Let There Be Light

Have you ever watched a ballet? It’s one of the most beautiful and romantic things I’ve ever seen. Dancers appear lighter than air as they gracefully leap across the stage with their long and lean bodies proudly outstretched to create perfect lines…Looking to lengthen your torso and flatter your figure like a ballet dancer, but maybe without turning into Natalie Portman a’ la Black Swan?

Snag one of the hottest new trends straight off the runway, an airy lace tee. Not only is the uber ethereal lace top versatile, appropriate for both day and night, but it’s also incredibly complimentary to the female physique. Let it drape gracefully over your skinny jeans or layer it over a matching tank for a torso lengthening column effect, and aim for tops in light angelic colors that won’t overwhelm your appearance just like the stars below.

Left to Right: Reese Witherspoon, Kate Bosworth, and Krisitn Cavallari

Here are few of my favorite finds for under $50….

1.   Sleeveless Layered Lace Chiffon top, $25, Yes Style

2.   Frenchi Lace Trim Crop Tee (Juniors), $32, Nordstrom

3.   Women’s Black Lace Tee, $40, White House Black Market

4.   Tinsley Road Lace Pocket Tee, $17, Piperlime

5.   BB Dakota “Lisa” Lace Top, $39, Dillards

6.   Coral Lace Fringed Crop Vest, $30, Top Shop

7.   Style & Co, Sleeveless Lace Detail Vest, $12.99, Macy’s

8.   Hive & Honey, Vintage Lace Top, $39, Piperlime

9.   MM Couture by Miss Me Tiered Tank, $35, Dillards

Cover Girl

Bikini season is officially in full force, and along with your vintage inspired swimsuit you’ll also need a stylish cover up for when you’re strutting pass the oh-so-cute cabana boy to the bar.  There are a lot of great options available that will not only enhance your ASS-ets, but will also play down the wobbly bits we’d rather not mention.  Here are 5 essential swimsuit cover ups that will flatter your body type and instantly transform your summer ensemble.

1. Caftan: Resort wear caftans are typically made from lighter, sheer and sexy materials. They are oversized, have wide sleeves that drape down to the sides, and tend to be calf or ankle-length. Caftans are an ideal choice for plus sized women or apple-shaped figures because the free-flowing fabric does not cling to the body. A little too much extra material? No worries, to slenderize the look add a belt and cinch the dress in at the waist.

2. Tunic: Tunics are like the kid sister of the caftan. Tunics are oversized tops made of light sheer material, but unlike the Caftan, tunics typically fall just below your waist or to mid-thigh. Feeling a little conscious about your arms, but you’ve got a killer set of gams? Then try the long-sleeved tunic. You’ll be able to subtly cover the arms, but still show off your rockin stems. (We don’t go to the gym for nothing ladies!)  Tunics are great for all body types, especially if you have an athletic build.

3. Pareos: Pareos are wraparound skirts that originated in Tahiti and are now considered a resort wear fav because of their versatility. Ideal for the pear shape, try wearing around the narrowest part of your waist to create the illusion of a slimmer waistline and disguise hips and thighs. Coke bottles have nothing on you girl!

4. Sarongs: There is an endless amount of ways to rock a sarong so you look so-right! Not only can you wrap it around your waist, but also around your torso like a halter dress, or even tie it around your neck like a scarf. When worn around the waist, it will provide a slimming effect that both pear- and apple-shaped women will benefit from. The halter style is ideal for big-busted women, because it downplays their chest while still revealing the perfect amount of cleavage - making their overall figure appear more balanced. Wrapping it around your neck will draw the eye upwards and highlight your svelte shoulders.

5. Wrap Dress: Make sure you choose a dress that is constructed of pure cotton or another light material that breathes well. Remember, you’re at the beach so you still want a look that is casual and playful. Wrap dresses are very flattering for women with big busts. They create lines and curves that downplay bulk in the torso and at the same time give the bust line ample support. Opt for rich colors or vertical stripes to slim and elongate your figure, and steer clear of those dreadful horizontal stripes.

Here Comes The Sun...

There’s no escaping the dreaded 100 degree heat in Dallas. It’s June and we’ve already had more 100+ degree days than I’d like to mention. Let’s face it, this time of year a gal needs a little extra protection…preferably something that doesn’t resemble our mother’s terrycloth visor circa 1985.

Thanks to the recent wedding of a certain dreamy royal, the popularity of hats has skyrocketed. This year retailers are featuring a variety of looks that can easily function as both a statement accessory and a skin protectant from harmful UV rays. But if like me you have trouble choosing between the 31 flavors at Baskin Robbins, you might also be a bit overwhelmed by the multitude of styles. Fedora, straw, floppy, cowboy, bucket – don’t panic, it's enough to confuse any fashionista. But just like ice cream, once you sample all of the enticing options, treating yourself can be incredibly satisfying.

So listen up sun goddess, before you strut your stuff at the beach here are a few tips on how to choose the right one for you and how to wear it, plus my top ten under $20 to keep you looking Posh + Pennywise:

·         Size DOES Matter: If your head is a little on the large size, you’ll most likely look good in most hats because your head will fill them and frame your face properly. If you have a smaller-sized head, lean towards styles such as flat caps and driver/ivy caps to help frame the face better. The shape of your face has a lot to do with the look of the hat, so your best bet is to try on various styles in order to decide which is the perfect fit.

·         Hat Hair: Try something more natural and beachy like a ponytail or a bun secured in the back with a few pieces cascading down in the front (this also helps frame your face more). If your hair is going to be curly, keep it light – no tight ringlets or anything crazy. Full curls with a hat is a little over done and can add unwanted volume to your face.

·         The Hat That Looks Good On Everyone: The look that works universally on all shapes and sizes is the classic straw fedora. It's considered by many stylists to be the “training wheels” of hats

1. Collection XIIX Crochet Beanie, $13.90 (sale), Nordstrom’s
2. Elona Floppy Hat, $20, Alloy
3. Guilliams, $20, Aldo
4. Straw Hat, $11, H&M
5. Jessica Simpson Large Bow Floppy, $14.99 (sale), Macy’s
6. Straw Preppy Boater Hat, $16, Miss Selfridge
7. Bow Side Women’s Military Hat, $12, Tillys
8. Diamond Pattern Fedora, $12.80, Forever 21
9. Fedora-ble Hat, $18, ModCloth
10. Sun & Sand Yellow Striped Hat, $20, Les Pommettes

Beach Boys, Bombshells, and Bikinis!

I have always admired the confidence exhibited by the 1950s pin-up - women like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield who embraced their curves and proudly put them on display. They possessed a sense of style like no other with a playful blend of colors and prints dripping with sex appeal.   And now that every woman’s “favorite time of year” aka swimsuit season is in full swing, I think it’s important that we take a hint from fashion’s favorite vixens.

This year, everything old is new again. It’s the dawning of the Age of Aquarius and the retro revival. More and more you’ll find that vintage-style swimwear is making its place in the fashion arena, but with a modern twist. Keep in mind - it doesn't have to be strawberry cheesecake cliché nor does it have to feel like a costume you bought at Electric Boutique for the ΣΑΕ Jungle Party. In 2011 many designers are infusing vintage-inspired details into current pieces - a high-waist here, a vintage print there - and the results can be perfect whether you’re lounging on the Wet Deck at The W Hotel or at home with family and friends.

Before you begin the quest for the holy grail of swimsuits, some features to keep an eye out for include:

• one-pieces with cinched-in waists,
• sweetheart necklines and halters
• high-waist bottoms
• playful prints:  gingham, tropical, and nautical themes
• shirred sides that accentuate/slim  the waist and hips
• boy-cut briefs

Here are five fabulous finds under $50 to help you kick off the summer season in true vixen style:

If you’re looking for something edgier and don’t mind spending a little more then check out the  swimwear featured on Fables By Barrie: (I’m in love with the one piece sailor suit!)

Happy shopping bombshells! XOXO

Hold the Martini...Make My Cocktail A Ring!

