Monday, May 30, 2016

Summer 2016


 Memorial Day - The Unofficial Start of Summer 2016


There’s just something about summer that just makes people happy, besides the obvious overdose of Vitamin D. Maybe it’s the ease of everything from the food (lazy BBQ’s), lifestyle (beachy makeup and hair) and most importantly fashion (shorts and tees). Summer fashion is relaxed and effortless, or at least that should be the perception. When I think of summer fashion images of tunics, white jeans/pants, flip flops, summer hats, shorts, sunglasses, flowy dresses and strappy sandals are some of pieces that come to mind. Check out some of the trends you will see in stores for Spring/Summer 2016 and let me know what ends up in your closet this season.


Folk Lure


Popping up on runways this summer are “Folk Lure” inspired pieces which is a hand embroidered Ukrainian attire that is lightweight and versatile. Folk lure pieces appear in bright rich tones or white with bold embroidery. They can be dressed up with gold jewelry or paired down as a tunic with a pair of jeans. Tory Burch’s new line includes Folk Lure inspired pieces in bold colors perfect for a summer soiree or brunch on the beach with mimosa’s in hand.

Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2016 Collection



Gingham


Another timeless summer staple is anything Gingham which is a lightweight woven cotton cloth in checked white and a bold color. We’ve been seeing this style pop up in various colors other than traditional navy and red this season. It is the unofficial uniform of the summer workweek particularly for the guys who can play around with some bold color while still being office appropriate. We will also see a significant amount of children’s wear and accessories that are showing up in gingham patterns this season.



 Lemonade and Orange


Pieces in bright hues have been popping up on runways and stores galore which may have you reaching for your sunglasses while inside the mall. However remember that happy feeling I mentioned that summer brings? Well these colors support that feeling and will also snag you some compliments since you will be so bright you will be hard to miss. Orange and lemon shades pair perfectly with navy or white which are classic summer tones.

Various Designers Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

Colorful Stripes


In the fashion world, stripes are a summer classic that shows up consistently every season. Gone are the traditionally black and white stripes and enter colorful stripes in every combination you can imagine. Designers are experimenting with the traditional design by combining thickness of the stripe and color to create unique designs every season. Zara has done a particularly great job this season with the variety of pieces juxtaposing stripes in various colors.


Zara 2016 Collection


Floral Prints


Floral prints have been showcased on runways and stores for the past few seasons, however for 2016 the new spin is in the form of abstracts and realistic designs. Jason Wu contrasted abstract floral patterns on a black background in Spring 2016. Trina Turk featured daisies and buttercup so realistic looking it makes you want to reach out and touch. Victoria Beckham featured a Moroccan exotic floral. I personally love floral prints particularly those that feature roses. It immediately elevates an outfit and excludes lady like elegance. I recently bought a pair of floral print pumps from Bandolino which are not only pretty but pretty darn comfortable.


Florals from Spring/Summer 2016 

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Cannes 2016



Cannes Film Festival 2016

Fashion has a front row seat at Cannes 2016. The who’s who in celebrities put time and effort in selecting their fashion with hopes that they will land on the best dressed list.

For those of you who are unaware, Cannes Film Festival, located in Cannes, France is an annual festival which previews new films in all genres from around the world. It was founded in 1946 and is an invitation-only festival that is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes.


I have been following all the showstoppers, particularly the Indian actresses from the start of the festival on May 11th to its completion on May 22nd. A few of my favorite looks are showcased below. Do you agree, did these celebrities bring their “A” game to Cannes 2016? 

Blake Lively in Atelier Versace 

Anna Kendrick in Marc Jacobs

Kendall Jenner in Mathieu Mirano 

Kristen Stewart in Chanel  

Aishwarya Rai in Ali Younes Couture

Sonam Kapoor in Ralph & Russo



Wednesday, April 27, 2016

My Favorite Boots

TOMS 

Desert Wedge High Bootie



My favorite pair of shoes these days are my wedge booties by TOM’s. I wear them literally every other day because they go with every outfit and are so comfortable. Another benefit is I get tons of compliments when I wear them which I'm sure everyone can agree is awesome.

