We’ve talked about the monochromatic trend before, but the single-color look is being revamped for summer. From fingergnails to shoes, white is turning out to be the color of choice.
I am all for this trend because I love wearing white. I am a huge fan of the LWD (the little white dress, cousin of the famous LBD), and I especially love flowy, white blouses. My mom makes fun of me because I have at least twenty in my closet right now. But white is so versatile, and it keeps your outfit light and bright.
The key to keeping your monochromatic outfit interesting is playing with texture. Instead of lots of colorful, visual interest, focus on the material and structure of the pieces to ensure an outfit that’s white hot.
For me, the perfect white outfit for summer consists of…
I challenge you all to a monochromatic day, think you can do it?
~Brittany
Sources:
We’ve all been there. You’re standing in front of your closet the morning of an exam, too tired from studying to even try to put effort into your outfit. As you survey your clothes, you have a simple choice: a sweatshirt or a cute blouse. While you contemplate your dilemma, I have a few tips for you.
1. Don’t give in. I know how tempting it is to just throw on a t-shirt and run out the door. However, picking out a cute outfit can give you the confidene you need to ace that test.
2. Be comfortable. The last thing you want while taking your exam is be distracted by how itchy your new blouse is. I recommend saving that brand-new blouse for a different day. Pick out your favorite go-to top that is cute and comfortable.
3. Stay minimal. You don’t want to be late to your exam because you were too busy getting dressed. Stick with a basic top and maybe one piece of jewelry.
4. Go bold. A bright, printed top or printed jeans make a statement with a minimum of fuss.
5. Bring (or wear) a jacket. You never know how cold your exam room is going to be. Go for something stylish like a jean jacket or even a blazer.
6. Take a deep breath. You’re gonna do great on that exam! You’ve studied the best you can and there is no need to freak out. Being calm can really help you focus.
Here’s what I wore today for my AP U.S. Goverment and Politics Exam:
Good luck on your exams, guys!
Stay fashionable,
Samantha
Sources:
Figuring It Out
I love heels. I love the way they look and the way they make me oh, so much taller. However, they are not the easiest contraptions to manuever a dance floor in. Since prom is all about having a good time and dancing with your friends, I encourage you to bring a pair of flats or, better yet, wear them all night.
Enter the party flat:
These shoes are cute, often sparkly, and very practical. Celebs have been wearing them to TV interviews, parties and even award shows. I think this is great because the last thing I want at my prom is to have to ice my feet afterwards. And don’t even get me started on blisters!
Simple touches like studs, sequins, bows or metallic accents can make oxfords, smoking slippers and ballet flats prom material. Metallic menswear-inspired oxfords are especially popular right now.
Metallic Oxfords (from the top):
- 1. Tildon ‘Astoria’ Oxford
- 2. Donald J Pliner ‘Denda’ Flat
- 3. Hinger ‘Fraser’ Oxford
Unique flats are sure to keep you styish and comfortable all night long. Just make sure that if you are wearing flat shoes to prom that your dress is hemmed accordingly. Cute flats are a yes, tripping over your dress…that’s a definite no.
Vince Camuto ‘Tamma’ Flat Jeffrey Campbell ‘In Love’ Flat Topshop ‘Marci’ Flat
~Brittany
Sources:
Who What Wear
D Magazine
We Heart It
Crossroads Trading Co.
This past weekend, I attended my junior prom! Needless to say, it was an amazing night that I will never forget. My favorite part was getting to see everyone’s prom dresses, accessories, hair and shoes. My friends and I went stag; you don’t need a date in order to have fun!
I decided to shoot for a more classic look and chose a black chiffon gown with beaded shoulders. Then I felt that the dress needed a bit more sparkle, so I wore a beaded belt (it’s actually two necklaces fastened together!) around my waist. My favorite thing about my dress was the short slip with the long, sheer overlay.
Sticking with the classic vibe, I went with winged eyeliner, a red lip and an updo.
My friend’s hair looks amazing, too, doesn’t it?
Because I’m really short, I wanted to rock a pair of killer heels. I chose black patent T-strap platforms.
I brought out the silver in my dress with an ombré glitter manicure and an antique silver beaded clutch.
More pictures of me and my friends:
Stay beautiful,
Samantha
All through seventh grade, I wore ribbons tied around my ponytails. It was my “thing.” I had them in all colors, prints and lengths. But I stopped wearing them because I let myself be pushed by others into believing I had outgrown them. I am sure we have all done that—stopped wearing or doing something we liked because it suddenly wasn’t fashionable or cool anymore. While it’s true that maybe some fads should be left behind, I think it’s important to hold on to things, even superficial things, that make you happy. And you know what? Bows make me happy!
Lately, hair bows having been popping up on runways and style blogs. Street-style wonder woman Hanelli Mustaparta (middle) is even rocking one.
