Category Archives: STYLE

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

How to do Halloween This Year? Tips from a Stylist: Lindsey Barrow

Break out from the same old boring costumes this year with some alternative looks for Halloween.  This month we take cues from stylist Lindsey Barrow, founder of the Stylekind movement, dedicated to bringing community together through style and awareness. A native of Louisiana, Lindsey styles wardrobes for fashion shoots and personal clients. We asked her to share some style tips for Halloween festivities.

What should we keep in mind this Halloween?

I’m a strong supporter of stylish looking costumes but especially experimenting with non-traditional looks as a “costume.” So this year, I’m seeking out some key trending pieces that will also work double time as fall to winter wardrobe pieces. I’m a huge believer in using items that are versatile enough for use on more than just one day.

 

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Any ideas?

I think Halloween parties can do without another too-short nurse costume. I think the most stylish costumes are the ones that keep kitsch at a minimum, and are more about a look rather than a character.

 

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My best friend and I have this ongoing Halloween challenge. We’ll take an occupation or hobby that should not be sexy like bird-watching or cat collecting and turn it into a costume that is surprisingly awesome! I still remember hunting down my dad’s best pair of binoculars and pinning fake birds all over my bestie. Those are the best kinds of ideas.

 

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Trends like the exposed-sock look are really hot these days. Finding a great oxford loafer perhaps and pairing it with an interesting sock could be a great costume foundation.

 

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Another textile that’s almost always found in thrift stores is velvet. A velvet vest, or skirt can start your base for a Renaissance style costume, or even Game of Thrones characters.

 

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Of course, vintage fur is the only piece you need for a range of flashback costumes. Or you can even re-invent its use by going as a “millennial.” Find a retro t-shirt (Greenpeace would be ideal!), accessorize with your mug of kombucha, and add a finishing detail of statement-making vintage fur.

 

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What’s your general style advice to your clients?

Really want to know? I’m trying to get everyone to invest in fewer things. Which I think is good because a lot of fashion is embracing this minimalist thinking. Ideas like seasonally pruning your wardrobe, filling in and shopping with small designers, vintage stores, or Etsy shops, all add up to a smaller carbon footprint. And even though I know minimalist lifestyles are not for everyone, I do believe downsizing really helps out with that whole decision-making process of being stylishly dressed. 

Keep up with Lindsey and her vintage finds and costume looks at her website and Etsy shop www.lindseybarrow.com and style on!

 

5 Ways to Impress Your Fellow Fashionista

We all know that wearing a crop-top with low-rise jeans is sure to get you a whole lot of attention from the opposite sex. But, the best kind of attention is the neck-breaking double take a woman receives from her fellow style maven. So, what kind of fashion philosophy gets attention from your sister stylistas? Here are 5 ways that will ensure a look back from the other stylish girl on the block.

 

Wear Menswear

There’s nothing sexier and more awe-inspiring than a woman, woman enough to wear menswear-inspired duds. This style exudes a strength and knowledge of one’s own femininity; an understanding that a menswear look doesn’t mean an absence of the feminine flair. A well-structured blazer and a pair of well-crafted brogues is all you need to receive a double take from the unsuspecting style lover.

 

wear menswear
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

 

Funky Shades

I think we all know that a well-styled pair of cheeky sunnies can certainly spark some interest from those who are less prone to taking such risks. When shopping for sunnies, try saying “yes” to the funkiest pair you can find. Challenge yourself to concoct an appropriate ensemble to go with them. Anyone can just throw on an interesting pair with any old thing. Exhibit your effortless style prowess by crafting a look that begs for the sunglasses as the missing piece.

 

Funky Shades
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

 

Mix Kicks with Formal Wear

Although this happens to be a trend right now, it’s not as prevalent as one might think. Add some serious shock value by dialing the formality of the garment way up and pairing it with a pair of bold colored sneakers. This style remix works well with minis, maxis, and midis. Pair a voluminous tulle skirt with some running shoes. Or a floral flowy feminine maxi with a pair of old school Adidas. Not to mention, your feet will love you.
 

