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Archive for the ‘Style Tips’ Category

Summer 2011 Accessory Trends – Watches

Watches have officially made a comeback for summer, not only as a timepiece, but as a style statement and essential accessory! Watches are both functional and fashionable, plus they’re the perfect accessory to show off your personality. No matter if you’re a sophisticated, sporty, or glamorous gal, there’s definitely a watch to fit your lifestyle!

For classic style setters like Reese Witherspoon, try an oversized gold watch to complement your looks day to night.  This champagne dial watch from Fossil is simple and sophisticated!

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If you love feminine accents like Natalie Portman, wear a watch in the hottest hue of the season, rose gold.  This rectangular face watch from Fossil is sweet and ladylike!

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For fashionable divas like Jennifer Lopez, add some bling to your look with a gold bracelet style watch with dazzling rhinestones.  This cuff style watch from the Jennifer Lopez Collection is stunning!

Jennifer Lopez_Fashionista Jennifer Lopez Gold Watch 52.99 Overstock

If you’re a sexy glam gal like Beyonce, try a mixed material watch with leather and gold chains.  This double wrap watch from Guess would definitely add some spice to any outfit!

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And if you live to rock bold tones like Katy Perry and Rihanna, have some fun with the playful and colorful styles of summer!  Nixon and Swatch watches are big celeb favorites and are super affordable too!

Katy Perry_Color Nixon Colorful Watch 
Rihanna_Color Swatch Turquoise Watch

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Positively Celebrity Launches App!  Available on iTunes Now! 

Since March of this year, I’ve had the pleasure of being a Fashion Editor for Positively Celebrity, a fantastic new website with a positive take on the world of celebrities and pop culture!  As Fashion Editor, I have the opportunity to feature the best dressed stars, style trends, and tips on how to achieve the celebrity look for less! 

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I’m so excited to announce that the Positively Celebrity Smartphone App has officially launched, so those on the go can have full access to all the celebrity news, beauty, fashion, and fitness tips 24/7!  Download the App by clicking here!

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Here’s a taste of what the Positively Celebrity App has to offer:

–Exclusive how-to videos from established experts on the latest beauty secrets, celebrity fitness tips and current fashion trends.
–Daily blog posts that celebrate the good things celebrities are doing to be inspiration to all.
–Exciting red carpet footage from Hollywood’s biggest movie premieres, press junkets and award shows.
–The latest entertainment news and tv/movie reviews.
–Extensive info about reputable celebrity charities for incredible causes and how you can be involved.
–Guide to celebrity hot spots around the world where you can vacation, dine or party like a real rock star.
–Links to where you can purchase budget-friendly celebrity-inspired fashion.
–Celebrity Twitter Feed so you can keep up to date with all your favorite celebs and much more!

Check out the Positively Celebrity App for exclusive vlogs from yours truly, Your GAL Kara!  Follow us on Twitter too @positivelyceleb!

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GAL Star Style – Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is not only an Academy Award winning actress and newlywed, but also a style savvy southern gal! This New Orleans native always hits the fashion mark, whether she’s running around town with her two kids, or accepting her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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Her star style is impeccable, and fashionistas everywhere can definitely learn a thing or two from this woman on the go! As your Glam, Affordable, and Luxurious resource, I searched the internet to find the best sites to achieve Reese’s style on a budget. I didn’t have to look far once I discovered JCPenney, your one stop shop for fabulous celebrity looks for less!

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Reese’s daytime style is California cool, with casual looks like a denim skirt, striped tee and red flats. Striped tees are a great basic for every woman because they’re classic and easy to wear. Women of all shapes and sizes can wear horizontal stripes too, despite what you might think. Just remember, the smaller the stripes the thinner you’ll look! Also, look for tops with diagonal stripes at the waist and hips, which has a slimming and body lengthening effect. This long sleeve top from JCP.com would look great with everything from shorts and jeans, to a sexy little mini. Take a cue from Reese and sport this Americana trend all year long!

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It’s not a surprise that Reese’s favorite accessory is her signature fedora. Whether paired with a printed sun dress or a tank and miniskirt, Reese tops off many of her daytime looks with this laidback hat.

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A fedora is a fun way to add a little attitude to an ordinary outfit, or when you’re having a bad hair day! Try one instead of a baseball cap for day, or as a chic accessory to top off your evening look. For an affordable take on Reese’s boho fedora, try this lightweight version from JCP.com!

