Spring Fashion : Oh So Minty

Mint is in - still. If you have yet to hop on this trend here are three simple ways to incorporate this universally flattering colour into your wardrobe.

Casual

Update this popular pastel by pairing it with graphic prints this season. An aztec print like the one in this picture is flattering and summery and lets the mint shorts work as a neutral in this outfit. This is perfect for you ladies that prefer a more muted take on a colourful look.

Top: Macy's

Shorts: New Kingston Shopping Centre

Belt : Forever 21

Shoes : Sperry Top Siders get yours here

Shades: Aviators - Body Glove

Necklace : Claires

Work Wear

You can wear this colour to work especially if you have a piece in a button up or blouse-y style. This mint piece has subtle polka dots and is on the sheer side, which means wearing a flesh-coloured slip or tank underneath to keep things office-appropriate. A bold print like the zebra print here will perk things up while a grey plaid pencil skirt is chic and sophisticated.The studs on the collar are minimal and not spiky so they don't draw too much attention but still add some edge. The metallic mint caps on the pumps mirror the studs on the collar for a cohesive look.

Top: New Kingston Shopping Centre

Zebra Skirt: Marshalls get similar here

Grey plaid skirt: Marks & Spencers get similar here

Pumps: House of Jade Fashion Boutique

Necklace: Namesake JM

Date Night

A lace mint dress screams flirty and girly. Give it some grungy sex appeal by pairing it with a waist-nipping printed jacket, an unusual chunky piece of jewellery and high strappy sandals in shiny patent leather. I like this look because the silhouette is familiar and feminine which is important on a date (men are confused by more fashion-forward silhouettes - they want to know you have curves) but the pieces aren't necessarily what you would grab for first. The tribal vibe of the necklace goes well with the houndstooth print of the jacket because of the similar colours. The black and white are a bold contrast to the pastel but it still works.The deep v-neck of the dress keeps the look from being too bulky and the heels make everything sexier.

Dress: Macys get similar here

Jacket : vintage

Heels : Steve Madden

Necklace: gifted

Clutch : thrifted

Are you into the mint trend? How are you styling your pieces for this spring/summer season? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Peace out lovelies

*Jane

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Fall Fashion Trends & How I'm Wearing Them

Summer is over and so are the trends that came with it. So it's time to say goodbye to neons and high-low dresses and say hello to jackets and graphics. Here are five trends filtered down from the runway that I'm in love with, pulled from my own closet:

        1. Black and White 

This combination is everywhere and I am a super fan. The main colours of my wedding were black and white, and I consider them a personal staple in my wardrobe. This is a pretty easy trend to pull off no matter what your shape, size, colouring or age. The idea isn't new but what it makes it more distinct this Fall is how its being worn with a slight nod to the mod trend of the 60s - think Twiggy and head-to-toe black and white looks.

Top - Primark in Oxford Circle ; Skirt - diy.
 Get similar here and here

     

        2. Metallic

Bling is back in and we are seeing alot of metallics especially in accessories. I am particularly in love with the holographic clutches popping up everywhere and the shoes!! I have been on the hunt for a pair of pointed toe metallic pumps for a while now that are modern enough to not look 80s tacky. In the meantime, my nod to the trend has been with metallic and sequinned minis.

Shirt - borrowed from hubby's closet; Skirt - diy ; purse - vintage; shoes - nine west.
Get similar here ; here and; here

         3. Greys

This is one of my favourite colours to wear ever. There is just something about grey that's so effortless but dressed up at the same time, and it can be paired with gold, silver, rose gold or neon accessories. It really is the perfect neutral. A soft heather grey t-shirt or silk shirt is something you won't regret adding to your wardrobe once the fit is right, there are multiple ways to dress it up and dress it down. Here are a two ways I've been styling my favourite grey top:

Top - Kabella's in Premiere Plaza; Maroon cigarette pants - side shop in Priestfield, London; Printed cigarette pants - diy; clutch - chinese wholesale in Little Premiere Plaza - HWT Kingston Jamaica; Necklaces - L- gifted R- Claire's ; Watch - Fossil
Get them here - top, pants, clutch, watch

