Summer, Summer, Summertime: Resort Collections Part One

With the hot, hazy days of summer the last thing you want to be wearing are jeans, jeggings or formfitting anything. Instead, it is always best to opt for something more fluid, loose and bright with perhaps an embellishment here or there.

Although resort collections are typically for the annual winter vacation, I can't help but admire them come summer time. I just love the lightness and colour of it, and the way it makes you feel as if you are sunbathing on Lake Como when you are really just in your backyard.

Behold my favourite looks from Resort 2011: 

Chanel, Chanel, Chanel. How can you not love Chanel? With its classic yet edgy take on everything, one cannot help but admire its beauty. These three looks are excellent for some fun in the sun.

The first look uses the always classic, all-American gingham which is just oh so cute! Bikinis with ruffles are a great way to add some swing to your beach lounging and what is a bikini without some accessorizing? If you plan on wearing jewelry to the beach such as this long necklace or perhaps some gold bangles,  I highly suggest you wear cheap jewelry to avoid ruining or losing a more expensive piece. I also recommend coating your jewelry in clear nail polish to help prevent rusting.

Look number two is classic, chic and cute all over! No Chanel look is complete without a chain strap bag and bow detail on a blouse. It appears that this geometric print jacket is a new alternative to the typical beach cover up. If you have a lightweight blazer, why not try wearing it over your bikini when you want to take break from the water.

Look number three is the way to wear to black in the summer, lightweight with a hint of sparkle. Halter-style maxi dresses are my fave and make everything in the summer seem so easy breezy. Perfect for afternoon cocktails and rooftop parties.

I hope I provided you with some midsummer fashion inspiration. Until next time!

Enjoy!

Amanda

Sale! Sale! Sale!: Vivienne Tam Style

We all love a sample sale don't we? Well if you are in Manhattan this Wednesday you are in luck!

Head over to 260 West 39th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue on July 14th at 9am and you will find yourself in the middle of a Vivienne Tam Sample Sale showcasing the 2010 Spring line. Even better, if you spend $200 or more you will receive a FREE butterfly printed scarf.

Don't you just love being given something after you have treated yourself? This will be an excellent opportunity to add to your summer wardrobe!

Enjoy!


Amanda

Tribal Back Tattoos - Something For Everyone

Choosing to get a tattoo is one of the most important - and highly personal - decisions you will make. You will have to choose a design, a position, a color, a studio, an artist, and maybe even make more decisions than that. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry, because there's one design that's sure to give you some great ideas: tribal back tattoos.

If you're a man, you know that tribal tattoos are very popular. You probably have friends who have tattooed armbands that are made up of intricate line patterns or other symbols. Even if no one you know personally has a tattoo, you've definitely seen them on television and in movies. But have you ever thought about getting a tribal tattoo on your back?

Don't think that back tattoos are just for the ladies. Many men choose to get tattoos on their back, for a variety of reasons. One of these is that your back is a large space that is relatively consistent in terms of skin. This makes it a particularly convenient place to get a tattoo, because your artist has more space to work with and a more uniform canvas. Choosing a back tattoo means you'll end up saving money.

Tribal tattoos look great on the back because they are versatile designs. For example, a tribal tatoo could be a large sun with flames - a design that would look great in the center of your back. A Celtic knot would also look good here. If you want to get a tattoo across the shoulders, you could choose a design that is more linear. Obviously, you have lots of choices.

But tribal tattoos aren't just for the boys! Lots of women are starting to choose tribal designs when they get tattoos. The versatility of this particular design is one reason for its increasing popularity. If you have a particular ethnic heritage you're proud of, you can undoubtedly find a symbol that will look great as a tattoo.

Back tattoos are especially popular with women because they are extremely sexy. Many men are already attracted to the back, and a tribal tattoo can be a great way of drawing attention to your sexy curves and alluring figure. Back tattoos are also good because you can hide them if you need to - just make sure to wear a shirt that covers it completely.

Another consideration to keep in mind when you're looking for tribal tattoo designs is cost. Both the size and position of your tattoo determine how expensive it will be. If you get a tattoo on your back, you'll probably pay less than for other places, because it is a relatively easy place for artists to access. Also, if you choose color instead of monochrome, expect to pay a little more.

Tribal back tattoos are a great tattoo design choice because they're so versatile. No matter if you're a man or a woman, if you want color or monochrome, or if you want a big or small tattoo, tribal designs are sure to give you exactly what you want.