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The “Water for Elephants” star has a red carpet style that’s a statement of feminine elegance. Ladylike silhouettes and refined embellishments help to make Reese a red carpet favorite. Opting for gowns that fit to flatter, Reese shows off her figure best in sheath and a-line styles.

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These two shapes will complement every woman, because they hug your body in all the right places. Sheath dresses are a sophisticated way to show off your curves, while a-line skirts cinch in your waist to create beautiful lines. This a-line dress from JCP.com features a soft metallic hue with feminine details, Reese’s ideal combination for the red carpet!Strapless Dress_JCP.com_74.99

Reese looked like a Hollywood princess at her recent nuptials to Jim Toth. Forever a romantic, Reese came down the aisle in a stunning, blush hued Monique Lhuillier gown with a Chantilly lace corset and tulle a-line skirt.

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Reese’s bold move to wear color on her big day is quickly setting trends for future brides to be and prom goers alike! This delicate hue would look amazing on all skin types, as the pink tones help to bring out your natural radiance. When dressing for special occasions, don’t be afraid to go outside the box and try something new. The most important thing is to be comfortable, and wear what makes you feel beautiful, inside and out! To get Reese’s wedding look for less, check out this gorgeous gown with sweetheart neckline, also from JCP.com!

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Top 5 Fashion Must Haves For Spring 2011

 

Spring is officially here! With all of the hottest trends in fashion, it’s difficult to decide which items to invest in. Well, not to fear style savvy ladies, here’s a rundown of the most versatile and stylish fashion items for the warmer months ahead.

1.  Wide Leg Jeans

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Thanks to the 70s influence in fashion this spring, wide, flare and fuller leg jeans are making a comeback. Thank goodness for the fact that fashion always comes full circle, because many of us probably have a few pairs of wide leg jeans already in our closets. While skinny jeans will continue to be a strong trend, it’s all about creating womanly curves with fuller leg jeans for spring! Dress up your wide leg jeans like Kim Kardashian, with a feminine blouse and a sophisticated belt.

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2.  Peasant Top

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If you can only buy one fashion item this spring, I’d recommend the peasant top. The easy shape and versatility makes this piece great with shorts, skirts, or pants. And the boho chic flair will make you feel carefree on the hottest spring days. Coming in an array of colors, from simple white and bright chartreuse, to bold prints, a festive peasant top is the ideal addition to every fashionistas spring wardrobe. Take a cue from stylish stars like Taylor Swift and Vanessa Hudgens, who pair soft peasant blouses with skinnies for a cool and casual look.

Taylor Swift Peasant Blouse Vanessa Hudgens_Peasant Top

3.  Wedges

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Nothing says spring than a fantastic pair of wedges! Laidback, hippie chic styles are in for spring, from wedges with wood and cork soles to sandals with woven straps. Add a wedge to your shoe closet and you’ll be good through summer. Easily worn with both casual and dressy outfits alike, you can walk around all day in a wedge as they’re more comfortable than traditional high heels. Jennifer Aniston likes to show off her toned legs with shorts and neutral wedges, while Kate Hudson proves you can still be stylish when running errands with the kids!

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4.  Envelope Clutch

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The must have handbag for spring is the envelope clutch! Slim, sleek and sophisticated, the envelope bag is a classic wardrobe staple that goes with everything. Available in an array of colors for spring, and featuring embellishments from feminine rosettes to rocker inspired studs, there’s definitely a style for everyone. The envelope clutch is also the perfect bag to take you from day to night. For day, wear your bag slung across your body like Miley Cyrus, and at night, tuck in the strap for a sexy clutch like Victoria Beckham!

Miley Cyrus Envelope Bag Victoria Beckham Envelope Bag

5.  Breastplate Necklace

Burnished Medallion Necklace_Ann Taylor

Statement jewelry is taken to new heights this spring with super sexy, breastplate necklaces! While long, layered chains and necklaces will still be on trend, the pure simplicity of the breastplate necklace will be enough for every fashionista to add one to her jewelry box. A bold combination of mixed metals and medallions, this worldly inspired look is just the right amount of bling to transform any outfit! Jennifer Lopez knew how to rock her brass and crystal Lanvin breastplate necklace, by keeping the rest of her accessories simple!

