Hautelinks: Week of 9/2/10
If you’ve still got some fall shopping left to do (join the club!), Shine makes it easy to buy the right things with their list of Eight Key Pieces You Will Love All Season.
Need some new people to follow on Twitter? Fashionista lists Fashion’s Most Influential Twitterers.
CF reader Molly tipped me off to Life in Pictures, which is an amazing blog with only (you guessed it) pictures. It’s all fashion editorials, no words, and very few celebrities. Even better, the photos are gorgeous and new ones are added all the time! I’m totally addicted. Thanks, Molly! (FYI, there’s some nudity, so it might not be 100% work-safe!)
Three words: Lanvin for H&M!! So effing exciting.
In more exciting fashion news, Brian Atwood is launching a more affordable shoe line!
Normally I don’t find Katy Perry’s style very inspiring, however I’m with Glamour in <3ing her pink, purple, and blue hair streaks. What do you guys think of them?
Hitting the gym before class in the AM? Allure has 3 tips on how to look good post-workout.
If you’ve always wanted to get bangs but are too afraid to take the plunge, this Youtube tutorial will show you how to create “fake bangs.” It’s kinda genius.
If you already have bangs, R29 has 4 cute ways to style them.
Also from Refinery 29, to celebrate Fashion Week (so close!), they asked 9 fashion editors for their fall must-haves.
Photoshop controversy! Jezebel caused a stir when they posted unretouched photos of Jennifer Aniston, and refused to take them down. They also wrote a great article on the whole issue, entitled Why You Must See Unretouched Images, And Why You Must See Them Repeatedly. Both the article and comments are worth reading.
Stylelite lists 6 impractical fashion trends (that they secretly love).
Clothes aren’t the only thing you can steal from a boy to get gorgeous – as YourTango shows us, the contents of His Medicine Cabinet can solve many a beauty crisis!
The Times Online lists 25 movies that shook the world of fashion. While I have seen most of them, a few were new to me – hello, Netflix queue!
The Daily Northwestern shared some interesting tips on body language from a college standpoint.
We loved Jezebel’s tips on decorating your dorm room – they’ll help you avoid the “I got all this stuff at Target” look!
Haha, PopWatch breaks down the hidden truth behind The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo…
5 Ways to Conserve Your Makeup, from Shine, is a helpful list that will probably save you some $$ this semester!
Poor Nicole Richie! She’s been dragged into a fashion-related lawsuit with Kitson.
Color me shocked on this one, seriously: Christina Hendricks struggles to find designer dresses to borrow? The fashion world can be such a strange, backwards place sometimes.
Cue the bad high school fashion flashbacks: gummy bracelets are… gasp… back?!
How to Wear White After Labor Day, from Stylelist, shows you how to break your grandma’s favorite fashion rule… and look good doing it!
I’m bummed about this: According to NY Mag, Kate Moss’ next Topshop line will be her last.
7 Things I Miss From College will (hopefully) make you remember just how awesome college really is. You have to appreciate it while you can!
I loved this: How to Be Less Busy in a Busy, Busy World.
On the opposite subject, CollegeCandy has some great tips on getting A’s and B’s in college, which might keep you pretty busy.
Beating the Nothing to Wear Blues, from Stylish Thought. Self-explanatory!
Aww, this post from Zenhabits is too cute: 32 Ways to Make Someone Happy Today.
Ageless Style & the Olsen Twins will have you thinking about your wardrobe in a more long-term way – which is good for both your style and your wallet!
Sick of Social Media? You’re doing it wrong. Do you ever feel burnt out on social media? Or is it just me?
Haha, I don’t know why but I’m kind of in love with this USB typewriter. So great.
Seven Questions for Jay Rosen is a good read for you media/journalism nerds. BTW, if you’re at all interested in media studies or journalism, Jay Rosen is someone I recommend you follow religiously. The man knows his stuff.
On a completely, completely different note: The Best of Jersey Shore DeviantART almost made me fall out of my chair with laughter.
YourTango asks, will Apple’s “New Music Social Network” influence your relationships?
