe and a must have for Fall. These 70’s inspired jeans can be worn with just about anything.

Left- Gap: Wide leg trousers, Right- Old Navy: Flared jeans

5. Black Boots- You can never go wrong with black boots, they are classic. From knee high boots to booties you can wear black boots with your coats, midi skirts, dresses and jeans. Wear black boots with confidence this Fall 2011.

Left- Nordstroms, Right- Womensblackboots.com

 

Fall 2011 Beauty Trend: Spider Lashes

I was very intrigued by Spider lashes when I saw them on models from Gucci Fall 2011, as well as in several fashion magazines. Spider lashes are a hot trend this Fall that I had to try. Below are images of the runway beauty look and my interpretation of the beauty look.

Spider Lashes, Gucci Fall 2011

*** For this look keep your face very simple and clean, do not put any eyeshadow on and go for a classic red or neutral lip. The Spider lashes will speak for themselves and make your eyes pop. I used my Maybelline Great Lash mascara in Blackest Black, applied 3 coats and clumped my lashes together. For a thicker Spider lash effect apply 5 coats of mascara.

Fall Fashion Trends 2011

Hi Fashion Ravers, well today marks the first official day of Fall. Fall I have to say is one of my favorite seasons. I want to start off by showing my favorite 2011 Fall trends. I hope you ladies like my picks and incorporate them into your fashion wardrobe.

1. Polka Dots- Fun and playful polka dots are an old time favorite and is one of the hottest trends this season. This Fall be spotted with big bold polka dots to micro polka dots in a variety of colors. You will certainly feel chic and stand out in the crowd. Polka dots are popping up on hosiery, hats,skirts, blouses and dresses.

Marc Jacobs                                                  Jil Stuart                                                               Macy's           

2. Tie Neck Blouses- This Fall try a feminine, romantic tie neck blouse to enhance your confidence. Tie Neck Blouses are elegant and ladylike, they can be worn to dress up your suits or your denim jeans.

Nordstrom's                                                              PiperLime                                               BCBG Max Azria

4. Berry Hues- This color trend has various hues from violets, to rich berries and plums shades. I absolutely love this trend and I'm berry excited to wear this color for the Fall. Wear just hints of berry hues, and avoid wearing the same color from head to toe. You could try this trend in blouses, skirts or dresses. 

                Pink Tartan                                                          Gucci                                                         Brian Reyes             

5. Mustard Hues- Deep yellow hues for the Fall is very chic and bold. Try mustard hues that compliment your skin tone, choose from a deeper mustard hue to a medium or vibrant shade.

          Lanvin                                                        The Row                                                           Wes Gordon                   

  ** When wearing the monochromatic color trend from head to toe follow these tips to complete your look.

    - Choose slightly different hues of the same color.
    - Wear contrasting accessories to break up lines.

Must have Bags for Summer 2011

# 1. Fringes

When I think of fringes I think fall or winter, but fringes are back and in style this summer. Fringed bags will give you that Hippie fashion look you've always wanted.

                 Roberto Cavalli                                                                                        Blu Marine                      

# 2. The Mini purse

The mini purse is when you don’t want to carry a lot of things around. So it’s perfect for the summer when you’re going out for a quick errand, a date night, or a fun night out where you don’t want to carry your whole life around. These purses are very chic and I love the chain detailing which acts as an accessory to your outfit just like a necklace would. 

Blu Girl                                                                                                   Derrek Lam

# 3. Natural Fabrics

I love flower prints, and this summer bring bright colors and natural fabrics to your hand bags such as raphia, straw or linen. These bags are perfect for the beach and everyday to bring a natural eco- chic style to your outfit.

     Moschino Cheap & Chic                                                                                 Hermes                       

# 4. Shoulder straps

 I enjoy carrying shoulder strap bags especially in the summer when I go to school because my hands are free to carry  books, magazines, keys you name it. This summer pouches and messenger bags can be worn across the chest or on the shoulder along the hips.

Moschino                                                                                                   Ana Sui

Images provided by Caroline Daily.com