Look Gorgeously Down-To-Earth With Beaded Tribal Jewelry!

imageYou may think that the whole boho-chic thing really isn’t your thing, but there’s a way to incorporate earthy style without the knee-length skirts and peasant tops. Tribal-influenced beaded jewelry is flattering on everyone because the color possibilities and patterns are nearly endless. Plus, it’s versatile enough as an accessory that you don’t need to plan your entire outfit around it in order to pull it off, unlike those ridiculously expensive and impractical shoes you bought last week. With intricate styles like Aztec-inspired patterns, Native American style feathered embellishments, and African seed-beaded fringe, looking back to one’s roots never looked better! What I love most about tribal-inspired jewelry is that it allows you to add glitz while still managing to look natural and earthy — so you can dress up your daytime look almost effortlessly without looking overdone. Take a look at the slideshow for my picks!

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Doin’ It Big With Oversized Bows!

imageWhen it comes to clothing and accessories, bows have long been seen as a symbol of femininity with their pretty loops and swirls looking decidedly girly and sweet. Bows have been used to adorn everything from shoes to shirts, helping give them a flirty and fun vibe. Lately though, bows haven’t just been a side accessory, instead they’re popping up large and in charge! Leave it to these crazy designers to take a simple classic and run with it, using big, solitary bows to add embellishment and interest to every type of garment and accessory, making pieces still feminine, but now also modern and sometimes edgy. When added to a classic pump, the shoe suddenly becomes sweet, but daring all at once. Or put a big bow on a simple, basic tee and make your once boring outfit into a trendy, hip ensemble. You could also seriously enhance your current outfits by investing in an oversized-bow belt. Click on the slideshow to see some of my favorite uses of the new big bow trend!

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Bag Of The Week: Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch

imageThe one thing I regret missing at New York Fashion Week was the Ports 1961 show. Granted, it was my first day at the tents and it took me a good 20 minutes to find the check-in tent. Not all was lost though as I did get to watch the live stream in the lobby. Launched in 2004, the relatively new brand already has a strong celebrity including Olivia Palermo, Debra Messing, and Sienna Miller. The structural influences on the clothes can be found in their accessories too. At first glance, the Envelope Clutch looks like a piece of origami, but the clever design reveals much more. The clutch can act as a bold statement piece despite the neutral color if you’re going to a lunch meeting or hold all your essentials when you’re spending the night on the town. The leather clutch has open sides but before you think all your valuables will fall out, there’s a zippered organza pouch inside to hold everything safely.

What: the Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch
Price: $495
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: facadeindreams was the first to add the Ports 1961 Envelope Clutch to the Hive.

Get Contemporary, Artsy Styled Versions Of Classic Literature Greats!

imageAs long as it takes to read a novel, it would only make sense for it to be pretty to look at. For the most part, classic reads tend to fall under the same cover category: plain, English-101 style. With the help of literature and art enthusiasts, new cover designs have made shelving favorites like Wuthering Heights and The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer more of a decorative statement rather than a storage method. As these types of renovations are commonly found near the you-need-one-more-thing bins near the checkout at novelty hipster stores like Urban Outfitters, contemporary renditions of classics have paved themselves a new market for old works. And although you should never judge a book by its cover, these titles were acclaimed well before their wardrobe change, so you can actually feature some books atop coffee tables and nightstands that are worth their beauty.

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Keep Your Keepsakes Close With A Casual-Cute Bucket Bag

imageBucket bags: they’re like the handbag version of a bad-habit enabler for all those on-the-go gals who just haphazardly throw items into their bottomless pit purses on their way out. They’re like the anti-messenger bag. They’re certainly not good for organizing, but they’re low-maintenance, roomy, and just so darn cute! Whether a tiny and compact pouchette, or a big leather version to fit all your tossed-in-at-the-last-minute loot, don’t let the simple shape fool you! Today’s trendiest bucket bags are tricked out with lots of studs, cinched by drawstring tassels, or brightened up with bold colors to make sure they’re anything but blah. Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of 8 of my favorite bucket bags!

