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With jewelry being as important to me as the clothing I choose to wear, I get so excited when a truly awesome jewelry collection sets the bar high for other designers to live up to. New York based designer, Pamela Love, creates pieces rich in spirit that seem to tell a story of another time.
With pieces that seem to be insipired by both futuristic cities and by imagery of the occult, Love's line is pure visual storytelling. The enigmatic nature of this collection captures your attention and allows you to imagine the magical place from which these items originated. Whether they conjure up the Southwestern desert or the waters of Atlantis, the light of heaven or the darkness of hell, the end result is pure genius. Now one of the most covetable jewelry lines out there, Love's work is being rightly celebrated.
With chunks of crystals and armloads of brass, these linear bangles and earrings are some of my favorite pieces. Almost like a favorite talisman from a roadside bazaar, these high end versions of timeless classics exercise a remarkable and powerful influence over me and evoke a deep sense of magic.
Jillian Clare is a hot-rising 17-year-old actress most recognized from her award-winning performance as Abby Deveraux on NBC's Days of Our Lives. She is currently leading the cast of a web series and social network called Miss Behave, set to premiere in June, about real teens with everyday issues.
Not only is she an actress, she is a LuLu*s fasionista as well! Whether she is on the red carpet, filming, or out and about around town, Jillian is always spotted wearing designs from Lulus.com.
In the picture at left, Jillian looked fabulous on the red carpet wearing our Always Have Paris Dress at the Multicultural Harmony Benefit Gala on March 13. Below, Jillian is workin' it in a stylish outfit paired with the Sun City Handbag by Melie Bianco.
Below is a photo from Day 1 of filming Miss Behave
We were lucky enough to interview Jillian Clare to find out about her style, career and inspiration.
What is your favorite thing about Lulus.com clothes and accessories?
I love being able to go onto LuLu's and choose an entire outfit! Plus, with LuLu's, I know that I can trust the fabric, the sizes and the overall quality of the pieces.
Do you have a favorite item on Lulus.com?
I recently went on the site and fell in love with the Jeffrey Campbell Buckles Leather Hardware Heel! They're pretty incredible! I'm also completely in love with the Black Eyed Pea Minidress. I might just have to order those! =)
How were you introduced to Lulus.com?
I found out about LuLu*s through my new web series, Miss Behave. All the girls' wardrobes were provided by Lulus.com! Let's just say when it came time to take off my wardrobe, I was very reluctant. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to wear those outfits outside of the show!
How would you describe your style in regards to hair, make-up and clothes? Is there any particular decade that you draw inspiration from?
I'm constantly changing how I do my eye make-up. One day, I'll go all out with smokey eyes and black eye shadow and lots of liner, and the next, it'll be very simple light eye shadow and just a little mascara. I'm also really into anything vintage and try to find pieces from the 40's and 50's that I can modernize a little.
What are some wardrobe basics that you can't live without?
My leather jacket! I wear it everywhere. It's become a huge staple in my wardrobe. I've also fallen into the white v-neck and black skinny jeans trend. It's simple and always looks good!
What fashion trends have you seen recently that you love?
The 2 finger rings! It's such a cool concept and they look incredible! Instead of wearing multiple rings and having it look a bit over the top, you can just wear your 2 finger ring! It's a statement without being too much. I also love all the ruffle collars I've been seeing; very girly and fun!
What is one fashion item you splurge on when it comes to completing your look?
My heels! I'm obsessed when it comes to shoes, especially my heels. I went through my closet and counted how many I had one day and lets just say it ran upward of 80 pairs!
How did you get into acting?
Believe it or not, my singing is what got me into acting! When I was 6 years old, I put on a 12-song show all by myself at the local state and county fairs in Washington state. After one of my performances, a talent scout had asked my parents and I if I had ever tried acting, which hadn't even crossed our minds. My parents signed me up for an acting class and I fell in love with it! I still sing but acting has taken over my life! I really can't imagine doing anything else.
Has being an actress and being in the spotlight made you more aware of clothes that flatter your body?
Absolutely! With all the fittings you have to do when you book a job, it becomes clear what your body can and can't pull off. For instance, I know that most jumpers won't look good on me because of my height and I know that strapless dresses look great because of my shoulders. (They're not too boney and they're not boxy looking.) I think you just have to experiment to truly know how your body handles certain pieces. Not all clothes are gonna look good on you, unless you're Marilyn Monroe, of course.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the fact that I get to go to work and not really feel like I'm working, because I'm truly doing what I love! I love getting in the mindset of someone completely different than me and be able to express how they feel and let that character take over. It's such an exhilarating process.
How has your style changed throughout your career?
Well, since I've grown up in the business, as I mature, so does my fashion sense. I'm getting into the phase of wearing things that can really show off my body while still being really classy.
