Similar to the ocean tides, the ever-evolving trends of fashion are constantly coming and going. For those of us who spend our summers in preppy beach locations such as Nantucket, the Hamptons, Kennebunkport, or Martha’s Vineyard, the nautical look is a staple in our summer wardrobe. From Sperry Topsiders to Vineyard Vines, the typical Hamptonite has it all. However this spring and summer, you don’t have to live near the beach to sport nautical themed pieces. Whether it is clothing, accessories or in your home, you can’t go wrong with a nautical vibe this season. 

NastyGal.com is one of my favorite websites to shop on. My most recent purchase from there is the Overboard Blazer, $78. This blazer is white with navy blue stripes, and has double-breasted silver buttons. The material is super soft, made of cotton and polyester. I’m so excited to start wearing this with white either jeans or high-waisted cut-offs, paired with a drapey, bright-colored tank. This blazer gives any outfit a trendy and nautical touch. It is also very versatile in that it can be worn during the day, or for a night out on the town.

Photo via Nasty Gal

Whether you refer to them as A/O’s, Boat Shoes, or Top-Sider’s, they have been the originals since 1935.  Sperry Top-Sider’s can compliment a variety of different looks; they’re cute, comfy, classic and timeless. The A/O’s in “Sahara,” $80, can be found at a variety of department stores, and are a staple in any prepster’s closet. These shoes are always compatible with light wash, cropped jeans and a drapey tee. They can also be worn with, my personal favorite, J.Crew’s classic Chino Shorts, $45. I can assure you that this is one shoe that will never go out of style; they remain stylish while also maintaining an extremely durable, and weather-friendly exterior.  

Photo via sperrytopsider.com

Aside from the original Top-Sider’s, they have a variety of fun prints and colors. Sperry’s Cloud Line offers one print that I absolutely adore; the Sea Blue Seersucker pattern, $75, gives boat shoes an even more nautical look with blue and white stripes. It’s the exact same shoe as the A/O with an updated print. This shoe contains Sperry’s signature rawhide laces, but has added tassels at each end for a spruced up look. The blue and white seersucker pattern would go well with shorts, a navy top and a chunky, gold watch.

Photo via sperrytopsider.com

 If you’re jewelry-obsessed, like myself, there are many jewelry lines that have incorporated nautical themes in their pieces. A fun favorite of mine are Alex and Ani bracelets; as of right now, the only Alex and Ani stores that exist are in New England, along with stores in both NYC and Palm Beach, FL. Fortunately, there may be different stores across the country, which I am unaware of, that carry this line. Easily enough, you can find them online at alexandani.com or polyvore.com. Since these bracelets originated in Rhode Island, “The Ocean State,” some of them are nautically inspired. My favorite bracelet is the wire bangle containing an anchor charm, $28; the anchor symbolizes hope, tranquility, stability, courage, safety, good luck and piece of mind. The Alex and Ani website states, “the anchor allows us to keep a clear mind amidst the tides of life.” If you like the idea of this bracelet, I recommend browsing the website. There are hundreds of bracelets just like this one, and they look super cute when worn in bunches.

Photo via Alex and Ani

If you’re looking to create a nautical themed room or house, I suggest only doing this if your home is physically near the ocean. As everyone has the freedom to decorate their home as they please, I feel as though the theme of a house is really tied to where it’s located. An inland, nautical-themed home might just come across as confusing and unfitting. By no means is this related to what you wear; I want to reinforce that someone from the Mid-West can rock A/O’s just as well as a New Englander. But, as far as home décor is concerned, nautical-themed beach cottages are classic and timeless.

 If you’re inclined to decorating your seaside home with nautical touches, look no further than Pottery Barn’s Coastal Living section. Not only do they offer unique accessories for your beach house, but they also provide decorating ideas with pictures of sample rooms. There’s a section for each room in your house, and this can give you some great decorating inspirations. Pottery Barn’s room decorating guide pays close attention to detail and will help you keep a constant theme.

These are just a few examples of how you can incorporate nautical patterns, styles and home décor into your life this season. Get creative, and surf the web to get ideas for different ways to wear nautical pieces. Don’t forget, you don’t have to spend your days by the sea in order to look like you do. Keep Smiling and Stay Styling! 

