Victoria Beckham | WhyDid.com

Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By Kirsten|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.

Would You Wednesday: Rockin’ Bobbin’

By Kirsten|December 14th, 2011|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

Recently Katy Perry chopped her locks and lightened her heinous pink hue. In my opinion, this is the look she should have gone with in the first place. While I’m not into the whole Strawberry Shortcake haircolor trend, I do think that IF you are… this is the way to go about it. It’s fun. It’s subtle. It’s something only a platinum selling pop star could pull off. She looks kinda fab, right?

The bob was first made popular in the 1920’s by actresses Colleen Moore and Louise Brooks. The cut was considered a bold statement of “independence” as girls in the West had historically all had long, quite coiffed tresses. It became more accepted as women’s long hair interfered with their work during the World War. The popularity of the bob was reignited once again in the 1960’s by Vidal Sassoon. The look has stuck around since then in modified versions.

Many a stylish celebrity has shorn her long locks for a bolder, more blunt bob. From Rihanna, to Kate Bosworth, to Victoria Beckham… and even more famously Anna Wintour, these ladies have highlighted their striking facial features with this sleek cut. So, would you trade in your long locks for a brazen bob?

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Greyscale

By Kirsten|October 3rd, 2011|Setting the Mood|

It’s not true what they say. It does rain in California. Especially, Northern California. Today it has rained all day. I can’t lie though. Rain is sometimes a welcome change. The whole cheerful kingdom thing can get old and makes me long for a little grey weather. A little reality. I enjoy the rain so much that I actually waited to go for a run until it started raining. A neighbor stopped me cause he was worried about my well being, but I let him know that I was enjoying the downpour. I know. How very emo/hipster of me. There’s just something refreshing about it. You don’t have to feel guilty about holing up for the day and indulging in a book or comfort food. That said… let’s hope the sun comes out tomorrow.

xx,

WhyDid

Bag: Victoria Beckham Shopper Tote, $2,700

Umbrella: Marc by Marc Jacobs Panther Print Mini Umbrella, $60

Coat: Vivienne Westwood Red Label Oversized Wool-blend Coat, $605

Would You Wednesday: Fresh Ink

By Kirsten|November 24th, 2010|Why Did or Why Don't?|

Lots of beautiful young startlets and young ladies I know have covered their pretty and perfect skin with tattoos. Whether it be the good ol fashion tramp stamp or something discreet on their back, wrist, or rib cage, they’ve all branded themselves with something. Some are gentle reminders to themselves, others have a deeper meaning, and some are just “cute.”

This is not me knocking the tattoo trend because I have my very own little bit of ink. I got it a couple of years ago and it’s teeny tiny. So tiny that, in fact, I startle myself sometimes when I see it because I’ve forgotten that it’s there. It’s not something that I totally regret, but now I’m kind of over it and have definitely considered getting it removed.

So, I’m kind of just wondering if others out there are debating the same thing. Or maybe some of you out there are debating your first tattoo. Maybe you can’t decide what you want to go or maybe you aren’t sure if you really want one.

Do you think this is just a trend that we will all regret or is it something that is worth having for a lifetime? My only advice? Don’t get any boy’s name emblazoned on your body! Tattoos last and unfortunately, sometimes boyfriends don’t.