Beauty / August 29, 2013

From the Office to Happy Hour: Transitioning to a Professional Wardrobe Tips

Building a professional wardrobe that’s affordable and timeless can be a difficult task but purchasing the right pieces can also be an investment.

Very often, your career will dictate a variety of social affairs such as attending an office meeting, company picnic, or even a happy hour.

To help us transition from the desk to a night out with our colleagues, I’ve provided a few dress options below for inspiration. The options shown take into consideration an individual’s personal style, figure type, and office setting.

Most importantly, one suggestion that I always recommend (to those seeking to build a professional wardrobe) is to shop a variety of brands that will help pull together the right professional wardrobe.

Transitioning to a Professional Wardrobe Tips

1. Pencil Skirt, Clutch Bag, and Stud Earrings

Professional Dress Tips by stylelifefashion featuring River Island

2. Peplum Top, Stilleto Pumps, Pearl Necklace

Professional Dress Tips #2 by stylelifefashion featuring a 14 karat white gold necklace

3. Large Cuff Bracelet, Leather Dress, and Red Black Lipstick

Professional Dress Tip #3 by stylelifefashion featuring gold heel pumps

4. Nude Nail Polish, Hoop Earrings, Tux Blazer

Professional Dress Tips #4 by stylelifefashion featuring an opi nail polish

Beauty / August 26, 2013

Ciara’s Paper Magazine Cover

Ciara looks glamorous on the cover of Paper Magazine. She’s wearing leopard heels, red lipstick, and sexy hot pants. Personally, I am loving her dark, hair!

Ciara’s style has elevated over the years and we are looking forward to her next fashion move. Photo taken from Huffington Post Style and Papermag.com

Accessories / August 26, 2013

VMA’s 2013 Fashionable Moments: The Editor’s Likes and Issues…Let’s Talk About It!

The Video Music Awards is one of the most fashionable moments where a music artist can shine.

Celebrities can push the limits while introducing a new trend or bring back a touch of “rock and roll” glamour.

And then there’s the select few that leave us confused and wondering what happened to their look. Needless to say, no matter how it’s addressed, fashion’s a huge component of the VMA’s and it’s always fun to recap the selections that we saw (on our television screens.)

Photos below are from Elle Magazine.

Ciara

My Like: The dress is very couture and her body looks great! The bead work mixed with orstrich feathers looks amazing. My Issue: This is very similiar to a look we have seen at another event.

Miley Cyrus

My Like: The beading stitched on the top and leggings looks gorgeous. My Issue: I am not sure what’s going on with her hairstyle (looks very pre – k) and maybe a pair of stilletos would’ve pulled this look together.

Taylor Swift

My Like: Taylor looks very grown up and elegant. My Issue: This entire look would be great for the Oscars. She could’ve pushed the limits a bit more.

Ellie Goulding

My Like: She did it just right! The spikes on her dress add a touch of rock and roll also her nude pumps are the exact shade of her dress which elongates her torso. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Rita Ora

My Like: The tail on this dress is very eye catching with orstrich feathers and a beautiful shade of blue. The bodice also stands out because it’s completely beaded with a plunging neckline. My Issue: This hairstyle has been seen on another artist (smile.)

Selena Gomez

My Like: She did it just right! Her hair style and dress fit looks perfect. And I like the trend of wearing a hint of lingerie. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Joan Smalls

My Like: The chanel boots look great with her legs and skirt length. My Issue: This look is a bit premature for the celebrity.

Lady Gaga

My Like: This is a very cohesive look. She gave us the exact amount of “goth” with a hint of feminity with an oversized bow and heart shape neckline. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

Jennifer Hudson

My Like: The houndstooth print (which I think is also leather) coordinates well with her skirt and pumps. My Issue: I don’t have any issues with this look!

For more VMA’s photos, visit Elle Magazine.com Opinions are welcomed; you can post below (smile.)

