You know... tuxedo's for women. HOT.
I've been on a rather vigorous hunt for the perfect lady tux ensemble. I am aiming to buy separate pieces from different lines so I can incorporate neon and print into my tuxedo look that I plan on wearing to my girlfriends wedding in May. I've found that unless I plan on spending $1,000 total on this outfit, I will be less than impressed. Seriously? Why do I naturally gravitate towards the high waisted skinny tux pants that are $432? That doesn't even make sense. But I'm telling you, this look is stunning and I plan on incorporating tux like qualities into my wardrobe without emptying my bank account.
1- I love the play on lines and the boxy shape when you're working with a tux. Even when paired with a silk mini skirt this outfit still has the best androgynous vibe I've ever seen. The messy hair and large fedora doesn't hurt either. 
2- If you are anything like me, you LOVE adding a bit of masculinity to your every day attire. And when you're rocking something as bold as a tux, perhaps you should pop a little lace, silk, chiffon, and anything a little see-thru into the mix. And don't forget to over accessorize. 
3- If you really want to find something of your own, head to this website ----> ShopStyle. You'll notice there are some pricey little numbers here but also some affordable. 
4- You BETTER BELIEVE  I'll be wearing a bow tie to my friends wedding as well. If you need a killer bow tie and want to support a rad group of people, head on over to----> Dapper+Dash and if you're so inclined, support them HERE
Now you'll need to excuse me while I continue my search. Happy Friday! And STAY UGLY.

Xx- SN
 
We've been seeing a wave of neon for a while now and yes, it WAS "so last summer." 
But guess, what? Its "SO this summer" too. So embrace it. I have! 
When the neon train strolled in I wasn't quite sure I was going to jump aboard. That was until last summer when I treated myself to a gel manicure and rocked some seriously killer neon yellow nails. I wasn't ready for a huge leap and nails did the trick. And they'll do it for you too. If you don't want to flash neon in your ensemble, choose something more subtle like a nail or lip color. Men? please just rock a neon bow tie. Everyone will love it. 
This image captures everything I hope this summer is and more! Water, wet hair, tan skin, perfect complexion  and neon nails. Let a girl dream ok!?
I feel so awkward with the images I've chosen. Although, that in itself is fairly normal. In my day to day life I see the beauty in structured neutrals with solid lines and different hem lengths. But whenever I'm stuck in the darkest circle of the Pinterest abyss, these are the types of looks I find myself swooning over. I LOVE, repeat... LOVE these two outfits. So damn girly in every sense of the word. And I want to eat it for breakfast so I ooze with feminity all day long. Men, these looks may seem over-the-top to you but I promise, sliding into one dress and one pair of heels is a hell of a lot faster than throwing on jeans and a t-shirt. So let us dress up once and a while OK? 

When color blocking was in full swing, I found myself nearly projectile vomiting onto my computer. My head was confused, my heart didn't understand, and I wasn't about to wear a green top, orange bottoms, and neon pink heels. Sorry world, you won't get it from me. These two looks however, I would rock all day long. And just for the record, I've completely warmed up to "color blocking." I've even go so far as to say I've consciously put together outfits for the trend. There I said it. 

The first image is modern chic to a "t". Messy natural waves, classic bold black cat eye glasses, the perfect coral dress, long lean and tan legs, that finish with the most amazing shade of neon yellow-green heels. Yep, I'll take two please.

The second image, who are you? How do your legs look like that? And can we be best friends so I can borrow this dress? Floral dress (with the BEST umbrella shape ever), neon orange bag paired with neon orange heels. Too easy my friends. 
I included these two images just in case you haven't had enough neon yet this morning. Drink it in! 

I love the combination of yellow-green and bright blue. Easily the best neon combo in my opinion. And NO ONE looks like that on the beach. Ever. Sorry. 
My word. Could it be the best fall ensemble with a dash of neon? Why yes, yes it is. Just my style too. I own far too much black. When I saw this outfit I imagined myself getting ready in the morning, naturally gravitating towards everything black in my closet and voila! Who knew a pea green neon skirt was all I needed to mix it up a little bit. I doubt I'd get any phone numbers that day but heck, who needs 'em. I love that every piece in this look is also opaque. So good! And don't even get me going about that shiny black bag.... ugh. This is Neon's day Black. Simmer down, I promise Black will have lots of days.

