Dark & Skinny: Paige Skyline Ankle Peg / Voyage

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Fall denim trends range from moto to metallic. My favorite is the return of the dark and skinny. Super dark denim that pairs well with everything and flatters the slim-fit style.

Pair with statement heels or tucked into boots – boots drenched in cognac, tan and camel provide a great contrast to dark denim.

This super-slim fit style and dark wash is a Fall wardrobe staple.

Perfect Polish: Watermelon by Essie

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I just bought my fourth bottle of Watermelon by Essie. Never in my life have I finished a bottle of nail polish – now four! Watermelon is the polish I always come back to, year after year. Best for warmer weather, Watermelon is cheerful, youthful and flattering on the skin. It can appear many different colors – bright pink, red and almost neon, depending on the light.

Watermelon applies opaque in one coat. I always use two coats for both manicure and pedicure. I find Essie nail polishes super easy to apply. The thin brush promotes control and ease.

If you are looking for a great spring/summer shade that is refreshing and juicy, try Watermelon by Essie.

Spring Shoe: Single Strap

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Showcased in many Spring and Fall runways is the single strap heel. Also known as the ankle strap, these shoes are classic, simple and chic.

The ankle strap heel can be found in a multitude of variations. From chunky heels to ornate details, this strappy heel is super versatile and wearable.

I love the simplicity of the single strap. Even in bold and bright colors, the design is classic. This shoe can be worn with everything. Great when wanting to show-off some leg, the small detail makes any pair of shoes slightly more flattering. The strap draws attention to the ankle, the thinnest part of the leg. Thinner = longer in this equation.

Available in a wide array of colors and styles, here are a few of my favorite single strap heels:

Alexander Wang ~ Antonia Sandal: $495.00

Manolo Blahnik ~ Chaos Cuff Sandal: $695.00

Prabal Gurung for Target ~ Ankle Strap Pump: $39.99

ASOS ~ Hollywood Heeled Sandals: $69.83

Current Obsession: Blank Denim White Vegan Leather Skinny Pants

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Current Obsession: White Leather.

I am drawn to the crisp texture and clean lines.

First Purchase: Blank Denim’s White Vegan Leather Skinny Pants.

The quality is amazing and unexpected – “pleather” sure has come a long way. The fit is tight, comfortable and surprisingly flattering.

Big chunky sweaters in the Fall/Winter and simple cotton tanks and tees in the Spring/Summer.

If they survive? (white drinks only)

Trench Time: Club Monaco Harper Trench

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There are a few wardrobe staples that every girl should splurge on and a trench coat is one of them. Synonymous with Fall, a trench coat is a classic coat that can be worn again and again, season after season, year after year.

Each season, the classic silhouette is updated to suit upcoming trends; cropped, long, textured, printed, metallic. I am a big believer of – if it ain’t broke… The classic design has been around since World War I and is still going strong.

Two qualities of my perfect trench coat are classic in design and beautifully tailored. My current favorite is the Harper Trench by Club Monaco. It features the classic double-breasted style with button closure and belted sleeve hem. The fit is strong but feminine and very flattering.

A trench coat is a versatile fashion piece that can be worn with both light and heavy layers. Rain or shine the trench coat is a classic and chic must-have.

GLOW-T AWARDS: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold

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BEST OF THE BEST: Xen-Tan Absolute Gold 

Xen-Tan Absolute Gold is my Summer 2012 winner for best self-tanning product. In just one application this self-tanner produces a rich, deep, olive-based tan that lasts.

The luxurious formula contains a color guard made of 24K gold leaf. Usually, I am not a fan of color guards. I believe them to be unnecessary and the reason behind messy application. However, the gold sheen in this product is very flattering and subtle. It dries nicely and does not rub-off on clothing or bed linens.

Enriched with Shea Butter, Absolute Gold is incredibly moisturizing – which is why, I believe, it lasts so long. The rich lotion feels very pampering on the skin and does not stick to stubborn dry patches. It absorbs into the skin very quickly, which cuts out drying time, but forces application to be speedy. The formula contains Xen-Tan’s innovative “Scent Secure” – a ground-breaking technology that blocks out self-tan (DHA) odor. And has a sweet vanilla scent, that reminds me of yummy marzipan.