Yes, they can be frivolous. Yes, they can be hyper-feminine, but what’s wrong with that? They’re practical, they keep hair back from your face, and are infinitely more interesting than a plain ponytail holder or elastic headband.
Bows were the accessories of choice at some spring 2013 runways. They took form in sleek ribbons at Etro (left) and large, mod bows at Louis Vuitton (right).
Shown:
- 1. Cara ‘Pearly Polka Dot Bow’ Ponytail Holder
- 2. Topshop Bow Barette
- 3. Cara ‘Happy Stars’ Ponytail Holders in fuschia, teal, and yellow.
So I think it’s time for me to find my bows…and keep them out!
~Brittany
Sources:
While in Germany, I picked up a beautiful khaki anorak. An anorak is basically a utilitarian parka, but it can be heavy or lightweight. Mine’s light enough for the warmer spring days (hopefully) coming my way while still being a functional rain (and maybe snow) coat. The greatest thing about anoraks, in my opinion, is their versatility.
Because they draw so heavily on military styling, they work well with edgy outfits like the two above. Whether it’s with a black minidress or dark skinny jeans, an army green anorak makes a great layering piece.
However, an anorak’s not limited strictly to edgy looks. In fact, I like wearing mine with dresses. Pairing this functional jacket with feminine, lacy pieces creates a lot of cool visual and textural contrast.
If you’re craving an anorak of your very own, the Rubbish Army Jacket (left) is a great place to start. (And it comes in other colors besides the standard army green.) If you want something more unexpected, try the Sam Edelman Colorblock Utility Jacket, which will add a fun dose of color to any outfit.
Added bonus: they’re full of pockets! I finally have a pocket for my phone, wallet, keys and lipgloss. What could be better?
~Brittany
Sources:
Vanessa Jackman
Happily Grey
A Lovely Escape
Purple Monkey
Skater skirts are an essential part of my spring wardrobe. But I’ve been wondering lately why it’s called a skater skirt. A skirt is one of the last things I imagine someone wearing while riding a skateboard down the street. So I did a little research and discovered that this modern take on the traditional A-line skirt gets its name from the skirts of ice skating dresses. That makes more sense.
The Assistant Buyer for BP. bottoms was generous enough to give me these three skater skirts to try out:
Here’s how I styled them:
1. Studded Gray Skater Skirt
I wore this simple, structured skirt over a patterned dress with a Peter Pan collar. I threw on my black platform wedges to add a little height and I was good to go.
2. Black Eyelet Skater Skirt
I thought that this skirt would look great over this striped peplum blouse and my brand-new cut-out oxfords.
3. Lily White High-Waist Skirt
I absolutely adore this skirt. It is the perfect way to make a statement for spring and summer. I tied my sleevelss button-up blouse, pulled my hair into a topknot and slipped on my gold Sam Edelman sandals.
How will you style yours?
Stay trendy,
Samantha
Sources:
WikiHow
I absolutely love boyfriend jeans, especially for spring. When I throw on some slouchy, cuffed boyfriend jeans, I automatically feel like I’m on vacation in some faraway place. OK, maybe it’s not that deep, but they’re so comfy! Can someone say effortless?
My favorite way to wear boyfriend jeans? With a slouchy tee, lots of bracelets and sunnies:
From left to right: Jolt Destroyed Studded Boyfriend Jeans, BP. Pyramid Stretch Cuff, KW Retro Sunglasses, and Ten Sixty Sherman ‘C’est La Vie” Tee
XOXO,
Aya
Sources:
Art Symphony
Eat Sleep Wear
Harper’s Bazaar
What do you think about wearing a flower crown to your prom? Flower crowns are so beautiful, especially with a boho dress, and they’re really easy to make. Scroll down for step-by-step instructions!
Things you’ll need:
- * Flowers (fresh, silk or any other variety)
- * Pipe cleaners
- * Masking tape
- * Scissors (make sure they can cut through pipe cleaners and flower stems)
Now, it’s time to start!
1. Twist pipe cleaners together in a circle around your head and reinforce with a strip of masking tape at every twist.
2. Cut the stem of each flower to about two thumb-lengths.
(My kitty, Attila, didn’t want to get out of the shot, as you can see.)
3. Take another pipe cleaner and twist it in an X pattern to attach it to the circle. You should have one end of the pipe cleaner on each side of the flower stem.
4. Secure this new pipe cleaner to the circle (i.e., the crown) with a small piece of masking tape.
5. Wrap the ends of the pipe cleaner around the flower stem several times. Cut the excess pipe cleaner once the flower seems adequately secured.
6. Continue all the way around the circle, adding as many flowers as you like.
And voilà, you’ve got a fabulous flower crown!
When you finish your crown, Instagram it if you’d like (#nordstromprom), and you might just see it on the Instagram feed on the BP. blog!
XOXO,
Aya
Sources:
Fashion Cherry
100 Layer Cake
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