Ann Taylor – What To Wear Summer Wedding Essentials

Whether you’re headed to an exotic island or your boss’s daughter’s wedding – Ann Taylor has the essentials for surviving wedding season.

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Add a splash of color with your pumps
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Floral and Eyelet – always a classic style for summer wedding

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Neutral Tone Handbag
Neutral Tone Handbag
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Metallic Clutch
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Seascape Sunglasses compliment any dress


From a short-sleeved for church appropriate ensemble to sophisticated sheath dresses and wedges to keep you from sinking in the sand, Ann Taylor’s summer collection solves your wardrobe woes. Please see below for suggestions.

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Ann Taylor Memorial Day and Spring Trend Report 2015

Whether you’re hitting the beach, headed to a BBQ or going to a party this weekend – Ann Taylor has the must-have essentials for an effortless look that fits right in your tote. From the perfect pair of slide sandals to a classic shirtdress for an easy beach to brunch transition, Ann Taylor has you covered for a head-to-toe look.

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SPRING TREND REPORT 2015

Polka Dots

What’s always fun, super-luxe, and never out of style? POLKA DOTS! Punctuate your look and go for polka dots — big or small or mixed together, this happy trend goes everywhere and with anything!

 

 

Refined Stripes

Seriously flattering and super refined – stripes never go out of style. Every woman should have a key transitional piece in her wardrobe with a timeless stripe print for a feminine and moderate update.

 

 

Florals

Winter florals were all the rage, and they are popping into spring. What better way to jump into spring than with a fresh floral print to bring either a subtle taste, or bold pop of color into your wardrobe!

 

 

 

Mesh

A daring-and easy-way to bring textured contrast to your outfit, whether with a hint for a “peek-a-boo” look perfect for layering, or go all-in with playful skirts and hemlines.

Accessories

Finishing touches make all the difference. Grab one of these functional accessories, and complete your head-to-toe elevated look with a pop of color or statement piece.

Homemade Salad Dressing: Lifestyle Tip and Summer Option

Two weeks ago I was preparing lunch and realized there was no salad dressing.  I instantly became upset because my salad was delicious and wanted the full experience.  My mind began to wonder and that’s when I created my own dressing!  Honestly, homemade salad dressing is a healthier option because there’s no added sodium or fat.  You can regulate the ingredients according to your individual diet.

Mandarin Salad - Favorite Salad Option
Mandarin Salad – Favorite Salad Option

My recipe started with the base ingredients such as olive oil, salt, pepper, Coleman’s mustard, parsley, and vinegar; there’s so much more to make your dressing appealing.  Homemade salad dressing can be prepared in less than 15 minutes and in larger quanities.  It’s also delicious with (other) afternoon snack options such as tuna, veggies, cheese, and crackers.

It’s almost summer which means we want quick healthy meals.  Consider making homemade salad dressing to compliment snacks, lunch, or dinner!

Quick Girl’s Classic Vinaigrette Dressing

 

1 1/2 tablespoons vinegar

 

1/4 teaspoon salt

 

1 tablespoon Coleman’s Mustard

 

 

1/8 teaspoon pepper

 

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

 

Preparation:

 

Combine ingredient’s in a bowl and whisk.  Don’t forget your salad dressing maker and other tools from Target!
Salad Dressing Maker
Salad Dressing Maker

Summer 2015 Survival Kit: Skin care, Drink Options, and BBQ Set

Summer is around the corner and we’ve compiled your SUMMER 2015 SURVIVAL KIT!

From the latest in skin care to refreshing drink options, milkshake machines and more, below are summer-perfect items to get you through every last sun shining day.

Coconut Oil For Beauty: While most people associate coconut oil with cooking, Extra Virgin Coconut oil actually has a variety of beauty uses and this trendy item can multipurpose as a moisturizer, hair conditioner, teeth whitener, shaving cream, and natural sunscreen. Moreover, most folks would agree that the right facial mask is one that contains coconut oil. Pure, unrefined, and cold pressed, this Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Carrington Farms coconut oil comes in convenient, portable Paks, so it’s great for toting to the beach or a pool. As an added bonus, coconut oil has been shown to help prevent breakouts, so you won’t have to worry about unwanted blemishes. Priced at $9.99/8- 0.5 oz packets per box at select retailers and online at www.CarringtonFarms.com

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Organic Beach Towels: In Turkey, where bathing has been raised to an art, khadi is the traditional choice for toweling. Coyuchi’s Mediterranean Beach Towels are traditional lightweight Turkish bath towels with a high/low weave for excellent absorption. Woven from yarn dyed organic cotton and edged in hand-knotted fringe. Cotton is 100% organic, and sourced and woven in Turkey. Priced at $68 at coyuchi.com

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Travel Friendly Wine: VOGA Italia’s Baby Sparkling is a mini sized sparkling wine- perfectly portioned for one! With a unique screw top cap, you can easily open and reseal while enjoying a summer picnic lunch or day at the beach! For extra cute enjoyment, pop in a straw and enjoy. No glass needed. Priced at $5.99 at select retailers nationwide.

