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It’s that time of year again where all Americans gather on green lawns to barbeque, drink beer and wait for the fireworks display. Since the big day involves time in the sun, bbq smoke and then chilly nights, I suggest wearing a comfortable and easy to wash dress paired with a cardigan and flats. Cottons or cotton blends are machine washable so they are a good way to go. If you are wondering how you can wear red white and blue without looking like Captain America, wonder no more. Thanks to the prevalent nautical theme this season, there are lots of cute options for looking stylish in our nation’s colors. Here’s a few ideas that say festive without the Captain America syndrome:

Another sensational hit from Lady Gaga and another wacky video but whatever you may think of her she never fails to deliver statement make up and fashion. Here’s a few styles I really liked from her Born This Way video and links to helpful YouTube tutorials on how to create them. No matter what her lyrics say it takes a lot of effort and skill to make her look that way.

The Super Winged Eyes Thing

On the Gaga Born this Way album cover her eye make up is done with exaggerated long wing tips and under eye lining that is just a few millimeters down from the bottom lash line. A very dramatic look but definitely wearable (sans face horns) for any fashionista looking to make a statement on Saturday night. After watching a gazillion videos on how to recreate this look I found this particular tutorial to be the most professional and easy to follow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n839FbaIc9U

The Skeleton Get Up

Other than for Halloween I really don’t know when else you could don skeleton face paint. However her outfit is great for bold days at the office or night out with the girls. We carry the rocket shoulder blazer now on sale for $61. For those who really want a skeleton face here’s a pretty good tutorial (obviously this takes some painting skills.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCG6rjbIRrI

The Uber Mad Smokey Eyes

I love these eyes for going out at night. It’s very easy to wear with retro teased hair, a short sheath mini and some of those killer stilletoes that are so in right now. (Side bar: I saw a Delta stewardess walking in these killer 4 inch stilletoes luggage in tow ready to catch her shift. AMAZING!) Anyways here’s a great link on how to get these smokey eyes just right. It’s pretty straight forward and probably the easiest Lady Gaga look to emulate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRsNBe2LzYs

Looking at the season’s glamorous shoe line up from Jason Wu it appears that sexy curvaceous heels are getting skinnier and higher! I watched women in San Franciscio treck up and down the endless hills in these stilletto babies. We are quite the resillient sex. Bravo!

Browsing around the net for pretty shoes I was drawn to a photo of these Lanvin stilettos worn by Gwyneth Paltrow at her Country Strong premier. When I clicked through to the image I found it was part of an article about how unwearable they are! The article by Glamour says:

“Last week, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz confessed to WWD that the flat shoes on his spring 2011 runway weren’t actually meant to be a fashion statement, but a last-minute effort to save the poor models who were stumbling around “like alcoholic girls” in the titanium heels he originally intended everyone to wear. But a few pairs still made it into the show, and it turns out, they’re as torturous as he feared.”

Gwyneth Paltrow told People Magazine “I’m in pain. I feel like I’m in a torture vice.” But it’s okay because you looked pretty Gwyneth~!

For women with nerve endings and a long commute on foot (like myself) we need good SOLES.

Unless you have knee or back complaints, it’s not really the height of the heel that hurts but the fit. Here are a few tips on how to choose your 4″ killers wisely.

• It has to fit your feet right. Everyone’s shape is different so when you try them on, make sure the shoe cradles your foot properly at all these pressure points: last joint of your little toe, first joint of your big toe and your Achilles. If it fits right and it’s just the leather that is a bit stiff you can always oil and stretch, with time it’ll be broken into. But if the shape is off  it’s going to hurt and you’ll break your feet before you break in your shoes.
• Be sure there is room for your toes so they aren’t smooshed but not too much so they blister from rubbing against the material. Soft leather also helps.
• Pick shoes with ample padding on the soles and the ball of your foot. If the shoes are hard on the bottom buy half a size bigger and insert padding yourself. The foamy drug store padding for $3 works just fine. If unsure bring a set of padding to the shoe store and try it on together. I’m sure the clerk won’t mind.

Beauty doesn’t have to painful. Brands like Seychelles, BC Footwear and Jefferey Campbell consistently make sexy stylish shoes with soft leather uppers and walkable soles; which is why we love them!

If you haven’t thought about Mother’s Day yet you better start thinking now. Come this Sunday no one wants an angry mother. Of course the best gifts are the ideas that reflect your mother’s tastes and hobbies.  But if you are pressed for time here are three quick turnaround ideas that preserve the personal touch and won’t disappoint.

