rih style,

 

Rihanna’s River Island summer collection has finally launched and I was inquisitive to see what the fashion fuss was about.  After visiting the site and viewing the trendy looks, I totally had a better understanding of the “talk that talk” artist, and why her style is “unapologetic-ally” chic. She takes a vintage silhouette and delivers a urban hipster feel. I felt engrossed to create a rih-style of what I would rock this summer from the collection. 

See more of Rihanna's River Island summer collection at www.riverisland.com

bed drop,

Headboards can come in so many idiosyncratic designs; I currently have a modern bed frame with stainless steel bars. However, while I was browsing through the HGTV website, I realized it might just be time to explore a more imaginative approach.  The Chalkboard headboard was the most original; nothing like a friendly reminder once you wake up or go to sleep. The Dandelions (aka “make a wish flowers”) on the wall is clearly wish-ful thinking, it illustrates a pretty backdrop for any dreamer.  This double duo of creativity sparked some DIY ideas that I would love to try. 

neck piece,

One way to beautify a simple look is by adding a gorgeous neck piece.  The summer is all about channeling bohemian style and these two statement necklaces are a plus. Marc by Marc Jacobs raves with a gold and teal motif, with lemon-threaded aqua outlines for an eclectic finish. While Etro brings the brilliant, with this tomato red beaded number, the chunky design is a winning style. Either choice will delight your neck with one piece. 

lip love,

H&M has gone from my favorite clothing store, to my favorite beauty products store with just one lipstick application. This past weekend I purchased their ‘darling pink’ lipstick and it resembled just that. The smell was sweet and fruity, which is surprising for a standard lipstick. The coverage was smooth and matte, and the price was the icing on the cake, $5.95, which I lucked out by having a ‘$5 off my next purchase’ gift card. I have to confess; I am pretty happy with my new lip love.

1. Darling Pink

2. Up all Night

3. Nude

4. Pink Fool

style tribute,

1.2.

3.

Besides the 4^th of July, Memorial Day is the sister holiday that embraces the red, white and blue color scheme. Even though the day of remembrance has come to a close, it’s never too late to do a style tribute. I searched for a sophisticated glam ensemble that would be the center of any BBQ scene, making it a memorable one. 

1. Marc Jacobs belted floral dress

2. Aquazurra nude and silver glitter cosmopolitan sandal 

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Karlie’ bag

lucky charm,

My grandmothers beloved animal has been inspiring me lately; in a fashionable way. I was browsing Topshop.com when I found myself developing an elephant attraction, from the orange and white playsuit, to the gold and silver drop earrings; it seemed as if I wanted more. If you didn’t know, elephants symbolize “good luck” hence my post title, and these two summers styles will make you look like the luckiest girl in town, in a charming way. 

1. Safari Zoo Print Pinafore Playsuit

2. Mega Elephant drop earrings

3. Elephant Ladder Back Dress

4. Elephant Collar

fruit roll,

Memorial Day weekend calls for a sweet BBQ, and what better than having playful décor to set the mood. Urban Outfitters seems to have all the eccentric home goods (hence my last post “garden shower”), and these fruit inspired ‘Magical Thinking’ pillows look real enough to eat. The mouthwatering cushion toppers will perk up the look and feel of the ambiance promoting a healthy appetite for fun.

 Available at Urbanoutfitters.com 

flower wrap,

a.b.

c.

Beach hair and head wraps are a compatible match. The floral headwrap is a quick fix for bad hair day blues and creates a sophisticated, hobo chic look. Forever21.com is stocked with a blooming array that is worth the buy. Whether your hair is curly, wavy or sleek, these wraps are a stylish wonder. 

a. Floral Chiffon Headwrap

b. Textured Floral Chiffon Headwrap

c. Rose Headwrap

hair party,

This past Saturday May 18, my two sisters, cousin (an aspiring hair stylist) and I attended the Party Over Hair and The Jade Effect, “For the Naturals who Color” event, held at the swanky Cocoamane hair salon of celebrity hairstylist and creator of Jass Products, Janel Sealy Smith.  The Brooklyn based salon was filled with inquisitive attendees, greeted with strawberry and champagne, pastries and delicious appetizers. Smith delivered tips and tricks on how to color your hair, an array of dye types (semi, temp, demi and permanent) the levels of hair color and the process, the different types of highlights, and how to maintain your hair after color. The featured products were Shea Moisture hair color, Reshma Femme Henna dye and Smith’s very own Jass Products.

foot prints,

Lightweight, flirty and fun, Keds are one brand that never goes out of style.  They presently stepped their print game up to the max, collaborating with designers such as Kate Spade New York and songstress Taylor Swift. I would totally purchase every pair, kicking my sandals to the curve and letting my canvas shoes do the walking. 

summer mix,

The warmer the weather, the more I began to muse summer fashion. After several post declaring my summer wishes, I figure why not create a vision board of them all. Some items look more appealing collectively and this chic combination of polka dots, pastel brights and floral is giving me nothing but fashion fever!

