Summer 2012 is for....

Happy Summer Fashionistas,

I have noticed from the recent seasons since I started this blog, that the fashion world has recycled trends from the past four seasons such as: neon, bustier tops, cropped tops, large statement jewelry, ethnic prints and cut-out backs. This re-instating of trends, that never really left, is totally fine on my watch!

In reality these fashion trends are not all completely the same but come back in different ways each season that make them in some form, unique. Also a lot of the time more than one trend can work its way into a piece of clothing. Over the past two years these trends have been reinterpreted in new ways and have been incorporated quite nicely with the new crop of trends for Summer 2012.

Summer 2012 is for....

Knit Cuff Sheer Boxy Top

Embellished Palms Tunic

Sheer
Everything is sheer nowadays. I find it hard to find tops that aren't anymore. Thank goodness for a wide array of bandeaus and tank tops to choose from, or else this would be an even more revealing trend than it already is! I really do like this trend, and I find it a great alternative to baring skin, without the real feeling of being bare. Try Express for your sheer wants with the top to the far right that goes for $49.90. And if a full on sheer top is too much to handle, try this piece from Free People, first to the right, for $148.00 which teases the eye with sheer shoulders and parts of the upper half of the top.

Paige Studded Sandal

Studs 
I absolutely adore studs. Studs have started to appear more and more since the fall of 2010. I remember this especially when I purchased studded Nine West booties way back then, and since they have been one of my favorite going out staples.

Hammered Stud Zip Crossbody

The best parts of this trend are the fact you can DIY, and also you can incorporate studs almost anywhere on your outfit including accessories. Shirts, skirts, shorts, purses, headbands, and shoes.... you name it, studs can be mixed in.

Buy these awesome sandals from Jeffrey Campbell at Free People for everyday wear-- they will absolutely put an edge to any outfit. They are $158.00. And, for a more rebellious look for a night out on the town purchase this punk crossbody bag also from Free People for $48.00.

AE Floral Denim Shortie

Printed Denim
Printed denim is so much fun. From animal prints, to ethnic patterns these pieces can really liven up an outfit especially if the denim is dyed a bright color or if the print is eye-catching. I adore these shorts from American Eagle, they are $34.99.

1969 Cropped Legging Jeans

Colorful Jeans, Jeggings, Skirts & Shorts
Along with printed denim, comes my personal favorite trend this season: colorful jeans, jeggings and skirts. This is one of the ultimate bold looks you pull off daily without going over the top. Bold colors on your bottoms really make a statement, so remember to balance them out with nice neutral colors! Make a statement in Gap's take on this trend for $69.95.

Sunday Girl with Ombre Hair

Ombre
Ombre can be incorporated into so much, swimwear, articles of clothing , nail polish techniques, and even hair. I have been "dyeing", pun intended, to do ombre hair since I saw one my favorite British singers and fashionistas, Sunday Girl, post a picture of it back in the early winter of 2010.
American Apparel has also come out with a line of sheer nail polish to keep this trend alive, to create little ombre masterpieces on your nails.


Circle Skirts

Faux Leather Circle Skirt

Circle skirts have seemed to be making a comeback recently, and they are definitely a fresh breathe of air since form fitting pencil skirts have been dominating our hearts for quite a while. These skirts are super playful, fun, swishy, and especially flirty. Wear one out one night and I am sure you will be a hit. Twirl around in STONES circle skirt that is $99.00, you can buy it at Urban Outfitters.

Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cat-Eye Sunglasses
This trend will bring tons of baby boomers back to their grade school days, when cat-glasses seemed to rule the optical world. This style is another fun way to liven up a sunny day without reaching for the typical wayfarer, club master or aviator. My best friend Laura pulled of this look so effortlessly when she rocked her Tory Burch cat-eye sunglasses on the Fourth of July. Look fabulous in Marc by Marc Jacobs, for only $98.00 you will be sure to look retro chic.

Baby Jane, Bette Davis

Peter Pan Collars
This look certainly takes me back, and most likely if you went to private Catholic School since grade school you're very familiar with this trend as well, but hey? You are fashion forward. Peter pan collars are elegant, and reminiscent of times past and are oh so Bette Davis-- classic.

Molly Solid Buttondown

Take a more modern approach to these collars by picking out a top that incorporates another summer 2012 trend, such as the sheer factor, like this top from Free People that is $68.00.

Sleeveless Miles of Lace Dress

Lace
This trend is everywhere! Lace has definitely taken over this season, you see it on tops of course, but even shorts. The turn of the century really got it right when lace was heavily incorporated in the day's fashion, and now its back with a bang. You can dress up an outfit so fast by adding a lace overlay top to a tank top, or pairing lace shorts with a subdued top. Look garden party ready in Free People, with the dress shown to the right for $128.00.

Conncord in Pewter Multi

Loafers/ Smoking Slippers
Again, calling all private school kids, guilty, you all know at some point your wore loafers in your odd years of prep schooling. Ultra comfy loafers have gotten a face lift by coming in array of colors, being accessorized with studs or being made out of different materials. Try Steve Madden's $99.95 Conncords on for size.

Clifton Shell-Drop Earring

Under the Sea: Shells
Is it just me or have I been seeing people around sporting puka shell necklaces again like circa early 2000s? I used to love my puka shell necklace, and am about to bring it out of my jewelry box. Shell jewelry has definitely made a comeback, as I realized when I was browsing the internet. Go to Urban Outfitters for these $12.99 earrings.

