June 02, 2012

blue on blue

Mixing unexpected colors have become quite mainstream this year. Colorblocking has forced the minimalist neutrals seem like a bore. So how about monochromatic minimalist color? I was reminded over the weekend, by one of the most creatively fashionable girls I know, how bold and minimal are always a great alternative. Take a look at how pairing a similar color dress and necklace can make a vibrant statement as well.


Dress: Anthropologie
Necklace: Kate Spade
Sandals: Via Spiga
Watch: Casio


May 21, 2012

gold + shiny

I've just realized that I have an innate attraction to shiny gold things- must be the desi girl in me! My three new favorites of the moment, in the shiny gold category:

the gold sandal
Zara Ankle Strap Sandal


the gold watch 
Michael Kors 'Reese' Chronograph 

May 15, 2012

ombre to dye for

It tends to happen to most of us as spring and summer approach... we start feeling a bit blah about our hairstyles. Rather than doing something drastic like chopping off inches (again), I am entertaining the thought of playing with color. Not just a color, but the gradient shades of colors- the dip-dye effect of ombre hair. A few celebrity inspirations:

Rachel Bilson
Whitney Port
Giuliana Rancic

Until I get myself (and my wallet) to commit to this hair trend, I am fine with flaunting my ombre fashion. A few fashion parade inspirations:

ombre looks
ombre looks by fashionparadegirl (via polyvore)

April 24, 2012

hats on!

Not too long ago, I returned back from a sun-filled trip to Cancun, and I am still trying to adjust to the rainy, not-at-all-warm weather back home. Aside from reminiscing about the fruity drinks next to the sounds of the ocean waves, I still stare at my everyday vacay compadre- my black floppy sun hat.


Not only did I get my sun protection (refer back to the "saving face" post, if you will), but I completed my beach style too (but, of course!). And, here are few floppy hat finds for you to consider when taking your beach vacay this summer:
hats on!
1. nixon
2. kate spade
3. forever 21
4. asos
5. laundry by shell segal

March 19, 2012

tangy lips

I've always been a fan of bold lip color. Pigmented shades of pink and fuchsia, and of course a classic red lipstick, seem to continuouly stay on top of my cosmetic drawer. And, now with all the color craze about Pantone's very tangy color of the year; Tangerine Tango... reddish-orange colored lips are surfing my mind. So, I went on a hunt for the just the right shade of orange lipstick.

color testing on my hand
Bobbi Brown
color: atomic orange
The ultimate bright orange. Only wear this if you have traffic stopping confidence. 
It must be popular since the inventory was wiped out.

M.A.C.
colors: morange, so chaud
Known for their high pigmented costume make-up, you can't go wrong with a bold look by M.A.C. 
So, I naturally found two shades that were equally as fiery.

Trish McEvoy
color: vibrant coral
As the name suggests, this color is more of a coral than an orange. 
However, the vibrant aspect of it can classify it as a bright tangy shade. 

YSL
color: rouge volupte orange shiver #14
Radiant and glamorous... both the color and the price tag. 
If you like to splurge and feel fancy, this would be it.



What are some of your favorite finds?


March 13, 2012

the outdoor in

Fashion and home decor have always had a direct relationship when it comes to color and trends.  For the last several years, I have been naturally (no pun intended) drawn to earth tones for my home furnishing style. Dominating neutral tones of green, brown, with black and white serve as the foundation for my everyday living space as well as my closet. But, now with all this rage about color, I have whole heartedly embraced brights and bolds to take a step into my world of decor and dress up. Here are some trends to help adapt color while keeping that oh-so-comfort of the nature inspired.

bohemian
Incorporate color with nature-esque prints. 
Crate and Barrel: placemats, bread basket, silverware
Pottery Barn: mug, napkins, sugar pot
Target: plate
Home Goods: bowl

Nordstrom: tanktop, blouse (B.P.)
Bloomingdales: linen pants (Guess)

nautical
Nature doesn't always mean the wilderness. Think water, vacation, and yacht.
Pottery Barn: pillow covers 
Forever 21: sweater
Marc Jacobs: handbag


floral
Flowers make the world a prettier place. 
A colorful medley of the outdoors- courtesy of my better half!
Nordstrom: blouse (T.B.D.)
Kate Spade: handbag

