Now that we are all enjoying the sunshine, and before we embark on our summer get-aways, it’s time to pick out the perfect pair of sunnies.  It’s vital that you choose sunglasses that you love but also that fit your face shape.  No one wants to look like a bug and believe it or not if you choose the wrong shape, your face can actually look wider or longer.   Here are a few guidelines to keep you in check before hitting the mall:

• If you have an oval face shape (face is symmetrical): any type of sunnies work for you!  Aviators, wraparound and round will look great!
• If you have a round face shape (the widest point of your face being your cheekbones): Rectangle shape and wide frames will make your face look longer.
• If you have a square face shape (you have a prominent jawline):  round and cat-eye frames are flattering because they’ll balance your jaw-line.
• If you have a triangle face shape (face is the most narrow at your chin): cat-eye, aviator and rimless styles flatter you!

Our fave sunnies by style:

Rebecca Minkoff Bedford

Ray-Ban Cats 1000

Kate Spade New York Angelique

Ray-Ban Large Metal Aviator

Armani Exchange Vintage Metal Aviator

Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators

Rebecca Minkoff Perry

Ray-Ban Wayfarer

Ray-Ban Jackie Ohh II

Kenneth Cole Reaction Navigator

Armani Exchange Plastic Aviator

Custom Eyes Oversized Metal Aviator

A few things other things to know:

• Don’t leave your new beauties in the sun – sun and heat damage can distort the frame.
• Add a scratch-resistant coating to protect against small scratches (however, this will not protect against all scratches!)
• Keep glasses in their case as often as possible (we’ve all broken a pair, or two!)
• Don’t wear your sunnies as a headband as this stretches their arms.
• Only use the soft cloth that comes with your sunglasses to clean them; paper towels or rough cotton (like denim) will cause scratches.

Now go enjoy the sunshine!

Kelli & Lisa

Heareth all naysayers: thy, too, wear shorts.

It was merely three years ago when I coined the expression, “the B.C.”…

“Back in the B.C. days, I could wear those shorts…”

“I used to dress like that…in the B.C. ages…”

The B.C. days are long gone, my sympathetic amigas. Those B.C. {Before Cellulite} days are now just photos in the journal… unreachable memories. But allow that NOT to defeat us and our ability to wear shorts! We can jump into these A.D. {Appropriately Demure} times with confidence and conviction.

{Versace for H&M top, Marni at H&M necklace and bangles; shorts from Tokyo, Japan; Neives smile ring; CC Skye pink bracelet and earrings; Cutler & Gross sunnies; DVF clutch; Christian Louboutin heels}

The Short Report:

THE DENIM {JORT} JEAN-SHORT:

The last time I saw Grammy slangin’ cut of jean shorts was… well, yesterday. ‘Age appropriate’ is the key term, defined by length and the finish of the short.

*A frayed/fringed short should be left for those under 40… unless you’re Demi Moore. We forgive you~You inspire us~Never stop!

*Over 40 and have a frayed/fringed short that you can’t give up? With a tiny double roll cuff at the bottom hem, you add an instant polished, age appropriate look!

*A Bermuda-length Jort works well with a finished hem. Take your favorite old pair of jeans and have your local tailor re-attach the bottom hem to hit two inches above the knee.

T{WILL} YOU STOCK UP ON ME:

The most classic short in the books is made of twill. Think: Khakis in all colors shapes and sizes {J.Crew, we’re looking right at you}.

*Twill is forgiving for all leg shapes because it’s meant to sit low on the hips and create an over-sized, non-thigh hugging appeal. {The wider the short, the skinnier your legs look}.

*Pick solid colors that pair well back to a printed top or classic white tank in your wardrobe.

*Darker skin tones do well with bold, jewel-tone brights, while porcelain skin tones work best with pastels. BOTH hues are so-right-now.

THE FINE PRINT{ED}:

A fresh take on a classic color short, printed shorts are a MUST in a trendy wardrobe.

