What I Wore Wednesday - Tennis, Friends, and Lights!

Forget What I Want Wednesday, it’s What I WORE Wednesday from now on!

I documented a day in the life of (when I remembered to take pictures!) and tried to give a personal look at how some of my days go!

I started my day at my mom’s house (I visited after needing a car inspection in the area) and made our dog, Bandit, take a photoshoot… He was clearly over it!

I then quickly left to meet up and play tennis with Jack!

We played at my old University; it has changed so much! I’m so jealous of the new science building!! Why did it have to open the year after I left? Of course.

I wore my self-dyed shirt (H&M Basics) and dark coated denim (H&M) shorts to play. Probably not the most practical, but I didn’t plan on playing and it’s all I packed! This was taken after the match and it was super hot, so… Sorry! (Of course, I won! :D )

I love Jack’s stripped blue and white shorts too! (Modern Amusement)

From there, we went to Jack’s pool to cool down!

But of course, I had to post to the blog while there!

We then went to meet our other friends, catch up over Starbuck’s, meet a cute baby, and pick up some essentials at Target! Well… sort of…

I headed to meet up with Elle, after a long hiatus from each other! We checked in at our hotel and the party began!

I was wearing an Express black and white checkered button up, H&M mustard pants, and gray high tops!

We took some pictures, had a mixers, and went on our way… Very safely!

Okay, maybe not really, but we were not paying for a taxi to take us 0.16 miles, what do we look like, divas?

It was so good seeing Elle! We had fun drinking, dancing, chatting, playing in lights…and ending up at a drag show! What a night!

I know there aren’t very great outfit pictures, but it’s my first crack at this thing! I’ll get better, I swear!

Show us what you’re doing AND wearing today!

A.Carmen

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Twofer Tueday-Nanette Lepore

This Twofer Tuesday I was inspired to create an affordable look that resembles this Nanette Lepore ensemble:

The colors are fresh and summery. The skirt is gauzy and flowy, in a color reminiscent of the sea. The sexy crop top shows a flash of skin, but the cut-out details make it look more edgy and fashion-forward than club wear-inspired. The shoes are bright and color-blocked with an ankle strap and a platform. And to finish off the look, the model wears a bright coral lip.

Love this look as much as I do, but can't afford the designer price tag? I've found some cheaper alternatives to each part of the outfit that I'm sure you'll love just as much as the pieces in the outfit that inspired them. Every piece is under $50! :

A Sea foam-Green Flowing Maxi Skirt:

American Apparel- Chiffon Full-length Skirt in "Sprout"

$46.00

An orange crop-top with cutouts:

Gojane.com- Cut-out Knotted Bralette in "Neon Orange"

$17.80

Another sexy option for the Top:

Lulus.com- Sexy Coral "Speed of Light" Crop Top

$21.00

A Candy-Colored Belt:

Express online- Perforated skinny belt in "Neon Pink"

$17.43

Some Color-Blocked Heels:

Urbanog.com- "Morgan 2" Colorblock open toe sandal

$27.90

And a Coral Lip to Finish off The Look:

Revlon "Just Bitten" Lip Stain/Balm in "Rendezvous"

$9.00 (at drugstores)

I've found that building outfits inspired by designers looks is fun and leaves me with a look that doesn't cost much, but looks very chic and expensive. And we always want to look like our outfits are chic and expensive, don't you think?

xoxo

Elle Michele

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Twofer Tuesday - Interesting Leathers

I know we’re currently in a heat wave in Philadelphia, but I couldn’t resist showing one of my favorite trends that will be coming hard in the fall!

One of my favorite collections for Fall 2012 was Tommy Hilfiger’s Menswear. For this Twofer Tuesday, I’d like to highlight the awesome trend that came out of that (and others) collection!

Interesting Leathers:

Tommy Hilfiger

Lanvin

John Galliano

The look of leather always has a cool vibe, and can be translated in many different ways. I found a bunch of interesting leathers at affordable prices for him AND her! Check out the tops I found below!

