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.

Pin It

Shake of the week >>

Fancy for a drink??
Check out the drink for the week and get fashionably inspired.

Happy Memorial day!!

[The Shake]:
 

Spiked Sparkling Iced Tea Smoothie

• 12-24 raspberries, blueberries and/or sliced strawberries
• 1 cup Lipton® Sparkling Diet or Regular Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi or Lipton® Sparkling Green Tea with Berry
• 1/4 cup Skyy Infusions™ All Natural Ginger or Citrus Vodka
• 2 tablespoons honey

Place 1-2 pieces of fruit into each compartment in ice cube tray; fill with Lipton® Sparkling Diet Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Process half of the ice cubes with vodka in a blender until smooth. Add the remaining iced tea cubes, one at a time, and process until smooth. With the blender motor running, gradually pour in the honey. Serve immediately.
(Recipe from Rachael Ray) 


[The Fashion]:

A memorial day inspired outfit for a casual day. Red Gold Button Cutout Suntop from Topshop, Current/Elliott The Ankle mid-rise skinny jeans, Jeffrey Campbell Loafers Cheetah, GRACIE BAG, Elizabeth Street 14k twist band, Erickson Beamon Safari Earrings, Sequin Cleopatra Bracelet Set, Lapis, and finally, you can't go this summer without a cute hat, such as Mayser Natur Panama-Straw Hat.

Pin It

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...

Pin It

Blue Pants

Bright and bold are the key trend for this S/S and it couldn't have gone more brighter with all the vast options of colorful pants!- They are hot and trendy and I just love the blue skinny pants.

Get a sophisticated and sleek look with good quality pieces and keep the top part simple and clean, with a neutral tank top.

a. J Brand Bright Royale Blue Mid Rise Skinny Jean | b. Alexander Wang Round Sunglasses (gold) | c. Alexander Wang Jade String Ray Clutch | d. Gucci Metallic python multi-strap sandals | e. T by Alexander Wang Button Down Silk Tank | f. Michael Kors Striped cashmere scarf

Pin It

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

Pin It

Shake of the week >>

Fancy for a drink??
Check out the drink for the week and get fashionably inspired.

[The Shake]:

Cherry Milkshake

- 200g vanilla ice cream
- 1.5 tbsp milk
- 150g fresh cherries
- 2 additional cherries & whipped cream for garnishing (optional)

Directions
1. Remove cherry stalk and pit from each cherry. Chop one of the cherries to small dices for garnishing later.
2. Blend ice cream, milk and pitted cherries till smooth, do not over blend or it will become watery.
3. Garnishing ideas: Top with marshmallows and chopped cherries. Make a slit at the bottom of a cherry and slot it to the rim of the glass.
(recipe from Noob Cook)

[The fashion]:

A nice sweet, cream pink milkshake requires a sweet, girly casual outfit. Therapy Cherry print t-shirt at House of Fraser, True Religion Shorts Jayde Punch at Jades 24, A knit Cardigan to top the look for a breezy night. The accessories go with the theme with a cherry valley metallica kyra clutch from Kate Spade, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Skull and Cherry Blossom ring, Juicy Couture - Cherry Heart Icons Cherry Heart Drop Earring, Selima Optique Andy round-frame acetate sunglasses, a slim leopard print belt for a twist and finally, Proenza Schouler Zip Front Laser Cut Sandal. 

Pin It

Life's a Beach - Swimsuits for large busts..

If you're big on top, the main option is to find comfort and support and you need to keep your breasts in place and not to make you look massive.

The main rule:

• no matter what you pick, either a one-pice or two-piece swimsuit, it has to have a wide strap and underwire top for support. 
• The best shape is the halter top because it will create a nice cleavage. Look for styles that have a strong band at the ribcage and will not ride up.
• Adjustable straps, boning, seamed cups, and sturdy linings help lift the chest.
• Embrace the bikini - in some cases a two-piece is better because you have a band of support all the way around the back.
• Make sure that the top covers the breast so you are not continually worrying about falling out the side. 
  

[It's all about details!]:

• Think about print and pattern - Solids are always a good bet but you can get big bold print designs to flatter and balance your body.
• You will look good in swimwear tops with diagonal lines, as well as, in bathing suits with dark top part and light bottom part if you want to minimize.
• You can use feminine touches like frills and bows to soften the styles you choose. 
• The colors should be matte and the bottom parts can have details if you want to avoid the attention on the top.
• Springy fabrics, like nylon and Lycra, lift breasts, making you look leaner all over.