For an easy, single-application, luxurious-feeling, natural-looking dark tan – you need to try Xen-Tan Absolute Gold.

Read my post on: Application Tips & Tricks

Neutral Duo: NARS Kalahari

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NARS Eyeshadow Duos are long-wearing and crease-resistant. They are beautifully pigmented and creamy to the touch. The Duos are available in a myriad of colors and textures and are always interestingly and uniquely paired.

While scouring NARS Eyeshadows, it is easy to focus primarily on the unusual bright colors. The neutral duos have a hard time competing. NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari is a great neutral option. It contains two very wearable color combinations, a shimmering bronze with peach undertones and a warm brown with taupe undertones.

Kalahari is available in NARS’ permanent collection. Worn together or alone, these shades are richly pigmented and can be applied sheer or built-up for a more dramatic effect. Used wet, these shadows also double as eyeliners.

Kalahari will flatter any eye color. The warm tones look amazing on dark and light skin tone and will reflect beautifully in the summer sun.

Summer Favorites: Blush

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In the summer, bright and vibrant shades of cheek color is a surefire way to look younger and healthy. Use these products to emphasize a tan, create a youthful flush or mimic a lit-from-within complexion.

Start by choosing the right shade for your skintone. To find your go-to blush shade, pinch your cheeks and then pick a color that mimics your natural flush. This trick will ensure that you’re choosing the most flattering color for your skin tone. If you have fair skin, try a cool pink. Medium skin looks great in vibrant apricot/peachy hues, and darker skin tones look radiant in fuchsia.

Cream blush is a great way to instantly look fresh and dewy. Although it’s staying powder is not the best, especially in higher temperatures, cream blush is a nice alternative for dry skin. To ensure staying power on oily skin, first prime the skin and then set with a powder blush or translucent powder. To apply cream blush, smile and lightly focus the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend softly back and up toward the hairline. If you apply too liberally, tone down heavy application by blotting the excess color with a clean makeup sponge. Or, use a sheer, luminizing powder to diffuse excess color. The blush then looks like it came from within the skin versus sitting on top of it.

FAVORITES:

Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush: I am a sucker for these gimmicky products. However, this one is fantastic. The formula magically adjusts to your skin’s natural chemistry to create a universal shade. It produces an angelic pink glow that makes you look “lit-from-within.”

It Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush Powder Blush Stain in Peony: The most long-wearing powder blush I have tried. The waterproof formula mimics the lasting power and glow of a cheek stain with the easy application of a powder. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti aging properties, this blush gives new definition to a “healthy glow.”

Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Rouge: These blushes are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with. They blend beautifully and last all-day. They feel lightweight on the skin and never settle into lines. A small amount goes a very long way, apply with a light hand for a sheer wash of color or add more for vibrant glowing skin.

Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Myracle: Full Review HERE.

NARS Cream Blush in Cactus Flower: On trend for summer, this bright coral blush is beautiful on both the lips and cheeks. The velvety texture is extremely easy to blend and apply. Subtle gold shimmers hide in the coral to help create perfectly flushed, luminous skin.

BECCA Beach Tint in Guava: This is the perfect color for summertime. It resembles the act of playing in the sun a little too long. The water-resistant formula can be used on both the cheeks and lips. Produces the most natural-looking flush and smells like summer.

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint in Quickie: A lightweight cream blush that does not pull or disrupt a base. It can be used on top of foundation, powder… anything. The formula is sheer but buildable. The staying power is not the best, but I am obsessed with this color. Quickie is a sheer bubble gum, electric, cotton candy pink. The minute it is applied, it creates instant youthfulness.

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

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A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

Spring Trend: The Coral Lip

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Store-away winter reds and reach for a bright coral. One of Spring’s hottest trends, a coral lip is fresh, vibrant and instantly brightens your complexion.

Surprisingly, coral is a neutral tone, therefore, it looks good on everyone (warm or cool-toned). When selecting a shade that is right for you, the trick is to pick a shade that matches your undertones. If your skin has gold or yellow undertones, a peachier/orange coral will be most flattering. If you have pink undertones, choose a pink or red-based coral. Lastly, to keep the look modern and fresh, try to stay away from shimmers and frosts.

Embrace a coral lip with these six options:

NARS ~ Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days: $24.00

YSL ~ Rouge Volupté in Extreme Coral: $34.00

Make Up For Ever ~ Aqua Cream in Coral: $23.00

BECCA ~ Beach Tint in Guava: $23.00

Tom Ford ~ Lip Color in True Coral: $48.00

MAC ~ Tinted Lipglass in Sonoran Rain: $14.50

How To: Distressed Jeans

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Create a distressed pair of jeans in minutes with the proper materials. This can be done to any old or new pair of jeans, shorts, cargo pants, trousers or jackets. The key is to be strategic with the rips and distressed areas so the item remains flattering and not overly done.

NEEDED:

◊ Fabric Chalk

◊ Scissors

◊ Tweezers

◊ Exacto Knife

◊ Sanding Block

◊ Small Wood Block

HOW TO:

◊ Wear jeans – with the fabric chalk draw a line above the knee cap of one leg and on the upper thigh of the other.

◊ Starting with the chalk mark on the upper thigh, with scissors cut two small parallel lines about 2 inches apart (see image 1).

◊ Insert wood block into the jeans and under the cut marks. With the sanding block, gently fray the edges of the outer cut marks leaving a bar of material in the center (see image 2).

◊ With tweezers, loosen and gently pluck-out threads (see image 3).

◊ Move wood block to the chalk mark on the knee. Take exacto knife and cut bluntly. This will create a more naturally distressed look.

◊ With the sanding block, fray the edges (see image 4).

◊ Continue to sand the area to enlarge the opening.

◊ With the sanding block, feverishly rub both the thigh area and below the knee. This will make jeans look “lived-in.”

TIP: Holes, worn-spots and rips can be added anywhere you like. For a more subdued look, keep it simple with strategic placement.

Wish List: Rag & Bone Capri Skinnies Coated Black

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Rag & Bone Capri Coated

Rag & Bone Capri Skinnies are at the top of my Christmas Wish List this year.

Unlike the faux-leather legging of the past, these beauties are simply coated denim. They fit like denim, can be washed like denim, but look like leather.

Comfortable and perfectly constructed, the Rag & Bone Skinnies are incredibly flattering (unlike most faux-leather leggings that make legs look like stuffed-sausages). They can be worn all year, paired with chunky cable-knit sweaters or free-flowing tanks, ankle boots or Converse sneakers. Invest in a pair of Rag & Bone’s this season, you will not regret it.

Mix & Match: Splendid “Marcel” Reversible Bikini

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Splendid 'Marcel' Reversible Bikini

Splendid “Marcel” Reversible Bikini is a great versatile suit for the summer. The pink and navy nautical stripes reverse to solid navy for easy transition.

The plunging neckline and triangle top is comfortable and flattering. String ties create alluring cutouts on the sides of this bikini bottom, insuring a perfect fit.

This changeable swimsuit is fun and flirty. Mix and match, top and bottom for even more options and this will be the only suit needed for a weekend get-away.

Shoe Symmetry: DVF Olivia

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DVF Olivia

There must be some sort of inertia that pulls me towards Diane Von Furstenberg’s new shoe creation each season. The Olivia wedge sandal is my latest obsession.

The architecture of this shoe is crisp and perfectly symmetrical. The wedge design adds comfort and stability. The two-tone feature is subtle and polished and the suede trim provides texture and refinement.

The Olivia is extremely flattering on. The porportions hit just right to lengthen the leg and slim the ankles.

This is a great addition to anyone’s collection, as it can be worn in any season. Paired with a sundress or wide-leg pants, the Olivia will ornament any ensemble.

Sole-Mate: Diane von Furstenberg “Zia”

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Diane von Furstenberg "Zia"

The “Zia” shoe by Diane von Furstenberg is simplicity at it’s best. This platform heel is modern, sexy and comes in an assortment of different colors.

The criss-cross pattern is extremely flattering and elongates the leg. The 4 1/2 inch heel is surprisingly comfortable as is the soft suede texture and elastic heel strap.

This citron yellow hue will brighten everything it is paired with, from an evening dress to casual romper. I favor any combination intermingling royal blue denim and these lemon-soaked sandals.

Diane von Furstenberg’s “Zia” platform sandal is available in black, camel, fawn, fuchsia, ink, taupe and turquoise. With so many colors to choose from, there is a sole-mate out there for everyone.