Mark & Estel top

DSC_0183DSC_0191DSC_0192DSC_0196

Pictured: Earrings: Kathy Kamei (old, similar here) / Lipstick: c/o Dolce & Gabbana “Scarlett” / Top: Mark & Estel (scoop neck version here) / Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff  / Bracelets: Tory Burch, c/o Twisted Silver (use code INSIDERS for 15% off) / Nail Polish: Chanel “Secret” / Ring: c/o Sterling Forever / Skirt: Gap (old, also love this one) / Shoes: SixtySeven / Toe Nail Polish: Chanel “Tutti Frutti“

Mark & Estel is one of my favorite collections from the runways in New York. The designers are rock musicians which translates into a collection filled with carefree, edgy looks that are easy to wear and downright sassy! This swing top from Mark & Estel is a piece which put the designing duo on the fashion map. It comes in a variety of colors and has a playful, swinging silhouette! 

I wore this top on the airplane last February when I returned home from New York Fashion Week. It was comfortable and didn’t wrinkle; huge plus when traveling! I have found myself reaching for this top often since it can be styled for both warm and cool weather. Love that! I definitely need to invest in Mark & Estel’s swing top in additional colors.

This handbag needs a shout-out too. My fabulous friend gave this mini-camera case by Rebecca Minkoff to me for my birthday. Not only is it currently on trend (mini bags are all the rage!) it is also purple with tassels! Two of my favorite things! My beautiful friend has fabulous taste 😉 Now what will I get her for her birthday which is equally amazing??? The bar has been raised.

Do you have a go-to piece in your closet you find yourself reaching for on a regular basis? If so, what is it?

Beach bags for summer 2014

One of the necessities for summer 2014 is a fabulous beach bag! When the sandy beach calls, the last thing you want to do is bring your prized designer tote to the beach where it can be bleached by sun, filled with sand, get wet; or who knows what?! Beach days call for a beach tote which is playful and reflective of the fun times that can be had while playing on the sand, in the water, and around a beach town.

There are so many things to look for in the perfect beach tote. The main features a beach tote needs for the summer season is to be sturdy, roomy, easy to wear over the shoulder (never know when you need to free up your hands for a boogie board, surf board, cooler, etc.), colorful, and lightweight. For summer 2014, there are many beach bags on the market which fill these needs. Since this is the case, it is time to start looking for a pattern, print, color combination, and style which fits your personality; and your hot-off-the-runway beach-wear!

For summer 2014, beach bags are being shown with classic nautical stripes, in bright colors, clear PVC, with playful prints, catchy sayings and in timeless straw. Since beach bag styles for summer are a little bit different than the trends we saw on the runways, they are not in line with the trends we are seeing in swimwear and beachwear for the summer 2014 season. 

When wearing beachwear or swimwear in graphic prints, stripes and with sporty inspiration, look for a solid colored beach bag, clear PVC, or one with a solid background and kitschy saying in one color. This way the beach tote will stand on its’ own without competing with your overall ensemble.

If you are going for a classic, all-black look on the beach, or a brightly colored ensemble in solid hues, look for a beach bag with stripes, a playful print or straw. This will add dimension to your solid hued look and make your beach bag a focal point in your overall look. Love that!

I found a few fabulous beach totes around the web for summer 2014 and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them! Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉

What are your favorite beach tote styles for summer 2014?

Essie Ruffles & Feathers summer 2014 nail polish review

DSC_0116

Pictured: Essie “Ruffles & Feathers” nail polish from Essie’s Summer 2014 nail polish collection. Shown with two coats color and one base coat. No top coat.

One of the big trends in nail polish for the summer 2014 season is green! This is a great lead into fall 2014 as one of the most important colors for autumn will be hunter green. Although falls’ green will be dark, summers’ green is a great warm-up for getting into the green spirit 🙂 

When I spotted Essie’s “Ruffles & Feather’s” while shopping at Target, I was immediately drawn to the slightly blueish tint to the otherwise classic green hue. I love how the green color is cool and looks more blue when placed next to ocean hues and shades of pinks. I also love how when next to neutrals and black, Essie’s “Ruffles & Feathers” takes on a more classic green hue. It is such a beautiful color!

I applied two coats of Essie’s “Ruffles & Feathers” with one base coat, and no top coat. The nail polish is extremely long lasting and has lasted nine days without chipping! Love that! I am shocked the nail polish has not chipped; especially since I did some house-cleaning and swimming!

My apologies for my sample photo, I seem to have applied Essie “Ruffles & Feathers” a little too thick, and as a result, I have some bubbling on my nails. Despite the bubbles, you are still able to see the true color and how pretty it is!

Essie’s “Ruffles & Feather’s” nail polish is limited edition and part of Essie’s summer 2014 nail polish color collection. “Ruffles & Feather’s” by Essie can be found online here, here, here and here. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