It's been awhile...

Hi everyone! I'm really sorry for the slow updates...it's so hard to update during the school year. But I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be updating every weekend, and that since I can only make one post a week, it will be a quality one! So sit tight and keep reading - you won't be disappointed.

Retro-chic with Gold Saturn

If you are looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind tee that will stand out from the rest, look no further. Gold Saturn embodies all clothes casual chic or fab vintage. Designer Jon Acosta envisioned his latest collection with edginess, Parisian women, the retro 70s, and his hometown, Miami, in mind. Plus, he has a blog himself!

Gold Saturn is known for its effortless casualness and its pieces work will with anything. The color scheme is quite tasteful and so are the fabrics. The company sells clothes that are organic cotton as well.

Gold Saturn was also featured in Paper Magazine, Ocean Drive, and on NBC, solidifying its widespread appeal. The collection retails at boutiques such as Scarlett, Swag Boutique, and the Dressing Room.

Here's what Acosta had to say about his "Perscription for Peace" design:

"People constantly ask me about the message of this design. It's an obvious oxymoron. I just wanted to create a trippy, badass shirt that you would want to wear everyday."

Elaborate headbands are a must this season. I just bought a couple myself, and I am so ready to buy more after seeing these.

These colors are perfect and match with anything you want.

These tees are so unique. This is one of the few peace sign shirts I like and the pink pocket tee is a popular silhouette as well. I also love the way these models are styled...the bleached jeans are a great way to show off edgy style.

visit Acosta's: wild child blog | clothing store | website

plus...free shipping when you type in "facebook" at checkout!

Slouchy with a pinch of cowboy

Personally, I'm not a boot wearer. Last year, I wouldn't be caught dead in anything except my ankle-high candy red Emu's - the most comfortable things on earth! But this year is all about branching out for me...that is buying more eccentric things for my wardrobe that express my personality - and so forth. I make this suggestion to you as well, and you can start out by buying one of fall's hottest boot trends - a slouchy mid-rise (for the most part) with a hint of cowboy or western-like details. They are so laid back, yet so fashionable, and are feminine enough to flatter a woman's leg while incorporating masculine details. Take a look below...

Piperlime

Rocket Dog Sheriff - $70.00

Mid-calf? Check. Slight heel? Check. Complete with cowboy details (I'm referring to the tabs on the side)? Check. Not only does this boot come in this nice chocolate shade, it comes in a chic black distressed as well. Plus, enjoy free shipping and returns on Piperlime.

American Eagle

AE Slouchy Boot - $89.50

If you are looking to invest in a classic, good quality, genuine leather pair of boots, this pair right here will do the trick. Not only does it incorporate the pull tabs as well, these boots have a nice floral corduroy lining - and there is nothing more interesting than shoes that look great on the outside AND the inside.

DSW Shoes

Blowfish Willis Leather Bootie - $69.95

This fall, booties are supposed to go out of style. But I disagree - there are so many ways to revamp the bootie and I'm seeing them everywhere! Take this rouched genuine leather beauty. This boot is for those who don't like mid-calves.

DSW Shoes

Coconut Olga Leather boot - $99.95

The proportions on this one are perfect! These come in tan, brown, and black, but I think tan is the way to go with these. They are very classic and can be dressed up and down.

Steve Madden

Azulin Cognac Leather - $139.95

These are a super splurge but they are cowboyish even without the pull tabs. Also, I love the buckle detail. They are soft to the touch and Jamie Pressley has a pair as well!

Go bananas...Rachel's returning

I remember watching The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo a couple years ago. I only saw the preview but it looked pretty interesting from what I saw, but I didn't follow it as faithfully and Project Runway or my other Bravo faves. However, now that I'm more in tune with the fashion world...I will try to tune in every Monday at 10/9c for an hour of style.

the cast: Taylor, Rodger, Rachel, and Brad.

Unlike PR it shows what the celebrities are wearing...and why they look so polished at events. Take Emma Watson for example - she has great style but she also has a stylist. It's interesting to take insight from a stylist guru like Zoe because they are the masterminds of putting looks together and building celebrities personal styles and signature looks.

I love her ring...I've always been a fan of huge rings!

Plus she is quite a fashionable woman herself and is known for pulling off what others can't. The show will give a realistic glimpse of what demands come for someone of her prominence and will interest future fashionistas into figuring out if they want to be stylist.