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Label Love: Isabella Oliver 365

imageOne of the best things about being a girl is the fact that we get to wear pretty dresses all the time. Cocktail dresses and evening gowns are fun, but there’s nothing better than donning a beautiful and versatile day dress to look fabulous in for everything you do. No matter how simple or complicated, a dress instantly makes you look more presentable and put together. However, finding a stylish, flattering and comfortable day dress is not as easy as it sounds. Enter Isabella Oliver 365, the perfect dress for every day (and some nights) of the year. Interesting draping, stimulating prints, and fun, flirty silhouettes are done in classic black and whites, punched up with spring ready blues, greens and rose solids. Each piece is youthful and modern, yet elegant and appropriate for so many different occasions. Click on the slideshow to see the beautiful day dresses by Isabella Oliver 365.

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Hot In The Hive: Plug & Socket Rings

imageWe all remember fighting over those two-piece friendship necklaces in elementary school — you know, the ones with the heart split in half (one said “best,” the other “friend”), or the separate yin and yang necklaces that were reunited whenever you ran into each other on the playground. These Plug and Socket Rings from Artifacts by Casey put a unique spin on that childhood accessory. They’re certainly not as expected as two sides of the same heart when it comes to jewelry, but somehow they turn household electricity into something fashionably funky. Buy one for yourself and one for your equally fierce BFF, go for a “his and hers” deal, or keep them both for yourself (after all, a plug’s no good without a socket)!

Price: $180 for the plug, $150 for the socket (sold separately)
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Plug and Socket Rings to the Hive.

Get Crazy With Psychedelic Florals

imageThere were plenty of neutrals and army khaki on the spring runway to get your closet filled with basics. But if you’re looking to add a little punch to your wardrobe, the trend for you is spring’s bright prints. This season there was everything from little liberty prints to large tropical prints, but what really stood out is the psychedelic florals shown at Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Marni. Flower prints got some cool factor by going trippy and acid laced leaving the florals barely recognizable. While it’s still breezy out, throw on a printed dress with black tights for a girly, yet futurist feel. For an extra twist, try DKNY’s garden romper in a dizzying sequin floral print. Later in the summer, hit the beach in an extra large floral bandeau bikini, and hit the town in Single€™s watercolor printed strapless dress. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to leave a dizzying impression. Check out the SLIDESHOW to see more psychedelic floral prints.

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Buzzworthy Deals from Gap, Inhabit NY, Kooba Bags, and more!

imageSpring sales galore – shop away!

20% off Women’s, Men’s, and Maternity new arrival styles at GAP. Enter GAPNEW20 at checkout. Online only for a limited time. Jeans not included. Ends 4/8/10.

Save up to 70% at INHABITNY.com’s Women Cotton Sale + Free Shipping.

Take 30% off Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection, with code SFAMC through 4.6.10.

PacSun just launched their Spring Sale – 25% – 50% Off Select Items.

Shop the Kooba Handbag Collection – 15% off at stefaniBags.com– Enter Code: 15Off.

Save Up to 70% on Rachel Roy Dresses, Tops, Skirts, Pants, Jackets, Shoes, Jewelry and More! Plus Free Shipping on Orders of $75 or More!

Shop Tarte€™s Last Chance Sale and save 50% off select products at Sephora.com.

Sale up to 70% off at New York & Company plus $6 standard shipping. Enter code 2175 upon checkout.

Go Sleeveless For A Sexy Spin On Shirt Dresses!

imageIt’s fun to follow the newest trends and show off all the latest fashion styles, but there’s something to be said about a tried and true classic. A classic piece is timeless, flattering and never goes out of style. One of my favorite classics is the shirt or trenchcoat dress, a piece that’s versatile, feminine, and so easy to dress up or down. While the usual shirt dress is a little on the conservative (but still totally cute) side, it’s easy to add a little bit of sophisticated sex appeal and make it spring/summer ready. Simply go sleeveless! Baring a little skin makes you look and feel easy, breezy, and classically ready for some fun in the sun! Click on the slideshow to see some of my favorite sleeveless versions of the classic shirt dress!

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