Vintage Tip Tuesday 32

What am I loving for this summer? I can certainly answer that. I'm adoring the matching high-waisted shorts and crop top sets I've been seeing in stores like Dolce & Gabanna, H&M ,The Bettie Page Store and Samantha Pleet that are total throw backs to the summer fashion of the fifties! They're both and innocent and sexy. Sure I've never been one for matching (if you erase my elementary school eighties style where my socks and hair bows always matched my outfit to a tee), but hey this is one adorable look for a day bicycling on the beach or browsing the Sunday farmer's market for some fresh strawberries. Now let's be clear. Just because your shorts and top match doesn't mean your accessories should. Throw on some bright platforms or sandals and carry a straw bag that doesn't match but does compliment your sweet outfit.  I can't wait to start hunting for one of these perfect ensembles...

Buy at Samantha Pleet

Don't match your bag and purse to an already matching ensemble.

Must have a flat stomach for this look...get to those crunches.

Dolce & Gabanna

When the crop top is a little longer, it will look more like a romper but just as cute!

H & M matching ensemble on the right is a cheaper route to take.

Inspirational Icon Monday: Penelope Tree

Women often complain about models and how the media and magazines force this unobtainable ideal of beauty upon us. I'm no different than these women. I don't want to feel that I can't live up to these stunners with the full lips. lucscious locks, tall statuesque figures and sex kitten eyes. 1960's supermodel Penelope Tree was one of the most unusual looks to make it to supermodel status. Like Twiggy, Tree was a gawky creature for a scene that embraced curves; unlike Twiggy, Tree wasn't considered beautiful or even cute. She had drab stringy hair, thin lips, a gummy smile and an exaggerated heart-shaped face. She rose above her critics, however, showing that an unconventional look can be more intriguing than an obvious beauty. After strutting into a Truman Capote masquerade party in a sexy black number at age 16, she was an instant star. It was her confident style that made her one to watch, which unlike beauty is something everyone can have.

Vintage Tip Tuesday 31

Platforms were first popular when they were featured in Seventeen magazine ads in 1967-1970. Women latched onto the trend immediately...and it lasted through the early 1980's. The heels could be made of wood, cork, or synthetic materials and had a way of lengthening the legs but keepin' the look casual. This weeks tip is to find yourself a pair that you can pair with a flowy sundress or a pair of high-waisted short shorts. Not only will you be wearing history, you'll be looking sexy while doing it.

Inspirational Icon Monday: Jane Fonda

I can vividly remember watching my Mom workout to Jane Fonda as a kid. She had the VHS with Miss Fonda in that red and black striped leotard on the cover and once that video was popped into the VCR, my Mom was full on chaneling the aerobics queen. Fonda's body was the envy of just about every woman in the eighties. I suppose it's Fonda's then body that women want now...that has certainly been the case for me as I committed and then struggled my way through the ultra-intensive Insanity program for the last 9 weeks only to realize that my body was not going to transform into another person's body. I could build muscle, I could contour my curves, I could flatten my belly and tone my legs, but my body structure would still be there. As would some of that stubborn fat that decided to permanently live on the back of my thighs. It's okay though because I don't need to look like the "it" girl from 25 years ago or even whatever one is currently taking Fonda's place. The important part is to be healthy...and wear a chic exercise outfit so working out isn't so torturous. I really think that was what Fonda was promoting all along.

May issue of Zooey Magazine

I've been unable to update for the past couple of months due to other writing obligations. I will be back as soon as I can though! In the mean time...you can read my cover story of Anna Paquin in the May issue of Zooey Magazine that had CNN, The New York Post, The Huffington Post, Perez Hilton, The Advocate, msn, and US Weekly all talking! Get your copy on newstands now...

Spring Style Goes Vintage

We all know fashion is recycled. How many times have we donated clothing that comes back in style only a few years later? Designers have hit every decade and when they reach the 90's, they start their search for historical inspiration all over again. I usually preach about taking the old and adding your own modern twist, but you can just as easily reverse my mantra. With this spring's Top 10 Trends, take the modern and make it look retro. This can be done through an antique brooch, hat, handbag, costume jewelry or even with your hairstyle or make-up application.

SPRING 2012 TRENDS STRAIGHT FROM THE CATWALK:

1. Color Blocking.

The new...

...can be made retro with kitten heels and a 60's bun.

2. Leather Skirts and Dresses.

The new...

...and the 80's look can be acquired by giving your hair that extra volume.

3. Bold Floral Prints.

The new...

...and the retro that can be upheld with large mid-century earrings or berrets.

4. Orange and Tangarine.

The new...

...and the retro that takes matching ballet flats and a pixie cut.

5. Sea Green.

The new...

...and the retro can be had with a vintage hat placed on the head.

6. Global Prints.

The new...

...and the retro that can be achieved by adding colorful go-go boots.

7. White.

The new...

...and the retro that can be done by wearing heels and a lacy slip spying through.

8. Camo.

The new...

...and the retro that can be done by adding different prints and textures.

9. Metallics.

The new...

...and the retro can be created with the application of bright red lipstick.

10. Peplum Skirts and Dresses.

The new...

...and the retro can be made with a 1940's handbag (skip the gloves tp prevent costume territory.)

STAY TUNED FOR MY TAKE ON SPRING 2012...