Guest Blogger | Beach Fashion Calling: Fringe Swimwear

Daylight Savings Time is right around the corner and with the weather we have in New York you would think it's May already! Well it may be only March, but I will welcome the warm weather with open arms. You know what that means don't you? Beach fashion is calling! There are so many swimwear styles to choose from but fringe swimwear is demanding a fabulous voice this season and Guest Blogger Susan Bodack of  InStyleSwimwear.com is here to tell you how to look fabulous on the sand this summer season!

Source: twiceremembered.blogspot.com via Sasha on Pinterest

Swimwear Trend Report: Fashionable Fringe Benefits

Every season has its #1 trend and for Summer 2012, the fringe swimwear trend is definitely it!  Many admire it for its hip boho-chic vibe while others simply love it for its unique and ultra-trendy flair.  Regardless, the trend is definitely taking the industry by storm!  Whether you’re looking for a new bikini, one-piece or even a new cover-up, fringe is a MUST this season.

Source: studdedhearts.blogspot.com via Annabel on Pinterest

For all the bikini lovers out there, there are plenty of fringe swimwear styles to choose from.  Bandeau tops with fringe detail along the bustline are perfect for women of all different bust sizes, but they look particularly amazing on girls with smaller busts.  The embellishment helps enhance your bustline, making you appear fuller up top.  But for those who need some extra support, try fringe swimwear tops like halters.  These tops feature chic fringe detail that hangs like a V, which elongates your torso, making it a perfect style for petite girls.  Check out new two-piece styles from L Space Swimwear—the master of the trend!

In addition to bikinis, the fringe swimwear trend is showcased in one-piece styles as well.  Many one-pieces and monokinis feature deep plunging necklines, so you’ll feel cool, covered and still sexy as can be!  Look for monokinis from L Space Swimwear and classic one-pieces from Tori Praver, both with fringe detail along the neckline.  Très chic!

Finally, if you love the fringe swimwear trend but are looking for a new cover-up, you’ll love the new fringe-embellished cover-up styles!  Whether you’re into tunics, dresses or fashion-forward ponchos, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your fix.

Which fringe swimwear style 

will you be rockin’ this season?

Susan Bodack is a blogger and the Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com.  To read more about the fringe swimwear trend and to stay up to date on the latest trends and styles, check out their blog, Beauty and the Beach!

Don't forget to enter the latest giveaway

for Pureology haircare! 

Spotted: Riverside Park

Back in January New York City was dusted with just a little snow. It was the kind I like because it had melted by the next day. Well I took a stroll through Riverside Park to enjoy the view and to share some pics with you which I posted the next day. I also happened to run into street photographer/blogger extraordinair Lord Ashbury!

He grabbed a shot of me walking in Riverside Park and boy can he take a picture! Now I must apologize because he did happen to catch me with zero makeup on, just popped out of the apartment for a quick stroll and a stop for some groceries...so that goes to show you, you should always look your best walking out of the house. Mais t'inquiete pas my dears, c'est la vie.

Source: lordashbury.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Lord Ashbury continually snaps great photos of the style throughout New York City for his site, so be sure to stop by and be inspired. He got plenty of goods from the recent New York Fashion Week and this vixen in the patterned fur has me particularly dreamy eyed.

Source: lordashbury.com via Jessica on Pinterest

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Guest Blogger | How to Start a Fashion Blog: Tips and Advice

My lovelies, I started The Embellished Life close to 3 years ago wow! Can't believe it's been that long and to start my blog I basically just started typing.  A screen shot of my original blog compared to today's would be vastly different. I have enjoyed every step along the journey to start a fashion blog so when Jennifer Nelson from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco reached out to me to guest blog a post for tips and advice on blogging, I loved it! 

So please gain some fashionspiration and get those fingers typing!

Source: inslee.net via Nikki on Pinterest

 

How to Start a Fashion Blog: Tips and Advice

By Jennifer Nelson

Fashion blogs are quickly becoming the next big thing in the fashion industry. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be on the cutting edge of fashion by starting a fashion blog. By following this advice about how to make a fashion blog, you will have all the tools you need to spin up a successful fashion blog! Here are five fashion blogging tips that will keep your fans coming back for more!

Tip 1: Be in the Know

The fashion blogging revolution is shaking up the industry, and you have to know what’s out there. Read the fashion blogs of successful fashion schools, fashion merchandising schools, fashion community sites and research blogs. If you know the type of blogs you like, then honing in on your blogging style will be a synch.  

Tip 2: Gotta Love It

What makes you and your fashion style unique is what will keep your readers coming back for more!  Are you a bargain fashionista who enjoys finding the best fashionable deals? Or would you rather post pictures of how to make every day wear more chic? You could also blog about trend spotting or high fashion. Deciding whether you would like to showcase your fashion photography with a small caption or write full fashion articles is a good place to begin. Blogging takes time and dedication, so if you are not writing about what you absolutely love then you could burn yourself out in no time. You know your style; don’t be afraid to put it out there.

