Ombre nails: a sophisticated throwback to the days of multicolored nails

After Lindsay's last post, I decided that now is a good time to introduce the new nail craze: ombre nails. You've heard of ombre hair I'm sure (when the hair starts out darker at the roots and gets lighter towards the bottom), but it appears that ombre nails are the new thing. Most girls remember the days when painting their nails consisted of applying every color you owned on every single fingernail. Today, you can still do the same thing, but there is a nice alternative that will keep you from looking like you let your 5-year-old cousin give you a manicure. To do the ombre nail, all you need to do is grab 5 different bottles of nail polish, all within the same color family, and paint your nails from lightest color to darkest. You'll be secretly channeling your inner little girl without anyone really knowing.

                       

Flirty fingertips: creative nail designs

A fun way to add some pizazz to your look is through fun and fierce nails.  I'll admit it- I actually consider nail polish an accessory!  I change my nail color often, sometimes even to complement an outfit I am wearing.  Although I am partial to dark plum or black nails, here are a few interesting ideas worth giving a shot:




Personally, I stick to OPI for the best quality polish- they last the longest and are the most durable on nails, not to mention the immense selection of shades offered.

Style profile: Nicole Richie

Being a mother of two doesn't equate to surrendering your Louboutins.  Enter Nicole Richie, former celebutant turned fashion icon who has proven just that.  Much like a fine wine, Richie's style has matured and evolved perfectly over time, with the petite maven epitomizing the look of classy, sultry, boho-chic.  Pairing chunky bangles with evening attire and hardly ever being spotted without a casual scarf slung over her ensemble, Richie's California-cool attitude when it comes to styling is refreshing and unique.  Think you've got what it takes to challenge her effortlessly chic look? Take a cue from the looks below:

Flashy bangles paired with an otherwise simple top add new dimension to a conservative look.
A flow-y floral top topped off with a vest, natural hair, smokey eye make up and a simple hat make for a fun, versatile ensemble that would fit in perfectly at a music festival, lunch date, or shopping trip.
For winter, piling on the layers can be tricky. Ms. Richie pulls it off effortlessly, adding an unexpected pop of fun color with a flirty pale yellow skirt.

Children in tow, Nicole puts her best foot forward in a printed kaftan and boho diaper bag.  Who says mothers can't be stylish too?  Daughter Harlow Winter Kate is sure to follow in her mommy's stylish footsteps!
Aside from being a full time mother, Richie is the mastermind and designer behind vintage jewelry line "House of Harlow 1960," a collection of art deco-esque necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, and more.  Obviously, the sky is the limit for Richie's conquests in the fashion world- she also recently launched her clothing line, "Winter Kate," available at Nordstrom.

Balenciaga "Lariat", the new "Birkin"?

When Balenciaga's motorcycle-inspired "Lariat" bag hit the L.A scene in summer of 2005, it was hard to see any celebrity without one casually slung over her forearm.  Although nearly 6 years have passed since the Lariat's debut, it is not uncommon to still spot the bag in the likes of Vogue and InStyle in interesting new colors.  Hermes' iconic "Birkin" bag has long-held the title of "most coveted," but will it have to share the limelight with the Lariat as a "classic" in the near future? Only time will tell.
Personally, I love the edgy feel of my Lariat-style bag (it is an imitation, of course, but an excellent one I might add!). Pairing it with a plain tank top and jeans adds new dimension to an otherwise "blah" ensemble.  I suppose I am a sucker for a bag with studded hardware and straps!

All the bows and whistles

Bows accenting anything, whether it be a ring, shorts, or flats, have been majorly appealing lately.  I don't exactly know why, but the little, dainty accents on apparel give off an effortlessly feminine air that I cannot get enough of.  Check out the adorable picks below:

Summer Lookbook: Vintage-inspired Swimwear

1950s-esque bikinis and swimsuits have been cropping up lately on countless runways- including Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoshanna, and D&G.  Swimwear has digressed from the tiny triangle tops and string-y, barely there bottoms of recent years to chic high cut bottoms and unique styles of bikini tops like wide strapped halters and ruffle-embellished bandeau styles.
Thanks to these fuller coverage styles, vintage-inspired swimwear is universally flattering on nearly every figure.  Higher rise bottoms cover problem areas in the midriff while halter tops are able to support a fuller bust.  Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn't it?
Although high fashion designers set the bar for swimwear this season, that doesn't mean you have to break the bank in attempts to look like pin-up perfection on the beach!  Popular retailers like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie offer more affordable, flattering mix-and-match pieces to keep you looking chic all summer long.



 

All photos courtesy of weheartit.