FB #3 - Trickle Up Trend

I often forget that beauty products are a huge part of the fashion industry, so I'm pretty excited to write about a trend I see on the street which is related to beauty products, and a trend that I actually participate in. The trickle-up trend I've identified is nail art. Nail art can be simple solids, all the way up to 3D nail art - it depends on the person, the time and the place. I really love how anything goes!

I paint my nails on occasion, and my go-to is painting one of my nails in a "pop color." For example, for Valetine's Day, I painted my nails red, but my ring fingers were a melon/orange color. It's pretty simple as far as nail art goes - I have neither the time nor the steady hands to do something more intricate. However, this is a popular nail art trend which I see fairly regularly. Here is a picture of my nails from my OOTD post from February 11th.

I recently discovered a blog called Chelsea King's Get Nailed, and it's all about fun nail art inspired by fashion, seasons, and holidays. In fact, the first I had noticed Get Nailed was on Instagram, which Target re-grammed Chelsea's nail art inspired by the Prabal Gurung for Target exclusive line. I think she did a great job of intepretting the prints and patterns from the line. However, she's so good at this nail art stuff, I could easily see her patterns be interpreted into apparel and accessory design - a true sense of the trickle up theory.

I find nail art tutorials and "pinspiration" on Pinterest all of the time. Here are some of my favorites which I might eventually get around to trying:

  

MTV Style did a piece on celebrity nail art in December 2012 as a sort of recap of the fun and crazy nail art. Some celebs managed manis which look like they were done at home, but some are pretty technical (and quite frankly, insane). Here are some of  my favorites from the MTV article:

Demi Lovato

Zooey Deschanel

Ke$ha

And perhaps my least favorite, simply because it looks uncomfortable and would make it hard to zip your own pants, or do anything on your own for that matter...

Lady Gaga

Nail art has become so popular with the masses, it has trickled up to inspire the production of easier manicure applications, and even licensing partnerships. For example, Sally Hansen now has stick-on glitter french manicures. I managed to give myself this glitter french mani at work a couple days before Thanksgiving (work was that slow, and applying the mani was that easy).

The Kardashians have their own line of OPI nail polish called Kardashian Kolors. I'm not sure how popular it is, but OPI tends to be a very popular brand of nail polish.

What are some of your favorite nail art trends?

OOTD - February 11, 2013

OOTD - February 11, 2013, a photo by Emily's Going Nuts on Flickr.

New additions to my closet...

Since I posted about how I'm going on a shopping diet, I thought I might give a quick glimpse into some of the things I've purchased recently. I'm pretty confident that I can find 3-5 ways to wear each of these items, and I will put this confidence to the test from now until May 31st!

1. J.Crew Hacking blazer in mint - ordered online on final sale for $99.99 (similar)
2. Prabal Gurung for Target dress - $49.99
3. White House | Black Market Original Contour jean - on sale for $49.99
4. Anthropologie dress with convertible strap - on sale for $39.95 (no longer available online)
5. Michael Kors flats - $99.00
6. Prabal Gurung for Target stilettos - $39.99
7. Rock & Republic for Kohl's - on sale for $28.97
8. Kohl's juniors chambray top - $36.00

FB #2 - Spring 2014 Key Item

I am a fitness enthusiast. I enjoy going to the gym and taking classes in Zumba, dance, body conditioning and kickboxing. I enjoy running in the spring and fall. Hiking, while not necessarily my favorite activity, is something I don’t mind doing in the company of good people – and living in New England, I have a great selection of hiking locations to choose from. I am a certified Hip Hop Hustle instructor, and have also led running classes. I like to look my best when I’m working on my health, so frumpy t-shirts and baggy sweats just don’t cut it. That said, I probably own more fitness apparel and pairs of sneakers than is considered normal or socially acceptable.

My favorite fitness apparel trends toward yoga styles – fitted, slim silhouettes – so that I can see my form and how my body moves. WGSN reports that a key item for S/S 14 in womenswear is yogawear in bright and bold colors with an emphasis on back detail, anti-slip fabrications, ombre and scenic prints (WSGN.com). I am beyond thrilled! While Boston will never hold a candle to the healthy lifestyle of SoCal, the Northeast technology corridor is finally realizing that fitness is not only important, it’s fun! I love seeing fashionable fitness tops layered over bright sports bras when I'm out for a run on the Minuteman Bike Path, or at the gym. I’m looking forward to the bright and bold colors and back details for S/S 14 yogawear. Here are some photos what to expect for S/S 14 yoga tops:


Along similar lines, just the other day I discovered this neat product on Instagram called the FlipBelt. It’s a machine washable, stretchy belt which has multi-access pocket openings at various points on the belt. You just slide your phone, ID, keys in the slits and flip the belt so that the slits are on the inside, against your body. My favorite thing about this product is the assortment of (bright) colors it comes in! This will definitely complement the bright and bold color yogawear trend for S/S 14.


Image credits:
#1 - Victoria's Secret
#2 - Mika Yoga Wear
#3 - Boda Clothing
#4 - New Balance
#5 - Lyra Active Wear
#6 - Cozy Orange
#8 - Athleta
#7 - Lululemon
#9 - O'Neill

Video credit:
http://flipbelt.com/

A Hint of Mint

I wish I had taken the time to photograph yesterday's outfit. You can't go wrong with a mint blazer (J. Crew), black/white chevron sweater dress (Mossimo @ Target), gold (necklace from Banana Republic), and pearls (gift). Instead, you'll get a small tasty teaser... how do you like to wear these elements?


A Hint of Mint, a photo by Emily's Going Nuts on Flickr.