Embellished heels for fall

Heels became the focal point of attention and has become very popular in an outfit, making it the staple item. They became truly pieces of art or jewelry. You could find this last summer all sorts of applications on the shoes such as embellished heels, studs, acrylics... and in this fall season it continues, adding a more dramatic and embellished look to the shoe. 
For this fall, add to your understated outfit a piece of jewelry for your feet, turning your outfit into a luxurious and elegant look.

Try out this trend of enriched heels with sparkling and shining details...
(left to right - Prada/Stuart Weitzman/Nicholas Kirkwood/Dsquared2)

Os saltos a tornarem-se o ponto fulcral de atenção e começa a desenvolver-se e a sobressair cada vez mais tornando o sapato numa peça de arte, numa peça de jóia. Se os studs, acrílicos e aplicações já começaram a aparecer neste verão preenchendo o salto, nas colecções seguintes como o Outono 2012,  os saltos continuam a ser verdadeiros luxos, adicionando um carácter dramático e embelezado ao sapato.

Os sapatos para o Outono podem ser verdadeiros focos de atenção num look mais sóbrio e focando a atenção nos pés que carregam estas jóias, torna o conjunto luxuoso e elegante.

Aposte nesta tendência de saltos enriquecidos por pormenores cintilantes e reluzentes e inspire-se nestes:

Esquerda para direita – Prada/Stuart Weitzman/Nicholas Kirkwood/Dsquared2

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Treats of the day

I can't resist a good black and gold combination. It's my ultimate favorite color for accessories or even outfits. I think it's just so glam and chic and an effortless sophistication, that can be worn anytime of the day. So no wonder I find myself wearing over and over again this combo and if you add it to chains and studs, then I'm good for the day.

One of my favorite nail polish lately is the Essie Master Plan. I bought it a while back, in the winter (I think) and it never dissapoints me. I guess I'll take it through the summer as well and it's a nice variation from the bright colors. It's a greyish nude that goes with everything. Let's call it my new neutral for nails - a great escape from the traditional whites or beige's.

(pictures by me)

|| Thank you for reading! You can also check more spicy glam details at the facebook page or my Portuguese articles at iModa! Don't hesitate to follow and enjoy your day. XO Jo ||

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Top Accessories for this spring!

Accessories complement any ensemble and help create a more enchanting look. They are a good way to add charisma to your wardrobe and spice up your look with a good dose of charm. No matter if it's a simple outfit or not, accessories will compose your image and give a nice touch of elegance.

Here follows a list of items that will highlight your look with the latest trends for this next spring/summer:

1 – Necklaces have an important role and lately they have become more edgy, chunky and sophisticated. This spring pick colorful items with hints of neon, crystals, stones and preferably more close to your neck (if your body type allows that).

[Necklaces from Tom Binns and Mawi - Neon bracelets from Juicy Couture]

2 – Color-Block handbags! Doesn't matter the size or shape as long as they have contrasting colors, they will surely cheer up your look.

[Handbags fron Marc by Marc Jacobs and Audrey Brooke]

3 – Sunglasses are not only important to spice up your look and glam it up but they will also protect your eyes from the sun and keep wrinkles away. The shape that stands out this spring is again the cat-eye and sunglasses with peculiar shapes are also a trend. The more inovative the better: over-sized oval shaped, diamond shape....

[Ultra Cat Eye black sunglasses from whistle.co.uk and Cutler and Gross Rounded sunglasses]

4 – There are a lot of trends for shoes but the one that has stood out from being different is the comeback of the pointy shoe, but this time in white. Choose a elegant high-heel shoe with a bold design.
[Alexander Wang Bianca Sandals and Altuzarra shoes]

5 – Everything that's ethnic or tribal will be presented in an accessory of your choice. It could be a handbag, clutch or bangle, as long as the exotic is printed on it. It can help enhance any understated outfit.

[Forver 21 tribal clutch, Aqua Enamel ethnic bangle, Bryna Hermann clutch]

6 – Metallics are again seen this next season and this time with more futuristic shapes and sometimes contrasting with vibrant colors. Give a touch of light to your look with a metallic accessory. They are great to match with anything and for any occasion.

[Giambattista shoes, Givenchy clutch, Martin Margiela Maison sneakers]

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A Happy Deco-Romantic Valentine.

The day of the hearts and of love is coming soon. I present you an outfit inspired from the Deco era, a time of delicacy, romanticism, and graphically, very amusing to me. Therefore, this outfit has a hint of the geometrical inspiration from the Deco years. A nice twist for your romantic dinner out. To break the sophistication and luxurious image of the ensemble, I added a pop of color with a more casual cardigan.