And finally, because, after all, today is 9-02-10, PopSugar TV takes a look back in time at the 90210 stars then and now. Ah, nostalgia.
Filed Under: Hot Websites / Tags: Hautelinks, Internet, Links
How to Wear Clogs
While I was studying abroad this summer in Spain, clogs were in all of my favorite stores. Tons of cute, fashionable girls were rocking them with their outfits– and they looked great! The more I saw them, the more I liked them. Feeling inspired, I purchased my own pair of tan clogs before I returned home to Minnesota.
While I love living in Minnesota, it isn’t exactly the style capital of the world, and clogs are considered pretty fashion-forward here! So because of this, at first I felt a bit awkward wearing my new shoes at home. Fortunately, I soon developed a system that worked for me, and let me wear my clogs casually.
These are the guidelines I follow when wearing clogs… Check them out if you’re interested in incorporating this trendy shoe style into your wardrobe!
Tips for Wearing Clogs
- Get inspired. Feeling unsure about clogs and how to wear them? Try checking out pictures of celebrities and other girls trying the trend. Weheartit.com and Chictopia are great places to find images. Also, check out features and articles on clogs: Kim’s Would You Wear…Clogs? and Audrey’s Fashion Challenge: Clogs both discuss the trend, as do these pieces from Who What Wear, Style Bakery, and Blue is in Fashion This Year. They just might inspire you to pick up a pair of your own!
- Choose a heel. The main clog heel options are flat, chunky, or wedge-heeled. If you want height but aren’t into the classic, chunky bottom that most clogs provide, clog wedges provide a different, often more wearable look. They’re also easier to walk in than traditional clogs!
- Keep it classic. Whenever you’re sporting a trendy or over-the-top item, it’s a good idea to keep the rest of your look classic and simple. This way, not only will your statement piece (in this case, the clogs) stand out, but you’ll also avoid looking trend-obsessed and silly.
- Try wooden-heeled shoes. This fall we’re going to be seeing shoes featuring signature clog details: wooden platform heels and visible studs. So, if you’re into that look but dislike the shape or feel of traditional clogs, you’re in luck! Expect to see clog-inspired sandals, boots, and even shoes this season!
Hot Picks
Product Information: Cayenne Cutout Clog, Free People. Jeffery Campbell Snick Wedges, Lori’s Shoes. Vintage Tie Clog, Miss Selfridge. Lattice Clog, Oasis. Thaddea Peep-Toe Clogs, Target. HOWDY Platform Clogs, Asos. Jola Clogs, Kurt Gelger. HOWIE Suede Double Buckle Clog Sandal, Asos.
Outfit Inspiration
Product Information: Vintage Tiger Drop Earrings, Avalaya. FreeSpirit Quilted Bag, Very. Gold Metal Chain Link Bracelet, Fantasy Jewelry Box. AG Tomboy Crops, Anthropologie. Rested and Relaxed Dolman Top, Ruche. Leatherette Peep Toe Cork Wedges, Go Jane.
Your thoughts?
What do you think? Do you love clogs? Hate them? How do you wear your clogs? What do you think about clog-inspired shoes? Let us know what you’re thinking with a comment!
Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Clogs, Fall 2010, fall trends, How To, how to wear, Outfits, Shoes, Trends
Fashion Challenge: Wear a Dress with Pants
I don’t know about you, but I’m more than excited for September – fall weather means I can rock my favorite scarves, sweaters, and hats from last year and arrive at class without looking and feeling like a sweaty mess! But with temperature changes come wardrobe adjustments, and sometimes transitioning between seasons can be tough. This week’s challenge may help you fill in those awkward weeks between summer and fall.
This week, be adventurous and rock a dress with pants!
I know many of you have mixed feelings on this trend. Give the challenge a chance, though–it’s a lot easier to pull of than one might think. Think you’re ready? Then throw on your fashion thinking caps and read on for some tips for rocking a dress with pants!
Tips and Tricks for Pairing a Dress with Pants
- It’s all about proportions. I think this trend looks best with a short dress that hits around your mid thigh. Some girls can pull off the look rocked by Jessica Alba in the picture above, but it will overwhelm most frames.
