Shoe of the Week: Sam Edelman Portia Boots

imageOne spring trend I’m eagerly awaiting are perforations. Whether it’s a coy peekaboo effect on a dress or a unique visual texture for a purse, perforation details are in for spring 2010. Even celebrity stylist extraordinaire Rachel Zoe agrees with me! She handpicked the Sam Edelman Portia Boots on Piperlime and I can’t find any faults with her choice. The leather pull on boot has an easy going western feel yet the perforated shaft makes it distinctly feminine. Pair it with your favorite sundresses for a weekend picnic brunch or tuck a pair of jeans inside for days you need to run errands while looking put together. I love the distressed leather near the soles for a vintage look without worrying about pre-worn germs! Choose between black or brown, but I guarantee either will coordinate with any outfit you come up with.

What: the Sam Edelman Portia Boots
Price: $225
Where to Buy: Piperlime.com
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Sam Edelman Portia Boots to the Hive.

Saying Hello To Wavy Hair For Spring!

imageBeing of the Asian race, I have naturally straight, sleek hair. I’m not bragging though, because while many people have expressed envy over how little hair maintenance I am required to partake in, I’ve been personally envious of all the girls that have naturally full, voluminous wavy locks. Since straight hair has been the style for the past few years, I’ve been able to keep my jealousies to myself, but they recently announced that natural waves and curls are the new hair trend for Spring. I’ve always wanted gorgeous, cascading waves of hair and took this opportunity to immediately rush out and figure out how to manipulate my stick straight tresses into soft, shining curls without having to use an entire can of helmet-inducing hairspray. If you’re lucky enough to already have wavy locks, a little bit of curl enhancer somewhere in the daily hair care process is pretty much all you need to do to have a stylish, luscious coif. For those in the same boat as me, we may be facing curling irons, setting creams, hair extensions and a few less snoozes in the morning. Click on the slideshow to see some favorite wave enhancing, curl creating products and tools!

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Hot In The Hive: I Am A Stuffed Animal Buddy!

imageSo the other day, I was complaining to my main boy-toy that I wished he could be more comfortable to cuddle with. I told him he should be softer, or “plusher”, if you will. I wished that he would stop fidgeting and moving around or breathing when I was trying to have a relaxing snuggle with him. He told me that I’d be better off getting a stuffed animal. Great idea! Not a problem! A company called, “I Am A Stuffed Animal”, can turn any of us that have a skeletal structure and nerve-endings into soft, pliable stuffed animals that can take on even the biggest of bear hugs. Simply send in a picture of you or your friends’ likeness and have a plush version sent back! Besides making perfect snuggle-buddies, I Am A Stuffed Animal Buddies also make unique and fun gifts for friends and family of all ages, even if they aren’t usually a fan of stuffed animals. Soft, funny and totally one-of-a-kind, I Am A Stuffed Animal Buddy will soon be the only one you’ll need around for a good round of hugs and cuddles … or use it as a doppelganger to blame any mishaps on!

Price: $69.00
Who Found It: Idabone was first to add the I Am A Stuffed Animal Buddy to the Hive.

Be Spring Festive In Florals With The Help Of Stylehive’s Stylescopes!

imageSure, winter-friendly flowery patterns had their day back in the chilly season, but if you ask me, the term “winter floral” is kind of a fashion oxymoron in many cases. But don’t fret, flower children, it’s officially time to embrace floral print in the season it is destined to thrive! If you’re a skeptic who thinks floral is either too “grandma” or too “tablecloth” to suit your edgy style, you may find yourself mistaken — sexier details like cut-outs, off-the-shoulder sleeves, and sky-high wedges make the print too chic to save for the bingo table. If you’re a Libra, you may be fated to don a flirty floral dress on your next perfect-spring-day outing (lucky you), and Capricorns are destined to rock this pocketed tiered skirt (what a bargain, too!). Curious to see how the stars want you to spread the flower power this week? Check out your stylescope in the slideshow!

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Get Roped Into These Knitted Necklaces From Orly Genger and Jaclyn Mayer!

imageWhat happens when a jewelry designer and a sculptor collaborate? Well, it could create some monstrous and heavy jewelry, or it could create beautiful statement pieces you€™ll cherish forever. For this duo it€™s definitely the latter! Jaclyn Mayer and Orly Genger first paired up to create some jewelry souvenirs for the gift shop of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where the New York-based Genger was showing an installation consisting of thousands of feet of nylon climbing rope, which the artist had hand-knitted into sculptures. Now they continue to weave and braid industrial climbing ropes and fine chains into spectacular bracelets and necklaces. Designer, Victoria Bartlet was so taken by the pieces she commissioned them to make some pieces for her spring fashion show for her line VPL. The jewelry ranges from $150 to $210 (much more affordable than one of the artist sculptures that€™s shown at the MOMA) and are available at www.jaclynmayer.com. Check out the slideshow to see some of the spring collection.