[Gestuz Cardigan Peek Bright Red, Gold sleeved sequin top, Native sequin mini skirt from Allsaints, Christian Louboutin Bianca heels, House of Harlow 1960 clutch, Gold Deco pendant necklace from missselfridge]

If you men are out there, trying to look for some gift ideas, I'm sure the ladies would love a touch of classical luxurious items, either for their home or for themselves.

1. Set of 3 metallic nail polish from Deborah Lippmann
2. Grey bird cage candle holder from here.
3. Redcurrant Scented Candle, Votivo from here.
4. Lalique 2 Anemones Flacon, Black from here.
5. Juicy Couture Body Sorbet from here.
6. Cowhair Love Pillow from here.
7. My Sweet Heart Sugars from here.
8. D.L. $ Co. Skull Cased Candle from here. Pin It

x2 chunkiness: sweaters and jewelry

Mixing two of the major fall trends in to one: chunky jewelry and chunky sweaters. How cool is that?? No more of putting away jewelry till "see ya next summer". Bring it on to the winter too.
I always loved jewelry and I had to have a piece in any outfit and it kinda bothered me that I couldn't do much in the winter since I was pretty much "soaked" and surrounded by sweats and knits.
No more of those worries. Just put it all out there and layer it.

Images by Tommy Tom

How to wear this style:

• The funkiest, the better;
• Pick statement jewelry that will stand out. The bigger, the better;
• Mix color and prints;
• Crystals and bling-bling are a must. Just be careful with the threads;
• Choose necklaces more closer to your neck;

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Metallics now!!

They come and go, and they are back this Fall!! Hot, hot, item... Metallics are to be seen and they come back in an original, unusual and sophisticated way.

Eye-catching, feminine, sexy, these accessories promise to bring an edgy flair to any ensemble. Be certain to make an impact all season long. 

Just make sure you pair metallic accessories with simple, understated outfits, for example like a total white, navy or black look. Just a little accent of sparkle, you will look refined instead of flashy. 

 

a. Alexander Wang Fabiana metallic leather sandals

b. Alexander Wang Anais metallic leather loafer pumps

c. Brian Atwood Metallic Maniac Pump

d. Alexander Wang Adriel metallic leather clutch

e. Alexander Wang Metallic Devere Shoulder Bag

f. Asos Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch

g. Metallic Leatherette Loafers Forever 21

h. Asos Mini Metallic Lock Bag

i. Brian Atwood Metallic Piped Pump

Example of two looks with just a little accent of metallic accessories:

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Jewels for fall

I am so eager to start getting some items for fall with these amazing colors: emerald and sapphire. You will be seeing a lot of jewel toned items this fall so start looking out for them.

Top (Yves Saint-Laurent Palais Peep Toe Pumps | ZAGLIANI Emerald crocodile bag | essie nail polish - going incognito)

Bottom (Steve Madden Shoes Sarrina Platform Pump Royal Blue Suede | 3.1 Phillip Lim bag | essie nail polish - midnight cami)

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The animal kingdom rings

As we all have seen, animalesque statement jewelry is very trendy, fun, playful and colorful and all the little creatures you can imagine, are right before your fingers!

Peacocks, starfish, claws, snakes, frogs, you name it... They will look amazing worn for a cocktail event and they are made for impact..

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Buttoned-up shirts.

Lately I have been showing the various ways you can wear your button-down shirt. It is such a great piece because of it's versatility.  You can go boyfriend style, tie the blouse and for last, button it up all the way! This trend has been going on for awhile and it seems to be getting stronger as you see more of it often.    

At first this ‘look’ might seem matronly or even slightly schoolgirl but paired with the right elements, you'll look fashionably chic. 

Seriously, this shirt goes with anything. And to give it a little twist, embellish the collar!!  

  

Button it up all the way and:

• Tie a ribbon on the color. Either fluffy or slimmer, it has a romantic chic look and adds detail.
• It's all about details on the color too! Check out this DIY for the tip of the collar.
• Use it under a fun sweater for a casual look.
• Choose a sheer shirt tucked into high-waisters or go floaty and romantic and a little less well behaved.
• Use a statement necklace close to the neck. Sparkly or colorful rocks! A glittery, bejeweled collar adds a dose of glamor and a beaded collar instantly dresses up a white t-shirt, while sweet lace-embroidered or crochet adds vintage chic to your work blouse.

