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

Fierce of July

Hello my Fierce Fashionistas,

Its almost the Fourth of July! Its a season of barbecues, late night parties, lazy days at the pool, and dancing the night away. Once the holiday hits, summer will officially be in full swing.

But how does one go about dressing for the fourth and make it the Fierce of July? Easy. Just look at the star spangled banner.

Fourth fashions circulate around:

GUESS Earrings, Glass Star Stud Earrings

Stars
Stars are pretty generic in a sense, but are ever important in celebrating Independence Day. On our flag they represent every state in our nation, and California and Maryland, my two personal favorite states both have their very own, along with the other 48. Incorporate stars into your outfit by finding fun jewelry in the star shape. These Guess? earrings at the right go for $25 at Macy's.



Stripes 

Sequin Stripe Tank by Loft

There are thirteen of them on our flag representing our original colonies, which California was not apart of, but alas we were a part of Spain, then Mexico then finally incorporated into the Union. North or South? Nope pure Californio. Anyway, stripes will forever be one of my favorite trends, and this just gives me another excuse to wear them. Stripes although known for being nautical, play perfectly into any fashionista's plans whether it is spent on the cape on a yacht, or at a family barbecue out west. A fun sparkling tank from the Ann Taylor Loft will definitely satisfy this trend at $44.50.

Red, White & Blue

Boyfriend roll-up shorts by the Gap

This color combo is the absolute epitomy of the Fourth of July. Use this color trio to your advantage. Color blocking, as it has been for several of the past seasons, has been very in and on trend. By color blocking reds, whites and blues you shall look like a walking Piet Modrian painting which shall be so chic. Try solid colorful shirts, skirts or shorts. These shorts run for $39.95 at the Gap and come in an array of colors and blue if red shorts aren't your cup of tea.

Also don't forget....
sparkles, lots of sparkles-- which emulates our firework filled skies!

So break out your Americana gear: cowboy hats and boots, old jean jackets, and your stars and stripes to make your fourth fierce. I know have my fedora ready.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,
Gabriela Mercedes

California Girl Gone East, Fashion & Social Life's New Chapter

In honor of España winning the Euro Cup today, Hola Fashionistas!

I hope all is well with everyone and that you all are adjusting well to the summer, especially if you don't have power due to the recent storm that left a lot of the DMV without power. For those without power and AC you are in my prayers.

As you can see the former "Fashion & A Social Life" has been transformed into California Girl Gone East. My reasoning behind this transformation was to make this fashion blog more personal for myself, and allow others to get to know me better through my fashion choices and my true life experiences. I am indeed a california girl that moved east. I actually have been living on the east coast for a while now, and have grown to love it.

bye, bye

This love definitely translates into my fashion sense, because I like to mix the laid back looks of California with class of the East Coast. When I was doing my internship last summer at Sephora in downtown San Francisco, my family always commented on how "east coast" I dressed, which made me smile.

Not to worry though, I will still keep you updated on how to keep your social life perfectly in style and on trend. You will forever get day to day fashion here.

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

New Year, New Fashions

Hey Dolls!

Sorry I have literally been missing in action since forever. From having an internship in the summer at Sephora, to going straight back to school afterwards, this is the first break I have  had since Spring Break 2011!

It's a new year which means new trends. But there's a catch--There is a theme to Spring 2012 trends and fashion each trend can be added upon the other. I will explain later!

Here is the break down:

Loosely Knitted Sweaters

From cardigans to pullovers it seems like the "it" trend for this spring is a sweater that light and is not exactly meant to keep you warm, but is meant to keep you looking good. These sweaters are loosely knitted, and some have net-like appearances depending on the style or the brand.

Stripes

This is my favorite classic look. My mother says I inherited her love for stripes, and I must admit I agree. I am constantly drawn to them like a guilty pleasure--but guilty no more! Stripe patterns from thick bars, to skinny lines in complementary are all the rage this season, so stock up. The best part about stripes are that they will never go out of style thanks to lovely Gabrielle Coco Chanel who made not only the tan popular but stripes.

Boat Neck

Higher necklines, but thank God not too high, are a welcoming sign since it seems like every season necklines seem to get lower and lower. Leave more up to the imagination with a feminine and nautical neckline which is oh so like a sperry topsider ad.

Dolman Sleeves

This trend has been around for a little over a year now, but has become more prominent this season. This is special shout out to all the petite ladies out there, this is especially your go to trend.

Draped Backs

What will they do next? Cutouts, Zippers, and now draped bare backs. There are tons of pieces this spring that are all about showing off your back which is very Hilary Swank circa Million Dollar Baby.

Now for my explanation:

Spring 2012s's trend theme is "add upon" because you can add stripes upon a boatneck, or a loosely knitted sweater, or rather buy a piece that just happens to have dolman sleeves, has stripes, and is loosely knitted with a boatneck.

And Voila!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

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

Be a Trend Setter, Jet Setter

Bon Voyage fashion DOLLS!