Long Sleeve Cold Shoulder Shirt

Shoulder Cut-Outs
Liven up your wardrobe with the pixie like style of shoulder cut-outs. Very ancient greek and roman. Maybe this fall you can spruce up that toga and give it some love with this trend. Or you can simply go and buy a dress or top with this feature, it is perfect for nights out. Express's top runs for $49.90.

Abalone Cove

Peplum

This is a trend that I am iffy on. I own a few of these tops, and while they accentuate my waist, I am not completely certain how flattering they are on. You decide. This top is $17.45 at Hollister Co..

So there you have it my dear fashionistas, a total wrap up of what is in for this lovely summer. 

Stay cool dolls!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Arguello

Becoming so west coast...

Hey DOLLS!

Hola from the heart of hipster and indie fashion: Noe Valley, San Francisco!

Since I have landed on the left coast, this past saturday, I have been trying to remember what it is like to be a California girl. I am not talking about the superficial slash stereotypical California girl that other states make us out to be (you'd be surprised I have been asked if I surf, knew famous people and lived by the beach tons of times--I body surf, I have met famous people, but don't personally know them and I could drive to the beach in 15 min--but fact of the matter is not everyone does in calif.) What I am talking about is the California girl who knows the difference between good mexican food and bad. A girl that knows how to shop, but can take on the rapids of a class 5 river and do yoga.

Slowly but surely it has all been

re-clicking into place, and I am finding my inner California girl. Today I explored the city downtown, got Thai, went to my internship office, and of course went to 24th street in Noe Valley.

24th Street is every bohemian, indie and hipsters dream. It has coffee shops, and boutiques--and everything in between. This area has been a staple of my childhood ever since I can remember. I grew up walking there with my grandmother, and learned to love it as I got into my teen years. Best part? It is dog friendly!

Anyways, as I walking the streets of Noe Valley to get there, I noticed the people around me and how they are dressed. SF never ceases to amaze me with the array of fashion that is put on display-- one moment you can see a person in head to toe leather and bright blue hair, then a business clad entrepreneur, and then a hipster gingerly walking in Ray Bans. San Francisco is truly eclectic, and that is what I love about it, and it is this bohemian culture that I re-falling in love with. Once I got to 24th I went into one of my favorite boutiques called Ambiance. I went in with the intention of not purchasing anything, but let's face it, a fashionista can never do that!

A hat and ring later, I walked out of the store feeling well accessorized. I had been looking for a fedora for the longest time ever, and I found the perfect one there for 20 dollars! And then of course as I was waiting to be rung up, I begin to look at the jewelry and I find myself staring down into the glittering green jeweled eyes of a leopard ring, once I slipped that ring onto my finger, I knew I was going to get it. Oh well, what is a fashionista to do? She wants what she likes and likes what she wants.

But as I was shopping I was also spying on the employees and locals, to see what they were sporting. These zen and chic ladies can really put together an outfit flawlessly and effortlessly. The employees looked like revamped ladies from the 40s and 50s with a modern twist. The locals in and out of the store wore Tom shoes, had their hair loosely braided, wore natural makeup or eye catching red lips, lightweight scarves, and nice sweater throws. And as I analyzed this, I took a look at myself--I was wearing just that-- it is like California, or shall I say a Noe Valley Girl knows. You can take the girl from California, but not the California from the girl.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

Daisy Dukes Bikinis on Top

Are you summer ready?You should be :] It is now that time ladies. Swimwear-- how to get an awesome suit at a decent price! And the where I think the best place to buy swimwear-- Victoria's Secret!

Now I know being ( unfortunately) a starving college student that you need to save as much money as possible, and we are in this ridiculous recession in which every dollar counts that spending money is considered painful--BUT, being a fashion crazed gal, I must have a quality designer suit--yet the prices aren't so friendly...

SOLUTION: If you are going the one piece route this doesn't really apply, sorry :(

BUT, if you have been eying that super cute designer bikini but can't afford the price tag, the best way to get that awesome bikini is by going the separates route. Buy HALF of the suit, the piece that you like the most and then buy another like color or neutral half of a suit at a cheaper price that is reasonable from Target or Marshalls. Best part is that you can always get the other half once you get enough money!

I myself am planning on doing this, this summer because my favorite Becca Scarf Bikini has unfortunately had its run...

This is the bathing suit that I have been wanting since I saw it in the Victoria's Secret catalog. It is by Vix called the Peacock Triangle Top and is paired with a string bottom. I loved it! Peacocks are one my favorite animals! Unfortunately Vix is on the pricier end since it is top of the line designer swimwear. But I am so going to buy the top and then find black or dark purple bottoms to save the money. Then once I start working again I am so going to save up for the bottoms to match!

Victoria's Secret is primo bathing suit shopping territory! I definitely recommend it! I have always gotten my swimwear there! They always have the best deals and designers make exclusive suits for Victoria's Secret only!

So basically you will look hot and fashionable on your way out and about! Plus earning points with the opposite sex which is always the best, in my opinion : )

Anways! don't forget to work on your tan! and def don't forget that sunscreen, and please don't go fake bake--its gross. Embrace who you are and your clothing, that boost of confidence just may attract a cutie!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes