Don’t You Dare Call These Tees Basic!

imageWe love our basics, we really do… but we’d be lying if we said they were the most exciting things in our closets. Sure, that American Apparel v-neck goes with 18 other outfits (and that’s just the grey one) but honestly, it’s kind of boring on its own, right? Why not swap out those boring basics with tees that have just a little something extra? Tiny embellishments transform plain tees from reliable standbys to fashionable favorites in their own right, and they’re just as versatile as ever. Take this jersey tank from Casual Couture by Green Envelope- from the front, it’s a simple, well-cut top, but the back features an exposed zipper that will add a little edge to any outfit. The pearl tee from Sauce is a girly spin on everyone’s favorite slouchy pocket tee, and J. Crew’s jeweled tissue tee practically has a statement necklace built in and would look perfect paired with everything from scruffy boyfriend jeans to a polished skirt and blazer. See the slideshow for your new favorite basics!

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Not So Baby Blue Make-Up Choices!

imageThe fall transition is bittersweet. One the one hand, it’s time to take advantage of new fall clothing and makeup trends, and on the other hand, you’re giving up sweet, glorious summer! Transitional clothing is difficult — but the make up sure can be fun! I recommend going for some more electric blue in your eye and nail palette! The brights will give you just a little bit of lift, and the blow will definitely be softened when you switch to navy nail shades for true fall. I love the MakeUp Forever Glitters in Metallic Blue for a vampy, going out on the town look. Mixing the gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent Tresor d’Afrique palette for eyes will definitely soften the electric blue for daytime, but you’ll still have a kick. For the nails, you definitely can’t go wrong with OPI shades, especially Blue My Mind. Check out my slideshow for more ways to electrify your transition makeup!

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Too Cool For School: Cute School Supplies

imageGoing back to school means you’re about to have your brain jogging at high speed: cute clothes, cute boys, and something you should definitely think about before heading back to school, cute school supplies. Get your hands on some of the coolest things to get you through the reading, writing and arithmetic of the school year. For those of us like Kathleen Kelly of “You’ve Got Mail” who love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, back to school season has an air of excitement all its own beginning with the scavenger hunt-like school supply lists. Sure, you could fulfill the the teacher’s requirements with your older sister’s tattered, floppy folders, but the cuter option of getting the newest and trendiest takes on drab wooden rulers and plain silver scissors make the thought of nine months of homework seem bearable! Take a peek at some school supply suggestions that will make you smile through your academic agonies!

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Kate Moss Fall 2009 Collection Available Now At TopShop.com

imageThe Fall/Winter 2009 Kate Moss for TopShop Collection is now available on the store’s website. With the new collaboration, Moss and TopShop emphasize vintage glamour and smart, grown-up pieces. But don’t worry — there’s still a rock-n-roll element to Kate Moss’s collection, influenced by the best of the ’60s through the ’80s. Blouses and dresses in billowy chiffon are prominent, including this gorgeous Beaded Collar Swing Dress. Simple jersey tops are given a biker chick finish whether adorned with studs, beads or chain details, while eveningwear has an antique feel. Tarnished gold sequins are scattered over a maxi dress, waistcoat, and this cool Antique Sequin Bolero. Head over to Couture in the City for a run-down of some other pieces in the just-released collection!

Stylehive’s “Hive It” Button Is Now On JCPenney.com!

imageLet’s go on a little shopping trip, shall we? First stop: JCPenney.com. Why, you ask? Go to the web site and see for yourself! Go to any product page- say, this I ‘Heart’ Ronson crinkle top– and under the “Add To Bag” button, you’ll see a row of icons belonging to Facebook, MySpace, Stylehive, and Kaboodle. Recognize the orange one? That’s our “Hive It” button- click on it and you’ll automatically bookmark the item! Just select your images and tags as usual, and voila! Hiving from JCPenney.com is easy as that. Be sure you’re already logged in to your Stylehive account, and try it for yourself! Want to add the “Hive It” button to your web site or e-store? Go here to get started! Happy hiving!

College Candy Presents 8 Under $20: Old Navy!

imageFor many of you, school has already begun or will shortly, which means new additions to the wardrobe are necessary. Woohoo! But you don’t have to spend a lot to update that 2008 fall wardrobe. Old Navy is a great place to get cute basics at super reasonable prices. Just pair these items (many of which are on sale!) with the trendier items/accessories in your closet for a brand new look. Here are a few pieces I found that’ll be great for the upcoming months:

Jeans: Jeans are obviously a wardrobe staple in every college girl’s closet, but sometimes we need a little variety. I say that every gal needs a cute pair of khakis. You can wear them with a polo, a basic button down or a tee. I totally love the green of these ones. They’re a little different, but still totally neutral so you can wear them with just about anything!

