Blazing Hot Summer Hats

Hi Everyone! I'm back for the summer looking stylish and having fun while I'm at it. Summer is all about the outdoors, whether your enjoying the pool, a barbeque, the park or the beach. You definitely need a summer hat to protect yourself from the blazing hot sun and to keep you looking chic. These are the top two summer hat trends that I'm raving about that you can wear everywhere.

Fedoras-  A popular male dominated hat is taking over this summer with casual and trendy women styles. The women's fedora can be found in neutral, vibrant pops of color or prints with a rounded bottom rim this summer. Compliment your summer outfits by adding a trendy or casual fedora to instantly look stylish. Check me out below wearing my fav neutral fedora.

Over-sized Sun Hats-  Over-sized floppy hats are reemerging this summer as vintage chic beachwear. You can grab a color blocked or printed large sun hat to make a neutral outfit or bathing suit pop. This summer grab a neutral over-sized hat to top off several outfits and achieve a timeless and elegant look.

 So grab a sleek fedora or over-sized sun hat this summer and stay chic in the sun.

XOXO

Spring Fashion Rave

Spring is upon us, it's in the air, I can feel it. I love the spring season not only for the beauty in nature and the transitioning to a warmer climate but for the amazing fashions. It's time to show a brand new you, so lets spring forward. Here are my favorite spring 2012 fashion trends from the runway that I'm excited about and ready to wear.

1. Brights/Neon-This spring is going to be all about brights and neon, especially incorporating them in accessories like the ones below, the brighter the better. Colored denim is back this spring season, I love colored skinny jeans with neutral flats or heels. It's all about balance you could wear a bright colored dress, pants or top and wear neutral or colored accessories that compliment the outfit not clash it.

My Favorite- Yellow Neon Bag: Target

2. Bold Prints- Bold prints aren't for everyone, but I'm up for it... are you?  This spring embrace bold florals, tribal, stripes and geometric prints in relaxed fits. These prints are attention grabbers for sure, bold prints definitely bring a fun energy. Try bold prints this spring in dresses, skirts, pants, and tops. If your not adventurous enough to try bold print clothing yet, try bold print shoes or accessories.

            Nastygal.com                             BCBG MAXZRIA: Spring 2012 Runway                                      Nastygal.com                

3. Pastels- Candy colored hues and soft feminine pastel shades hit this springs sweet spot. Pastels bring a distinctive feminine vibe this spring through blouses, blazers and dresses with pleats and ruffle detailing. These pale colors can be incorporated in pants and accessories as well.

Spring 2012 Runway- Philip Lim and Prada: Top left corner

4. Embellishments- Sequins, metallics and embroidered embellishments on tops, skirts and dresses are the perfect touch of spring glamour for day or night. Embellished accessories such as necklaces, bracelets and handbags with baubles are an ideal way to update your look this spring. Look for gold, sliver or pewter colored embellishments.

             Harper's Bazaar: Coco Rocha                                             Sequin Dress and Skirt: BCBG MAXZRIA

Hope you enjoyed my Spring Fashion Rave. What's your favorite spring fashion trend or look?

XOXO

♥ Valentines Day Makeup Look ♥ Sweet Island Sunset

Valentines Day is almost here ladies and I was inspired to create this mesmerizing Valentines Day makeup look. I created this look by using NYC's eyeshadow duo palette in Island Sunset. This V-Day makeup look is easy to achieve and very affordable. I love the color purple, and pink was the perfect color for the holiday. So go ahead, try this makeup look for Valentines Day or any fun occasion. Check out my picture tutorial below for the complete look.  Hope you Enjoy!

 NYC's City Duet: Island Sunset: CVS $2.99

Step 1                                                                                                 Step 2

Step 1: Start with a freshly moisturized face, I have applied my foundation/concealer. I then applied eyeshadow primer to my eyelids to enhance the colors of the eyeshadows and to keep the eyeshadows from creasing.

Step 2: Using an eyeshadow brush, I took the pink eyeshadow from NYC's Island Sunset duo palette and applied it over my entire lid. You could apply as little or as much color to your liking.

Step 3                                                                         Step 4

Step 3: Using a crease brush, I took the purple eyeshadow from NYC's Island Sunset duo palette and applied it from the inner corner of my eyelid crease to the outer corner of my eyelid crease. Blend, blend, blend in a windshield wiper motion into the pink color to create a gradient effect. This purple eyeshadow adds dept and dimension to the look.

