Graduation Dresses That Are Too Cute To Be Covered By Your Cap And Gown!

imageIf I had to pick one of the most unfashionable inventions ever, it’s the graduation gown. Forcing kids to wear them on their big special day just seems like a cruel and unusual tradition that will never die. Sure, it makes your entire class look uniform like a big army of ants or a school of fish (depending on what horrendous color of the rainbow you’re forced to don for the sake of school spirit), but it’s just not the cutest way to embark upon the next chapter of your life. The only way to somewhat make up for this tragically dowdy damper of Grad Day joy is to ensure that what you’re wearing underneath your gown is cute and festive enough to have you ready for the post-ceremony celebrations in one second flat (because that’s how quickly you’ll be disposing of that frumpy sheath)! Whether your style is fun and floral for a summery morning commencement and brunch to follow, done-up and dramatic for a momentous evening occasion and post-party, or casual-cool for your small artsy school, I’ve found plenty of graduation dresses that will help you start your summer right, diploma in hand (and won’t make you look even bulkier under that gown)! Check out the slideshow for some of my favorite commencement day frocks!

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Pretty Things For Wedding Rings

imageYour most coveted matrimonial item needs a safe place to get it across the aisle from start to finish. It’s all in the hands of your very trustworthy four-old-nephew, so no worries, right? You’ll probably want to ease your mind a bit with a practical pillow, box, or some kind of protective cushion to help the little tyke deliver your precious goods. A classic ring bearer’s aid usually brings to mind a blanched-white square puff with a security ribbon fashioned into a simple bow, but if you’ve got something a bit more crafty in mind, there are more creative options to transport your symbols of everlasting love. Check out these soft picks to add a little flare to your wedding’s formal fineness.

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Skinny Stackable Bracelets For Summer!

imageI recently went for a browse at the Swarovski store and found that they had a great selection of bracelets that made me feel like I was visiting Japan. They were sooo adorably cute, it was hard for me to pick just one. I ended up deciding on the gold crystal-encrusted Green Bracelet ($125) because I just loved the little trees sparking in pink and purple and the reversible pink shiny epoxy on the other side. What’s great about it too is that it’s thin and dainty enough to wear with other bracelets and jewelry without having that piled on look. I love the idea of wearing a few different kinds of skinny bracelets all together to make up your own look! For other ideas, I also love the Euphoria Golden Shadow Bracelet, also from Swarovski, and the Lotus Bracelet from Nordstrom for a similar delicate look sans the bling. Check out the Coquette blog for more adorably chic trends for summer!

Hot In The Hive: Marais USA Flats and Sandals

imageI’m kinda, sorta really addicted to shoes. I base my outfits around what shoes I want to wear that day. I’ll skip lunch for a week to justify those awesome pumps that I have recently added to my collection. Discovering Marais USA can be likened to finding a new type of the same drug, upping the shoe addiction ante. It’s a sickness and I love it! Marais USA is based out of New York and designed and run by 2 ambitious young women in their early 20’s. Marais USA sells anything from flats to sandals to wedges. When the designers couldn’t find a variety of cute, versatile and chic daytime shoes, they made some themselves! The flats are elegant, the sandals are feminine and the heels are cute and practical. These simple and classic designs come in a whole spectrum of colors from basic black to eye-popping red and many in between. To top it all off, Marais USA is practical on the wallet too! All the shoes are made of either suede or patent leather, making them comfortable and luxurious and they start out at only $52 and all under $80! So for stylish, versatile shoes that boast comfort and long wear, check out Marais USA online and find your favorite style and color today!

Price: $52 – $72
Who Found It: idabone was first to add Cute Shoes from Marais USA to the Hive.

Steven Shein’s Hip New Streetwear Jewelry!

imageOne of the most innovative jewelers, Steven Shein, has launched his latest collection, now available at Karmaloop.com. Steven Shein is a Los Angeles based designer who has developed a colorful and innovative jewelry line informed equally by pop culture and formal design. Featured in international and national press, Steven Shein excites the senses with inventive collections desired by lovers of fashion and those who value original self-expression. Fans of the line include Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton, Hilary Duff, Kelly Osbourne, Avril Lavigne, Mika, Shwayze, Carmen Electra and Shakira. Shein’s new collection features a colorful, vibrant array of hip and unique pieces. Famous for his “stacked” designs, Shein includes many of these clutch fashion staples in the collection. The most eye-catching pieces from the collection are The Square Bangle, The Chain Link Earrings, The Shut The Fuck Up Stacked Necklace, The Big Lips Ring and The Diet Coke Head Ring. Check out the rest of the collection at Karmaloop.com.