Xo, Jacqueline

Hair trends of the past, such as high buns and braids, are back and making a huge statement in 2012. The high bun, making it’s first debut by the Breakfast at Tiffanys’ star, Audrey Heburn, is now back and bigger than ever. We watched the adorable Cindy Brady wear her braids in The Brady Bunch, and now they are making a comeback with a sexy and sophisticated twist.

This season, I am loving all things twisted in hair. Last spring, the low bun worn at the nape of the neck was elegant, chic and easy. This spring, it’s the same idea, only bring it up a couple notches (literally). Take the same concept of a low bun, but make it a high bun on top of your head. This look was originally seen on Audrey Hepburn, and is more recently seen on fashion icons such as Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. The bun can take on many different shapes and sizes; there is the tight and neat sock bun, the messy bun and the intricate twisted or braided bun.

 Photo via Google Images

 Photo via Google Images

 Photo via Google Images

Creating the perfect sock bun looks tricky, but is really easy. All you need is a pair of tube socks close to your hair color, and scissors to cut off the “feet” forming holes on both ends. Ideally, this works best with medium to long hair, but short hair can also work depending on the length. Follow these 6 quick and easy steps to achieve this chic look:

1.     Comb hair back into a smooth, high ponytail.

2.     Roll the sock you cut into a doughnut, so it looks like a scrunchie. (longer hair may require rolling two socks together).

3.     Insert your ponytail through the hole you created in the sock, just as if it were a scrunchie.

4.     Make sure the bun is as close to your head as possible.

5.     Split your ponytail in half (top and bottom) and lean slightly forward so your ponytail can fall evenly around the sock.

6.     Carefully tuck the ends of your hair into the sock and secure them with bobby pins or a large scrunchie that you want to show.

This DIY is the easiest way to create a flawless bun for either a casual day-look, or a more formal night out.

Back in 2008, The Hills star, Lauren Conrad, was my initial inspiration to start incorporating braids into my everyday hairstyles. The headband-like French braid quickly became her signature look, and immediately everyone was buzzing about it. Ever since then, braids have been seen more and more on the red carpet, and on the runway. This spring, we are going to be seeing more braids taking on new designs and shapes.

The easiest look is a just a regular, three-strand and extremely casual braid. Personally, I like this worn loosely to the side for an effortless look. In order to achieve the “I’m not trying” effect, make the braid a little messy, leaving loose strands in front surrounding your face. Audrina Patridge, another star of The Hills and her own reality spin off, Audrina, knows exactly how to make this work.

 Photo via Google Images

Although Lauren Conrad wears an assortment of hairstyles using braids, LC’s original French side braid is what she’s known for. This style is also easy to do on yourself, but gets a little more challenging since it’s a French braid. This looks good on almost anyone, and it’s one of my personal favorites. You can wear French braids in so many different ways and with so many different hairstyles. The best way to learn how to do a French braid is by watching a tutorial on YouTube; watching someone else create an intricate hairstyle is the best and easiest way to learn. My personal favorite tutorial for this look is: Lauren Conrad Side Braid Tutorial

Photo via Google Images

As you get more comfortable French braiding at different angles, you should be able to master the “waterfall braid.” This is my absolute favorite braid, and I think it looks best on silky, long hair, either curly or straight. This braid starts in the front of your head and wraps around the back. You can either have it cascading down towards the tip of your hair, going straight across the back of your head, or one on each side of your head that meet in the middle. This is very similar to French braiding, but instead of adding more hair to existing pieces, you take a new piece while leaving behind the old. This is easier said than done, and I suggest watching this tutorial (actual tutorial starts at 2:37) along with a lot of practice: Waterfall Braid Tutorial

Photo via Google Images

 Photo via Google Images

Lastly, I would like to share another one of my personal favorites, the “fishtail braid.” This is easier than a waterfall braid, but trickier than a regular braid. It starts with splitting your hair into two sections, and continuously crossing over thin strands of hair from one side to another, while rotating sides. This braid can be worn messy and loose, or tight and neat depending on the look you’re going for. The fishtail braid suits long hair best because it makes one’s hair appear shorter. LC has a great fishtail braid tutorial on YouTube that shows you exactly how the braid is done, with a step by step presentation: LC’s Fishtail Braid Tutorial

Photo via Google Images

Sporting these buns and braids this spring and summer will have everyone asking how you did your hair. All of these styles look like they take a great amount of effort and time, when they actually only take minutes. Get creative, and enjoy a unique look. Keep Smiling & Stay Styling! 

