Thursday, June 30, 2011

To the Maxi!


Hemlines have gone down this summer as the temperature increases. We are loving the maxi trend which includes skirts, dresses or the most recent: sheer-skirt-over-shorts look.

A trend spotted on the red carpet and on fashionistas in East Lansing alike, these skirts will make you standout in a crowd when everyone else is wearing regular shorts! If you're looking for a way to add some bohemian flare to your wardrobe, this is the perfect summer trend to try.

Tip: If you get bored with the length of the hemline, tie one side in a knot near your knee for a new look!

—MANDILYN KERR



Photo Credit: Cheap Monday skirt sold at ASOS.com

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Salute your style with stripes


In honor of the fast approaching Fourth of July weekend, we offer some tips on how to celebrate the pizzazz of America through stylish picks. These subtle hints of striped patriotism will allow you to showcase your nautical side—without being fully outfitted in stars and stripes.


Although horizontal stripes are often feared and deemed unflattering, they are a great way to embrace a crisp, nautical look. Pair a navy and white striped top ($49, J.Crew) with skinny jeans or white shorts and you’ll be set to sail. A striped bikini ($60, J.Crew) is also sure to be at home on a yacht.


If you’re more comfortable dabbling with striped accessories, consider adding striped wedges ($60, heels.com) or a straw hat to complement your outfit ($85, stylebop.com). Oceanic inspired jewelry (brooch: $23, amazon.com) is also a great way to add a seasonal touch to your apparel. Happy sailing!


—STEPHANIE WEBER

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Suit Up!


Summer is officially in full swing, and while many of us (myself included) have been avoiding bathing suit shopping like the plague, swim season has inevitably crept up on us yet again. Here's the good news: this year's swimsuit trends offer several flattering alternatives to the itsy-bitsy string bikinis we're so used to seeing. Dive into one of these stylish suits, and we promise everyone will be too busy praising your impeccable fashion sense to notice that you may not have lost those few extra pounds.

The One-Piece: We know what you're thinking: only a lifeguard would be caught poolside sporting such a frumpy frock. Well, think again. This season's one-pieces are a far cry from the red Speedo, allowing you to show a little skin while avoiding any wardrobe malfunctions. Try a sexy deep-v halter or backless suit for just the right amount of coverage, or opt for strapless and tank styles in fun prints (which can double as tops!).

The Monokini: With their strategically placed cut-outs and sexy straps, these suits may even be hotter than those barely-there bikinis. Keyholes, bondage strips and peek-a-boo cutaways emphasize your figure while still leaving a little to the imagination. Try one of these unique suits if you're looking to grab some attention without letting it all hang out- we guarantee you'll stand out in a crowd full of bikinis.

The Retro Two-Piece: Making quite a comeback from the 1950s, these high-waisted bikinis are pinup-girl chic with a modern twist. The bottoms hit at the smallest part of your waist, making you look thinner while still baring a little midriff. Glam up this vintage-inspired suit with red lips and gold jewelry- so Marilyn Monroe-esque!

—SAMANTHA MEUX


Monday, June 27, 2011

Summer Trend: The Floppy Sun Hat


It is not often you find a trend that can be appropriately worn by both you and your grand mother. But behold this summer, you can! With a floppy sun hat you cannot only close this generational gap, but protect yourself from those harmful UV rays in the chicest way imaginable. An easy accessory to wear with any outfit, pair it with a floral romper or a casual t-shirt and shorts. From beach-goers to stylish college students, it seems everyone can find a way to incorporate this summer time trend.

—TRISHA BELLGOWAN

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The Voice

When this show premiered at the end of April, it took the reality TV world by storm. Four famous musicians (Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Christina Aguiliera and Blake Shelton) compete against each other by finding teams of talented new singers. The show began with the blind auditions where the judges faced their backs to the singers and picked their team on just "the voice." Now, this Tuesday on NBC at 9 pm, after weeks of competition, the final four singers are left to perform and the winner will be crowned Wednesday at 8 pm. If you haven't heard any of the singers yet, heres a video of one of my favorites Dia Frampton from Team Blake singing "Heartless" by Kayne West.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8zwUa1XquA


Thursday, June 23, 2011

VIMPick: Look for Less

Wedges are a great summer item but not when they cost $365 like the Stuart Weitzman wedges that have been seen on Gossip Girl and celebrities alike this season! While looking for shoes myself, I found these wedges at DSW for $49.95. They are remarkably similar to the Stuart Weitzman pair and even have similar detailing on the strap.



Ours:


Theirs:




—MANDILYN KERR

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Your Hair vs. The Summer

Summer can be a trying time for preserving well-tamed hair. The recurrent harsh elements of summer such as UV rays, chlorine, and humidity can easily damage and weaken your locks. These products will help preserve color and moisture, despite the elements.

Oscar Blandi At Home Salon Glaze: This glaze prolongs the life of color treated hair and brightens natural hair color. While the olive oil and macadamia oil boost silkiness and shine, the glaze also contains sun inhibitors and antioxidants to protect hair from the negative effects of the environment. It can be used daily, mixed in with your conditioner to boost shine, or can be used weekly as a three minute treatment. (Sephora, $25)

Bumble and bumble Quenching Complex: Bumble and bumble’s trendy brand encourages users to mix their vast array of products and find what works best based on their hair type and needs. Their Quenching Complex is a must-have for preserving soft, shiny hair of all types. This leave-in conditioner/detangler provides protection, moisture, and replenishment for overworked or dry hair suffering from heat styling or the environment and can be applied daily. (amazon.com, $25)

Oscar Blandi Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up and Highlighting Pen: Those who opt for coloring their locks know that re-coloring too frequently is another source of damage. To fend off double the damage this summer, consider trying a root touch-up pen. There are several different versions of this concept in aerosol sprays, but this highlighting pen is more environmentally friendly and helps concentrate where you want the color. Free of ammonia and peroxide (unlike many sprays), it conditions hair with gentle nutrients while perfectly hiding roots. (Sephora, $23)

—STEPHANIE WEBER

The Shatter Craze!


When Katy Perry released her collection of nail polishes with O.P.I. back in February, the black shatter polish from her collection instantly "shattered" the beauty world, selling out of stores in the first week. With the popularity of the black shatter, O.P.I. then released the silver shatter at the beginning of this summer with their "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Collection. But now, we can all shatter our nails in five more additional shades. Along with the black and silver, O.P.I. released this month shatter polishes in white, navy, turquoise, red and blue. Apply one coat of shatter over two completely dry coats of polish and now you too can achieve this stylish textured look!

O.P.I Shatter Polish, $8, opi.com

—CARLY HILL

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves


Now that the weather is finally starting to reflect the date on the
calendar, it’s time to make sure your wardrobe is set for the season!

Summer scarves: These lightweight wraps are an excellent way to add a
punch of color to any outfit. They go great with anything from
sundresses to sweaters. Many summer scarves have delicate details such
as lace and shimmer, which are most visible when paired with a less
dramatic top. ($14.99, express.com)

Sundresses: A staple to any summer-loving girl’s closet. Sundresses
are the perfect way to embrace the warm season. Dress them up with
accessories such as cardigans, jewelry, and wedges and you’ll be
dressed to impress at any event. However, sundresses can look just as
great standing alone without the embellishments for a day at the pool
or a gathering with friends. ($45, aerie.com)

Shoes: The crochet trend is on the rise this summer and can be spotted
in many variants and styles. We love the delicate look of crochet
shoes and how comfortable they are. (Rocket Dog, $40, zappos.com)

Watches: A watch is the perfect way to add character to any outfit. We
love WEwood’s environmentally friendly beige wooden watch and their
pledge to plant a tree for each watch purchased. ($119, we-wood.us)

Add your own creative touches to these ideas and you’re sure to be
well dressed this summer!

—STEPHANIE WEBER

Monday, June 20, 2011

VIM Review: Pretty Little Liars Season Two Premiere


The liars are back this summer on ABC Family with their second season of secrets, suspense and stylish clothing! The premiere on Tuesday night did not disappoint. The episode picked up right where the season 1 finale left off—the town has turned against them, thinking that they lied about the death of Ian. After all there was no body? Or was there?

The elusive and all-knowing "A" is still taunting the girls as they try to come clean to their grief counselor. While Emily still copes with the news that her family is moving to Texas, Hanna gets a surprise visit from Caleb. And the big question still left unanswered from last seasons finale: where is Ian? The girls intercept a text message sent to Spencer's sister, Melissa, from a person whom they believe to be him. The premiere wraps up with that discovery and the edict suggested by the counselor that the girls are to spend time apart. Like every Pretty Little Liars episode, there are still more questions left unanswered than before. Overall, the episode was drama-filled, suspenseful and full of great fashion choices!

