Celebrate Warmer Weather With Turquoise!

imageWhen Pantone announced that turquoise (Pantone 15-5519 TCX to be exact) was to be the color of 2010, I was more than excited. Turquoise has always reminded me of vacationing in laid back destinations such as Morocco or the American South West. Best of all, turquoise is a flattering color for all skin tones! You can go for a bold look by choosing something like the BDG Basic Knit Tank Dress from Urban Outfitters with a stylish black leather jacket and boots. If you’re looking to use turquoise as a pop of color, check out the Ribbon Chain Bag from Topshop as a source of inspiration. Of course, you can also look slightly outside the box to turquoise beauty products too. I’m in love with the Shu Uemura Painting Eye Liner in Vivid Blue that will make your peepers stand out in the crowd. Click on the slideshow to see more turquoise looks!

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Recession Chic: Designer Denim for $100 Or Less!

imageJeans and denim have long been a wardrobe staple, especially here in the U.S. of A. As the go-to garment from cowboy casanovas to soccer moms, jeans have definitely enjoyed their time on the spotlight. Then, not too long ago, denim suddenly went designer. Instead of shelling over the same amount that you’d spend on a lunch date for a pair, many of us started giving up an arm and a leg for the newer more flattering cuts of designer denim. From skinny leg to straight, flared or distressed, denim went from comfortable casual wear to being appropriate for more fancy night outs and a way to show just how stylish you really are. Now that the new-ness of designer denim has worn off, it’s time to realize that, while the new denim make-over has jeans looking sexier and more flattering than ever, it’s just a change of style and the suddenly hefty price tags attached are quite unnecessary. Check out the slideshow to see some super stylish, uber-flattering designer denim in every style, for just a fraction of what some of the other labels are asking for!

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Hot In The Hive: 108 Time Box by Owen & Cloud

imageI work at a cool paper goods store on the weekends when I’m not sharing the best products from the hive. During the holidays, one of the most popular products flying off the shelves were calendars! In fact, people are still coming into the store to see if we have any left in stock. If you’re one of the people left out in the cold and don’t know what day of the week it is, the 108 Time Box is definitely for you. Why 108? Well, that’s the number of months that’s included in the box! That equals to 9 years which means that’s the last calendar you’ll have to buy for quite some time. Much like a tape dispenser, pull out the continuous roll of paper one month at a time to reveal each unique type-based design. Created by Taiwanese design duo Owen & Cloud, choose between a black or white box and enjoy 9 years worth of unique designs!

Price: $25
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the 108 Time Box to the Hive.

Doodle Prints For Spring Are Fun & Chic, Not Childish!

imageWhile most modern prints that have been making waves on the latest runways tend to be a little more elaborate than the haphazard scribbles in the margins of your notebook, the latest trend puts a whole new stylish spin on scrawling! Doodle prints add a dose of playfulness to your wardrobe and have a unique way of juxtaposing carefree whimsy and the more upscale aesthetic associated with designer fashion. From DKNY’s “Big Scribble” collection to Loeffler Randall’s scribble shorts, freehand doodles and scribbles are making their way from the page (and the preschool walls) to the racks! You know what they say — one person’s sidewalk chalk masterpiece is another person’s silk blouse! Okay, so maybe no one ever said that officially, but you just might adopt that mantra after seeing these prints! Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of my favorite doodle-print pieces!

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Bag Of The Week: Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-Body Bag

imageEver since cross-body designs started making it big in bag trends (and doing wonders in relieving our aching shoulders), I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect one. However, since compact size is key when it comes to cross-bodies, and I’m a sucker for all things oversized (more room for all my loot, of course), I have yet to find one that really makes me want to take the plunge and stray from my carry-all ways. This one from Banana Republic may not be my soul mate in bag form exactly, but it’s certainly got my attention! The bronzey-taupe is pretty, but I love the citron green for spring! The chain strap adds a fancier edge, and it can even be doubled to serve as a mini shoulder bag. And hey, at only $69.50, it’s the perfect low-risk start to your cross-body collection!

What: the Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-body Bag
Price: $69.50
Where to Buy: Banana Republic
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Banana Republic Chain Embossed Cross-body Bag to the Hive.

