the dos donts of fall trends

The Dos & Don’ts of Fall Trends

Understanding sandals and the ankle-strap

As you recently read right here, I've bought myself some nice flappers for the summer.

Despite the fact that I love them, as an all-purpose sandal, they fail. The choice of style has its ups and downs, so I've been mulling over my decision and thinking that perhaps I need A) another pair or B) think more strategically next time.

For those of us who haven't really given a thought about how such matters can affect your day, I decided to offer us all a little quick and dirty summary of sandal eye tricks.

Let's start where we left off: my pair of awesome UGG Australia leather flat sandals. Don't get me wrong- I love them. But they're not all-purpose if you're the kind of gal who works with what she's got and fudges the rest.

These leather sandals here below are similar to the ones I picked up- they are basic dark leather with defining wide straps, one straight across the toes and the other wrapped around the ankle:

Martin Margiela sandal, $158 at aloharag.com

The thing with this sandal is that it will clearly define the ankle, which is to say place a horizontal line across the leg and effectively cut the line of your leg from hip to toe. This visual effect reduces the potential to appear to have long legs- or just average legs. Yes it can and will make you look shorter.

This is really important to keep in mind if the wearer isn't that tall (and all these visual basics we're exploring today apply to pumps, etc.). There are ways to wear the ankle strap (we'll get to that) but you'll find it looks best on a maxi-length skirt/dress, ankle-length pencil trousers, and the like. It also works with short lengths- above the knee- where you're already showing a lot of length, and the taller and slimmer you are, the better. But that's just not realistic.

It sounds like discrimination but wouldn't you rather know? The eye always tracks this way, noting interruptions in uniformity and assembling proportions based on these delineations. What makes the ankle strap look hard to pull off with a knee-length skirt (as I've found) is that the ankle strap (in the case above and in my own sandals) is not only wide (a very strong line that 'cuts' the line of the leg to the foot and robs you of skin real estate that gives length) but also suspended higher up on the ankle thereby shortening the leg, and on top of it all it's dark, which reinforces the division of leg from foot. So it can really reduce the appearance of the length of the leg (and it does).

Ankle straps are lovely and fun, there's lots of variety, too, and knowing how they play with your body is good to know, don't you think? And if you love ankle-wrapped sandals and want to wear them- well there are ways to get around the visual play issue. (Not caring is one of them.)

We will do this in two parts: in the first we will briefly look at styles of sandals and in the second part, we'll do some hands-on comparative analysis. Fun, eh?

Part 1: Sandal Styles

Now this below is a much easier way to wear an ankle strap: first of all, it's not a suspended strap, it's in a neutral shade, has a long thin t-bar running as a thong (which is a vertical line that extends the line of the leg), and the tone-on-tone bling works to reinforce this line.

Classic Grecian-inspired sandal, $50

This one below is also not as 'cutting' to the ankle because although the straps are very dark, they lie on top of the foot, not around the ankle. The back strap is a good idea for sandal stability:

Brown leather by Golden Goose

Below we have a sandal that shows us how the ankle strap can be nearly not there: in nude, very thin with a delicate barely-there buckle. The cut-out of the sandal is super fun and because it's in light tan leather, it will blend with the foot and elongate the leg:

Stella McCartney swirl sandal, $460 at Farfetch.com

Ah, the classic thong. Well this one's not really a classic because it has a bolder woven t-bar area, but as far as lengthening the leg, this is pretty good. No ankle strap means that you get more skin mileage for sure:

Pasqualetti sandal at Aldo- very easy to wear. $20.99

The gladiator-inspired cuff is really great, but again, here you'll be cut off at the ankle. Yes that long sexy braid that thongs in between the toes and climbs up to the top of the cuff gives a nice line, but the heaviness of the cuff and its colour make it quite prominent. With anything that firmly defines the ankle, better to pair with wear long garments or extra-short.

I love this sandal but I hate looking squat. I know I'm over 5'9 but it's amazing what little things like a bold ankle cuff can do. Get these anyway and wear them with the right outfit- they're only $28 on sale at Aldo

Part 2. Comparative Analysis

Here we have a good example of how it all comes together. Nude or near-nude sandals in thin straps nearly disappear, which gives greater length to the leg, and metallics nearly always count as nude. In the first image we see the downward V shape of the sandal, giving the wrapped ankle that much more length on the leg. The multiple straps on the toe define that area as the cut-off line, so all-in-all, this sandal will always give a long leg.

In the red-striped dress and brown sandal combo, we see that the t-bar helps give the leg line continuity but the strap, although thin and not even raised to the ankle, is dark and cuts the foot. Because we dressed our model in a maxi length dress, it doesn't really matter and in fact, looks great.

Gap striped dress, $80. Note how the silver nearly disappears, the V-shape and t-bar thong extend the leg, and the top toe straps define that point as the cut off line

See the difference here?

Here below is a classic example of the wide ankle strap raised and in a bold colour, so the eye goes straight for the ankle strap. This in fact makes our model's legs appear shorter, or shall we say, colour-blocked in two parts in this case. Her leg to toe is broken up in zones, and the nude toe strap is wide but nude, so it disappears. It looks pretty with her dress because the hemline is above the knee. Put her in a knee-length or just under the knee and she has no legs.

Cute orange dress at Gap, $65

A similar dress below (same length) and worn with more neutral-shaded sandals and a thong shape with thin ankle strap makes the leg look longer, with the colour and size focus on the thong-shape at the front which reinforces the leg line:

See the difference?

And now for the flip-flop.

It really does deliver when it comes to lengthening the line, but colour defines where the line is cut, which in a thong sandal, hardly matters since it's all continuous to the near tip of the foot:

Thong style is really an endless stretch of skin. Old navy flapper style dress, $33

Same dress, different colour and different sandal (below).

Here we can really appreciate how the strap works- even though it's super skinny, it's a dark-hued horizontal line that disrupts the flow. The thong t-bar helps keep some length but it's nothing like what other sandals can do.

Thin and dark - it's a line that cuts the foot, and with a short dress, it's okay

When worn with short length, the ankle strap doesn't rob you of leg since you're making up for it above the knee. Sneaky, eh? Gap shorts, $49

Images courtesy of featured retailers.

Smooth criminals

Is this your vice? Hand cuff by Cast of Vices, $310 at Bergorfgoodman.com

Today we're featuring a suspicious trend: the handcuff.

While it's no secret we're into broad wrist-wrapping cuffs, we were at first unsure about the hand cuff idea. But today's finds show how lovely the designs and closure details can be without looking like you're under arrest.

Handsome screw cuff bracelets in silver, yellow gold or rose gold by Miansai, $165 - $355

Brass and Swarovski crystal necklace by A.L.C., $285 at Ronrobinson.com

Lynn Ban sterling silver and diamond bangles, $1,890 and up at Barneys.com

Brass ring duo, $225 at Jenniferfisherjewelry.com

Stella McCartney gold handcuffs bracelet, $660 at net-a-porter.com

Summer Essentials: the après beach

This grey cotton terry dress is so perfect for post-beach wear we want to reach into the monitor and steal it. The neutral colour is a natural compliment to every possible swim suit and the low cut shape and short length will prevent your hot blooded, bronzed beach bod from overheating while the sleeves offer the cozy factor. $49 at Victoria's Secret

I suppose it's no big surprise that I love beach days.

It's the sunny weather, the sound of waves lapping up the shore, and a kaleidoscope of outfit possibilities and costume changes. Cover-ups, pre-beach wear, post-beach wear, sandals, hats, jewelry. Not to mention beach bags, towels, parasols. It's impossible to deny that hitting the surf is now a fashion show more than ever before- or maybe now there are just more goodies to play with. Just think of how many different swim suit pairings a gal who writes a fashion blog might have? (Fact: not that many- but she's a dreamer, alright.)

Bikinis are excellent for maximizing the number of possible combinations of outfit mixes and matches - I've even used them to teach grade 12 Finite mathematics. If you love to dress up, change looks mid-day, and then again at night- the sandy land is your land.

Out of the entire day's carousel of lycra this and straw that, one of my secret favourite moments is the post-beach evening outfit when I slip into something cozy. I'm someone who widely advertises having a natural, biological cooling down system far more efficient than other people's, like having a built-in AC while everyone's sweating it out, making me best suited for high summer heat and winters in tropical destinations. My mom always says that I'm "frileuse" (chilly) and fur slippers were a staple in my life as long as I can remember. I so often feel cool that I have a habit of saying I'm feeling frisky instead of "frisquet". Sometimes both are true.

Needless to say I love the heat and tolerate it better than most people - anecdotal and genetics confirm the fact. I love feeling the heat on my skin and when the evening comes, so does a cooler breeze and I'm reaching for an outfit to wrap around like a giant bear hug.

Today's Victoria's Secret mini terry cloth dress (pictured at top) is a perfect garment for sunset hour. Slip that on directly over your swim suit or (even better) change into some dry undies and walk out from your beach motel to the lobster shack. This is summer dressing 101: see how our a little metallic green flat sandal on our model makes this dress look super suave and carefree? Easy as pie and with just enough definition in cut so that you can exhale after a day of sucking in your belly on the beach. This terry slip-on is a classic example of appearing fabulous as if by complete unrehearsed accident: oh, this old thing? It's just a simple cotton terry dress.

Well it's not so simple- the neckline is revealing and sexy, ditto for the mini length. The covered up sleeves are perfect for pretending that you're actually dressed in clothes. Let's face it- it's a glorified sexy towel that's thin and deconstructed like you just came off the set of a Harlequin cover. Who could possibly resist that summer fantasy?

Image courtesy of Victoria's Secret.

NYFW Spring 2013: Hair Trends

A world of color and texture paraded down the runways of New York Fashion Week. This fabulous week of style showcases all the upcoming looks in fashion and luckily for us, beauty and hair.

For 2013 Spring Fashion Week, bright wigs, color extensions, braids, bangs and crimped hair (yes, you read correctly, crimped hair!) were reoccurring trends on all shows.

With the designer's endless options of wigs and hair extensions it's no wonder that so many enviable hair trends graced the catwalk. And while the runway's looks are a little extreme for every day, with wigs and hair extensions there's always a fab alternative!

Photography: Instagram & Glamour.com

Get-the-look with our help:

1. Rock some candy-color wigs la Anna Sui with costume wigs for a fun night on the town!
2. Keep up with Betsey Johnson and crimp your style with clip-in crimped wigs and hair extensions.
3. Oscar de la Renta proved that color is never out style, you can brighten up your hair with clip-in color extensions.
4. Add a braid or two for Herv L ger's "peek-a-boo" look with clip-in braid extensions.
5. Karen Walker's exudes cool with eye grazing bangs – try the look with clip-in bangs (or trim them for a less dramatic look).

 

Party Pony How-to

 

It’s officially party season!

Glam up your look for the holidays using hairpieces and extensions. We’ll show you how!

What you’ll need for the Party Pony hairstyle:

• 22" Pony/Fall Extension by Daisy Fuentes WOW
• Bobby pins (4-6)
• Hairspray
• Brush/Comb
• Curling iron

 

To watch a video on how to apply this piece click here.

1. Start by curling your hair to match the texture of the ponytail extension this particular piece comes curled. (By the way – if you wish to wear this ponytail straight, you can straighten it with your favorite flat iron because it is made with heat-friendly synthetic hair.)
2. Section your hair from ear to ear and place it into a small bun or ponytail. Clip the top section out of the way for Step 4.
3. Place the base of your drawstring pony over your bun or ponytail and pull the elastic band to tightly secure. Open the small clip located on the top, comb it over your hair, and then snap it closed.
4. Unclip the top section from Step 2 and taking the tip of your teasing brush or comb, prep a small section to tease.
5. Start at the crown and pull up a 1-2 inch section - the smaller the section the more volume you will create. Brush the hair back mid-way and run the brush down the length of the hair towards the crown, when you reach the scalp pull the brush out and start again. Make quick short strokes until you have the desired height and fullness. (Tip: the bigger the hair the closer to god.)
6. Every time you backcomb spray a little bit of hairspray so that it holds the hair longer.
7. Carefully use your brush to smooth down any fly-a-ways.
8. Wrap smaller sections of the top around the base of the ponytail attachment and secure with bobby pins.
9. To finish it off, pull sections of the secured top up to reach the desired height and look.

That’s all – super easy, right? If you give it a shot let us know, we’d love to see how your Party Pony turns out!

Holiday Hairstyles – Dare to Dazzle!

‘Tis the season to shine!

All of the upcoming parties and celebrations are the perfect excuse to glam up your hair or to try something totally different. Though, with all the preparations, who has the time to sit in front of a mirror for hours? That’s why using hair extensions and hairpieces are perfect for this time of year. You can create a number of hairstyles in a matter of minutes! You can wear one or two pieces and combine them to create a unique beautiful hairstyle easily.

Check out some of our favorites below!

Party-worthy Hairstyles

 

If you’re looking for longer or voluminous locks (or both), clip-in extensions are the perfect way to lock-n-roll! You can choose from human hair extensions and synthetic hair. They come in a wide array of colors – including pink! With clip in hair extensions it’s extremely easy to create a rocking look in minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to really change your look? Go for clip-in bangs! They’re the perfect way to create a dramatic change without having to go anywhere near a pair of scissors. All you have to do is clip and voil ! you have bangs la Kim Kardashian!

 

 

 

 

One of the hottest trends of the year has been the ponytail. High or low, sleek or messy – this hairstyle is here to stay! But for those of us who have a naturally… puny slim pony, a ponytail hairpiece is the perfect solution. Want to know how to create this look? Check out this how-to.

 

 

Kick Off the New Year with Tinsel!

What better way to ring in the New Year than with tinsel! Nothing screams NYE more than shiny, sparkly hair. Tinsel is a super fun way to add a bit of sparkle to a fun night out, but PERFECT for partying on New Year’s eve.

You can accessorize with one or two tinsel clip-in extensions for a super shiny look. Choose from an array of colors, from black to silver.

Quick Tip: If your hair is short you can customize your clip-in extensions by giving them a quick trim (add tinsel to your bangs!).

If you’re really adventurous you’ll want to try the ultimate in glitter: a tinsel wig! After all, this is an only-once-a-year excuse to sparkle as much as you want to… and we know you want to.

Shop all tinsel wigs and hair extensions here.

Have a fun & safe New Years!

2012 – The Year of Crazy Beautiful Hair

From KStew and RPatz breakup (we were heartbroken!) to Jessica Simpson's TWO pregnancies, 2012 was full of dramatic moments. Dramatically crazy and beautiful hair had a special moment this past year - everyone was rocking it!

Crazy Colorful

For some it was all about changing the color. While Demi Lovato went blonde, Dakota Fanning decided to give brunette locks a chance. Obviously, that doesn’t count as crazy hair but then celebrities began to dye their hair in colors not found in nature! Anywhere from lilac to neon pink a new trend was set. Before long, candy color hair was everywhere.

Love the trend? You can have it too without ever touching chemicals with colorful wigs.

Wigs shown: China Doll & China Doll Long

Short & Sweet

For others crazy hair came in the form of a pair of scissors. Rihanna started things off first by shaving part of her hair off and finally settling on a pixie cut. Soon after Miley Cyrus shared with us via Twitter and Instagram her buzz cut! After that, Anne Hathaway joined the club by cutting it all in front of the camera for her role in Les Mis rables.

If you’re looking for a super dramatic change you should follow in these ladies footsteps. But before you have heart attack check out these short wigs, you’ll never have to cut a single hair again.

Wigs shown: Feather Cut, Heather & Annette

Though we loved 2012 we’re glad to see it go and can’t wait to see what hair trends begin to emerge in 2013!

 

Red Carpet Report: Golden Globes 2013

The 2013 Golden Globes jump-started the awards season this week. At every show there are prevalent hair and fashion trends that everyone looks forward to. So, obviously, when they roll out the red carpet, we tune in to catch the 'mane' event.

The Best of the Golden Globes

Here are our favorite looks from the evening. Plus, we give you pointers on how you too can recreate these award winning looks!

Best BOB: Helen Mirren

Source: Getty

Heads were bobbing on the red carpet and Helen Mirren's short bob shone among all of them.

Recreate the Look: Shop our bob wigs, you're sure to find the perfect one for you. Quick Tip - Purchase a human hair wig or heat-friendly synthetic hair wig to style the waves with hot tools and trim the hair to get the desired length.

Best SURPRISE: Amy Poehler

Source: Getty

As co-host, Amy Poehler's low sideswept bun was perfect, quiet sophistication. It perfectly contrasts her charismatic personality!

Recreate the Look: The easiest way to recreate this bun is with a hair wrap hairpiece.

Best MATCHUP: Anne Hathaway

Source: Wire Image

Anne left her "Princess Diaries" behind when she completely cut off every strand for her award winning role in Les Miserables . She paired her chic cropped cut with an equally chic Chanel couture dress.

Recreate the Look: Check out our short wigs to find your winning look.

Best BODY: Jennifer Lopez

Source: Getty

Va va voom! JLo's curves translated all the way up to her bodacious hair. Talk about curves!

Recreate the Look: Achieve big waves with clip-in extensions to give your hair more volume and fullness.

Best LOOOOONG: Sofia Vergara

Source: People.com

Sexy long hair is always a must on the red carpet. And this year our favorite long-haired, winning lady was the muy caliente, Sofia Vergara!

Recreate the Look: You can't go wrong with a long wig (you can always cut it, if you tire of the length) or extra long hair extensions.

Best PONY: Zooey Deschanel

Source: People.com

The ponytail is one of the easiest and most elegant trends of the year! No one sported this trend better than the adorable Zooey Deschanel.

Recreate the Look: Don't have long tresses? No need to worry, a clip-in ponytail extension is all you need.

Totally ON FIRE: Jessica Chastain

Source: People.com

Jessica Chastain was red-hot last night. Wigs make it so easy to have fun with color! Find the look you love then pick out some fire of your own.

Recreate the Look: Wigs nowadays come in a wide array of color, including various shades of red. Check out our 2012 best selling wigs and choose the one that goes best with your skin tone.

Best BANGS: Kerry Washington

Source: People.com

She BANGS! We loved Kerry Washington’s full bangs and sleek straight hair. Talk about a cutting edge look!

Recreate the Look: With clip-in bangs you'll never have to see a pair of scissors again!

Most GLAM: Jessica Alba

Source: People.com

The red carpet is synonymous with glamour and of course everyone displayed their own version of glam. However, we fell in love with Jessica Alba’s classic sideswept waves - a major trend of the night!

Recreate the Look: Choose a heat-friendly synthetic hair or human hair wig from our2012 best seller selling styles to mimic these award winning curls.

Best DONE UP: Jualinne Hough

Source: Getty

The red carpet is a formal affair and nothing evokes this more than an updo. We loved Julianne Hough's take on an old classic.

Recreate the Look: Volume at the crown can easily be achieved with a voluminizing hairpiece.