Category: Fashion + Style

Fashion in Color: Timeless Rouge Red

From fashion to beauty, this season’s trending color is a bold, intense red. Red lips dominated the Spring 2013 collections at Prada and Rocha, and bright red dresses lit up the runways for Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior and Diane von Furstenberg. Red can be elegant as it evokes timeless beauty with hints of contemporary passion. Plus, unlike some trendy colors, the right red will continue to look great year after year.

Rouge Red Fashion

1. Pair matte red lipstick with minimal makeup to keep your look modern.

Apply a coat of foundation to your lips to boost lipstick’s staying power, and
then lightly fill in your natural lip shape with a red lip liner. Sweep on your favorite red lipstick, like Wet’n’ Wild’s MegaLast Lip Color in Stoplight Red, and blot. Add a coat of mascara to your lashes and a quick dusting of nude blush to the apples of your cheeks, and you’re ready to go.

2. Steal the show in a rouge dress.

This vibrant color can make you the star of any room you enter, whether it is a prom, date, or night of on the town with the girls. Some retailers, such as Asos and David’s Bridal, allow you to browse dresses by color so you can find the fit that best suits you.

Unbroken, vertical lines makes your body look sleek, so opt for an empire waist and flowing fabrics, like the combination in David’s Bridal’s Flower One Shoulder Mesh Gown to elongate your silhouette. If you want the mid-length, below-the-knee fitted dress that flatters your legs– go for the Asos Lipsy Structured Pencil Dress. Pair with nude shoes to make legs look even longer, or opt for a pair of matching red heels, like Aldo’s Mawusi pumps, to showcase your playful side.

3. Add a pop of color with red accessories.

Red pairs well with staple wardrobe colors like black, white and navy. It
can be worn just as beautifully with silver jewelry as it can with gold.

Punch up a little black dress with a red clutch, like this Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock from Kohl’s or a Sondra Roberts clutch from Bloomingdale’s. Introduce a crocheted red bead necklace from Target, or Nine West’s Augustina ballet flats to a knee-length denim skirt and a solid color t-shirt for a stylish, casual look. When you need a piece that transitions flawlessly from the work day to the evening look, opt for classic, understated choices, like this gold-tone red epoxy buckle bangle bracelet from Michael Kors.

Heat things up by choosing red this season. Whether you fall in love with red lipstick, a red gown, or the perfect red accessory, you’ll look great and be on-trend.

 • This article was contributed by Tiffany L.

 

Fashion Collage: Shine in Color & Boldness

Sometimes we are not as bold as we should be when it comes to living out this Christian walk of love and faith. Other times, we become intimidated by the world and hold back words to witness to a dying generation that Jesus saves.

The Apostle Paul asked for prayer, that while he was in bonds as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, he might speak boldy…as he should.

  Ephesians 6:19 And [pray] for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

We should or ought to speak boldly when it comes to God’s Word. There is no reason for us to fear or be ashamed of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

Whether we work in the realm of fashion, art, music, natural or behavioral sciences, mathematics or a vocational field, we need not shrink back because we are Christians.

I follow Christ. I am a spiritual Jew, as the Scriptures and evidence of the Holy Ghost proclaim that I am. I shine in color and boldness. There is nothing dry, unsaturated, dull or timid about this walk.

 Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. 

What about you? Are you a shrinking violet or are you shining in color and boldness?

Be bold. Live your life in color and shine on!

Shine in Color & Boldness

Miss Sophisticated Fashion Collage

Sophisticated: knowledgeable and cultured; experienced, intellectually appealing, polished, seasoned, classy, chic, refined, stylish

Elie Saab fashion, vintage glam, brooches, bouquets and the ancient steps of Positano, Italy make up the Miss Sophisticated Fashion Collage.

Squishy Baby College Fashion Set: Pretty in Coral

Today I am featuring a lovely set by Squishy Baby University. College fashion can be modest, too. I believe you’ll agree that SBU’s Pretty in Coral set ignites images of spring.