What To Avoid:

• Don't ever pick a bandeau top or string top because they will give little support and it will dray all the attention to the top. Thin shoulder straps will also cut into your flesh, which is never a flattering look.
• You should avoid wearing light and colorful-variegated swimsuit tops.

Pin It

Life's a Beach - Swimsuits for small breasts.

Summer is almost here, and time for a beach get-a-way and starting to work for that tan. Follow these tips to boost your body and feel great about yourself.

Although there is a common fact (small-breasts) the body types can vary, so what can look good on thinner bodies, won't work on fuller figure bodies.

If you're thin:

• choose two piece string bikinis that tie at the neck (shows more skin and accentuates other features of the body and takes away from the lack of a bigger chest) - avoid halter tops.

If you're rounder:

• Avoid most of the bikinis out there - The lack of material in this case will emphasize a bigger bottom half and highlight the woman's disproportionate parts. As an alternative, try wearing a sarong or exotic pareo skirt instead. These skirts compliment small-breasted, rounder bodies beautifully. 

[Swimsuit shapes]:

Tankinis are a popular bathing suit trend and they tend to work well for both thinner and rounder small-breasted women.The key to this look is a form-fitting top.If the top is baggy or loose then it will hang off the body and give a not-well-put together look

The one-piece suit is also a good choice for small-breasted women and especially for rounder bodies. Again, don't forget that it has to be well fitted with no gaps between the suit and skin. Pick one with:

• padding or a push-up option - they generate the illusion that the woman has more on top. Instant cleavage is created and gives a really sexy appearance. 
• details on the breast area, such as ruffles, to create the illusion of volume, therefore, boosting up the breast. 

Probably the best style bathing suit for any small-breasted woman is the two-piece bikini with what is called a bandeau top. The top presents a straight line of material from front to back.There are no openings, which is the key to why it works so well.The straight line is great because it hides a lack of cleavage for the small-breasted woman, while still giving a clean, sexy look.

[It's all about details!!]:

• create the illusion of a fuller chest.
  - small prints/small decorations (small details make you look bigger), shine (gives volume), ruffles and pleats also gives volume.

•  Wear horizontal stripes – they make the eyes go from left to right: making you look ‘wider’ visually!
•  Waer lighter colors on top. White will make you look fuller, black will make you look flatter. 

Pin It

Shake of the week >>

Fancy for a drink??
Check out the drink for the week and get fashionably inspired.

[The shake]:

Watermelon Slushy

Very simple, very refreshing and the best to keep you cool and hydrated for this summer.

1. Crush ice in a blender until chunky or smooth
2. Add unseeded watermelon cut into chunks
3. Add sugar or honey
4. Blend until it is at the consistency you prefer, smooth or chunky
5. For the visual effect, place a small slice of watermelon on the side of the glass.

[The fashion]:

Watermelon is a great fruit for the summer and super healthy so we went for a look that highlights it's color and a obvious tank top from Delias, the Isabel Marant Etien Jacket, DKNY Cropped stretch-cotton pants, Charlotte Olympia - Rio Sandals, Mulberry Watermelon Mini Alexa, and the accessories are juicy and colored as the fruit: Aurélie Bidermann Do Brazil 18-karat gold-plated bracelet, Juicy Couture - B-Pave Watermelon Wish Bracelet, Cacharel Cutler & Gross Circular Lens Sunglasses, Essie Nail Polish - Watermelon. 

Be refreshed!! Pin It

Exotic Skin

So it's still a long ways until we go back to the dull winter but with the big trend ahead, we can spice up the cold days with some exotic spices. 

Here's a peek of what the big labels have put out: major snake skin to carry around. It's the biggest handbag look of fall 2011.

In time ahead, start saving to grab these awesome babies.

{images via style.com} Pin It

Feeling Exotic

I thought it was totally unthinkable wearing these two colors together: green and red. First, because it's the colors of my country flag and anyone who'd wear it, would be either cheering for our soccer team or being totally tacky and of course, it is very Christmas festive if you don't pull off a smart outfit.

Now as this season bright color contrast trend is on, the more I see people wearing this combo. 

They are two opposing colors in the color wheel and it's hard to put them together although you can make any color combination happen just as long as you have the right tint-tone-shade

Something about these two colors, that reminds me of a vintage exotic feel so instead of going color block, choose a print and accessorize it with flashes of red and green.

a. Honolulu Holiday Dress at Modcloth
b. Jalda Lizard-Embossed Gabrielle Clutch
c. Kenneth Jay Lane Starfish Bangle
d. House of Harlow Oversized Sunglasses
e. Red Honolulu High Heel Shoes
f. Kenneth Jay Lane Exotic Jewelled Ring
g. Peacock Chair Pin It

Shake of the week >>

Fancy for a drink??
Check out the drink for the week and get fashionably inspired.

