Hasta La Ideas

Remember when they told us that horizontal stripes made you look fat? By all means, stay AWAY from horizontal stripes! That golden fashion rule was ingrained into our style-psyche for years and years until large black and white horizontal stripes became the next big trend and everyone couldn’t wait to walk around looking like pseudo-Parisians everyday, causing cravings for berets and lattes in all innocent on-lookers. The new stripe trend to hit is that of the vertical black and white stripe! Scientists are now saying that vertical stripes can be a frenemy in the “looking fat” department, but runway giants like Gucci, Herve Leger by Max Azria, and Ann Demeulemeester have all embraced the trend. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather take fashion advice from the fashion experts! Black and white is a classic contrast combination and is only punched up more by the visually exciting look of vertical stripes. The pattern is versatile and looks great in a lightweight wool for a structured blazer, or a gauzy chiffon for a flirty yet sophisticated day-to-night dress. Vertical stripes are also great for elongating the figure and can make legs look like they go on forever! The trick is to not wear super thin vertical stripes close together. This will cause a visual sensory overload and you run the risk of looking like a wobbly optical illusion. Stripes in varying widths is the most flattering such as wide black stripes and thin white ones for example, or look for stripes that have a slight diagonal tilt to it. If you like what you see but want to take it for a test-drive first, opt for accessories like bags, scarves or hats that feature the vertical stripe pattern. Really be a trendsetter and try vertical stripes with this spring’s pop citrus colors!

Despite all the recent troubles in her life, Rihanna has managed to put on a brave (and very fashionable) face. There’s no better way to prove to everyone that you’re doing okay than by stepping out looking fierce and fabulous. Always chic in her rocker-glam look, she hit the scene in a sleek leather jacket, 80s bright red lipstick, and an oh-so-cool fringe necklace. While most of her look might cost you more than a year’s rent, Rihanna is savvy shopper just like the rest of us! At an affordable $126, the Buji Bijoux “Black Tie Optional” necklace is a lot of bang for its buck. This gold-plated sterling silver chain necklace is the perfect compliment to your tried and true black leather jacket. Get your own at Bujibijoux.com.

Want to know one of Hollywood€™s best-kept beauty secrets? I€™ll give you a clue, they€™re long and fake and I€™m not talking about Pam Anderson€™s hair extensions but you€™re close. Possibly one of the hottest things since sliced bread, I€™d like to introduce you to this year€™s rapidly growing beauty trend: Nova Lash extensions. So for those of you who are tired of wasting time applying thickening and lengthening mascaras to your lashes, Nova Lashes are the answer to your prayers. Although lash extensions have been around for about three years they only started to gain publicity amongst the average person fairly recently. Now almost every salon offers the service and at moderate prices that won€™t burn a hole in your wallet. They are applied on a lash-to-lash basis for a natural look and can last up to two months or more. Want to know more about lash extensions? Check out WhatsWear to see if it’s right for you!

By now you must know that yellow is THE color of the season. Fashion runways all over New York and Europe showed clothing and accessories in every shade from dandelion to canary, sunflower to goldenrod. And while Reese Witherspoon and Cate Blanchett have rocked stunning yellow dresses on the red carpet, most women I know still believe that yellow doesn’t look good on them. Au contraire! Anyone can wear any color; it’s just about picking the right shade to flatter your hair and skin tone. So while your brunette best friend might look great in a Crayola shade, if you’re a fair-skinned blonde, you’ll want to go a bit brighter. And if you’re still feeling afraid to wear little ol’ yellow, spice up your look with some sunshine-colored accessories or a print that has yellow as only one of its dominant hues. The slide show has loads of vintage finds to get you buttered up. Just click to see the selection!

I’m a girl who believes in wearing a fabulous leather jacket in all transitional seasons. Sure, it may seem like leather jackets should be reserved for fall and winter, but with 3/4 sleeve options and cute details, why not bust them out in the spring? They’ll protect you from the elements and bring a little bit of city chic to any outfit. Think cute details, swing styles, and above all, wearability! I love the look of Donna Karan’s asymmetrical zip jacket– it has just the perfect balance of feminine and flirtacious. For the girl who brings the sunshine, I think this Soca St. John ruffle leather jacket is just the ticket. Check out my slideshow for some cute leather jackets for spring!