May 14

American Apparel’s Racer Back Dress Is Your Double-Duty Summer Basic

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imageI love American Apparel and their comfy jersey knit basics. From their basic crew neck tees, to their sleek leggings and edgy shift dresses, what’s not to love? And yes, this is the brand known for its sweat-shop free fair labor manufacturing – made in Downtown LA. Their latest wardrobe gem is the rib racerback dress, which can be worn in so many different ways, you’ll be wearing it all summer long. Work it with a slouchy belted cardigan and leggings. For ultra-warm weather, pair with just a pair of Havaianas flip-flops. This is the ultimate dress for un-layering. The American Apparel rib racerback dress is a true value, perfectly priced at $26. Check out more summer must-haves from our friends at TheFind!
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May 14

Blast From The Past: Jellies Make A Comeback!

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imageJellies are as endemic to summer as ice cream truck jingles, kickball, and sparklers at twilight. For so many of us, the bright colors and strappy designs of this childhood staple were an early way to make a fashion statement, as well as a reason to beg to be allowed to wear nail polish (or sneak it when your parents weren’t looking). We left them somewhere between 5th and 6th grade, when Keds or more grown-up leather sandals took over and jellies were relegated to either younger siblings or the “outgrown” bin. And, like going from lowly camper to bonafide junior counselor, you never really looked back. At least, that is, until recent years when a passion for all things retro and simple has come surging back and your favorite rubber footies have been reinterpreted by fashion favorites from on-high (Givenchy, Jimmy Choo) to the more affordable (Asos). Check out the slideshow to see if they can entice you once again!

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May 14

Kick Around In A Pair Of Loafers This Summer

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imageThe fail-safe shoes known as the loafers haven’t changed much over the past 10 years. They are simple, masculine and may be great for warmer weather, but these classic shoes are appropriate for year-round use. Loafers are one of the most effortless pieces of footwear a man can have in his wardrobe. I mean, all you have to do is slip them on and go. It can’t get any easier than that. I am proud of my sole pair of Ferragamo loafers. In fact, they are one of my most coveted items in my closet. I keep them in a fireproof safe in there. They are uncomplicated, black and are beautifully constructed (what pair of Italian shoes aren’t?). If Ferragamo isn’t your cup of tea, go for the classicism of Gucci horse-bit loafers or the modernized Johnston & Murphy tassle loafer. But if you’re one of those guys who want your feet to get attention, opt for the blue Cole Haan penny loafers or the zest of Ted Baker’s Aglio loafers. Need something a little more flashy, yet subtle? Bottega Veneta has some basket woven kicks for you. Then there is the whole issue on whether to go sock-less when wearing loafers. There’s no crime in showing some ankle, but if you’re like me and have an irrational fear of going nude below the ankles, Banana Republic has the perfect remedy: no-show loafer socks. Here are some other loafer ideas to kick around.

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May 13

Change Last Year’s Trendy Maxi Dress To This Season’s Mini Dress In 30 Minutes!

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imageSummer 2008 was the summer of the maxi dress, sweet and long, with a full, feminine skirt, and sometimes with a naughty plunging neckline. This dress was on the runways, on celebrities, and in stores everywhere from cheapies at Forever 21 to high-end Donna Karan. I have to admit that I also had a summer maxi dress, one that I nabbed from H&M for a mere $12.90! But now what’s a gal to do in summer 2009 when flirty, short skirts and mini dresses are the new trend? Like any budget-minded crafty girl, I’m ready to take to the scissors and sewing machine. This alteration draws inspiration from the spring 2009 runway shows of Anna Sui, BCBG Max Azria, and Marc by Marc Jacobs. These little dresses are so perfect to wear with a belt or under cropped cardigans and shirts. To convert our maxi, we’re going to use a technique called draping. For this project, you will need either a dress form or a friend to wear your dress while you drape or reposition the skirt and pin it into place. Put on your designer’s cap for a bit as you move the dress to design the best skirt shape for you!
Click over to the Craftzine.com blog for the full step-by-step instructions on converting your dress in a snap!
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May 13

Update Your Room’s Look With Just One Piece!

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imageMaybe it was that furniture design class I took in college, or maybe it was my mom allowing me to re-layout my room every few months, but I love me some small home updates. Whether it’s a simple rearrangement or a bold change, nothing can freshen your outlook faster. I challenged myself to gather a few snazzy, well-designed, conversation pieces of furniture to brighten up a room, all under $450. Imagine giving your bedroom a sense of Old Hollywood glamour simply by placing Target’s Button-Tufted Chaise Settee at an angle. Or spice up your studio with Target’s Small Room Divider in Espresso. It’s a great way to organize some of your media, but also give your room a little more flair. Check out my slideshow for other great room-spicing options!