*This style works best in shorter silhouettes; lengths that hit over six inches above the knee. Why? You don’t need your shorts to be mistaken with the next annual Quicksilver Surf Competition uniform {Board Shorts gone BAD}.

*Printed shorts can be dressed for evening with an espadrille wedge or patent round-toe pump. Add a solid silk blazer to richen the look.

Fear not the short!

xoxo,

elshane

Cinco de Mayo is one of our absolute favorite Holidays.  Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexican heritage and pride and is a great reason to get together with your family and friends.  From the décor, to the music, to the food, there’s nothing we don’t love about this day!  So, today we’re here to help you host a magnifico celebration!

The Little Things:

• Buy batches of colorful flowers and place in short vases
• Stream colorful paper banners and flowers along your yard
• Buy fresh peppers and place in large glass bowls as food table décor
• Place mini-cactus’ along long tables
• Use maracas for your place settings
• Give every female guest a paper flower for their hair and every male guest a sombrero
• Have a piñata for the kids!
• Serve sopapillas and fried ice cream for dessert

The Ultimate Playlist:

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom by Selena Quintanilla Perez

La Bamba by Ritchie Valens

Macarena by Los Del Rio

La Cucaracha by The Hit Crew

Hot Hot Hot by Buster Poindexter

Your Attire:

French Connection Gwendoline Flower Dress, Ray Ban Large Metal Aviators, Rebecca Minkoff Neon Park Avenue Clutch, Sam Edelman Josie Wedges

Ultra Healthy Guacamole:

The best guacamole is made with the freshest ingredients… this recipe has been a classic in our families for years.  It’s diet friendly and also includes healthy, detoxifying spices!

2 avocados

½ cup of pico

½ lemon

garlic salt

lemon pepper

cayenne pepper

Mix avocadoes with pico (the chunkier the avocadoes, the better!), add garlic salt, lemon pepper and 2 pinches of cayenne pepper.  Squeeze lemon over guac (this adds a tang and also keeps your guac from turning brown!).  Serve with pita chips.  Serves 3-4

Our Favorite Skinny Rita:

3 ounces Patron

2 ounces fresh lime juice*

1 ounce agave nectar

Mix in shaker with ice, pour into two salt-rimmed glasses, garnish with limes.  *Use grapefruit juice for a delicious grapefruit rendition!

We are so excited for Saturday & hope that everyone enjoys their celebration!  Adios!

Kelli & Lisa

Bloggers these days… they think they know everything! Creating trends, dictating fashion, who are these girls? {say me! say me!}

Arm Candy has become so popular amongst fashion bloggers, it has overridden the classic “who wore it best” category with “who wore the most“. How high can you go? How colorful can you merchandise? How blingy can you bling? Fashion blogger Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, took it far enough as to trademark her own name for the trend, “Arm Party”.

Who said daytime partying was {low brow}? A colorful arm can instantly add a self-imposed shimmy down at every corner turned.

{From left: DVF, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, Robert Rose, Lia Sophia x 7}

*****

How to? Simple!

Start using basic {math}! Yes, math! Ok, not math. Numbers. Well, inches. Go a-hunting for a variety of stackable bracelets (all unique, of course) of the same width. When stacking on your wrist, don’t think, just do. Stack away mindlessly, become an everyday Picasso.

Level two gets tricky. Extra {math}. Ok, not math. More like a good eye. Use varied width bangles to create an artistic affect. Follow simple rules of mindless order, mindless asymmetry.

{From left: Lia Sophia x 3, Robert Rose x 2, gifted by Shawn Warren, vintage}

*****

Where to? Simple!

Mix highs and lows. These bangles are forever to remain in your {costume jewelry vault}, so splurge on Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Alexis Bittar, and CC Skye; save on H&M, Macy’s, and Forever 21.

So, us fashion bloggers have created trends, dictated fashion, and trademarked terms. Pretty impressive for self-starters?

