Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
DIY: Tank Tops
For those of you who are already cash-strapped this summer or simply trying to beat midsummer boredom, here is a very easy do-it-yourself project for you.
photo credit: www.vanessa-anne.org
Seeing Vanessa Anne Hudgens' tank top inspired me to design my own tank top. I'm not a big DIY fan, but this project is so simple that it's something even "lazybugs" like me can enjoy.
Following are some of the materials you'll need:
1. Plain tank top
2. Sequins
photo credit: www.fredaldous.co.uk
3. Ribbons
photo credit: www.theessentialscompany.co.uk
4. Fabric Paint
photo credit: www.walltowallstencils.com
5. Buttons
photo credit: www.yesterdays-memories.com
6. Needle and Thread
photo credit: www.pilotmall.com
You won't need all of the materials above. Decide on what you want to do with your tank top first. Here are some options:
photo credit: www.azcentral.com
The quickest and easiest thing you can do to your tank top is to attach a ribbon onto one of the straps (pictured above). Tie a ribbon into a bow and sew/pin it to a tank for an instant feminine touch. Tying it around the strap would scrunch it up, so it's better just to sew or pin it on.
Stores such as Kamiseta, Bayo and even department stores have sold sequined tank tops like the ones above before. This is more fussy and time-consuming because you have to sew on a lot of sequins, but it's worth the "hard work." You can replace the sequins with buttons or beads for a different look.
Another quick way to jazz up your tank top is to use fabric paints in glitter, metallic, neon or pearl. Their small squirt bottles make them easy to use. You can draw or write anything on your top. I'm planning to make a similar tank top as Vanessa's, drawing a skull or a star using silver metallic fabric paint on a long black striped tank top. Gold fabric paint on an orange tank would look great, too.
Time to get crafty, ladies!
The CityLifeStylist
Saturday, April 28, 2007
"Bawal" Pendants
photo credit: http://ask-fashion-kitty.blogspot.com
According to the Louis Vuitton website, the pendant on the leftmost side of the picture (above) is the orange Space Men Charm, which is made of 18-karat white gold, 79 diamonds, 1 violet, 2 yellow and 12 pink sapphires. The one in the middle is the red Rocket Charm which is made of 18-karat white gold, 28 diamonds and 18 yellow sapphires. The one on the right is the green version of the Space Men Charm. All three can be attached to your charm bracelet or used as a pendant.
Now, who in their right mind would BUY those?
I love the funky look of the space men/robot pendants, though. You can add them to your outfit for an instant cool-nerd touch -- but you don't have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars for one!
I found another online store based in the Philippines on Multiply -- The Bawal Movement. They have reasonably-priced pendants that would do the trick:
photo credit: http://bawalmovement.multiply.com
At 150Php (about US$3.00,) this white robot pendant is a steal! I'd wear it with a dark tee or tank top, a white chunky belt, skinny jeans and white flats. Cute. Very dorky chic! Now that's statement jewelry.
photo credit: http://bawalmovement.multiply.com
I LOVE this necklace! It reminds me of Alice in Wonderland. Also available at Bawal Movement, this set is sold at 200Php (about US$4.00). They also have a glittery red and silver version.
You can order from them online, or drop by the restaurant Tomato Kick at 55 Maginhawa Street, Teachers Village, Quezon City. For more details and more Bawal Movement products, check out their Multiply site!
Their stuff are definitely not bawal in my book!
The CityLifeStylist
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Exclusivity of High-Waisted Pants
High-waisted pants are back! They've been spotted on the runways, on celebrities and even in Christina Aguilera's Candyman music video.
This trend is quite refreshing to look at after years and years of low-rise bottoms. The problem is, these pants are very tricky to wear. Even celebrities have made some fashion faux pas with high-waisted pants:
photo credits: http://fashionbuzz.typepad.com, http://justjared.buzznet.com and http://beauty.ivillage.com
On Mischa, it just looks so wrong, I don't even have to explain why. Jessica should've cinched her waist more and wore a bra with more support.
The high-waisted skinny jeans, however, look great on Scarlett. She should've worn a different top, though; preferably not see-through, for starters. The tight fit of these high-waisted jeans look similar to that of torero (bullfighter) pants. Therefore, it would look better with blousy Victorian or peasant tops tucked in.
High-waisted pants look best on women with flat tummies and a slender, hourglass figure. This is because they can make your mid-section and your hips appear wider.
Those who are very well-endowed in the chest area should wear looser blouses that wouldn't make them look heavy.
Here are some tips on how to pull off this tricky trend:
photo credit: www.saksfifthavenue.com
The cuffed white button-down shirt with the pleated high-waisted pants give a polished, classic look that is good for corporate wear. Heels are a must because they add length to your legs.
photo credit: www.saksfifthavenue.com
This outfit is my favorite. The high-waisted white linen pants look gorgeous with the tucked-in stretch tank top, fitted blazer and round-toe heels. This makes a perfect "smart casual" look.
photo credit: www.saksfifthavenue.com
The silk chiffon tuxedo blouse gives a feminine touch to these wide-leg pants. The ribbon stripes on the pants also make legs look longer.
All three pairs have the right length, being long enough just to let your toes or the tips of your shoes peek out.
Be careful in choosing wide-leg pants because they can make you look short and stocky instead of long and lean if the legs are too wide.
