My hair has two main "seasons": Winter hat head and summer frizz! Yes, it's good to be my hair - a finicky crop of strands that tend to be neither curly nor straight nor wavy - but somewhere in between - for about 365 days out of the year. So when I heard about John Frieda's new Volume & Gloss Shine Shape hot air brush, I jumped at the opportunity to review one - and I snagged another one to give away to one lucky reader!
Keep reading for my review, then use the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win a John Frieda Volume & Gloss Shine Shape Hot Air Brush:
The Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops brings us an insider look at the latest designs from designer Yoana Baraschi, known for her use of feminine silhouettes with bohemian embellishments and intricate embroideries. —BB
by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Earlier this week, Bucharest-born designer Yoana Baraschi presented her collection for Resort/Pre-Spring 2014 in New York City. The collection includes a range of dresses and separates available at specialty boutiques such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Intermix and Anthropologie. Yoana was formally trained as sculptor and her designs absolutely reflect her artistic background. The pieces incorporate subtle vintage references, high detail and contrast. The cutouts and zippers add fun to the designs which don't take themselves too seriously, and make them easy to grab and go. The Budget Babe takeaway? Neons and neutrals are here to stay. And splurging on a special occasion dress (like the cap-sleeve pink and silver brocade number you'll see after the jump) is always in fashion. —VWS
If denim cut-offs feel stale for summer, crochet shorts are trending as a feminine, boho alternative. Joie's "Carmelo" drawstring crochet shorts retail for $168 at Saks Fifth Avenue, while the look for less is under $25. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking either image below!
Aerosoles, a shoe brand known for creating comfortable footwear, recently reached out to me to share some of their latest summer styles. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. You see, one of the lovely side effects of pregnancy coupled with warm weather is swollen ankles and feet.
Now in my 40th week of pregnancy, I jumped on the opportunity to test drive a pair of Aerosole's cute yet comfy sandals, and found the perfect pair called "Yet Again." I was immediately drawn to the unique cork material and low wedge. I'm finding a little heel can actually be more comfortable than a rigid flat these days (although I tend to alternate).
The "Yet Again" looks almost like a nude sandal against my pale skin, which helps to disguise my puffy feet. But even if you're not preggers, you'll love these shoes. They have a soft padded footbed and minimal two-strap design that makes these perfect for pairing with skirts, shorts or dresses.
You can find them for $49.99 (down from $69) at aerosoles.com.
Disclosure: I received the shoes featured in this post complimentary of the brand for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
H&M announced today their next designer collaboration will be with Parisian designer Isabel Marant, news that has injected some much-needed enthusiasm into the current state of affordable collabs. You know Marant for things like the Dicker boot and low-wedge sneaks that every stylish celebrity, off-duty model and fashionista seems to own (and which have been copied ad infinitum and featured many times over on this blog). But of course she's so much more - she embodies today's Parisian chic that's one part urban, one part boho, a dash of rock 'n' roll and 100% French.
It's funny to hear about this collab today because just yesterday, I was responding to an interview in which I was asked which one designer I'd wish to have a 30 minute free-for-all shopping spree and I responded without hesitation: Isabel Marant! Ah, to have just an ounce of her cool factor LOL. A girl can dream and now a girl can afford this November 14th, 2013, when Isabel Marant for H&M launches in 250 stores worldwide (and possible online?!) for women, men and teens (whatever that means!)
Who's excited?
Looks from the Spring 2013 Isabel Marant runway (NOT H&M) via Style.com
