5-a-days! - Summer Trends - Floppy Hats!

Summer Trend of 2011 #3: Floppy Hats!

Summer is the perfect time to break out the big, floppy hats! Whether you're going to the beach, laying by the pool or just enjoying the day in the city, you can throw this on to complete the perfect summer outfit. Not only is it a great accessory, but it also helps shield your eyes from UV rays! Floppy hats are coming out more and more at stores everywhere. They are the perfect beach accessory!

Classic Hat!

Floppy Hat w/ Leatherette Trim

Forever 21

$12.80

This is the typical big, floppy basketweave hat that people think of when they hear those words. Instead of being plain, this one dresses it up with a leatherette chin strap and bead detailing. Simple and a staple version if you want one in your closet.

Blue Hat!

AE Ombre Floppy Beach Hat

American Eagle

$19.50

If you don't one the typical classic hat, you can opt for this blue ombre one from American Eagle! It features a braided bow tie across the brim. The color is a very modern update of the classic.

 

Black Hat!

Shady Straw Hat

Nasty Gal

$28

Black is also a popular color for the big hats! This is a simple black one with a little bow detailing on the brim. The brim is also extra wide, so if you want a hat that is extra floppy, this is perfect. Plus, black goes with everything!

Bow Hat!

Nordstrom 'Side Bow - Large' Floppy Straw Hat

Nordstrom

$48

This hat has an adorable large side bow! Very retro and cute. It also comes in white, red and natural. This is a nice hat if you want something with more of an accent with the bow.

Splurge Hat!

Brixton Alana Hat

Urban Outfitters

$68

This hat is super cute! It comes in brown and features a grosgrain band and a brass button. I just love how chic and fashionable it looks. It is definitely worth the price, but if you're on a budget, you can definitely just find a piece of fabric and sew it on with a button.

Tips!

-If floppy hats aren't your style, you can try a fedora! They are also in style and although I personally don't like the majority of them, I have seen some cute exceptions!
-Hats go with everything! Whether you're wearing a swimnsuit or a dress, hanging around town in a casual outfit or going to a party, finding the perfect will compliment the outfit nicely!

If you have something to recommend that I do, please leave it in a comment and I'll get to it!
xxxjohnny.

5-a-days! - Summer Trends - Sunglasses!

Summer Trend of 2011 #2: Sunglasses

This is not necessarily a trend because it's popular all the time, but during the summer, it's extra important to have a nice pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun! Many people will be out driving, going to the beach, walking around in the city and doing other things outdoors, which means your eyes will be exposed constantly. Having a good pair of sunglasses will shield your eyes from all the harmful rays so that you will stay healthy, not to mention all the different patterns and styles of glasses will certainly make it a stylish accessory.
 
Classic Wayferer!

RB2140 Original Wayfarer
Ray-Ban
$145


This is probably the most famous type of sunglasses, known as the wayferer. Although there are many cheaper alternatives, nothing will beat the original Ray-Ban one, which started the trend. Although this style has been around for a long time, it has become popular a few years ago. Now, you can find them in all kinds of crazy colors and patterns, as well as in non-sunglasses form (Forever 21, American Eagle, Urban Outfitters). The price might be a little steep, but you can expect quality and longevity.


Classic Aviators!

Fossil Sunglasses, Ashley Aviator
Macy's
$29.99


Another classic is the aviator. The original is by Ray-Ban, but I found this cheap alternative by Fossil. These sunglasses are more masculine looking and will definitely work if you want a tough look. It is classic and simple.


Fun Sunnies!

Sweetheart Sunnies
Fred Flare
$14

These are a super adorable pair of sunglasses in the shape of a heart. You can throw these on with any kind of simple casual outfit for fun when you go out into the city. They are silly and simple, but still stylish. Heart shaped sunnies have been seen of multiple celebrities, so if you think it's weird, you definitely are wrong. They come in many colors and are just playful.

Edgy Sunglasses!

Linda Farrow Projects Jeremy Scott Cross Sunglasses

ASOS
$329.26

As Gaga said, "Jesus is the new black," and truer words were never spoken. Religious imagery, most notably crosses, are becoming more and more prominent in fashion, from rings and necklaces to shirts and as you can see, sunglasses. These are certainly not your average everyday sunglasses, but for the certain people who are not afraid to step outside of the box and be edgy and high fashion, this is perfect. This can be paired with an urban look or something gothic. You can also pair this with a retro-inspired outfit, using bright neon colors to create an unexpectedly compatible outfit.

Splurge Glasses!

Cacharel Cutler & Gross Circular Lens Sunglasses
Opening Ceremony
$525

This pair is PERFECT for summer! The circular lens are very a la John Lennon and the color is the perfect coral/orange citrusy color for the season. It is very feminine and chic.