Xo, Jacqueline

Calling all Louboutin lovers and Bergdorf belles - this is an event that you won’t want to miss. After two very successful decades of designing the infamous red bottom stilettos, Christian Louboutin will be making an appearance at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC on January 31, 2012. In celebrating his 20 years of success, Louboutin partnered up with Bergdorf Goodman and Parsons School of Design creating a design competition for recent alumnae possessing exceptional design skills. The five handpicked winners will be showcasing the garments they’ve created, inspired by a shoe from the Christian Louboutin 20^th Anniversary Capsule Collection.

The requirements for entry entailed conceptualizing the ideology of a Louboutin-inspired ensemble, and creating mood, fabric and illustration concept boards. The finalists were chosen by the Senior Vice President of the fashion office and store presentation at BG, Linda Fargo, and Dean of Students at Parson’s School of Fashion, Simon Collins.

Designs by the five lucky winners will be unveiled on the main floor at Bergdorf Goodman, and will be on display from February 2-8. According to an article in Women’s Wear Daily, Louboutin stated, “What I found exciting and interesting about all the finalists is that they took an element of each of the shoes, or a unique detail, and created something completely different.” The winners are, Isaias Arias, Joanna Baker, Manuela Di Prima, Vivian Graf and Hyeyoung Kim, whom are all recent graduates from Parsons.

Anyone who is interested can come meet the designer himself, on Bergdorf’s second floor shoe salon, January 31, 2012, from 3 to 6 p.m. Be the first to see the Christian Louboutin 20^th Anniversary Capsule Collection exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman! 

Keep Smiling & Stay Styling!

Xo, Jacqueline

Photo via Google Images

 This past week at Paris’ haute couture fashion shows for spring & summer of 2012, the in-vogue 1950’s-inspired silhouettes have filled the catwalk. But show-stopping Jean Paul Gaultier made a statement that will never be forgotten. The French fashion designer devoted his runway show to the late British singer, Amy Winehouse. According to the Washington Post, although Gaultier claimed to have never met the singer, their “styles had always been similar.” Gaultier channeled Winehouse’s signature flair, beehive hair, winged out eyeliner, exposed bras & one model even smoked a cigarette while walking on the runway. The bittersweet finale is what swept us all away, echoing Gaultier’s appreciation for life; all of the models lined up on the runway & wore black veils to honor the passing of Winehouse.

Photo via Huffington Post

Photo via Huffington Post

Another exciting show during Paris Fashion Week was Chanel’s Jet-inspired presentation developed by creative director, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld’s team constructed a jet-like structure in which the Chanel fashion show was held.

Photo via Google Images

All of the intricately beaded dresses worn on the runway are actually wearable, which is no surprise since the Chanel brand is known for showcasing wearable pieces. The dresses were inspired by the outfits that airhostesses wore in the 1960’s, but Lagerfeld was sure to add the classic Chanel touch making these pieces unique and original.

Photo via Google Images

The Gaultier and Chanel collections were just two out of the many outstanding shows at the 2012 Paris Fashion Week. On February 9^th, 2012, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week commences, and I can’t wait to see the exciting ideas brought to NYC by these exquisite designers. 

Keep Smiling & Stay Styling!

Xo, Jacqueline

Blazers are a great item for everyone, whether your tall, short, narrow or wide, there is a blazer out there for you! Blazers are a great addition to an outfit because they can really dress you up, and make something boring look totally sophisticated. Whether you’re just going to class, or you’re going out for drinks with friends, a blazer is ALWAYS a cute addition. I’m going to look at the three styles of blazers: classic, cropped, and long styles.

Classic style blazers work great with a plan t-shirt or tank top, jeans and boots. You want it to look tailored, so not too loose, but at the same time, not too tight. A classic blazer looks best when it closely outlines your silhouette, and is loose enough to button without the pulling effect you get when it’s too tight.

I absolutely LOVE my Madewell Academy Blazer, $168. It’s a wool blazer, and has traditional menswear details, but at the same time has a girly, shrunken shape. The nautical, gold buttons really drew me to this item. It looks really cute worn with white jeans (like the model) or lighter-washed blue/light gray jeans.