- Simple, fitted dresses work best. A dress with a really full bottom half or lots of material and draping may not be the most flattering choice.
- Pair a dress with jeans. Skinny jeans or jeggings will no doubt look great with most dresses, but a pair of boot cut jeans or even flares can work, too! Flared jeans look best when paired with a dress that is more fitted around its hemline.
- Try it with other pants, too. Linen pants, clam diggers, capris, even yoga pants can look neat when styled the right way!
- Did your favorite dress shrink? Or did you get a late growth spurt? If you have a dress that’s just a little bit too short to wear comfortably, wear it with a pair of jeans instead of leggings for a fierce look.
3 Dress-Over-Pants Outfit Ideas
Night on the Town
Dress, Heels, Jeans, Animal Print Dress, Sandals
The dresses pictured above are short–they definitely approach tunic territory! Rather than pairing these with opaque black tights, try them out with a pair of skinny jeans. It will give you a more edgy look, and might be the unexpected touch you need to set your outfit apart. Pair your look with a cute pair of shoes and wear with lots of attitude!
Hippie Chic
Pants, Dress, Sandals, Bracelet, Necklace
This looks gives off a laid back, boho-hippie vibe perfect for going to class, a concert, or a walk around your college town! Start with a pair of lightweight linen pants, and pair them with a simple tank dress. This dress by American Apparel has elastic in the waist, giving it a bit of shape. Finish with gladiator sandals, a nautical-inspired bracelet, and a pendant necklace.
Lounging Around
Pants, Dress, Shoes, Headbands, Bracelet
So, I know this look may be a little “out there” for many of you, but hear me out–when it comes to studying or watching tv, nothing is cozier than a t-shirt and pajama pants, right? For an updated take on the loungewear uniform, swap out pajama pants for yoga pants, and pair them with this racerback dress. The dress will be fitted throughout the butt and thighs, balancing out the fullness of the yoga pants, but not so tight that it’s restraining.
Finally, throw on a pair of sneakers and a cute bracelet, and keep your hair out of your face with a couple headbands. This look is perfect for lounging in your dorm room, studying in the library, or running errands.
Rocked the Challenge? Send in Photos & Get Featured Here!
Now that you’re inspired, we want you to take the challenge and send us photos of your challenge outfit and we’ll feature them on CF!
To see your challenge pics here (along with a blurb about you and a link to your blog, if you have one), take some photos of you wearing a dress over pants, and attach them in an email to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion.net with your name, school, blog link (if you have one), and a description of what you’re wearing. (See examples here and here!)
Can’t wait to see what you girls come up with!
What do you think?
Will you try this fashion challenge, or is it something you already do on a regular basis? How do you keep it looking fab instead of frumpy? What challenges would you like to see in the future? Sound off with a comment!
Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Dresses, Fashion Challenge, Pants
Eco-Chic Beauty: Top 5 Green Nail Polish Companies
A good manicure or pedicure is surely one of life’s greatest little pleasures. A pop of color on perfectly-painted digits is an easy way to add some personality to even the most drab outfit. Well-groomed nails make you look infinitely more polished (pun intended).
The only problem with a manicure or pedicure is that traditional nail polishes contain some pretty harsh chemicals. Many polishes list ingredients like formaldehyde (a preservative), camphor, parabens, dibutyl phthalate (DBT–added to prevent chipping) and toluene. Although it’s hard to say what amounts of these chemicals you’d have to be exposed to in order to experience adverse effects, recent studies have shown a correlation between some polish chemicals and cancer in lab animals. Others have linked these chemicals to chemical pnuemonia and birth defects. Scary stuff!
But never fear! Many companies have started to develop safer, more natural polishes that are easily accessible, reasonably priced & of course, available in an array of stunning colors! Below, I’ve compiled a list of five eco-friendly nail polish companies worth checking out.