She also has her own newsletter/blog about her favorite things relating to clothes, beauty, jewelry, and her lifestyle. Read Rodger, Taylor, Brad, and Rachel's season one blogs if you are looking to learn more about the show.

Rachel's website | Rachel's blog | Rodger's blog | Taylor's blog | Brad's blog

(all images from www.bravotv.com)

They're everywhere!

Pocket tanks are everywhere and were very popular this summer. We're not just talking about your normal plain shirt with a pocket; we're talking about the same racerback/loose-fitting pocket tank. I don't blame people for buying them or stores for selling them. They go great with an outfit and serve the same purpose as a plain or solid colored t-shirt. But these tees are more comfortable than your usual tight-fit and are more fashion forward and interesting.

< Take this one for example. It's Miley Cyrus and Max Azria from Walmart (her new line I have mixed feelings about by the way...), and costs seven dollars. Not to shabby if you ask me...

Gap and Victoria's Secret are doing this as well. Gap with a more fitted and clean cut feel for $12.99 and Victoria's with a more beachy, slouchy, and relaxed feel (perfect as a cover up!) for $38.50. I am personally a fan of the VS one because it shows that you are in tune with trends but like to purchase a different version of what's popular right now.

(images from www.walmart.com, www.victoriasecret.com, www.gap.com)

New Artist Tees at Gap

You may have thought the (RED) shirts from Gap a couple years ago were boring...but the new ones that came out this spring are a little more interesting. Plus, v-necks are always a plus.

You've never seen a shirt like this before!

Not many are brave enough to wear this one, but I love the detail!

I love the color combo.

They may not be the most creative and stylish things you've ever seen in your life. They look effortlessly fashionable with a funky belt and some worn in jeans. But think about. You spend 28 dollars and half of it goes to someone in Africa suffering from AIDS. I'm not an over-the-top activist, but I think it's important for everyone to contribute, even if it's just a little. Anyone can make a difference! If you ask me, 28 dollars is a fair trade. Plus, check out all the other (RED) products, like iPods and Starbucks products.

Pass the jelly, please

Since, its near the end of summer right now, I'm assuming that every one's two dollar Old Navy flops are just about worn to the sole, and have nice heel indents. Well, if you are looking to set yourself apart from the masses, try these jelly fixes instead. While others soles will be sinking, you will have firm, comfortable, and all-around fun shoes for the rest of the summer. The ones below are from various retailers from high-end to low-end (Burberry, Yesstyle, F21, Chloe, and many more!).

So effortless. So easy. So cute. So fashionable.

These shoes are easily matching because of their neon colors that clash well.

Or go black for an instantly chic feel...while still maintaining casualty.

Not to mention they are comfortable and cheap too! The last pair of these I purchased was 12 dollars from American Eagle's aerie. They look like the orange ones above but are bright yellow, and they put little stress on my feet. Also, I have a pair of black gladiator jellies from a BCBG outlet. They were 9 dollars. Can you believe it?

We've borrowed from the boys, the men, the 60s, and the army, but we've never borrowed from baby girls!

ALEX&RA - One-of-a-kind clothes for one-of-a-kind-girls

Speaking of yesterday's post..."the hot new designer" is a must for this fall season - preferably with very feminine, detail-conscious, and unique clothing.

Alexandra Cipparone is owner of ALEX&RA, and created her collection to shed a light on the "up-and-coming" San Franciscan fashion industry. Also, she's been a California native her whole life, living in San Diego to L.A. to attending college at UC Berkeley. She started her line a few months ago.

What kind of clothes does she sell?

Well, her inspiration comes from vintage finds (popular this fall), architectural elements, and modern art. It's also described as "ultra-feminine looks that are both fashion-forward and understated." Sounds like my kind of deal. Understated looks = effortless fashion. You'll definitely be standing out from all the girls at your school...You won't find these items at the mall! All items are handmade by Alexandra herself and can easily be customized to fit your exact measurements (for no extra charge!).

Here's what she had to say about her company:

"I began selling my line through Etsy and made a name for myself among both its buyers and sellers because of my feminine style and high attention to detail. My designs are largely influenced by my beautiful city of San Francisco, California and are made using fabrics that have a low-impact on the environment.

Due to the success I found at Etsy, I decided to launch my own online shop, http://www.alexandracipparone.com, where customers can now purchase directly through me. This gives me a better opportunity to connect with my customers and provide them with a better, more customized shopping experience."