February 29, 2012

one of the guys

one of the guys

one of the guys by fashionparadegirl featuring h&m jackets

As if towels and pillowcases weren't enough to label as his and her. Time to start labeling your wardrobe! In the last few months, menswear inspired women's clothing has been quite the buzz. Here's a round up of the top 5 guy style items (on ladies, that is) I have repeatedly spotted all over town:

1. motorcycle jacket- Pairing a moto jacket with a feminine top is the way to go.
spotted: H&M, Banana Republic

2. plaid shirt- Plaid seems to be one of those timeless trends that doesn't ever completely go away.
spotted: Old Navy, J. Crew

3. oversized watch- I currently have a personal obsession for this!
spotted: Michele, Michael Kors, Nixon

4. loafers- Think of your classic Hugh Hefner smoking flats. Yep- those are cool.
spotted: Steve Madden, Sam Edelman

5. pinstripe trousers- Chic, tailored and confident. A guy's girl for sure.
spotted: J. Crew, BCBGeneration


Love my chucks!

February 17, 2012

hair fix

It's happened to most of us at some point in time: You walk into a salon desperate for a trim, and walk out with a disappointed haircut gone too short. For the last couple of weeks, I have been moping around, missing my long tresses, and most of all- anxiously awaiting the short layers around my face to grow out. In the interim, the following two quick fix hairdos are my best buddies.

high bun 
Slick hair back into a tight ponytail and wrap into a bun.
Use bobby pins to secure any short flyaway layers.
Optional: end with a comfortable headband to keep all strands in place.
Jessica Alba

pompadour pony tail
The 2012 Grammy Awards red carpet looks gave even more credibiluty to this 1950's hair reinvention (men and women rocked the pouf!).
Separate top front section of hair.
Backcomb the crown with a soft bristle comb and smooth over with the separated hair.
Slick the sides with some pomade or gel.
Pull hair into ponytail.
Use bobby pins to secure the ends down at your ponytail to create a pomp.
Hairspray.
Amaia Salamanca
2012 Grammy Awards pompadours
Kate Beckinsale, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys

What are some of your favorite quick fix hair tips?

February 09, 2012

chanel trunk show

As New York Fashion Week kicked off today, I only hoped to experience that fabulousness of fashion chaos someday. On the other hand, walking into a local Chanel trunk show made my day! What a treat--the fresh Spring-Summer 2012 looks straight off the Paris runway to see, touch, and die for... first hand. 

While spring's color trend (primarily the sorbet hues) appeared on many handbags, the ice-goddess-metallic look fashioned on the runway dominated the collection. 

Love the rose gold hardware!
Check out the silver metalics on each handbag. The model on the left is holding a mini bag with silver sequins beaded on lambskin. Now that's Chanel.


What captured my attention right away with it's navy and slate leather, cognac accent, 
and gunmetal hardware-- the Country Chic Bag. Absolutely love.

Country Chic Bag

February 03, 2012

fancy pants

Sometimes I wonder if the fashion industry deliberately introduces quite unflattering ideas just to see if we cave in and follow along. Unless you live on the fashion runway or in an Anthropologie catalog, loud bold and rather gaudy patterns may not be your thing. So, after major contemplation and careful consideration I have now made the leap into the world of (drumroll, please)... printed pants.

*Note to self: purchase and flaunt what flatters your body type and sense of style.

printed pants
printed pants created by fashionparadegirl via polyvore

January 29, 2012

winter white

winter white
winter white created by fashionparadegirl featuring ivory coats

Let's face it. We, Californians, don't really know what winter is all about. Sunny and 70 degree weather in the end of January? More reason to celebrate white! All the outdated rules of "no white before memorial day or after labor day" remain unfashionable this season, even if you're really in the cold.

1. Knitted Dove
2. Burberry
3. Michael Kors
4. J. Crew
5. Theory

I may not have my ivory coat lined up for the season, but my little daughter is all set to rock her style.
Janie and Jack (via one of her most stylish aunts)

January 19, 2012

forever 21 and over

How many times have you blurted out one of the following replies when a stranger or not-so-close friend inquired about where an article of clothing you were wearing was purchased?

