CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Monday, June 22, 2009

Up Your WOW Factor

Perk Up with Purple

Never underestimate a great button-up sweater, like this one from Old Navy. At $26.50 from OldNavy.com, it’s the perfect add-on for a breezy summer night or an air-conditioned office. Its lively purple hue gives some kick to an ensemble. Just pair it with fresh whites or a patterned dress, and you immediately elevate your look. Lightweight pointelle and small buttons give this cardigan a touch of innocence, which is why we love that its powerful color packs a fruity punch.

Tote Around in Turquoise

If you only buy one bag this summer, make it a practical tote in a tropical tone like turquoise. Turquoise complements any skin tone and stands out sensationally when paired with black, white, and all creamy neutrals. This Canvas Tote ($34.50 at Gap.com) with plenty of deep pockets is a smart pick; it’s handy, and it makes any outfit sing.

Sunkissed and Chic

Trendy sunglasses are a great way to celebrate the season, so why not do so in a fun melon or sunburnt orange hue? Sunkissed and chic, these Orange Shades by Michael Kors ($84 at Zappos.com) are beach-chic but can also enhance a basic outfit like your beloved denim jacket and a crisp white skirt. An aviator frame, shown here, works well with all face shapes and will add to the versatility of your shades.

Lemony Lift

You know that old beloved simple black or netural dress hanging in your closet? Give it a lemony lift by tying a cheerful yellow belt, like the Sour Lemon Belt ($48 at JCrew.com) around the waist. It’s an eye-grabbing look that will attract lots of wanted attention, and because it's designed to fit low-rise waistbands, the belt can also lighten up any pair of jeans or pants. Belts are in ingenious way of making old clothes look new and trendy, so grab several bright ones and put a fresh face on all of your favorite clothes. This style is a cinch!

Delightful Denim

Colored jeans may not be for the timid, which is why a electric blue pair are a great way to road-test this hit-or-miss trend. Bold blue is eye-grabbing yet sleek, so pair with a sophisticated top and some sexy heels. You’ll stand out in the crowd. Luckily, Delia’s Morgan Skinny Jeans ($48 at Delias.com) come in other sensational colors, like sunny marigold and candy violet.

Flirt with Fuchsia

Another great “tip” is to play with fun, funky nail colors on your hands and feet. Sure, it can be cutesy, but when and where better to experiment with offbeat nail shades than during the warm weather months, when your toes are exposed and your hands could use a pre-vacation pick-me-up. Try Essie’s 2009 neon collection ($8 each at Essie.com), which includes such fun shades as Punchy Pink (shown), Flirty Fuchsia, Funky Limelight , and Perky Purple. The point here is to show off your fun side; as founder Essie Weingarten, says “These colors make a statement and have personality!”

Watch Wonderful

It’s all in the wrist: for great way to work a variety of brights into your wardrobe, purchase a single watch, like Aldo's Adjust-Strap Watch ($35 at AldoShoes.com) with a rainbow of colorful adjustable wristbands. This one-time buy essentially creates five eye-grabbing watches—and you can alternate bands according to outfit or mood year-round. We love Aldo’s affordable version because it includes a dazzling white strap, too—for days when you want to wear your bold colors head-to-toe and keep accessories simpler.

Flashy Flip-Flops

Look head-to-toe hot this season by purchasing a colorful pair of sandals, like the Printed Flip-Flop ($15.50 at VictoriasSecret.com). They put an instant pop to any jeans, shorts, or skirt outfit and are comfortable on the street and at the beach. Choose a color you love. And at under $20, you may even want to pick up multiple pairs. Standing on your feet never looked so sweet!

Cute Carryalls

“Lighten” your load with a pale yellow carryall bag in a durable material, like super lush leather. A brightly colored bag looks great on your arm at the office or out to dinner — and if you splurge on a great bag in a color you love, it can last season after season. This Parker Leather Satchel ($458 at Coach.com) has minimal hardware and twist-braided handles, giving it a little bit of edge and a whole lot of practicality.

Freshen Your Face

For an effortlessly sexy update that anyone can pull off in seconds, freshen your entire face with a bright pop of shimmering color on your lips. We love a hot pink or berry-stained pucker; be sure to contrast it with a bare or neutral face and a subtle outfit. For a dramatic evening look, pair your luscious bold lips with your favorite LBD. One ultra-nourishing choice is Physicians Formula’s organic SuperFruit Glosses ($7.95 at PhysiciansFormula.com), which are naturally derived and infused with vitamins and anti-oxidants.

0 comments: