The Sweater Coat: Vince

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Update your outerwear with a chunky knit sweater coat. The Vince Honeycomb Knit Cardigan is a perfect piece for Fall/Winter. This versatile knit can be worn under heavy coats in cold weather or on it’s own in mild weather. A reliable piece that can make any outfit more wearable.

The draping on this sweater coat falls beautifully. For an effortless and flawless look, pair with a slim pant and bootie. Like the picture, add different textures like leather that pair nicely with the honeycomb pattern. If you need a little glitz and glamour – add a jeweled broach.

Keep cozy this winter in a stylish sweater coat.

Wardrobe Staple: Denim Jacket

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The denim jacket is an easy piece to grab on your way out the door. Versatile and basic, the denim jacket will transition from season to season with effortless style.

The denim jacket is no longer limited to different washes of blue denim. The trend has evolved into prints, colors, proportions and textures. Available in cropped, leather, tweed and jersey detailing, fur, moto style, western style, stud and spike embellishments, floral and leopard print the design elements are endless.

Pair your denim topper with everything from maxi dresses to leather pants. Or wear as a layering piece under a blazer or over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever style you choose from the basic blue to fancy floral, the denim jacket will always be a wardrobe staple.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Snap’ Stretch Denim Jacket: $274.00

Haute Hippie ~ Washed Floral Denim Jacket: $285.00

Rag and Bone ~ Leather Sleeve Jean Jacket: $495.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Silence & Noise Cropped Denim Moto Jacket: $79.00

By Zoe ~ Mickey Jacket: $172.00 (sale)

Western Style: H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot

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Saddle-up in style with a Western-inspired boot. H by Hudson’s Riley Mid Boot is that perfect mix of rugged utility and sophistication.

The perfect kickstart to your Fall wardrobe, this boot provides comfort and relaxed style with gently-worn leather and chunky Cuban heel.

The H by Hudson Riley Mid Boot has the ability to dress things up or work as a chic but casual option. Pair with your favorite designer jeans or feminine floral dress. No matter what you choose you will add a bit of style to your stride.

About Hudson:

Born in 1990, Hudson has been putting their best foot forward for more than two decades with its high quality, affordable shoes. Acknowledging trends and giving them our own idiosyncratic twist is the cornerstone of the Hudson philosophy. Whether it’s music, art, style icons or film, there is always inspiration to be found. Often imitated, never rivalled, Hudson will always strive to innovate, surprise and push boundaries in footwear design.

Utilitarian Style: The Transport Rucksack by Madewell

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Functional and fashionable, the backpack is making a comeback. Unlike the “mini backpack” trend of the early 90’s, today’s modern knapsack has more weight and structure.

The Transport Rucksack by Madewell has a traditional, utilitarian style with simple gold details. Durable and lightweight, this backpack is perfect for travel, school or simple daytime activities. Carry all of your essentials effortlessly, hands and hassel-free.

The English Saddle color makes this a practical choice for everyday. The softly worn leather will only get better with time. These items look best with a little wear and tear.

Backpacks are most known and worn for their function rather than aethestic. However, with modern options and designs that serve both purposes –  the backpack is now more wearable than ever.

Season-less Staple: Rachel Roy 24 Hour Dress

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Transition from day to night / summer to fall with effortless style in Rachel Roy’s 24 Hour Dress. 

A conceptual design for 24 hour functionality, this comfortable dress works in the daytime, nighttime, work-time and party-time. The ruching at the waist and deep pockets provide a relaxed, unencumbered, figure-flattering style. Chic and impeccably tailored, the 24 Hour Dress is extremely affordable at around $89.00.

Strap on some sandals or flat boots, add a panama and gold bracelets for an easy daytime look. Take this dress into night with pumps or booties, pattern tights and jewels or a simple belt – any width, color, design.

Each season this dress is slighted altered in color and material, but never the style. In past collections, this dress has been made of velvet, splattered with paint and shined in metallics. Also sold at Macys, the 24 Hour Dress is available in black all-year-round.