Get on it my friends! And let me know what neon trends your ALL about. 
xx- SN

*All photos link back to original source.
 
You either love nerd glasses or you love to hate them.

Aaaah, refreshing. Theres nothing I love more than calling out all you nerd glasses haters. Thats right. Those of you who bash the glorious bold black frames only to find yourselves pining over your own pair daydreaming about what hair style and jacket you would align with them. You think to yourself... "should I go with a classic black frame?... or a bold bright color?... would they make me look like I'm trying too hard?" And while all these thoughts are simmering inside your head, we're all out on the town having fun rocking the darn things. Just GET OVER IT. They are hot and always will be. But by all means, don't wear them. It gives myself more open opportunities to do so.

Best example ever is the image above. Buttoned up polka dot blouse, sleek extreme side part pony, a bold lip, and thick framed black nerd glasses. Sophisticated, sexy, and NEVER trying too hard.
Nerd glasses are the perfect accessory in my opinion. You can wear your hair up, down, or have no hair at all and you instantly look just a tad more appealing. Now what is to argue with there? Even Brigitte Bardot got the sexy nerd glasses memo. My favorite is styling the hair up, grabbing your nerdiest of nerdy glasses, and pairing them with some big and bold earrings. It accentuates your cheekbones, neck line, and collarbones. Yum?
Ladies, do you see how easy your makeup routine can be if you just whip on your nerdy's? Fresh skin (whether its sheer and dewy or full and matte), soft contour to accentuate your bone structure, a dash of blush for a real glow, eye brightener to avoid dark circles and redness, then basic brows, lashes, liner and a full bodied and colorful lip. That is how its done my friends. Instantly sexy. Instantly stylish. Instantly more interesting. 

Now go, get your nerdy's on. 

*click all images for original source. All photos credited.
 
Now I know all you fashion junkies out there are thinking "Who is this girl? and why is she still talking about Spring fashion?" My only logical retort is "Derrrr, the rest of us on planet earth are celebrating Spring. So get over it and swoon over these pieces from Spring 2013 resort collections please." Someone must have tampered with my coffee this morning because I'm feeling particularly feisty. 

If there's one thing I understand fully about fashion and the cosmetic/beauty industry world its that no matter how hard we try to avoid it, trends follow our current economical and political times. The soft yet bright washes of pastels paired with sheer fabrics and more modern hemlines has quite the modern sixties feel to it. Could it be that our current state of a torn nation, economic and financial crisis, as well as a rise in confrontational topics such as gay marriage, abortion, and women's... ahem, excuse me... equal rights is mirroring the same struggles of the Sixties? Could it be that once again we are seeing that connection and translation through our fashion runways and makeup trends? Or am I just getting ahead of myself? Lets just save my mind and chalk it up to all you people are addicted to pastel once March 1st hits. There's a connection. And thats all I'll say about that. See what I did there?...

Back to fashion. One reason I love this Spring 2013 Resort collection Valentino is because no matter how over-the-top some of these pieces may be, I would wear ANY of them. Even if I'm just running to the post office. The soft wash of pale yellow covered by a sheer white material has such sophisticated yet fun vibe. The short hem line is perfect for adding a bit of sexiness to an other wise Easter morning dress. And then you have it in black. ENOUGH SAID. Gimme. Gimme. Gimme. Yum.
This Spring 2013 Resort collection from Celine is EVERYTHING I ever dreamt about as a child. No seriously though. When I was younger I knew three things that were my ultimate goals in life; 1-I would own my own thriving business, 2- I would be a successful lady walking around my lovely big city wearing all three outfits you see above (not giving a d*** what men find sexy while making every woman pinning to pick through my closet- and you may :)) and 3- (warning: about to get mushy) I would have a wonderful loving partner who was just as motivated, driven, and adventurous as I am. That being said, upon seeing this collection my heart about flew through my chest. Theres not a lot more to say other than this collection is utterly and unequivocally, me. 

Its obvious that for Celine this collection wasn't about creating something new. It was about taking what we've got and whats been hot, and making it better. So, so much better. Leather, polka dots, white-on-white, scarfs, stripes, blazers, and I could go on and on. I adore the long uncontrived hair flowing freely or otherwise tucked into fully wrapped scarf. This collection makes my heart sing.

