Vintage Fashionistas Pay Tribute To The Queen Of Swimwear

imageRose Marie Reid was the Queen of Swimwear in the 1950s, ruling an empire that produced 10,000 suits a day and posted sales of $14 million by 1958! Women loved her knack for hiding figure flaws and it was Rose Marie Reid who pioneered the use of tummy control panels, wire bra cups and the boning and adjustable straps that we enjoy in modern swimwear today. Plus she was a woman who stood by her convictions. Because she was Mormon, she refused to design immodest bathing suits. So while her company did ultimately create bikinis, Rose Marie Reid refused to participate in their design. For vintage fashionistas, an early authentic Rose Marie Reid swimsuit is a coveted find. Click the slideshow to see a fab little selection of her designs!

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Get That Edgy, Rocker-Inspired Look With Chain Accents!

imageTo chain or not to chain? These days, it’s not even a question! I used to picture a black, quilted Chanel bag with braided chain straps whenever I would hear about chains in fashion. Chanel chain straps are still feminine, but hint upon notes of edginess. With the influx of sexy-goth vampires and emo-rocker fashions, however, chains are now popping up everywhere from hair pieces to fancy footwear and all things in between! It’s not so much the single large strand like a Dookie Chain ala RunDMC or the early b-boy days, but rather multiple, skinny links of varying widths and lengths that are adorning clothes and accessories and popping up on every other photoshoot. Smaller, more delicate chains are all the rage right now and look great dangling from boots and pumps and really step up the air of danger in an outfit when placed on what would be basic tops or bottoms. Wear them on as many pieces as you’d like, or have it be the detail on just one. Sexy, edgy looks are in so check out the slideshow for some awesome chained pieces!

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Video Style Steal: Pink Goes Moto-Girlie In “Funhouse”

imageWhile Pink herself is right in the middle of her worldwide tour for her fifth studio album, Funhouse, her singles and in-your-face videos haven’t taken a break from their chart-topping around the rest of the globe. Her latest vid for the album’s title track is characteristically “Pink” in its rebellious tomboy vibes (after all, I don’t know many girlie-girls who would dare frolic through a burning junkyard, much less while dressed head-to-toe in white), yet her wardrobe is surprisingly flirty at the same time. Then again, who else would you expect to find the perfect balance between feminine lace and badass biker chick? I may never understand her love-hate relationship with husband Corey Hart, and I’ll be less likely to ever have the guts to be as bold as she is, but I can at least take a page or two from her book of style! With white distressed jeans and black belted boots, you can cop her outfit pretty easily — I just don’t recommend committing arson while you’re wearing it. Click “See Video” to watch the Funhouse in action, then check out the slideshow for a shop-friendly version of the full video outfit! Photo Credit: Vh1.com

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Double-Take Designs Have The Swagger Without The Insane Price Tag

imageLook fabulous in fast fashion with these mirror-image accessories inspired by a few of the most sought-after trends of this season. Heavy, layered, multi-strand statement necklaces that bring all focus to the neckline are very “in” at the moment and dominated the runway at shows like Lanvin and Burberry Prorsum. Forever 21 captured the essence of the floral fringe necklace with a very inspired look-alike. Not to be outdone by the statement necklace, designers made sure the foundation of every woman’s wardrobe, the shoes, also got special attention. At Balenciaga’s Resort 2009 collection the shoes were high, super strappy and sexy. Be sure to hit up a Bebe store for a nearly identical pair at a fraction of the price. YSL also gave us something to go-gaga over — caged booties. Check out Bakers’ interpretation and get the runway look for a not-so-runway price! When you’re done discount shopping, be sure to check out the Essence blog for more style steals!

