Trend I am feeling: NEON nails!!

Summer has officially started and the colors in the stores are bright and beautiful...and NEON. Whether or not it's easy for you to wear and coordinate bright colors, one easy way to incorporate neon into your daily routine is through your nails. If you don't want your co-workers to see, try your toes first. I was at Walgreens today and found a neon Sinful Colors Nail Enamel collection for $1.99 each! The paint goes on pretty thinly so I would recommend avoiding the neon yellow, but for $1.99 I am pretty happy. For a higher quality check out the O.P.I. brights line or some of the brighter MAC shades like Scorcher, Steamy and Shirelle:)

You're Such a Stud!

Enough of the negativity...here's something I do love, studded stuff!!!
Cop some for the summer:)

These clutches are at Aldo for $40!


Or how about this leather stud cuff from nine west.


There are tons of studded shoes out there, many of which are cute, but check out these from rock and republic. I found this pair on endless but Gilt also sells R&R shoes from time to time. The point is not necessarily these shoes but if you want studded shoes with a twist, go for a studded back or heel!

As a final note, I've seen studs with suede, satin and jean. Beware: these versions can look cheap, especially the later two, so stick with leather just to be safe:)

The trend I am not feeling: Bib Neclaces

This bib necklace thing has gone too far. I'm sorry, but these necklaces look like something was thrown up on these poor girls' shirts. The trend will go away and one day you will look at your closet and ask, "what was I thinking?" Even the models are thinking, "Dude, really?! Am I really modeling this right now?"

If you MUST buy a "bib" necklace...consider these tips before you purchase something you will regret in less than half a season.

• Stay away from a netting or fabric base. See pictures 2 and 4 above. These really look like baby bibs. I don't care how cool the stones or flowers on the netting are, please don't buy it. Just Say No!!!
• Look for a necklace with structure. Basically the antithesis of picture 1. If it looks like someone yacked on your shirt, or a 3 year old made it in arts class, it's probably a bad move. Here is a picture (on the right) of a bib necklace with structure. It would be fun in a bright orange...looks a little more like necklace and a little less like yack.
  
• Opt for stones and metal over fabric or chains. Again, see above pictures or the picture on the left. Clarification: stones on top of fabric are still not OK.
• Avoid necklaces that descend like upside down triangles. See pictures 3 and 4. It's hard for me to articulate why this looks odd. Just trust me on this one. Opt for something that has a more rounded, curved bottom. Of course the necklace will descend or narrow, just as long as it doesn't point down like an arrow you should be alright.

SMH, end of my rant.

1, 2, 3, 4....I Declare Designer Sunglass War

The sun is starting to come out on a consistent basis, and I'm excited to blog about summer accessories! Today, I launch an epic battle against designer sunglasses. I am hard pressed to find a pair that are truly splurge-worthy. DON'T DO IT.

A) I always lose or break my sunglasses. The more expensive they are the more I break them.
B) Some days I want to be a rockstar, sometimes I feel like a socialite, sometimes I feel like pilot, sometimes I want to re-live the 50's--and gosh darnet I should have a pair of sunglasses for all of those moods.
C) Outrageous sunglasses are fun! And for every pair of designer glasses out there, I can find one I like more for less. Some of the best pairs of aviator glasses reside in your local gas station. When I buy expensive sunglasses, I end up buying pretty basic ones, because I feel like I have to wear them every day to justify how much I'm spending, but then I'm bored with myself and my accessories. Everyone loses.

I remember in 2005, I bought my first legit pair of Paul Smith superstar glasses, and I was crushed when they broke for no good reason. Then I got some Chanel aviators...the lens fell out:(

I got these from Urban Outfitters. I'm often asked, "Who's sunglasses are those?!?!" Well Ms. Inquisitive Stranger, they're from the random designer of no one in particular. And yes, they do look pretty legit. I lost them in Thailand and I was pretty bummed...so when I got back to the States I went right back to the store and bought another pair (because they were only $10!!). I also suggest Filene's Basement or Marshall's for some great sunglass finds as well.

If I had to splurge on one designer, maybe it would be Ray-Bans. But if I do I promise to get fun ones, like these!!!

There are an array of very fun colors and styles and they retail at ~$135 so you can experiment without feeling too bad about it.
So join with me in ditching the designer duds this summer!

Summertime Trend: White Bling!

What is a must have for the summertime? A white dress coupled with some bedazzled white jewelry! That invitation to Diddy's Hampton White Party is probably in the mail as we speak and you need to be prepared.

Here are some ideas: A White Bedazzled bracelet or ring would be tons of fun for a party or a day on the town. Check this "Dazzle Cuff" out from Gilt's Miriam Salat Jewelry Sale. A little pricey for me (even after the 60%+ discount) but I'm sure you'll be able to find a pretty sweet knock off at Claire's or Aldo in about 5 weeks. Speaking of awesome, cheap finds, check out this "pave" ring from forever 21. $5.80. That's what I'm talking about. If this thing doesn't catch your eye from across the room, I don't know what will.




Another summer must have: A JEWELED WHITE WATCH. Make it happen. Below is an example of my idea of an ideal white summer watch . BUT if you're on a budget, try this one from Arden B. for $29, or head to Aldo Shoes and snab this $35 flexi watch. 5x the flexibility and 1/9th of the price:)