Category Archives: STYLE

fashion, style, beauty, interior design, and all things glam and chic

The Nail Styles You’re Seeing Everywhere

If you get your nails done regularly, you’re used to being asked what shape you’d like them to be. Traditionally, this has been a simple question of round versus square; but you’ve got so many more options than that now. Most require your nails to be on the long side, but if you can make it work, you’ll open the door to a vast array of nail options, from solid colors to intricate nail designs in all shapes and lengths. Who doesn’t want pretty hands? Here are four of the most popular nail styles right now.

 

Almond

These are rounded and a bit narrow with a very slight point, just like an almond. Perfect if you want to elongate your fingers, the almond shape is a balanced mix of sophistication and seduction.

Oval

Similar to the almond shape but (usually) shorter and slightly wider, the oval shape nail has been extremely popular in 2016. We think it’s because you get a long looking nail (and slender looking fingers) without as much obstruction.

Coffin

This shape is aptly named, just like the almond, as they pretty well resemble actual coffins. They are required to be quite long to make the correct shape, but the end result is feminine and in style, so don’t let the grim designation scare you off.

Stiletto

The stiletto is like the yin to almond’s yang; a little edgier, a little darker. The stiletto is similar to the almond shape but comes to a sharp point. Remember seeing them on Lady Gaga back in 2012 and thinking they were just a bit scary? There’s nothing to be afraid of and plenty of celebrities have proven that on the red carpet by pairing fiercely-shaped nails with chic designer outfits.

10 Must Have Items to Pack for a Beach Vacation

One of the best parts about a summery vacation in the sand is that you can get away with packing very little. With a small bit of planning, your light-as-a-feather carry-on can be fully equipped with all the main essentials for your getaway in the sun. Here are 10 items that will keep you careless on the beach with a drink in your hand and absolutely nothing on your mind.

 

A giant tote

Beyond just being ridiculously convenient on your flight (a bag that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg causes no anxiety when having to be placed on the floor of an airplane) a giant tote will keep you from going back and forth to your hotel room forgetting items. Sure, you’ll probably throw things in there that you won’t use all day, but with so much space, you won’t have to stress over prioritizing what to take and what to leave on your daily trips to brunch, the pool, the sand, wherever.

woman tote beach

Swanky: Printed cotton tote (Melissa Obadash)

tote bag

Steal: Oversize Millie Geo Print Tote (Sole Society)

tote bag

A big floppy hat

Yes, fedoras are cute, but if you’re getting closer to the equator or spending more time in the dark spot-inducing sun, you’ll want something with a little more cover. Packable options are great but if you can’t find one you like that will easily fold into your luggage, just keep it with you on the plane (stuffed into your gigantic tote) and you won’t have to worry about it losing its shape.

women floppy hat beach

Swanky: Bella Woven Sun Hat (Eric Javits)

floppy1

Steal: Geometric Hat (Phase 3)

flopp2

A pair of flip flops

Why not just say sandals? Because its obvious you need sandals on a beach vacation, and because we specifically mean flip flops – the kind you can easily get your feet into and out of without any hand involvement at all.  The best are ones with zero metal hardware because you’re inevitably going to forget to push them under your lounge chair and they’ll end up sitting in the sun for a while. If that happens, the shiny parts will burn your feet faster than the ground you’re avoiding standing on.

feet in the pool

Swanky: Rockstud Flip Flops (Valentino)

flip flop valentino

Steal: Georgica Jelly Flip Flops (Jack Rogers)

flip flop jack rogers

A stick of sunblock

Sunblock isn’t the easiest thing to pack and if, God forbid, it does explode in your luggage, it’s pretty hard to salvage anything that’s been covered in sunblock, at least in time to wear on your trip. A good alternative is sunblock in stick form and the extra stickiness will actually prove helpful when you’re in and out of the water.

