summer 2011


The “IT” list is in for summer 2011 nail color

Nail polish trends have been swinging back and forth from very light to very dark over the past few seasons. As Fashionistas move into summer and begin to pare down their spring wardrobe in preparation for steamy temperatures, everyone is beginning to see their black shaded finger-tips as a bit, well, shall we say, so last season!

While Black Pearl from Chanel and similar shades from designers and beauty companies across the globe have graced the fingertips of the fashion-savvy since December 2010, fingertips have rebelled for summer and are going pale beige or bright pink.

Instead of one dominant color for nails this summer, the “IT” fingertips shade is either beige or bright pink while the “IT” toe color is either bright pink or sunshine yellow; Mimosa by Chanel to be exact. While black polish still has its place in nail color royalty for the summer, the shade has been relegated to the toes and paired with beige fingertips.

Wondering what exact shades to look for this summer? Mimosa by Chanel is the ultimate yellow for your toes. Morning Rose is the “IT” shade of pink for all of your nails and Beige Petale is the neutral beige for your fingertips. The one nail color rule this summer is that bright colors, other than pink, belong on your toes. Fingers are to be kept neutral in either beige or spring’s black.

The reasoning behind this “nail polish color rule” is that bright and bold colors in apparel and accessories are HOT for summer and Fashionistas need to be able to wear any shade they please, without having to worry about their fingertips clashing with their ensembles. 

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Chanel Summer nail color from left: Beige Petale, Mimosa and Morning Rose.
Photo by Bay Area Fashionista ©2011


Kate Middleton wears one-of-a-kind diamond earrings for her wedding

Princess and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore one-of-a-kind, hand crafted diamond earrings for her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, by Robinson Pelham Jewellers. The earrings were commissioned by Princess Kate Middleton’s parents, Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton. Her parents gave the earrings to her a wedding gift.

The beautiful and stunning diamond earrings are sure to start a trend in earring design. Kate Middleton’s earrings feature diamonds set on an oak leaf design with a pear shaped diamond that drops in the middle of the earring; adding movement and sparkle with every turn.

Carole and Michael Middleton were inspired by their family’s new coat of arms which features oak leaves as well as acorns. Kate Middleton’s parents also designed the earrings to blend together with her tiara.

Since the styles from Princess Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles lasted an entire decade, it is safe to assume that many fashion trends have been launched from Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William. This mean we are sure to see many oak leaves and diamonds in seasons to come; not just in earrings but perhaps in pendants, brooches . . .and more!

 


LHC Couture is San Francisco’s fashion treasure

The San Francisco Bay Area has a fashion secret that will not stay quiet for long-LHC Couture. Created by Bay Area native Lauren Hyde Crafford, the line is unique and perfect for the West Coast climate. Lauren Hyde Crafford uses only the highest quality modal jersey and matte jersey for her designs. The high quality jersey fabrications allow LHC Couture designs to be elegant, slim and drape well while being comfortable enough for everyday wear; fabulous!

Designer Lauren Hyde Crafford grew up in the Bay Area, in Los Gatos, Ca. After high school, she ventured south to Loyola Marymount to earn her undergraduate degree. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Crafford enrolled in FIDM in order to earn a degree in merchandise product development. Crafford’s keen eye for design landed her a prized position at Bebe where she worked in textile design. After Bebe, Crafford worked for Levi Strauss in the Dockers Division. While working for the legendary inventor of denim jeans, Lauren Hyde Crafford began working on her own line. Eventually, she left her full time position in order to concentrate on the launch of LHC Couture. 

LHC Couture launched its’ first line in fall of 2010 with a second collection in spring 2011. The incredible line offers prêt-a-porter as well as full-fledged couture. LHC Couture is all hand-made by either Lauren herself or by highly skilled seamstresses who work in her studio. The designs by LHC Couture take inspiration from Grecian fashion as well as taking avant-garde looks from the European runways and bringing them into reality. Love it!

The fabrications used by LHC Couture are the highest quality jerseys on the market. LHC Couture uses modal jersey and matte jersey; the new line for fall will include silk modal. LHC Couture also creates incredible bridal attire for both the bride and bridesmaids. The bridal gowns are couture and the bridesmaid dresses can be customized to suit the taste of the bridal party.

LHC Couture is priced between $75-$120 for tops, $120-$200 for gowns and couture gowns vary by design. To learn more about LHC Couture, please visit LHCCouture.com. Click on “Contact” to request a couture consultation.

*Special Thank You to Lauren Hyde Crafford for taking the time to speak with me. She is truely an inspiration!

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