fashion / May 23, 2013

Trend Alert: Neon Embellishments by Guest Contributor Amy Lavelle

Neons were once the “preserve” of the rave scene and for someone whose teen years were largely spent in the 90s, neons will forever recall Cyberdog silver miniskirts with Hi Vis accents and bright pink fuzzy leg warmers, drug fuelled psychedelic dance parties and TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO.

Or, for the nu rave second wavers, Cyberdog window displays, layers of fluoro plastic Topshop bangles and friends’ questionable Facebook pictures of trips to Ibiza drowning under foam with only bright stripes of colour and pumping glo sticks to identify them (and TECHNO, TECHNO, TECHNO!). The chances are for you, neon may be more lurid tutus on hen parties (Claire’s Accessories own, natch) and essential dress code for a trip to Magaluf. Each to their own.

Loud, garish, and brash, let’s face it: neons have a sketchy past and oft a bad rep. Appropriated with ease as they are by the poorly reputable (has a pastel ̶ neon’s insipid sister trend this season ̶ anything ever been peeled off before a fishbowl-fuelled shagathon?), neons are like the older girls at school who’d wear DMs, whilst inspiring awe in younger girls with their worldly sophistication and tales of illicit snogging.

Of course, if you’re feeling slightly dubious about the effect of lime green on your complexion, or understandably concerned about being mistaken for a lollipop lady, there’s no need to immerse yourself in DayGlo like a radioactive traffic cone to wear this trend.

Simple neon embellishments on otherwise neutral items (a popped collar; a bright hem) will leave you on the right side of Alex Mack, or brighten up an otherwise plain outfit with neon accessories: a bright shoe with your LBD and a splash of coloured clutch will carry you through without inspiring a single comment about returning to your home planet.

Spring is finally here: let’s throw off the shackles of our dove grey winter wardrobes and embrace the brights anew. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to be one of the cool girls hanging out behind the bike shed over their drippy, prim pastel counterparts?

Amy Lavelle is a journalist from UK fashion comparison site Style in View. She’s contributed to a number of publications including Spindle magazine.

Beauty / May 18, 2013

SLF Giveaway {H&M} Bikini and Embroidered Dress

Ladies we have a treat for you! For everyone who’s a “Beyonce fan” and frequent shopper of H&M, we are offering (you) the opportunity to wear the hottest style. In honor of our loyal readers, we are hosting a giveaway from the Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013.

One lucky winner will receive a bandeau bikini (top/bottom) and beaded embroidered dress for summer! Details on how to enter the giveaway are below:

GIVEAWAY REQUIRED ENTRY:

1. “Like” Style Life Fashion Facebook and Twitter Page.

2. Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite clothing item or accessory from H&M.

3. Share our Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013 giveaway on one of your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

Giveaway will end at midnight on June 18, 2013 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on June19, 2013.

Featured / May 16, 2013

Nordstrom Rack Pre-Opening Party in Columbia Crossing

Nordstrom Rack opens in Columbia, Maryland (as of today) May 16, 2013. On tuesday, I had the opportunity to attend their Pre-Opening Party. I was happy to receive an invitation because this event was a great way to welcome Nordstrom Rack to Columbia residents.

Upon entering the doors, Nordstrom Rack staff greeted participants while thanking them for attending the event. In addition, there was music playing, waiters serving horsd’oeurves and shoppers sipping “fun” drinks.

Some of the brands present in Nordstrom Rack are Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole, BCBG, Ivanka Trump, and many more. There’s also shoes, accessories, cosmetics, handbags, and children’s apparel. But what’s really important is that all of the products are such a great price. In my opinion, you can’t beat high quality merchandise for a good price!

To give more details about the actual store opening, the first (30) shoppers will win a $100.00 giftcard and one lucky winner will receive a $1,000 shopping spree.

Opening Date: May 16, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. (pre-opening festivities begin at 8:00 a.m.)

Regular Store Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: 6141 Columbia Crossing Circle, Columbia, MD 21045

Size: 40,750

History: The first Nordstrom Rack opened as a clearance center in the lower level of the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom store in the early 1970’s. As Nordstrom expanded across the country, Rack stores followed. The new Nordstrom Rack Columbia Crossing will be the retailer’s 126th Rack location.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / May 6, 2013

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas: Towson Town Center Guru {Rebecca}

Are you currently searching “high and low” for great Mother’s Day gifts? Thanks to the Towson Town Center Guru, Rebecca has provided us with tips when shopping for that special lady.

Whether it’s a pair of designer purse, stylish pair of sunglasses or a delicate necklace from Tiffany & Co. she gives us classic gift ideas for this upcoming holiday. To learn more about shopping tips, visit towsontowncenterguru.com

Uncategorized / May 3, 2013

Product Review and Video: Philosophy 27 Wishes

I tried Philosophy 27 Wishes for the first time this week! The idea behind the brand is, “we live in a world of to-do lists. Multitasking is no longer a talent; it is a required skill. Don’t you wish on thing could take care of everything? your wish is our command.”

