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Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By |December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|

Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends.  Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids  to clothing, and even nail polish.  Need a little inspiration?  Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces.  Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention?  Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire?  Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well.  The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors.  Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color.  Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance.  Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear.  Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall.  Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue.  Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends.  Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout.  Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way.  Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats.  Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth.  Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland.  Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble.  The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

 

About the Author:  Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Gift Guide: You Da Man

By |December 13th, 2011|Gift Guide|

1. LEGO Architecture: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, $39.95, 2. Bodum Fyrkat Picnic Charcoal Grill, $59.95, 3. Mele & Co. Faux Leather Watch Case, $52.12, 4. Gorham 5 Piece Flask and Cigar Set, $99.99, 5. iDevices iGrill Thermometer for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, $99.99, 6. Lomokino Super 35mm Movie Maker and Viewer, $99, 7. Jack Spade Box Dopp Kit, $94.99, 8. Express Striped Fingerless Gloves, $29.90, 9. To Boot New York Warren Boots, $398, 10. Esquire Eat Like a Man, $37, 11. Alexander McQueen Skull Medium Dot Tie, $195

Now that we’ve picked out presents for just about everyone under the sun (including you, possibly), let’s start working on the man in your life.  I didn’t leave him til last because he’s any less important.  It’s actually quite the contrary.  I always find men the most difficult to shop for.  While we, as ladies, can be blinded by bling and shriek for anything with a red sole, men are much more particular.  They don’t like silly gifts and as previously mentioned, they often pick out things that we most likely will never be able to afford on our mid-level salaries alone.  So, without selling our ovaries, here are some great manly gifts that are sure to delight even the most practical male in your life.

Man up.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Orange You Glad

By |November 24th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Normally I would never mix bright orange with anything black so as to avoid looking like a Halloween reject… Not to mention my highschool colors were actually black and orange (Go Cadets!).  However, I really liked the way this orange- or as I like to call it persimmon- looked with the black acid wash of these jeans and was only accented by adding bold gold accessories.

Sure, this look probably isn’t for everyone… or everyday (and no, I’m not wearing it to Thanksgiving dinner), but it brought out my inner hip hop loving fly girl and it kind of just made me want to dance– but what doesn’t?  Wanna join my dance party?  Here’s how to recreate the look:

1. Kain Scoop Neck Pocket Tank, $49.99, 2. Forever21 Skinny Acid Wash Jeans, $27.80, 3. Only Hearts Lace Bralette, $48, 4. Erica Anenberg Crystal Chunk Ring, $145, 5. Erica Anenberg True Gold Twosome Ring, $80, 6. Alexander McQueen Faithful Bootie, $787.99, 7. D&G Abigail 5 Row Necklace, $195

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Spooked

By |October 24th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

It seems like every year people are getting more and more into the Halloween spirit.  Maybe I just don’t recall it from when I was little or maybe people are feeling like they need a bit more of an escape and dressing up as someone else for a day does just the trick.  I think it makes everyone feel like they are finally able to get in touch with their inner “dark side.”  We all have one afterall.

xx,

WhyDid

Gloves: Lanvin Crystal Embellished Long Leather Gloves, $1.555

Ring: Alexander McQueen Silver Plated Swarovski Crystal Skull Ring, $405

Corset: Ender Legard Corsetry Ava Stretch Silk Satin Balconette Corset, $720

Boots: Alexander McQueen Lace Up Leather Ankle Boots, $1,580

 

Setting the Mood: xoxo, WhyDid

By |September 26th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

In honor of Gossip Girl’s return to television, this week’s inspiration is brought to you by the letters S and B.  Whether you’re team Serena or Team Blair, there’s no denying that these ladies have serious style.  New York is one of the most magical places during the fall.  I don’t know what exactly it is, but I think anyone who’s spent a fall in the Big Apple can attest to that special something that’s  in the air.  Now, I know Serena is taking the season off in sunny California, but I’m still channeling the sumptuous accessories that a city girl might add to her collection this fall-  the perfect shoes, scarf, and clutch for catching cabs and ducking into the hot club du jour.

xoxo,

WhyDid

Scarf: Etro Printed Cashmere Scarf, $780 

Shoes: Alexander McQueen Skull Embellished Suede Pumps, $1,195

Clutch: Mulberry Bayswater Metallic Textured Leather Clutch, $600