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Recession Chic: Be Sunny-Stylish For Less With Sunglasses Under $30!

imageThe truth is, for the most part all sunglasses are created equal. Save for maybe the occasional diamond-studded or leather-trimmed pair, oftentimes it’s hard to tell the difference between a $5 pair and a $300 pair — same materials, same shape, same design — some just happen to have the designer stamp of approval and the accompanying triple-digit price tag. And while it’s certainly nice to have at least one pair of expensive sunglasses in your arsenal of shades, there are just too many resurgent retro-inspired trends worth trying on — cat-eye, circular, etc — to justify spending that much on a whole collection of season-approved shades. Luckily for us recessionistas, there are plenty of trendy pairs of sunglasses on the shelves for less than $30, and unless you’re looking closely for an obnoxious Tory Burch monogram or a cursive Ray Ban signature on the lens, no one will be able to tell they’re not designer! Check the slideshow for 10 pairs of shades to keep the sun at bay in style (and for less)!

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Hot In The Hive: Unii Cosmetics Makeup Palette

imageThere are plenty of moments where I say to myself, “why didn’t I think of that?” Founder of Unii Cosmetics, Minna Ha was frustrated by carrying a multitude of compacts when she traveled. She developed the Unii Palette which allows you to store all your favorite makeup products in one place. Minna’s solution is to depot your makeup (that means take the makeup pan out of the container), add a magnet to the bottom of the pan, place it in the palette, and you’re ready to go. Unlike other palettes, you’re not confined to specific pan sizes or brands so square pans and round pans can all live together in harmony. Minna even added a movable thumb grip so you can hold it with ease and the palette is even big enough to hold some slim makeup brushes. Depotting your makeup can be a little difficult so try it with an eyeshadow you don’t care about while following the included instructions. You can also find companies like MAC and Stila who sell individual refill pans which are more economical and eco-friendly too. Choose from five colors (my favorite is snow!) and buy multiples to organize by makeup looks and colors!

Price: $29
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Unii Cosmetics Makeup Palette to the Hive.

A Salute To Military Inspired Jackets!

imageWith sunnier days up ahead, many of us are already anticipating the lighter, skimpier outfits that we’ll get to wear soon. But hold up! Spring is beautiful and all, but it’s not quite summer, so don’t start eschewing warmth enhancing outerwear just yet. With fluid lines, loose draping and generally more voluminous silhouettes spotted for upcoming spring trends, another must-have staple for this season, the military jacket, is the perfect way to add some structure and create a waistline. From merely military ‘inspired’, with parallel button and epaulets, to marching in the front-lines with more literal and embellished styles, military jackets and outerwear are a classic that’s back again! Wear it over a flowing dress and some sweet heels, or really make your outfit stand at attention by pairing it with sleek leggings and studded booties. However you choose to style it, a military jacket is always a good way to add instant fashion cred to your daily ensemble. Check out the slideshow and give a salute to finding the military jacket perfect for your look!

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Bag Of The Week: Alexander Wang Pyramid Clutch

imageLeave it up to Alexander Wang to create a bag that somehow looks so “out there,” yet at the same time has the classic feel of a long-standing staple that simply belongs in your wardrobe! Aside from its revolutionary shape, the Darla Clutch isn’t too different from any trendy pebbled leather, zip-closure, studded handheld bag… but that pyramid shape takes the interest level up a few dozen notches. I mean, who says a clutch has to be rectangular anyway? It’s just as easy to hang on to as the square-shaped bags in your arsenal, and hey — you might even be able to fit more night-out must-haves in it, as long as you don’t bust the zipper. But let’s face it — this bag’s primary focus is lookin’ fine, not being functional… but my guess is that it’s a multitasker! And at $490, I sure hope it’s more than just eye candy!

What: the Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch
Price: $490
Where to Buy: Shopbop
Who Found it: xgalexy was the first to add the Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch to the Hive.

Neon Accents For A Trendy Home!

imageWho knew that neon would be a trend that would not only make a come-back, but also revamp itself and stay for the long haul. From trendy streetwear, with the likes of Rihanna and Beyonce taking it to a whole new level with neon nails, clothing and accessories, to design house giants like Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana sending the trend strutting down runways, neon has taken over like never before. Why not take the look and add the same pop of color and energy to the home? While head to toe, wall to wall neon is better left to the uber trendy and hip youngsters (and electric eels), take a cue from your closet and add a few neon accents to your living room, bedroom or study to give your place a quick jolt of color and style. Click on the slideshow to see some of our favorite neon home accessories!

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