Metallic/Gray Leather:

ASOS

MuuBaa Gray Leather Jacket - $296.60

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Urban Outfitters

Tripp NYC Silver Faux Leather Moto Jacket - $69.99

Red Shade Leather:

YesStyle

SeventyAge Faux-Leather Zip Jacket - $128.00

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YesStyle

deepstyle Faux Leather Studded Jacket - $172.00

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YesStyle

Stylementor Faux-Leather Sharp Shoulder Jacket - $88.00

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YesStyle

Moonbasa Faux-Leather Biker Jacket - $108.00

Orange Shade Leather:

YesStyle

deepstyle Faux Leather Jacket - $158.00

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YesStyle

Othermix Sleeveless Faux-Leather Dress - $105.00

Green Shade Leather:

YesStyle

deepstyle Faux Leather Jacket - $158.00

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Urban Outfitters

Members Only Pastel Faux Leather Jacket - $98.00

Leather pieces can be affordable, chic, practical, and worn daily in a number of ways! I think all of the options above are super cute!

Leather can be worn on both tops and bottoms. I think it’s best to choose one, and only wear it on that one in a given outfit (but combining it with leather trims is fine!)

I’m so excited that we continue to move away from the normal black or brown leathers, and continue to produce fun colors to give leather a totally different feel! The best part? Colored leathers are mostly faux! Faux materials continue to improve and get that leather feel without the ethical issues behind them!

Which leather do you want to wear this fall?

A.Carmen

[ Images courtesy of STYLE , ASOS , Urban Outfitters , YesStyle ]

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Magazine Monday-Audrey Kitching "Coco de Coeur"

Nylon Magazine's website led me to discover wild and crazy fashion blogger/model Audrey Kitching's newest clothing line. It's called Coco de Coeur and fans of Kitching won't be dissapointed.  The shots from the line's photo shoot show over-the-top quirky looks, but I think these cute, girly separates can be utilized in any girl's wardrobe to give an outfit a little spunk. I especially love the feline- themed printed t's (and the borders surrounding the pictures)! Adorable! 

Check it out:

This look is a little punk, a little funk, and a little girly rock-and-roll. I'm not sure that any of us could pull off this entire look for everyday life (especially with that zany-glamorous makeup)! But I'm envisioning tucking that adorable t-shirt into a voluminous bright-colored mini-shirt for a daytime look. Or for night, it can be worn over some tight leather pants.

What I like most about this look is the mesh cardigan.  It's funky, cool, and laid back.  It could work over any type of outfit- from body-con dresses to t-shirts and jeans.  This piece would give an ordinary ensemble some visual interest.  Pair it with a spiked necklace to amp up the funky vibe, or with some pretty floral jewels to change the look from funky to edgy-girly.

These looks read punk-princess, but I think the outfits can be deconstructed so that each piece's versatility can be spotlighted. The studded vest on the left is in a neutral color-so why not use it like a jean jacket?  I can see this piece over a girly printed sundress this summer, or over a long-sleeved chiffon blouse in the fall.  The brand logo muscle tee on the right can easily be worn with a neon lacey bra underneath (as is the fun, easy trend this summer) and skinny jeans in a girly floral print. With pieces this bold-make sure you keep the color of your footwear neutral and your jewlery minimal.

This is my favorite look from the collection's lookbook, and I wouldn't change a thing about it and I don't think it needs to be deconstructed to be wearable.   The majority of the outfit is black-with only a few pastel accents. I especially adore the head scarf! I'd wear this look to a casual-cool night spot.

These shots for Coco de Coeur make me want to dye my hair pink and move to LA.  But instead of actually doing those things, I think I'll just use these pictures as inspiration for days when I want to add some extra funk to my wardrobe. How would you wear these pieces?

xoxo

Elle Michele

These photographs do not belong to me-but belong to Audrey Kitching, Coco de Coeur, and nylonmag.com

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Special Post - BlogLovin

Elle and I just joined BlogLovin! You can follow us there or on Blogger!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Magazine Monday - Spotlighting VOGUE July 2012

My favorite thing about Magazine Monday is that I have to take apart a complete magazine and bring my favorite parts to the table! I have to admit that I'm one of those people that page through magazines and just look at the pictures for inspiration. Now, I'm browsing the entire magazine for things that I hope you find inspirational, as well!

Emma Stone covers this month's VOGUE magazine! She looks stunning on the cover; so sultry!

Upon looking at her spread, it's so much more than that. Emma has a unique ability to be super cute and quirky, and be really sexy at the same time. The spread is definitely quirky and super trendy! While there are still pretty pictures of her, I love the playful ones much more. Fun little hats, masculine femininity, and full prints show great trends for the summer, into fall! She looks really cute in all of the looks. (Page 72)

Another eye catcher was the Brazilian Treatment spread.