Pretty Little Liars airs on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC Family!

—MANDILYNN KERR

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Giambattista Valli… At Macy’s?


No, we’re not kidding. In a recent effort to make high fashion more affordable, several mass-market retailers have teamed up with top designers to produce inexpensive, limited edition lines. Now, rumor has it that Giambattista Valli, a designer best known for his ultra-feminine cocktail couture, is next up to develop a capsule collection for Macy’s Impulse department.



Created for the young and fashion-forward, Impulse kicked off with a debut collection by London–based designer Kinder Aggugini in February. The series continued with a contribution by Matthew Williamson in April, and Karl Lagerfeld is set to launch his designs at Macy’s in September. While the partnership hasn’t yet been announced, sources at WWD say the Valli collection will be released in November as the fourth and final collaboration effort to draw excitement to the stylish Impulse department.

Assuming (and praying!) that the speculations are true, a new line of gorgeous and affordable Valli dresses will hit stores just in time for the winter season. So, if the collaboration even slightly resembles his most recent runway collection, we’re going to thank Macy’s in advance for allowing us to be the best dressed at all of our holiday parties this year.

—SAMANTHA MEUX

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Keep Calm and Sing Along


Stressed about what concerts to attend this summer and most importantly, what to wear?! Here's three of this summer's hottest concerts and some key pieces needed for the night.

1) Katy Perry — Quirky, bubbly and oh so girlie. Our favorite "California Gurl" will be traveling all across America this summer, bringing her over-the-top style to the stage. Dress in bright colors, candy accessories and swipe on a coat of Katy's own OPI nail polish collection for the perfect sweet girlie look.

2) Ke$ha Bringing the party to you this summer is the always crazy Ke$ha. Known for her unpredictable personality and "garbage-chic" style as she likes to call it, this concert is sure to be like no party you've ever been to. With lots of glitter, feathers, animal print and denim cutoffs, fitting into this party shouldn't be too hard.

3) Glee Live in Concert — McKinley High's New Directions are bringing their choir room to a city near you! The whole cast from the Fox show is performing their hit songs from seasons one and two, helping you remember to "Don't Stop Believin'!" Dress up in elements of your favorite characters, like knee socks and animal sweaters for Rachel, or in McKinley High's school colors of red and white.

—CARLY HILL

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Dress Like a Princess!

Catherine Middleton has not only recently become a princess, but a widely-watched fashion icon as well. We can't help but be extremely envious of her chic and sophisticated wardrobe. Here's a how-to guide to covet her style into your closet!

Boots— Throughout her relationship with Prince William, Kate has been seen wearing knee-high heeled suede boots, flat slouchy brown boots as well as leather boots. Kate is known to wear boots with skinny jeans for a day of shopping. She was also seen dressing them up for a visit to St. Andrews.

Dresses—Kate Middleton certainly knows how to wear a dress. From that particularly famous Alexander McQueen she wore as she said "I do" to her everyday attire, Kate knows what looks good on her. When shopping for Middleton-inspired dresses, look for prints, chiffon fabrics and halters. If you're looking for something less casual, focus on simple, elegant dresses with small details and an excellent fit that accentuate your figure.

Wedges—Since the day after Middleton's wedding, women everywhere have been clamoring to get their hands on L.K. Bennett's wedges (there?s already a waiting list). However, this wasn't the first time Kate was photographed wearing wedges. She's been seen wearing many different variations; peep-toe, sling-back, espadrille, cork, patent leather and suede.

Bright Colors—Kate may keep the silhouette of an outfit very simple but she adds color. She favors shades of blue, most notably her Issa dress worn to announce her engagement to Prince William and her Zara dress worn the day after her wedding.

Outerwear—On countless occasions, Kate has been seen wearing a jacket or a blazer. Make note: the fit is crucial! If you find one jacket that fits you well, it will instantly make you look more put-together. Middleton also likes cropped jackets and trench coats. After Kate was seen wearing this Burberry coat, it sold out within hours. Pair an equestrian-inspired blazer with boots and skinny jeans and you may just be mistaken for Kate herself!