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Hydrating Coconut Water: Coco Joy is naturally rich in nutrients and hydrating electrolytes and full of sweet flavor from all natural, pure coconut water made from 100% pure green coconuts that contain no added sugar and no preservatives. It’s gluten, lactose and dairy free and is the perfect cool companion to rejuvenate after a day spent under the sun. It delivers antioxidants, calcium and magnesium and has fewer calories, less sodium and more potassium than sports drinks. Coco Joy is brand new to the US and is available on Amazon.com. Priced at $1.90 for 8.40 fl. oz cans and $3.90 for 42 fl. oz. bottles.

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Portable BBQ Set: You’ve got the beverages, now what about the eats? Prepare a serious BBQ at your local park or favorite outdoor spot with All-Clad Stainless Steel BBQ Set. The set includes 4 grilling tools in a sturdy, metal carrying case for easy transport of tools to the grilling area. Priced at $119 at www.macys.com.

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Milkshake Machine: Nothing’s better on a hot summer day than a creamy milkshake! Now with Omega’s milkshake makers you can bring the fun home! The extra-large Stainless Steel blending cup clicks on and off for ease-of-use and serving. The powerful motor and detachable spindle aerates mixtures into frothy, smooth textures for superior whipping results. Priced at $179.95- 399.95 at www.OmegaJuicers.com

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Hot-Weather Ready Pillow: Get your beauty sleep…even on a hot summer night. JuveRest’s The Sleep Wrinkle Pillow’s contoured shape provides comfortable support and improved air circulation around your head keeping you cooler at night. Plus, its patented design minimizes facial wrinkles by promoting back sleeping and compression-free side sleeping. Priced at $179 at www.juverest.com

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MeMoi Shapewear: Look 10 Pounds Lighter This Summer Season

Look trim, toned and 10 pounds lighter–INSTANTLY!– with MeMoi’s state-of –the-art SlimMe shapewear!

How is it that a mere inch or two around the midriff and hips can mean the difference between fitting into that slinky dress comfortably or having to “suck it in” all night, regretting those late night visits to the fridge?    Life is too short for regrets!  Especially when it is possible to fit into that dress and immediately look 10 pounds slimmer—no self-deprivation required!  MeMoi’s SlimMe Full Control Slip does the work for you.  This light compression shape wear flattens your middle and smoothes the lower body, holding in the areas that need it the most while still showing off those killer curves— it reshapes, tucks and tones instantly!   Gone are the days of uncomfortable, restrictive shape wear.  MeMoi’s Shapewear state-of-the-art design and fabrics mean looking fabulous and feeling carefree and confident CAN be a reality—for only $30.00!

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 SlimMe’s Full Control Slip is:

  • Made from 90% Nylon and 10% Spandex
  • Tagless and seamless for maximum comfort
  • Available in four sizes: small, medium, large and extra large
  • Available in black or nude
  • Machine washable in cold water
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
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In business for over 20 years, MeMoi was founded on the principle that every woman is beautiful and deserves impeccable products.  Developed by top industry experts, MeMoi understands what a woman is looking for when it comes to shape wear, lingerie and undergarments, using only high quality fabrics and cutting edge techniques in the fabrication of their products.  It is their desire that women will fall in love with their ultramodern shape wear which provides dramatic results at reasonable prices.

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Cannes Fashion Festival 2015 – Tune in May 20 – 22

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2015 is set to be a sensational year for the global fashion scene, as the first ever Cannes Fashion Festival takes place in France. Celebrating fashion in its entirety, the festival is a consumer-driven event which sets it far apart from similar fashion festivals around the globe. It also takes place in a highly sought after location, right across from the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet!

Taking place from 20th-22nd May 2015, it also coincides with the internationally renowned Cannes Film Festival. That means the designers showcasing in the glamorous runway events will have a global stage and shows might even be attended by the world’s biggest film stars.

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Additionally, the Cannes Fashion Festival will be historically streamed online for worldwide exposure. Tune in from anywhere around the globe to watch international designers and emerging talent showcase Haute Couture, Womenswear, Menswear, Jewelry, Lingerie, Swimwear, Bridal, Sportswear and Accessories.