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / July 16, 2013

Style Life Fashion Interviews (Celebrity) Singer-Songwriter Dawn Richard

We had the opportunity to stop for a second and interview Dawn Richard (singer-songwriter.) You guys remember her from Making The Band 3 and she was also an artist with Bad Boy Records.

Now Dawn has released a new album and her look is “very serious!” She can (now) be seen wearing the latest couture, gracing magazine covers, or blowing up on social networking site such as Instagram. I was eager to discuss with Dawn her singer career, style, and musical inspirations.

Style Life Fashion Interviews Dawn Richard:

As an American songwriter and artist, when did you first start singing?

When I was 6 in church. My father was a choir director

Who are your musical inspirations (or what artist do you love?)

I love artist who aren’t musical but more visual. Marina Ambramovic, Gustav Klimt, and Charlie Chaplin

Where would you most like to perform?

Art Basil or Glastonbury

Aside from singing, what are your hidden talents?

I like to fly on Wednesdays

In terms of fashion, what are some of your favorite trends for this summer?

Hippie fringe and thigh high boots with minimal t shirts

How would you describe your personal style? What are some items you can’t live without?

Whatever works .. I can’t live without Givenchy thigh highs

Don’t forget to check her out on Instagram and Twitter

Beauty / June 6, 2013

How to Find Maternity Swimwear “That Suits” by Guest Contributor Sally Neal

Shopping for maternity clothes can be a nightmare. In fact, shopping for anything baby-related can be a pretty trying experience. From the day you find out you’re expecting, your house will gradually become full of scraps of paper on which you have listed the next ten things you need to buy. Your partner will watch in slow-mo horror as the balance in the joint bank account rapidly plummets from ‘acceptable’ to ‘getting slightly worried’. The spare room will be piled high with prams, Moses baskets, baby-grows donated by well-meaning friends and family and all sorts of other paraphernalia.

Not that I’m trying to put you off, rather I want to help you during such a busy time. Take a leaf out my book: don’t sweat the small stuff. For example, I spent a great deal of time trying on maternity swimming costumes and bikinis in the shops when I was expecting, only to realise that I could have found one on line. The Internet is a fantastic tool to use when you are pregnant, as there are loads of handy hints about what you need to do and lots of blogs which you can read.

I also felt under quite a lot of pressure to do a sufficient amount of exercise whilst pregnant. At first, I carried on with my normal light jogging routine, but after a while I found running was too much to contend with. Going for long walks sounded like an attractive option, but unfortunately I worked full time up until 8 months so I could not devote time to doing this. Then I found out that swimming was a viable alternative.

In terms of exercise, for example, swimming is one of the best ways a Mum-to-be can get the exercise she needs without overstretching. In terms of swimwear, fashion lines are much more au fait with flattering a pregnant wearer than a decade ago, hence there is a much wider choice of cossies to choose from. Comfort and flexibility make for a comfortable bikini or swim suit.

Here’s how to choose a swim suit to suit you:

-Pick a bikini or costume with adjustable straps to support your bust, should you need additional support in this area

– If you are feeling smaller on top, a halter neck bikini top will enhance your bust. Bright colours or ruffles will also help draw attention to the bust

-As many women are blessed with large hips, a heavily detailed swimsuit or a halter neck style works well to draw attention from this area. Should you opt for a bikini, wearing darker bottom halves will focus the eyes on the top

-If you have a boyish figure, choosing a low-leg swimsuit will make your body appear longer
So, grab a swimming costume and get rid of all that pregnancy stress by going for a swim. It can’t be that bad, as people do it again and again! In fact, I’m currently pregnant with baby number two! Better start writing some more lists…

Author Bio:

Sally Neal is busy trying to find a maternity bikini for her holiday this July!

