Get more out of your straightener and experience chic new styles! For a note worthy hairstyle, loose curls are the perfect summer choice.

Imagine just washing your hair and easily making it look stunning by using simple, healthy products that can get you out the door faster than ever. Reality is that this doesn’t always happen so nicely. I am probably like you in this area, getting all my gadgets out and trying to make them work: straightening  with one, curling with another, stacking combs and pins for a nice hairdo… Oh the joy! Seems like a banquet every time, and it takes ages…:)) Summer should be more relaxed! You don’t have time to wait for your hair to dry, you need faster and better results.

I like that newer straighteners give you the option of making other types of hair-styles as well, you can create these loose curly styles or soft wavy hair so fast, take for example Michael Kors or Proenza Schouler, but many other designers who have worked the look for the summer collections.

I’ve been on the lookout for a really good straightener for a while now and I was so happy to find something different and innovative. What I love the most about the ghd straighteners is that they are thin and versatile, so you can use them not only to straighten your hair… not to mention that they look so slick and stylish ;-)

I’ve been browsing their cool fairytale website all day :)) It’s stacked with videos and tutorials where you can get inspired from and try yourself even if you have short or longer hair or you like a different style such as bohemian, glamorous or sexy & messy hairstyles.

Pantone’s wonderful PDF regarding the hottest color predictions for the spring and summer 2011 season can now be saved and printed…. and abused:))

The Summer of 2011 is described as quite the exotic experience and the colors are inspired from spicy and exotic destinations such as Africa, Turkey,  Peru or India.  Honey, coral and gold tones - like Honeysucke, Coral Rose and Beeswax are such easily drifted into pink-ish nudes - such as Silver Peony and Silver Cloud and also matched against cooler natural shades of blues, greens and browns.

You can find all the designers and beauty experts who have contributed to these trends and their looks in the Pantone document, but in the meantime, I would like to highlight a few of the tones and the sketches because they are really amazing. In fact, I can’t wait for spring to come so I can see them everywhere! ;-)

1. Blue Curacao by Nary Manivong - inspired by Waves and Sea Foam which flows so sensually 2. Silver Cloud by Tadashi Shoji - inspired by Ice, Marble and Venetian Architecture 3. Regatta by Adrienne Vittadini - illustrates the many tones and shades of Blue

4. Honeysuckle by ADAM - inspired by Uruguay, passion and strong women 5.  Beeswax by Yoana Baraschi - inspired by morphing realities and transparency 6. Silver Cloud by Ella Moss speaks about modern bohemian princesses

7. Lavender by James Coviello - inspired by the 50s Garden Parties 8. Coral Rose by Rebecca Taylor imagines floral patters on the luxurious green fields 9. Blue Curacao by Pamella Roland is all about the Greek Islands

10. Regatta this time imagined by Catherine Malandrino in ceramic inserts and Saint Tropez 11. Lavander by Carlos Campos talks about the world travelers, the comfortable muses 12. Silver Peony by Bibhu Mohapatra portrets the empowered women movement

13. Silver Cloud by Victoria Bartlett inspired by non-bling metal tones 14.Russet - this outfit by Rebecca Minkoff describes the glamour vagabond :) 15. Silver Peony by Monique Lhuillier - inspired by a dreamy state of mind

For all the stories you should check out the Pantone file, it’s really worth it.

xoxo, L.

I’ve seen this trend popping out recently in magazines or even trendsetters. Looks like the Kanye West signature item is getting very popular. I don’t know though if I like these sunglasses, I mean they are cool and colored..but the shutters? How do you even see through them? :) (pictured bellow : NeonShutter Shades - 80s Purple ).

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I just loved the idea behind Project Bike Lane ! We needed something like this so bad to lift the non-stylish karma we felt when rinding our bikes. Apparently there are tons of ideas and solutions for this and LVMH and DKNY are going to support these lines 100%.

Unisex clothing lines could be difficult to pull off because of the lenghts of the jackets but the winner of this contest figured out something really cool to modify this. She added some bungee cords to the design and this proved to be just the ingredient for a fresh stylish bike collection.

I think that it’s really though to get on a bike and still look good. If you have to ride a long distance it can be a great challenge to keep your clothes in good clean shape until you reach the office.

This kinds of initiatives are welcome and inspiring for all Eco-Chic Bikers :)

Wouldn’t it be great if we could open our eyes and in front of us we would see the shop of our dreams? This is what happened to me, when discovering Gemma Redux’s homepage. The jewelry there is absolutely drool-worthy. :)

I have never been a fan of  the simple stuff, I always loved the glamour and so it’s good to see that there are some designers that can take daytime accessories to a whole new level. Even though, the last collection is not up there (yet?), I think you would love to indulge in the last collections too.

Bracelets with chains and heavy stones or small suave feathers make you dream away and think what it would be like actually wearing them.

Even if they’re a bit pricey  (from $200 up to $700) I can’t stop admiring these urban chic key-pieces of jewelry that can give character to any outfit. You don’t have to try so hard to mix chains and stones and little feathers because they are extremely versatile and perfect on any occasion. I remember now that I actually admired these in Gossip Girl without knowing who actually made them.

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I found this blog that actually makes and sells these fun Eco-booties. They’re made from recycled materials which are not also friendly with the environment but also quite chic and stylish.

They’re even cheap too , you can have them for about $45 and you can choose from a large variety of patterns all full of whimsy and charm.The idea was started by an industrial design student.

I actually like them, they’re fun and light and impermeable and they add something extra to any outfit, a sort of real-life style .

More booties available on the designer’s website : Botas Dacca.

You’ve seen them….I know you have. They pop out when you least expect them to bringing a mouthful of fresh air and attracting all eyes. Sometimes they scare you, they shock and they mesmerize but other times, you wish you were like them : SHINING TRENDS.

It’s a mystery where do trendsetters get their inspiration, but they seem to be on top of styles everytime. It is said they don’t follow trends, they make trends and they lead. Maybe…or maybe they cheat :).

Here a few ideas to pick up some trend setter vibes.

TIPS:

1. Don’t become a copy-cat, try to show your own personal style. Wear things in a different way and create outfits that  balance your own personality and the season’s trends.

2. Get inspired from the fashion shows. You can know trends in advance and so you can focus on items that are fashion forward and that could be an investment for a couple of next seasons.

3. Visit vintage stores and choose items that fit the trends and your style, try on the craziest clothes because you never know what can be just perfect. 

4. Create  cheap-expensive outfits with a few glam accessories and some basic clothing.  For example you can create a look with a simple T-shirt from H&M matched with some Louboutins.

5. Look for jewelry and accessories with unusual detailing. These items make a statement about you and show that you don’t follow the rules. Create a set for each color or attitude (playful, serious, in love)

6. Don’t wear the same outfit. Recreate the look with other pieces and accessories. Try to follow your mood and you’ll be inspired every time.

And if you were wondering…