High-waisted pants have that air of exclusivity since they only suit certain body types. If we don't keep our tummies flat and get that tiny waist, I don't think we can pull it off. This is probably going to make this trend not last a very long time. If you have what it takes to wear them, then you better do while it lasts and before your body changes!
The CityLifeStylist
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Eye Candy
photo credit: www.lancome-usa.com
Bright, candy-colored eyeshadow might look nice and pretty on models in print ads and magazine spreads, but is it good for everyday wear?
Bright colors for your lids can be wearable if you apply just the right amount in the right places, and balance off your look with the right blush and lip makeup.
Shades of pink, green, blue, lavender and yellow are fun colors to experiment with. I never thought I would actually be able to use them before because I thought that they would look too extravagant and tasteless. I stuck to my usual neutral colors and the occasional light gold and silver shimmer.
Recently, I got a great tip from a makeup artist that allowed me to use bright colors on my eyes. Here are very simple, easy-to-follow steps on how to wear candy-colored eyeshadow:
1. Start by putting on a neutral shade for your base.
2. Apply your bright eyeshadow like thick eyeliner. Swipe it on from your upper lashline up until the area slightly above your eye crease.
3. Skip the real eyeliner and just apply a couple coats of mascara after curling your lashes.
4. Don't put on dark makeup on your lips and cheeks -- keep them simple because your eye makeup is already strong. Nude, light pink or light peach would work.
That's it, ladies, and you're good to go!
The CityLifeStylist
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Get Brown
With everybody else getting their skin tan this summer, why not take a different route by wearing shades of brown?
No, I'm not going to teach you how to create multi-shaded tan lines -- then again, that gives me an idea, but maybe I'll save it for another entry. In this entry, I'm going to show you how brown works for the summer -- starting off with men's fashion.
You read that right! I'm going to start including men's fashion from time to time, since I've already been receiving comments from guys online, as well as constructive criticism from my male friends. (Thanks, dudes!)
First of all, this goes for everybody: brown cannot work for the summer if you're wearing dark brown from head to toe. Mix it up with white, beige and other shades of brown. You can also add splashes of color if you don't want to keep it neutral. Here are some ideas:
These linen shirts are best worn with khakis but would both look good with jeans, as well. The brown military-inspired shirt has great details that would definitely catch a guy's attention when shopping for clothes. Its dirt-disguising color keeps you from looking, well, dirty! It's safe from ketchup and toyo stains, which is a plus, right? From a woman's point of view, I think those tabs that keep the sleeves rolled up would make your arms look more muscular than they really are.
Riskier guys can try the white version, (preferably one with shorter sleeves than that shown in the picture above, given the warm climate in the Philippines.) If the shirt's material is very thin, the vest will make a nice Indiana Jones touch. (I'm not kidding; just make sure you can carry the outfit.)
photo credit: http://men.style.com
Darker khakis can also make you more comfortable because they won't look dirty easily. Oh, and speaking of bottoms: I know some guys are also concerned about their butts -- just a tip: having back pockets will give you a little boost on your behind!
photo credit: http://men.style.com
For accessories, a woven leather belt not only keeps your pants from falling down, it also adds an easy, cool vibe to an outfit. The same goes for the leather bracelets, but you can do without them. Sunglasses, on the other hand, should be on your list of must-haves. The lightly-tinted brown pair above is hot. The light tint permits you to wear them both outdoors and indoors, as opposed to dark shades that would make you look like a celebrity wannabe when worn, say, inside a mall.
photo credit: http://men.style.com
These classic dark brown leather sandals are very simple, but they are guaranteed to finish off your outfit very nicely. You can also wear them with tailored shorts or loose linen pants. Just don't forget to keep those feet and toenails squeaky clean -- now that's hot.
photo credit: http://men.style.com
If you're going to need a bag, a leather messenger bag is both stylish and roomy enough for your essentials. I'm not the expert at what men have in their bags; all I can say is that this messenger bag is cooler than a big, bulky backpack.
Combine these pieces together and you will get a great look for those who like to go rugged and stay comfortable without sacrificing style.
***
I believe women can experiment more with clothes, which is why I added more colorful pieces for the ladies. I prefer to pair brown with pink, turquoise, white and orange, because they manage to "pop" out of the outfit without overpowering the shades of brown. Here are some examples:
photo credits: www.bluefly.com and www.elle.com
I love the combination of blue and tan and how the color of the top matches the color of the bottom part of the skirt. Ballet or strappy flats, heels or even espadrilles can work with this outfit.
The brown mesh top over the white tank top paired with white cuffed shorts spells s-e-x-y! It's sexy without showing too much skin. There are different kinds of footwear that you can wear with this, too, but strappy flats or heels would keep that sexy vibe going. If you want to make it more funky, wedges or ballet flats are the way to go.
photo credit: www.elle.com
An orange-and-khaki combination is brighter than orange-and-chocolate-brown. It's cooler on the eyes, which is perfect for the summer.
I couldn't decide which combination to include because you can mix and match them and they would all look smashing just the same.
photo credit: www.ae.com
Don't limit yourself to brown shoes only! Wear bronze or gold with your brown outfits for a more glam look.
Have fun mixing, matching and trying new things, amigos and amigas! Ciao for now.
The CityLifeStylist
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