Cute Tops: I’m really digging the cut and print of this shirt (though they also have it in solid colors if print’s not your thang). But what I really heart about this tank is that you can wear it on its own before it gets too cool and also rock it under a boyfriend blazer for those chillier days.

To see these great items and more at a great price, click on over to our friends at College Candy!

Hot In The Hive: TearDrop Waterproof iPod Speaker

imageDon’t be embarrassed. So you like to indulge yourself in some tunes while showering — no big deal. Who doesn’t? Now, with the TearDrop Waterproof iPod Speaker, you don’t have to rock out a cappella while you wash, and your roommates won’t have to hear your out-of-tune vibrato echoing through the paper-thin walls of your apartment. The speaker’s cute teardrop design simply unscrews to open, offering a sturdy perch for your iPod (of almost any make or model), and encloses it in a safe and waterproof shell that will let you have your jam session in any splash-prone zone — beach, pool, shower, kitchen, etc. Just try not to have too much fun while you’re washing dishes in rhythm with the latest Britney single — save some water for the whales!

Price: $58
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the TearDrop Waterproof iPod Speaker to the Hive.

Make Your Wedding The Sweetest Day Ever With A Candy Buffet!

imageForget picture frame magnets, mixed CDs, and those other gimmicky favors you’ve been considering doling out to your wedding attendees. Get on your guests’ sweet side with a spread of sweet treats! Candy buffets are a fun, colorful reception trend nowadays that are used in place of favors (no, not in place of dinner!) and look gorgeously festive when matched with your wedding colors. With overflowing tiers of homemade goods, trays of colorful truffles, or decorative jars full of your everyday favorite goodies, you can arrange a beautiful table complete with cute candy scoops and personalized to-go boxes and part with guests on a sweet note! You can even ditch the color scheme and stick with a theme, like a fireside s’mores bar for a rustic reception! Check out Wedding Bee’s Candy Buffet Wiki page for some advice on setting up your own, complete with example pictures and links to all the sugary supplies, and don’t forget to take a look at the slideshow for some more cute ideas!
Photo Credit: WeddingBee.com

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Gotta Getaway? Indulge In Minimalism At The LUX ELEVEN In Berlin, Germany!

imageIn our fast-paced society of instant gratification and non-stop networking (we can’t even keep in touch with friends guilt-free on Facebook without calling it “networking”), it is easy to become stressed and harried. Even weekends, the lone couple of days we had to rest and recuperate, are now filled with playing catch-up for the office or partaking in fun, but taxing activities that don’t let our bodies just sit back, take a deep breath, and truly relax. The next time you get a some vacation time, treat yourself to somewhere that is fun, interesting and will also give you some time to really breathe a sigh of relief. Try Berlin, Germany and stay at the beautifully streamlined Lux Eleven hotel. Imagine Calvin Klein had designed the interiors and you have the modern minimalism of steel and hardwood in a clean and spacious area. Now imagine Hello Kitty completed a touch of the finishing details and you get the the hot pink lobby and roll out carpet, the pink and purple striped blankets atop starkly contrasting black and white, and the twinkling, spherical lights flanking the hallways- basically, de-cluttered glam in a minimalist setting. The rooms are amazing as well, with anything from value rooms to penthouses available, all of which come furnished with a seating area and kitchenette to make you feel even more relaxed and at home. Still a little stressed? The Lux Eleven provides a spa and healing center that uses different programs and treatments, as well as plant-derived Aveda products to put you at ease, mind, body and soul. Shopping more the name of your game? Their Ulf Haines store offers pieces straight from the collection from big name designers like Balmain and Ann Demeulemeester and if spa treatments and shopping leave you hungry, the hotel also houses a meticulously decorated restaurant and bar that serves the finest in food and beverage. Check out the slideshow for a closer look ar Berlin’s simply gorgeous Lux Eleven hotel and start planning your perfectly peaceful getaway today!

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Influential International Style: Kate Lanphear

imageOh, to be Kate Lanphear! The acclaimed senior fashion editor at Elle and style icon to all urban girls everywhere manages to take grey and black and combine them, twist them, and surprise you with a few basic ingredients. Seriously, just do a quick Google image search – you’ll see Lanphear in jeans, t-shirts, blazers, and cashmere, and always looking chic. She’s a serious reminder that a minimalist closet can take you very far. Just stock up on a few key pieces and you’ll be on your merry way to super-star style status. Though Lanphear prefers Alexander Wang, Aussie Lee Supa Tubes jeans, and Balenciaga, there are definitely ways to achieve a similar look in your price range! Check out my slideshow for some starter pieces to an awesome style! Photo Credit: The Sartorialist

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