Jennifer Lopez Breastplate Necklace

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Spring 2011 Accessory Trends – Breastplate Necklaces

The hottest jewelry trend for spring is bold and definitely makes a statement! While long, layered chains and necklaces will still look pretty, the must have jewelry item for the sunny months ahead are breastplate necklaces. A bold combination of mixed metals and medallions, this worldly inspired look is just the right amount of bling to transform any outfit!

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Look like a modern goddess in a flowing white maxi dress paired with this Grecian inspired breastplate necklace from Jennifer Elizabeth.

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The perfect complement to the boho chic peasant blouses of spring is a cool and casual necklace. For an easy look, try a gold chain medallion like this one from Fossil.

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The retro glam feel of this Sachin + Babi breastplate necklace would complete any evening look, from a soft fringe dress to a pretty blouse.

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This Chan Luu fringe necklace with rhinestones would add some serious drama to your little black dress. So simple and sexy, there’s no need for any other accessories with this statement making piece!

Chan Luu Necklace_Zappos

The key to wearing these bold necklaces is to let them shine! Feel free to mix and match, pairing chains in mixed metals, medallions in different colors, and necklaces of all lengths. Have fun accessorizing for spring!

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Fall 2011 Fashion Preview

Another season of fashion weeks have passed, leaving fashionistas everywhere longing for the cooler months of fall. While you’re packing up your winter wardrobe for spring, you may want to take note of some of the hottest trends for fall, which may already be classic items in your closet from years past. After all, everything old and vintage is new again!

Fur was a major trend on the fall runways, showing up on everything from sophisticated stolls and wraps at Miu Miu, to novelty vests at Alexander McQueen.

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While we’re used to seeing fur on staple fashion pieces like this lush Giorgio Armani jacket, some designers went the creative route, incorporating the trim as accents on dresses, blouses, and pants. The fur sleeves on this YSL dress were an unexpected twist to an otherwise traditional look.

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Feminine lace continues to be a strong trend, with designers like Valentino and Bottega Veneta showcasing ladylike silhouettes with higher necklines and a-line skirts.

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On the flipside, 80’s inspired lace was featured in a fetish like fashion on the Lanvin and Chanel runways, with black lace on everything from leggings and blazers to maxi skirts.

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While leather jackets of all styles have been must have items for fashionistas, expect the luxurious fabric to be a more dominant trend for fall. From this vibrant long sleeve dress at Marios Schwab to the leather panels on this asymmetrical design at Balenciaga, leather is definitely making a comeback.

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Designers also went for glam grunge, such as Alexander McQueen’s slim cropped leather pants with zipper details, and Louis Vuitton’s show stopping laser cut dress with ladylike accents. The perfect combination of sweet and sexy!

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Spring 2011 Accessory Trends – Envelope Handbags

The latest handbag trend for spring is super stylish and versatile, and the perfect piece to add to any fashionistas closet! The oversized hobos and satchels from last season will still be on trend, but the newest “it” bag for spring is the envelope handbag! Slim, sleek and so sophisticated, the envelope bag is like a great pair of black stiletto pumps, a classic wardrobe staple that goes with everything.

For spring, envelope bags will come in a rainbow of fun colors, from neon pink, orange and teal to more neutral tones like yellow and tan. This trendy envelope clutch from TopShop is an affordable option for those that don’t want to break the bank.

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There’s nothing more chic and classic then reptile accessories, and the Rampage Embossed Faux Leather Clutch is no exception. Popular on both shoes and handbags for spring, exotic skin accessories are items that every style savvy gal should have in her wardrobe!

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Bold, rocker inspired details will also be a big trend. Chains and chunky zippers are a fun way to add edge to your look, like on the Anderson Zipper Clutch from Handbag Heaven.

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For an unexpected pop of color, have fun with the 70’s inspired color block trend. Clutches like this one from Lipsy feature pretty color combinations, and would definitely add some spice to a date night ensemble.

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For a more casual look, opt for a cross body envelope bag with a versatile strap like the Kate Envelope Bag from Handbag Heaven. This laidback style would be perfect for everyday activities like running errands or shopping till you drop!

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No matter what your style, there is definitely an envelope bag for every fashionista! Happy shopping!

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Grammys 2011 Fashion Review – Wearable Spring Trends

The biggest night in music was Sunday’s Grammy awards! While all the hottest artists took top honors on stage, the real awards should’ve been given to the fashionistas on the red carpet! What can we say about Lady Gaga arriving in an egg-like womb? While that style statement might not be relatable to the rest of us, leave it to the other music divas to showcase some of the most wearable trends for Spring – from leopard and metallics to bold colors and flirty prints!

