DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: ZUHAIR MURAD

The first time I had ever heard of Zuhair Murad was when I working at MNG by Mango two summers ago. As I browsed all the dresses on the floor, I noticed a few full length gowns that were absolutely stunning. The colors were very flattering with extravagant detailing that I could not take my eyes or hands off the dresses. I looked at the label and he was a featured designer that collaborated with Mango. Since then, he became my favorite designer that I always look up to.

Zuhair Murad is a Lebanese designer with a high reputation in the fashion world. His extensive line includes ready-to-wear, haute couture, and accessories. With his background as a huge influence on his garments, he incorporates culture with luxury where it is reminiscent of Egyptian princesses and Grecian goddesses. Murad is well respected and popular amongst celebrities such as Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Shakira, and Miley Cyrus.

Take a look at Zuhair Murad's Spring/Summer 2011Collection:

                                                          all image sources: http://hotpz.com

I LOVE WHOLE EARTH FESTIVAL

On Friday, I took a break from work to attend the Whole Earth Festival for the very first time and was intrigued by all the wonderful stuff they had there! Organic dresses, to sarongs, handmade jewelry, leather shorts, dolphin flutes, and more! I could not get my hands off of things and forced myself to speed through each booth as I was on a time crunch. The vibe was amazing throughout the quad - sweet smells from the funnel cake booth, friendliness of crowds, and cheerful music flowing into my ears.

I knew the festival was ongoing through the weekend, but I convinced my coworker to go back with me to get feather hair extensions. She was at first skeptical, but once she saw the colors she knew she had to get one. I got it near the front of my hair so I can bring it out or hide it whenever I wanted to. She got hers in the back so it is tucked in. The cost was $25, but worth it because it can last up to 3 months!

I definitely will be back for more. What better way to enjoy the weekend and weather than to attend the festival!

 Sara and her tucked feather extensions

  Me with purple and olive

Dream catcher and red Sarong

DIY : FASHION FRINGE

This DIY tutorial by Michelle Phan and Chriselle teaches you how to create 3 fringe accent pieces for your outfit! My favorite is the fringe earring which has a combination of pearls and chains. The length gives your outfit much more personality, and not to mention, it has an ombre effect! It also gives off an illusion of a colored hair piece, something I've been thinking about doing without actually dyeing my hair. I love the creativity each of these ladies have as they think fashion forward with a budget. If you are looking for a bold statement piece without the high cost, this is something worth trying! 

BEDAZZLING YOUR NAILS

Lots of college girls love to decorate their nails during their free time. There are many types of nail polishes that provide different finishes like matte, pearl, glitter, and metallic. They can be very budget friendly and offer an array of continuous colors. It's amazing what you can paint on your nails since you are limited to just a small amount of space for artwork. Nail art expresses personality and creativity, so it does make a difference to your outfit! Although some polishes are costly, people come up with their own techniques that help them save through experimentation with different colors. Always be daring with your nails, you never know what you might come up with. And remember, practice makes perfect!

all image sources: bodycare.becomegorgeous.com

OMBRE HAIR IS THE NEW TREND

The new ombre hair color is back in style! This color is one of the most popular trends among celebrities this year. It is attained by creating a dark root while the hair gets lighter as you extend downwards. If you have naturally dark hair, you don't have to worry about retouching your roots every so often! It looks great with a "messy" look, tied up, braided... You name it! This look should be very easy to accomplish. I may even try it out for myself! Here are some of my favorite celebrities rocking the locks. Need help on how to dip-dye hair? Check out this site for tips and more!

Rachel Bilson

 image source: www.gallery.becomegorgeous.com

Hilary Duff

 image source: www.glamour.com

Whitney Port 

 image source: www.dailymakeover.com

Raven Symone

image source: www.batchplease.com

Lauren Conrad

image source: www.realbeauty.com

INVISIBLE SHOES BY ANDREIA CHAVES

At this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Anderia Chaves released her first commercial featuring the "Invisible Shoe." It is made entirely by little pieces of mirrors that reflect the ground and environment. This shoe also helps protect the foot while exploring the concept of invisiblity. This Brazillian designer pushes the limits of imagination by using new materials to achieve such special effects.

image source: http://www.fashionstyleme.com

Check out more amazing shoes by Chaves here!