"I can't remember. I got it a long time ago."
"It's actually not mine...just borrowing it."
"It was a gift."


That's code for Forever 21. If you are reading this post, chances are you are probably over twenty-one. I sure am. So when is it a little too over 21 for a girl to shop at Forever 21? Never, really. It's what you choose that makes a difference (age appropriate, please).  Here's a roundup of three of my favorite categories to shop for at my local store:

1. bold solids
Solids are great for layering. Bold hues bring out the personality in any outfit. And who isn't into color blocking right now anyway?

Pair with: Navy linen blazer, camel wedges, stacked bangles, tote.

2. jewelry
Low investment trend add-ons. 

Add a touch of bohemian, victorian, or goth to any outfit.

3. stripes
Always in style, and never age discriminates.

Pair with indigo skinnies, gold belt, white tank, and sandals


Stay young, my friends.

January 11, 2012

feathers and tweed, yes indeed!

feather and tweed

feather and tweed by fashionparadegirl featuring crossbody handbags

The 1920's fashion re-intro of feather and tweed is just so lady-ish and artsy. Above are some staple (and not so staple) items to help flaunt this style.

skirt- Lanvin
blouse- Oscar de la Renta
shoes- Vince Camuto
handbag- Malene Birger
ring- Roberto Cavalli
tights- Malene Birger
jacket- Revillon
clip- Dorothy Perkins
sunglasses- Tom Ford

Being a celebrity junkie and noticing the hair accessories (headbands!) from the 2012 Golden Globes last night,  I am quite content with my contribution to the trend:

Nordstrom: Tasha Headband


January 09, 2012

leopard pumps

There's something so exciting about getting a new pair of shoes (Stuart Weitzman Calf Hair Peep-Toe Pump, in this case). And, even more exciting--- getting a fantastic deal on them (over 60% off plus free shipping, in this case)! Now the painful ending to my story: the shoe doesn't fit.  


As much as I am obsessing over these gorgeous pumps (including trying them on every day for almost a week hoping that one day they will magically fit),  I will have to return them and hopefully make some girl with narrow feet very happy. 

As I sulk, take a look at some of the celebrity looks spotted with leopard heels: 

Michelle Williams

Miranda Kerr

Olivia Palermo

January 05, 2012

organized fashion

You know it's the first week of a new year when Lululemon gear and reusable water bottles are the hottest trend on the streets. I was guilty of wearing my sneakers yesterday as I ran, errands that it, to get some new hangers for my closet. That leads me to my first post of 2012-- dedicated to my top new year's resolution: get my fashion cave (closet and vanity) efficient and organized! Take a look at the five to do's to accomplish my goal:

1. switch out wooden hangers to plastic hangers- 
As much as wooden hangers are cute and boutiquey, they are not always practical (especially when it comes to California real estate). Space is essential in keeping organized so plastic takes up less room. As long as the hanger color and size are consistent, you'll still have a pretty display.
goodbye cedar!


2. store shoes in clear boxes- 
Visibility is key when getting a look together, and shoes are an important part of any outfit. How many times I've forgotten I had the perfect shoe to go with a dress? Countless.
container store shoe boxes



3. sort and label handbags- 
Clutches, small bags, large bags... sort, store and label. If you have more space and handbag inventory, it's better to categorize further (i.e. totes, hobos, messengers etc). I hope to master this one day.
container store storage boxes



4. stash away cosmetics-
Oh, make-up. I feel like every 6 months there seems to be a bigger better cosmetic must have that we all get lured into owning. Keep everyday essentials in a drawer or vanity organizer (brushes included), easily accesible. Everything else--- stash away in a train case. There's no need to stare at those fake lashes everyday when getting your under eye concealer.
sephora train case

5. eliminate any unused items- 
By far, the biggest hurdle for me! If you haven't worn it or used it in a year (designer handbags excluded), it's time to say bye-bye. Donate, sell, or discard these items. What keeps me going from having separation anxiety? Knowing that there is something better out there for me.

Now, this will allow me to be more efficient and give me time to do more enjoyable things in life (i.e. shop and blog).