The Trends of the Season

With fickle trends coming and going, seemingly at a rate of knots, it can sometimes be tricky to keep up with what's in vogue - particularly for guys who aren't dedicated followers of fashion. However, with spring on its way, it's time to put away the scarves and gloves, which means a wardrobe update for the new season - here are a few tips on how to refresh your look for spring 2013, and stay on-trend. 

Colour
Colour will be big this spring, as it's all about breaking free of the drab winter months and leaving behind neutral tones like grey, black and brown. Liven up your everyday wardrobe with colourful chinos in shades of tan, navy blue and burgundy, and opt for t-shirts and thin knit sweaters in lighter, pastel tones. 

Turtle necks
You don’t have to be a high-fashion enthusiast to sport a turtle neck this spring. In fact, this one-time fisherman’s choice is making its way back onto the high street and into the wardrobes of Britain’s sharpest dressers. For best results, pair a turtle neck top in a shade like moss green or maroon with a dark blue blazer to provide a subtle colour contrast. For stylish turtle necks that will look just as good in the office as at a swanky restaurant, check out the latest collections from All Saints and Ralph Lauren. 

Velvet
Don’t be afraid to experiment with velvet in the coming season, as a stylish velvet blazer is perfect for dressing up with a shirt and trousers, or dressing down with jeans and a plain t-shirt. If you're concerned that velvet is a bit too adventurous for your tastes, don't worry: you're in good company. Velvet is the fabric of choice for Les Miserables star Eddie Redmayne, who wore a fantastic blue velvet suit to the world premiere of the much-praised musical. 

If you're planning a big shopping session in time for spring, make payment quick, easy and hassle-free with American Express. Accepted at a host of top retailers on the high street and online, American Express credit cards offer security and peace of mind with online fraud and purchase protection, as well as a host of exclusive membership rewards and benefits, from extra Nectar points to cashback. For more information, and to apply online within just 10 minutes, visit American Express UK. 

How to Wear Bootcut Jeans

Photo courtesy of Cool Spotters

After years of it being all about the skinny, the bootcut is back and it means business! Seen on celebrities and superstars worldwide, including Victoria Beckham, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Megan Fox and more, it seems that the fashion royalty have come back around to the body-flattering benefits of bootcut.

In addition to fashion royalty, the bootcut has a fan in actual royal Kate Middleton. The Princess is often seen in bootcut jeans in all shades of the denim spectrum, proving that bootcuts look as good on slender ladies as they do on curvy girls.

So dig out those bootcuts from the back of the wardrobe, or better yet, treat yourself to some fresh new pairs, and start steering your outfits away from your trusted skinnies. Here are some ideas for how to wear this classic and eternally flattering style of jean:

Stylish a la Victoria Beckham

Victoria is likely to pair her classic bootcuts with simple yet stylish block colour tops. A simple black vest top with dark denim, or a white top with lighter blue denim - it’s a wearable and casual look for the queen of high end style.

Sexy a la Megan Fox

Sex it up like Megan Fox by wearing curve-hugging sassy bootcut jeans with a low V t.shirt or vest top – and don’t forget a pair of heeled boots. The bootcut jean is definitely a curvy girl’s friend, as the shape of the jean helps to balance out curves and prevent a top heavy or pear shaped look.

Classic a la Jennifer Aniston

Jen-An loves her bootcuts, and has stayed faithful and true to this shape of denims while others have run away with the bootcut’s skinny sister. The former Friends star is the queen of classic dressing, with a laid back, yet highly polished style. Pair your bootcut jeans with a simple t.shirt in navy, white or black, and a longline cardigan and scarf to keep out any chill.

Dressed Down a la Jessica Alba

Pictures of Jessica Alba running around the park with her two girls in her bootcut jeans are commonplace, and the bootcut really is the perfect style to wear during ‘downtime’. Less restrictive than a skinny or a straight leg jean, especially when worn slightly lose on the leg, the bootcut is fantastic for running, playing or relaxing in. Gorgeous Jessica wears hers with converse and cardigans, for the ultimate low maintenance look.

Young a la Kate Middleton

Our Kate never puts a fashion foot wrong, and manages to wear her bootcuts in a way which is timeless yet still young. Pair blue, navy or black bootcuts with soft, feminine shirts (tucked in, of course), nautical stripes or thin knits for a look fit for a princess!

If you’re a little tired of squeezing into your skinnies, why not join the bootcut revival? You’ll be in good company with a clutch of sassy starlets leading the way, and are sure to find the bootcut jean a versatile buy.

This is a guest post by Catherine M. Thank you girl!

Shabby Apple Love + Coupon Code For You!

Shabby Apple seems to be all over the blogging world. I've never actually bought anything from their online shop, but I am dying to! Their dresses especially are adorable! I'm in love with these:

Ready to shop? Use this code to get 10% off ANYTHING on the site!

favorite10 (Code expires 9/14/12)

Have fun shopping - comment if you plan to buy anything! Or just let me know your favorites if you're window shopping like me. ;)

Style Outside The Box: Amazing New Shopping Experience

I love hearing stories of people my age, especially women, going out of the box and on their own and trying to make it for themselves. Especially in a creative setting! Recently I found out about Style Outside the Box, started by Penn State grad Laura Adamson, a website that allows you to buy clothes, home goods, accessories, and much more from first exclusive independent designers! How cool is that?

Style Outside The Box is a new shopping website that unites independent designers around the blog who are chosen through a juried selection process, and shoppers who desire unique and one-off creations that offer quality, value, and exceptional style.  

They have unique pieces for everyone: women, men, children, and babies! A perfect place to find gifts for just about everyone that you can guarantee they won't get from anyone else. Good timing with the holidays right around the corner...

