StyleBakery Teen: Fashion Archives

Fourth of July Fab

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on July 3, 2009 0 comments

The 4th of July. An excuse to dress up in festive clothes, bbq and hang out with friends and eat salty munchies. But what to wear?

Not only is it day-to-night activities, but you don't want to pull a George Banks and be a total party pooper (that's why we invited you!) avoiding the red, white and blue all together, but, then again, you don't want to be so obviously festive that you look like a walking Old Navy ad (or a pro wrestler).

Here's how to dress for the beach to the fireworks, just show up, grab that hot dog and enjoy.

For That Beachy BBQ/Poolside Celebration:

Bathing suit

Fourth of July or not, this badboy is adorbs.

Cover Up

Comes in both red or white for your 4th of July preference. If you've been tanning, I'd go with white. If you're as pasty as I am (thanks to a combo of rain and a Tough Love marathon on VH1), red's the way to go.

Shades

Come in red, white and blue! And they are so cheap you can get 'em all and change 'em up depending on your mood.

For the Fireworks:

Dress

This is by far the best, cutest way to wear red white and blue without being so obvious about it. Plus you will so wear it again.

Shoe

Wear these with the bathing suit/cover up combo, and then slip right back into them for the fireworks show. These are truly the perfect day-to-night shoes: comfy, cute, but with the tiniest bit of wedge for a dressier look and feel.

We've teamed up with our friends at CollegeCandy.com to bring you the latest fashion and style news every Friday. Check back each week for more tips and trends from this chic site.

Summer 2009 Fashion Trend to Try: Neon

By

Anna Rice

on July 1, 2009 0 comments

Seen on the spring 2009 runways of designers such as Antonio Berardi, Isaac Mizrahi, Alexander Wang and DKNY, the neon trend is definitely one you can have some fun with. A neon yellow handbag adds color and style to any ensemble, and a few swipes of neon green eye shadow can make your eyes pop. Ready to go full on fluorescent? Choose bold pieces that scream fabulous. Here are a few that are sure to turn some heads:

Tuck this orange Charlotte Russe Neon Ribbed Tank ($7.50) into a high-waisted black skirt and pair with classic pumps for an eye-catching yet basic look. For extra style points, pile on a blue or purple bib necklace!

Your new go-to chic uniform: a neon tank, like this yellow Monrow Demi Tank ($58.80) from ShopBop + leggings + booties or gladiators. Dress the look up with lots of jewelry or down with a scarf and oversized, slouchy bag.

Not ready for a total neon look quite yet? Baby steps! This Madison Marcus Unity Dress ($199.50) from ShopBop adds flashes of neon without going overboard.

A belt is another option for adding a splash of neon to an outfit. Cinch the waist of your little black dress with this CC Skye LuLu Belt ($175) from CoutureCandy for a pop of color that will really accentuate your figure! Or to add color to a more casual look, wear a neon belt with jeans and a tee.

Brighten your beach style with this Rampage Neon adjustable bathing suit ($23.99 per piece) from Victoria's Secret! Do we even need to mention that this trend will make you appear more tan?

Hit the mall in style with this neon J. Crew Canvas Boardwalk City Tote ($39.50). Classic yet trendy, this bag can hold everything you need: cell phone, wallet, change of clothes, flip flops, etc.

Rock a pair of neon gladiator sandals with any basic summer look, from your black bikini to jean shorts and a tank. These K. Jacques Picon Fluo sandals ($205) from Chickdowntown.com are both beach-ready and city-chic. Best of all, they come in neon pink, blue, green and yellow!

Still feeling wary of this trend? You can always start with neon nail polish!

10 Summer Bangle Bracelets to Brighten Your Look!

By

Anna Rice

on June 29, 2009 0 comments

For a quick style update, add a bangle or two. Or three. Or four. These versatile pieces can be stacked, mixed, and worn with anything!