MAKEUP. Makeup. Makeup. I live for this stuff. 

Three main trends you saw in Spring runway and will continue to see through out the year is as follows:
1- Effortless skin. Freckles in all their glory. Soft yet structured brows and lashes. A titch of bronzer and blush for good measure. And girlfriend, get out your bright lips and nails because they are smokin'. Easily my favorite look. Try MAC's lipsticks in 'Candy Yum Yum' and 'Niki Viva Glam 2' to recreate this look.

2- Effortless skin with an extra dewy highlight. A solid contour to help you amp up that bone structure. Leave your blush at home. Bronzy smoky eye thats got that 'slept in' sort of look. A structured mess if you will. Pack on that mascara and keep the brows soft and groomed.

3-Last but most certainly not least. The 'no makeup' makeup look. I am swooning. In my opinion, its much harder and more creative to create a beautiful 'no makeup' makeup look than it is to pack on something over-the-top and theatrical. I LOVE THIS. - Soft skin. Subtle amounts of a contour and bronzer. Highlighted bone structure. Nothing on the lashes or brows. Dewy pops around the eyes. A strategic amount of lip color to enhance your natural shade. And wonderfully enough, a disconnected winged eyeliner for a bit of everyday elegance and fun.

Spring Fling. I love you.

*Click on images for original source. All photos credited.
 
Is there anything better than a man in a cardigan? Theres something about an older man rocking his distinguished facial hair, greying locks, and a masculine cardigan that just gets me all hot and bothered. 
And no, I'm not talking about 80 year old men or Mr. Rogers. Just take a looksy below and see what I mean. 
I think you'll happily agree with me. 
Okay, okay. So this gent doesn't quite have silver locks but he's making up for that with all this grey-on-grey action. Grey, its so hot right now. This look is from a new ZARA collection and I pretty much drooled two seconds into viewing it. Although if you know me you know I have a mild illness when it comes to ZARA. Totally obsessed. Can you agree now? Men in cardigans = hot hot hot. I love the business casual feel of this particular look and think the white button up was a perfect pairing in between all the grey.
When it comes to layering I love a good blazer with a button up and a skinny tie. This particular blazer rules because of 1- its unique collar and open neck line, 2- the brown (maybe wood?) buttons, 3- the round hem at the bottom, and 4- the large uniquely placed pockets. The material used offers a more laid back and fashion forward approach to an otherwise business suit look and feel. I LOVE this piece. The entire look is laid back yet structured. Anyone else totally ok with the grey on white paired with a dark tie? Yes please.
Image: Philip Crangi. 

You've probably seen this man before on the internet but if you haven't, you're welcome. He creates fine jewelry and always has impeccable style. He has been featured on 'The Coveteur' for his jewelry designs and more likely than not you've seen his images floating round the Pinterest universe on boards such as 'Men Style' or 'Hey There, Stud'. And for good reason. I love this image of him. He pairs classic pieces with rugged worn out touches and it really doesn't get better folks. Does it need to? He seems like a pretty man who would climb the s*** out of a mountain. Carrying you and the cooler all while having better hair than you.

His peacoat, to me, looks like the perfect shade of navy and only Philip could get away with popping the collar and not look like a complete tool. Oh it DOES get better. Underneath the peacoat there is a light denim jacket and below that jacket is a denim button up shirt. Denim on denim= win. At least in 2013 it does. Dark jeans and cream boots? I could die.
You're kidding me right? Light button up with rolled up sleeves and an unbuttoned collar, yes. Grey vest, yes. Simple dark denim jeans rolled up flood style, oh my. "Sockless" rich brown fancy shoes, now I'm done. I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THIS. Men, take some notes. This isn't a hard look to achieve and its so simple and understatedly handsome. The grey hair doesn't hurt. Gentlemen, I promise we love your age and all the awesome silver that comes with it. Stop trying to change that. 

There is a reason I saved this image for last. Its easily the most simple ensemble to base your style around while picking up a few new tips along the way. There is nothing wrong with dressing a little nicer than most every day but don't get me wrong, I love a good jean and t-shirt day. 

Ladies, you're welcome. And men... well you're welcome too.