Fashion: Colors Aren't Just for Crayons

Look at your wardrobe. Do you have a lot of black, gray or beige? If so, you might be stuck in a color rut. Don't feel bad, most of us are. It's just so easy to reach for those trusty black pants or that gray sweater that matches with everything. But, spring is officially here and the time has come to release our inner fashionistas and add some color to our everyday wear. 

Some of us shy away from color because we just don't know what goes with what. There's no reason to be afraid anymore... it's easy to add color to any outfit if we understand how to use a color wheel. 

Neutrals: But, before we start coloring, we need to understand neutrals. Black, brown, gray, tan, navy, white, olive, blue jeans and even animal prints are neutrals. This means that these colors go with all other colors and with each other. They are to be used as building blocks for an outfit rather than as a whole outfit. For example, Kerry Washington anchors her vibrant print dress and red shoes with an animal print clutch. 

Using Neutrals as an Anchor

Pop of Color: Now, that we've covered the neutrals, let's start coloring. A very easy way to add color to an outfit is to add a "pop of color" by adding one strong color to an otherwise neutral outfit. This one color should stand out on it's own and be paired with one other neutral color. Gillian Jacobs adds a "pop of color" with a fuchsia skirt paired with an otherwise all black outfit. 

Pop of Color 

Color Combinations Using a Color Wheel: Now, let's dive deeper into adding more color to an outfit by combining two or more colors together. 

  

Basic Color Wheel

This is a basic color wheel which includes the primary colors (red, yellow and blue), secondary colors (orange, green and violet) and intermediate colors (orange-yellow, red-orange, violet-red, blue-violet, blue-green and yellow-green). 

Pick 2 Diad Colors: Try combining colors that are two colors apart on the color wheel, such as Blake Lively does with her blue gown and her violet suede pumps. 

Diad Colors 

Pick 2 Complementary Colors: Try combining two colors that are direct opposites on the color wheel. This creates a dramatic look which can be too striking if primary or secondary colors are used and so subdue this look by using two intermediate colors instead, such as Diane Krueger does with her burnt orange (red-orange) dress and her turquoise (blue-green) shoes.  

Complementary Colors 

Pick 2 Primary or Secondary Colors: Try combining 2 primary colors or 2 secondary colors. These colors blend the best when one bright hue is used with a dark or light hue, for example Emma Rossum combines her jade green dress (dark hue of green a secondary color) with deep violet shoes and belt (bright hue of violet a secondary color). 

Pick 2 Secondary Colors

Pick 3 Primary or Secondary Colors: If you're feeling very colorful try all 3 primary colors or all 3 secondary colors, such as Camille Belle does with her green pants, violet top and orange jacket. 

Pick 3 Secondary Colors

Finish the Look with a Metallic: Now, that we know how to add color, we need to tie the colors together with a metallic by using a yellow metallic piece for warm colors or a white metallic piece for cool colors. Camille Belle ties her Pick 3 look together by finishing it with a yellow metallic belt and clutch. 

Warmth and Coolness of a Color Wheel 

With these basic concepts in mind, you can easily add some color to any outfit and let your inner fashionista run free! 

Pictures are provided by www.instyle.com. 

Fashion: F-A-C-E-S (Five Easy Steps to Shopping like a Pro)

If you find yourself overwhelmed with all the choices when you go shopping or easily swayed by the sales rack and wish you had a pocket stylist, then this acronym is for you. I use this acronym every time I  go shopping and it's served me well each time. Each piece of clothing or accessory you buy must meet each of the five criteria.

F: fit

A: age appropriateness

C: color

E: expense

S: situation 

Fit: Clothing, shoes, sunglasses, handbags, or whatever else it is must fit you properly and be right for your body or face shape. If it doesn't already fit perfectly (and few things do) it should be easily altered. If not, then put it back. Finding a tailor you trust is very important. A great fit can make anything look great, and makes everything look more expensive. 

Age Appropriateness: Just because you can fit into a miniskirt or into junior sizes doesn't mean that you should. Age inappropriate clothes make things look cheap and like you're trying too hard. Think of it as a bad botox job. 

Color: Certain colors can make you look great and awake, others just wash you out. Know what colors look great on you and stick to them. Blondes look great in light colors such as pinks, whites, and light blues. Dark brunettes look great in darker colors such as reds, turquoise, and deep purples. If you look great in white gold then you probably have cool tones and light colors look great on you. If you look great in yellow gold then you probably have warm tones and darker colors look great on you. There are few people who have a neutral tone, and they're the lucky ones because they can wear a wide range of colors. The right color can change an outfit from looking just okay to "Wow, you look great!"

Expense: Usually at department stores or high end boutiques people say to themselves, "this is too expensive" and become discouraged. If you find yourself doing that, you might be missing out on great style opportunities. Now, if you can't afford it, then you should put it back. But, don't put it back, just because you think it might be too expensive. This is where you need to do a cost per wear analysis (CPW). For example, a winter coat that costs $500 is expensive. But, if you wear this coat every day during the winter say for three months, then your CPW for that year is $5.50 and becomes even less year after year. All of a sudden that expensive $500 coat has become as affordable as a daily cup of coffee. 

