New Year’s Accessory Trend Alert: Ear Cuffs
December 19th, 2012 by Fashion StaffBold, glamorous, edgy, and even decadent. Just a few words that come to mind when we see a great pair of ear cuffs. It’s the latest in accessory trends we at DivasandDorks are absolutely lusting over. It’s the perfect accessory for versatile looks without all the pierced flesh drama. Not only is the ear cuff a haute accessory trend to try out for your new year’s look, you can also get some great inspiration from celebs from the big screen, red carpet and runways below. Check out one of the early on show-stopping ear cuffs for a chic update to wearing hoop earrings, adorned on Pop diva – Rihanna …
Rihanna, Costume Gala 2012
From runways like Chanel and Rodarte this is the trend that just won’t let up. Celebrities like Rihanna and Naomie Harris have worn the look on the red carpet and now you can easily incorporate the trend into your unique style.
Naomi Harris, Royal Premier of Skyfall
Chanel a/w 2012
While the ear cuff trend is certainly not new, it has made a huge comeback in 2012. Below are a few styles that you can wear day or night. Whether you want a understated look or are planning to make a statement, their are plenty of options to choose from.
Going for bold, yet ethereal try this oversized style at ASOS.com, $14. 07.
If you want something a little more sweet and demure head over to Etsy where an abundance of charming ear cuffs live. Like these made to order ‘Love ear’ cuffs by MaggieMadeWithLove, $16.50.
For a more glamourous look try the Stone Edge Ear Cuff, $18.00 (left); or the Double Curve Stone Ear Cuff, $30.00 (right) both at TopShop.
And if you want to treat yourself to something extra special this season, pick up these gold plated, Swarovski embellished cuffs by CA & LOU, $431.67 available at Colette.
Now that you’ve seen a variety of ear cuff options to suite any fashionista’s style…which cuff trend are you looking forward to trying out first?
Keep Cool This Winter In Candy Colored Wool…
December 11th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Who says fashion can’t be practical. Just because the weather is cold outside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for warmth. Take a page out of Rihanna’s fashion book and choose a wool coat in a popping color. Fall doesn’t have to signal a shift to drab colors, instead opt for jewel tones and muted pastel neutrals.
DO
Pick a Punchy Color! Wearing a wool coat in navy, black, or gray is so typical. Go for a pop color and wear something a bit more understated underneath to balance your wardrobe. Master this and you will look both chic and savvy.
DON’T
Match too much. Fashion overkill is real. If you decide on a yellow coat opt for another solid color for accessories. Head to toe matching went out in the 90s.
DO
Choose Wisely. Shop around and find the perfect coat for YOU! This means one that is flattering for both you skin tone and figure. There are many silhouettes and details that will hide or flaunt your best and worst features. Use them to your advantage.
D&G Coat $590, Acne Coat $1,040,Bottega Veneta Belted Cashmere Coat $4,935, Stella McCartney Wool-twill Coat $1,155
You’ve seen the options, now get away from those drab color coats and step into a little living color! Which color wool would you’d most likely experiment with?
Create Trendy Monochromatic Looks From What’s In Your Closet Today!
December 10th, 2012 by ChristenIt’s always refreshing to discover a style trend that let’s you utilize what you already have in your closet in a unique way. What’s better is discovering that EVEN your grandmother and Lucky Magazine is already up on the trend (making it more exciting to try it out on your own!) In the January issue of Lucky Magazine, the trend of monochrome styling is defined and outlined with three top tips to help you make the monochromatic trend all your own!
The Monochrome Trend = wearing multiple shades of the same base color within an ensemble.
Tip #1:
Use one rich hue to ground the mix of shades. The darkest shade of the primary color should be the anchor of the outfit and typically should be the jacket, top or sweater.
Tip #2:
Wear wild prints as neutral-worthy accessories. Leopard print shoes & accessories make great neutral options for tone – on – tone looks.
Tip #3:
Texture adds dimension to a monochromatic look. Choose textured sweaters, cardigans and scarves are great options to add versatility to an already established look.
Rocking monochromatic options in hues of cobalt blue, red and pale pinks!
Tip #4:
Add a pop of contrast color with a bag. Think color blocking with your bag! Adding a pop of color via a clutch or large bag provides the versatility of solid colors without the boring black or brown bag!
Now that you have a couple of ideas on how to take a few items from your closet that you already own to recreate all new monochromatic looks – what are you waiting for? Get in your closet and get ready to experiment with new exciting looks that are on trend this season!
HOW TO: Coordinating Colorful Cords For The Holidays
November 20th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Rag & Bone, $176; Free People, $68; Sold, $134
With the sea of colored cords in every retailer this fall from JCrew to JCPenny you will never run out of options from the waist down, but what do you pair it with on top to make it pop best? Especially when you come across an unusual color such as rust, olive, coral, baby blue or mustard?
Brooks Brothers No Iron Oxford $90
You can never fail in a solid colored oxford shirt, this one from Brooks Brothers will upgrade dark colored cords with sophistication! Perfect for colors like Olive, Rust, Cranberry or this dark green below.
