determination

rules of fashion: age is just a number

Portland fashion stylist and makeup artist Kami Gray recently posted some great tips worth sharing on her blog. Read on...

Let your wardrobe make you look and feel years younger

Tips from Stylist Kami Gray

1) Stop matching everything! Your shoes, purse, and belt do NOT have to match and shows your age because it’s a very “old school” rule. Mix it up with tones that compliment each other like gray, brown, navy, and black.

2) Don’t worry about dressing like your daughter. Here’s the quick test for determining if you’re dressing too young: Would your daughter wear YOUR outfit? If the answer is decidedly a NO WAY, you’re probably good to go.

3) Flip-flop dressier items. Instead of dressing up a collared blouse and blazer combo with your pearls and delicate jewelry; do practically the opposite. Pair that blazer up with a tunic-length T-shirt with some chunky, glam jewelry, and a leather hip-slung belt.

4) Wear something unexpected. Hit the streets for inspiration. Use trend-setters you see on NW 23rd or SE Hawthorne and borrow one idea and incorporate it into your ensemble. I’m not about to go punk from head to toe, but a black leather cuff would be just the thing to pair with a pale pink blazer worn over a white t-shirt, your favorite bootcut jeans, and pair of chunky black boots. Keep them guessing by adding an unexpected touch!

5) Throw the rules out the window. My least favorite term is “age appropriate.” Wear what you like, what matches your personality, and what makes you feel good. Trust your instincts. Don’t get stuck because you’re over 40 or you're a Mom. Be the shining star you are meant to be at this age and all ages to come and let go of age rules and restrictions.

For more tips from Kami Gray, check out her website http://www.kamigray.com/ (My advice? Hire her - she'll take you shopping!)

wknd wanderer: scarf update

Click through for a sweet little how-to on new ways to wear scarves from refinery 29. I love the obi/belt look! Pow!

photo: refinery 29

jewelry storage solutions

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I'm always on the hunt for ways to store jewelry. I prefer stands for earrings and bracelets, and boxes or busts for my chunky necklaces.

These would look pretty on a vanity dresser or on a shelf. But no matter what you put them on, just keep them out of the bathroom. For the longest life, store your jewelry away from moisture... and for maximum impact be sure to wear often!

1. Umbra T Stand www.pearlhardware.com
2. Umbra Spindle Box www.pearlhardware.com
3. Painted Faceted Box www.urbanoutfitters.com
4. Phrenology Jewelry Bust www.urbanoutfitters.com
5. Wooden Plank Stand www.urbanoutfitters.com


photos courtesy urban outfitters and umbra

key themes in jewelry design

Warrior Princess
the use of wood with metal, and multiple chain arrangements reflecting the warrior princess style:

Modern Boudoir
a timeless look with "French chic", inspired by stylish women of the Art Deco period, such as Coco Chanel, the subject of two recent movies, and the movie star Marlene Dietrich:

Nature's Alchemy
different ways of blending nature and technology:

Organic Anatomy
the influence of organic structures such as snake skins and bones:

The Witching Hour
a dark and mysterious style, reflected in the use of dark crystals, fish hook earrings, and resin-encased insect designs:

Pictured: 1. Bliss Lau Jewelry, 2. Fenton for J.Crew 3. Silicone Cuff by Nervous System 4. Skull Necklace by Pamela Love 5. Necklace by Unearthen Photos: courtesy www.bonadrag.com (LOVE this site!) www.jcrew.com and www.n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com Trend titles, courtesy, Jaana Jatyri, founder and CEO of www.trendstop.com.

bright eyes

Shopping for glasses is usually pretty fun, right? But it can be difficult to know what fits properly. Video to the rescue!

Fabulous Fanny's, a vintage eye wear store in Manhattan, is known for its large selection of frames. In a video from Daily Candy, Samuel shares a few tips for a good fit:

1. MATCH THE EDGE TO THE HAIRLINE

2. KEEP THE BROWS ABOVE

3. EYES IN THE CENTER

4. KEEP FRAME OFF CHEEKS

watch the V i d e o:

In Your Four Eyes

Photos courtesy of www.dailycandy.com and Fabulous Fanny's.

dopeness

Rick Owens hi top trainers

Is it some kind of cruel rule of fashion that the best kicks are the hardest ones to find?

pearls of wisdom

• Be honest about your size.

• Have a good tailor.

• Confidence is the thread that holds any look together.
  
  
• Dress to impress – fashion is a direct language; what you wear is how you introduce yourself to the world.
  
  
• Restraint is fundamental to elegance – keep it simple.
  
  
• Don’t always rely on current trends. Pick and choose, try to make what’s “in style” work for you.
  
  
• Wear what you know looks good on your body type and is flattering.
  
  
• Buy what excites you.
  
  
• Know how to properly accessorize. The right accessories can update any look.
  
  
• Don’t wait for a special occasion to wear special clothing. Make every day an occasion.
  
  

Wise words from designer Naeem Khan

via http://www.calvincowie.com/