—MANDILYNN KERR

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

TOMS's Launches "One-For-One" Eyewear Line



Looking for a new pair of sunglasses to shield your eyes from the bright summer rays? Consider purchasing a pair of TOMS sunglasses! The popular slip-on shoe brand has expanded their product line to include sunglasses. TOMS pioneered their “one-for-one” business model with their shoes by donating a pair of shoes to a child in need in accordance with each pair purchased.

TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie, recently announced that for each pair of eyewear sold, the company will help give sight to people in need through prescription eyeglasses, medical treatment, or sight-saving surgery. He further explains that each hand-painted stripe on the side of the sunglasses has meaning: the first stripe represents you (the purchaser), the second white stripe represents TOMS (as seen in their logo), and the third stripe represents the person you’ve given sight to.

There are three different styles thus far for men and women—aviator, oversized round, and wayfarer—which are available in many different color combinations and we love them all! TOMS sunglasses are available online through the TOMS website and in-store and online through Nordstrom. Prices range from $135 to $145.

—STEPHANIE WEBER

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Cut It Out!

We’re all for showing a little skin this season, but plunging necklines and shorter–than–short minis are so history. The newest way to flaunt your summer skin is in a slightly revealing and slyly seductive cut–out dress.


Inspired by the signature slashed–and–sliced style of Narciso Rodriguez, a handful of daring designers are now doing away with fabric in the most unexpected of places. The result is a variety of fitted frocks featuring sexy slivers, which were seen all over the spring runways and on stars such as Emma Watson and Ginnifer Goodwin.

Ready to incorporate this hot trend into your summer wardrobe? A celebrity favorite is the classic Herve Leger Bandage Minidress ($990). For inexpensive alternatives, Topshop features a Bandage Dress for $110 and Asos offers a variety of cut–out dresses starting at just $22. Pair this style with sky–high heels, and be sure to keep accessories to a minimum!

—SAMANTHA MEUX

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Beyond Blue


Denim is a staple in everyone's closet. Finding a way to update your jeans can be challenging, but celebrities have brought attention to this season's newest denim trend. Brightly colored jeans in every shade of the rainbow are being seen on celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Sarah Jessica Parker. These colored skinny jeans look best paired with neutral tees, ballet flats or heels.

Favored by celebrities, the brand Current/Elliott has bold colored jeans for $167 at revolveclothing.com. For a celebrity steal, delias.com has vibrant denim for $9.99! Who knew it was that easy to achieve summer's "brightest" trend?

—CARLY HILL

Thursday, June 2, 2011

VIM's Gaga for Tom's of Maine

Thanks to a segment on the news not too long ago — and the lovely Sheryl Crow — our eyes were recently opened up to an amazing company by the name of Tom's of Maine. (Seriously, what is it about companies with "Tom" in the name?)

Since the start of Tom's in 1970, co-founders Tom and Kate Chappell struggled to gain initial support for what was then a "crazy" idea — developing and producing natural, sustainable products for household consumers. The two pushed on though and have continued to grow their company and gain immense support along the way through their "good business" pillars that include remaining environmentally conscious in all production, partnership and office endeavors. Below are just some of their great products.

Crystal Confidence deodorant, $4



Wicked Fresh toothpaste, $5



Body Wash (soap), $7



Tom's products can be purchase online or at local Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreen's, Meijer and Kroger locations. Tom's also carries a variety of mouthwash and dental floss products.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Perfect For Your Pedi

The Top Summer Shades For Your Toes

Summertime is the perfect opportunity to stow away the dark, mysterious polishes of the winter and experiment with bright, warm hues for the sunny season.

1. Watermelon by Essie $8, Ulta.com
We love this refreshing, juicy fruit shade. Perfect for a picnic at the beach!

2. Ocean Dip by MAC $15, maccosmetics.com
This bright and creamy teal reminds us of the ocean waves, no matter how far you are from the shore.

3. Elephantastic Pink by OPI $9, Target stores
Inspired by the bright pinks of summer, this is the perfect hue for toes in the sand.

4. Chuffed Jelly Sheer Colour by butter LONDON $12, butterlondon.com
This cantaloupe polish is unique and perfect for any coral enthusiast.

5. No Room For the Blues by OPI $9, opi.com
This poolside blue is the perfect way to stylishly splash into the summer.

—STEPHANIE WEBER