Subtle Colorblocking

Subtle Colorblocking by kathyli1310 featuring sterling silver earrings

Valentino lace dress
$2,290 - nordstrom.com

Caparros mid heels
$69 - bloomingdales.com

Miu miu handbag
$1,295 - miumiu.com

Swarovski bangle bracelet
$360 - swarovski.com

Sterling silver earrings
$50 - ice.com

Tweens For Couture

     First it was 14-year-old Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu, and now it's 13-year-old Elle Fanning for Marc by Marc Jacobs. What is up with these young actresses becoming the "faces" of brands?
     Don't get me wrong, I love Hailee and Elle. They're both extremely talented and have loads of potential as rising starlets, but fashion muses?
     Hailee has an eccentric kind of style that's not quite defined (yes, she does wear lots of Miu Miu, so I guess I see where Miuccia is coming from), but I have to question some of her sartorial decisions, like an orange-and-hot-pink striped dress at the SAG Awards and a black number with a swan on it at the Berlin Film Festival. Some may call them "avant-garde", but I can't say I agree. And more importantly, fourteen is too young to embody the elegance that Miu Miu is all about. Sorry, Hailee.
     Below are a couple of her Miu Miu Fall 2011 ad campaigns, shot by Bruce Weber. I have to admit, she does look ladylike and carefree, which was probably the intent.

  

  

     As for Elle, she's following in her sister Dakota's footsteps in starring in an ad campaign of her own. Normally, Elle's style, whether it be shoots for magazines (she recently did one for the June/July issue of Teen Vogue) or on the red carpet, is adorably stylish. She names Rodarte and Valentino as two of her favorite designers, and wears their clothes frequently. However, I can't help but feel like she's dressed like a grandmother in this Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 ad (shot by Juergen Teller). The dress, the bag, the shoes, and the high socks all scream "50s!" That's a bit too precocious, if you know what I mean.

Inspiration From Waiting For Forever

      
   

   

(Photo credit, from top: Teenhollywood.com, Nzb-forum.com, Art-burger.com)



     Unless a movie stars a certain Anne Hathaway and has "Prada" in the title, it's the last place I would look to for fashion inspiration. But Rachel Bilson's character Emma in Waiting For Forever, my latest movie obsession, has an incredibly laid-back look about her that is casual yet chic in her own way. The slouchy tops, boho jackets, and relaxed wavy hair are distinctively Rachel Bilson-ish, which, at least for me, is synonomous with effortless style.

Summer Nail Colors: How Bright Is Too Bright?

     Everyone loves a punchy, attention-grabbing manicure when the weather gets hot outside, and I'm no exception. After all, they say nail polish is just as important an accessory as jewelry or a handbag. But when it comes to the color spectrum, where do we draw the line between "notice me" and "ouch, blinding!"?

BRIGHT



Dior Vernis in Cabaret Pink is a sweet pink that borders coral. It's one of my favorite Dior nail colors. It's great for shopping on the town or lunch with friends, but only in the daytime. (Photo credit: Thebeautylookbook.com)

BRIGHTER

CND's Poppyfield has a fun reddish orange hue that's perfect for the beach or any outdoor event. I would not advise wearing this anytine other than between the months of May and August. (Photo credit: Amazon.com)

TOO BRIGHT

POP Beauty Nail Glam in Yellow...My friends, I think the picture above speaks for itself. The only person I can think of who would ever wear it is probably Lady Gaga. (Photo credit: Thisnext.com) 

     Fortunately, I have never stepped into the neon zone (which may not neccessarily be a good thing; I tend to shy away from anything bolder than the conventional pinks and pale metallics), but I've witnessed many people who have. To put it simply, it made me want to cringe and grab my sunglasses. The lesson to be learned? As with everything in life, nail color should maintain a balance between fun and sophisticated.

Taylor Swift's Style Throughout The Years

     I've always been a huge fan of Taylor Swift's sweet, girl-next-door-y songs, but not only is she a talented singer/songwriter, she has such a timeless sense of style. Her red carpet go-to style elements seem to be anything sequined, beaded, or with lace. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Arriving at the 43rd Academy of Country Music Awards in 2008 (Photo credit: CMT.com) The dress has a country twist to it, and is complemented perfectly by the long earrings.

At the 43rd Country Music Association Awards in 2009 (Photo credit: JustJaredJr.com) The sparkly bodice is to die for, while the tulle keeps the

 dress young and fresh.

At the 2010 Grammy Awards (Photo courtesy: MTV.com) This gown fit her like a glove. It's elegant and age-appropriate without being too plain.



At the 2011 Met Gala (Photo credit: Stylelist.com) This outfit, in my opinion, is Taylor's most daring one yet. It's chic yet sophisticated, and the lace detail makes it look a tad bit vintage.