Swallow Hip Tattoos

The swallow is a stunningly gorgeous bird which is often seen gracing the hips of women, in the form of matching or stand alone tattoos.

Along with the anchor, swallow bird tattoos are a classic design that was first popularized by sailors, and legend has it that if he or she drowned, the swallows would lift their soul to heaven.

These beautiful birds are also believed to represent freedom, wealth and prosperity.

Rather large matching tattoo designs on each hip.

Small art idea on back left hip area.

Cute closeup ink picture.

Beautiful swooping artwork.

In the T. Dot: Frugal Fashion Week Gets Beautified

It has only been a year since Gillian Downes has launched Frugal Fashion Week and what a whirlwind it has been! After holding successful events such as, Frugal Fashion Week's shop crawl in several fashionable areas in Toronto and many fashion shows at trendy West Queen West's, Nyood Bar, Frugal Fashion Week is making its way to the world of beauty. This will not be a stretch for Downes who once ran the successful skincare line, B. Skin.

On Thursday, July 22, 2010, Frugal Fashion Week will be hosting a beauty boutique at Kiehl's Uptown, located at 2518 Yonge Street to launch Frugal Fashion Week 2010! Expect to experience the relaxing feeling of mini-facials, make-over/make-unders and hairstyle stations, all through the help of Kiehl's beauty experts. Now this is the right place to get your look ready for Frugal Fashion Week.

No kickoff event would be complete without a gift bag of course, so make sure to pick up yours and enjoy the decadent goodness of cupcakes, Teatinis from Queen Street's own, David's Tea and enjoying some happening music!

The event is from 7pm to 10pm and tickets are $10. If you would like to secure your ticket visit, www.frugalfashioweek.com and fast because they are sure to go soon! As always, proceeds for the event will go to benefit Windfall, a charity that helps those in basic need. You give a little, you get a little. For more about them, click here! 

Enjoy!

Amanda

Photo of the Day!

Being in New York it is hard not to be inspired by every person you see walking down the street. Everyone is just so stylish. I have seen a fair amount of maxi dresses in all sorts of prints, purples and blues, fabulous bejewelled sandals and incredible shades. 

With all the stylish people strutting the sidewalk, which should really be called the catwalk, I decided to photograph the stylish lady in the above photograph. Always very fashionable, she usually sports looks from J. Crew and Top Shop while always putting her own spin on it. 

Kudos to you, girl!

Amanda

Arm Tattoos For Men - Tribal, Armband, Skull and More Tattoo Design Tips

The arm tattoos for men seem to be an expression of our tough and rough side. For us guys, we would love to think that the ladies find it sexy and charming. As you may have noticed, the tats in the arms are easily seen as compared to other body parts. You can find a lot of men with body arts on their upper arm and arm sleeves. The designs also vary like tribal, skulls, and many others.

Arm tats are timeless and even though a lot of men are into back and chest tattoos, arm bands are always trendy. Whether you have a conservative or rebellious personality, this is a great addition to your physical features. Here are great design tips for your arm tattoos:

1. Flames
2. Fire-breathing dragons
3. Tribal designs
4. Skulls
5. Scorpions

More and more people are now willing to experiment on tats. Getting a tattoo is really easy. If you want, you can use the internet to locate body art shops in your area. Find a safe and reputed body ink artist in your area. The artist can provide you with great tips on the right designs. Always consider your personality when choosing the appropriate design. If you're funky or sporty, you can experiment on the most suitable body inks.

Price is another consideration when getting a tat. The quality body ink artists usually charge a reasonable price and this will depend on the area where you want the tat to be. For the arm tattoos for men, the charge is usually lower as compared to the chest or back tats. You can shop around for the best deals but here's a tip - never sacrifice quality with a low price.

The designs mentioned earlier as only some of the most poplar. There are still many other designs in the market that you can choose from like angels, heart, fairy, dolphin, nautical star, tiger, koi fish, and many others.

Men should spend some time in looking for the perfect arm tat that will suit their personality. Thanks to the internet, looking for the perfect body art is really easy. Conduct your search online by using any of the major search engines to find the arm tattoos for men. There are many websites on body arts that you can visit. This is your chance to find the best arm tattoos in the market. Go ahead and find a reputed body artist. If you can find one in your local area the better since you don't have to go someplace else.