Next up for us?… investing our time and creative energy in a lucrative career! To buy more bangles?

xoxo,

elshane

As if we couldn’t have called this one in December…

Colored pants have continued to stride forward this spring as the {hautest} ticket in town. Lucky for denim manufacturers, it seems that the bright blues and reds that we purchased last fall won’t seem to quite cut it this spring… brands like JBrand, Joe’s, Seven for all Mankind and Theory have introduced sorbet colors for spring that, if gone un-purchased by us avid fashionistas, will leave us drowning in the backwash of our neighbors refreshing creamsicle. Yes, I went there.

And so should you. There, being that ol’ denim store that you so fancy, to pick up this spring’s sorbet look. I dropped by my local favorite, Diane von Furstenberg, for an elshane take on the classic denim– a sorbet silk harem pant. Giving off the same {too cool to not go to school} effect, a sherbet harem pant is an ace in Betty Crocker’s book of sweets.

{Missoni knit halter; DVF pants, belt, and clutch; Lenora Dame necklace; Selima sunnies; Marni at H&M bangles and scarf; Ippolita ring; watch from Tokyo, Japan; Christian Louboutin boots}

*****

The Who’s, Why’s and Wear’s:

Sorbet Denim:

-Your classic black blazer never felt so fresh than when paired above a minty green denim situation.

-Your pastel top purchase {cued from last month’s article, “Green with Envy”} has been waiting for an Easter-infused mate.

-You follow the style of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, and Sarah Jessica Parker {who doesn’t}?

-You have been waiting to break out your gold gladiator flats. The perfect accoutrement!

Sherbet Harems:

-Sorbet denim was so.last.month.

-You had your cake at ate it too, last night. And the night before.

-Your fitted tank pairs so effortlessly with a contrasted silhouette bottom. You dreamed of JLo last night in your sleep.

-You’ve morphed into a true elshane protegee.

Whichever list you relate to more… power to that sherbet sister. Go out and score your favorite hue!

xoxo,

elshane

{DVF gown; Sparkly Soul headband; Versace for H&M necklace; CC Skye earrings; Nicky Hilton ring; Kate Spade clutch; Christian Louboutin shoes}

*****

A black tie affair with nothing to wear!

That’s nearly how I felt this past weekend when I ventured to the good ol’ hometown of NYC for a wedding so fancy and fabulous, it repeated the aisle two step of “that Jonas brother” who got married at the very same venue mere moments (ok, years) earlier. If it’s good enough for a Jonas… it’s good enough for elshane. 

So in my closet I peaked…. I rummaged… I ravaged… I sulked. I found tons and tons of {ain’t fly enough for this fashionista} gorgipants gowns that just didn’t hit the mark. I needed inspiration to recreate these closet woes. And then, shimmering like the popular gal she was, hanging so peacefully, was this long sleeve sequin Diane von Furstenberg snoozefest (turned bombshell) of a gown. Yes! The identical gown that was seen on Giuliana Rancic on Fashion Police’s post-Oscar one-hour special, of course! OK, fine. If it’s good enough for a Rancic…it’s good enough for elshane.

With a few safety pins {Angelina leg alert!} and a strategic loose wrap tie situation, this conservative wrap gown went Rihanna Grammy edition in five minutes flat. Added some Lioness details like jewels, a fony {faux-pony}, and it.all.happened. Would you look at that?

Lesson learned: Something hanging in your closet can be salvaged with an inspiration. With the lingering image of Princess Ri-Ri Rihanna in my head from that unforgettable Grammys night, her “Scarface” Michelle Pfeiffer rendition of music royalty transpired into a Jonas Brothers PG rated hit.

Halloween in March? You can do it, too.

xoxo,

elshane

Sometimes all roads lead back to black.

From the most classic combo in the books, has emerged a new twist…make that Windsor knot… bow tie… collar dude…

So fresh that it’s seen nightly on the likes of {insert mega-scale age odometer here} Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Watson, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, the {so} black {so} white menswear trend can be pulled off at any age!