Photo via Madewell

If that is too pricey, another option might be this adorable, fitted, cotton blazer from H&M, $49.95. I absolutely LOVE this option because it looks great with jeans, OR you could pair it with some black chinos for a sophisticated office look.

Photo via H&M

Cropped blazers are so cute, if you wear them the right way. They draw more attention to your waistline, so to avoid looking larger than you actually are try pairing the cropped blazer with a subtle & plain top underneath.

Bold-colored blazers are a super fun way to play up an outfit. I found this cobalt blue Guess Cropped Blazer, $138, at Lord & Taylor. This blazer is made from modal/polyester. I ADORE the pointy, tuxedo hem at the bottom; it creates a fitted & tailored look – which is exactly what you want when looking for a cropped blazer!

Photo via Lord & Taylor

STEAL ALERT: This ADORABLE Sparkle & Fade Studded Blazer was originally $89 and is now ON SALE for $39.99! You can find this bad boy on the Urban Outfitters website. It’s made of rayon, and the studded detail gives it a really edgy & chic look – SO excited I found this great buy.

Photo via Urban Outfitters

Kim Kardashian may not know how to pick a man, but she sure knows how to pick an outfit! Kudos, KK, to rocking that cropped blazer to-a-tee!

Photo via Google Images

Finally, last but not least: the long style blazer. Finding the perfect oversized blazer can be tricky, since the word “oversized” may give off the wrong idea. When looking for this particular style, you want it to fit you in all the right places. Make sure the arms & wrists have a tailored look & aren’t too long. A common mistake I’ve constantly been seeing is women wearing a blazer with a dress, and the BLAZER is LONGER than the dress – sorry ladies, but that looks like you threw on your boyfriend’s jacket because you got cold – sloppy.

The KNT by Kova & T Colorblock Mod Blazer, originally $129, is now on sale for $69.99! This white blazer is silky smooth & has a black lapel to contrast the white – I think the color-block effect is a really cool look. You can find this on the Urban Outfitters website.

Photo via Urban Outfitters

Forever 21 is a great place to find hot styles for incredibly low prices. This Shawl Collar Blazer, $29.80, is 100% polyester & creates a super sophisticated look. It’s tailored & not too fitted, so it works for all body types. The long & open neckline will elongate your torso, making you look taller.

Photo via Forever 21

Fashion icon & former reality star of MTV’s The City, Olivia Palermo, flawlessly sports her long blazer (…and everything else she wears.) She’s notorious for her effortless style & signature look – skinny jeans, a blazer, heels & clutch (oddly always pictured in her right hand…).

Photo via Google Images

Now it’s time to go find the blazer that works for your body & compliments your personal style!

Keep Smiling & Stay Styling!

Xo, Jacqueline

Before I start preaching to you about skincare, something that you may already know is that skincare is the KEY to eternal beauty. It’s hard to understand this when you’re in your teenage, and early adult years because your skin may be experiencing little to no changes (AKA no visible wrinkles/sunspots…YET). Looking like you’re 50 when you’re 40 CAN & WILL be avoided, if you follow my rules. 

First and foremost, I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say I’ve never used a tanning bed because I have. But USED is the past tense, so now I can say to all of you tanorexic betches out there: STOP TANNING, YOUR SKIN IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN’S BALENCIAGA. Although we LOVE Kourt and her Balenciaga bag, it’s just not the texture you want appearing on your face.

Photo via Google Images

Alternative? Spray tanning, duh. Do you really think celebs get their sexy glows from UV bulbs in a box? Celebrities are CONSTANTLY in the spotlight being examined from head to toe, they certainly are not looking to damage their skin (except for maybe the Jersey Shore cast…). 

Photo via Google Images

…please don’t try this at home.

It’s safe to say that the celebs with that A-list glow either spend holiday somewhere sunny, or get airbrushed. Professionally done airbrush tans can cost anywhere between roughly $30 - $80 depending on where you go. If this in your budget I say GO FOR IT, I personally love them. I suggest trying out a few different salons and figuring out which bronzy tone suits you best.

Need something a little more low budget? A product that has proven to be the closest thing I’ve discovered to a salon quality tan is Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray, $38. This may seem like a pricey do-it-yourself tanner, but the best part is that it’s face & body safe, so there is no need to buy two products! Mystic Tan Sunless Tanning Spray provides an even & smooth application with nearly flawless results. You can purchase this product on the Mystic Tan Website » or from various beauty stores such as Ulta or Sephora. 

