Smart shopping

I know that many people are enticed by companies like forever21 that offer low prices on trendy pieces. Just the other day in fact, I visited forever21 in search of a fabulous bright colored jacket at a low price. I found my jacket. It was super cute, 35$ and not returnable (I always feel like this says something about how the store views their merchandise)...

 After I bought the jacket I decided to hit Macys for some new lipgloss.  While I was walking through toward the Lancome counter I spotted no less than three jackets that were almost identical to the one I had just purchased. Of course I had to check them out.  None of these jackets had an original retail price of 35$ or less but they were all on sale for 35-40$...And given their higher quality feel, and the return policy of the store I knew that they were  a much better value for my money. I immediately felt like I had not done my due diligence as the great shopper I consider myself to be. Shame on me.

Two of the higher quality jackets I could have had if I had been a better shopper....

A INC Jacket (I think this particular brand is an excellent value for your money. They make high quality clothing that lasts really well)...regularly $99.50, on sale for $37.00

or, this Alfani blazer, origionaly $79.00 on clearance for 80% off

I know we all have our thing, and if you are reading my blog then fashion and shopping are some of your things... BE SMART SHOPPERS! Always search out the best deal...it's so rewarding.

Minimal accessories....

Like it or don't but we are moving toward simplicity with jewelry. Here are some great examples of how you can rock the current trend.

Rock some Statement Earrings...

Rock one chunky necklace ...and try wearing very small earrings with it...

Wear bangles or a cuff...exclusively....

The Key this spring is to mix and match fabulous pops of color and to do it in a perfectly simple way.  Good luck fashionistas!

TOP TEN SPRING MUST HAVES

 Accessories... a super easy way to change up an outfit you already own

1. Cat Eye Sunglasses- I LOVE this trend.  It is subtly bold.

2. Big Watches

3.Minimalist approach to accessories...Pick one piece and rock it.  Gone are the days of piling on every accessorie in your box of jewels all at once.

Shoes...
4. Platforms with cut-outs!

Hair...

The first rule of hair is that you should rock what looks good on you. Don't try to wear a style that doesn't flatter your coloring or face shape....

5. Short and sassy

6. Long Sexy Natural Hair
Color...

Colors:

7.Chartruce, neon, black and white,gold...

Bottoms:
8. High waisted shorts, skirts or pants

9.Colored or patterned jeans

Finally,

10. peakabo clothing

How to rock patterned jeans

Patterned Jeans are the thing to own this Spring!  Here are a couple of tips for making this trend work for you...

First, be aware of your shape and choose patterns that compliment your figure.  For example: darker jeans are going to make you look thinner. This is always true whether the jeans are patterned or not.  Also always true, smaller patterns are going to make you look smaller too.  Final tip, monochromatic patterns will also tend to be more flattering. If you have a boyish figure and are pretty small then you can probably get away with most patterned pants and you don't need to spend a ton of time assessing. If you are like most of us though, you will have to be aware of what works for you and stay away from things that don't flatter.

These striped jeans are super fun but the large pattern and (stripes eeek) will only flatter someone who is quite small.  If you are not a size 6 or less- skip this look.

This pattern is a great choice for ANY size because they are monochromatic color schemes and small patterns.  They don't draw unwanted attention to the wobbily bits that we all try to hide...

I really cant help but post some of my faves...

Ombre...

This fantabulous look is everywhere this season.

And I am LOVING it!  I have heard people saying that it is on the way out but for west-coasters it is going to stick around for a while, so give it a try.  It is very low maintenance and it looks great with beachy waves!

Ombre is such a form of art.  The way it turns out will completely depend on your stylist and how descriptive you are about what you want.  Bringing some pictures of Ombre that you like is key.  Talk to your stylist about what you do and do not like in each picture. Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and use common descriptive terms that your stylist is likely to understand.

SJP is rocking the WHISPER...

Rachel Bilson's Ombre SPEAKS to me...

This Ombre is SHOUTING look at my fabulous doo!

MY FAVORITE SPRING TREND!

As many of you know I am a hairstylist and a designer- And I love being in on the most recent trends and figuring out creative ways to rock them.

There is so much fabulous color going on right now (and believe me, I LOVE it!) that I am feeling a serious tendency toward black and white tops.  Classic and stunning, these colors are the perfect compliment to those bright skinny jeans you are currently rocking!

Why Buy for a Cause?

                              We live in a world that is driven by consumerism....

A world where technology allows us to see the struggle of people all around the world via internet and television. Fair trade and cause-worthy purchasing is an awesome way for us, as consumers to change the world by making each purchase count toward something bigger.

                              Why not use your consuming power to change a life?...

                      Here are a few ethical, cause-worthy purchases that I think are fabulous... and who have made it big with Cause Marketing....


                                                 Check Out Tom's Shoes and Eyewear...

                                                         And Krochet Kids...

New Partners for 31EIGHT!

I started 31eight a year ago with Boaz Crawford.  We put our first line of T-shirts out this last September. Our goal is to help provide hope to those people around us who are lost in the hopeless situations of this world. This first year we are focusing on supporting non-profits like compassion2one and the Tronie Foundation who help people who are caught up in, and enslaved by human trafficking. The T-shirts are beautiful and we are very excited to have made a product that so many of you have chosen to support! Thank you.

 As we move forward and continue to grow we are very happy to announce our partnership with two other charitable companies who are also working to help bring hope to those less fortunate.  First, we are joining forces with Crux Watches.  If you haven't checked out this company do it now! This amazing company gives 10% of their profits to help support various social causes.
                                                     
                                     

Secondly, we are joining forces with Maebeads. Their founder Leila Carras is a local artist who makes hand blown, all american glass, beads and pendants.  She is highly acclaimed and has had her art featured in museums in New York City. She will be featuring her hand blown glass hearts on 31eight's site,  donating a portion of each sale to help end human trafficking.

Please join us in welcoming these new partners!

New Cause-Worthy Purchase by 31Eight

Let us know what you think!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qswo2u2grpvq9rd/31Eight-LineSheet2012-13-003.pdf