Summer Style Staple: Flat Embellished Sandals

imageWhile flip-flops have undoubtedly gone trendy in their existence as a warm weather necessity in footwear (ie: the endless array of fancified Havaianas and those trusty and sturdy Rainbows), sometimes plain ol’ thong sandals can come off as too casual when it comes to making a statement, attending special occasions, or whenever simply donning your default slip-ons just won’t do. We watched gladiator and platform sandals take hold of every fashionista’s feet for kick-ass strappy style in the months prior, but now that June is nipping at our heels, flat sandals are getting jazzed up in the most creative ways to keep that element of dressed-up drama in a more comfortable, summer-friendly package that can be suitable for day and night. Chunky stones, chain straps, ruffles galore, and so much more — these sandals aren’t just for slipping on as an afterthought as you run out of the house for an emergency beat-the-heat smoothie. Embellished sandals are the perfect footwear for looking effortlessly put together and appropriately adorned from head to toe while still giving your feet room to breathe! You’re on your own when it comes to avoiding the funky foot tan lines, however! Check the slideshow for some of this season’s snazziest sandals!

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Decoupage A Colorful Pendant And Earrings Set!

imageSusan Beal is a contributor at Craftstylish, a site dedicated to do-it-yourself crafts and fashionable art projects! Below, she shares a fun how-to on decorating your own jewelry set! This fun, sparkly set of painted and embellished pendant and earrings was inspired by my super-talented friend Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica herself! I started with plain wood discs from the craft store and added elements from her new line of crafty delights, but you can fancy yours up with any visual imagery and details you like. You’ll need: Three wooden discs (I used one 1.5-inch circle and two 1-inch circles), acrylic paint, a paintbrush, jewelry adhesive, pendant bail, jump rings or soldered rings, three paper images of your choice, the same size or smaller than your discs, sharp scissors, craft glue, clear gloss varnish, three charms of your choice, rhinestones or other flat-backed embellishments, pliers, earring wires, a chain with a clasp. Click on over to Craftstylish for the full step-by-step instructions, along with loads of other inspiring do-it-yourself projects!

Hot In The Hive: Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpacks!

imageThey’re here! Fjallraven Kanken mini backpacks! Try saying that name three times fast! Fjallraven is a Swedish company that makes durable all-purpose backpacks and the Kanken minis are especially cute because… well, they’re mini! They come in a variety of colors so you can pick your favorite and they have an old school 90’s feel that harks back to those elementary school days. Just remember, it’s not cool unless you wear your straps on only one shoulder! The Kanken Minis hold a notebook, a few textbooks and a lunch perfectly so bring the little guy with you to school! Fjallraven is actually the Swedish word for “arctic fox” which is also the brand’s logo. It was named after the arctic fox because they are known for surviving the harsh Swedish winters. These bags, made of vinylon, can also withstand some heavy handling. These petite accessories are equipped with front reflectors, a detachable inner seat pocket and a side pocket as well. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini holds exactly what you need for a hike or camping excursion and is easy to manage and access. So whatever your everyday activities consist of, pack it up and take it with you in style!

Price: $75.00
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Fjallraven Kanken Mini Backpack to the Hive.

Bermuda Shorts To The Rescue For Summer Style

imageBermuda shorts are my summertime best friend. I wear shorts once in a while, but there’s definitely a time and place for that. Beach, yes. Work, probably not. Which is why Bermuda shorts are so genius. They’re basically a fashionable way to to hide your flaws, keep cool, and still achieve a dose of summer style. I love a wardrobe piece that allows you to be stylish, summery and professional. Pair your Bermuda shorts with a tunic blouse and a pair of embellished flat sandals. Not everyone should wear short shorts outside of the realm of surf and sand, so Bermudas are the way to go to reconcile the need to wear warm weather clothes with the need to be, um, modest. Head on over to TheFind for more summer style staples!

Influential International Style: Julia Restoin Roitfeld

imageMaybe at first blush you didn’t recognize the name of this style maven, but if you don’t already, you will soon know the grace and pedigree of Julia Restoin Roitfeld. To be fair, she had really great fashion upbringing. Her mother, Carine Roitfeld, is the editor-in-chief of French Vogue and formerly the business partner of Mario Testino and muse to Tom Ford, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. The Parsons-educated Julia was the face of Tom Ford‘s fragrance Black Orchid and her most recent campaign, this time for the new perfume Jil by Jil Sander, will be released soon. What differentiates Julia from most second-generation fashion editors (ahem, Bee Schaffer) is that she takes a unique perspective, and can change the idea you had about a piece of clothing. Like a leopard print tank, sequin miniskirt and oversize blazer. Says Julia, “Some people think that clothes are just things that you wear to cover yourself but I’m blown away because clothes to me are a sort of new pop art. Clothes can be either art or design but need a real purpose.” Check out my slideshow for ways to adopt Julia’s unique style to your wardrobe! Photo credit: PR Photos