woman face shade hat

Swanky: Sun Protection Stick SPF 50+ (AmorePacific)

sunblock stick

Steal: Sugar Sport Sunscreen SPF 30 (Fresh)

sunblock stick

An inexpensive pair of sunglasses

The two worst things that can happen to an expensive pair of sunglasses are 1) you sit on them or otherwise break them, and 2) you lose them. Both possibilities are pretty plausible when you’re on vacation. Save yourself the money and the stress, leave the Ray Ban wayfarers at home, and get yourself a pair of inexpensive plastic ones that you won’t mind losing or damaging. Plastic is great, just like with your flip flops, because you won’t be wearing searing hot metal on your face.

sunglasses on women

Quay Invader Shades (NastyGal)

nasty gal sunglasses

Wayfarers (Circus by Sam Edelman)

sam edelman sunglasses

A sporty swimsuit

If you’re a beach baby, you’ve already got lots of swimsuits and you may have even already bought a new one just for this trip. But put another on the list, one that’s just a tiny bit more functional. You might find yourself doing flips off a cliff into the ocean, zip-lining over a river (yeah, that IS a thing in Cancun!), or trying out watersports with the cutie you just met at the pool. The last thing you want in any of those situations is to be pulling at your bikini to prevent anything from slipping out. A sporty bikini will not only keep everything in place, but you may also find it’s pretty darn comfortable while giving you a stand-out athletic look on the beach.

cliff diving

Swanky: Genevieve bikini (Lisa Marie Fernandez)

bikini red

Steal: Victory bikini (Body Glove)

swim

A romper that can go from the beach to dinner

The last thing you want to do when you’re on vacation is micromanage every minute of your and your friends’ time. To smoothly be spontaneous, limit the need to stop back at the hotel room for wardrobe changes by wearing something versatile. Since you’ve got that giant (and adorable) tote, you could throw some wedges in, too, in case you want to dress it up just a bit more.

dinner on the beach

Swanky: One Shoulder Romper (Nicholas)

romper white

Steal: Tie Waist Ruffle Romper (ASTR)

astr romper orange

Minimalist makeup

The best items in your makeup bag for a beach vacation are BB cream or tinted moisturizer with UV protection, blush, highlighter, and bronzer. You can honestly get away with just the first two, if you’re really looking for low-maintenance. These double and triple up in a number of products, like the Multiple from NARS (creator of the cult-classic Orgasm blush) which acts as blush, highlighter, and more. Ditch mascara and eyeliner – if you sweat it onto your face you’ll completely lose the effortless fresh-faced glow you can only really have on vacation.

fresh face girl

Color Control Cushion Compact SPF 50+ (AmorePacific)

bb cushion compact amore pacific

The Multiple (NARS)

nars stick

Bronzed Cheek Perfection Gel (PER-FEKT)
per-fekt bronzing gel

Dry shampoo

Washing, blowdrying, and flat-ironing/curling your hair every single day is a serious time-suck – especially when you’re on vacation. Stretch out the fabulous blow-out you’ll get right before you leave by clipping it half-up on day two, in a loose side braid on day three, and in a messy high bun on day four (perhaps with the help of a cute headband). Days two through four are made possible (and easier on the eyes) by a little dry shampoo. We can’t help you beyond that; on day five, you should probably wash your hair.

Dry shampoo with oat milk – travel size (KLORANE)

dry shampoo

 

While it’s tempting to wait until the last minute and just throw a swimsuit and maxi dress in your suitcase, taking a little time to pack the essentials will let you enjoy every precious moment on vacation – fully prepared to relax and let loose.

9 Fashion Movies Every Fashionista Will Love

I give myself a mental pat on the back whenever I successfully put an outfit together, once or twice a year. What some people do so effortlessly takes me some serious brain power. So whenever I want to get really lost in the world of style, I rely on the glossy pages of my favorite magazines, as well as some of the best films about fashion. Some of the most well-known actors and actresses of our time have brought to the big screen an industry which has inspired millions. If you’re looking to channel your inner fashionista, try one of these fashion movies.

1. Sex and the City

via GIPHY

You could watch this movie on mute and still enjoy every minute of it, thanks to the impeccable fashion of Carrie, Sam, Charlotte, and Miranda. They each have their own distinct style, and no expense was spared when it came to outfitting these four fabulous women. Sex and the City was about love, life, and finding happiness — but it was also about unforgettable fashion.