• If you don't have a buttoned shirt, why not create the look by faking it with detachable collars. Embellished necklines make their way to the fashion frontline this season.
  
• You can mix and match the collar with any of your tops or dresses and go beyond the traditional necklace.

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Weaving this spring.

A must-have for this spring trend: woven accessories. A woven bag, woven heels, woven jewelry, it's mainly found everywhere and it gives a touch of texture to your look, perfect for this summer.

a. Lucy Hutchings Tribal Woven Necklace

b. Zara Woven Ballerina

c. Derek Lam Miwa Woven Clutch

d. Fendi Handbag

e. Motif 56 bracelet - Marni

f. Miu Miu Woven leather shoulder bag

g. Prada - Red Tri-color Woven Leather Ballet Flats

h. Stella McCartney Alexa woven faux-leather shoulder bag

i. Marni Two-tone woven bangle

j. Donna Karan platform sandals

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Feeling Exotic - Aztec

The aztec motif is really in and it’s getting more and more popular. It's the ethnicity that gives it a gypys-bohemian-hippie style and since prints are here to stay, I say these motifs are pretty cool.

You just don't go to go overboard with the motif and keep it relaxed and chic, in a simple way. Try using one or two pieces with the motif in a ensemble and mix the aztec accessories in a neutral look. A nice sexy curvy dress will do the show too!

Here are some of my favorites:

a. Nanto Necklace
b. BCBGeneration Handbag, Aztec Straw Clutch
c. Aztec Vest - All Saints
d. Mazati
e. ASOS Aztec Barrel Flat Handle 70's Bag
f. Low Luv by Erin Wasson Aztec Finger Ring in Gold
g. Aztec Skirt - All Saints
h. Alexandra Beth Aztec Leather Bracelet in Bright Orange Alexandra Beth Designs
i. House Of Harlow 14k Gold Plated And Red Aztec Bracelet
j. Black and white beaded leather 'Aztec' sandals Matt Bernson Pin It

Are you silver or gold? - Matching Jewelry for your skin tone

The right color for you in image consulting, might be the number one rule for any other proceeding advice. It is the starting point for any kind of aspect in your image: clothes, hair color, make up and jewelry.

Determining your skin tone is the important key for picking out that right piece. That applies of course in jewelry, helping you enhance your positive aspects and giving you a natural glow.

Anything that goes close to your face, should be thought through to match your skin tone. That doesn't mean you have to ban any other color, just try to mix it with what suits you best.

Basically, we are divided in two groups of skin tone - Cool and Warm. There are professional techniques to determine more specifications in each group and to find out your best colors, but you can do a simple test to determine if you are COOL or WARM.

Determine your skin tone:

Locate an area on your body where veins are visible, usually the wrist serves as a good reference point. Based on the color of your veins, your skin tone may fall into one of two categories, cool or warm:

 

Cool Skin Tone:

• Cool skin tones are identifiable by bluish colored veins.
• People with cooler skin tones may notice pinkish or rosy-red undertones when looking in the mirror.
• Eye color can range from light blue to dark brown and anywhere in between.
• Most people have cool skin, including people with dark skin and tan skin.
• Metals: favor metals such as silver, platinum, and white gold.
• Complementary Colors: favor stones such as white pearls and diamonds. Stone color should focus on jewel tones such as pinks, purples, blues, reds, and magentas.

Warm Skin Tone:

• Warm skin tones are identifiable by greenish colored veins.
• People with warmer skin tones may notice yellow or golden-apricot undertones when looking in the mirror.
• Eye color can, again, be any color.
• People who's natural hair color is red, orange, or strawberry blonde almost always have warm skin. Sometimes hair may be more brown, but it will have a reddish tint. People with darker skin are not usually warm-skinned.
• Metals: Warm skin tones favor metals such as gold, pewter, brass, and copper.
• Complementary Colors: favor stones such as coral or golden toned pearls. Stone color should focus on more earthy tones such as browns, oranges, greens, yellows, peaches, corals, and also turquoises.

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Kitschy but Cutie

But then, who are we to stay what's kitsch or not? Thankfully, fashion has driven style into a more personal statement with some common links here and there, reviving old trends, creating new ones and embracing the perfect creative style that we all create out there.

I love revivals...especially when they come back in a more sophisticated way. Remember those friendship bracelets? Well they are back in everybody's wrist. Given by a friend or not, the more you have on your arm, and the more you mix, the better it looks. I love the ones with bling-bling and I surely hoped I knew how to make my own. But then, we have these out there... gorgeous!

This is the kitsch I like! Keep your inner child alive...

