Do you wear short shorts?

A blogger for fashion retailer Bluefly.com, Nana breaks down the biggest trends on the curb, the catwalk & the red carpet.

Short shorts have been everywhere this spring. The Hills’ star Lauren Conrad wore a tuxedo-style pair to Nicole Richie and Joel Madden’s Richie Madden Children’s Foundation fundraiser. Beyonce wore frayed cutoffs to an NBA All Star Game. And Hilary Duff rocked a cuffed pair with cuffed ankle booties when a paparazzo caught her in Hollywood. But it seems the trend is not only celebrity-friendly. We did a poll recently on Bluefly’s blog, FlyPaper to find out if women preferred short shorts to longer Bermudas and the answer was resoundingly in favor of Daisy Dukes. Do you feel the same? Is it long or short shorts for you?

Posted May 27, 2009 in News

Matthew Williamson for H&M: A Test Run!

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

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Yesterday I visited my local H&M and tried on one of the Matthew Williamson dresses. I loved it, but thought it was slightly pricey for H&M–$80! What do you think of the dress?

Posted May 26, 2009 in Fashion, News, apparel

One dress, two new spring looks

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

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The best thing about spring and summer is how you can transform an outfit with simple, stylish accessories.

Check out how I created two separate looks: one funky and feminine and the other more chic and sophisticated.

Which look do you like better? How would you style this strapless purple dress from Target?

Funky & Feminine : Forever 21 linen cardigan, Forever 21 printed scarf, Payless patent pink wedges, Forever 21 necklace

Chic & Sophisticated : Forever 21 coral earrings, Target Mossimo gladiator platforms, Forever 21 belt, Forever 21 vest

Posted May 19, 2009 in Fashion, apparel

Does Mama need a new bag?

A blogger for fashion retailer Bluefly.com, Nana breaks down the biggest trends on the curb, the catwalk & the red carpet.

The recent celebration of Mother’s Day got me to thinking about the fact that moms are more stylish than ever. In fact, some of the world’s most notable style icons are mothers. Whether you’re a mom yourself or looking to honor a special woman in your life, take a cue from these moms and mom-friendly designers to up your “it” factor.

1. THE STELLA McCARTNEY-INSPIRED BAG

Why she inspires us: She’s been committed to creating eco-friendly fashion way before it was in vogue (or Vogue magazine), plus she created a pretty fly (and affordable) line of bags for LeSportSac that women- and moms-on-the-go can neatly fit their busy lives into.

2. ANGELINA JOLIE-INSPIRED SHADES

Why she inspires us: Because she’s brought attention to the plight of disadvantaged women and children around the world – and knows how to rock the hell out of a pair of oversized sunglasses.

3. KELLY RIPA-INSPIRED PUMPS

Why she inspires us: She works a bazillion jobs – Regis & Kelly co-host (which requires her to be perky and gorgeous at the crack of dawn!), working actress, women’s rights advocate, Electrolux spokeswoman… – and manages to keep up with her children in the coolest heels.

4. THE PROJECT RUNWAY FINALIST, LAURA BENNET-INSPIRED LBD

Why she inspires us: Because she’s a mom of six – including 5 young boys – and she still manages to look effortlessly chic while pursuing her dream of designing timeless, well-made pieces for women.

5. THE MICHELLE OBAMA-INSPIRED BROOCH

Why she inspires us: Because she represents for working moms with comfortable and practical pieces like flats and cardigans, yet isn’t afraid to shine in bold graphics, bejeweled pieces and her signature brooches. Plus! She lets herself be photographed in her Jimmy Choos more than once!

Posted May 18, 2009 in News

Matthew Williamson for H&M–Part Deux!

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less.

Because of the smashing success that was his first capsule collection for H&M, Williamson has once again decided to bring great style to the masses through frugal fashionista favorite H&M.

I’m raiding this collection ASAP because it’s just so darned gorgeous. Want to see my favorite items?

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Posted May 15, 2009 in News

Your boyfriend’s back

A blogger for fashion retailer Bluefly.com, Nana breaks down the biggest trends on the curb, the catwalk & the red carpet.

I call them “Comfort Clothes” – the baggy pegged jeans, the swing-shaped tees, the oversized cardigans, and the high top sneakers that have taken over women’s magazine pages this season. With These Economic Times calling for practicality, fashion has responded not with minimalism as it did in the early ‘90s, but cozy clothes that women can swaddle themselves in. Even First Lady Michelle Obama, The Queen of Practical Chic herself, has been known to rock a boyfriend cardigan or two – though she has yet to don a whiskered pair of roomy, rolled-up jeans.

But my question is, are you adopting this new trend? Are you trading in your fitted and embellished tops, curve-announcing dresses and sky-scraping stilettos for more comfy styles – or incorporating BOTH ideas into your closet? Do tell!

Posted May 12, 2009 in News

Wake up to Spring!

While scouting on behalf of her clients everywhere from Pier 1 to High Point, Julieann of Jace Interiors has a birds-eye view of what’s new and different in home décor. You can also follow her on her blog CreateGirl.

Hooray! Spring has finally arrived! A quick and easy way to bring spring into your home is to switch out your bedding. Whether it is a duvet cover you place right over your existing comforter (yes, I am a year round comforter girl!) or a lightweight coverlet, there is a style for every room scheme!

For major impact, try white-based bedding – a fresh, crisp and clean background really sets off a punch of color!

Target Watercolor Floral Quilt

Pottery Barn Suzani Embroidered Duvet (on sale now!)

Bright and Happy! An array of spring colors!

The Company Store Newbury Plaid Quilt

Garnet Hill Zinnia

Geometric Prints

Dwell Studio Collage Duvet

Add a bit of sunshiny yellow and it’s also the “it” color for 2009

Gala by Wildcat Territory

Combine two trends with the gray and citron duvet from Bliss Living Home:

Have you purchased Spring bedding this year?

Posted May 5, 2009 in News