Apr 16

Recession Chic: Flirty, Feminine Sundresses For Under $50!

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imageAsk any hot-blooded, straight guy what his favorite thing about summer is, and you might be surprised to know it’s not BBQs and Ultimate Frisbee and not even baseball. Their favorite part of summer is all the girls in pretty, flirty sundresses. The thing about sundresses are that they show enough skin (since it’s for hotter weather and all), but the looser skirt and (usually) floral pattern make them feminine and cute as opposed to sultry and sensual. Day dresses are the perfect garment for a hot, sunny day and look equally good paired with flats or heels. They’re girly, flattering and can be very easy on the wallet too. Click on the slideshow to see my favorite sweetly sexy sundresses for $50 or less!

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Apr 16

Hot In The Hive: Portable Sewing Machine

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imageWhen watching my favorite reality TV show, Project Runway, I’m always amazed at how quickly all the designers can sew! Of course, sometimes the quality and taste level can be questionable, but I still marvel at their skill with a sewing machine. I’ve been accustomed to taking my clothing to a tailor if I need to hem my jeans or shorten jacket sleeves, but sometimes I want to try my hand at a simple project like making a tote bag or cosmetic pouch. Looking at home sewing machines I found that they can cost over $100! And I have to admit that I pick up and drop hobbies as quickly as fleeting trends, I definitely need a more affordable option. I found the Portable Sewing Machine from Urban Outfitters that’s only $24! The ultra portable machine comes with everything you need you get started on whatever design project you can think of. Just remember to thank me when you’re a big shot designer.

Price: $24
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Portable Sewing Machine to the Hive.

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Apr 15

Be A Square With Sexy, Geometric Cut-Outs!

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imageUsually, being a square means you’re a little uptight or need to add a little adventure and edge into your life. Now, squares and other angular shapes are the modern way to add interest and sex appeal to any ensemble. Apparel with geometric cut-outs are taking over by storm, and for a good reason. A classic LBD gets added sensuality with cut-out sides, while a basic tee is instantly more hip and sexy with strategic pieces missing. Try a cut-out sweater to wear over an outfit if you’re apprehensive about showing a little too much, or move it to the back for a unique and provocative twist on the current backless trend! Want to give it a try, but not sure how? Click on the slideshow for some ideas on how to add trendy, sexy geometric cut-out details into your own wardrobe!

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Apr 15

Bag Of The Week: Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag

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imageWhile based on size alone, this particular Antik Batik bag wouldn’t immediately be my ideal purse of choice (I like to carry a lot of stuff with me), the fact that I can’t stop looking at it has me tempted to branch out to smaller and cuter things. I mean… hot pink snakeskin?! It sounds like overkill, but its that compact size that keeps it from being an oversized eyesore. Since it’s mini, it can afford to be Barbie-bright (plus I love the tab closure!)… though the smaller the size, the less likely I am to spend the big bucks on something that lacks the storage room. But hey, if someone wanted to buy it for me, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed!

What: the Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag
Price: $252
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Antik Batik Havana Mini Bag to the Hive.

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Apr 15

Rack, Hang, Lay And Store Your Jewelry On Some Artful Attractions!

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imageRacks, boxes, stands and trays might not be on the top of your wishlist – until you become frustrated with a drawer full of tangled, clumped chains and charms. However, organizing elements have made a significant improvement in the design department, making these gems of containers and hangers irresistible! The creative knick-knack sculptors who have finally made practical use of their cute designs have no idea how grateful I am for the precious organizational art pieces! My dangling feather earrings are huge fans of the jewelry trees aplenty, while my rings are dish-girls all the way. Jewelery-hanging wall fixtures are perfect for keeping things accessible, yet out of the way, although I prefer to decorate my dresser space with serviceable trinkets like this! Creativity, however, is in the eye of the beholder — any old cute thing to put stuff in can keep you happy, organized and jewelry-clump free!

