Firework Time!

       The 4^th of July is just around the corner and it is extremely important that you have a sparks flying outfit to wear.  Obviously, RED WHITE AND BLUE are totally necessary.  You can wear all solid colored clothing or you can mix it up a bit.  Go all out!

Don't forget your nails!

Wear your red, white and blue!

Ciao, Annie May

Cuffed!

        Armbands are totally cool this summer.  The great thing about this accessory is that you can wear it as a casual item or a dressy one.  For instance, if you are at the beach throw one on and complete the California girl look or if you are going out to dinner wear one that matches your maxi dress and side clipped curled hair.  Armbands come in many shapes, sizes and materials.  Below are just a few examples of in style armbands.

Don’t get caught!

Ciao, Annie May

Vintage Krash!

        Slip back into time and wear actual vintage clothing!  There is a little designer in everyone, I know it.  Go to your local thrift store and dig out some funky pieces of vintage clothing.  Let your inner creativity come out and revamp the clothing.  For example, take an athletic t-shirt, crop it, add some rhinestones and maybe even a bit of fringe on the sleeves.  Make it your own!  Below are some great articles of vintage clothing that Free People has for sale.

Enjoy the blast from the past!

Ciao, Annie May

Get With It!

       Summer is finally here and it is time to start dressing like it.  Here are some great fashion tips, feel free to mix and match!

Giddy Up

            Saddle up because country western is back.  Graphic tees, leather goods, metal charms, feathered accessories, native patterns they are all popular this season.  Think simplicity with a spark!

Funky Fringe

            Talk about statement piece.  Let your hair down, your wild side out and flow loosely in the wind with your funky fringe.  Front, back and side-to-side.

Tangled Knit

            Although torn up sweaters don’t seem to make much sense they are thriving in the fashion world.  Layering is the best way to use these garments.  Whether you are covering up your bathing suit or heading out on the town, tattered knits are the way to go.  Vintage, easy and eye catching.

Let your colors show!

Ciao, Annie May

Designer of the Day: Patrizia Pepe

       Patrizia Pepe is a trademark ready to wear designer of Florence, Italy.  The brilliant Patrizia Bambi and Claudio Orrea founded this company in 1993.  This fabulous company has become more popular over the past few years once they introduced children’s clothing, intimates and beachwear.  Patrizia Pepe clothing is ultimately classy with a spin of edgy punk throughout their collection.  Their trademark designs are neon colored insects (butterflies & other bugs).  Check out how Pepe makes their outfits pop!

Spring/Summer 2011 Collection

Try it out, but don’t get stung!

Ciao, Annie May

Floral Bursts!

            Whether you are a landscaper's daughter or not, floral prints are all the rage this season.  Springs floral fashions have carried over into summer.  You have many different options when it comes to floral patterns.  Designers are using this print on shorts, tops, pants, dresses, blouses and more.  They also come in a variety of sizes; large bold flowers, small dainty flowers, clusters, bouquets etc..  Mixing and matching floral patterns are what seems to be troublesome when creating outfits.  Design experts say that it is okay to mix and match floral prints, but you just have to make sure that you are not going overboard and that you are placing them on the most flattering parts of your body.  For example, if you are larger in your chest then stay away from large floral prints on the top.  If you are larger in your bottom then stay away from floral prints on your bottom.  A floral romper could be cute, just make sure you break it up with a solid color belt or a bold handbag.  A classic and simple way to wear a floral print is to either pair a solid bottom with a floral top or vise versas.  It's a bold statement regardless, beware!  Here are a few examples of ways to wear floral prints!

It even looks great on accessories!

Bloom & Blossom!

Ciao, Annie May

Can You Wear Black and Blue?

      Without a doubt you can!  Whoever claims that black and blue don’t go together are clearly stuck in their old fashion ways.  However, there is a right and a wrong way to wear them.  Wear solids and accessorize.  For those summer nights, an empire waist, solid lapis blue halter dress would look stunning paired with a strappy black pump.  To outdo yourself carry a black patent leather clutch and wrap a thin black belt around your waist.  An alternate, more casual look could be a simple black jean with a loose fitting navy blue top.  To break up the dark colors add a snow-white belt and some eye-catching earrings to complete the look.  It's as simple as that!

Be careful, don't bruise!

Ciao, Annie May

Bedazzle it Class of 2011!

        It’s that time of year.  High school and college graduations are happening now.  This is a time that you and your families will remember forever.  How can you make your graduation even more memorable and exciting than it already is?  Bedazzle your cap; it’s as simple as that!

Supplies

·            Jewels                        Glitter

·           Stickers                       Initial letters

·           Charms                      Glue

Instructions

            Be creative.  Add charms onto the end of your tassel, make a border out of jewels, cover the whole thing with glitter or put your best friends initials on your cap.  This is your time to shine, go all out!

Glitz & Glam!

Ciao, Annie May

Get Lacquered Up For Summer!

           Nail polish can really make or break an outfit and it’s important that you are wearing the right color with the right outfit.  I mean lets get real.  A brown and red dress with purple nail polish, not so much.  Oh and chipped nail polish.  Who looks nice with chipped nail polish? NO ONE! It’s a sin and Molly & Auntie Mary would make you remove it immediately.  So, take care of your nails!  Here are a few fun and trendy new colors for summer 2011.

1.  Natural Nudes

            Such as cream, almond, honey, sandstone, coffee, blonde, beige, khaki ect.

2.  Bumpin Blues

            Such as Tiffany blue, turquoise, robins egg, cerulean, sky, icy ect.

3.  Yippee Yellows

            Such as saffron, sunglow, golden, canary, flax, lemon ect.

4.  Poppy Pinks

            Such as peach, salmon, coral, geranium, Barbie, fuchsia ect.

5.  Pistol Purples

            Such as lavender, eggplant, amethyst, violet, lilac ect.

6.  Grassy Greens

            Such as Dartmouth, fern, jade, hunter, emerald, asparagus ect.

See everyone’s doing it!

Don’t forget topcoat!

Ciao, Annie May

Whose Shoes Do You Stomp On?

          Of course, the answer to this question depends on your income or the amount of money that your hard working father has in his wallet!  Obviously, we all obsess over Jimmy, Manolo and Christian, but keep in mind, you don’t always have to blow all your (fathers) money on just one pair of shoes.  There are always opportunities to get “the look” for less, you just have to search for them!  Before you check out with a pair of $900 shoes, dash over to Steve Madden, Aldo or Bakers Shoes to see if you can find a better deal!  If you are online, try Zappos.com.  But if you have the money…go get em!

Real:  Stuart Weitzman
Crocheted Ankle-Wrap Espadrille
$365

Steal:  Aldo
Connally Espadrille
$50

Real:  Christian Louboutin
Patent Platform Pump
$795

Steal:  Chinese Laundry
Hotness Pump
$59

Real or Steal?

Ciao, Annie May