Land’s End $44
Want to wear a brighter colored cord such as coral, teal or baby blue? Make it fall appropriate with a dark patterned sweater, which pattern works best? Any pattern! Seriously, just pick! Polka dots, stripes, florals.. they all go with this fall staple! Finally a stylish way to match that annual Christmas gift from grandma!!
http://instagram.com/p/SGkNvbuWDa/
http://bowsandsequins.com/2011/10/07/one-hundred/
An easy rule to follow… To keep your bright cords fall appropriate… The brighter the colored cord the darker your top should be..whether its patterned or solid, no one will ever think you’re dressed for the wrong season!
Fall Trend 2012: Fashionably About Town In Cape Town
November 15th, 2012 by Fashion StaffThe transition from warm summer days to cool breezy fall nights marks the beginning of a new season. It’s that time of year when we reach into the back of the closet, and pull out our fall favorites. It is also an excuse to run to the store for a few new trendy pieces.
By now, fall trends can be seen on magazines and in the streets of our favorite cities. If you opt to sport a fashionable coat, keep in mind that a cape is a chic piece to keep you warm for the chilly days ahead as well.
Y-3 has a cute Wool-cotton blend Cape. The button detail is a great addition and the belt will synch the waist for a more figure flattering look.
The GAP offers a less expensive option. If you are in to color blocking like I am, I can see this number with a pair of deep purple or blue pants. Have fun dressing up a cape. Being colorful can definitely make your fall outfit stand out.
While on the search for the perfect cape, look for one with embellishments or stylish patterns. There is a variety to choose from, so make sure you walk out the store with one that can help you make a statement.
Capes are very versatile, and can be paired with a pair of jeans or a great mid-length dress. However you choose to wear one, it is definitely a staple piece for any wardrobe. How are you going to rock a cape this season? Are you into this fall trend or do you prefer to stick with a coat?
Photos via glamour magazine UK /Instyle/ Glamour Mag. US
Work The Trend: A Guide To Working Oxblood Into Your Daily Wardrobe
November 15th, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Undoubtedly one of the hottest trends for the fall is the color Oxblood. I personally hate the name…why can’t I just call it burgundy or plum like it’s been since the beginning of time!?!?! HA! Aside for the disdain for the name, there is no questioning its presence in this falls lineup of “must haves.” Celebs and fashionistas have flocked to the trend rocking it in a variety of ways. This variety adds to the allure of the trend and it’s capacity to be worn with most anything and worn in almost any way.
This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion!
Avant Garde fashion house Alexander McQueen took this trend and fused it together with classic fall favorite, leather! This amazing leather skirt, priced at $925 definitely makes a fall statement in traditional McQueen fashion! Wear it with cable knit tights and ankle booties to complete the look!
Unlike some trends, oxblood is not limited to a particular item like military jackets or coated denim. Oxblood can be worn as a clothing item (sweater, blouse, skirt, jeans), an accessory (shoes, purse, necklace, ring, scarf, hat), or as a beauty item (nail polish, lipstick) making it an affordable option for any budget.
There really is no wrong way to wear it as I’ve seen it rocked “all oxblood everything” or as an accent piece for an outfit. Need some style inspirations? Check out these outfits that cater to any budget.
Looking for something more formal? This tuxedo blazer from Elizabeth & James $395 is also successful fusion of two hot trends.
Sequin Dress – Topshop – $130
Ring – Zara Simon Cross Gold Ring – $180 Shoes – Christian Louboutin Daf- $1,075
Clutch – Dareen Hakim Le Icon – $305
Cuff – Dorothy Perkins – $17
But what if you’re not into leather skirts, dresses or tuxedo jackets? You can still be on-trend in oxblood skinny jeans! Super skinny jeans were all the rage this past summer and they are back for the fall season in oxblood and plum! Retailers from Wet Seal $29 to Mother the Looker $196 feature them so price is no barrier to this must!
You can’t go wrong with oxblood skinnies…
Peplum Top – Chicwish – $43
Two Tone Jean Pants – Aqua – $68
Hoop Earrings – Miso – $8
Studded Black Bootie – Charlotte Russe – $39
Watch – Merona – $15
Black Boston bag – Mossimo – $30
No matter you taste, style or budget there is something this season that will woo a warm a nice plumy place in your heart this fall! So get out there, get creative and get into the trend because it isn’t going away anytime soon!
HAUTE or NOT: When Fierce Prints Collide With Luscious Leather
November 1st, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Your favorite celebrities love it and we’re swooning over it too! It’s the fierce, yet luscious animal biker jacket available at TopShop. Rita Ora was seen leaving the David Letterman show’s studio in New York City in green trousers and the $360 Topshop Animal Biker jacket. Her biker jacket features animal and floral print all over, and is made from 100% leather. According to FashionBombDaily.com it appears to be a lower priced interpretation of this Balmain jacket, as seen on Kim Kardashian, and Lala Anthony.
