Trendlight/How to Rock: Feathers and Flowers and Bows oh my!

I'm not exactly sure when it happened but somehow, over the course of the winter, statement hair accessories have risen to the top of many a stylista's must-have list. From big beautiful bows to dainty feathery hairbands, these statement hair accessories add instant glamour to any outfit and are quite easy to wear well. I adore them! When I cut my hair short at the beginning of winter, I was looking for something to accessorise and play up my new haircut and when I got to So Good Jewelry on Newbury Street I was astounded by the selection. They are like cocktail rings and dearest devotees, I love cocktail rings. If you haven't already bought some I totally recommend that you do while sales are still on because these are really good transition pieces that you can use to accessorise as it gets warmer.

How to rock

Like I said before they are relatively easy to use but here are a few tips on how to work them into an outfit.

1. Let them take centre stage on your face: I find that when you wear a really gorgeous hair accessory, earrings and make-up should be more low key, so that they don't have to fight for attention.

2. Pick a complementary or contrasting colour: Either will make a statement.

3. Be conscious of your hair style: It goes without saying that certain pieces go better with certain hair styles. Find the one that works best on your favorite hairstyle or get a variety like I have.

4. Try using using pieces in unusual ways: Why don't you work a scarf into your next updo? Or you could try attaching a flower pin to a gorgeous but simple headband.

5. Redefine the meaning of perfect occassion: Wear a vintage pearl and silver wedding-esque piece on a fun night out or a glamourous evening feathery band to class.

Photos from: glitz4girl.com and pluma

Love you all and Stay inspired,

P.S. So let me know what you think. What do you think of this trend? Do you own any fabulous hair accessories (vintage or otherwise)? How do you rock them? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

How to Rock: Over-the-knee Boots

Pictures from: couturesnob and chic chocolate

From the streets of New York to the runways of Milan, over-the-knee or thigh-high boots have been everywhere lately and are one of this seasons hottest accessories. Ever since they came out on the Spring/Summer 2009 runways they have been seen on everyone from Blake Lively to Sienna Miller. On the F/W 2009 runways, this trend held its own among the power shoulders and leather gear of the 80s revolution and now its going to be in all the major high street stores this fall.
Personally,I think thigh-high and knee-high boots have always oozed sex appeal. They've never really been girl-next-door kinda shoes and have practically always been associated with the more "exotic" industry (ahem).When worn right they can add inches to your height making anyone look like as leggy as a gazelle. But when worn wrong they can make you appear to have shrunk (not a good look on most). This style of boots were my first fashion love and it fills me with nostalgia just looking at them. Over the years, I've gone from ankle-length to knee-highs, calf-length and back. I know that one shouldn't allow the winds of fashion to influence your personal style, but this season's boots are so hot, its highly unlikely I'll pass up on this trend.


Now, how to rock these Fabulous shoes?


Like most accessories, these shoes can be highly versatile, you just have to know when enough is enough. Here are some tips to keep in mind when getting ready to flaunt your new boots:


With skirts: This is when the boot-to-leg proportion thing becomes very important. If you're wearing these boots with a skirt, it's best to wear the boots with matching tights so as not to
break your silhouette. Otherwise, use a long cardigan or boyfriend blazer without a belt to ensure that your legs are the focus of the outfit.


With tunics and dresses : Go all out Rocker Chic like Vanessa by teaming a dark studded or glitzy dress to stay on trend. Or you can go the other way and rock thigh-high boots with cute tunics and flirty dresses to channel your inner Bohemian. Its the perfect way to transition smoothly into fall.


With skinny jeans : This is practically my favorite look of the season! Just throw on one of the extra-hot-right-now plaid shirts or draped tops with bleached grey skinny jeans tucked into black thigh-high boots for a look that is totally fashion-forward. Or simply follow the lead of Blake Lively and tuck your favorite pair of skinnies into a complementary pair of thigh-highs to look catwalk ready.




Warnings and Words of Wisdom:

• Be wary of stilettos to avoid veering into hooker territory.
• If you are curvier pull-on boots and stretch skinnies might be enough to convince you to try out the last look.
• Let a common base or colour pull the whole outfit together.
• Work with textures instead of contrasting colours in order to create a flow.

These were just a few of my ideas on how to rock these boots. I hope I've inspired you to experiment with them and give them a shot if you haven't bought them or to actually wear them if you have.


Love you all and Stay inspired,









P.S So tell me what you think. Is this a trend you are willing to try? If so, what are your favorite ways of rocking it? And do you think it's an "investment piece"? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.


(last two pics from: flickr)

How to Rock: Ankle Cuff Heels

These shoes are hot, sexy and have totally made my transition to fall fashion a lot more exciting. Since one of the major themes of the Fall/Winter 2009 season is the strong shoulder trend of the 80s, for balance to be maintained, it follows that strong shoes like the Ankle Cuff Heel must also come into play. I must confess that at first I didn't really like this trend. I thought that the shoes were a bit strange and indecisive. I mean it looked like a cross between a heel and a boot! But once I laid my eyes on the gorgeous chocolate brown Qupids(via en ala mode on the left I was converted. They are made out of faux croco-leather, and are absolutely fabulous.


Now we've seen it. We love it. How do we rock it?



Well, I've been thinking and I have come up with three major ways to rock these heels:


1. Biker Chic: Definitely one of the most obvious ways to rock this look is in a biker chic fashion. The strong edgy aura given off by the cuff of the darker shoes definitely coincides with the total edginess of biker chic. Just thrown in a studded bracelet, some leather and metallic jewelry (all popular pieces right now) and you can totally chanel your inner badass.






2. Eighties Revolution: Another way to rock Ankle Cuff heels would be to incorporate it into an 80s- inspired ensemble. Since 80s fashion is going to be a major theme in fall, why not don a strong-shouldered blazer, with a pair of dark skinny jeans and complete it with some gorgeous ankle cuff heels? That way you embody the best of the 80s.






3. Sweet vs Edge: In fashion, the best outfits are made up of pieces that either complement or contrast each other.So a good way to rock the ankle cuff would be by contrasting it with, a truly feminine outfit. Think cute LBD with lace details and sexy black ankle cuffs.




Warnings and Words of Advice:

• The cuffs on these heels tend to emphasize the size of the ankle so if your ankles are on the thick side the best way to wear these would be by teaming them with leggings or fishnets to make your ankles appear slimmer.



• Finally, since the shoes are usually statement pieces, the best way to rock them is by working with them and using them to step up your outfit.
  

Love You all and Stay Inspired,
Aury

P.S. So tell me. What do you think of these shoes? Is this a trend you would try? How would you rock it? Feel free to comment below.

(Photos from polyvore.com and En ala mode.com)