The Photo collage

Buy a multi-photo frame like the one pictured to the left from Target for $14.99. Print out a series of photos of you and your mother. If you have a good printer at home just buy some photo paper, or else use a quick photo print kiosk at any drug store. For added convenience many of these drug stores like Walgreens have the option to upload your photos via their website and pick up at their store. Leave one frame for a personalized message or poem.

The Family Picnic

Depending on the weather in your area organize a family picnic without having to cook. Simply order your meal from your local deli or favorite cafe. Tranfer everything into a picnic basket and bring a few blankets. Stop by Trader Joe’s for their great affordable wine selection and be on your way to pick up mom for a day out in the sun. Don’t forget to pack that spf!

Color Me Mine

I love how easy they make it for anyone to create personalized gifts. Take a few hours after work tomorrow and stop by Color Me Mine. Depending on how in depth your design is it will only take an hour or two to make your mom a personalized serving platter, tea pot etc… Don’t worry if you are not good with crafts because they have staff, look books and tools to help you along. Seriously anyone can do this. Something as simple as sponging the tea pot blue and monogramming your mother’s initials would be enough.

On Cinco De Mayo many come together to celebrate those of Mexican heritage in America by having a great big PARTY!

Like what St. Patrick’s Day is to whiskey, Cinco De Mayo is to tequilla!  Many people flock to Mexican bars and restaurants on this day to pound back margaritas and to salsa in sombreros. The day can get crazy if you are not prepared.

If you are planning to go out here’s a few celebration tips:

1. All Mexican places will be packed, so arrive early or avoid.
2. Have a few back up spots in mind if your first choice is over capacity
3. Go to neighborhood bars that are off the beaten track
4. Do not drink cheap tequilla (what they serve in the well will hurt tomorrow)
5. Margaritas are fun but the sugar content will hurt you the next day so don’t over do it
6. Plan transportation ahead of time by looking up public transport options and handing out cab company phone numbers to your friends. Or have a dedicated driver.

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Don’t know what to wear on Sunday for those Easter parties? Bright colors and floral prints ought to do the trick.  For a dressier day choose something with a bit more shimmer. Like these metallic strappy heels from Seychelles or this floral shimmer dress from Tulle.

If your day is going to consist of assisting with the egg hunt and making sure chicks and bunnies don’t leave the hutch then definitely focus on comfort. Lose the heels and go with flat comfortable sandals like these from BC Footwear. You can still be stylish but choose an outfit that allows ease of movement, such as dresses with elastic waistlines and wide skirts or a soft cotton knit tank top paired with shorts.

Whatever you are doing for Easter make sure you are attirely prepared. It is spring which means sunglasses for the beautiful day and a jacket for the nippy breezes.

Spring is here and it’s time to weigh in on what has really stuck since the Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week predictions. For this season designers really pushed the 70s from funky prints to wide leg denim.  It’s only April but it looks like the 70s look is rockin’ forward full steam. Must have accessories for the coming sunshine are aviator sunglasses and big hats.

Not only are these hats practical but these wide rims make any spring or summer outfit look snazzy. Pair with cropped top, wide leg jeans and espadrilles/wedges or a sexy maxi dress and sandals. Add in some Mary Tyler Moore sunglasses and look like a movie star on vacation.

Prints are always big in the spring/summer months because they’re bright and say “sunny happiness time!” This year all the loud trippy psychedelic prints you can think of are back in force. Popular color match ups include turquoise on orange and olive on pink. Sound familiar? Now go dig in your mom’s attic for some of her college digs.

Whether you are spending the 14th with your hunny or a group of gal pals, you must dress the part! Don’t have an outfit picked out yet? Don’t panic, that’s why we’re here.

You can never wear enough bold feminine colors and that’s why we stuck to the traditional shades of reds, creams, corals and pinks. We know it sounds a bit girly, but if done right, wearing these colors don’t have to make you look like a piece of candy…unless you’re going for that look.

Try…

The V-neck Tulle dress for a little class.

The Coco Delux Hat to add a little flair.

The Embroidered Tunic for a little sass.

The Military Tulle dress for a little pep.

The Dot Print Lace Collar Dress for a little love.

The Seychelles Gypsy Heels for a little passion.

The Seychelles Come Dancing shoes for a little rhythm.

xo.

DIY vintage Sailor Blazer from Boat People Vintage Boutique on Vimeo.

Came across this charming little video on making your own Vintage Sailor Blazer and thought it was worth sharing. Any vintage store you pop in to these days has an array of dirt cheap blazers to choose from. We love the idea of using an old shiny broach to add a little vintage glam to your look as well. Enjoy!

These amazing holiday fairs have to be one of the greatest things about the season. There are endless charming little gifts for your loved ones, not to mention the food, booze and DIY booths where you can actually learn how to make your own cutesy knick knacks. Check out the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend to really get into the holiday spirit!