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Buzzworthy Deals From C&C California, Ralph Lauren, Barneys, and more!

imageJust because Memorial Day is over, doesn’t mean the sales have to end! I know I definitely had to show some will power with my credit card, but some things can’t be avoided! If you missed this past weekend’s great sales, you still have a chance to show that recession who’s boss. Here are today’s Buzzworthy Deals! Click READ MORE to get all of them.

If you’re still looking for that great summer dress, check out Ralph Lauren‘s summer dress sale, and they’re also offering free shipping on orders more than $175.

As if you didn’t know already, Nordstrom is having their pre-sale right now, and their big half-yearly sale starting May 27.

Shop The Semi-Annual Sale Now at VictoriasSecret.com.

Corsets, Not Just For The Bedroom!

imageWomen want to look sexy. Elegant… and sexy. Sophisticated… and sexy. It doesn’t matter what your style is, or what you are trying to convey through your clothing– the bottom line is that you can always work a little something sexy into your look. The uniform for instant sexy would have to be corsets and bustiers. They were used in the 1800’s because they gave women such a great shape. An uncomfortable one, but a great one. 1950’s pin-ups are always shown in corsets, lacy satins and fishnets. They are the epitome of female sexiness. That’s wonderful and all, but outside the bedroom and Halloween, where is it ever appropriate to don a skin-tight, laced-up, lacy, bosom-baring satin top? Nowhere, frankly. But now you can get the look and image of sexiness that corsets give, but still be comfortable and day appropriate. Where them under a cardigan and a great pair of jeans for a sexy and sweet weekend get-up, or under a blazer and with some great heels to add spark to the work place! School, work or meeting the boyfriend’s parents, check out the slideshow for some great ideas that will leave you looking sexy but appropriate for anything that may come along in your busy day.

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Mineral Color by Prescriptives

imageI’ve been waiting for my favorite makeup brand Prescriptives Mineral colors since I first heard about them… and now they are here! The new line “Minerals for face, eyes and lips” is bringing the principle of minerals into a vibrant color collection for spring. The limited edition collection comes in easy to use kits with step-by-step instructions. The secret ingredient to their make-up? R.E.C.: Radiance Emitting Crystals. These crazy little crystals, a combination of amethyst, rose quartz and calcite, absorb and reflect the light making you look like you’re glowing from within. There’s the Making Faces Mineral Kit that is made to enhance and illuminate the skin with its Loose Lighting Powder and a Mineral Color for Cheeks. The powders go on silky smooth and are mistake proof to apply (no more streaky 80s blush!). The Making Eyes Mineral Kit comes in warm and cool and includes a trio of shades to create a perfect eye every time. A mineral bronzer and a high shine lip-gloss round out the collection. All the products are oil free, talc free and fragrance free to make them easy on your skin. Prices range from $17 for the lip gloss to $37.50 for the kits. Get them now while they last at Prescriptives counters and prescriptives.com.

The Summer “It” Accessory: An Everything-Proof iPod Speaker Case

imageHanging out by the beach/lake/pool sans tune-age is no fun, but neither is accidentally drowning your hapless iPod. Sure, there are protective iPod cases, and there are hardly waterproof portable speaker systems, but going with just one or the other is bound to leave your tunes either safely covered but too quiet to liven up a pool party, or a disaster waiting to happen once the splashes start up. Instead, pack this clever water-/spill-/shatter-proof “Ego Ice” iPod Sound Case which also floats! This handy contraption fits the iPod Classic, iPod Photo, iPod Video & all iPod Nanos. Grab one for yourself in preparation for summer at Otterbox.com. For more fashionably techie finds, make sure to click on over to Fashiontribes!

Expert Tips To Get ‘Bang’ For Your Buck!

imageThin and wispy, bold and blunt, long and side-swept– bangs are totally back and this must-have hairstyle is such an easy way to update your look. The one drawback with this style is that bangs grow out super fast and in these tough economic times, making regular salon visits isn’t exactly wallet-friendly. Fortunately, you can maintain this look without breaking the bank. Celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso says, “I think it is always best to leave the cutting up to the professionals. However, if a women is dead-set on cutting her own bangs, there are definitely a few simple steps she can take to create and maintain brilliant fringe.” To keep your bangs looking salon-perfect longer without frequent appointments, Kevin has shared some amazing easy-to-follow, low-maintenance styling tips.

Tips to Create the Look:
-Wet hair tends to shrink as it dries, so you should only trim your bangs when hair is completely dry.
– Use the fine-toothed end of a styling comb to separate the front section of hair that you want to trim and pull it to a point in the center of your face. Use a jaw clip to hold excess hair aside.
– Twist the gathered hair several times (3-4 times). The twisting will offer more forgiving results and help to hide imperfections.
– Holding scissors at an angle, “point trim” tips until you have reached the desired length. To prevent over trimming, only cut a small amount of length off at a time.