Stylewatch: Minimalist Jewelry

For most of the country, we could care less about showing off any form of jewelry. It is so frigid outside, the only accessories we care about wearing consist of scarves, hats, gloves/mittens and any other piece that can keep us warm. Welp, there is nothing wrong with preparing for warmer months when we can actually see one accessory in particular: jewelry.

Knuckle Rings, toe rings, slave bracelets, anklets, chokers and such are of some of my fave pieces of jewelry. The most growing popular trend is the minimalist trend. With all the various fashion trends that are emerging this year in the spring and summer season, most involve plenty of detail that beg for only simplistic style of jewelry. Never over-power an already decorated outfit with excessive jewelry, accessories nor shoes. Doing so takes away from the look. No need to paint the peacock right? In fact, even the most basic outfit looks a bit classier with dainty jewelry. Remember, minimalist can mean both the style of jewelry (less gaudy) and the amount of jewelry worn.

Celebs are rocking the minimalist jewelry trend as I have noticed in recently red carpet events and runways are putting less gaudy jewelry and accessories on display. Check out the pics of my teeny tiny haul of minimalist jewelry below and let me know what you think. Ciao!

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Fashion Trends for Spring/Summer 2015

….Well I don’t know about you but it has been a long and drawn out winter. The snow seems relentless and the temperature, even worse. I’m ready for spring and summer as of last month so let’s talk trends for the two upcoming seasons.

Currently, everyone that is someone in the fashion world is at NYFW…and I am at home trying to stay warm lol. At fashion week, Fall 2015 fashions are being previewed to most that are still in threads that exhibit fashions of 2014…of the Autumn season of course. I sit at home reeling over the fantastic trends that are emerging for the two season ahead of us. I am going to note some of the trends that are becoming increasingly popular as well as share what my favorites are.

1. Lace– everyone will be rocking some kind of lace this upcoming season. I found a lace duster that I absolutely love (but I will share all the details later). Lace is a bit of a refreshing style of fabric…simple yet complicated, with a drastically feminine flair. My go to color for lace will be white.

2. Floral Prints– Vintage style, tropical, abstract, monochromatic, faded…all of these have a unique look although we have seen floral print so many times so many different ways.

3. 70s Fashion– I just bought a duster that I love! It reminds me of the 70s but isn’t the drab brown, mustard and burnt orange colors that usually come with fashions of this era. Now modernized, fashions could include fringe, suede trench coats/jackets, gladiator sandals etc. I will discuss these as other trends later on.

4. Jumpsuits, Wide Leg Pants/Jeans & Maxi Dresses- Skinny jeans will take a back seat in fashion along with two piece sets and mini dresses. Flowing wide leg pants as well as 70s style inspired jeans, will make a serious comeback. I am partial to flowy wide leg pants. When wearing these, be sure to also wear a fitted tank or top (perhaps crop) to continue a nice balance in the outfit. Jumpsuits are great for those that are not great in piecing separates together. They compliment the silhouette and are a complete outfit in one piece. Jumpsuits are one of my faves of all trends. Maxi dresses offer the same benefits of jumpsuits with a free flowing feel. Try a wide leg jumpsuit to combine two trends in one!

5. Fringe– This trend has been around for a while as a “new” trend but combined with a duster…fabulous!

6. Gladiator Sandals– I honestly did not think that I would see this trend back so soon but it seems gladiator sandals will be wildly popular this summer. The new thing with this trend: skin tone colors. Avoid black or white. Flat gladiator sandals will be worn the most.

7. Cleated Sole Chunky Platform Mules/Clogs– I am excited about this trend. I love platform heels, when done correctly. Single soles are of my favorite when it comes to heels. Well, the chunky soles of the 70s and 90s are making a comeback baby!

8. Wrap Skirts– Anybody call the 90s back? It seems that this upcoming pattern of trends include a lot of influence from the 70s and 90s. The wrap skirt was extremely popular in both eras. This season, the wrap skirt will boast being partially open to show a little thigh. The best I’ve seen had buckles, suede and a longer length to boast its style. Pair one of these lovelies with a bodysuit to emphasize this trend.