Straw Topper: Club Monaco Nancy Straw Fedora

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Warm weather and outdoor fun requires a little shelter from the sun. Club Monaco’s Nancy Straw Fedora is the perfect retreat.

Made from intertwined straw, it is extremely lightweight and comfortable. It will protect your face, hair and scalp from the sun. The neutral color will complement just about anything you pair with it and has a relaxed style perfect for lazy summer days.

Simple and effortless, the Nancy Straw Fedora is the perfect topper to add some character to your look.

Club Monaco ~ Nancy Straw Fedora: $39.00 (sale) original price: $69.50

How To: The Bend

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Perfectly – un-perfect hair is the only way to describe The Bend. Messy… “this is what I look like when I wake up” hair, that appears effortless, but takes a little work.

This look can be done simply with a flat iron, however, flat iron waves are tricky to master and never look uniform. The following technique is easy and controllable.

NEEDED:

‣ Styling Cream

‣ Heat Protectant

‣ 1 – 1.5 inch Curling Iron

‣ Flat Iron

‣ Texturizing Spray or Hair Spray

HOW TO:

‣ On second day hair, apply a styling cream to add some grip to the hair. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Cream

‣ Next apply some sort of heat protectant to the hair; spray/oil/cream. TRY: Rusk Being Sexy Argan Oil

‣ With the curling iron, begin curling 3 inches down from the roots. Haphazardly curl entire head rotating the iron inward than outward. Don’t worry too much about shape of the curl – it will be fixed in a moment.

‣ Once hair is curled and cooled, take flat iron and straighten the ends of the all curls – at least 2 inches from bottom.

‣ If happy with the results, no need to go any further. If, however, some of the curls are “too curly/prom curls” – run the flat iron gently over them. This will remove the curly-ness and result in The Bend.

‣ Finish off the hair with a texturizing spray or hair spray. TRY: Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray.

OPTION:

The model in the picture is wearing extensions. This look is easier to achieve with some length. If you want to add some extensions, try these: SKR Hair. In a set of SKR Extensions you will receive ten wefts. One of the wefts in the set is an ingenious Quad Weft (4 strips of hair sewn-on to one strip). This piece can be worn with the other wefts or on it’s own. It is extremely comfortable and instantly adds length, volume and body.

Weekend Ensemble: Club Monaco

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This weekend, take less time packing and more time enjoying yourself. Go from day-to-night effortlessly with Club Monaco’s Abagail Linen Crochet Dress.

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Ashling

Ray-Ban ~ Aviator: $155.00, Missoni ~ MMD 3511: $350.00, Isabel Marant ~ Dicker Boot: $580.00, Club Monaco ~ Abagail Linen Crochet Dress: $179.50, Winter Kate ~ Flying Fox Bed Jacket: $229.00, House of Harlow 1960 ~ Hayden Fringe Clutch: $245.00, Diane von Furstenberg ~ Opal Crisscross Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Easy Breezy: Summer Scarves

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This summer leave your statement necklace at home and add a splash of color with a lightweight scarf. This finishing touch is versatile, vibrant and adds an extra layer of style to any look.

From bold, graphic prints to floral bouquets, adding something extra to your ensemble has never been easier. The breezy, effortless nature of a lightweight scarf is perfect for summer. It pulls together a chic look and also acts as an extra layer of sunscreen. Functional and versatile, here are a few fresh new ways to wear your scarves this summer:

Turban: Take a long scarf and tie it into one knot on your forehead, then cross the ends around each other and tuck them in place behind your head. (This look is great for bad hair days)

Mini Caplet: Fold the scarf in half, diagonally, and tie the ends together around your neck – scarf should be draped on shoulders.

Belt:  Tie scarf around your waist or weave through belt loops to cinch the waist.

Experiment to find new ways to wear your favorite scarf: twist, braid, tie two scarves together… Here are a ton of different scarf options to choose from, separated into four categories: Stripes/Florals/Brights/Graphics.

STRIPES:

Mango ~ Cotton Sailor Style Foulard: $19.99

Juicy Couture ~ Chevron Striped Scarf: $68.00

J.Crew ~ Lemlem Gama Gauze Scarf: $125.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs ~ Jacobson Striped Modal Scarf: $180.00

FLORALS:

American Eagle ~ AEO Floral Scarf: $24.50

Forever 21 ~ Floral Scarf: $8.80

Rebecca Minkoff ~ Floral Explosion Silk Scarf: $210.00

J.Crew ~ Printed Summer Scarf in Bold Orange: $59.50

BRIGHTS:

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Belvedere Red: $45.00

Love Quotes ~ Knotted Tassel Scarf in Sunshine: $88.00

Mango ~ Basic Cotton Scarf in Mint: $19.99

J.Crew ~ Italian Summer Scarf in Brillant Purple: $45.00

GRAPHICS:

ALDO ~ Draughon: $22.00

Lucky Brand ~ John Robshaw Vines Print Scarf: $34.99

Tory Burch ~ Ikat Scarf in Turquoise Lucio: $155.00

Tillys ~ Aztec Pattern Scarf in Navy: $9.99

How-To: Ombré Hair

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The word Ombré is French for shading or graduating. Hair stylists have coined this terminology to describe a color technique used in salons. Ombré hair can range from a subtle and natural effect to really dramatic and edgy. For a natural “end-of-the-summer” look, color should blend from dark to light with no harsh transition line.

Ombré hair is great for many reasons: it’s highly economical, incredibly low maintenance, and works with any texture or tone.

Almost always, bleach is the key ingredient to create the ombré effect. This is the reason one should go to a professional. Find a stylist that specializes-in or has created this look before.

Ask your stylist for lots of beachy highlights concentrated on the ends, no higher than your chin in most places. Frame your face with a few subtle pieces that are only a shade or two lighter than your natural color and then go as light as you want on the ends. To maintain the look, use a color-safe shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Light ends can dry out, so use a nourishing protective oil from your chin down. Try these: Enjoy Haircare.

Love the ombré look but afraid to commit? Here is your solution…

‣ Purchase a set of hair extensions – Try these: Milani Hair Extensions

‣ Choose the color you want your ends to be – not the color of your hair. When coloring hair extensions – always dye dark, never light (bleach).

‣ Choose an at-home box color that matches your roots.

‣ Dye the tops of the extensions to blend with your hair.

‣ Clip-in and go. Ombré Hair

Festival Fashion Series: Day 2

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Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series continues with dresses. Simple and comfortable, dresses make packing a cinch. Grab solid colors, florals or patterns and accessorize accordingly. Long or short, dresses can be paired with boots, sandals or wedges. Form-fitting or flowing, a dress is an effortless option for festival fashion.

The cross-body bag is another necessity for festival style. Hands-free, these bags can be securely worn without worry. Perfect for dancing or exploring the grounds, a cross-body bag is something you don’t want to leave home without.

Option 1:

Pamela Love – Love Pyramid Pendant, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots, Isabel Marant – Vick Printed Silk-Georgette Dress, Color  in Optics – Marilyn Retro Sunglasses

Option 2:

Alexander Wang – Diego Bucket Bag, Splendid – Tomboy Ribbed Cotton Dress, Missoni – Zigzag Crochet-Knit Headband, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, TKEES – Thong Sandals

Festival Fashion Series: Day 1

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With Festival Season approaching, Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series will get you weekend-ready.  This week I will be putting together trends and favorites, from beauty-needs to fashion essentials, for an easy weekend packing guide.

Day 1 starts with the effortless cut-off. Available in vintage/distressed, colored, patterns or high-waisted, there is a selection for anyone. Pair with bright colors and flowing separates or moto boots and rocker-style coordinates. Boots are a great option for being on your feet all day, not only will they look great, but prepare you for any weather hazard. Accessorize with belts, scarves and statement pieces that can be recycled all weekend-long. Finally, the quintessential festival item, sunglasses. Bring a classic aviator/wayfarer or opt for a fun new style or color – Festival Fashion should be fun, spontaneous and unrestrained.

