inspired-style: mixing prints...

when it comes to mixing prints, my daughter is a pro. from a very young age i told her my #1 rule: just make sure to coordinate your colors. she's very good with it now. she loves having fun with her clothes {exhibit a, above}, but manages to stay coordinated, never thinking twice about taking fashion risks! :)

i myself am a huge fan of mixing prints, but to do it right {and in a more, sophisticated, grown-up way}, you should keep these guidelines in mind:

**be sure that at least one color repeats throughout your outfit.
**loose prints work well with structured prints {think swirls with stripes}.
**blending small designs {think plaid} with larger-scale ones {bold flowers} are fun and look great year-round.

for more ideas regarding this inspired trend, check out this article on RealSimple.com

source

Summer Wardrobe Pieces from Express to Wear into Fall

when it comes to clothing, making items work year-round makes them so much more affordable (essentially, the more times you wear something, the more it pays for itself). Express has some great items that will not only work for summer, but, when paired with other items, will keep you looking fabulous well into the fall season.




this figure-flattering Draped Mesh Mini is perfect for summer when paired with a simple tank and strappy or gladiator-style sandals. for fall, wear it with a crisp blouse and fun booties.




who doesn't need an all-occasion dress? this Belted Sleeveless Dress can be dressed up for a night out, summer party or wedding. when the chill of fall comes, add tights and a fitted blazer or cardigan for a classic look that is office-friendly.




your favorite pair of "skinnies" would look perfect with something like this Semi-Sheer Lace Tank (a great date-night look!). when the chilly fall breezes begin to blow, throw on a leather jacket to give your look an edgy, rocker feel.


hope these picks inspire you to make your own summer essentials autumn-appropriate! find the items featured at your local Express boutique and online at express.com

xo

Staying Warm with Cold Weather Accessories

southern california isn't know for super cold weather, but every so often, we experience cold weather that feels downright frosty (all of you who live where it snows, please understand, i'm cold when it's 50 degrees out).

don't get me wrong, i'm definitely not complaining. it was over a hundred degrees only a couple of months ago (i don't miss that at all)! i'm loving the fact that i can wear my coats everyday and my scarves, hats and gloves are getting used. not only to keep me warm, but as a way to pull my look together.

need some new cold-weather accessories? here are just a few (ok, more than a few, LOL) of my picks you might like...


xo

hair therapy: great hairstyles for square, diamond and oblong face shapes

square face shapes:

you have a square face if it is as long as it is wide. typical for this face shape is a wide jaw and hairline.

most stylish and flattering hairstyles: try styles that soften your strong, angular jaw. texture, in the form of curls or choppy ends, will do this amazingly. you can also get away with long, sleek styles with layers that start at the jawline and continue downward.

avoid: short spiky cuts, one-length bobs (especially chin-length) and blunt-cut bangs. straight lines aren't the best as these will make your face look even more square.

celebs with square face shapes: Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and Hilary Swank.







diamond face shapes:

diamond face shapes are a cross between heart and oval. if you are a true diamond, you’ll be able to wear almost any style. the goal is always to create more of an oval shape to the face and to lift the features by framing the face.




most stylish and flattering hairstyles: while just about any style will work for you, remember that when choosing a short style, some extreme diamond shapes will want to maintain fullness in the back near the nape of the neck to balance out the cheekbones and narrow chin. try hairstyles with lots of fringes, chaotic yet sexy and defined curls, chin-length bobs and shoulder length cuts with feathered edges.









avoid: any style that hides your dramatic features.

celebs with diamond faces: Katherine Hepburn, Linda Evangelista and Sophia Loren





oblong/rectangle face shapes: long and thin, often with a chin that tends to look pointed. there is very little difference in width between the top, middle or bottom of your face but it is more rounded than the square face. the goal should be to add width and fullness to the sides of the face and around the eyes, cheekbones and ears.

most stylish and flattering hairstyles: brow-skimming bangs and chin-length bobs (they create the illusion of width), but be sure your stylist cuts the hair a bit shorter in the back so it doesn't look boring. curls and waves work well because they add width to the face. if you want to wear it long (like SJP) it can have a drag-down effect on the face. long layers work best with pieces hitting at the nose, the chin and the collarbone. consider a v-shaped style where the length is mainly in the back, while the sides and front of your hair appear shorter. also, consider adding wave or curls to the hair.






avoid: stay away from the extremes. don't go too much longer than the collarbone and avoid a skull-capping super short cut. anything that elongates your face such as tight barrel curls directly on top of the head are also a no-no.

celebs who share your face shape: Sarah Jessica Parker, Ashlee Simpson, Liv Tyler, Giselle Bundchen



xo

photos: google images, getty images

look of the day: classic wrap dress

the wrap dress is undoubtedly the one style of dress every woman should have in her wardrobe. the folding style of the wrap dress gently hugs a woman's body in all the right places, skimming the hips, accentuating the bust, and cinching the waist.

great ways to wear a wrap dress:

*dress it up for a formal evening affair with strappy stilettos, stunning earrings and a fabulous clutch.

*convert the wrap dress into a casual weekend brunch look with boots and a slouchy hobo.

*dress it way down at the beach worn over your swimsuit with flip flops.

*make a wrap dress totally funky and modern by wearing it over your favorite jeans.



xo


photo: bananarepublic.com