9. Denim Shirt Dress (or denim anything)- What is there not to like about this trend? Casual or dressy, dress this trend up to the occasion. (I saw a fab one that I intend to go back and purchase. Nothing bugs you more than the item of clothing that you didn’t purchase). Welp, I will be going back to get that denim shirt dress and it will be featured in a future blog post! For denim ad ons, try a denim vest, duster or jacket.

10. Waterfall Skirts– Chiffon fabric for a waterfall skirt makes a rather bold fashion statement. Make it casual by pairing with a denim vest or chambray button up. Perhaps a black lace tank will make the outfit fancy and a bit more formal than the latter.

Of the trends I’ve listed, gladiator sandals are probably my least favorite. The rest I am equally excited about. There are more trends that are going be popular among the fashion world. What trends are you noting to make a comeback. Which ones are you most excited about?

Review: Lush "The Greeench" Deodorant

So, I’ve been on the hunt for a great deodorant to replace the normal aluminum based deoderant I’ve been using. The oh so popular aluminum based deoderants are really bad for us but they work so well. They’ve been known to cause cancer and other health issues. Somehow, I was lead to Lush Cosmetics and decided to go in to give their powder deodorant a try. It’s called Greeench. I’ve tried it for a solid week and I have to say that I love it! The tea tree oil extract in this powder deoderant kills the bacteria that can cause the awful armpit smell we all hate. I’ve officially converted to the Greeench for my permanent deoderant. If you’d like to try it, head to a Lush in your area and ask for a sample. The sample can last for about a week depending on how much you use.

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Review: Lush "The Greeench" Deodorant

So, I’ve been on the hunt for a great deodorant to replace the normal aluminum based deoderant I’ve been using. The oh so popular aluminum based deoderants are really bad for us but they work so well. They’ve been known to cause cancer and other health issues. Somehow, I was lead to Lush Cosmetics and decided to go in to give their powder deodorant a try. It’s called Greeench. I’ve tried it for a solid week and I have to say that I love it! The tea tree oil extract in this powder deoderant kills the bacteria that can cause the awful armpit smell we all hate. I’ve officially converted to the Greeench for my permanent deoderant. If you’d like to try it, head to a Lush in your area and ask for a sample. The sample can last for about a week depending on how much you use.

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JustFab.com Review

If you have not already, soon you will realize that I am a shoe feen so I like to show and review shoes that I deem fabulous. Speaking of fabulous, I think it’s time that I review a subscription company for shoes: JustFab.com. This site has been reviewed by others and is one of many subscription services but opinions are like belly buttons so yes…I have an opinion. I’ve made more than one purchase from JustFab so this review is over a longer period because mishaps don’t happen during the first order necessarily. I made an order on February 15, 2014 and February 18, 2014. Here are where the “mishaps” occur. I was on Instagram and saw a post of a shoe that I was previously not so excited about. The picture changed my mind. I made my purchase for not only the shoe that I saw on Instagram but also a bag and a pair of sandals that I had been lusting over. I have a tendency to not be trusting so I felt the need to check on my order status after two days. When I checked my orders, neither budged from the warehouse. In fact, one of the orders failed fulfillment. I called Justfab to get some insight on why my order failed, (and why I was not notified). The first person I spoke to seemed helpful enough. She claimed the sandal “Gillian” was out of stock (even though it did not say that on the Justfab site) and that’s why my order “failed fulfillment”. She promised that she would get my order out asap with ALL of the items included with rush shipping. I was temporarily comforted and relieved. The next day, I decided to check on my status again. Both of my orders had been cancelled! I was annoyed at this point. I called Justfab again and spoke with another person who told me I had been charged for the cancelled orders but that she could re-order my items and charge my card…again. I was furious so she suggested I wait until I was refunded my money to place the order again. The problem? One of the items I wanted was very low in stock and she added that the item might not be in stock by the time I order again. I was so frustrated at her non-chalant attitude that I hung up. I called back later that night and a very helpful person answered. He listened to my frustrations and promised to take care of everything. He did just that. He put a rush on the order and gave me free rush shipping. The order was at my door in two days. I had combined both orders into one. I am LOVE with the items I got. My experience with Justfab was tricky but the last representative bettered my experience. My shoes and handbag helped as well. Both shoes fit great and the handbag is so classy and versatile. Check out my pics below and let me know how your experience with Justfab has been if you are a member. If you’re not a member, I can send you an invitation if you’re interested. Also, which item do you think is your favorite of my picks this month?
*Update: I was recently informed by a Justfab representative that the rewards program has changed. They no longer offer a credit for a free pair of shoes when you gather enough points. There are knick-knacks that you can choose from instead. I just wanted to pass on that information to all those who are customers and those thinking about becoming customers. Hope this info helps!

