Fringe With Benefits

When it comes to the little details that make an ensemble more memorable and appealing…count me IN! Any excuse to adorn my outfit is a good excuse in my book, and that’s why I’m in L-O-V-E with the rise of ornamental tassels, a.k.a. fringe. Whether oversized or petite, fringe is getting major designer play for summer and fall.

The fringe fashion trend is popular because it contributes to the authentic and unique impression various outfits offer, especially for those fond of the youthful, Boho chic style. Often associated with a more laid back attitude, western meets urban is the name of the game this year. Throw in hints of fringe for a versatile fusion of cosmopolitan and cowgirl, with a hint of flamboyance and glamour. Shoes, handbags, even evening dresses are rediscovering the benefits of fringe. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few familiar faces on the red carpet rocking this detail in a way that exudes elegance and class.  

If you want to perk up your next party with a glam entrée, sport a rock chic outfit which plays up the visual power of these chic accessories. Lusting after body conscious apparel? Try a piece complemented with fringe. The tailoring style will highlight your curves and play up your best assests with fringe in colorful or grown-up neutrals that have an astounding visual impact on the complete apparel…just steer clear of the flapper dress (at least until Halloween). Check out the styles below to transform your look from day to night…

1. Suede Fringe Wrap Watch, $35.00, Urban Outfitters

2. Roxy Endless Summer V-Neck Dress, $44.50, Zappos

3. Granineri, $49.98, Aldo

4. Havana Leather Fringe Necklace, $25.00, Lucky Brand Jeans

5. Leaf Fringe Scarf, $19.50, Arden B

6. Blue Leather Fringe Bag, $41.00, dorothyperkins.com

7. Beige Fabric Tassel Collar, $4.92, dorothyperkins.com

8. WallpapHer Fringed Vest, $39.00, Nordstrom

1. Meg Fringe Dress, $40.00, Alloy

2. Feather Fringe Earrings, $4.80, Forever 21

3. Black fringe Fashion Pump, $41.99, Milanoo.com

4. Chain-Fringe Drop Earrings, $30.00, BCBG

5. Chain Fringe Clutch, $39.50, flirtcatalog.com

6. Gabriella Rocha Waffle Layered Dress, $39.20, Zappos

7. Olivia’s Black Pyramid & chain Fringe Necklace, $29.00, fantasyjewelry.com

8. Paprika Fringe Trim Dress, $48.00, rarefashion.co.uk



Open Up My Eager Eyes...'Cause I'm Mrs. Brightside!

While soft-spoken neutrals are always beachy-keen, this summer the most popular eye shadow colors are a bit more bold and daring. Stylish sunbathers are abandoning the paler shades of pink in favor of bright colors and bold eyeliners to accentuate eye shape and give the perfect summer ensemble a little extra “zhush.”

A variety of vivid colors were in full force on the runways for both the spring and summer collections this year. Over-the-top colors normally reserved for costumes like coral (my personal favorite), bright yellow, electric blue, lime green, and violet are the top choices amongst designers like Peter Som, Betsey Johnson, and Christian Dior.  Too bold for you? Nervous that it may be a little overwhelming aesthetically? Oh ps sha! Avoid pulling a Tammy Faye Baker (bless her heart), and keep the colors on the lid below the orbital bone. Stick to a monochromatic look and create lines that hug the lashes, this way only a flash of color is visible when your eye is open while a flood of color is exposed each time you blink.

Not a fan of shadow? Take a dip in the shallow end of the trend and try eyeliner in electric colors. Just apply on the upper lid, highlight with a light dusting of shimmer in the inside corner of your eyes, a touch of mascara and voila – a look that’s colorful and still a little calm. Ultimately, the key to pulling off this looks is to be confident!  So when you leave the house, whether you’re in heels or flats, walk tall and act like the fierce fashionista you are!

And one more hot tip to help you, especially my Texas girls, beat the heat!...Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Help eye shadow last all day, and invest in a setting spray which encourages water and sweat resistance. My favorite is Urban Decay's All Nighter Spray, I never leave the house without a quick mist after I’m finished with my makeup!

Check out the images below for my favorite finds in the hottest hues:

Scarf it to me baby!

Inject a little creativity into your laidback summer style just like Emmy Rossum, Camilla Belle, and the rest of young Hollywood with a linen scarf. This season, scarves boasting bright, bold colors and tribal prints are the way to go. It’s time to GO BIG OR GO HOME! (Color, not size that is. A bulky scarf around my face in the Texas heat? No thanks.) Not only do big, bold prints have the ability to instantly transform the most basic jeans and tee combo – I’m looking at you khaki shorts! - As summer’s breeziest accessory, an eye-catching linen scarf has a way of stealing the spotlight like no other.

Check out these styles for under $30 to add a fun, feminine touch to your wardrobe.

Modern Metallics

Not intended for the nightclub or even the occasional superhero’s tights, summer’s subtle silvery looks are sneaking onto mannequins in more than just tops, tees, and tanks. The key to not looking like a disco ball while sporting these mod metallics? Keep it light and simple.

Silver can often appear a bit severe, especially for day wear – unless you’re doing the dreaded walk of shame in last night’s dress (we’ve all been there at some point ladies). Aim for a more structured silhouette with loose and easy-to-wear cuts.  Pair your sliver of silver with casual pieces that have clean lines, and steer clear of bold color accents. Opt for cool, crisp whites and muted neutrals. Keep hair feminine and soft, and as for shoes, I suggest keeping it all in the family – that means NO gold allowed.  Try one of these light and breezy looks below and  you’ll have a look that’s a long way from heavy metal.

Juicy & Delicious

Like most 7 year old girls I had a long lasting love affair with lip gloss, specifically Lip Smackers by Bonne Bell. On any given day you’d find at least two or three dangling around my neck from a neon chord. Vanilla Frosting, Cotton Candy, Strawberry, Root Beer – you name it, I had it! I loved the way the girly gloss made my lips sparkle and shine like the movie stars. Now at the ripe ole age of 25 I’ve traded in my confection-flavored favorite for something a little more grownup.

I’m of course talking about Juicy Tubes by Lancome. This ultra-shiny gloss sweeps on a sheer, sexy splash of color that will accent your summer ready style. Available in a variety of shades and flavors, I’m currently obsessed with the brilliant shine and hint of pink sparkle in Raspberry Ice. I love the way the subtle sparkle gives my pout a little extra plump without looking like Goldie Hawn in The First Wives Club – Good Morning Mohammed!

The glossy formula is long lasting and has a kissably sweet smell that tastes as good as it looks…Make a mental note ladies: Nobody wants to be the girl with the gloss that has a funky after taste. Believe me, your boyfriend/husband/summer fling (or all of the above, no judgement here) will appreciate it!

Perfectly portable, this gloss has quickly become one of my beauty essentials for a quick fix of fab at any time of day. Enjoy, but don't be surprised if you're new nickname is 'Lucious!

XOXO