If you're wearing a solitary bangle, make sure it contrasts somewhat in color and texture to the rest of your outfit. For example, pair a beige wooden bangle with a pink and white floral dress.

If you're wearing several bangles, make sure they contrast with each other. A set of metallic bangles that come together can look hot, but when trying to create your own mix, avoid picking bracelets that look the same. Mix square shaped with round, wood with metal, neon with black, prints with solids, etc.

Here are 10 bangle bracelets that will brighten your look this summer and add a pop to any outfit:

1. A basic metallic bangle is a wardrobe staple, and this Arden B Twist Bangle ($14) is perfect for glamming up an all-black nighttime outfit or brightly colored dress.

2. A wooden bangle, like this Rachel Leigh Wide Dark Wood Pyramid Bangle ($35 at Chickdowntown.com), is great for mixing with metallics and thinner pieces.

3. This CC Skye Black Woven Leather Crust Button bangle ($96 at Bluefly) will add edge and toughen up an outfit. Pair it with a floral dress or feminine blouse to maximize the effect.

4. A snakeskin bracelet will also bring a tough element to an outfit. This Ted Rossi Large Python Bangle ($118 at Singer22) is hot, but you can pick up faux snakeskin pieces on the cheap at fast fashion stores like H&M and Charlotte Russe as well.

5. The Arden B Rhinestone Studded Bangle ($18) is another option for adding some glam and shine to your look.

6. A few solid, bright bangles are great to have around - you can stack 'em on to add color to a look without going too crazy. These Betsey Johnson Enamel & Pearl Bangles ($38/each at Nordstrom) are basic with a unique twist.

7. Bright, printed bangles can also make your look pop. These Kate Spade 'idiom' Medium Enamel Bangles ($78/each at Nordstrom) are the perfect summer accessories - fun, eyecatching and stylish!

8. Black and white is a no-fail color combo. Pair this Banana Republic Checkered Hinge Bangle ($19.99) with an all-black or all-white ensemble for a retro-cool look.

9. Embellished pieces are hot this year - sandals, t-shirts, belts, etc. Work this trend into your wardrobe with an Erickson Beamon Embellished Bone Bangle ($560 at Net-A-Porter).

10. The whole safari thing is still hot right now as well, so pop on this zebra print Kate Spade House of A Different Color Idiom Bangle ($98) to give your look a wild touch.

How To Wear Summer Scarves

By

College Candy

on June 26, 2009 0 comments

scarves

I know there is a serious anti-summer-scarf movement out there, but I am not a part of it. I love scarves - yes, even in the summer. They are really versatile pieces and can really add a lot to an otherwise boring wardrobe. And they can be incorporated in many ways - not just tying those suckers around your neck.

This summer, a lightweight scarf (e.g. silk) is an essential accessory. If you don't own one already, you can buy one for less than $20 at these stores: Delia's, Gap, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21. Or buy a few from all of these stores; there are so many cute things you can do with 'em, you're going to wanna stock up.

The most common way to wear a summer scarf is, obviously, around your neck. They can be tied in several different ways to fit your personal style best. Wear a blouse with a small silk scarf tied right at the neck (no, it's not just for moms!), or let a longer, cotton scarf hang down over a dress, tee or tank. If you have a large square shaped scarf, fold it into a triangle and drape it (lay across your chest and bring the edges around behind your neck) over a t-shirt for an instantly chic-ified look.

summer scarf

1. Chicos Glimmer Daisy Scarf $25
2. Express Silk Scarf $14.99
3. Urban Outfitters silk jacquard scarf $28

Another way to wear a scarf is as a belt. To jazz up a pair of jeans, pull a long, colorful scarf through the belt holes and tie at the side. Just keep your top relatively simple so that the patterns don't clash. You can also use a fun scarf to cinch the waist of a dress. Here the scarf does double flatter-duty: it highlights your smallest part and draws positive attention to it by catching everyone's eye.