Pretty In Coral

Office Style #1: Classy & Chic Pencil Skirt

Blazer, pencil skirt, collar shirt. Yes! It’s classy and chic office style.

Spice up a basic black office ensemble with a pop of color. I added a purple heel, briefcase and collar shirt in Office Style #1. This set features a Ted Baker pencil skirt, Jane Norman zip blazer and Jessica Simpson Willette Pump.

Office Style #1

What to Wear With a Nude Lace Dress

What to Wear with a Nude Lace Dress

Lace dresses can convey softness and femininity. A nude lace dress can be paired with neutral colors—black, white, brown or nude; or with soft colors, like peach.

This set features a nude heel and metallic heels in both gold and bronze, gold bolero, bronze clutch, and two-tone nude clutch. Simple and classic multicolored pearls add to the air of sophistication—all in the name of modesty.

ASOS: Spring Midi Dress Trends with a Modest Twist

The rising trend of the midi-skirt over the last few seasons has been to modest, yet fashion-forward girls everywhere. Once dismissed as dowdy and out of date, length is back with a vengeance, and we’re finding it right at the cutting edge of this season’s styles.

SS13 catwalks were bursting with midi skirts and dresses from hot designers like Jason Wu and Proenza Schouler, and the look is quickly filtering through to our favorite retailers. Paying special attention to details like sleeves and necklines, we’ve gathered up a few of the most wearable, modest spring midi dress trends of the season.

Spring Midi Dress Trends

ASOS Midi Dress In Tapestry Style Print

ASOS Midi Style Dress in Tapestry Style Print

Feminizing grunge and pulling it up to date, this carefree 90s inspired casual dress is as comfortable as it is cute. Winter florals are reworked to pull looks from day to night, and soft scoop necklines with gently gathered waists are sweet and flattering. Pair this with ankle boots, a pastel sweater, and a knit hat for day, or a leather jacket and top knot for night.

ASOS Midi Dress In Washed Woven

ASOS Midi Dress in Washed Woven

The flow of this sky-blue, silk-touch fabric is mesmerizing, skimming without ever clinging. This gorgeous midi dress is hugely versatile: you can dress it up or down with just a few accessories.

ASOS Midi Dress in Floral Stripe Print

ASOS Midi Dress In Floral Stripe Print

Here’s a dress that combines the best of several decades into one amazing look. With a nod to recent homespun trends, this structured cut, with slightly puffed sleeves, creates an hourglass shape, bringing in a fitted waistline and strong neckshape to elongate. Warm up with a vibrant lip and braided hair styles.

ASOS Midi Dress With Full Skirt And Belt

ASOS Midi Dress with Full Skirt & Belt

The classic  bettylook. A full pleated skirt, high boat neck, and sweet ¾ length sleeves conjure up visions of Audrey Hepburn in her heyday. The effect is restrained and elegant, ladylike without ever being stuffy. The contrasting skinny belt works overtime to define a tiny waist.

ASOS Skater Dress With Waist Tab Detail

ASOS Skater Dress with Waist Tab Detail

The stunning color of this flowing chiffon beauty will stop you in your tracks. Lovely cropped blouson sleeves and clever button tab details at the nipped-in waist give this dress a timeless air.

ASOS Tulip Dress With Waterfall Skirt

ASOS Tulip Dress with Waterfall Skirt

We’re nuts about this polka dot day dress with adorable ruffled detail. Demure but spirited, it’s easy to wear, and the lightweight woven fabric moves beautifully wherever you go. Pair it with pretty pumps for a blast of vintage style.

The White Pepper Shirt Dress with Sheer Top

The White Pepper Shirt Dress with Sheer Top

A playful breath of fresh air, this flirty dress just shouts spring.From cute and creative designers The White Pepper, this sweet-as-candy color is kept in check with smart tailored details: cuffed sleeves and shirt styling on the top, and soft but neat pleats through the skirt.

ASOS Midi Dress With Victorian Detailing

ASOS Midi Dress with Victorian Detailing

Lace insets and pretty pintucks give this lovely gray dress a taste of Victorian styling, while the asymmetrical hem brings a modern edge. Layer and wear it with tights until the mornings warm up for a look with a lot of storybook charm.