Photo via Mystic Tan

If you’re going to choose the do-it-yourself route, there are a few tips I’d like to share with you that unfortunately I learned the hard way:

1.  Make sure you shave your legs either 8 hours PRIOR or AFTER you tan. This will prevent the spray from gathering in your hair follicles and/or shaving off the tan.
2. Exfoliating is key to getting that perfect, even color. Avoid using lotions or oil based products before tanning because this will give you an uneven & streaky look. I suggest using a loofa in the shower to exfoliate with a water based body scrub to really clean your skin.
3. In my opinion you should wait AT LEAST 8 hours before your first shower, but salons I’ve gone to say anywhere between 4-12 hours is sufficient. Personally, I like to play it safe and wait a minimum of 8 to ensure the best color possible.

So there you have it, legitimate tanning info from someone who’s tried them all. One last thing I’d like to do is state the obvious: ultraviolet rays are HARMFUL. But seriously, protect your skin; I can’t even tell you how many people I’ve heard use Botox as their excuse for careless sun exposure – these people are ignorant. HELLO, EARTH TO YOUR BRAIN: Excessive & unprotected UV exposure can potentially lead to skin cancer; Botox does not cure skin cancer. SPF 4 LIFE! 

Keep Smiling & Stay Styling!

Xo, Jacqueline

Achieving the perfect nude lip is an art; a lot must go into it, & you need to know when & how to rock it. When I say a lot must go into it, I don’t mean it takes long to apply, I’m just saying you need to have the PERFECT combo of lip liner, lipstick and lip gloss. The two looks I’ve come up with have given the term SEX KITTEN a whole new innocent twist. I believe I’ve uncovered two great options that will suit all different skin tones.

Photo via Google Images

Kim Kardashian does a GREAT job at rocking the pale pink lip.

The Pale Pink Pucker is a retro look that has made a huge comeback and is now more popular than ever! However, it’s not the easiest look to pull off if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. I have a few helpful tips when it comes to choosing the perfect hue of pink to achieve the “WOW” factor.

What some women are unaware of is that the method of creating a pale pink lip color is quite simple. In my experience, I’ve learned that the lighter shades of pink look better on a lighter skin tone, but you MUST make sure that the pink is not lighter than your complexion. Darker shades of pink look better on darker skin tones, BUT this does not mean that the darker women cannot pull off the pale pink pucker! It’s all about mixing colors until you find the perfect shade for your skin!

For this look I’ve come up with two options using all MAC cosmetic products: one darker shade of pale pink, and a lighter shade of pale pink.

The first look I came up with is one that I wear when my skin has a nice tan. First, I apply the MAC lip pencil, “Hip ‘n’ Happy” $14, to outline my upper & lower lip. It’s important to remember when applying lip liner to NOT go out of the lines of your natural lip because then it ends up looking messy & tacky. Next, I chose the MAC VIVA GLAM Gaga ‘1’ Lipstick $14.50 & the MAC VIVA GLAM Gaga Lipglass ‘1’ $14.50 to go on top of the lip liner. They are both the same color, but the Lipglass will give your lips the shine & pigment that the lipstick won’t do alone.

Photo via MAC Cosmetics

The next look is good for individuals with paler skin tones. First, I apply the MAC lip pencil, “What Comes Naturally” $14, to outline my upper & lower lip. It’s a very neutral, peachy-beige color. Next, I chose the MAC Glitter & Ice Lipstick “Double Spin” $15.50, which is a very pale, mauve-pink color. The gloss I chose to complete this look is the MAC Pro Longwear Lipglass, “Infinitely Likable” $18.50. I KNOW this is super pricey, but I can assure you it is well worth it & completely makes this look POP. This gloss is a light pink with some added shimmer, & is SUPER long lasting!

Photo via MAC Cosmetics

Two things that I want to leave you with:

1.   Both of these looks will go FABULOUSLY with a classic smoky eye & some darker clothing – I wouldn’t wear it any other way!

2.   Try not to wear this look with other pink accents – it’ll look completely overdone & your pink pucker will lose its original power! 

Keep Smiling & Stay Styling! 

Xo, Jacqueline