         4. Green/Emerald

As the Pantone colour of the year this will continue to shine for the rest of 2013. However, as Christmas approaches unless you deliberately want to dress like a cast member of Elf the musical I would stay away from greens that are brighter and move towards greens that are more jewel-toned and muted. Olive green, army green and emerald are winning tones for this season and look exceptional on darker skin tones. I am currently working on a diy pair of olive green skinny pants but in the meantime, I've been styling these two pieces I currently own like this:

Shirt - gifted from a friend; purse - vintage; watch - Fossil; shoes - get nude pair here, similar brown pair here; dog tag - borrowed from hubby; bangles - Kabella's in HWT, Kingston Jamaica

Sweater - gifted; skinny black pants - Tropical Mall HWT Kingston; clutch gifted get similar here

         5. Texture

When I mentioned this trend to a friend her eyes glazed over and she gave me that nod she does when she has no clue what I'm talking about. This trend simply means that the material being used to create the clothing you're wearing has extra detail or interest added to it. Lace is a textured material, as is anything beaded or embroidered or embellished. Lace with Leather and Embroidered silk paired with something beaded are two of my favourite pairings for the textured trend. I recently paired these two together for an edgy but sweet look:

Faux leather jacket - Wet Seal New York get similar here; lace dress - gifted, get similar here; shoes - see above ; cross - old

The weather is slowly but surely cooling down and I am eagerly awaiting those windy chilly nights when I can live in my jackets without breaking a sweat once again. What are you looking forward to wearing when the place cools down? Leave me a comment below!

Till later,

**Jane

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Orange You Lovely - Spring/Summer Makeup Trend

A trend I am loving for this Spring/Summer is orange. A long time fan of the amazing wonders of orange blush I was glad to see everyone grabbing at it. I have said this more than once and I will say it again - any blush with an orange base is a black woman's best friend. Please add this to your collection, you will not be sorry.

Alright, that said if you're new to the trend it can be intimidating. It's best to apply with a light hand and focus on one area of your face before you go 'pro'. 

Lips

Orange lips are really hot right now and luckily, you can pick up a tube of lipstick for as little as $300 to test out the trend. For a subtle look, dot on the colour and smooth out with your fingers. A sheer golden or nude gloss will also make it a little more wearable. 

If you live life on the bolder side, apply the colour with a lip brush over nude lipliner and wear out with a dark cat eye and bold brows.

Try m'orange from MAC or Haute topic from Sacha Cosmetics.

Blush

I am trying my hardest not to ramble on and on about this but it is HARD. Orange blush does double duty, it gives you that glow from within as well as the effect of a contour or bronzer. Applied with a light hand it has the effect of candlelit glow and it's colour on dark skin when subtle is not as noticeable as pink based blushes. The golden element in the blush will also give a nice glow without looking greasy.

If you want a bolder look go easy on the eyes and the lips and let the blush take centre stage. You will look rosy and fresh-faced. If you end up going too heavy then you can always pare it down by adding gold highlighter.

Try Golden Sunset from Arista or Nars Taj Mahal.

Eyeshadow

Now this is where it can get tricky. Go for an eyeshadow that has more of a gold base or a coppery base. It will look less harsh especially when blended out with a matte brown shadow. And, if you want a bolder look, wet your brush and pat it on then blend out around the edges with a golden colour.

Try NYX I dream of St Lucia  or MAC Rule

I'm pretty excited to see this trend out and about. Will you be giving it a try? Leave a comment and let me know.

Till later,

**Jane

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OXBLOOD!!!

When I first heard the name given to the deep rich red colour trendy for the fall season a couple years ago, I must admit my stomach roiled because of the vivid imagery the name stirred up. Nevertheless, those that be in the fashion world persisted and everything that was originally referred to as a form of burgundy is now being labelled the more chic term 'oxblood'. 

Now I am not a red girl, but deep burgundies look good on almost every person because the deep colour warms you up and gives you a rosier appearance. This is the reason why you will also find so many celebrities and models now wearing the same deep burgundy colour on their lips. It is reminiscent of that flapper era as well, when glam was still trendy and grunge didn't exist.

I am as in love with the colour as I am in hate with the name, and so I've derived several different ways you can wear the trend this season:

1. Faux Leather: 

Leather is really really hot this season and we are seeing more and more of it popping up even in tropical Jamaica. The coolest (and I do mean this literally) way to wear leather is on your bottom half - shoes and skirts are what I recommend. A float-y circle skirt will keep your thighs cool while adding a bit of edge to your outfit without sacrificing femininity.


2. Chiffon/Sheer

The sheer trend of this spring is continuing into Fall because of its ability to layer well. Pair a chiffon dress with charcoal heels as an alternative to black. And you can wear a maxi skirt with a sleeveless button up top and a bib necklace or with a heather grey off the shoulder loose fitting top tucked in. Cobalt blue shoes are also a nice alternative.



3. On the lips

As a nod to the 40s flapper era, deep coloured lips are back. If you are a newbie to colour on the lips, your best bet is to grab a lipliner in a chocolate brown or a deep burgundy line the lips then follow with a similar-toned lipgloss. If you are feeling more daring then by all means, go for the new lip stains that are on the market so that the colour is less likely to fade or bleed. This can be worn matte or glossy.



4. Nails

Dark nailpolish has always been trendy for fall. Oxblood has the unique quality of making your fingers look sophisticated and trendy at the same time. I snagged this nailpolish in the pharmacy above Subway in Oaklands but these colours are popping up everywhere.


How do you plan on wearing oxblood this season? Leave me a comment and let me know if you're into this trend or if you'll skip it.

(All images courtesy of the web, except last image)

Till later,
Jane.

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Summer Style Guide - Men

Alright, I promised this for the fellas back in June. So this post is for the gentleman that likes to look his best, keep his vibe classic but current and who likes to distinguish himself  as a man and not a boy or a hoodlum. Now, let's get into it.

One of the trends that is big this summer is colour blocking. Now before you roll eyes, there are sophisticated ways to do this without looking like a Popsicle walking down the street. Here are my suggestions:

  Colour-blocking with Shoes

Try the Colourblocking trend with your shoes. A neutral shirt with light-washed or grey jeans will look smart with this grey and blue pair.

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Summer Shorts

Get yourself a pair of summer shorts. Now fit is very important when it comes on to shorts on a man. A baggy pair will have you looking like a 16-yr-old wanna-be thug; a too tight or too short pair will attract the wrong kind of attention. With shorts you want a pair that will cut off at mid-knee, you want the leg of the shorts to be straight from top to bottom. Fit - when you put on the shorts, four of your fingers should be able to slip into the leg (width wise). This allows for comfort when you sit down and keeps your jewels a mystery if you put your legs up. As to fit in the crotch area, it should fit the same way your favourite pair of jeans fit  which is enough space for your member, their companion and a rolled up tie to fit.

Also...lotion on your legs gentlemen, give it a try huh?

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Gingham and Plaid print

Stripes have had their run, and it has been a nice long run hasn't it? Now its time for gingham print and large plaid (think picnic blanket ala yogi bear). Getting these prints in primary colours or neutral colours is a safe bet, but if you are more adventurous then an array of complimentary colours look gorgeous with the trend below:

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White Pants

Don't be afraid to wear white pants. Look for something with thick material and something that has the same fit as a pair of your khaki pants. You want them loose enough to wear casually but to look smart if you have to dress it up as well. The best thing you can do for a pair of white pants in a brown belt with a simple buckle. Simplicity is the key here. Don't wear white head to toe unless you're on the beach, or attending an all white party you may end up looking crumpled.. white pants look great with neutral or very bright colours.

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Keeping the Classics Alive

Classic lines are coming back especially in shoes, get a pair and you can't go wrong. Something to keep in mind - white socks should only be worn with sneakers when you are doing athletic activities. Everything else is dress socks or no socks. If you need to wear socks to deal with any odor issues then please wear the low, hie-away socks that can't be seen. The rule is, if the shoe doesn't pass your ankle then neither should your socks.

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 Matte Time pieces

If you're out of high school you should own and wear a watch, it's the mark of a dependable gentleman. Recently, watches have become more sleek and discreet. A black or charcoal coloured watch will look great contrasted with the bright prints and colours of summer. Luckily, when things are trendy there are always more affordable options than not. A great place to find watches is Amazon as well as fossil . 

That's it! If you have a trend you're really into this summer, leave a comment and let me know. Also, if you want to find out where you can get items like these leave me a comment and I'll direct you to the best place to find them.

Till later,

Jane

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