They graciously offered my readers a coupon code to use for 15% off your order! Just put "lauren2011" (without quotes) in the area for coupon codes when checking out. 

Read more about the start of Style Outside the Box and check out the cool and fun things they sell! Let me know what you find on there! Here are some of the things I am drooling over:

Do You Dress Up Your Pet?

I’m sure you’ve all seen it. A poodle dolled up with bows, a sweater, maybe even little booties and a hat to match. Dressing up your pet for Halloween is quite popular, but many people choose to dress up their pet on a regular basis. In the winter it is completely justified to put your dog in a sweater, especially if they have short fur. But what about designer doggie clothes? Wigs for your cat? Is this completely strange or a popular trend that is here to stay?

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have at least one pet and Americans total spend $41 billion a year on their furry friends. Sure, some of this counts for food and toys, but it also includes the ever-expanding industry for pet clothing.

From raincoats to sweaters, wigs and crowns to shirts and pants, and even pajamas, the world of pet fashion is certainly booming! But do pets love this attention or will they hate you for it?

Mario DiFante thinks they love it. DiFante, who staged New York’s first Pet Fashion Week last August, has an elevated view of the place of dogs and cats in the family hierarchy. As he puts it: “Many of us consider pets as the new babies.” That means clothing furry little ones in a range of sweaters, raincoats, leather jackets, and dresses. For Lara Alameddine, co-founder of Little Lily, a better word might be “babes.” Her four-year-old company clears $1 million a year selling products including doggie slippers, bikinis, and even canine versions of Oscar-night gowns. It’s popular with celebrity dog owners such as Paris Hilton, who often dresses up her Chihuahua, Tinkerbell. “We’re catering to the owner’s sense of style,” says Alameddine. “There are no bones on our clothes.”

With shows like “The Dog Whisperer” popping up everywhere, we are encouraged more and more to treat our pets like our children. We feed them, give them toys and love, and now even clothe them! While many fashionistas use this as an excuse to dress up their pet as they would themselves, some people just like the novelty of it and love their pet so much they want to treat them like family. As long as the pet isn’t harmed in any way, what is wrong with that?

Now you’re itching to dress up your pet? Head to a local pet boutique! Teacups & Toys is a pet boutique in Birmingham that offers fashion for all dogs, no matter the size. The Four-Legged Socialite Pet Boutique in Ann Arbor is another fancy place for pets. Finally, Bark Place Avenue in Rochester is a doggie spa to pamper your pet and also has unique clothes and toys! You can also find pet clothing in your local pet store, such as Petsmart, Pet Supplies Plus, and more. Even Martha Stewart has a brand of pet clothing at Petsmart!

What do you think? Check out these photos of dolled up pets and tell us what you think: ridiculous trend or totally adorable?

See the original article on ASKinyourface.com!

Cool Website For Customized Beauty/Fashion Info!

I would definitely not call myself a fan of Tyra Banks. I love watching "American's Next Top Model" but I think Tyra is pretty annoying and I usually fast forward every part where she talks. Oops. Anyway, regardless of how annoying she can be, she just created a pretty cool website!

I saw her promoting it on TV before it was released and decided to bookmark it to check it out when it was live. The premise: customized articles and tips based on YOU. You login and tell the website different facts about you such as your eye color, skin type, hair problems, etc. It is beauty and fashion tailored to you. There are articles, videos, tips, and advice. All in all, a great tool for any girl who loves learning about new beauty and fashion products or who needs some help with skin problems or just wants new information.

It is called TypeF.com and you can check it out from that link! Have you looked at this website before? Let me know your thoughts!

Happy Holidays!

Those faithful friends are you - my new blogger friends!

Probably my last post for a while so I just wanted to wish all of my friends (in real life and in the blogger world!) a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, whatever it is you celebrate! You are all fantastic and I hope you have some great times this year.

Unfortunately it seems like a cold has snuck up on me but I'm hoping it won't be too bad. Bad enough I'll probably have to miss my boyfriend's championship hockey game tonight because it starts at 11pm. Last night he scored the game winning goal in a shoot-out and I was so proud!

But I won't let the sniffles ruin my Christmas. Tonight I'm heading to my parents house and having dinner with them and my boy. Tomorrow I'm going to his house to exchange gifts then church and exchanging gifts with my parents and neighbors. Then on Christmas day I see my mom's and dad's sides for the normal Christmas festivities, lots of food and gifts and hopefully good cheer. I must say I am quite excited to wear my new sweater dress and leopard flats to church tomorrow.

This is not quite it, but very close! Mine just has long sleeves and a tie belt.
And I am ridiculously in love with these shoes!

So with that! I leave you with the best wishes and I will be posting again after Christmas! What are all of you doing for the holidays? xoxo

Throw Your Leggings Out!

This post comes to you via an idea from my friend Alicia Flowers and the pained faces we made watching many girls traipsing around a concert recently wearing leggings that really did not do anything for their bodies.

Leggings? Do people think they look good in them?

Ohhhhhh Lord. Looks like someone doesn't have a full length mirror! I've come up with some DO's and DONT's for leggings because it seems this is one fashion statement that refuses to go away.

DO:

Wearing leggings underneath a skirt or dress that is thigh length or longer is acceptable.

DON'T:

Act like leggings are PANTS! They aren't. No one wants to see your bootay. Leggings are basically ugly, multi-colored extra layer of skin. It is not acceptable to walk around with no pants at all... so why would it be awesome to walk around naked but with purple skin?

DO:

There is really only one 'do' and I said it already.

DON'T:

Under any circumstances wearing leggings like these:
Basically leggings look terrible unless you are 90 pounds or 9 years old, so why bother?
Someone just let me know when leggings are uncool again. Hopefully I'll be dead by the time this trend is resurrected AGAIN.