Find the Perfect Spring Midi Dress

Fun, practical, and endlessly adaptable, this spring’s midis are a great staple to
get you through those in-between days as winter lets go and the sun reappears.
They’re the perfect length to show off a new pair of shoes and they pair
beautifully with cardigans and scarves. Have you found a favorite on or off the
runway this spring?

Thrifty Fashion: Where’s the Lining?

I love thrifting. There are essentials when it comes to finding great fashion on the thrift store run.

The presence or absence of lining makes a world of difference when it comes to skirts, dresses, jackets and blazers. I have a habit of looking inside the garment to check for lining.

Lining offers quality, smoothness and convenience. When given a choice, I go for the piece with the lining versus the one without.

Purpose of Lining

1. Built-in Slip

When it comes to skirts and dresses, lining functions as a built-in slip. This is definitely a convenience and the most obvious purpose of lining. If the skirt or dress is a bit see-through or you want a smoother fit, you don’t have to run around for the appropriate color and length of slip.

2. Protects the Fabric & Body

Lining—even in children’s clothes—provides a layer between the fabric and body, creating durability. Lining protects the fabric against friction and moisture from the body.

Some fabrics irritate the skin. Lining protects the body from irritation from fabric, such as wool.

3. Adds Warmth

Interlining and removable lining in jackets, coats and rain coats add warmth.

4. Polishes the Finished Product

Lining is great for hiding unsightly seams and thread. Lining polishes the finished product and adds a wow factor. It takes additional time to add lining.

6. Lining is Fashionable

Have you seen a jacket or blazer with an awesome patterned lining? This creates contrast and makes the piece more fashionable. I even dare to say, luxurious.

Thrifty Fashion Finds

I found two nice skirts with lining on my most recent thrifting run. The wool-nylon blend Brooks Brothers skirt and khaki Banana Republic skirt was $3.99 each.

I took pics of the skirts to show the lining.

thrifty-fashion_wheres-the-lining

The Ruana Wrap is Functional Fashion

the-ruana-model-me-girl

Featured in set (L–R): {Minnie Rose Cashmere Ruana} {Reversible Leopard Print Echo Wrap} {Brooks Brothers Pure Cashmere Ruana} {Calvin Klein Drop Stitch Evening Ruana in Cream} {Echo Hooded Ruana} {CeJon Shimmer Ruana}

Let’s be real. Every fashion item isn’t necessarily functional. Oddly shaped heels on shoes, for one, that make for great photography, but not so much for walking, come to mind. That’s just one of many “What were you thinking?” fashion pooh-poohs.

Enter the ruana. What’s not to like about it? It’s functional without sacrificing style.

The ruana’s super chic poncho–style gives it versatility that makes it a great fashion staple. Throw it over your shoulder and secure with a brooch, wrap it around your waist to transform it into a skirt, or wear as a belted wrap. Have double the fun using it as a wrap and blanket. Travel ideas, anyone?

The traditional ruana is thick, sleeveless, made of wool and knee–length, although you can find some that come with a hood.

With many prints and fabrics, from Aztec motifs to glittering metallic, the ruana can complement day or evening wear. You can get a budget-friendly ruana, or break the bank with a pure cashmere ruana.

Do you have any tips about functional fashion? Let’s chat!

Minnie Rose Aztec Ruana in Chili Pepper and Sapphire

Stripes with Bold Splashes of Color

I’ve been introduced to the classy online modest fashion store, Sierra Brooke. I’m always excited to discover and create connections with bloggers, retailers, designers and wearers of modest fashion.

The lovely striped Lorna dress featured in the Stripes with Bold Splashes of Color set is a 92% cotton , 8% spandex V-neck pull-on dress; so you can expect a bit of a stretch.

With spring just around the corner, I think bold splashes of color would do well with a black and white striped dress. Yellow and pink are perfect complements. Consider it color therapy. Goodbye, icy cold. Hello, spring breeze.

Stripes with Bold Splashes of Color