The futuristic metallics against the natural backdrop is really cool. The models traveling through Brazil showcase the beauty of what the country has to offer. A lucky journalist, Isabel Gillies, describes the surprising call she got to do a piece in Brazil, and report on a luxurious eco-resort! Who wants to go to Bahia?? (Page 94)

Other pieces you'll find in this issue:

- Who doesn't love a great Marc Jacobs ad? They're so wrong, they're right!

- Defining "The New Normal" with Sarah Mower. New shapes are taking over the fashion industry, and I'm always inspired by runway drama! Of course, the conversation can't be complete without highlighting Alexander McQueen's amazing Fall 2012 RTW collection! Ah, Sarah Burton, no one could have taken his place but you! (Page 118)

- A totally off topic conversation about our health. Ginny Graves asks "Could Your Thyroid be Making You Depressed?" and I find it really interesting! (Page 66)

Pick up this great issue, ASAP!

A.Carmen

[ Images from VOGUE ]

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Sunday Funday - DIY: Dip Dye Continued

First off, thanks Christina! What a great post! I'm so excited you'll be posting here and there on great DIY projects!

Anyway, my Twofer Tuesday post really inspired me for the entire week. It reminded me how much I love dyeing and playing with color! I got a few shirts and played.

Rit dye has always been good to me, so I bought a bunch of dyes for playing. I've used both the powder and the liquid, and I don't notice much of a difference. Either works fine!

I work from 2-10pm during the week, so I would spend my mornings running around and then making dye baths in my kitchen sink!

The first shirt I wanted to try different colors, so I started with a lighter teal color for the middle. I left the shirt in the bath for around 20-25 minutes (stirring in between). Once that was done, I cleaned the bath, and made a new one with a royal blue for the bottom. I followed the same steps as above, but left the shirt for a bit longer, so it would really take the color in. The results can be seen below!

The second shirt, I wanted more of an ombre effect. I also wanted the dye to be higher on the shirt. I used a black dye (which smells very weird and like you're inhaling cancer...) because I had never played with it before. For the lighter gray, I dipped the shirt in the dye for less than a minute, and pulled it out quickly. Then I put a little less of the shirt in, let it sit (and stir a bit) for about 5-10 minutes. Finally, I pulled out more of the shirt, and left the bottom in for about 30 minutes so it would take in a lot of dye. It worked out great! I love that shirt!

Remember to wash your clothes separately so they don't ruin the load! I hand washed both of these afterward until the water ran clear.

Anyway, these quick examples show you how easy it is to dip dye and play with your clothes to make them something more special! Dye is super cheap and super easy to use! Go play and show us your results!

A.Carmen

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Sunday Funday - DIY: Dip Dyed Shorts

Happy Sunday Funday, everyone!

Let me start off by introducing myself.

I'm Christina, and I have been friends with Anthony & Elle for many years.

So I was super excited when they asked me to be a guest blogger.

I love clothes, fashion, and accessories, but I really love crafting and making pretty things.

Pinterest is one of my biggest addictions, and that is where I found this beauty.

As lovely as they are, my first thought was, "I would never spend $161 on those."

My second thought was, "OMG! I can make those myself!"

So, that is exactly what I did and here is how:

I started by searching my closet for some jeans that I no longer wanted, which was really easy for me.

Then, I cut them down to shorts. I took a pair of shorts that I liked the length of and used a piece of chalk to draw where I was going to cut. Once I was done, I pulled at the frays, cut some holes, and used the edge of a pair of scissors to distress the shorts.

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of those steps. Sorry!

This is where my pictures do start, though. Both pairs of jeans were a really dark wash, so I had to bleach them.

Finally, it is time for the fun part: dyeing.

I used Rit dye in golden yellow, fuschia, and royal blue.

I mixed my baths and did my dyeing in my kitchen sink.

I decided on one pair being pink and yellow, so I get a nice orange in the middle.

The other pair would be pink and blue, so there would be some purple in there too.

After my baths were mixed, I dipped half of my shorts into the bowl.

I let them sit for 30 minutes and then rinsed out some of the dye.

I flipped them over and dipped the other half into the other color.

After another 30 minutes, and a quick wash and dry...

VOILA!

I absolutely love how they turned out!

I even added some embellishment to one pair!

So, next time you think about dishing out money for dip-dyed clothes, remember that you can always do it yourself.

Hope you love them as much as I do!

And if you try this at home, don't forget to show us your dip-dyed shorts too.

--Christina

http://www.runwaydreamz.com/

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