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Marion Cotillard Proves Looks Can Kill With The Lady Dior Bag By Her Side

imageMove over, Audrey Tautou for Chanel — couture cinema is a hot trend in the advertising world, and Marion Cotillard (along with her covetable collection of Dior accessories) is the new face of these fashionable mini-films. Reunited with La Vie en Rose director Olivier Dahan, the dynamic duo seeks to make movie magic not for the sake of Oscar glory this time around, but for dramatizing Dior’s Lady Dior collection with a series of four mysteriously chic Film Noir-inspired installments. The first mini-film, “Lady Noire” includes all the best aspects of a good film noir flick from the muted colors to its fashionable femme fatale and slew of ridiculously well-dressed thugs — in fact, I have to admit I spent more time checking out the killer designer loot than attempting to follow its sly storyline. Check out the trailer below, then watch the full mini-film at the official Lady Dior site to get hooked on the four-part saga. If you’re really intrigued, you can even follow Lady Dior on Twitter for clues on cracking the case and news on the next upcoming installments!

Skinny Stackable Bracelets For Summer!

imageI recently went for a browse at the Swarovski store and found that they had a great selection of bracelets that made me feel like I was visiting Japan. They were sooo adorably cute, it was hard for me to pick just one. I ended up deciding on the gold crystal-encrusted Green Bracelet ($125) because I just loved the little trees sparking in pink and purple and the reversible pink shiny epoxy on the other side. What’s great about it too is that it’s thin and dainty enough to wear with other bracelets and jewelry without having that piled on look. I love the idea of wearing a few different kinds of skinny bracelets all together to make up your own look! For other ideas, I also love the Euphoria Golden Shadow Bracelet, also from Swarovski, and the Lotus Bracelet from Nordstrom for a similar delicate look sans the bling. Check out the Coquette blog for more adorably chic trends for summer!

Gotta Getaway? Engage All Your Senses With A Stay At The Five Hotel in Paris!

imageOnly in Paris would you be able to find a hotel that is modern, chic, cozy and quaint all at once. If you’re planning a trip to Paris, check out The Five Hotel. Located in the hip and happening Latin Quarter, The Five Hotel is within walking distance from great shopping and restaurants, as well as many must-see sightseeing locations. The night life in the Latin Quarter is famous and a great place for tourists to mingle with the local crowd. It’s not just the great location and nearby attractions that make The Five Hotel such a great choice, though. The Five Hotel is a sparkling gem that engages all five of your senses for the ultimate sensory stay. First, you choose a scent from 5 fragrance choices that will be used in your room. Your sense of touch is used through all the plush velvet and carpeting, slick ceramic stoneware and Chinese lacquer. Being in Paris, you taste buds are obviously going to enjoy the delicious French foods and pastries that are provided at The Five Hotel, especially their mouth-watering breakfasts featuring wonderful, crusty Viennese breads and buns from the famous Monge bakery, washed down with tea or coffee from the Mariage Freres brand with its unique flavors. The interior decorations and unique usage of lighting causes the place to shimmer and sparkle with optic fibre lights and star-studded ceilings, light sculptures and luminous glass desks that excite and please the eye. Lastly, your hearing is given a break in this quiet, secluded hotel that boasts double-glazed windows, producing a truly peaceful and restful environment. Check out the slideshow for more pics of The Five Hotel and book a room today!

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Steven Shein’s Hip New Streetwear Jewelry!

imageOne of the most innovative jewelers, Steven Shein, has launched his latest collection, now available at Karmaloop.com. Steven Shein is a Los Angeles based designer who has developed a colorful and innovative jewelry line informed equally by pop culture and formal design. Featured in international and national press, Steven Shein excites the senses with inventive collections desired by lovers of fashion and those who value original self-expression. Fans of the line include Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Mischa Barton, Hilary Duff, Kelly Osbourne, Avril Lavigne, Mika, Shwayze, Carmen Electra and Shakira. Shein’s new collection features a colorful, vibrant array of hip and unique pieces. Famous for his “stacked” designs, Shein includes many of these clutch fashion staples in the collection. The most eye-catching pieces from the collection are The Square Bangle, The Chain Link Earrings, The Shut The Fuck Up Stacked Necklace, The Big Lips Ring and The Diet Coke Head Ring. Check out the rest of the collection at Karmaloop.com.

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Corsets, Not Just For The Bedroom!

imageWomen want to look sexy. Elegant… and sexy. Sophisticated… and sexy. It doesn’t matter what your style is, or what you are trying to convey through your clothing– the bottom line is that you can always work a little something sexy into your look. The uniform for instant sexy would have to be corsets and bustiers. They were used in the 1800’s because they gave women such a great shape. An uncomfortable one, but a great one. 1950’s pin-ups are always shown in corsets, lacy satins and fishnets. They are the epitome of female sexiness. That’s wonderful and all, but outside the bedroom and Halloween, where is it ever appropriate to don a skin-tight, laced-up, lacy, bosom-baring satin top? Nowhere, frankly. But now you can get the look and image of sexiness that corsets give, but still be comfortable and day appropriate. Where them under a cardigan and a great pair of jeans for a sexy and sweet weekend get-up, or under a blazer and with some great heels to add spark to the work place! School, work or meeting the boyfriend’s parents, check out the slideshow for some great ideas that will leave you looking sexy but appropriate for anything that may come along in your busy day.

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