With stunning runway shows, glamorous parties, competitions for talented aspiring designers, backstage interviews and the Global FashionAwards, the Cannes Fashion Festival is not to be missed. Fashionistas from all over the world will be coming together in a spectacular celebration of fashion talent in the South of France.

The stylish festival will feature an array of glittering runway shows and glamorous events to be attended by international designers, journalists, industry insiders and fashion forward consumers. Many world famous designers are already scheduled for appearances, including CUSTO Barcelona which has been worn by the likes of Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman. The brand has also created a series of limited edition T-shirts for which all profits will go towards stopping the deadly spread of Ebola.

The CUSTO fashion label and Cannes Fashion Festival have teamed up for the Ebola campaign, to assist charities which are helping the worst Ebola-affected areas. Sold online only, customers can choose which charity to donate the proceeds to at the checkout. What’s more, a number of the limited T-shirts have been sent to celebrities to sign, and these pieces will be auctioned off during the festival gala on Friday 22nd May.

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FashionEasta 2015 – Harbor East Fashion Show Recap

Harbor East hosted it’s annual show titled FashionEasta on Saturday, April 25th, 2015.  The purpose of the event was to showcase local boutiques, cuisine, and cocktails.   There was live music by Full Tilt, Jon Boesche, and Super Bueno; guests also had the opportunity to partake in a photo booth from Baltimore Magazine.

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Styling for the FashionEasta Show was provided by Stephanie Bradshaw, Inc. and retailers included Free People, Under Armour Brand House, White House Black Market, Christopher Schafer Clothier, Lululemon Athletica, Handbags in the City, Amaryllis Handcrafted Jewelry, City Sports, Sassanova, Under Armour Brand House, and South Moon Under.  Featured Models where Justin Tucker from The Baltimore Ravens, Sharon Gibala with CBS Baltimore, Emily Gracey with Fox 45, George Lettis with WBAL TV, and Michael Owen with Baltimore Love Project.

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Street – Side Harbor East Restaurants included Apropores, Gordon Biersch, Lebanese Taverna, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Taco Fiesta.   

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I enjoyed attending FashionEasta 2015; the music was upbeat, models entertaining, and love my FashionEasta shopping tote.  I also noticed a few items from the show that I’m interested in purchasing!  How could I forget that Preakness and Black Eyed Susan Day’s coming up soon.

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Hair provided by Haute Blow Dry Bar | Makeup provided by Jen Padro, LLC

Reebok Classic and Melody Ehsani Collaboration

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LA based designer Melody Eshani and Reebok Classic are back at it again with another collaboration, this time featuring the iconic Blacktop Pump and Ventilator sneaker.

 

Each sneaker features the luxe python leather featured on the first Reebok Classic x Melody Ehsani collaboration – a unique texture that takes inspiration from a creature which embodies Melody’s definition of a Classic woman. The shoes also feature the designer’s signature take on the Evil Eye, which brings a sense of individuality and creativity to the look. The clean gum outsole adds a fresh finish to the shoe’s rich tones.

 

The Blacktop Pump is updated with a hidden interior heel wedge for a feminine, streamlined silhouette, while the Ventilator says true to its retro runner design.
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These shoes will be exclusively available at Melody’s LA store (424 1/2 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 272-3934) and her website www.melodyehsani.com on April 24th.  The shoes will then be available at select global retailers and Reebok.com starting May 1st.

 

The collection ranges from $120-$200.

Christian Louboutin: The Nudes Collection Spring 2015

Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin’s celebrating women of color around the world with the Nudes Collection.  According to the social media post, this particular collection’s suppose to “change the way you think about baring it all.”

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Personally, I’m happy to see the new collection because I adore a nude (or flesh tone) pump.  They make the legs appear longer and can match anything in your wardrobe.  It’s also stated that nude pumps are the perfect work wardrobe staple accessory.

If you’re a Realhousewives of Atlanta fan, we first witnessed this idea when NeNe Leakes purchased numerous pairs for all of her bridesmaids.  This was a message that we should own a pair of Nude Louboutins to compliment our attire (or any occassion.)

NeNe Leakes Bridesmaids Nude Pumps
NeNe Leakes Bridesmaids Nude Pumps

The Christian Louboutin Nudes Collection can also be worn year round ladies; this is considered to be an investment in a quality pair of pumps.  To purchase a pair visit Bergdorf Goodman

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Photos are from Bergdorf Goodman

P.S.

I will share a photo of my shoes when they arrive!  Also, send me a photo to kim@stylelifefashion.com to share on Instagram and Facebook wearing your Nude Christian Louboutin pumps!