LAUREN CONRAD'S SPRING 2011 LOOKBOOK

Lauren Conrad's lookbook is now available! Check out her new spring clothes where you can purchase them at Kohl's for around $60 or under. This is great for students or anyone shopping on a budget looking for cute and stylish clothing. Conrad's collection includes lots of ruffles, pastel, floral prints, and dresses that has a very feminine touch!

all image source: http://laurenconraddaily.blogspot.com/

LADY GAGA ARRIVES IN AN EGG AT GRAMMYS

Here's another one of Lady Gaga's surprise, as she promised for her fans. As everyone was expecting her to arrive in an outrageous outfit, she showed up being carried by four men in a giant egg. This probably had ties to her newly released single, "Born This Way". I wonder how she was able to breathe in that egg!

YOUR FAVORITE MAKE UP: BACKSTAGE

Ever wonder who the creator and founder of your favorite make up brands were? Well here's a little insight to the history of these brands:

Nars

image source: http://lacedivory.onsugar.com

Founded in 1994 by Francois Nars, a make up artist and photographer from France. He first developed this collection made up of 12 lipsticks sold in Barney's New York. From then on, his collection went global.

Too Faced

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1998 by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. While working behind Sak's counter, Jerrod wanted to develop a line that included creativity and unique colors. Today, Too Faced is recognized world wide.

Benefit Cosmetics

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded by Jean, Jane, Maggie, and Annie, also known as the "Fab Four." They are well known for their whimsical product names and feel-good philosophy.

Smashbox

image source: http://www.sephora.com

Founded in 1991 by brother Dean and David Factor. This is the most popular brand amongst celebrities, models, and photographers.

HOW TO CUT A FRINGE

I've always had side bangs for a good couple of years now. Since it grew out and needed something a little different than before, I decided to cut straight bangs myself. I gave it lots of thought and became hesitant for a while, probably because I did not want it to end up in a disaster. Cutting it too short or making one mistake may ruin the look I want to achieve. As I picked up my scissors, I got so nervous that my hands were shaking! But nevertheless, it ended up better than I thought.

DIY tips and guidelines on how to cut a fringe:

• Gather images of all the types of fringe styles you want to achieve
• Make sure you have the proper materials like a rat tail comb and hair scissors
• Grab only a small portion of the hair in the crown area
• Damp that section of your hair and comb it well
  
• Don't grab too much hair, start with a small amount
• When cutting, always leave the two sides slightly longer than the center hairs
• Dust all the trimmed hair from face and blow dry to style!
  

Here are my inspirational fringes and a youtube video that helped me tremendously:


image source: http://lovekardashian.tumblr.com/ & http://poponthepop.com



Outcome:

VOGUE KOREA JANUARY 2011

This month's Vogue Korea features Lee Hyun Yi, wrapped in warm clothing and rockin' a modern sleek hairstyle in "The Windy City", photographed by Hong Jang Hyun.

all images source: www.glamcheck.com

HOT COLOR TRENDS FOR SPRING 2011

While we have seen lots of pastel colors for spring 2010, expect more vibrant and lively colors that are meant to keep us in uplifted spirits during difficult economic times.

Honeysuckle: Pantone voted Honeysuckle as the color of the year. This type of pink has a sort of reddish and vibrant hue that represents courageousness and confidence. Neutral tones love to get paired up with this energetic color!

Earth Tones: I personally love Earth tones and am glad to see them on the runway! These colors range from camel to rose dust, thus adding a natural and soothing feeling.




Yellow: Ranging from pale gold to mustard, this color has made it onto this year's trend. Although yellow has always been a difficult color to pull off, people are willing to experience the breathtaking effects of all the different shades it has to offer!

Image source: http://www.refinery29.com/