Mix Kicks with Formal Wear
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak
 

Jolie Laide

That’s French for “pretty ugly.” This philosophy is all about questioning style norms and trends. Adopting a pretty ugly philosophy is your surefire way to showcase the next trend no one knew would be popular. Rule breaking is key, as well as a fierce indifference to stumbling upon the next fashion faux pas in the process. Besides, one woman’s fashion faux pas is another one’s pretty ugly breakthrough look!

 

Jolie Laide

 

Walk with Confidence

No matter the style you choose to showcase, tell yourself to strut and strut hard. When you exude confidence, it’s tangible. People can sense it. The saying, “fake it until you make it” holds true in this scenario. You may be trying a new bold pair of sunglasses or experimenting with menswear; no matter what insecurity may be bubbling up inside, push it down, hold your head up, and tell yourself, “with a change of perspective comes risk-taking and even a little bit of discomfort”. Just remember discomfort can be your pathway to new and exciting ways of expressing yourself.

 

Walk with Confidence
Photo Credit: Sean Stachowiak

Fun Summer Styles It’s Not Too Late To Try

If you feel like summer just came and went in the blink of an eye, don’t worry; there’s still some time left to get in on the warm weather fashion action.

 

Festival Style

image courtesy of Nasty Gal - tie black dress
Image courtesy of Nasty Gal

Think Coachella, Bonnaroo, or even Woodstock, but anywhere, anytime. With the ever-growing popularity of music festivals all around the country, a style has been bred that’s become as well-loved as the music itself.

Now you can easily find plenty of fringe, suede, florals, and crochet to please your inner bohemian soul from some of your favorite online retailers. Free People, Nasty Gal, and Top Shop each have entire sections dedicated to festival fashion.

Looking for just one fun piece? Try Nasty Gal’s Afterparty Vintage Tie the Knot Dress with lace-up details and a cool 70’s style; it can even be worn into fall with boots and a cute sweater pulled over.

 

The Playsuit

Karina Grimaldi Aubrey Jumpsuit
Karina Grimaldi

As warm summer nights draw to a close, keep your weekends out fun and whimsical with a romper. If you didn’t get a chance to bounce around the beach in one, you can still get yourself a chic version to throw on with heels and tousled hair for an effortless glam look on a night out.

My favorite is the Aubrey Jumpsuit, with cute peek-a-boo cutouts, by Karina Grimaldi. If those pilates classes are finally revealing some sculpted shoulders, show them off in the Iris Strapless Jumpsuit by Black Halo.

 

Summer Bling

Henri Bendel Luxe Midi Crystal Ring Set
Image courtesy of Henri Bendel

This summer was all about standing out. Whether it was with pops of color, shiny attention-grabbing pieces, or fun embellishments, it’s the time of year when accessories can really make a statement.

Holst + Lee’s Multi-colored Pom Pom Bracelet is a simple way to add some warmth and excitement to any outfit. Henri Bendel’s Luxe Midi Crystal Ring Set is an affordable option that also comes in rose gold, another summer 2015 trend. Lastly, the Pamela Love Serpent Bangle is one of my picks to add a little edge to otherwise simple ensembles.

10 Killer Backpacks From Fashion Weeks Around the World

Backpacks: no longer just for kindergartners and hikers. The practical carryall has been having a moment during the last year, showing up on the catwalks and sidewalks of fashion weeks around the globe. Running the gamut from classically functional to provocatively subversive, there’s a modern incarnation of the bag for everyone’s taste.

Here, we round up 10 choice backpacks for all kinds of styles and budgets.

Would You Try Any of These Sci-Fi Spa Services?

Vampires, flesh-eating fish, and frozen bodies – the next science fiction movie to hit the big screen? Guess again. These are some of the latest and trendiest spa treatments out there (and we mean ‘out there’) being used by celebrities and soccer moms alike.

Vampire Facial

What it is: A procedure that promises a more youthful and glowing look that is minimally invasive and requires little downtime. The client’s own blood is taken and the plasma from the blood is separated in a centrifuge. The plasma is then injected via hundreds of tiny punctures in different locations on the face. Some say this part is painful while some report that it is merely uncomfortable. The skin is then rinsed and the procedure is complete.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for rejuvenation of the skin and a glowing look. Those afraid of needles may not be too keen on the procedure.