{Jill Stuart blazer; DVF feather headband; Zara lace top; Marni at H&M sequin collar; H&M shorts; vintage sunnies; Kardashian Kollection for Sears bralette; Nicky Hilton rings; black bow pin (on left sleeve) and fanny pack from Japan; Alaia boots}

****

On a canned soup budget…

Grab your go-to-man’s trusty white collared shirt {oversized tunic style}. Buy a long 1 inch wide black ribbon from a local craft store and tie it in a bow around the neck {dainty detail}. Celebrate the “no pants party” by adding matte black tights to complete the look. Extra artsy? Affix two matching gold rivets to the tails of your bow to polish the tie into a classic Vogue moment!

On this week’s lunch money…

Good thing menswear is so.hot.right.now; it’s available at all of your favorite street-style mall stores like H&M, Zara, GAP, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropology. Check out my {cheap (ha!) as a 1 lb. lobster} H&M shorts (see above) and try to tell me you prefer a warm baked chunk of tail dipped in butter… Well, with these prices, you can actually have both…

On, well… not really on a budget…

Fill that gas tank with “regular” and put the pedal to the splurging metal. Head to luxe-land…Barneys, Saks, Bloomies {Rachel Zoe Collection- check!} and get your splurge on. Best to invest in a classic black and white combo menswear top with a removable bow tie/tie/sash. Why? {two-fer alert, two-fer alert!} That little removable detail will take you a long way…you can pair it back to any other top in your closet!

Lesson learned? Playing around with menswear is almost as fun as men playing around in heels.

xoxo, elshane

Shape-shifters beware: Blazer is a good word…

{DVF blazer; Urban Outfitters lace top; Kate Spade necklace; Lizzie Fortunato Jewels turban; JBrand jeans; Lia Sophia bracelet; Christian Louboutin clutch; Sam Edelman shoes}

*****

In wake of winter slowly passing and spring inching forward, layering is left front and center on any fashion fabu’s to-do list. The problem? It’s hard to make chic head to toe blazer looks when you have been wearing the same abused piece of cloth for the last two seasons. {Suit up, wo-man up, stand up} for investing in key wardrobe items that will create your signature look.

For the budding fashionista, a double breasted blazer has victoriously made her mark as spring’s big ticket item. The look? Think… navy double breasted blazer paired with {mis}matching navy cropped shorts and a tucked casual tee. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Add a bib necklace, a bangle, and swagger-fied gold leather flats. Talk.to.the.hand!

For any body type, try an updated menswear blazer {cheers to Theory for always making the most reliable versions}. This type should sit right at the upper hip and be perfectly tailored to your shoulder shape. Pop that step, confidence in check: Pair with black skinny jeans and a bright chiffon top. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!}. Finish the look with a bold pump and killer-I mean studded- I mean killer handbag.

To all my curvy ladies, a blazer doesn’t have to be so structured! A more “blanketed” blazer resembling an airy, fitted poncho will do the trick and {slim-ify}. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Picture… On fiya LBD to the knee with a blanketed blazer hitting the top of the small of your waist, finishing with a leggy pump…{promotion alert!}

Lastly…for my secret spenders. You know who you are. Scenario: Approaching big city bright lights store straight ahead…“Let me peak through the window….oh, maybe I’ll pop in just to see if they changed their floor around…oh, that’s a new shoe…no, I’m not buying anything today! Oh, wow…that shoe is really cute. Ok, size 8.5 please….can you put these on hold…OK, I’LL TAKE THEM!!!” {Sorry…that was me retracing yesterday’s steps…} Casual Friday came early this week… with the luxe new fabrications of the ultimate casual spring blazer. Linen, silk, and plain ol’ cotton will do the trick, especially for a Sunday {faux -splurge} at street style stores like H&M, Gap, or Old Navy. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Have fun with color and pair back to basic blues or white denim to complete the fresh look.