Who says the cast of Jerseylicious are the only ones allowed to flaunt their big attitudes with even bigger accessories? Flip through any magazine and you'll find an assortment of oversized cocktail rings. Shapes and styles are all over the place ranging from large colored gemstones to small clusters of stones and even to rings in the shape of wild animals….lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my! Go big and bright, mix em up, and let them make the statement. The transformation to a simple LBD or even jeans and a tee is incredible.  Even some of today’s most stylish celebrities have been seen sporting them on and off the red carpet.

 Whether you opt for candy colored and cute, or glittering and glamorous, these rings aren't for the faint of heart! That said, don’t be afraid to try something outside the box! Be bold, because with the right cocktail ring I guarantee you'll turn heads. Here are a few of my current favs in stores and online now all for under $20:

XOXO

Fake It 'Til You Make It: Eyelash 101

Like any proper pageant girl born and raised in Texas I have been wearing fake eyelashes for as long as I can remember. With an unofficial state motto like “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” are you really surprised?  Because of my “veteran” eyelash status I’ve been asked a lot of questions over the years so here are a few helpful tips on where to buy and how to apply.

First thing’s first, let me go ahead and put this out there…you DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT need to automatically run to a big name cosmetic store like MAC to buy $12 eyelashes. Yes they are terrific and look great, but if you only wear them once or twice it an awful lot to spend for a little extra va-va voom . Instead, try your local Target or Pharmacy. Target, CVS, Walgreens, and even Wal-Mart all have great eyelash options for under $5 that work just as well as the big names. My favorite is the Demi Wispies by Ardell Lashes (only $3.69). They have a really natural feel but still give your eyes the same allure of Kim Kardashian at the Golden Globes.

 If you’re looking for an even better deal, because let’s face it you go through lashes like men, try your local beauty supply store or Wig Shop. You’ll walk out with a great looking set of lashes for under $1.50! If you’re a Dallas local, I love the Wig Shop on Lemmon Ave – very affordable and if you’re looking for something a little more outside the box you can definitely find it there!

Now that you’ve bought the lashes it’s time to tackle the daunting task of actually applying them. No makeup artist needed, I’ll give you five easy steps to get you looking fierce and fabulous in no time.

1.          Hold your lashes up to your eye line and make sure the length matches up. If they’re too long trim as necessary with a pair of small nail scissors.

2.          Next, put on a light layer of mascara to give your lashes more depth.  I prefer Voluminous by L’OREAL in Black. You don’t want to wait until the lashes are on to put on all of your mascara or you run the risk of clumpy “spider eyes.”  

3.          Put a dab of eyelash glue on a hard surface then using the end of a makeup brush or tweezers apply a thin line along the line of your new lashes.

4.          Place lashes along your natural lash line and apply light pressure starting from the center and working your way out. Keep your eye closed for 30 seconds to give the glue enough time to dry.  Sometimes I have to give an extra press on the outer corners. Repeat for the other side.

5.          Apply mascara to the inner and outer corners, give a quick swoop to the center, and you’re ready to paint the town pink!

Hope these quick tips help you stay POSH + Pennywise! Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks!

XOXO

Back in black? No thanks!



First of all let me just say I'm a sucker for good deals when it comes to shopping! I like to think of myself as a "frugal fashionista." People give me a hard time, but I rarely pay over $20 for ANYTHING...unless of course it's something special. So on to today's fabulous find...

Over the weekend I found this super funky dress by Mink Pink - it regularly retails for $82, but I got it for $11!!! (Thank you Macy's 70% off rack) Talk about a total steal, but that's actually not the point. I wanted to share the news, or maybe a reminder to my fellow trendsetters, what a beautiful compliment rich tones are to ALL body types! We all know the rules about black making you look "thinner," but who wants to look like they're attending a funeral every day?

Deep tones, like gem tones, can have the same affect on your shape without the dowdy appearance. Don't get me wrong, I have an entire section in my closet dedicated to variations of the LBD but there's no denying the affect wearing a color can have on your mood.  So be brave and experiment with your wardrobe! Throw in a lucious gem tone and I guarantee heads will turn!

Like Cuba Gooding says (well almost like), "Show me the color!!!"


XOXO