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Apr 14

The Return of Minimalism Inspired By Newcomer Designer Wayne

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imageDesigners have rediscovered that less is more all over again for Spring 2010. While it’s no surprise that some of the dominant forces of the trend came from 90’s designers like Donna Karan and Calvin Klein, they weren€™t the only ones pioneering the trend. Phoebe Philo’s triumphant return to fashion at the helm of the French brand Celine had a distinct minimalist look, as did Yves Saint Laurent and relative newcomer Wayne Lee. This isn’t the strict androgynous minimalism of the 90s; think of it more like minimalism “light”. Clean color palates and crisp lines are given a feminine edge with draped jersey dresses and billowing chiffon skirts at Donna Karan. At Wayne’s Fall 2010 line, tough cut out pants and strict blazers were given a sense of newness with the touch of chartreuse and soft cowl neck tops. With the few right pieces this trend ensures you some fuss free dressing, and since minimal hair and make-up looks work great with the trend, you might just be able to hit snooze one more time in the morning.

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Apr 14

Strut Stylishly In Spring Suede Heels

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imageSuede heels certainly warmed up the winter months with the ever-evolving ankle boot trend, platform pump, and modernized takes on the classic Mary Jane, to name a few styles. But just because you have a closet full of last season’s suede doesn’t mean the material isn’t suitable for a spring or summer shoe wardrobe as well! With fresh and bright spring-friendly colors, summery cut-outs, and sky-high heeled sandals, suede proves to be truly seasonless when it comes to shoe trends! Suitable for day or night, suede provides a softer alternative to patent while still allowing you to be fancy with ruffles, laces, and fringe. Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of spring and summer-approved suede shoes!

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Apr 14

Label Love: Fall In Love With Tie Dye By Shabd

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imageGrowing up in San Francisco makes me no stranger to the aging hippies from the 1960s and the colorful tie-dye shirts they like to wear. While they’re fun to look at, they never conveyed the feeling of sophistication I like to strive for. Fashion is all about changing people’s minds (afterall, I didn’t like leggings when they first popped up and now I can’t imagine life without them!) and that’s why designer Shabd Simon-Alexander has definitely changed my view on tie-dye. The Brooklyn based designer hand-dyes her collection of tank tops, tee shirts, and even tights all made with quality fabrics such as silk charmeuse and organic cotton. The garments aren’t your typical tie-dye rings, but are inspired by Hubble telescope images of space or abstract drawings done by her young niece. Shabd’s clothing designs were originally a side project to pay the bills while attending NYU, but it’s obvious that it’s a full-time talent. Take a look at my slideshow to see her Spring 2010 collection!

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Apr 14

Hot In The Hive: Bottle Opener Ring!

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imageThey say the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. How about through beer? Be ready at all times to crack a few cold ones with this unique Bottle Opener Ring from Urban Outfitters and impress that cutie you have your eye on (or just have a refreshment for yourself)! Not a drinker? The Bottle Opener isn’t just for alcoholic beverages and is perfect for any bottled refreshment, anywhere. The sleek stainless steel construction and its functional design gives it an edgy, industrial vibe. Not only is it stylish, practical and versatile, but also easy on the wallet. At only $8.00 a piece, buy one for yourself, a friend, or the cutie you have your eye on (and have him open his own beers!).

Price: $8.00
Who Found It: Idabone was first to add the Bottle Opener Ring to the Hive.

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Apr 13

Buzzworthy Deals from Linea Pelle, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and More!

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imageA fab bag, makeup madness, and hard-to-find designer sale!

Take 15% OFF the New Linea Pelle bag Alex with code LPALEX – through 4/30/2010.

Last chance: Urban Outfitter’s $5 sale!

Sephora Beauty Insiders get 15% off their entire purchase on Sephora.com with promotion code BI15.

Check out Acrimony boutique’s sale with hard to find designers like Quail, Funktional, and April 77 denim.

ASOS.com has a mid-season sale up to 70%!

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