2. The Devil Wears Prada

via GIPHY

Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is a recent graduate on the hunt for her dream job in journalism. She ends up landing a position as an assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the Editor in Chief of Runway, the fashion bible. All Andy wants to do is write, not understanding how this is the job that a million girls would kill for… or so she’s told. She undergoes a transformation, though, from ordinary plain Jane to fashion knockout. Dripping in designer duds from head to toe, she learns to love and appreciate fashion — but in the end, she remembers what matters most in life: friends, family, and love.

3. Coco Before Chanel

via GIPHY

This 2009 movie starring Audrey Tautou remembers Coco Chanel from her modest, humble beginnings to her rise to the top of the fashion game. We know her as an unforgettable icon of the industry, but the start of her story was at the orphanage she was left at, after which she later found herself working in a bar as a seamstress and singer.

4. Confessions of a Shopaholic

via GIPHY

Rebecca Bloomwood (played by Isla Fisher) is dealing with a life-crushing shopping problem when she somewhat inadvertently lands a job writing for a financial magazine. Ironically enough, it’s her own poor spending habits and practices that make her a hit at the magazine. Her goal was always to write for fashion mag Alette, but her journey there certainly throws her some interesting curveballs.

5. Funny Face

via GIPHY

Fashion photographer Dick Avery notices something special about bookstore salesgirl Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), as does Maggie Prescott, the editor of a top fashion magazine. Jo is offered a modeling contract, which she takes only because of the Paris trip that’s included. While she wasn’t sold on the idea in the beginning, she softens toward the career adventure and learns to like it.

6. Clueless

via GIPHY

This iconic ‘90s flick totally changed the way we dress, paving the way for matching skirt and jacket sets, knee-high socks, more plaid than you could ever imagine, and over-the-top hats and purses. And let’s be honest: We all wanted Cher’s closet with the revolving clothing racks. In any list of fashion movies, this one is a must-see.

7. Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead

via GIPHY

Five siblings are left completely strapped for cash while Mom’s away on a long trip and the babysitter dies. Big sis Sue Ellen (played by Christina Applegate) gets a job at a popular LA fashion company by telling just a few white lies on her resume. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and she’s got a family to feed. While she does learn how to flex her fashion muscles, she simultaneously experiences the stresses of adulthood.

8. Zoolander

via GIPHY

Derek Zoolander’s (Ben Stiller) career as the top male model comes to a screeching halt when a man named Hansel (Owen Wilson) beats him out for VH1’s male model of the year award. Things get weird when fashion guru Mugatu hires Zoolander with the ulterior motive of getting him to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Out of all the fashion movies listed, this one has to be the wackiest. This outrageous flick has a blast poking fun at industry stereotypes, exemplified by the movie’s tagline: “3% Body Fat. 1% Brain Activity.”

9. Yves Saint Laurent

via GIPHY

Similar to Coco Before Chanel, this movie follows world-renowned French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from the beginning of his career in the late 1950s. Although it was met with mixed reviews, it received seven nominations at the 40th César Awards, and actor Pierre Niney (who played YSL) won Best Actor.

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That Fits in a Carry-On

Minimalism is having a comeback. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of pieces that you absolutely love that can be interchanged, worn to most occasions and is completely self-contained.

Each item is accounted for and serves a purpose. You should be able to pluck a piece from your capsule wardrobe and feel great putting it on at any time.

For most women, owning only a capsule wardrobe is a pipe dream. They’re difficult to maintain, because it means buying nothing (or very little) or getting rid of an item every time you buy a new one. And if you live in a house or an apartment, there’s no real reason to limit yourself to such a small wardrobe.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling, a capsule wardrobe is a great idea. It means that everything you own fits in one bag (preferably a carry-on) and because everything is interchangeable, you’ll be able to spend less time figuring out what to wear and more time exploring your destination.

Building a capsule wardrobe takes some work, though, and you’ll probably have to try it a few times before you get it just right. But that’s okay, because when you finally do, you won’t have to worry about what you’ll take on a trip. You can just pack it all up and throw it in your bag.

 

Finding a Theme

The trick to building a capsule wardrobe is having a set number of pieces that can all be matched with each other. A great way to achieve this is by setting a theme for your wardrobe.

clothes on hangers

Maybe you like clean colors and tend to stick to neutrals, or perhaps you prefer bold prints. Either way, you have to find pieces that go together. Pick a color palette and stick to it, preferably with no more than 5 colors, including your neutrals (like jeans or a black skirt).

 

Take the Season Into Account

What your wardrobe will include will obviously depend on the season. Some people prefer to keep a few staple pieces as the core of their wardrobe and switch out seasonal pieces. For example, keeping a nice pair of black leggings throughout the year but switching out summer dresses for jackets when the weather gets cooler.

hat and sandals
Image via Stocksnap (CC0 1.0)

If you’re going on vacation, take into account the weather in your destination. Account for a few degrees cooler and warmer than the forecast predicts and build that into your capsule wardrobe.

 

Building the Wardrobe

Your capsule wardrobe can include as many or as few pieces as you like, there is no magic number. But to get you started, you can pick 40 of your favorite pieces, give or take a few, and count on that fitting into a carry on suitcase.

duffle bag
Image via Stocksnap (CC0 1.0)

If you still have to narrow down the collection, you can start with the “3” rule, meaning pick 3 of each piece, one casual, one statement and one in-between. From there, you can just do what works best for you.

Fitting it Into a Carry-On

You can fit a surprising amount of clothing into a carry-on, especially if you pack it efficiently. Rolling your clothes are a great way to prevent wrinkles and utilize every inch of space in your bag.

Suitcase with striped clothes and accessories in a marine style

Packing cubes are also fabulous for keeping your wardrobe organized and compact. You can purchase packing cubes for each portion of your wardrobe, and will then be able to identify all your tops, bottoms, underthings, etc. at a simple glance.

There are no rules for a capsule wardrobe and creating it should be fun!

Simple Mother’s Day Gift Ideas For Jet-setting Moms

 

As we plan to show the mother figures in our lives how much we love and appreciate them this Mother’s Day, let’s think outside of the box and review gift ideas that will appease their adventure-loving, jet-setting sides. This list has something for everyone, whether Mom is a seasonal traveler whose children have flown the nest or a busy, soccer mom who craves a minute of leisure.

I know that gift-giving isn’t always easy, and it’s important to have options for every budget. Here you will find a few economically-friendly ideas.

A beautiful passport cover

Maybe you can’t buy her an overseas trip, but you can get her dreaming about the next time she will use her passport. Etsy has a variety of passport covers adorned with leather, inspirational quotes, and personalized embellishments. Not only are they elegant, but passport covers can also be practical and protect her passport book from wear and spills. Plus, she will cherish this unique gift, designed to suit her personality.

Young female passenger at the airport, looking at the flight information board

 

An outfit that reminds her of home 

She may love to travel, but there isn’t any place quite like home. Help Mom show off her home pride by buying apparel that represents her home state. Both the company and customer reviews boast about the incredibly soft, comfortable and easy to maintain fabric in each tee, tank, and sweatshirt. These tops may, therefore, be just the ticket for anyone who enjoys living on-the-go. Also, you will feel philanthropic knowing that up to 10% of your purchase will go towards Multiple Sclerosis research.

 

A tea gift set 

When jetlag kicks in, or when Mom needs a moment break from being her typical selfless, nurturing self, help her unwind by buying luxuriously delicious teas from around the world. Teaforté is known for quality, and they even market special gift sets as the perfect gift for tea-loving moms. Many of these particular infusions are designed to promote peace and relaxation with ingredients like nutrient and antioxidant-rich green and oolong tea, and soothing herbals like lavender. The rejuvenation gift set comes complete with 10 infusers, a porcelain teacup, and ceramic Orchid-white tea tray.

assortment of dry tea in ceramic bowls, close-up

 

A wireless activity and sleep tracker 

Mothers can be so devoted to their families that may forget to keep track of their personal fitness goals. Encourage your mother to get back in shape and stay healthy with a travel-friendly fitness/health monitor. The new face of fitness watches records steps, calories burned, distance covered and hours spent sleeping, which will come in handy when she goes off on her adventures. The Misfit Flash  is also waterproof, making it perfect for those who prefer visiting tropical lands and exotic shores.

 

The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou, plus Mom & Me & Mom 

Does she love to take a good book with her everywhere she travels? A great book set for women who value the words of other strong women is the Maya Angelou memoir collection. The set comprises the first six books, beginning with the famous I know why the caged bird sings, Angelou’s final book. The seventh book, Mom & Me & Mom, discusses Angelou’s relationship with her mother after years apart and can be purchased separately. These memoirs will take your mother on a journey through Angelou’s life, beginning with her own ascendance from child to young woman and mother, all while facing adversity. In fact, motherhood is a recurring theme in her books. She also wrote about her own overseas adventure in All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes, book 5 from the set, which describes her experiences leaving the USA and living in Ghana.

 

 

A Peek into a Festival Fashion Wardrobe

Staring out the window as rain slips down the glass panes, I’m draped in a culmination of winter layers, the warmth of a hot coffee dripping down my throat. The spring collection of Free People’s Kaleidoscope Skies is indulging my excitement for summer. Festival season is soon approaching, and I’m getting ever more hopeful that I will soon be able to shed my black winter wardrobe for the colorful classics of festival season.

Festival life has a fashion all its own where you can leave your city esthetics behind and adorn yourself like the colorful, rainbow flower-child inside. During festival season we are able to indulge that part of ourselves that only gets to blossom a few times each year when we’re frolicking in the fields, with music humming in the air, surrounded by strangers, united by music.

FANCIFUL IN FRINGE

At festivals I love fringe. Fringe jackets, fringe vests, fringe necklaces, fringe skirts, fringe you cut up and make yourself. Fringe makes everything more festive.

Boho girl in tribal fashion dancing in afternoon sunlight

PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER IN A ROMPER

Rompers are definitely my go to at summer festivals. Shorts, pants, tight, loose, fitted, there are so many options to fit any mood. It’s the perfect Sunday outfit when the long weekend of fun and debauchery leaves you wanting to just throw something on and enjoy the day, hassle free in full comfort.

model in romper
© Antonoparin | Dreamstime.com – Model Walks Carmen Steffens Runway At The FTL Moda Spring 2016 Photo

ELECTRIFY THE DANCE FLOOR IN PATTERNS

Often in my non-festival life I feel a bit shy of over doing it with colors. I use festivals as a time to wear the brightest and most electric colors to decorate myself.

Rearview of a boho girl wearing a floral dress walking through water in nature at sunset

ALWAYS LOVELY IN LACE

Lace adds a feminine touch to the sometimes boyish look of ripped up cut off jean shorts. Simultaneously, lace looks beautiful with long skirts, and lace vests are a great addition to wear over summer dresses. A perfect way to accessorize, lace just gives you an extra little hint of lightness.

Bohemian styled young woman looking away

Bring any or all of these along with you to the festival grounds and you’ll be feeling like a beautiful summer babe on the dance floor.

Our Picks of Must-Try Indie Makeup Brands

When it comes to makeup, most of us are willing to plunk down a pretty penny for high-quality.  I am becoming increasingly more careful about the products that touch my skin as I get older, but I have also learned that expensive does not always mean better. In a time when small businesses, artisan products and support-your-local-company trends are capturing our attentions, it seems wrong not to give indie makeup brands a try.

Sephora
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Indie makeup is made by small, independently-run companies, and many of them are vegan. In addition, none of the brands listed here have been tested on animals. As the internet continues to make the world seem smaller, more of these companies are popping out of the woodwork, helping to set a green example.

Have you ever needed an extra hint of brightness from your eye shadow or lipstick, but your normally trusted brand just didn’t pull through? Try an indie product! Many of these shadows, lipsticks and liners boast vibrant, eclectic and artistic shades that you may be hard-pressed to find in most stores. They  are also void of fillers or other cringe-worthy ingredients. Now that’s something to smile about.