Source: lookbook.nu via Eliza on Pinterest

 

Tip 3: Create a Haute Name

You could have the best, most relatable fashion blog, but if your blog’s name is hard to spell, or even worse, hard to remember, your readers could get lost. Your name should be catchy but hint at what your blog is about. Keep it simple. Keep it fun. Make it fashionable!

Tip 4: Create a Couture Template

Find a blog hosting service that works for you. Make sure to choose a template that is fun, easy on the eyes and simple to manage. The most imperative aspect of your fashion blog is that your content is intuitive and fun to navigate, and easy to search.

Tip 5: Don’t Be Fashionably Late

There is nothing worse than anticipating new content from your favorite fashion bloggers only to be let down by the same old posts. Some fashion bloggers update their blog many times every day, so if you have limited time, make sure you are updating your blog at least once a week to keep your readers coming back for more.

Source: corto-on-line.blogspot.com via Agnese on Pinterest

 

With these simple fashion blogging tips in your arsenal, you will be stylishly blogging in no time!

Guest Blogger: Shopping Down Under... the Aussie Way

Since my blog is officially in travel mode this week I thought I would keep the trend going with another fabulous guest blogger post to bring you the best how-to shopping from around the globe! Next stop? Australia with the amazing Sam of The Curvy Girl's Diary. That's right we're going down under for this shopping excursion!

Dressing up Down Under…

Whenever I talk to any of my friends overseas or visitors that I run into, fashion is not something that they mention when they think of Australia. It’s all beaches and backpacking, but thanks to the fab The Embellished Life, I get to introduce you to some amazing designers that are making their mark all over the world... and send you all into an Aussie fashion lovefest.

1. One teaspoon 

Location: Sydney 

Down Under Website: http://www.oneteaspoon.com.au/shop/

This local Sydney designer has been making major headway over the past few years. Her surfer/skater approach to clothing has somehow managed to be tied in with an effortless glam that just screams chic. The designs of one teaspoons founder Jamie Blakely have been attracting major overseas interest and for all you spunks in the US I know it is available online at planetblue.com definitely worth a major look.

2. Sass and Bide 

Location: Sydney

Down Under Website: http://www.sassandbide.com/#/collections/papa_sucre_4_5

Definitely one of my all times favorite’s designers ever! Their dresses are just showstoppers and their jeans just scream laid back vibe meets totally glam. They are a must-have brand among the celebrity-set, the world over, and their accessory range is equally to die for. I would spend my last pennies in this shop! Enough said!

3. Dogstar 

Location: Brisbane

Down Under Website: http://dogstar.com.au/

Think Audrey Hepburn meets Judy jetsen in the best way possible, classic tailoring mixed with some totally off the cuff, deconstructed design makes this label a must-have and a staple in Aussie wardrobes. Their wide leg pants have cult status over here and something I couldn’t live without.

Bryon bay markets 

Location: Bryon bay

Website: http://www.byron-bay.com/markets/

I’m a total market goer, and these markets provide some of the best shopping in this country for up and coming designers and great accessories. It was here that I developed my love of spell designs. Some of the most unique accessories you will ever see and amazing leather work, not to mention their feather headpieces... I literally wanted to walk down the aisle in one! This is just one of the awesome names to come out of these markets and to top it all off, it's 5 minutes away from the most amazing beaches you will ever see.

There is so much I could share with you I didn’t even mention we have entire suburbs dedicated to vintage shopping but that’s a story for another time or you could hop a plane and discover it all for yourself just holler if you need a shopping buddy!

To catch more of Sam hop on over to thecurvygirlsdiary.blogspot.com 

and follow her Aussie adventures!

You can also follow along on Bloglovin!

Guest Blogger: Detroit Shopping from The Damsel in Detroit

One of my favorite things from Fashion Week, was all the amazing people I got to meet, one of which was Hoda of The Damsel in Detroit. Hoda and I chatted for a while about travel fashion and she emphatically filled me in on the wonder that is Detroit shopping! Her hometown is more than the manufacturing hub you may know it as. I love visiting a city and discovering good shopping in addition to the culture I flew there for, and good news, Detroit shopping is rich and plenty! So take a seat for the fabulous Guest Blogger: The Damsel in Detroit!

Detroit's Style Scoop

Car manufacturing, home of Motown, and celebs like Eminem and Kid Rock are some of the instant trigger thoughts associated with Detroit. But what many outsiders don't know is that Detroit is the new black in the fashion playground. Unlike style-studded cities such as New York or Chicago, the shopping scene in the "D" is not laid out in a major strip. The destination shops and designers are scattered across all of metro Detroit.