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May 12

“Gossip Girl” Style At Target, Coming Soon!

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imageTalking-Gossip.com has a major Fashion Alert for all you “Gossip Girl” style lovers. Famous fashion designer Anna Sui has teamed up with one of our favorite stores, Target, for their designer collaboration series and her inspiration is coming from none other than the “Gossip” girls! The four main girls (Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa) will inspire pieces for the collection so you’ll be able to dress like your favorite “Gossip Girl” at a cost that’s perfect for a small budget! Anna has said that the pieces will reflect the individual styles of the characters while also incorporating a sense of New York City. The collection will be available from September 13th to October 17th. Happy shopping!

See more style and entertainment stories from our friends at SOAPnet!
Photo credit: PR Photos

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May 12

Unique Toothbrush Holders For Your Stylish Bathroom

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imageI love being invited to other people’s home not only for their amazing company, but to also get different home decor inspiration. I would have never thought of pairing a zebra print rug with leopard print pillows on a solid couch! Of course in these visits, one always has to use the restroom and it’s in the bathroom where you really get a sense of your hosts. Are they neat and tidy with everything in it’s place? Or are the towels all mixed up and beauty items all over the counter? My latest home decor organization obsession is with toothbrush holders. So some people use an old mug or the grimy metal one that came built-in with the bathroom. If that sounds like you, then I’ve got a ton of unique toothbrush holders you’d be proud to show off. From the quirky stag toothbrush holder from PerpetualKid.com to a chic coral reef inspired one, who knew you could have a conversation showpiece right in your bathroom? Take a look at my slideshow for more unique toothbrush holders!

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May 12

Stella McCartney And Sir Peter Blake Team Up For Exclusive Net-A-Porter Capsule Collection

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imageCapsule collections are the new black. Alexander Wang has his T line and an upcoming partnership with the Gap, Jason Wu has “The Exclusive,” an 8 piece classic line, and now Stella McCartney has hers. This week marks the unveiling of her exclusive capsule collection for Net-a-porter.com. The limited edition collection for Summer ’09 includes a partnership on one original print with British pop artist Sir Peter Blake. The collection unveils its 4 parts: Magnolia, Poem, Island, and Kites with four films in four days starting on May 5th. The collection is meant to be mixed and matched to create that perfectly undone, done look. Other videos on the site include interviews with Stella where she speaks about her inspiration and her favorite piece from the line (the Sir Peter Blake cloud print espadrille wedge) and her collaboration with Blake. The collection is available now at net-a-porter.com and will be there till it’s gone- but hurry! Some items are already sold out! Check out the slideshow to see some highlights.

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May 11

Go From A Museum Tour To Suntanning At The Beach In A Pinch

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imageQuite often, you’ll find me lamenting the fact that we never have enough hours in the day. There seems to be so little time for everything we need to do that we’re multi-tasking at every moment. From watching tv, reading the latest blogs, and catching up with a friend on the phone all at the same time, it can get hectic. If that sounds like you, then you’ve probably had moments where you needed your clothes to multi-task too! Consider this possible scenario: you’re heading to a museum for a fun day of art and culture and you also have a beach party to go to later in the afternoon. Of course, you don’t have the time to go home and change in between. What’s a girl to do? All you need is a wrap dress, a boyfriend blazer, and other simple items! With the right outfit, adding and subtracting jewelry and other accessories, you can fit right in at the museum yet still look beach appropriate later. Check out my slideshow to see how it’s done!

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May 11

Enter To Win The “Niam” Scarf (A $100 Value) From The Designers Of A Peace Treaty!

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imageHave you ever had the misfortune of sitting in the midst a heated conversation with completely opposing view points from both sides? It’s enough for someone to throw in the towel and give up any hope on an agreement. All politics aside, designers Farah Malik, a Pakistani Muslim, and Dana Arbib, a Libyan Jew went against the odds with their line A Peace Treaty. Arbib and Malik met while living in Rome where they discovered they share a love for fashion and handcrafted goods. They started A Peace Treaty, a line of scarves, stoles and neckerchiefs that also creates employment for skilled artisans working in places of socio-political strife. In fact, the company travels to a different location every season so different local artisans can make their accessories. Watch the video to learn more about the designers and read on to see how you can win a scarf from their collection!
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