Tori Spelling looking great pregnant wearing a two piece swimsuit

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / May 25, 2013

Hat Inspiration and The Great Gatsby Movie

Hello Ladies,

I have been curious about the timeless women’s hat that is worn in The Great Gasby movie. In case you too were wondering, I wanted to let you know the one I favor is called a “Cloche Bucket Bell” hat.

This blog post features a picture of me wearing one a while back that I purchased at Nordstrom inside of The Mall in Columbia. I like these hats because they can be worn casually (as in my picture) or you can dress them up and wear out with evening attire!

Drop me a comment and let me know your thoughts on this hat, or even tag me on Instagram @kpearl2 with a pic of you wearing one of these type of hats for a chance to have your pic featured in a larger upcoming blog post!

Kim

Celebrity / May 9, 2013

Tiffany & Co. Jewels “Star” in The Great Gatsby Movie

Director Baz Luhrmann’s film The Great Gatsby debuts on May 10, and with it, The Great Gatsby Collection by Tiffany & Co., inspired by the film and created in collaboration with Academy Award®-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin.

The spectacular jewelry is based on designs from the Tiffany Archives and worn by the film’s all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, who appear as Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. “The jewelry symbolizes the story’s themes of wealth and privilege, and we approached its design with the utmost style and luxury in mind,” said Jon King, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany’s dazzling creations illuminate the characters’ rarefied world of New York penthouses and Long Island estates. Ms. Mulligan’s Tiffany wardrobe includes tassel necklaces and jewels with lustrous conch pearls. At evening soirées her blond bob is circled with the Savoy, a headdress of diamonds and cultured pearls, and her gestures are accented by a hand ornament in a daisy motif and diamond rings with the Tiffany® Setting. The daisy is also featured in earrings of Tiffany Yellow Diamonds and a long-stemmed brooch.

Elizabeth Debicki, who plays Jordan Baker, wears chandelier earrings of rose-cut diamonds, bracelets of diamonds and seed pearls, and Art Deco-inspired rings of sapphires and diamonds in platinum. At posh parties her elegant ensembles are accented with fluid diamond necklaces and earrings of cushion-cut black onyx or emerald-cut aquamarines.

Mr. DiCaprio’s custom Brooks Brothers shirts are finished with oval cuff links of black or green enamel on 18 karat gold. Essentials such as a slender card case and flask in sterling silver fit smoothly in the pockets of his tailored linen suits and tuxedo.

For more about The Great Gatsby, visit www.thegreatgatsbymovie

Beyonce / April 15, 2013

Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign

Here’s our photo of the day! She’s done it again, take a look at Beyonce’s H&M (Bikini) Campaign.

According to the retailer, “The face of H&M’s summer campaign will be the global superstar Beyoncé. She will be wearing pieces from the H&M summer collection inspired by her style. It was shot on the beaches of the Bahamas and features both a print campaign and a commercial.”

Ladies, this is perfect motivation for summer! Let’s strive to look great and feel great.

Visit your local H&M (click here) to grab a cute and sexy bikini…

WATCH BEYONCE’S PROMOTIONAL VIDEO FOR H&M {HERE}

Celebrity / March 29, 2013

Celebrity Inspired Prom Fashion by Guest Contributor Tiffany Ly

Ready or not, prom season is almost upon us, so it’s time to get ready for a knockout look! Let’s face it; looking good isn’t enough and you want a dress that’s dazzling and will show your very best.

Honestly, what better way to score a fashion knockout (on the big night) than with a dress that’s designed for one of Hollywood’s hottest stars?   If the thought of “making the scene” in a Hollywood star inspired dress is something you’ve always wished for, this is the post for you.

The selections below emulate dresses worn this year by the hottest and most beautiful stars, including Rihanna, Kerry Washington and Anne Hathaway.  

This year at the 2013 Grammy Awards, pop star Rihanna had the crowd under her spell as she graced the Red Carpet in a stunning Azzedine Alaia custom made evening gown while wearing a bold, red lipstick.