1. Dorothy Perkins Vintage rose head band

2. Ostwald Helgason Floral embroidered cotton shorts

3. J.Crew Merino Tippi graphic floral sweater

4. Keds, Champion Dot

5. Dooney and Bourke Classic Satchel

shower garden,

Picture your bathroom delighted by flowery wonders. Urban Outfitters has just the ideal choice of illustrated shower curtains and one even has a splash of elephant instinct.  My grandmother absolutely loves elephants and with my adoration for floral this spring/summer, I thought it would be super fitting to combine the two, along with a fanciful wilderness panorama.

1. RococcoLA Happy Elephant Shower Curtain

2. Woodland Garden Shower Curtain

white light,

Chic shades are a summer must-have, with all the colorful hues; it would be fit to add a crisp white pair of sunnies to your fun in the sun wardrobe. Topshop’s selection is uber mode, embodying a 60’s showiness. My vision of these luxe sunglasses would be accessorizing them with a floral slip dress or bathing suit, either way they'll lighten my look.

1. Metal Arm Cats Eye Sunglasses

2. Metal Arm Round Sunglasses

curly coif,

Summer hair for me, means two words, Wet & Go! The humidity seems to hold my hair captive, preventing me from wearing it straight and sleek, so easy breezy beautiful curls it is. However, I would need some products to provide definition and these three treatments hold the key to lock in my natural curls.  

  

caged bird,

After seeing Rihanna clad in an opulent pair of Tom Ford knee high gladiator sandals (see here), I felt compelled to elaborate on the trend.  I searched one of my preeminent shopping sites, Shop Style (Pop Sugar) for an array of styles, and found two exclusive beauties that shared one thing in common, their love for legs. The first look (left to right) has a an equestrian style and can be worn with a bohemian frock and the second look is intricately constructed, the cool blue chunky heel exudes fun and edge. Which style would you Rih-boot your look in this summer?

1. Altuzarra Leather Gladiator Over-the-Knee Boot
2. Nicholas Kirkwood Scalloped Snakeskin Sandal Boot

pencil leg,

Having fun with fashion is my motto! And these adorably quirky skinny pencil jeans by Gerlan (Nastygal.com) are just that. Designer Gerlan Marcel is 'popular' for her eccentrically pop fashions (read here for full article). I could see myself scribbling my signature on the concrete sidewalks with every stride.  

bed head,

The coziest place in your home, your bedroom, should be filled with cheerful hues and prints.  My Target floral/stripped two-sided bed set is ready to be archived, and I am looking for a new set to dress up my bed. Teen Vogue has a whimsy selection of bed sets retailed at JCPenney’s stores (along with Macy’s and Bed, Bath and Beyond). I picked two budding sets, Teen Vogue Lilac Hill Sheet Set and Teen Vogue Malibu Surfer Comforter Set, that I would not mind rising and shining in.

flower hat,

Summer bad hair days never looked so chic! Floral caps are blossoming all over the place, and I wouldn’t mine accessorizing my tresses with one. The pattern is super trendy and versatile for everyday wear.  My advice, get with the bloom, your hair will look pretty as a flower.

1. Rooftop Garden Hat, Need Supply Co.

2. Floral Baseball Cap, Forever21

mamma love,

One of my favorite places to shop for sweet smell goods is Bath and Body Works, and with Mothers Day forthcoming, a set of delightful fragrances would make any mom feel loved. Bath and Body Works created three scents inspired by “Italy Lovers”, each infused with the presence of Italy: 1. Rome Honeysuckle Amore, 2. Venice Dolce Berry, and 3. Capri Seaside Citrus. Make your moms day by treating her to an Italian escape in a bottle. 

gala girls,

The 2013 Met Gala took place tonight covering the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture”. The gorgeous women of tinsel town were garbed in just that, but some, glinted with a pop of glam. I myself wouldn’t proclaim ‘Punk’ as my style of choice. But if so, I would be totally up for the challenge of creating a look, and these starlets would be my punk penchants. 

1. Solange Knowles,Kenzo

2. Sarah Jessica Parker,Giles Deacon

3. Jennifer Lopez, Micheal Kors

4. Amber Heard, Emilio Pucci

5. Minka Kelly, Carolina Herrera 

6. Julianne Hough, Topshop

images: NYmag and Huffington Post 

style gap,

It has been a while since I purchased an item from Gap, but visiting the store today, only put me in a nostalgic mode. Gap’s premise for all that is brightly casual and chic, makes it a go-to for work wear and relaxed fits. It is a sustaining reason why the 1969 label was my first occupation and introduction to lush layering.

images: GAP Spring 2013 Collection