Glamour Doll Eyes

This company has been around since 2008, bringing lustful eye shadow color to the world from Sin City itself, Las Vegas. Now Glamour Doll Eyes sells other products including lip gloss and blush, but eye shadow continues to be their specialty. With ingredients like beeswax and carmine, they are not vegan, but their eye shadows are FDA approved. Purchase eye shadow for $6 a piece, or experiment with their sample-sized collections which come with three to 10 different shades, many under $10.

flowers and makeup

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

OCC are seasoned professionals in the indie makeup world. They have been in business for 12 years and boast success as a choice of professional makeup artists for TV, advertising and film.

At first fans were, yes, obsessed with their original two lip balms, but now OCC sells a wide range of cosmetics, makeup brushes and nail polish for us to fall in love with. This brand is 100% vegan and has been given the PETA stamp of approval.

Are you in the biz? OCC gives 40% discounts to professional makeup artists, hairstylists, models, and photographers, to name a few.

 

Shiro Cosmetics

“Making nerds sparkle since 2010” is Shiro’s motto, and it’s clear to see why. The inspiration for their colors and collections stems from all the things these handcrafting makeup masterminds enjoy, from music to food to even books, and all in between.

Their company is run from indie-friendly Portland, Oregon, but they ship to most locations (nationwide and international). In addition to sending you quality makeup made by hand, they offer goodies like free shipping domestically (on orders over $50) and free samples.

Shiro Cosmetics are also 100% vegan.

shiro cosmetics
Image courtesy of Shiro Cosmetics

 

Makeup Geek

Founded by makeup vlogger Marlena, Makeup Geek educates people on proper makeup application, in addition to selling their own products. Their company, including labs and manufacturers, do not test on animals, making them yet another cruelty-free organization. The hot products on their makeup palette are the foiled and duochrome eyeshadows, which run around $10 and $6 per color, respectively.
full spectrum ten pack makeup geek
Full Spectrum Eye Liner Pencil Set | Image courtesy of Makeup Geek
To get one of their many inspired looks, eyeshadow starter packs and bundles are available starting at $28 for the most basic and reaching $160 for the 27-color pans.
makeup geek eye shadow
Duochrome Pigment in Wildfire | Image courtesy of Makeup Geek

The next time you have a party or event, highlight your appearance with one of these, or other, indie makeup brands. Save some money, support a small company, and feel good knowing that you’re contributing to green, world-friendly efforts.

Go Black and White for 2016

While you may be waiting until Memorial Day to wear white in adherence to an antiquated rule that we think you should abandon – quickly (plenty of stylists agree) – you should feel no hesitation to sport some black and white. In a sea of pastels, florals, and brightly-colored stripes, stand out with a sleek and chic combo that stands the test of time season after season.

For some black and white inspiration to color your wardrobe this season (pun intended), look no further.

No Gray Area

Everyone knows you’ll never go wrong with a black bikini, whether you’re lounging on the beach or hitting a high-energy pool party. A black and white bikini will up the style ante a bit while setting you apart from the bright and patterned suits most everyone else will be sporting.

l*space bikini black and white

The L*Space Keep it Wild Jaime bikini is the traditional triangle bikini with a few twists. The reversible bottom makes waves as a solid or patterned piece, and the top ties it together with its lace-up style plunging V. It’s also perfect for photo ops against colorful tropical backdrops, or selfies by the pool – your choice.

 

Brighter Than the Sun

Pack your bags, take a drive to Palm Springs and channel your inner Marilyn Monroe with a pair of cat-eyed sunglasses, universally flattering and, in this color combo, infinitely simple to match with any outfit. In addition to its chic form, this pair from Stella McCartney is made from 50% natural materials, so you can go green while you go monochrome.

sunglasses black and white

Compact Contrast

Looking for a tiny way to take part in this trend? A petite bag “charm” – fitting, as this fluffy charm from Iphoria adds plenty of it – is an affordable and uniquely simply way of splashing some black and white on your current ensemble.

bag charm black and white

Block Party

Nothing is more effortlessly stylish while being unbelievably easy to wear than the A-line dress. Flowing slightly away from the body, the style complements both curvy and straight-up-and-down body types alike.

alice+olivia colorblock dress

The Maya colorblock dress from Alice + Olivia is a racerback version with the added bonus of smartly-placed black and white sections meeting at the narrowest part of the waist for even more eye appeal.