It is the night before my departure for my big ole' internship in California and as I was preparing for this oh so fun next chapter in my life, I was thinking about what I was going to wear on the flight, that is 5 hours!

Now, I know most people think that having to fly is an excuse to act like a total slob and not work on their appearance, but sweatpants and sweat shirt along with bloodshot eyes is just NOT cute. Sorry bout it, aka sorry I am not sorry.

There are easy ways to look cute at the airport and on that big silver bird in the sky (an airplane).

Here are your essentials for your travels through the airports and the friendly skies.

Jeggings

Jeggings are your best friends while traveling. A college girl's best friend, and now bff to traveling ladies everywhere. They're jeans/leggings which means the comfort of leggings with the look (and acceptability) of jeans. I am wearing my grey jeggings for my flight.

Long Sleeve Pullover

You are going to want a pullover for the cabin and the terminal. The airports and airlines keep their respective areas like the arctic, especially during the summer months. A cute pullover or even a long sleeve shirt will be perfect to keep you warm. I know that for me I am wearing my new horizontal striped Roxy pullover.

Comfy Flats

Sperry Topsiders are perfect. They are classic and go with everything. If boat shoes aren't your deal, then moccasins or ballet flats are perfect. Plus, they are awesome because they slip off and on for when you are going through security or relaxing on the plane. I am siked to wear my comfy moccasins.

Cute Jewelery

Put on some earrings, or a necklace.It doesn't have to be extravagant. It takes only a second and makes a world of a difference. I am going to wear my long peacock feather pendant necklace.

These 4 separate pieces are effortless and can be thrown together in only a few minutes. SO don't fall victim to wearing your pj's or sweats, and turn into a trend setter jet setter.

You never know who you will meet sitting next to you!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes

p.s. Wish me luck on my internship :)

I will be keeping you up to date on all the latest California trends!

Explore through your Wardrobe, Summer 2011 Trends

Hey Dolls!

What a semester! I hope you all have been well.

Has is really been 5 months since I last posted?

Indeed it has, sorry about that.

5 classes, a boyfriend, a breakup , and fun outings later itis finally summer!

And we all know what summer means, fun new summer trends!

My summer is going to be insane! I am taking 7 credits in summer courses, working a job, and then interning in San Francisco! It will be nice getting back to my original home, and walking the streets of Noe Valley as I did when I was kid growing up in the city. Plus I am trying to fit in visits down to my college to see all my friends before I leave! So much to do , and time is already flying by!

Unfortunately due to my internship I won't be going to Cabo or go white water rafting this summer for the first time in so many years!

In any case you here reading about summer trends not about mylife story, so shall we begin?

South of the Border

Ever want to just get away, and spice up your life? Bring a little of the Caribbean, and Central/South America to your life by taking cues from the landscape & culture and incorporating them into your outfits.

Color: Bright yellows from bananas and mangos, turquoises from the azure waters, jewel tone greens from the surrounding rain forests, and corals & bright pinks from the corollas of flowers that show up on the land. Bring these colors to life by wearing them and pairing them with your everyday jeans and tops.

Embroidery: Add some intricacy into your wardrobewith some stitching. Embroidery is culturally woven into the descendants of the indigenous peoples of Latin America. It is a great way to look cultured.

The top above is called the Alma Top and it goes for $78 at Anthropologie.

Ethnic Prints

Keeping in accordance with "South of th
e Border", ethnic prints follow suit. Anything that exudes that you are a well traveled individual or can possibly tell a story about a foreign place is perfect for Summer 2011.

The top shown is the Sparkle & Fade Crossback Tank Top and is $34 dollars at Urban Outfitters.

 
Feathers

Feathers have become a big trend for this summer. From earrings, to actual hair extensions that are feathers, to accessories; this trend is getting big! My personal favorite are peacock feather earrings! I wear them all the time!

These feather earrings are also form UO and is called the Pyrite Feather Earring and is also $34.

Crop Top and High/Low Tops

These tops are so care free for summer especially on a beach getaway. I personally love high/low tops, they show just the perfect amount of skin without revealing too much, which is a plus because it leaves a little to the imagination. Crop tops on the other hand, are an art, there is a perfect length and fit for crop tops. The crop tops that are in now are loose fitting not tight and the length tends to graze near the bottom of your navel.

WARNING: this trend will probably go out soon, so I would not suggest investing a lot in this trend. Also if you do decide to do the whole crop top deal please do not go full on 90s and show your whole entire midriff it looks tacky, which "no bueno" as I like to say.

This top is called the BCBGENARATION Shirred-Back Cropped Tee and is from BCBGENARATION and is $48.

Anyways, just to wrap up, from reading into my array of magazines I found out that low ponytails, braids and metallic makeup are huge for Summer 2011.

I will update next from Noe Valley, San Francisco, California, which I am so stoked to do, because Noe Valley is such a indie and hipster hangout, and people actually know how to dress! BONUS POINTS.

Bye dolls!

Love, J'Adore, Amor,

Gabriela Mercedes