The Chic Skirt for Women of Color

Monday, June 30, 2014

Jellies Summer 2014

The Return of the Plastic Sandal


When I was a little girl, I had an entire row of jelly sandals lined up in my closet. The colors varied from pink and purple to translucent and sparkly. Every summer my mother would pull them out for her convenience, and I have to admit I was not a fan of the sandal trend that made my feet all sweaty. Fast forward a decade and a half later, and I can't get enough of the plastic summer sandal craze.

To trace back the jelly trend we must travel back to the 1980s when the shoe first hit the market in New York. The sandals became popular when Bloomingdale's department store ordered about 2,400 pair for their customers, all in different style variations. The rest we could call history, however the fashion fad continues to peak in and out through out the years.

Today, girls are loving the childhood fashion phenomena. And parents are adding the shoe back to their little girls shoe collection. We all know fashion is a circle of time, and it is always fun to see a childhood fashion fright evolve into a fashion frenzy.

Check out a few of the most popular jelly sandal styles in Summer 2014:

The original jelly. Find this style at Polyvore.com

The heeled jelly. Find them at Topshop.com

The J.Crew ballet jelly. Find this style at Kaboodle.com
There are several other jelly style variations. And the jelly can be worn in several different ways.  My favorite way to wear jellies are with socks. You can wear knee highs, lace socks, or play with prints, whatever you do, socks are a fun way to jazz up the vintage sandal. 











Normally I would say this trend will be gone before we know it, but from its frequent visits in the fashion world. I am confident it will be here for years to come.

How do you feel about the Jelly trend? Do you 
love it, like it, or can you live without it?

Friday, June 27, 2014

Chic For Cheap

I think one of the most inexpensive ways to capitalize on the latest trends on a budget is through thrifting, mix and matching what one has presently in their wardrobe, and staying on top of sales at low and high end stores. There are some trends that will never go out of style; for example, a simple maxi dress, a jean shirt or the color white. So, by taking your regular preexisting jean shirt and pairing it with a colorful patterned skirt, you would have joined one of the trends as simple as that! This summer has undoubtedly been dominated by bright hues, bold prints, florals and a touch of tribal chic; not to mention the rise of the ankle strap sandal! Another great way to capitalize on trends without breaking the bank is through use of accessories, various lipsticks and nail art. Thus my ladies, if you thought you were behind, take a look again and see what you can whip up!















By: Mabel Annobil


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Creative Hair & Makeup

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C-R-E-A-T-I-V-E
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Jewels and gems add some royal essence to your look and truly help you to shine. Adding jewels, gems and glitter to your hair and makeup add glamour to your look.

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Bold colors are a great and flavorful way to add some creativity to your look. Whether your are using colored eyeliner, lip color or colored hair, do not be afraid to add some color to your style.

The key to creative hair and makeup is treating your hair and makeup like art. When art, fashion, hair and makeup are seen as one your look can become limitless and meaningful. Your look is like a work of art that can be conceptualized through your hair, makeup or even your entire style. A lot of these creative items that can help enhance your hair and makeup can be found at not only your local beauty supply store but also at your local arts & crafts store.

Less is more

Always remember that creative is good and does not necessarily mean complex. Creative can be simple, you do not have to do too much. Sometimes actually doing a lot to be creative can create a very tacky look and other times being simple can create a very creative look. Creativity will be shown through your look if you know what you are doing.

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Always remember to stay true to yourself

All images via Pinterest

Friday, June 20, 2014

Stuck in the past?


Blast into the past!

Who didn't love the 90s?, bright colors, side ponytails, and beepers. (ok maybe we'll leave the beepers in the past!) Each decade had its own defining style, and in 2014 its almost impossible not to see an influence from all the different decades we have gone through. I want to share with you all some of the most fashionable trends from past decades starting from the 






1950s! (Peplum)


The 50s has many beautiful styles, but one of the most classic is the peplum dress, or skirt.















1960s! Pillbox hat

The 1960s was a time of fashion rebirth. Fashion Icon Jackie Kennedy popularized this oh so classy hat!














1970s! Wrap Dress

The 70s experimented with different colors, cuts, and material. This type of wrap dress was made popular by the every day modern woman.










1980s! Jean Jacket


The 80s definitely had a variety of fashion trends, but the jean jacket stuck around as a fashion staple.















1990s! Baseball Jerseys

The 90s were definitely my favorite decade. Baseball jerseys were not only a way to rep your favorite team, but also a fashion statement.









2000s! The Infamous Ugg Boots


Now this trend may be a little abused, but theres no denying that these are some of the most comfortable boots you'll come across.








Taking a look into fashion trends of the past was definitely fun, but whats even more fun is putting your own twists on these fashion trends!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Transitioning hairstyles

Natural, or not just yet?

Transitioning from relaxed to natural hair is arguably one of the most difficult things about going natural! It can be difficult to maintain two different types of hair textures growing out of your head, keeping all your hair properly moisturized, and simply finding attractive styles to do with your transitioning hair.

So while you wait for some fabulous curls to appear here are some protective transitioning styles you can experiment with!

1) Havana Twist 

These chunky twists are super cute and fun to experiment with!

Pros: super easy to do, versatile, looks extremely natural.
Cons: if not properly maintained, can begin to look messy very quickly.

















2) Crotchet braids

This style will have you looking natural in no time!

Pros: almost any length desired can be achieved, can be worn for long periods of time, looks extremely natural!
Cons: This type of hairstyle, if worn during the summer, may become sweaty.














3)  Marley or Kanekalon hair up dos

These up dos are elegant and classy!

Pros: Can be worn for special occasions, easy to accomplish.
Cons: Does not last for long periods of time.












4) Sew ins

This style has many options of hair to choose from!

 
Pros: Many different styles of hair to choose from, can be worn for long periods of time.
Cons: Can be high maintenance, hair can be expensive as well.












Hair is an expression and extension of you, so remember to have fun when choosing any type of hairstyle!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Bad hair day?

Hair accessories 101

 

  There are so many ways to add flare and personality to your personal style. Hair accessories are a super fun way to find and experiment with your personal style. A couple of hair accessories one could experiment with are head wraps or turbans, headbands and flower crowns, and last but not least hats!


Turbans, and Head scarves

A creative way to experiment with hair accessories is  using head scarves or turbans. There are so many styles and ways to tie head scarves and turbans! You can tie them in bows, buns, and even create your own ways to tie them. Not to mention, if you are ever having a bad hair day you can always throw on a turban or scarf!




Head bands and Flower Crowns

A fun way to accessorize your hair in the summer, is by using super fun flower crowns, and headbands. Flower crowns and floral headbands are not just for 70s costume parties anymore, these hair accessories are an easy way to add a bit of flare to your outfit. There are so many colors, options, and styles of headbands, just pick one that you feel brings out your own personal style!