I was rudely woken up this morning by flashes of light seeping through my windows followed by loud booms and rumbles of the thunder outside! Shortly after came the rain as the warm 80 degree weather from the day before was nothing but a distant memory. Wanting to escape momentarily from the unseasonably cold weather, I decided to look for pieces inspired by tropical islands! From the bright colors to the pretty floral patterns, just looking at these clothing pieces made me feel like I was in paradise! If the weather outside your window is looking more like fall than summer, why not add a touch of the tropics in your look to brighten your mood!
Island Inspired Look
Top: Tropical Floral Hankerchief Hem Tank $33.95 (Karmaloop)
Skirt: Destroyed White Denim Miniskirt $24.99 (American Eagle)
Shoes: Cone Studded Sandals $12.80 (Forever 21)
Earrings: Thick Sparkle Hoop Earrings $16.50 (G by Guess)
I remember the first time I learned how to do a simple braid as a little kid and feeling so proud of myself! Over the past few years I've noticed that the basic braid has evolved and has taken on a wide variety of different forms. From french braids to fishtail braids, things have gotten quite a bit more complicated! In the past pigtail braids used to be the popular hairstyle on the playground. They were simple, cute, easy to create, and stayed in place while running and climbing during recess. Braids today are more versatile and can also be a great way to make your hairstyle more fancy for a night out. Whenever I'm flipping through a magazine I always see at least one celebrity on the red carpet wearing a braided updo with an elegant floor-length gown. Want to add a touch of flair to your party look? Add a sparkly clip or barrette for a girly touch. Going for a more boho look? Why not try a clip in feather extension and blend it in within your braids? Looking for more ways to braid your hair? I've added a few links to videos with some fun takes on the classic hairstyle! What's your favorite braided look?
Braids on Celebrities
Fishtail
I've been seeing these braids everywhere! It's a great braid for day or night and looks great either polished or messy! Add a girly touch like Vanessa Hudgens with a pretty elastic to tie the braid into place.
Braided Headband
The great thing about this braid is that it can act as an accessory! If you have shorter hair, many accessory boutiques sell headbands with braids attached to them in different colors to best match your hair color. I like to pin my braid in place with simple bobby pins and pulling the extra hair over it to hide the end, but a larger pin can also be a great option for a special event. Going for a hippie/boho look? Instead of draping the braid across the top of your head, bring the braid across your forehead and pin it behind your ear on the opposite side!
Braided Bun
Though I haven't actually attempted the braided bun myself, I thought that Amy Adam's updo looked so elegant! What made this look particularly interesting was that the messy-ness of the updo helped to create a flowy and feminine vibe to the look. For a simpler take on this hairstyle, part your hair to the side, either french or basic braid a few strands, and pull them back into a low ponytail to form into a bun!
Side Braid
This is by far my favorite braid! Not only is it a great braid for those who are looking for fun ways to style their bangs while they're growing out, but it also just helps to keep wispy hairs out of your face! It's a great way to frame your face and is so simple to create. Personally I like this look with wavy or curled hair because it helps to hide the pins better, and it helps to create a beachy look. Perfect for summer!
Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:
Plaid has been around for a while now but still somehow wriggles its way into the trends of the moment season after season! There's just something about plaid that screams comfort and adds a cool vibe to an outfit. The piece is so versatile! Whether you're at a concert, or are just out and about doing some window shopping, plaid works for just about any situation. I've added a few ideas for how to update the basic plaid button-down as well as a few options that take the fun pattern to the next level!
Switch Up Your Plaid Button-Down!
Shirt: Plaid Button-Down (Hollister)
Add This!
Tank: Lace Tank (Self-Expressions)
Add a girly touch to an otherwise boyish shaped shirt! Layer your plaid shirt over a pretty lace tank and tie the ends of the oversized shirt to help accentuate a waistline!
Shirt: BDG Button-Down (Urban Outfitters)
Tank: Embellished Tank (Urban Outfitters)
For a great summer look, add a pretty tank underneath so you can take off the button-down if it gets too hot, while still looking stylish! Finish off the look with a great pair of white denim shorts!
Plaid Options:
Herringbone Plaid Romper $19.90 (Forever 21)
Scooter Showdown Dress $89.99 (Modcloth)
Plaid Tie Shorts $19.20 (Nasty Gal)
Plaid Tailored Vest $7.99 (Papaya Clothing)
Pink Check Tie Front Sleeveless Shirt $55.00 (Topshop)
Ever have one of those days where whatever you wear doesn't seem to be working for you? Maybe it's that top that's making you feel chubbier than usual or those jeans that are making your butt look big. I've definitely had my fair share of those horrid days! In any case, why not try something that takes the emphasis off of your body and more towards your face! Look for bib style tops which feature embellished necklines in a scoop neck design! By placing something eye-catching like intricate beading or sparkly rhinestones closer to your face, it draws the eye upwards and away from the things that you maybe aren't feeling so confident about that particular day! Not only does embellishment help to add something interesting to look at, it can also be a great alternative to jewelry! Embellished bib tops act as built-in necklaces! Wearing a basic top? Spice it up with a bib style piece of jewelry instead! It does virtually the same things that an embellished bib top would do!
Embellished Options:
Bedazzled Empire Waist Top $22.80 (Forever 21)
Oceanside Stripes Halter Top $29.99 (Ruche)
Midnight Blue Flower Embellished Swing Vest $56.00 (Topshop)
Want to add a laid back feel to your summer outfit? Look no further than the classic denim jacket! This timeless piece can make just about any outfit more casual and relaxed. Plus it can be paired with a variety of different pieces making it very versatile. Whether paired with a pretty summer dress, skirt, or comfy pair of black leggings, the denim jacket is the perfect finishing touch to an outfit!
Here's how to create a similar look:
Jacket: Shrunken Western Denim Jacket $24.00 (Warehouse)
Giveaway Reminder: If you haven't entered the 'Girly Giveaway' contest yet, simply like 'The Retail Therapy Diaries' on Facebook, write your favorite summer trend on the wall, and you will be automatically entered! Don't have a Facebook? Don't feel comfortable writing on the wall? Just email me your response to theretailtherapydiares@gmail.com and you can be entered in the drawing that way as well! Want to take a peek at the prizes? Find pictures as well as contest rules here:
It seems as though the bold and wild animal print can be seen just about anywhere these days! Providing such fun and interesting patterns, animal print pieces are great for adding some visual interest to an outfit. Want a quick way to spice up your look for a night out? Add a leopard tank with a fitted bottom, or pair a zebra print dress with a great pair of black platforms! Though I am personally not a big animal print fan, I think that the fun patterns can really help to dress up a look which definitely provides for versatility as well as a touch of glamour!