Benefits: Increased collagen production of the face; no artificial fillers are used. Downtime is only a few hours making this a procedure that could be done over the weekend without anyone in the office knowing you’ve had anything done by Monday morning (if you haven’t had any side effects).

Risks: Irritation and itchiness of the skin, swelling, and bruising are potential side effects. It has been said that there is essentially no risk of allergic reaction as the procedure only involves the use of the clients’ own blood. It could be painful depending on your tolerance. How much it costs: Cost is anywhere between $800 and $1500, depending on where you are located. While a bit pricier than typical spa treatments for the face, results are said to last over a year.

Fish Pedicure

What it is: A procedure that naturally cleanses the skin of the feet, removing dead skin cells, and revealing newer healthier skin underneath. The feet are placed into a reservoir, such as those used in traditional pedicures, which is filled with hundreds of tiny fish, called Doctor Fish. In a classic pedicure, one would have the dead skin cells buffed or scrubbed off of the feet by a technician with a pumice stone, whereas in a fish pedicure, the Doctor Fish simply eat these dead cells straight from the feet. Once this portion is completed, the pedicure continues in the traditional way. The procedure dates back decades in Turkey and debuted in the United States within the past ten years.

Who it’s for: Those without ticklish feet or sensitive stomachs. Remember, these are living organisms consuming the dead skin from your feet, which may be freaky enough for some to opt for a regular pedicure.

Benefits: The procedure provides a natural way to have the dead skin from the feet removed.

Risks: Almost a dozen states have banned fish pedicures for a number of reasons, including the risk of infection.

How much it costs: Cost is anywhere between $50 and $100 depending on location.

Cryotherapy Treatment

A photo posted by Elodie (@sneakersaddict4life) on

What it is: While the cryogenic chamber looks like a tanning booth, once inside you’ll feel more like you’re in Antarctica than at the Bahamas. The booth is cooled to around -200 degrees Farenheit, but, don’t worry, you’re not completely naked in there. To protect against frostbite, you’ll be wearing socks and gloves.  An extremely short procedure, the 3 minutes spent inside the chamber are said to speed up the body’s natural healing process as the immediate and extreme cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict then expand when returned to normal levels. It is also said to provide pain relief as the body releases endorphins when you leave the chamber.

Who it’s For: You don’t have to be an olympian or a professional athlete to benefit from cryotherapy. This treatment is for anyone experiencing muscle or joint pain or inflammation and looking for a natural and quick way to encourage healing.

Benefits: Said to reduce healing time and reduce inflammation, as well as improve skin through activation of collagen.

Risks: Relatively low risk. There is the potential for fluctuation in blood pressure, claustrophobia, and skin burns (if exposed for too long to such low temperatures.)

How much it costs: Cost is around $100 a session depending on location. We even found cryotherapy sessions available from some merchants on Groupon for around $50 each.

3 Fashion Blogs to Follow for New York Fashion Week

It’s time. If you aren’t in New York, then you need to get there virtually, stat. New York Fashion Week is taking over the web, but where can you get the best views? Here are our picks for the savviest fashion bloggers covering this year’s new black.

 


 

1. Scout Sixteen | by Justin Livingston

New York lifestyle blog Scout Sixteen is authored by self-proclaimed, “regular guy” Justin Livingston. With a penchant for whiskey and French bulldogs he scours the city to hunt out the greatest in fashion and décor, as well as sharing sources for his own effortless style.

 


 

2. Gabi Fresh | by Gabi

Curves and curls make this gorgeous girl. Gabi’s looks have become iconic in style circles. Check out how one fashionable blogger takes on fashion stereotypes.    

 


 

3. I Am Galla | by Adam Gallagher

Not only is this impeccably dressed style icon all about high fashion menswear, he’s also a photographer so his images are scrumptious. Adam covers global fashion with a travel section that includes what’s hot in no less than 16 luxurious locales from Brazil to Italy to Greece and beyond. Did we mention he’s gorgeous?

 

Favori. 😎🇫🇷 | #Paris

A photo posted by Adam Gallagher (@iamgalla) on