I honestly never heard of TOM’s until I attended a Direct Marketing Association (DMA) conference last fall in Boston. The Founder and Chief Shoe Giver Blake Mycoskie, was one of the keynotes and spoke about how he created a business model to help fund his passion for helping people. His model is very simple but impactful. For every product sold, a person in need is helped. His business started off as every pair of shoes sold resulted in a pair of shoes given. Today it has expanded to include eyewear, bags and coffee.

After having luck with first pair bought, I went back and bought a similar pair in brown and a pair of their traditional flats. They are just as comfortable when walking around the city or traveling.

Do you have a pair of TOMS? If so what’s your experience with them?

For those who are interested in buying these shoes, they are still available at Nordstrom, buy them right now, you won't be disappointed. 



Tom Desert Wedge Booties - Black, Taupe, Grey


Blake Mycoskie gifting shoes

Pantone Color of the Year - 2016



Pantone Color of the Year


Rose Quartz and Serenity 


Every year Pantone studies trends in art, fashion and design and announces the color of the year. The industry follows suit launching decor, fashion and designs in the chosen color. For the first time in 2016, Pantone chose two shades for the color of the year: Rose Quartz and Serenity. 

Rose Quartz and Serenity provide a balance reflecting wellness and a sense of order and peace.  Given the current economic climate and 2016 being an election year we could all use some serenity and peace in our lives.

In addition, the world is now embracing color as unilateral and we have moved away from the idea that pink is only for girls. Men now embrace pink with comfort and confidence proving this theory. 

Have you purchased either of these colors this spring? Men, do you proudly wear your pink?

A Carolina Herrera design for spring. 


Sample of Rose Quartz
Sample of Serenity


Thomas Pink - Combination of Rose Quartz & Serenity
Tory Burch - Spring 2016 Collection - Serenity
Tory Burch - Spring 2016 Collection - Rose Quartz




Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Rose Water for Skin Care

Rose Water for Skin Care


At least once a week someone compliments me on my skin and asks what products I use. I am happy to share some of my secrets that I have uncovered through some trial and error testing out certain products.

One of my secret tricks on attaining a clean clear complexion is using Rose Water on my face every single day. It serves dual purpose, it refreshes my skin and hydrates.

Before I apply any makeup I spritz my face with rose water. Not only does it smell great but as mentioned it helps hydrate my skin and prepare it for makeup application. I notice my foundation blends it much easier when I apply rose water. At night when I take off my makeup I spritz my face once again and use a makeup remover wipe to cleanse my skin.

I am a huge makeup junkie and in my travels am on a constant hunt of new brands of rose water to try. There are a few brands that I alternate between which all have worked really well for me. Below are some brands I have tried, tested and receive my seal of approval.

Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you.  

L'Occitane

Rose Hydrating Mist














Mario Badescu


Rosewater Facial Spray














Fab India


Rose Facial Water














Dabur Gulabari
 
Premium Rose Water

Louis Vuitton Cross Body Bag

Louis Vuitton Cross Body Bag


I felt it was only right to answer the question posted in my profile in my very first blog.

What is the most loved item in your closet? 

Well there are so many items to choose from and I am not exaggerating when I say that I have four closests to my name. Two at my apartment and two at my parents’ house. What can I say, I like to shop! So as you can imagine it was tough to narrow down to just one item. 

However, I decided to feature an item I use the most often since I purchased it last spring. My Louis Vuitton Cross Body Bag.

I purchased this bag in Rome, Italy at the Louis Vuitton shop outside of the Trevi Fountain. It was honestly love at first sight. I have definitely gotten my money's worth because I use it at minimum 3-4 times a week. It is also versatile enough that I use it with a semi-formal or casual attire regularly. I alternate between carrying it cross body when I am out shopping where I need my hands free or as a clutch when I'm in a more formal setting. 

The best thing about this bag is whenever I wear it I am reminded of the time I spent in Rome and it brings back fond memories which makes it even more special. 

So what's your most loved item in your closet?