Tips!
-You can find sunglasses virtually anywhere! Forever 21 especially has a lot of cheap sunglasses that are also cute, but know that investing in a nice pair will go a long way.
-Different forms of glasses fit different structures of faces differently. Find the one that is best suited for you! Don't be afraid of trying them on in stores.
-Sunglasses are a must-have. They are necessary to shield your eyes from all the harmful rays from the sun. Any protection is better than no protection.
-Add your own touch to your sunglasses! Sometimes the perfect pair for you is one that you have to make. Just find a cheap pair of sunglasses and add things to it, such as chains and embellishments. You can dress a simple pair into a high fashion lookalike.

If you have something to recommend that I do, please leave it in a comment and I'll get to it!
xxxjohnny.

5-a-days! - Summer Trends - Maxi Dresses!

Summer Trend of 2011 #1: Maxi Dresses

Since the last thing I started when I stopped updating were summer trends and that it's summer again, I felt like that would be a great place to start. The first trend of the summer I'm doing is maxi dresses! This trend transitioned over from spring and has gradually picked up over the last couple of years. Now, many girls are opting for maxi dresses over minis. They are a great look for almost every occasion and is versatile for whatever weather it is. There's also less to worry about with maxi dresses unlike minis, and it's very easy to just throw on a stylish one when you don't feel like putting much energy into an outfit. There are countless numbers of colors, prints, variations and versions of the maxi dress, so you're sure to find one that you like. I think everyone should have at least one in their closet!

Inexpensive Maxi!

Bali Maxi Dress

Forever 21

$24.80

This is a nice, simple, strapless maxi dress from Forever 21 with a cute coral floral design with bits of blue in it. Includes an elastic bust and a self-tie waist, along with a sham ruffle. The pattern is very summer-y and it's an overall standard dress.

Vintage Maxi!

Pottery Performance Dress

Modcloth

$89.99

This one is a bit more pricy, but I absolutely LOVE it. If you are into vintage/retro, this is definitely the maxi dress for you. It is a brown dress with adorable pink-red rose pattern on it. It's very simple and elegant. I also love how one side of the dress has drawstrings that you can tie together into a bow. Besides that, the dress is pretty standard and could be worn at formal or informal events.

Boho Chic Maxi!

Strapless Flower Print Maxi Dress

AX Paris

$38.50

This is another cute, floral (that seems to be the trend of this post), strapless maxi from AX Paris. It is a cream dress with large rose prints on it. The dress features elastic with stitching on it above and below the bust. This is a casual dress that you can wear hanging out with friends or going out to a restaurant.

Unique Maxi!

Wildfox Couture Antoinette Maxi Dress

Urban Outfitters

$129.99

This is a different kind of maxi dress than the previous three. It's cream-colored with a graphic of a bull skull, feathers, and an eagle along with various shapes in different colors. It also has a crew neckline. If you don't want a traditional maxi dress or one with flowers, stripes, and all those patterns on it, this is a cute alternative. This can be worn to a music festival, out with friends or on a casual day.

Splurge Maxi!

Alexander McQueen Iris-print silk-chiffon gown

Net-A-Porter

£2,838.30 ($4,656.09)

I LOVE anythin Alexander McQueen. He was a fashion genious and my icon. That man could take anything and make it high fashion. This is a silk chiffon, sheer sleveless gown that has subtle prints of irises, and features a sweetheart neckline. This gown would be perfect for any professional events.

 

Tips!

-Of course, this is only a miniscule amount of all the different types of maxi dresses out there. If none of these are appealing to you, just go searching around in stores or online, and you'll be sure to find one you like.

-If you think they're pricy, try to find some on sales or discount sites. Also, solid color dresses tend to be a little cheaper than the ones with prints on them.

-Maxi dresses were made for taller women, but if you're shorter, you can get it hemmed and make sure you choose a dress that will flatter your height, instead of making you appear even shorter.

-Shoes are important. Wedges and heels will definitely help with height, but sandals will work and would definitely help those that are taller. Personally, I love sandals, gladiators, wedges and heels. I don't think boots, ballet flats or flip flops would be as good.

-Make it fit your style! Accessories like jewelry, belts, and hats will definitely help make the dress your own style. You can also throw on a cardigan and still make it look fashionable. Be you!

If you have something to recommend that I do, please leave it in a comment and I'll get to it!

xxxjohnny.

Well...

Surprise~
It's been a while since I've updated this blog. I apologize to anyone who read it regularly, but I always tend to stop blogging after a while. I don't really know if there's even anyone out there who is reading this, but according to my stats, apparently, a lot of random people do. I'm kind of tempted to start re-blogging on here, but I haven't quite made a final decision yet, seeing as how I'm currently on vacation in Asia. Howeverrrrr, I do have a dillema.

I'm about to start college in the fall and I need a comforter set for my bed! I haven't chosen one yet, but I do have a few possibilities so far.

1. Tommy Hilfiger All American Red

2. City Scene Bamboo Black

3. Tommy Hilfiger Colton Point

Those are just a couple of the choices. Tell me what you guys think! Any comments would be super helpful because I plan on purchasing a set as quickly as I can.

xxxjohnny.