Hasta La Ideas

Remember when they told us that horizontal stripes made you look fat? By all means, stay AWAY from horizontal stripes! That golden fashion rule was ingrained into our style-psyche for years and years until large black and white horizontal stripes became the next big trend and everyone couldn’t wait to walk around looking like pseudo-Parisians everyday, causing cravings for berets and lattes in all innocent on-lookers. The new stripe trend to hit is that of the vertical black and white stripe! Scientists are now saying that vertical stripes can be a frenemy in the “looking fat” department, but runway giants like Gucci, Herve Leger by Max Azria, and Ann Demeulemeester have all embraced the trend. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather take fashion advice from the fashion experts! Black and white is a classic contrast combination and is only punched up more by the visually exciting look of vertical stripes. The pattern is versatile and looks great in a lightweight wool for a structured blazer, or a gauzy chiffon for a flirty yet sophisticated day-to-night dress. Vertical stripes are also great for elongating the figure and can make legs look like they go on forever! The trick is to not wear super thin vertical stripes close together. This will cause a visual sensory overload and you run the risk of looking like a wobbly optical illusion. Stripes in varying widths is the most flattering such as wide black stripes and thin white ones for example, or look for stripes that have a slight diagonal tilt to it. If you like what you see but want to take it for a test-drive first, opt for accessories like bags, scarves or hats that feature the vertical stripe pattern. Really be a trendsetter and try vertical stripes with this spring’s pop citrus colors!

You don’t need to be a Torah-toter to love Jewish rosaries. These religion-inspired beads have been popping up on cool kids everywhere (including their fearless leaders Agyness Deyn and the boys from MGMT). The (JEW)elery collection was started by Carlen Altman in her Brooklyn, NY, studio when she was inspired by vintage Catholic rosaries. As a nice little Jewish girl in BK, she couldn’t bring herself to wear a cross; hence the birth of Jewish rosaries. Each necklace is adorned with shapes like Stars of David, Hamsa hands and menorah charms. You can choose from an array of styles with names like “Chai Maintenance” for the discerning Jewess or Shiksa, or just a simple one from the “Classic” collection with a Star of David. These unusual necklaces come in both gold and silver with your choice of colored beads (personally I think the Jet shade has a great 80’s Madonna feel to it). The most recent collection comes in red, black, and even in-glow-in-the-dark (coolest thing ever!!). These are so kitschy and cool, even goyem like me can sport them! Check out the slideshow to see some of the styles and then head over to the Jewish Rosaries site to claim one (or a few) of your own!