[The Shake]:

Kiwi Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients

• 4 Kiwi skin removed

• 1/4 cup light coconut milk

• 1 tbsp.-sized chunk of pineapple

• Agave or honey to taste

Directions
Step 1 – Place all ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. 

[The Fashion]:

As exotic is the drink, I went for a exotic mix of patterns. Pants that remind me of the rough texture of coconut, from youheshe.com. A striped tank top in green from buckle. A neutral poncho to warm you up in those cool spring days and a statement green bag from the Cambridge Satchel Company. Accessories are gold and black with a Day Hedgehog coconut shell necklace at mywardrobe.com, Lanvin metal cuff sandals, and to finish off, Dsquared bracelet and Alex Bittar bracelet.

Enjoy your exotic mix of the day!

Pin It

Love is Pink

This will be my first mother's day and motherhood has brought me so many joyful days and a whole lot of new experiences and feelings. 

It's the biggest blessing in the world and every day I heart what I have and feel so lucky and blessed.

So for mother's day, I just want to go all girly pink because I will be sharing it with my baby daughter!

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's day!! ♥♥♥

Hot, hot trend right now is the combo bubblegum and neutral!!! Get inspired:

(a - b - c - d - e - f - g)

Pin It

Kitten Heels

Do you think it´s Yay or Nay?

This trend seems to be rising lately and I think it´s a timeless style, feminine, a little bit more conservative, but depending on the occasion and style it works out perfectly!

It´s a trend that works in favor of your feet. They sure are a lot more comfy and you can style in heels all day long without getting the pain! They look great in almost every outfit and it´s a great option for a work outfit and better than flats when it comes to looking more dressed up.

They´ll look great with:

• a full skirted 50´s dress
• straight on the knee skirt
• capri pants
• work suit

Note* Kitten heels, are better suited to straight, skinny figures just because of proportion. Heavy legs and ankles, should avoid at all costs: it merely looks as if you are about to fall over, or sink into the floor.

Pin It

Up in the clouds.

My current favorite nail polish right now is the Revlon Top Speed Cloud! I just love it's pastel bluish slightly lavender shade.
Have it on my nails, love it and can't wait to go out showing off my toes in some nice open sandals! (Please warm weather come over to my side).

This set evolves around the theme and this light shade of blue is just perfect for a warm day! Breezy and light:

 
a. Winki Vee Wing Tee from Quicksilver
b. Light Wash Boyfriend Shorts from Miss Selfridge
c. The Harbinger Company jewelry Large Cloud Earrings
d. YSL Sac Chyc shopping Bag
e. Carrie Sax Cloud and Star Pendant Necklace
f. Karen Walker Rover Powder Blue sunnies
g. Cloud Chair
h. Candy Cloud Wedge from Modcloth

A glimpse on how the nail polish looks like. 

(Photo from here).

Pin It

Mex' it up!

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that is held mostly in the United States and was spontaneously created by Mexicans and Latinos in California. 

If you are into celebration and have a party to look for, check out this look for inspiration!

a. La Paz Embroidered Dress by Calypso

b. Fringe Scarf

c. Mexican Sterling Silver Earrings

d. Bucket Handbag

e. Tangerine Draped Necklace by Rodrigo Otazu

f. Devoted Fallow-ing Boot at Modcloth

g. Cara Accessories Mixed Media Bangles at Nordstorm

Pin It

Shake of the week >>

Fancy for a drink??
Check out the drink for the week and get fashionably inspired.

[The Shake]:

Raspberry Peach Lemonade Smoothie

• 1/2 cup refrigerated lemonade
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 container (6 ounces) non-fat peach yogurt
• 1/3 cup egg whites

1. Combine all ingredients in blender.
2. Cover and blend on medium speed until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.

Tip: For a slushier smoothie, blend in 1/2 cup ice.

[The Fashion]:

This peachy inspired look enhances the fruit by a monochromatic ensemble with hints of color from the accessories. A ruffled flowy peach top with peach scalloped hem cropped jeans from Topshop, a lilac blazer from Topshop, a belt that combines both colors of the outfit, and a big statement tote bag from Fendi. To finish the look, a silver necklace with peach crystals and silver flat sandals.

Enjoy! Pin It