March On With Our Top 5 Favorite Marching Band Jackets!

imageWhat do Jimi Hendrix, Christophe Decarnin of Balmain and Sienna Miller all have in common? They all love marching band style jackets! Beyonce and Rihanna have been spotted in the amazing (and very pricey) Balmain version and Sienna looked retro-cool in her Temperley London version. Finding an authentic vintage band jacket is hard to do, and sometimes the fit is less than flattering. Good thing designers have been turning out more modern and contemporary versions! Go subtle with some slight button or double-breasted detail, or go all out with some major gold trim and adornments. If you want to be truly authentic, check out Nasty Gal for a few great vintage styles. Check out the slideshow for our 5 favorite jackets that will keep you marching all fall long! Photo Credit: PR Photos

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Rewind: Revolve Clothing’s Outlet Site!

imageREVOLVEClothing.com has launched its invitation only designer outlet site called Rewind. Open to members only, Rewind offers off-season merchandise from top designers at deep discounts up to 80% off retail. It has pop-up sale events and a 24/7 outlet. Like REVOLVE, Rewind-Rewind.com offers unrivaled customer service with low flat-rate worldwide shipping, free returns, and live operator assistance. The $5 flat rate shipping can’t be beat! Past pop-up sales have included Paige Premium Denim, Cheap Monday, Riller & Fount, Paige Black Label, Voom by Joy Han. You can check them out by signing up for free membership with our friends at ShopDiary! Happy shopping!

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Hot In The Hive: Penguin Classics Illustrated By Ruben Toledo

imageFor the upcoming Fashion Week, you might not find me glued to the computer hitting the refresh button as the latest runway images come in. Instead, I’ll be curled up in my reading nook with a classic novel instead. (Just don’t tell my boss!) No worries, they are fashion related. Penguin Books is releasing three beloved classics, The Scarlet Letter, Wuthering Heights, and Pride and Prejudice all with brand new covers illustrated by artist Ruben Toledo. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because his wife Isabel designed the dress and coat First Lady Michelle Obama wore to the inauguration ceremony. Ruben is also a name in fashion with his illustrations that have appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Interview just to name a few. The fashion makeovers for the new covers are just what we needed with Hester Prynne’s tangled letter A scorning her from society, Elizabeth Bennet rejecting Mr. Darcy, and a mysterious Heathcliff lurking in the back cover of Wuthering Heights. So who says literature and fashion don’t mix?

Price: $16
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Penguin Classics Illustrated By Ruben Toledo to the Hive.

Belt It Like Mrs. Obama

imageI went shopping for a bit on Saturday and spotted at least 3 stylish young ladies sporting large belts over cardigans or jackets as spotted on our stylish First Lady Michelle Obama. In fact, this fall, the big belt is in thanks to Mrs. O! As featured in Vogue UK, Michelle Obama is a fan of oversized belts over sweaters, and with its flattering waist-cinching look, it’s no wonder why it’s been quick to catch on. One of my favorites for this fall is this two-in-one Anthropologie Puckered & Pleated Cardigan with built in wide belt ($128) which I can definitely see on our First Lady. It’s available in gray, black, or bright gold. How cute is it with the soft pink ruffled shirt pictured on the model?

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Napa Valley Getaway Resorts

imageIn need of something relaxing, romantic, and tasty? Perhaps it’s time for some time away in a valley famous for the production of great-tasting California-grapes. Perhaps it’s time for wine! The vintners of Napa Valley sure know a thing or two about viticulture, and the five million-or-so people a year who visit sure know a thing or two about picking a vacation destination. There’s a lot to see — and taste– from giant, well-known wineries to small, boutique wineries, so those with a thing for drinking have attractions abound to explore. Whether you’re just staying the night to sleep off a day of guzzling grape juice, or enjoying a weekend or more of first class accommodations, a peek at this slideshow will guide you to experiencing some of Napa County’s best-acclaimed resorts!

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Guitar Strings For A Good Cause

imageDo you love interesting jewelry? How about jewelry that supports a good cause? Now how about interesting jewelry that supports a good cause and is made from something that musicians like Ani DiFranco, Benji Madden, Carlos Santana or John Mayer have used? Wear Your Music creates unique bracelets from old guitar strings that would normally just get tossed. Musicians donate their used guitar strings to Wear Your Music, who then create bracelets from them and sells them, giving the proceeds to the charity of the musician’s choice. It’s a win-win situation for everyone: you get a cool bracelet with bragging rights that your favorite musician actually touched it, the landfills are a little less full, and charities benefit from the proceeds! Check out the impressive list of celebrity donors at the Wear Your Music site, and don’t forget to click over to Splendicity for the latest style updates!