1. Gap Silk Petal Tie Dye Scarf $9.99
2. Forever 21 Knotted Back Knit Dress $18.90
3. Forever 21 Crinkled Tie Dye Scarf $4.50
4. True Religion Billy Straight Leg Jeans $175

You can also add a touch of personal style (while saving some moolah) to a handbag by tying a silky scarf to the handle. Instead of carrying multiple handbags, carry the same one each day and tie a new scarf on.

1. Tommy Hilfiger Delray Item Tote $69 at Endless.com
2. Charlotte Russe Tropical Floral Scarf $8.99

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We've teamed up with our friends at CollegeCandy.com to bring you the latest fashion and style news every Friday. Check back each week for more tips and trends from this chic site.

Summer Fashion Trend: Nude Skirts

By

Anna Rice

on June 24, 2009 0 comments

Nude is one of the hottest colors of this summer. The nude skirt is definitely an "it" item, as seen in the collections of designers like Phillip Lim (left, Style.com), Brian Reyes (center, Style.com), and Catherine Holstein (right, for sale at Saks.com). But where can you find this trend? Look for skirts that are not quite beige, but almost light pink. Here are a three cute options:

Shirred Mini Skirt $24.99 at Charlotte Russe

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Brian Reyes Shingle Skirt $665 at ShopBop

Pleat Front Mini Skirt $50 at TopShop

What to Wear to a Summer Wedding

By

Anna Rice

on June 22, 2009 0 comments

Stressing about what to wear to an event takes all the fun out of dressing up! Here's your guide to looking classy and fabulous at any type of summer wedding:

Ultra Formal/Evening Wedding

The only time a long, formal gown is required is when the wedding is taking place after 6 p.m. and the invitation states "Ultra Formal" or "White Tie." This is rare, but in case you are invited to one, your prom dress is probably the best option (unless it's white!).

Black Tie/Evening

A semi-formal dress that hits just at or below your knees is best. Try not to wear black because it is summer, but avoid anything too showy.

This Black Halo Jackie O Dress ($345) from ShopBop is perfect - it's conservative yet stylish with a unique neckline and exposed zipper.

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For a black tie wedding that is al little more festive (e.g. not in a church), something shorter can work as well. Pair this Foley + Corinna Zigzag Jersey Asymmetrical Dress ($425) from ShopBop with stilettos and a pretty clutch.

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Daytime/Outdoor Wedding

If the wedding is outdoors and during the daytime, wear something bright and summery! A floral or light-colored frock as opposed to something glam is perfect. For shoes, wear strappy sandals. If you're going to be standing on grass, opt for a cute pair of wedges to avoid leaving holes in the ground.

This As U Wish Ruffle Chiffon Dress ($48) from Nordstrom would work for an outdoor or day time wedding.

This BB Dakota Dusty Pink Blake Dress ($65) from Chickdowntown.com is another cute option for a daytime wedding.

Beach/Destination Wedding

Weddings on the beach are generally more casual - you aren't going to be donning a formal gown and stilettos just to get all sandy! Wear a dress with a bright color or fun print and add a flower to your hair! Flat but semi-dressy sandals or wedges are the best options for footwear.

This Halter Maxi ($39.50-$41.50) from Alloy would look great on the beach.

For a wedding that is clearly a little more casual, this Floral V-Neck Dress ($44.50-$46.50) from Alloy would work as well.

Tips:

When in doubt about what to wear to a wedding, inquire about what the bridesmaids will be wearing. Your dress should match in length and level of formality.
A no-fail handbag option is a Lauren Merkin clutch, like the one see below. They are classy, timeless and chic. Buy this style and many others at ShopBop for around $200 each.

Hands Off My Closet, Dude

By

College Candy

on June 19, 2009 0 comments

skinny jeans men intro

I love dudes. Straight up, dudes are amazing with their tallness and deep voices and facial hair and whatnot. I even like their ability to eat astounding amounts of food and their random, dorky humor. There are so many awesome things about guys that girls in general just don't have.