Option1:

Raquel Allegra – Sheer Tie-Dye Silk Tank, J Brand – Cut-Off Shorts, Ray-Ban – Aviator, Max & Chloe – Stacked Bracelets, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots

Option 2:

Zoe Karssen – T-Shirt, Ksubi – Cut-Off Denim Shorts, Ray-Ban – Wayfarer, Mango – Sailor Style Foulard, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, Rag and Bone – Moto Boots

Mix-n-Match: Spring Suits

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Mix and match your favorite coordinates to create the perfect Spring suit. The blazer and short combo is a refreshing way to transition into Spring. From statement making florals and prints to original color combinations, discover new outfit ideas for the warm season ahead. Here are a few pieces that will mix-n-match effortlessly to ‘suit’ anyone.

Net-A-Porter ~ Rag and Bone 42nd Street: $450

Topshop ~ Structured Blazer: $130.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral Print Silk Jacket: $395

Shopbop ~ Elizabeth & James Colby Shorts: $235

Forever 21 ~ Sweet Polka Dot Romper: Out of stock

J.Crew ~ Scalloped Short: $118

Holy Grail: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion

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Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencils are some of my favorite. They are creamy, intensely pigmented and have amazing staying power.

Perversion eye pencil was released as a limited-edition shade, but is now part of Urban Decay’s permanent collection. It is the richest and darkest black eye pencil, I have ever seen. With just one stroke, the matte black shade glides on smoothly and effortlessly.

The waterproof eyeliners are great for lining the waterline. My eyes are very sensitive to this technique and I rarely partake. However, the 24/7 eyeliners do not irritate my eyes as much as others. I think this is due to the fact that I only need one or two strokes of the pencil. The incredibly pigmented formula does all the work for me.

If you are looking for one black eyeliner that does it all, Perversion is it.

Silicone Synopsis: Makeup Primers

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Face primers are a great way to smooth, prep and perfect the skin before applying foundation. If you have acne scars, fine lines or large pores, a makeup primer can spackle those spaces for an even coverage. However, some people can be allergic or sensitive to the main ingredient found in most makeup primers, silicone.

Silicone is a chemically derived product that sits on top of the skin to protect and keep moisture in. Any product used with that “slippery/silky” feel to it, more than likely contains some kind of silicone. To identify silicone in a product, look for Dimethicone or Methicone in the ingredient list. The general rule of thumb is that anything ending in “cone” is likely to be silicone. Opinions however, are divided as to whether silicone is indeed good or bad for the skin.

Unless you have a sensitivity to silicone and your skin reacts with break-outs or irritation, it seems quite harmless. Silicone is used in almost every product we use on the body from haircare to skincare. To immediately confirm sensitivity to silicone, notice if you breakout on your back from the hair conditioners used. Silicone is abundant in these products and can be the culprit for reoccurring back acne.

Currently, I have two favorite face primers, one silicone-based, one silicone-free. The main activities I look for in a primer are: skincare properties (I do not believe in adding another step to my daily routine – unless it is good for the skin), ability to smooth the skin and longevity.

Hourglass – Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15: This is a wonderful silicone-based primer. It applies effortlessly, smooths the skin, increases the longevity of my face makeup and gives the skin a subtly glow. It contains anti-aging benefits and restores moisture to dehydrated skin. I use this primer for “special occasions” – mostly when I am wearing a full face of makeup. I have found that mixing a small amount of this primer with your foundation produces a flawless, airbrushed-look.

Fresh – Rose Freshface Primer: This is the first silicone-free primer I have tried and now can’t live without. I use this primer on a daily basis and sometimes as my primary moisturizer. Packed with rosewater and cucumber extracts, this lightweight lotion immedietly soothes redness and evens out my skintone. It contains vitamins and botanicals that are beneficial to the skin and smells like a bouquet of roses.