Step 4: Here I took a flat eyeshadow brush and applied the cream color from Elf's Day to Night quad palette underneath my brow bone as my highlight color. Take your crease brush and make sure to blend the cream color with the purple eyelid crease color.

                      Step 5                                                               Complete Look

Step 5: Using an eyeliner brush, I took Wet and Wild's gel liner and lined my lower lash line from the inner corner to the outer corner, creating a slight winged cat eye. I then applied mascara and a sheer pink lip gloss. Vuala! there you have it, my complete Sweet Island Sunset V-Day makeup look.

Whether you enjoy Valentines Day with your special someone or with friends and family...love, feel pretty and have fun.

       ♥   XOXO  ♥

DIY: Collar Necklace

Hi Everyone! I've got the collar craze. I was inspired to make a collar necklace after watching fashion guru Chriselle's DIY- The Collar Craze video which is a very cool and creative idea. In the video she shows a simple way to make a collar necklace from a men collard shirt and accessories you already own.The collar necklace is a super chic way to spice up your dresses, shirts, sweaters and really make a fashion statement. Check out Chriselle's video below to make your own. I've included pictures of my completed collar statement necklace below as     well, let me know what you think.

My Completed Collar Necklace

Up-close Look

I've got The Collar Craze!

 I hope you were inspired and got the collar craze like me. If you make a collar necklace I would love to see it,
 tweet me a pic @FashionRave529 on Twitter. 

XOXO

Top 5 Winter Must Haves

Happy Winter 2012 Everybody! Here in Charlotte North Carolina the real cold winter weather seems to just be getting started. Well now that it's actually here, this calls for an update in my fashion wardrobe. Below are my top 5 winter must haves this season. These key pieces will definitely update your wardrobe and keep you fashionably warm too.  

  

1. Cowl-Neck Sweater 

Cowl-neck sweaters are the perfect alternative to your classic turtle neck sweater. The cowl-neck sweater is this season’s IT sweater style.These sweaters have a draped casual neckline which brings attention to your face. You can find these sweaters in a variety of colors and styles. Below are some cowl-neck sweaters and the top of my gold metallic cowl-neck sweater.

Charcoal Slouchy Cowl Neck Sweater             Karen Kane Cowl Neck Sweater                Vintage Cowl Neck Sweater

               @ winsorstore.com                                                 @ Nordstrom                                                     

                 

  
2. Faux Black Leather Jacket
A faux black leather jacket is perfect for many seasons. This winter pull out or get a thicker leather jacket to keep warm. The faux black leather jacket is very versatile and comes in different styles such as the Moto or Bomber.You can give any outfit an edge this winter with a black leather jacket, wear  it with dresses, with jeans, leggings you name it.

            Moto Faux Leather Jacket                      Black Faux Leather Jacket                          Xhilaration Bomber Jacket   

                        @ hm.com                                             @ winsorstore.com                                                  @Target

3. Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants are a chic must have this winter. Cords are warmer than your regular pair of jeans so they will keep your legs warm in the colder weather. These pants are available in many colors and styles, such as neutrals or brights, skinny, flared and boot cut styles.  

KUT from the Kloth Skinny Corduroys       J Brand Ali High-Rise Corduroys      KUT from the Kloth Skinny Corduroys

                @ Nordstroms                                                  @ piperlime.com                                          @ Nordstroms

4. Faux Fur 

Faux fur pieces are all the rage this winter. Try a faux fur trim cape which adds a little bit of glamor if you’re not ready for a full on faux fur piece. My favorite is the  faux fur vest which is a great layering piece to go under coats or over sweaters. Add a hint of glam with a faux fur stole to accessorize your dress for an elegant look.

Faux Fur Trim Cape @ Victoria Secret                Sabine Feather Fur Vest            Blonde Fur Stole @ dorothyperkins.com

                                                                                            @ piperlime.com

5. Circle Scarves

Now that the cold weather has arrived I grab my circle scarf to keep warm. Circle scarves give a modern vibe to your outfit. You could wear your favorite circle scarf over your coats, cardigans and sweaters. Wrap the circle scarf two or three times around your neck for a warm comfy fit. For a head wrap you can hang the entire loop over your head covering your ears and wrap it once or twice around your neck, depending on the length.

   Wool Sleeve Eternity Scarf                Slouchy Circle Scarf @ Banana Republic                  The Unisex Circle Scarf

          @ Urban Outfitters                                                                                                                      @ American Apparel   

           

 

Show off you style this winter, even when it’s freezing cold outside.

XOXO