Philosophy 27 Wishes is a skin nurturing, multi-purpose balm that helps to moisturize cracked heels, dry elbows, rough cuticules, fly away hairs, and much more.

Additional products that are apart of the Philosophy brand includes cleansing gels, eye creams, fragrances, and much more.

PHILOSOPHY 27 PRODUCT REVIEW

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To find more skincare products from the QVC beauty department, click on the link: skincare category

Beauty / April 24, 2013

Fall 2013 Lookbook: Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers. The clothing/designs from this (fall 2013) collection is the epitome of couture and represents “all” that we love about high fashion.

Most importantly, the quality of the garments and ornate details can not be replicated.

Take a look at Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 Lookbook. Click on the link for more details about the collection: Refinery 29.

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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}

Uncategorized / April 9, 2013

Celebrities looking Fit and Fabulous Pregnant

There’s nothing like seeing a woman “glow” and the celebs are looking fabulous pregnant!

In my opinion, being pregnant is one of the highest forms of womanhood and the women in this post are wearing “motherhood” well.

Enjoy photos of Halle Berry, Tamar Braxton, Kim Kardashian, and Marlin Akerman celebrating motherhood while (still) looking very fashionable.

Halle Berry looks stunning in this purple Roberta Cavalli gown

Tamar Braxton wearing a lovely white gown that drapes her silhouette

Kim Kardashian selected a baby doll dress to accentuate her pregnancy

Malin Akerman chose leggings and a t shirt for a comfortable date night

Uncategorized / April 9, 2013

Canvas Shoes and What to Pack for Summer by Guest Contributor Catherine M.

It may seem like a long way off now, but your much deserved summer holiday will soon come around. Make sure that you’re ready for it by building a great summer wardrobe that will take you wherever you’re off to on your holidays – from Majorca to Mexico!

Simply head to your local department store and fill your trolley with summer fashions while doing the weekly shopping. If that just seems like far too much effort, you can shop online at George at ASDA and have a complete summer wardrobe delivered directly to your door.

Or take advantage of the free click and pick up your purchases from your nearest ASDA the very next day (order before 5pm today and collect after 5pm tomorrow!)

What You Will Need for Summer 2013

Canvas Shoes

Sandals can be a difficult wear for men, so why not ring the changes this year with some cool, casual canvas shoes? Canvas shoes are ideal for summer as the fabric upper allows feet to breathe. They also look great with shorts – choose either chino style shorts or denims for 2013.

One of the other benefits to choosing canvas shoes is that they represent amazing value for money. You can pick up a black or white pair of simple canvas plimsolls for just £8 at ASDA, so why not have both? Great value canvas shoes will take you everywhere from beach to bar, and look fantastic with everything from swim shorts to dark denims. They’re also lightweight, breathable and comfortable. How many more reasons do you need to throw a pair or two into your suitcase?

Chino Shorts

Chino trousers were one of the big fashion stories of 2012, but times have changed. Spring/summer 2013 is all about the chino short!

Smart, comfortable and fantastic for if you fancy a change from your trusty denim shorts, chinos are so easy to wear. They make a perfect pairing for polo shirts and canvas shoes.
Choose navy for a nautical look, with a striped t.shirt, or wear a muted berry pair with trendy grey marl for a fashion-forward look ideal for sightseeing or sipping a beer by the sea.

Graphic Tees
The graphic tee is big news for 2013, and a must for packing in your suitcase, whether you’re off on a city break or a relaxing beach holiday. As ideal for wearing as a cool cover-up around the pool as they are worn out at night with chinos or denim shorts, they’re a versatile choice so be sure to pick up a fair few.

If you’re not planning on a sunshine break, pack casual zip-up hoodies and fine knit cardigans for wearing over your graphic tees day and night, for a warm, comfortable and casual look ideal for enjoying yourself in – after all, you are on holiday!

The above three essentials can form the basis of any basic summer sun wardrobe. All you need to do is add shades, suntan lotion and swim shorts and you’re good to go.

Baltimore | Birmingham | Atlanta / March 30, 2013

Madewell Shopping Party hosted by Taliah Ferguson of Fashion Was Here

As a blogger, there’s nothing like the feeling of networking with those in the industry and living your passion. Last thursday, I attended the Madewell store shopping party which was hosted by fellow, local blogger Taliah from the site Fashion Was Here.

For those that may not know, Madewell is a brand extension (sister store) of the J. Crew company. The store was launched to attract a younger, hipper crowd while holding true to the company’s style which is chic and comfortable.

This was my first time visiting the boutique and I was impressed with the quality of the clothing and the accessories.

Honestly, my personal style is more on the lines of being “Preppy” with a touch of “American Classic” and a hint of “Hollywood Glamour.”

So you’re asking, what does all of that mean? I love basic t shirts, blazers, oversized sunglasses (the bigger the better) pearls, and jeans.

When I entered the Madewell store, it had all of the components that would make up my wardrobe but I decided not to get distracted because I was there for a store event (being professional.)

While attending the event, the store provided drinks and treats, a 20% off discount on all merchandise, and prizes. But, the fun aspect of the night was the style challenge.