However, there are some things that girls have that guys should just stay away from. These things mostly exist in the realm of fashion (and make-up, but we won't go there because dudes should not wear make-up, period. We're talking to you, Adam Lambert). Here is the list of the most heinous fashion crimes committed by the male population:

Super Skinny Jeans

male skinnies

Some dudes have fabulous legs, don't get me wrong, but I'd rather see them tanning under a pair of board shorts at the beach than outlined in super tight, stretchy denim. Oh, and guess what? Your junk doesn't look so hot when it's squeezed to one side of a pair of low-riding jeans that you probably stole from my dirty laundry basket.

Murses

Do guys really need to carry that much stuff around? Dudes should have a wallet, a phone, and some keys (preferably to an amazing apartment and a hot car, but I digress). That's it. If you have anything else, then it better be schoolbooks or gym clothes, in which case you can get a messenger bag. A MANLY messenger bag.

Manpris

Guys may think they look European and stylish, but they really just look like they stole my mother's pants by mistake for the walk of shame home on a Sunday morning. Capris are barely acceptable for women, so men should definitely not embrace the manpri trend. Guess what - you look stocky, short and ridiculous in them, too.

Male Gladiator Sandals

WHAT! Men are trying to steal this glorious trend away from us?? I have so many issues with this. First and foremost, dudes have ugly feet. No joking, as much as I love dudes, I can't stand their feet. I definitely do not want to see those hairy, unwashed monsters in a pair of strappy gladiators. Don't even think about getting a pedicure and using that as an excuse to wear them, either (...again, I suspect Adam Lambert).

Male Headbands

If a guy has long hair, I'm down with that (really down with that), but do not try to style it up with a headband and then rock out at the local bar. Let it be free, homie. And if your hair isn't long and you're still trying to rock the head gear? We're gonna have to address those issues later...

Anything Bought In The Women's Section

Seriously? There isn't enough clothing on the male side of the store, they have to skulk over to our side? I understand that some dudes are slender and need a different cut than the rest of the American male population, but there are stores that specifically cater to those kinds of men (yay, Uniqlo and American Apparel!). If only guys would do some research, they could find plenty of male clothing lines that have fantastic style and cuts. Stay. Out. Of. My. Section. I already have to fight off that hipster girl for those rad jeans - I don't want to have to throw an elbow at a dude, too.

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We've teamed up with our friends at CollegeCandy.com to bring you the latest fashion and style news every Friday. Check back each week for more tips and trends from this chic site.

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists for Gap Collection

By

Anna Rice

on June 17, 2009 0 comments

Finalists of the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund have created a limited edition for Gap inspired by the classic Gap khaki. The collection launched online yesterday and will be available in select stores for a limited time only starting June 19.

In case you didn't know, the CFDA Awards are pretty much the Oscars of fashion, so the opportunity to wear a piece designed by one of the finalists is practically an honor. And for $88 or less, how can you pass it up?

In the past, Gap has partnered with CFDA winners Phillip Lim, Rodarte and Doo.Ri. This year, the finalists were Vena Cava, Albertus Swanpoel and Alexander Wang. What do you think? Will you be scrambling to the nearest Gap on June 19 to score some designer khaki?