So there you have it. Looks like we all know what you’ll be doing this weekend…

xoxo, elshane

p.s.- my favorite stores to shop for blazers are Zara, H&M, Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, Forever 21, Helmut Lang, and J. Crew. Happy shopping!

H&M Bikini

It’s that time again… time to start preparing for swimsuit season!  It’s okay, don’t panic, you have some time and we have some helpful hints!

If you’re pair shaped:

• Just say NO to bathing suits with a skirt bottom
• Steer clear of bottoms with ruffle details which only add volume

If you’re large busted:

• Stay away from ruffles on the top
• Halters are best for you!

If you’re small busted:

• Avoid bandeaus that flatten
• Underwire and triangle tops are best for you!

If you have a large waist:

• Any sort of crisscrossing, gathering or diagonal pattern across the torso of a one-piece will minimize your mid section.

Desperado?

• Go for the Spanx one piece (we’ve heard amazing reviews!) and a colorful Trina Turk tunic!

Here are a few of our favorite swimsuit picks this season:

1) Betsey Johnson primrose bikini top and tie side bottom 2) Bebe hot coral heart slider bikini halter top and bottoms 3) Splendid marcel navy and white striped triangle top and tunnel bottoms

1)  H&M turquoise bikini top and floral bottom 2) H&M black bandeau style swimsuit 3) D-Cup underwire retro balconet ruched Hipster yellow and white bikini top and bottoms 4) O’Neill triangle and tab side multi-color triangle bikini top and bottoms

The ultimate bikini workout is the plank which targets the abs all around.  The details:

• Lie face down on the ground with your feet flexed, place the back of your fore arms on the floor with your palms facing up and thumbs out.  Lift your body off of the floor while keeping your back (especially your lower back) flat!  Hold the plank as long as you can – increasing as you get stronger.  You can also lift one leg at a time for an additional challenge.  This is the best all-around ab exercise = soon you’ll be bikini ready!

Like we said, don’t panic!  It’s just the first week of March- you still have time to perfect that healthy swimsuit body!

Dreaming of laying on the beach…

Kelli & Lisa

Death trended this past weekend… when all we saw were visions of bright white lights on the 2012 Oscars red carpet!

One white hot trendsetter after the next…

 Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford (utterly cape-tivating!)

Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad;  Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

SO? Most important question here: when you…

Wash off the spray tan, peel off the chicken cutlet boobs, pluck out the false eyelashes, rip out the hair extensions, un-lace the Spanx corset… oh, and then wash out and off your $2,000 hair and makeup job…

…how, then, after a complete body-shedding, man-defying experience, could some ‘ol gals like us look this good in white?

The answer is clear…

FAKE IT.

Tan: Kiehl’s Sun Free Self Tanning Formula, $22.50. Use every other morning as your regular face and body moisturizer and watch one by one Dermatologist go out of business…

Lashes: Any beauty shop or local drugstore will carry a version of POP disposable (but oh-so-reusable) false lashes, $10. Co’mon, everyone’s doing it!

Weave: Wonder why you’re never as coiffed as a national morning news anchor? Yea, secret’s out… Even the short-haired girls on-air are sporting the clip-ins. Full body is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! Visit a wig shop and get yo’ weave on for $30 and up.

Spanx: If this is your first lesson in Spanx, then we have to have a sit-down and discuss why you’re so tech savvy (what a great blog you follow, kudos!), but honey, you’re hardly fashion conscious! Loose 10 lbs by way of ultimate vacuum suckage. Made to fit any “tight” situation, prices vary with style.

So there you have it. Wearing white is easy if you know the insider tricks. Get on board with 2012 “fake it ’til you make it” trend, and preserve the ultimate you! Warning: These “enhancements” are completely natural and can be applied and tossed nightly.

Fashion has never been so transcendent!

xoxo, elshane