Images from Frieda and Nellie and Links of London

More Shashi...

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Beach Bag Ready?

The summer is almost here, and the beach is calling! For any woman that cares for their image, they won't despise their look at the beach. Either at the lake, or the park, or wherever you need to have a beach bag handy to get you through the day, check these essentials to keep you looking fabulous, but not overdone and yet, still looking flawless.

Here are my favorites:

a. A gorgeous swimsuit is mandatory. For those that want to show more skin, and a good breast support, this Mara Hoffman bikini is absolutey amazing. Prints are a must and this has the perfect embroidered exotic style and removable straps. Seen here.

b. The wide brim of a '70s-glam straw hat protects your face and from the sun and looks very sexy. This floppy hat could be an option.

c. Water is essential to keep you hydrated. Always carry it around in this Red Bobble(r) Water Bottle from here.

d. Carry everything in style and forget about the leather bag. A straw tote bag is perfect for the beach. Try this one from J Crew.

e. This might be the most essential pick for your bag! Skin protection! Swap your superthick formulas for a light, but superbly effective, sunscreen. This one from Kiehl's does the job perfectly.

f. Keep you lips covered and protected with a nice tinted lip from Burt's Bee's.

g. You should avoid wearing makeup at the beach, but a little boost to your eyes give you the glam look. Always go for a waterproof mascara to avoid smudged dark eyes. Try this one from Covergirl - LashBlast Volume Mega Volume Waterproof.

h. The best hairstyle for the summer? Natural beach waves. For a little assistance creating perfectly relaxed ripples, spritz hair with Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves and scrunch with your fingers.

i. To keep everything organized in your bag, keep your personal belongings or cosmetics in this cute pouch bag.

j. Oversize frames like these from Tom Ford aren't merely stylish—they also keep the delicate skin around your eyes protected from aging UV rays.

k. Forget the big, heavy beach towel. Go for a light and easy to pack scarf or pareo. Not only let's you lay on it but covers you in a cooler after day from the beach or you can just wear it as a skirt.

l. The perfect footwear, should be comfy and flat for the beach - Jute Upper Beach Sandal from Zara

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Bugalesque

There seems to be a tendency of carrying around bugs, animals and all exotic creatures wrapped around on parts of your body!

This trend has been carried on since this late fall but more and more I find people using that statement ring, belt or bracelet with a bee, snake, beetle or some other funny, crawly bug.

Is it creepy or fab?? I think it's cool... Ancient civilizations already wore bugs as a sacred, protective or lucky charm, like the ancient Egyptians.

Now we wear it as a fashion statement and this might be the closest I can get to an insect!

Want to go animalesque? Check out these cool bug jewels:

(a. Boucheron Fly Brooches, b. Dominic Jones Beetle Ring, c. Erica Anenber Double Snake Ring, d. Mallarino Snake Bracelet, e. Kenneth Jay Lane Animal Instinct Ring, f.  Dragonfly earing from youshehe.com, g. Magicicada earrings, h. Take Wing Ring, I. Lanvin Swarovski crystal insect cuff)

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In the mood for candy...

...but for a nice sweet one that doesn't harm your teeth, nor your health. Well maybe your wallet but it's for a good cause! How could you not resist these colors? I can picture them in many outfits...

Furla Candy Bags are the sweets for this Spring. Their shape is structured but yet has that mix of funky colors making them wearable for any occasion.

The solid colors and the classic shape makes it timeless and easy to go with most ensembles. I love the colors, the material and especially that slightly transparency turning it to a fun item but doesn't give away all the content. 

I am so tempted to get one. They are almost sold out everywhere but you can still find them here.

The big decision is, in which color?? They all look so great... which one you'd you pick??

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Floppy hat

A must have accessory for this spring. Wide brim floppy hats in straw are ideal for a summer day at the beach, providing all the protection from the sun and giving you a ultimate chic look. It can also cover a bad hair day or just throw it on in any casual look for a chic twist.

Many of this seasons, are vintage inspired, and the 70's emerge again.

 ( 2 pics on left: Tracy Reese SS2011 | 2 pics on the right: Just Cavalli SS2011)

• Celebs wear it too:

Just keep in mind:

• the hat has to be large with a gently swaying soft brim that falls on cheeks (if you are petite, this might not be your choice. Opt for smaller hat and go with a mini-dress or shorts);
• since it's a 70's inspiration, pair it with long maxi-dresses, long waist shorts or pants;
• use it as a pop of color in a more mono-chromatic casual look. Prints are a good choice too.

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