I do notice a difference between the two products, in terms of skin smoothing. Silicone is currently the best ingredient for reducing the appearance of fine lines and pores. This is why the majority of  makeup primers on the market contain them. However, there are many silicone-free products on the market and I assume many more will emerge in the future.

Accessory Favorite: Delicate Gold Rings

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Favorite accessory find are delicate gold rings. Thin and dainty, these rings can be worn alone or stacked. Simple and effortless, these rings will last a lifetime.

Kate Spade ~ Salilors Knot Ring: $48.00

Barneys New York ~ Jennifer Meyer Turquoise Ring: $150.00

Shopbop ~ Jacquie Aiche Alphabet Letter Initial Waif Ring: $77.00

La Garconne ~ Saskia Diez – Gold Wire Ring: $167.00

Lori’s Shoes ~ Hammered Bar Ring by IJA Designs: $36.00

 

Black Tie on a Budget: Rent the Runway

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Badgley Mischka

Holiday Partys, New Years Eve, Black Tie… Oh My!

This season, when overwhelmed with celebrations, there are only so many party dresses to buy. On that special occasion when you want to look your best, Rent It!

Rent the Runway is an ingenious site that provides designer dresses for every occasion. From Proenza Schouler to Helmut Lang, the mail-order service supplies dresses for one-tenth of the price. From $50 – $300, one can rent a couture gown or party frock for a four-night loan. The dress is shipped directly to your doorstep. After wearing the dress, simply place in the provided prepaid envelope and drop in the mail.

Rent the Runway also provides gorgeous rentable accessories. From Erickson Beamon bib necklaces to Vintage Chanel jewelry and bags, RTR makes accessorizing effortless.

Rent the Runway makes high-end fashions more accessible. Next time you see your favorite celebrity in a beautiful Hervé Legér dress or dream of a Thakoon design in the pages of a magazine, check Rent the Runway, it might be waiting for you.

Boot Dupe: Isabel Marant Dicker Boot

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The coveted Isabel Marant Dicker Boot is in great demand this season, and not to mention, sold out in most stores. The suede ankle boots have quickly become a must-have item for Fall Fashion. Adorned by celebrities and fashionistas everywhere, the Dicker Boot appears to agree with anything paired with it. It’s proven versatility and range represents effortless style that can be worn all-year-round.

With a price tag of around $600, I have scoured the web in search of similar – more affordable – options. Each replica is a great rendition of a classic ankle boot and are available in black, tan, brown/cognac. Create a standout casual style with these worthy advisories.

Steve Madden ~ Pembrook: $99.98

Dolce Vita ~ Jamison Ankle Boot: $119.00

Report ~ Marks Bootie: $98.95

Old Navy ~ Faux-Leather Ankle Boots: $22.99

Flashy Flats: Deena & Ozzy Metal Cap Toe Skimmer

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Deena & Ozzy Metal Cap Toe Skimmer

Add flats to your party-style this season with Denna & Ozzy Metal Cap Toe Skimmers. These flashy flats are not only comfortable but a great style to effortlessly maneuver from day to night.

Perfect for all occasions, these flats will embellish any outfit. Enhance a casual outfit with skinny jeans and drapey blouse or temper a dressed-up look in a simple black dress. The shiny silver toe will be the focal point at any party.

Weekend Ensemble: Splendid

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This weekend get cozy in a long shawl-like sweater.

The Pointelle Cowl Wrap by Splendid is comfortable and effortless. The asymmetrical hem provides a cascading style that pairs well with a dark pant.

Throw one side of this sweater over the shoulder and button for a shawl-like effect. Or for an added touch, belt this sweater to accentuate the waist.

Layering this sweater with a silky blouse adds texture and dimension. Keep items simple and unadorned to create this chic look

 

Have a great weekend!

Ashling