She is unveiling her next collection in early September as a transition into the fall season. It will be officially revealed at her launch party on August 27 in San Francisco (at Seams Boutique) and will be added to my website shortly thereafter. Anyone in the area should stop by!

What's in your issue of Teen Vogue

Today, I got my September issue of Teen Vogue in the mail today. Edgy Taylor Momsen is on the cover and a few new things are inside the magazine as well. I'm not sure if I like her look (her eye make-up to be exact) but I love her clothes.

On page...

1 - Nike Ad - I am not a fan of the new "delicious training" idea...I used to love their old ads. I'm not in love with all of the pictures and cartoonish inside. It sure caught my attention though!

9 - Anna Sui for Target - I'm a huge fan of Anna Sui! I'm glad she's moving into more mainstream fashion. I think that this line will be popular because not only is it cheaper, it's related to Gossip Girl (which is an instant plus for many).

30 - Britney Spears for Candie's - Apparel, accessories, footwear...It will be interesting to see what the rest of her collection will look like. I'm not really A fan of Kohl's or any Kohl's - esque stuff, but I think Candie's does a great job putting out clothes for preteens or even teens, especially with promoters like Avril Lavigne or Hayden Panetiere.

43 - Burberry's Fall Ads - I love love love them! Emma Watson is the perfect person for the job and she looks great in classic plaid and one color tones.

50 - LeSportsac Ad - I love the new prints! Especially the cheetah and classic dots and stripes.

57 - Juicy's Ad - Make a mess? Do the don'ts? I can't decide if I'm a fan of Juicy's new rebellious look. Hopefully the new fragrance, Juicy Couture, is better than Viva La Juicy. It was too strong for my taste.

69 - Siren Ad - Ehhh, at least Paris's show is some what entertaining.

94 - Ugg Ads - I'm usually not a fan of the classic tan short Uggs (I prefer my red ankle Emu's...) But I think the blue sweater-striped knit combo is great. And so is the slouchy fit!

116 - Fall's Top Twelve

• the eighties revival (hhmmmm I wonder if Michael Jackson has anything to do with this???)
• the statement scarf - I totally agree that neon and bright is what you should look for.
• fresh faces
• rebel jems - I love big necklaces, big bows, and big sparkly jewels. A great way to spice up a boring outfit!
• legging jeans - Sleek? Yes. Fashionable and edgy? Yes. For everyone? No.
• hot new designer - Amen to that.
• the fashion steal - I'm always for bargains!
• high school phenom - Branch out. Don't wear the same logo tees and ripped jeans that everyone else loves.
• collectable t-shirts - I'm a sucker for cute and comfy unique tees.
• generation next - I'm all for young people stepping up and making a name for themselves in the world...Even if it's not fashion related.
• military jacket - MJ's trends are trickling all over the place!
• the new boot - I'm kind of sad...I'm a fan of ankle boots still!

188 - Urban Legends/Street Fly - Count me in. Layers are always great and hip-hop is inspiring.

I'm back!

And it feels good. But I miss Myrtle Beach though, and here's why:

I love listening to the waves.

I love the area by the beaches - the buildings are cute.

I love how everyone here is happy.


I love palm trees.



I love the feeling of sand between my toes...
and searching for shells, too.



I love seeing things you don't see every day.

I love clear blue skies.

I love the colorful array of things you see at the beach.

It feels like I've been gone forever! Although I had a lot of fun on vacation, it's good to be back and updating! Here are a couple things I noticed while I was gone...

• from the journalism camp at BSU: There were people there from all different parts of the country...South Dakota, Indiana (of course), Wisconsin...to name a few. Trends that I spotted in common between all people included simple high waisted skirts, gladiator sandals, and simple embellished tanks. Keep this in mind if you are shopping for new clothes for the school year (whether it be high school or college). If you are going to purchase one of the items I mentioned above, make sure it's unique and will set you apart from a crowd.

• from the Myrtle Beach: Fashion is a lot more laid back when you move more down south. Everyone has a unique style and doesn't need to get all dolled up in order to feel great - which is great! I saw many maxi dresses and graphic tees. As for me, I wore a simple hot pink Gap Body coverup to the beach, and I carried my beach essentials (iPod + sunscreen + sunglasses + waterproof camera) in a Betsey Johnson clear-view bag that I got from Marshall's for $19.99 - that's what I call a great steal. It looked like this, but the print was assorted candy bars, not cherries (image from http://originalmetees.com/):