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"Hattie"
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Detailing Up Close
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Gillian (Natural Light)
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With Flash
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Up close

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"Industry" Handbag

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MAC Cosmetics Heroine Lipstick Review

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I’m not a cult fan or anything but I happen to like LOVE MAC Cosmetics lip products. In particular, the lipsticks are worth the money every penny. One favorite color that almost every lady that knows of MAC Cosmetics likes is Heroine. It has a lovely matte finish. The color has a cool pink base but is purple in hue. It is definitely W*O*C friendly. I applied one application that lasted for about 5 hours before I would have had to reapply. Unfortunately, I was ready to get in the bed after being out for 5 hours this particular night so all my makeup had a near future of being removed. Lol. Anyhoo, I absolutely am excited that MAC made this color permanent (it had previously come out in a limited edition collection and was being sold for almost body parts on eBay). If you are looking for a great color and are feeling bold, give Heroine a try. Heroine might actually “save” your makeup look!

Mina's Handbags & Accessories Review

Every girl loves a great bag, right? Let me introduce you to a lovely clutch that I was gifted from Mina’s Handbags & Accessories. I actually attempted to purchase the clutch but the owner (whose name is Sabrina) is super sweet and decided to send the clutch while refusing to accept payment. Anyhoo, the shipping was really fast (we live in the same metro area) and I’m sure shipping to any location would be fast. The clutch was neatly wrapped in a lovely wrapping paper. The clutch is impeccably made by hand. The zipper is of obvious quality and the details are great. The inside boasts of a unique bright green tribal-like print. If only I could also wear this clutch inside out lol, but I digress. There is a tag on the inside of the clutch so you never forget where you bought it. This clutch was made with love and it is definitely worth the price I was going to pay before I knew it was being gifted to me. Check out the pics and afterwards head over to the site and see what you like. I’m thinking of doing a giveaway soon for one of these bags. Stay tuned!
www.etsy.com/shop/minasaccessories

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Deborah Lippmann Glitter Polish (Glitter and Be Gay) Review

Who doesn’t love glitter?! I love it more than sequins, lol. Well that being said, I found Glitter and Be Gay polish while browsing Sephora and I had to have it. This polish goes on uneven but there is a ton of glitter which is a plus. The polish lasted for a week and a half before I saw any “chipping” and I had not used any top coat for the test. For $20 a bottle…it better last! (Pictures below)

Julep Maven…Maybe?

Soooo…..I know that everyone has heard of Julep and perhaps have seen what the company has to offer while browsing the website. I was subscribed to Julep as a “Maven” a couple a few years ago but I was not that thrilled with the company even though I had not tried out the polish. That being said, with the season of autumn here I decided to try one of the polishes that I purchased way back when since it was a dark polish. I will not be displaying this polish however I will say that in comparison to Revlon, Maybelline, and China Glaze, Julep’s polish lasted the longest and took the longest time to chip. I decided that I wanted to try Julep again. I will soon do a review on the polishes but at this point I would like to review the service and show what I have gotten. Stay tuned for a brief review with pictures of the polishes that I got and pictures of what I got (initial impressions after the jump).