Vena Cava

Designers Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai were finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award in 2007 and won the Runner-Up prize in 2008. They have been designing together since graduating from Parsons School of Design in 2003, inspired by their own vintage pieces, found objects, and art history. Here are the pieces they designed for Gap:

1. Printed Khaki Dress $88

2. Khaki Zip Dress $88

3. Boyfriend Khakis $69.50

4. Printed Khakis $69.50

Alexander Wang

Designer Alexander Wang moved to New York City at the age of 18 from San Francisco to attend Parsons School of Design. He designed the first collection of his label in his sophomore year and in 2008 won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. This year, Wang won the award for emerging designers. He put an urban spin on khaki for his Gap collection:

1. Khaki Double-Breasted Jacket $88

2. Khaki Pleated Shorts $49.50

3. High-Waist Khakis $69.50

Albertus Swanepoel

Swanepoel is originally from South Africa, where he designed his label Quartus Manna for seven years. He then moved to New York City to train as a milliner under Janine Galimard. In 2004, he began collaborating with several top New York designers for their runway shows, and in 2006 he launched his namesake label. He was runner up for the 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award and was nominated this year for the 2009 CFDA Swarovski Award for Accessory Designer of the Year. For Gap, he has created several innovative interpretations of the traditional safari hat:

1. Khaki Wide Brim Hat $39.50

2. Button-Trimmed Khaki Hat $39.50

3. Pleated Khaki Hat $39.50

4. Khaki Fedora $39.50

5. Khaki Bucket Hat $39.50

To shop the collection or find out if it will be coming to a store near you, click here.

Arm Candy - Chic Summer Handbags

By

Anna Rice

on June 15, 2009 0 comments

When the sun comes out it's time to ditch those highly structured black bags you've carried your books in all year and opt for bright, fun stylish handbags that are roomy enough to take you from the beach to the party.

This year, designers focused on statement embellishments such as fringe, ruffles, zippered accents and studs. Oversized bags are still hot, but teeny clutches or chain strap purses and medium-sized hobos and satchels are in style as well. Popular colors include yellow, pink, green, white and nude, but anything bright and fun is always in!

Here are some of the chicest designer summer handbags at Shop Bop right now:

From top left to bottom right:

1. Botkier Trigger Medium Satchel $427

2. See by Chloe Punch Line Bag $448

3. Rebecca Minkoff Supernova Stud Devote Handbag $695

4. Cleobella Alive Fringe Tote $528

5. Diane von Furstenberg Roberta Wrap Bag $600

6. Lauren Merkin Eve Leopard Clutch $165

If you want to rock this summer's top handbag trends for less, check out these picks for under $100:

1. G by Guess Sofia Hobo $69.50

2. Express Studded Bottom Tote $79.50

3. Melie Bianco Fringe Hobo at Endless.com $75

4. Jessica McClintock Two Tone Rose Flap Clutch at Nordstrom $28

5. New York & Company City Style Belted Satchel $14.78

6. Liz Claiborne Summer Splash Tote $74.99

The Budget Stylista: Gladiator Sandals

By

College Candy

on June 12, 2009 0 comments

gladiator2 The gladiator sandal.

At first glance, they leave me thinking, "Why else would I wear all this stuff on my ankle unless I was going to Delta Sig's Toga Party?" Unless I was going to grab a stick, part the red sea and call myself the second coming of Moses, Gladiator sandals didn't really seem like my vibe. I was perfectly happy with my patent leather flats and woven wedges for summer. But then you go to stores like Saks, and Nordstrom, and DSW and Target and the more you see the more you like them. Sort of like The Pussycat Dolls; at first you think what is this crappy song, but by since the radio plays it 3 times every. single. hour, by days end you're obsessed.

So now with my newfound gladiator obsession, not only do I have the perfect pair of shoes if I do decide to step up to the Moses challenge, but I have those perfect gladiator flats for my maxi dresses and awesome gladiator pumps for my cute summer minis as well.

So here is a whole range of options - from flats to heels, tan to black. There are so many options that it's a cinch to find not only the ones that won't give you blisters, but the perfect sandal to flatter your tooties, too! (Note: yes, there is even a pair out there for those of us with cankles. Go for the ones that don't hug right around your ankle and they will elongate your legs. Trust me....)

read more about this trend at CollegeCandy.com

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We've teamed up with our friends at CollegeCandy.com to bring you the latest fashion and style news every Friday. Check back each week for more tips and trends from this chic site.