Friday, September 27, 2013

Sneaky!


Inspiration from Pinterest
One of our cardinal rules has always been to keep all gym clothing -- including sneakers -- exclusively at the gym and to lose the sweats and sneakers once your workout is done. All rules, however, are made to be broken, especially when it comes to fashion, and recently we've been noticing some very stylish sneaker ensembles. For inspiration, look no further than the photo above from Pinterest. (For more non-sneaker-related style inspiration, check out our Pinterest page.)

Nike Air Max in Mercury Grey & Flash Lime @ $90

The Nike Air Max, in a variety of palettes, warrants a re-examination of the no-sneakers-outside-the-gym rule, and would look chic if worn with cropped pants and a tailored top, like the J.Crew model below.

J. Crew model rocks sneakers with her stylish ensemble

Friday, September 6, 2013

Cut It Out


Gwyneth Paltrow, who needs no figure-flattering, rocks a cut-out dress from Michael Kors

Could clothing with cut-outs really be figure-flattering? Yes, according to leading stylists. The secret is that these styles draw attention to the cut-outs, which actually can have a slenderizing effect.

In order to tackle this trend in a figure-flattering way, you need a strategy. According to stylist Basia Richard in InStyle Magazine, this trend can suit most figures, but you have to be strategic with placement of cutouts. The key is to highlight areas you're proud of -- those with curvy shapes might go for a top with cut-out accents on the collarbones, while fitness buffs could draw attention to the midriff. Also, good tailoring helps ensure that the cut-outs fall in the exact spot you intend. 

While the Michael Kors style worn by Gwyneth Paltrow above is a bit towards the daring side, Emily Blunt modeled a more subtle cut-out look from Pucci:

Emily Blunt in Pucci / USA Today
 For a less dressy, more day-to-day take on the trend, check out this top from Milly, which not only draws attention to the collarbone, but also has the added bonus of being on sale: 
Milly Top / Bloomingdale's


Monday, September 2, 2013

Susan Says: The Seven-Day Chip-Free Manicure

CND Vinylux @ BeyondPolish.com
When I read about a new nail polish that lasts a full week without chipping, I had to give it a try. Not a gel yet not a regular polish, CND Vinylux Polish is the newest hybrid nail polish and it promises to give you a week-long manicure. The secret is something that the company calls ProLight Technology, which means that the topcoat actually strengthens when exposed to natural light, preventing chipping.

Begin with well-cleaned nails -- you can purchase their nail polish remover or I used my own. Be sure that you do not use a base coat, since base coats can prevent this polish from lasting. Apply two coats; I found that the polish went on very smoothly -- just like a regular polish, if not easier.  Finally, apply a coat of the CND sealer and your polish will dry in about eight minutes. Remember to expose your newly polished nails to natural light.   

I'm now going on four days and counting chip free! The line, which is sold at nail salons, features 62 different colors and retails for $10 for the color polish and $10 for the top coat.