1. Polished Mama
This family-owned company originally marketed their products to mothers-to-be, because they are safe for mothers to wear during and after pregnancy. But regardless of who they were originally intended for, these water-based, nontoxic polishes come in 14 adorable colors suitable for anyone. And although I’m not hopping a train to Baby Town anytime soon, polish names like “There’s No Place Like Home” and “Unconditional” still make me feel fuzzy inside.
Where to Buy: For a list of Polished Mama retailers and e-tailers, check out this page on their official site.
2. Zoya Nail Polish
If you’re looking for a wider variety of colors–or more than just polish–Zoya products should be at the top of your shopping list.
Zoya’s products are all toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor-free. Not to mention, they’re also vegan-friendly! Zoya boasts more than 300 polish colors, not including 4 seasonal collections, polish remover, base coats, speed drying drops and polish thinner, among other products. Need more convincing? An individual panel for Women’s Health Magazine voted Zoya the longest-lasting natural nail polish.
Where to Buy: Bottles are available directly through the company’s website, by calling 1-800-659-6909, or searching the company’s US and international salon locator. And if you need help? Zoya offers round-the-clock customer service, with a REAL, LIVE, SPEAKING person. Shocker, right?
3. Acquarella
Acquarella nail polishes live up to their name: They’re non-toxic, non-flammable, free from toxic fumes and made from the earth’s most important natural resource–water! The polishes come in 25 varying shades, including cremes, translucents, metallics and shimmers. My pick? “Vamp,” an opaque royal purple. There’s also a helpful How-to guide on the company’s site with step-by-step instructions for using the polishes to get the best results.
Where to Buy: Acquarella polishes are available to purchase on the company’s website. But be careful – as tempting as it is to snatch up the whole bunch, take heed: Each bottle retails at $18. (But from what I’ve heard, they’re totally worth the splurge!)
4. Priti NYC
When it comes to overall eco-friendliness, Priti definitely out-greens the competition. They have over 100 different polishes, all non-toxic and made from USDA certified organic ingredients (including a biodegradable soy polish remover!). Not only that, but all Priti’s promotional materials are printed on 100% recycled paper–and their nail polishes are recyclable, too!
Where to Buy: You can purchase the polishes on Priti’s website. As a bonus, the site is hosted by ThinkHost, a web host entirely powered by wind & solar energy. So cool!
5. Kaia House
If you’re looking for a brand that’s wallet-friendly as well as eco-friendly, you’ll definitely want to check out Kaia House. Their organic polishes come in a parade of vibrant shades and are each named after famous cities, from San Francisco to Shanghai. Plus, if you’re into more than just polishes, Kaia House offers a whole line of eco-friendly beauty products that have received rave reviews.
Where to Buy: Products are available to purchase from Kaia House’s website, and retail for $8 a pop.
Your Thoughts
Eco-friendly beauty products are definitely an emerging trend, and I want to know what you think. Have you tried any of these polishes? Would you try an eco-friendly polish? Love (or loathe) any other eco-friendly nail polishes I didn’t mention? Let’s share our eco-friendly beauty stories/experiences in the comments!
Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: eco-fashion, Eco-friendly beauty, eco-friendly nail polish, Eco-friendly style, green nail polish, Nail Polish
Fashion Inspiration: Esmeralda from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Esmeralda is the raven haired gypsy heroine from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. While irresistibly beautiful and charming, she is also brave enough to stand up for what she believes in, even when it puts her life in danger. Not only is Esmerelda’s personality uplifting, but her gypsy fashion sense is inspirational.
Like the previous articles in this series, the purpose of this article is to use a childhood idol as inspiration for outfits that you can actually pull off as a college student. All it takes is a little creativity!
For more Disney-inspired looks, check out our past articles on Walt Disney’s Snow White, Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney’s Cinderella, Walt Disney’s Princess Jasmine, Walt Disney’s Princess Tiana, Walt Disney’s Pocahontas, Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jane Porter from Disney’s Tarzan, and Megara from Disney’s Hercules.
About Esmeralda
Esmeralda is a gypsy woman living in Paris in the 1400s. Life as a poor gypsy has not been easy for Esmerelda, but she gets by with her talent for dancing.