Leopard

While Nicki Minaj’s head to toe, Givenchy leopard print ensemble might be a little over the top for most of us, you have to give her props for going out on a limb and owning her look at this year’s Grammys! Nicki did however remind us that leopard print is always in style, especially in key item pieces like blouses, shoes, scarves, or gloves. Animal prints are timeless and classic, and a great addition to your Spring wardrobe. Take a cue from Ms. Minaj and remember, less is more! Show off your inner feline by rocking a sexy pair of leopard print booties with jeans or a little black dress. Or, wear a leopard print blouse with black slim pants and sophisticated black flats.

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michael kors leopard blouse bloomingdales christian louboutin leopard ankle boots saks

Fun & Flirty Prints

Julianne Hough looked effortlessly sweet and sexy in a multicolored Malandrino gown with ruffled shoulders and a plunging neckline. Prints are a huge trend for Spring, from soft watercolors and feminine florals, to boho designs and geometric patterns. For those wanting to experiment with color this season, play with prints from head to toe (but not all at the same time)! Since romantic blouses and dresses are must have staples for every woman, why not mix it up with some new prints? Rock a flirty floral dress with a wide black belt and booties for a cool and sexy vibe. Or, add a fun pop of color to your everyday wardrobe with a watercolor scarf!

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anthropologie watercolor scarf express floral dress

Soft Metallics

Sequins, metallics and shine aren’t just for special occasions anymore! Superstars such as Heidi Klum and Selena Gomez were rocking this sparkling trend on the Grammy’s red carpet. Softer and more demure hues in ivory, silver, bronze and gold make the trend easier to wear on Spring days and Summer nights. For a work appropriate ensemble, pair a loose fitting blouse with a coordinating slim pant for a seamless and sophisticated, body lengthening look. For a dazzling date night look, opt for a dress in a more casual shape versus a body hugging number. Soften your look with wavy hair or a loose up do, and complete the ensemble with a cardigan or leather bomber jacket.

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Celebrity Designers Debut Affordable Shoes for 2011

As much as I love the finer things in life – designer duds, luxury labels, and fab footwear – what I love more is saving money! But how can we rock designer fashions without shelling out a month’s rent? Well, big name shoe designers and brands are launching economically priced lines to meet the needs of frugal shoppers, while celebrities are teaming up with mega stores to roll out affordable clothing collections. Here are some of my favorite GAL finds to look out for in 2011:

B Brian Atwood

Luxury footwear designer, Brian Atwood, will launch a lower priced collection of his statement stilettos for Fall 2011. Adored by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Anne Hathaway and Kelly Ripa, Atwood’s bold and sexy designs are amongst the most coveted in the footwear industry. B Brian Atwood, will consist of ballet flats, seasonal sandals, sky high heels, booties, and over the knee boots, crafted of fine leathers, satin, and exotic skins. Designed with strong, confident women with a playful attitude in mind, the lower priced line will not be without Atwood’s signature flair – just the right amount of embellishment, fringe or metal details to command attention! Priced from $100 to $650, B Brian Atwood will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s Co-op, Fred Segal, and Shopbop.com, to name a few.

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LC Lauren Conrad

Known for her starring role on MTV’s “The Hills,” reality star Lauren Conrad launched her namesake clothing line, LC Lauren Conrad, at Kohl’s stores in 2009. Fans of the laidback, feminine, and California chic line will be pleased to know that starting this Spring, LC Lauren Conrad will also feature a collection of fun and flirty footwear under $60! Known for contemporary items at an affordable price, Conrad’s new line of shoes will resonate with fashionistas who want to be stylish without breaking the bank. Boho wedges and romantic sandals are highlights of the new line, debuting at Kohl’s stores on March 21st!

LC Lauren ConradCall It Spring

JCPenney and The Aldo Group have teamed up to launch a unique shop-within-a-shop concept. Call It Spring brings 600 square foot shopping spaces to select JCPenney stores, providing budget fashionistas with an extensive collection of over 300 styles of on trend footwear and accessories! Available exclusively at JCPenney and Aldo stores, Call It Spring is an accessible line of fashion forward shoes, handbags, and accessories. From clutches with feminine details to casual wedges and sexy heels, Call It Spring has something for everyone. With wallet friendly prices from $29.99 to $69.99, shoppers can indulge in all the latest trends at incredible prices!

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