Bring The Great Outdoors Right Into Your Home!

imageNature is truly amazing with beautiful florals and foliage, sturdy rock structures and the most amazing animals and creatures. Many of us love the great outdoors and enjoy reveling in Mother Nature’s creations. But with busy schedules and instances of poor weather, not all of us can find time to spend outside. An easy solution? Bring the great outdoors into your own home! I’m not suggesting digging a pond in the middle of your living room, or luring in small woodland creatures into your kitchen. A few unique and beautifully made home accessories, like dinnerware, lighting and small furniture, that mimic Mother Nature’s talents are all you need to make your living space a nature loving haven! Check out my slideshow for examples!

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10 Long Layering Necklaces For Double The Styling Options!

imageI remember the last time long necklaces were super popular about five years ago… and sadly my just started college budget could hardly keep up with my desire to stay on-trend and collect one for each and every outfit in my wardrobe. In the wake of the bib necklace trend and the recent obsession with chunky stones and baubles, long necklaces are coming back, but this time in celebration of their refreshing versatility that last season’s more dramatic pieces tend to lack. While they can still certainly make a statement, the thinner design and less overwhelming presence allows you to wear a long necklace with almost any springtime outfit. After all, you can wear them long to add full-length glitz to a more basic top, or double-layer them for more concentrated attention at the neckline. Go sweet and retro-modern with an oversized pearl-and-chain necklace, or add a pop of color (or two, if you double it up!) with bright turquoise beads. Check the slideshow for my 10 favorite layering necklaces!

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Hot In The Hive: BookBook Laptop Case

imageI’ve always looked down on laptop bags because they’re not terribly functional beyond holding a laptop and it can also advertise that you’re carrying an expensive piece of technology! For those like me who wants something that provides a disguise yet also protects, the BookBook laptop case is a fantastic option. The BookBooks are unique and handmade leather laptop cases that looks like a vintage hardcover book. The hard exterior cover and spine along with plush velvet interior protect your MacBook Pro from your day to day adventures. The vintage facade provides extra protection if you ever choose to risk leaving your laptop (in its case, of course) at a cafe. Choose between black or red but no two are ever alike. Currently available only for the MacBook Pro, they may be expanding to include the forthcoming iPad. Much like hidden staircases and two way mirrors, the BookBook laptop case fits into any spy’s repertoire.

Price: $79.99
Who Found It: alopix was first to add the BookBook Laptop Case to the Hive.

Buzzworthy Deals From Linea Pelle, C&C California, Shopbop, And More!

image$40 off Linea Pelle, Victoria’s Secret swim sale…read on to see them all!

Take $40 off orders of $300 or more at Linea Pelle with code HIVERS40, now through 3/31!

Save an EXTRA 25% on Sale & Clearance at C&C California. Enter Code: CCMARX25 at Checkout.

Check out the latest 30-70% markdowns at shopbop.com – T by Alexander Wang, Mike & Chris, Current/Elliott, and more!

Take 25% off the fresh and flirty looks from Project Runway Season 2 alum Kara Janx through the end of March with code SPRING25! We’re loving the ruffled Kaylee top in of-the-moment leopard print, and the Amber dress in lush violet.

Ends Wednesday! 25% off swim at Victoria’s Secret. Use offer code VS25SWIM.

Save 25% off select Easter dresses at eDressMe with coupon code “easter25” through 3/24.

A Little Leather Goes A Long Way

imageAside from a leather jacket or leather shoes, leather (or faux leather) can be a difficult material to pull off. While head-to-toe leather is usually reserved for hard-core biker chicks and goth girls, and may be more scary than stylish, a little leather trim can go a long way. Added to simple basics like feminine cardigans or jackets, leather trim can add instant edge. It looks unique and fashionably daring when added to pants and would-be basic tops, and dangerously sexy on skirts and dresses. Leather trim is a interesting way to make a piece more modern or hip and definitely gets points in the ‘too cool for school’ department. So try adding a little bit of leather in your ensemble to give it a chic and tough vibe without feeling like Catwoman and her amazing (-ly uncomfortable looking) patent leather costume. Click on the slideshow for ideas on how to make a little leather trim work for you!

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