We just love when color, prints and leather textures collide! But what do you think? Is this is a definite fashion trend worth experimenting with? Share your thoughts below…
The Do’s & Don’ts To Channeling Your BOLD, BEAUTIFUL, BAROQUE
October 29th, 2012 by Fashion StaffChannel your inner Zoe Saldana and boldly sashay your way into fall with the opulent and regal looking Baroque trend. All about detail and fancy accessories this look is for fashions most rebellious daredevils. Rich with embroidery, brocade and heavy beading, snagging this new trend is an instant way to look like old money.
Emilio Pucci Glam Pearl Black Embroidered Evening Dress $3,215. Fragments Three-Stone Drop Earrings $140. Kendra Scott Ainsley Cuff, Gold $150
DO
Go For the Gold! If the thought of “Am I doing too much?” crosses your mind while choosing out pieces from this 17thCentury inspired trend, then you are definitely on the right track. Less is less when it comes to Braque, so pile it on and flaunt you stuff!
DON’T
Overthink it. Caution has officially been thrown to the wind along with almost any other fashion rules that you’ve been taught. Because this look is all about being excessive and dramatic, there is hardly any way to get it wrong. You control how much or less you want to wear. Perfecto!
DO
Find great accessories! If you don’t want to wear the trend top to bottom using your wardrobe, start with smaller embellishments. Golden lace cuff bracelets and stone and crystal earrings are a great place to start with this trend.
Ready to ease into the regal, luxe trend? Try out a few of these Baroque inspired styles below…
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- Emilio Pucci Glam Pearl Black Embroidered Evening Dress $3,215. Fragments Three-Stone Drop Earrings $140. Kendra Scott Ainsley Cuff, Gold $150
Celebrity Style Alert: (Like A Boy) The Boyfriend Sweatshirt
October 1st, 2012 by Fashion Staff
Just in time for Fall, channel your inner tomboy with a comfy and cute boyfriend inspired sweatshirt. Rihanna rarely gets it wrong whether she’s dressed up in couture or dressed down in a pair of jeans (we’re not going to touch her recent TLC “Creep” pajama-inspired wear). However, in a laid back sweatshirt and jeans she still manages to stun paparazzi & fans. You don’t have to be an international superstar to pull off this look. Easily transition into this look by following these few simple tips below…
DO
Choose a sweatshirt with great graphics and bold colors. Although the look is boyfriend inspired, you should still add your own touch of feminine flair.
DON’T
The look is casual and could very easily look frumpy. Avoid looking doubty by pairing your sweatshirt with a slim pair of jeans or leggings.
DO
Try your hand at crafting. Making your sweatshirt into a fab Rihanna inspired cropped top is an easy DIY project. Practice first with a top from the thrift store until you feel comfortable.
Elegant Y&R $49.50, FREECITY Friend Helping Hand Raglan Pullover Sweatshirt $215, Rebecca Taylor Lace sweatshirt $250, Juicy Couture Black Printed Panel Sweatshirt $175, Acne College Love Grey Melange $190
Fly On A Dime – Affordable Fashion Ideas & Tips
September 3rd, 2012 by ChristenIn addition to hosting a “Ready, Set, Engage!” Social Media Basics seminar over the holiday weekend at the 10th Annual AllState Tom Joyner Family Reunion, I also had the opportunity of co-hosting the “Fly On A Dime” Affordable Fashion panel with celebrity stylist Olori Swank & celebrity beauty artist Tia Hebron.
During this panel, several shopping ideas, tips & stories were shared including ways to extend your wardrobe, key pieces that every closet should have & the best time to shop/build your fashion collection.
Did You Know: One of the best times to build your fashion collection is in November? It’s true, the pre-holiday season boasts almost 6% deeper discounts than any other time of the year. (It’s even better than January which only offers average discounts about 4.5% higher.)
The top three “fashion investments” that every woman should invest in includes:
- Leather jacket
- Oversized watch
- Quality Bras & foundation undergarments
Staple items that every woman should have in her wardrobe includes:
- Great pair of black stiletto heels
- Convertible wrap dress
- Statement scarf that you can wear all year long
- Stylish trench coat
- Well-tailored black blazer & slacks
- Waist cinching belt
Did You Know: The worst days of the week to shop online is Saturday & Sunday! According to Consumer Reports, Tuesday is the best day of the week to shop online. Most consumers find discounts exceeding 5% more than the average discounts found other days online.
Tips:
- Before you shop, make sure you know your body type and what works best for your shape.
- Essence.com has a great tool online – The Fashion Closet that’ll help you out matching designers that specialize in specific body types.
- A great foundation will ensure that you look great all over – so make sure to invest in foundation garments.
- Overall, don’t be afraid to express yourself in fashion but do it wisely.
- Invest minimally in seasonal trends, instead opt for investing in quality staple pieces that you can wear for years to come.
The 10th Annual Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion attracts over 14,000 people over the Labor day holiday weekend in Orlando, FL. Filled with celebrity appearances and entertainment for the entire family – you can find out more by visiting http://familyreunion.blackamericaweb.com/ #allstateTJFR
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