Hunting for the hidden gems in the area has always excited me! Since the list of hot shopping spots is pretty lengthy, I will try my best to give you a glimpse of the style sanctuaries sprinkled throughout metro Detroit. This urban region includes the counties of Oakland, Wayne and Macomb, which is also known as the Detroit Tri-County area.

In the heart of the city, you may just fall head over heels in love with Sole Sisters, a swank shoe shop that also sells other accessories and some apparel. From $16 earrings to $350 shoes and purses, the trendy boutique has something for everyone (313.831.9013). 

While you're in Midtown Detroit, be sure to check out a fairly new local style shop called City Bird, home of Detroit city finds, from soaps and accessories to jewelry and handmade goods (www.ilovecitybird.com).

If you're looking for the best go-to mall in the area, look no further than Somerset Collection in Troy. From high-end shopping such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus to fast fashion such as Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, you'll find it all at the Somerset Collection (www.thesomersetcollection.com). If you're interested in an outdoor shopping getaway, then explore the Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township. The mall houses nearly 90 distinctive stores and restaurants and features unique amenities such as Bocce ball courts, a TV court and a 30' fireplace (www.shoppartridgecreek.com).

I'm a sucker for a stellar vintage shop, and I consider myself blessed to know a number of vintage connoisseurs in the area. Nestled in the city of Waterford is the ultimate fashion wonderland, otherwise known as Chi-Chi and the Greek. The shop houses the fabulous finds of owners Kelly Johnson and her husband ("The Greek"). The dynamic duo have a special eye for vintage exclusives that date back as early as the 1920s and offer designer duds of Chole, Comme des Garçons, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and many more (www.chichiandthegreek.com). 

 

 

Photographer Daniel Lippitt

Tucked away in the small city of Dearborn Heights, you will find one of metro Detroit's hidden treasures: V-Male Detroit Vintage. The eclectic shop, which sells 50s to 70s vintage clothing, burlesque supplies, wigs and accessories, carries the largest selection of Dead Stock or New Old Stock (Vintage clothing that has never been worn before) in the state (313.299.8899). 

Lost and Found Vintage in downtown Royal Oak is another style-savvy shop that's worth checking out. The tri-level store attracts vintage fashion gurus from all around the globe. Click here to check out a video tour of the shop.

While you're in downtown Royal Oak, be sure to shop the strip and stop into Incognito, where punk meets its pretty counterpart. The wide array of sunglasses, shoes, apparel and accessories are both trendy and tempting (www.goincognito.com).

Check out downtown Birmingham for luxe stores such as Tender (www.tenderbirmingham.com), which carries gorgeous high-end designer finds, or Complex (www.complexmi.com), a two-level, 6,000-square-foot gallery style boutique that is a single space mixed with multiple concepts. Linda Dresner, the noted native metro Detroit fashion designer, also has her posh shop nestled in Birmingham (www.lindadresner.com).

Speaking of local designers, Detroit has a number of fashion mavens making their mark in the city and abroad. Fotoula Lambros of Fotoula Lambros Design is committed to creating eco-chic American Made clothing. The FLD creations prove that a glamorous getup and going green can be synonymous (www.fotoulalambrosdesign.com).

Photographer Lynn Upson.  Model is Alexandra Pasquinelli.  

 

Joe Faris, a metro Detroit resident, who first became a household name on Season 5 of Project Runway, is a co-founder of Fashion In Detroit (www.fashionindetroit.com), as well as the mastermind behind Motor City Denim Co. Faris has taken the first step towards establishing an apparel industry in southeastern Michigan with his clothing line that's made entirely in his home state (www.joe-faris.com).

Photographer Jason Loudermilk

If you're looking for an original outfit topper, tucked away in a 200-square-foot workspace in the city of Southfield, you'll find Lela's Showroom Boutique. The small shop offers a large selection of one-of-a-kind acclaimed designer hats such as Arturo Rios, jewelry, handbags and a wide array of posh yet practical and affordable accessories. Owner Alberta Lloyd's offered statement pieces are sure to turn heads. (248.356.5133, lelasshowroomboutique.com)

An overview of the vibrant shopping scene in the area attests to the fact that Detroit is not dead. Detroit has no intention to take over but rather leave its influential imprint on the fashion industry. Come discover the "D" and explore all it has to offer, one stylish step at a time!

Photo credits also of respective sites and Hoda of The Damsel in Detroit

Well I would definitely call that a bang up job on the Detroit shopping scene. I feel, thanks to The Damsel in Detroit, it may just be a city that I could do some serious damage in! Anything burning a whole in my romper pockets won't stand a chance!

Ready for some Detroit Shopping?

Be sure to follow The Damsel in Detroit for all the hot spots and hidden gems.