Situation: Lastly, do you have anywhere to wear it? For example, that beautiful evening dress may fit properly, be age appropriate, be in a great color, and on sale, but if you have nowhere to wear it then it's just going to sit in the back of your closet and collect dust and most likely be forgotten. Make sure you have somewhere to wear it and it easily fits into your personal style, otherwise put it back. 

If you follow this five step acronym, then slowly you can build a wardrobe fit for a fashion stylist with clothes that you love and look great on you! 

Food & Fitness: Chili Oil

Chili Oil is used as a condiment in many asian cuisines. It's a quick and easy way to spice up any dish specific to your taste. Plus the capsicum in chili oil is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent that helps stimulate blood circulation which can be helpful in preventing heart disease and cancer. Some also believe it helps improve metabolism and even helps trim body weight.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 dried red chilies (Thai red chilies are the spiciest)
• 1/2 cup peanut or canola oil

Directions:

1. Roast the dried red chilies for 10-15 minutes in a 125 degree oven, until they become a little plump.
2. Place the roasted red chilies in a food processor and grind the chilies until they create a fine chili powder.
3. Heat the oil up in a frying pan under low heat. If the oil is too hot, it will burn the chilies. The oil is ready when it starts to glisten.
4. Fry the chili powder in the oil for about 2 to 3 minutes.

The chili oil can be stored in an air tight container for up to one month.

Fashion: Target's GO INTERNATIONAL five year anniversary line

Calling Budget Fashionistas everywhere! Just yesterday, Target launched its GO INTERNATIONAL five year anniversary line. GO INTERNATIONAL is a 35 piece dress collection with 17 of the designers that have been featured before. The collection includes some of Target's most popular dresses. It's a chance for all of us budget fashionistas to get our hands on designer dresses but with budget prices. Here's the best part, all of the dresses are under $45! With these prices it's easy to stock up on spring dresses. 

Fashion: Tie on a Scarf for Spring 2011

An easy and affordable way to update your wardrobe this spring is to tie on a scarf. Scarves are a great add-on to any simple outfit and can be tied up in many ways. Here is a list of the most popular scarf looks for Spring 2011:

Silk Scarf: Silk scarves are everywhere this season. It's the easiest kind to tie on and the most versatile. Just tie one on over a tee-shirt and you'll look casually-chic. See the model below for inspiration.



Animal Print Scarf: Animal print scarves have been a trend since 2008, and three years later it's still going strong. With so many celebrities having gotten their picture taken wearing an animal print scarf, this trend is no where near being extinct. Just tie one on over a neutral top such as black, gray or white and you'll be ready for Spring 2011. See Jessica Alba below for inspiration.

Fringe Scarf: Fringed scarves were first seen on the runways this past fall and it looks like this trend is continuing on to Spring 2011. Use a fringed scarf as a dramatic touch to an easy outfit. Just remember to keep your other accessories, such as your handbag, simple. See Hillary Duff below for inspiration.

Floral Scarf: There is no better way to add a touch of spring to your wardrobe this season than a floral scarf. Floral scarves add a touch of girliness to any outfit. See the model below for inspiration.

Tie Dye Scarf: A big trend this season is a retro flashback to the 70s. A tie dye scarf adds a jolt of vibrant color to any outfit. Just remember, if you were old enough to do this trend once back in the 70s, then skip it this time around. See Vanessa Hudgens below for inspiration.



Square Scarf: Square scarves are not just a trend but a daily accessory in many countries, such as France. This style has been popular for years and was brought into the fashion spotlight years ago by Hermes. It's big once again for Spring 2011. It's a great way to add a dash of color to any outfit, without adding any bulk. See the model below for inspiration.

No matter what style you choose this Spring, just remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple and just have fun!







Fashion: Spring 2011 Handbag Trends

Spring is just around the corner and although it's still too cold in some parts of the country to start wearing spring clothes, we can all start carrying the handbags of the season.

Satchel: Eva Longoria made this style popular by being seen carrying her satchel around while running errands in Hollywood. The satchel is a great option for an everyday casual bag especially when it's in a bright spring color.

JPK Paris Buckled Nylon Satchel 

Crossbody: Taylor Swift made this style popular when she was photographed with her Ralph Lauren cross body bag. This style is particularly chic when the bag has a long metal chain. Since the cross body bag usually hits everyone right at the hip, opt for colors that blend in easily to your outfit such as white, gray or beige. 

Tory Burch 'Natalya' Washed Sparkle Crossbody Bag

Tote: This style was made popular by many celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Oprah. It's a great option for an everyday work bag, especially in a neutral color such as black. Look for options with some sort of interesting detail, such as pleats or soft cracked leather. 

Coach Leather Alexandra Tote

Food: Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

I had a dessert party last night and these cookies were a big hit! They're a fun alternative to chocolate chip cookies and are particularly nice during the holiday season because of the white and red colors. Since they have an oatmeal base, they're a healthier alternative to chocolate chip cookies. They're also great with a cup of coffee or tea the next morning!

Cranberry and White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/3 cups old fashioned oatmeal
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
2. In a large bowl, beat together the margarine, sugar and egg until smooth. 
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the cinnamon, flour, oatmeal and baking soda.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the liquid ingredients, and then add in cranberries and white chocolate chips. 
5. Form into small balls and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 12 minutes. 
6. Enjoy!