 

Black and White Down Under

The newest and most sensible style of beach towel abandons its predecessors’ four-sided rectangular frame for a form more suitable for sharing – a circle.

amaroo towel beach people

The Amaroo towel itself has a perimeter of fringe and a pattern inspired by indigenous art of Australia, where its designers, The Beach People, call home. With a diameter of nearly six feet, two plus Amaroo equals cozy sunbathing in style.

 

Precious Patterns

Alright, so it’s not exactly “blingy”; but natural patterns and materials, like the black and white feathers adorning the Serafina Josephine necklace, are still very much in this year. Don’t think you have to save this chic piece of jewelry for a festival or pair it with a peasant top. The gold hardware and tidy placement of feathers makes it more than suitable for a dressed-up ensemble.

serafina necklace black and white

While you’re there, pick up the Warbler earrings (also from Serafina), that will accentuate an updo.

warbler earrings black and white

Go for Seconds

Target’s collaboration with Marimekko is a win-win for you and your guests who will undoubtedly be wowed by your ultra-chic and of the moment place settings – while your wallet feels no pain. The line includes an entire array of dishware and serving plates in strikingly simple black and white patterns emblematic of the notable Marimekko brand.

marimekko plate black and white

Options to creating a look with a couple of black and white items, whether it’s for your wardrobe or your home, are boundless. Don’t overthink it; it’s one of those beautifully simple decisions where you don’t have to pick one or the other, because they work the best together.

The 7 Best Pieces of Jewelry a Woman Can Buy Herself

Jewelry is dangerous, because you can never have too much. Before you know it, you have enough pieces to open your own boutique. The best part is digging to the bottom of your jewelry box and finding something you completely forgot you ever had. It’s like Christmas morning. It kind of feels like you’re going shopping at your own private store.

You love your feathered earrings and your lightning bolt ear cuff; and you swear you’re going to bring back the ‘90s with your favorite black choker. But what are the day-to-day essentials? We’ve compiled a list of the jewelry must-haves — the basic pieces that can complement a great variety of outfits and take you from the office to drinks to dinner. Here are the seven pieces of jewelry that every gal should buy herself.

1. A Sophisticated Watch

You don’t really need a watch anymore; if you want to know the time, you look at your phone. But nobody can deny the utter class and impeccable style of a woman in a beautiful watch. The market presents an endless variety of styles; you can go for a statement watch, something sleek and chic.

women's jewelry

2. The Delicate Necklace

It’s that dainty piece of jewelry that you can wear with just about anything, from a cocktail dress to leggings and your favorite v-neck. It’s not much of an attention-grabber, but when people finally take notice, they appreciate its subtle sophistication. This Sydney Evan arrow pendant necklace is plain enough to go casual; but the rose gold and black diamond embellishment give you the freedom to dress it up.

women's jewelry

3. A Cocktail Ring

The perfect cocktail ring isn’t just for drinks. Flaunt this day and night, business casual to your little black dress. It works well on its own; or if you’re feeling a bit more jazzy, you can combine it with rings on your other fingers.

women's ring

4. Earrings With Attitude

Bold earrings that make a statement might not be an everyday addition to your ensemble; but you’ll certainly be glad you have them when you’re feeling more adventurous than usual. The Fantasque Drops from Anthropologie add a wonderfully vibrant splash of color without becoming overwhelming.

women's earrings

5. Hoops That Go With Everything

On the other end of the earring spectrum is your pair of simple, everyday hoops. Whether they’re gold or silver, you really can’t go wrong. It’s an elegantly muted touch that pairs perfectly with any outfit and hairstyle.

women's fashion

6. Something Turquoise

Whether it’s a chunky ring, stacked bracelets, or a dangling necklace, a piece of turquoise is another must-have in your jewelry box. The Serene Sea handcrafted necklace brings a special something to any outfit, with its artistic detail and perfectly flawed color pattern.

women's necklace

7. Understated Diamond Studs

Your collection of jewelry isn’t complete without a pair of no-nonsense diamond studs. Diamonds are timeless — they’ll never go out of style. And if you’re ever unsure of where to turn, head to Tiffany & Co.

diamond studs
We want to see your favorite pieces of jewelry. Share with us on Instagram, and don’t forget to tag @beyondwordsmag.