At the Feast of Fools, Esmerelda becomes furious when she witnesses a man being humiliated by the townspeople. They tell him he has “the ugliest face in Paris” and then proceed to tie him up and throw food at him. Esmerelda is empathetic to the young man, because she knows the harsh effects of discrimination. Her people are stereotyped as horrible and evil by the rich aristocrats, especially Judge Claude Frollo. Esmeralda cannot take the man being tortured, so she stands up for him and gets the mob to stop harassing him. This infuriates Judges Claude Frollo, and he orders the police to arrest her.
Luckily, Esmeralda escapes the guards and ends up in the Notre Dame church, which is a sanctuary, and a place where the guards cannot arrest her. It just so happens that the young man she rescued at the Feast of Fools lives in the church. His name is Quasimodo, and he is known as the Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also happens to be under the care of the vicious Judge Frollo. The judge raised him to believe that he was a monster. Esmeralda soon befriends Quasimodo, and convinces him that he is just as beautiful as any other person, because it’s what is on the inside that matters.
In addition to being beautiful and kindhearted, Esmeralda also shows how courageous she is by escaping from the church with the help of Quasimodo and Phoebus (Judge Frollo’s Captain of the Guard, who just so happens to fall in love with Esmeralda) and, after almost being burned at the stake, helps to defeat Judge Frollo and save her people from his harsh discrimination.
Esmeralda’s Everyday Outfit
The outfit Esmeralda usually wears isn’t exactly what most would call “everyday.” Numerous bold colors and contrasting textures add lots of interest to her look. In order to capture the essence of her outfit, I used a gorgeous teal dress with feminine ruffles along the side and hem, paired with a magenta cardigan. Also, I chose gypsy-like earrings to complement the pink headscarf.
Earrings- 1928 Jewelry, Shoes- Target, Dress- Shop Ruche, Cardigan- Athleta, Headband- Chick Downtown
Feast of Fools
Esmeralda captivates the crowd at the Feast of Fools with her dazzling dance moves and exquisite outfit. To emulate her style in this scene, I chose a red dress (which is one of fall’s hottest colors), lots of jewelry, and a scarf, because Esmeralda always piles on plenty of accessories. I also used an eye-catching sequined clutch to grab everyone’s attention in the best possible way.
Belt- Arden B, Clutch- Lori’s Shoes, Shoes- Debenham’s, Dress- Modcloth, Scarf- John Lewis, Necklace- 1928 Jewelry, Earrings- Lucky
Not Quite Burned at the Stake
The day that Esmeralda is arrested and ordered to be executed (which fortunately, does not happen) she is pictured wearing a simple white dress with a rope belt that is far more subtle than her everyday clothes. If you love the way Esmeralda dresses but don’t think you can pull it off, this is a great outfit to be inspired by.
To create a similar look, I used a simple white lace dress with a beautiful ruffled collar, tied with a simple skinny brown belt. Since Esmeralda never wears shoes, I included a pair of barely-there, yet still fashionable, teal sandals. Finally, I finished the look off with plenty of gypsy-inspired jewelry.
Bag- Monsoon, Shoes- Endless, Dress- Modcloth, Bangles- Wet Seal, Earrings- 1928 Jewelry
Another Not-So-Typical Outfit
Since Esmeralda is most often pictured wearing this outfit, I decided to create a second look inspired by her everyday style. This one is less casual than the first outfit I created.
For this look, I used a textured teal skirt, a corset-style white top, and a gold sequined shrug. To polish it off, I added a few purple accents as accessories and a necklace that reminded me of the coin embellishments on Esmerelda’s sash.
Necklace and Earrings Set- Fantasy Jewelry Box, Shoes- K Mart, Shrug- Newport News, Skirt- Forever 21, Brooch- Avalaya, Top- Vanity
Thoughts?
Are you inspired by Esmeralda? Which look is your favorite? Which Disney characters would you be interested in seeing posts about in the future? I want to know what you think, so be sure to leave your thoughts in a comment!
Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Disney, Esmeralda, Inspiration, Inspired by, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