This gorgeous floor length dress features a long, sweeping length that flows in the back (like a wedding train.) The sleeveless dress also featured a crisscross design (across the front) with a revealing sheer chiffon section on the midriff. This dress is a stunner! Take a look at the similar style here by David’s Bridal

Kerry Washington is another Hollywood beauty who lit up the Red Carpet this season, making a major impact in a glowing Miu Miu floor length dress that featured a coral sheath style bottom with a glittering sleeveless top.

This mirrored dress of the Django Unchained star was feminine and flattering. All you need is the red clutch (similar style here by Nina Shoes) and flawless makeup to pull off a Kerry Washington look! The clutch will definitely compliment your outfit especially with the silver clasp.

Darling Anne Hathaway, who took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 85th Academy Awards in February for her role in “Les Miserables, ” was a big winner on the Red Carpet as well. Hathaway wore a sleek column style gown designed by Prada in a very feminine shade of light pink.

The gown played beautifully off her stylish short hair style and showed off her shimmering earrings. With this replicated dress (here) you would certainly look like a gem.

Celebrity / March 21, 2013

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends: Guest Post by Danielle Ward

As winter begins to wind down new spring styles are slowly starting to emerge in the market. These new styles bring with them exciting trends that are sure to take the fashion world by storm. Here is our preview of Spring 2013 Fashion Trends.

It’s important to stock up now on these upcoming trends, as winter will be over before we know it and April showers will be in our past. Below is a list of upcoming trends according to some of the most elite style experts in the world. Follow these styles and you’re sure to be deemed a fashionista this spring.

Selena Gomez looks great wearing an a line skirt and cropped top

Upcoming Trends Spring 2013

Contrast: It’s a simple, old-fashioned trick and it’s back this spring. A black and white top, or black top with white pants, or a dress with contrasting colors is the way to go this spring. Try mixing and matching bold, solid colored pieces to create a stunning look. The great thing about an outfit full of contrast is that it makes a bold statement without being too overwhelming and can simultaneously be very slimming.

Louis Vuitton Checkerboard Print

Sheer layers: Many of this year’s New York Fashion Week models graced the runway sporting outfits with sheer layers. Also known as a “veiled look,” designers like Haider Ackermann and Roberto Cavalli dressed their models in sheer pattern dresses, blouses, and skirts. Whether the sheer layer showed just skin underneath or was layered over a more solid piece of clothing this element definitely adds depth to any outfit.

Roberto Cavalli Spring Collection demonstrates sheer design

Ruffles: Some of the most acclaimed designers in the world, like Balenciaga and Gucci, introduced their spring fashion lines with bountiful ruffle designs. Long dresses with ruffled shoulders are coming back this spring so be ready to make a statement with these types of pieces. The peplum top also appears to be here to stay for at least another season. In addition to this, be on the lookout for ruffled skirts, as they will also be making a dramatic entrance in the coming months.

Gucci Spring 2013

Business chic: This look embodies female empowerment. Think business savvy with a twist of trendy. These suit-like styles aren’t your grandmother’s business outfit and rather put a modern, sleek twist on business wear. Whether you’re going on an interview or just meeting friends for drinks loose fitting blazers with colorful dress pants are a must this season. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, and Stella McCartney (just to name a few) are embracing this look for the spring in full force so be ready to see it just about everywhere.

Mila Kunis wearing a Classic Black Suit

Asian inspiration: This spring Asian culture will serve as an inspiration for some of the newest fashions. This eastern-inspired look is comprised of different elements ranging from fabric, to shape, to overall design. Think kimono inspired chic with a twist of glammed up karate uniform. These looks are definitely different and bring with them a fun, unique twist to 2013’s spring fashion trends.

Danielle Ward is a personal shopping assistant who loves hunting down a good bargain. Danielle enjoys sharing his tips on shopping and fashion blogs. Visit Thehookup.com for more fashion news.

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Category: Celebrity