Designing the Perfect Home Office

If you have an office at home, chances are you spend a lot of time in it. As such, we all deserve something that plays to our natural work environment needs, has inspiring décor and allows us to be our most organized selves. Read on to find out how to create a beautiful and functional home office, whether you already have a home office that needs some TLC or you’re starting out brand new.

computer on desk
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

Choosing where to put your home office

If you don’t have a home office already, you’ll of course need to start with identifying where an office will work in your home. Any spare bedrooms may be an obvious choice if you have the room to spare. But when looking at the room, assess how it will work as an office by keeping in mind lighting, positioning and space.

For instance, if it’s a choice between two rooms, you may want the room with the most natural lighting to help keep you energized. Try to choose a room that’s more removed from living areas if you’re the type who needs quiet to work. A little self-analysis and forethought will go a long way in making sure you convert the most appropriate space into a home office.

home office
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

For those without a room to spare, keep in mind the natural nooks and crannies of your home. If there’s a set-in nook area by the kitchen, for instance, that can become a mini-office space through the addition of a small writing table. Other options involve using under-stair space and sectioning off part of a basement.

You can even place a small desk in a closet so that you can open the closet door and reveal your office. It’s the perfect option for urbanites who don’t have a ton of space to work with.

home desk office
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

The desk is key

Since your desk is what you’ll be spending all your time at while you’re in your home office, you’ll want to make sure you get the perfect one for your needs. Below are some of the most common desk styles and in which situations they work best.

computer armoireArmoire desk: These are a classic type of desk that fold out of a large cabinet. They’re perfect for space that requires multi-functionality in furniture due to aesthetic preference or space limitations. If you don’t have a specific room for a home office, consider an armoire that acts both as a desk and necessary storage. Here is a compact option available at Wayfair.com.

 

marco deskWriting table: Here’s a very basic option if you don’t need a lot of fuss, or are planning to stick a small table into a nook somewhere. These are just compact tables that are perfect if you do most of your work on a small laptop. For a minimalist approach, you could find something like this Marco Desk from Crate&Barrel.

 

broadstreet deskComputer desk: These desks tend to be sprawling and have multiple surfaces at different levels. They’ll usually have a keyboard tray, space for a printer and tons of space for papers and organizational files away from the computer itself. A must-have if you do a lot of work on a desktop computer. For a good amount of working space, look for something like this Broadstreet Desk from Office Depot.

 

ikea micke deskCorner desk: These are also more commonly known as L-shaped desks. They’re perfect for putting in corners if you’re working with a smaller space or if you like to face the wall to cut out distractions. Products like this Ikea MICKE desk are perfect for tight spaces.

 

 

cabinet deskCabinet-style desk: These desks come with a built-in filing system and shelf storage. They’re perfect if you like everything filed away and orderly. Here is one for maximum storage available at Sears.

 

 

 

restoration hardware deskExecutive desk: These high-end pieces make the home office look like an executive suite (hence their name). They come in highly polished wood materials and elaborate designs. These are perfect if you have a large spare room for a home office. They’re also great if you receive people for meetings and want to show a high touch of class. A chic option could be something like this St. James desk from Restoration Hardware.

 

 

Organizing your home office

You can stand around trying to visualize a space all day, but if you’re serious about getting the most out of your home office, your best bet is to find an online tool that helps you create a visual layout. These tools are even great if you desperately need to reorganize your home office.

computer on desk
Image via Pixabay under license CC0

You can find a downloadable program on Ikea’s website. There are also options like Sweet Home 3D and the purely browser-based West Elm Room Planner. With these tools, you’ll be on your way to the perfect office for your needs in no time, since you’ll be able to play with different storage, furniture and organizational options.