Are there any celebrities that you draw fashion inspiration from? Who is your biggest fashion influence currently?
I love Sienna Miller's style. I read an interview once where she was asked how she chose this certain dress she wore to an event, and she said she just found it in her closet and threw it on. She pulls off that "I don't really care" look while still looking incredible. She also tends to wear dark colors and that's definitely something I lean towards also. Kim Kardashian is a huge influence lately. I love how she combines sexy and sophisticated!
Who are your favorite designers?
I've always loved Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs! I've also recently become a fan of Zac Posen!
What is a fashion must-have for Spring and Summer?
Your classic short shorts. I've noticed that's a huge must-have on all the hot must-haves lists that have come out lately!
Did you know that the average prom night costs over $1,000? These days, most families can't afford to spend as lavishly as they used to. So without further ado, here are 49 ways to be a frugal fashionista on prom night.
GENERAL TIPS
1. Buy your prom dress (and shoes, and jewelry, and accessories) from LuLus.com, of course! Cute clothes, reasonable prices and free shipping over $75.
2. Plan everything well in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to feel desperate and buy something too expensive.
3. As early as you can, start hoarding your allowance (or income from a part-time job) so you can afford to splurge when the big event rolls around.
4. Always compare prices. Call around to at least 5 different shops before choosing a florist, tuxedo shop, limo service, etc.
5. When in doubt, DIY. Why spend countless hours searching for something perfect AND affordable, when you can probably make it yourself?
6. Keep a level head. Movies make it seem like prom is the most important night of your life. But in a few years, you'll probably wonder why you got so worked up.
DRESS & ACCESSORIES
1. Raid your best friend's closet! No one will know that she wore the dress to a previous event; and even if they know, why would they care?
2. Dust off that bridesmaid's dress and give it another whirl. If you don't have one, chances are you know someone who does.
3. Go bargain hunting at your local thrift stores and consignment shops. In addition to being affordable, you can almost guarantee your look will be unique.
4. Go bargain hunting online! You can find ridiculous deals on beautiful gowns and shoes on websites like eBay or Craigslist.
5. Look for a shop that specializes in renting formal gowns, or check to see if your local bridal shops offer rentals.
6. Choose your own fabrics and design, and make your dress from scratch; if you're not handy with a sewing machine, enlist the help of a friend, relative or affordable seamstress.
7. Check to see if an organization like Donate My Dress exists in your area; these non-profit groups provide free prom dresses to low-income teens.
8. Look for a local prom dress exchange event; if you can't find one, take the initiative and organize one for your community!
9. See if you can borrow your mother's (or grandmother's) vintage jewelry and handbags.
10. Head down to the bead store and make your own jewelry. If you've never tried it before, you may be surprised how it easy it is.
HAIR & MAKEUP
1. Almost everyone knows one friend or relative whose hair and makeup always look fabulous; enlist their help on your big day, and thank them with a lunch or a return favor.
2. Hit up the local beauty school for bargain priced hair styling and nails.
3. Schedule an appointment at one of the beauty counters at your local mall. Buy the lipstick so you'll be able to touch up throughout the night.
4. Plan a Mary K or Avon party at your house the afternoon before the prom, and invite all your friends over for free makeovers.
5. Host a manicure/pedicure party at your house; it's easier (and much more fun) when everyone helps each other!
6. Search YouTube for hair and makeup tutorials. Practice, practice, practice!
7. Don't spend a small fortune on tanning sessions; grab some self-tanning lotion at your local drugstore and fake the bake at home.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Have your heart set on a stretch limousine? You'll save money -- and probably have way more fun -- if you split the cost with other couples.
2. If you live in a big city, consider downgrading to a chic, chauffeured but more affordable Lincoln Town Car.
3. Make an appointment for a cab. But shop around beforehand, or you never know what might show up at your door.
4. Really don't want to drive? Ask a responsible older friend (or non-embarrassing relative) to chauffeur you for the night.
5. There's no law against driving your own car to prom. Just make sure it's clean. Look for coupons to your local car wash, or just bust out the hose and the vacuum.
DINING
1. Cook a romantic dinner for two. It's less expensive than a fancy restaurant and sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
2. Invite a few couples over and make your own restaurant. Ask mom and dad to cook and serve. Set up a few small tables, add candles and soft music, and enjoy!
3. Eat a hearty meal before you go out, but splurge on a fancy dessert in a restaurant -- especially if you usually say no to dessert. Prom Night's a perfect excuse to indulge.
4. If you choose to eat a restaurant, don't go in blind. Look at menus beforehand so you'll know which eatery has the food you want at the price you can afford.
5. Imagine walking into your local fast food joint wearing tuxedos and ball gowns. If this sounds like hilarious fun, why not do it? It'll make a great story some day.
FLOWERS
1. Get a price quote from at least 5 different florists before committing to a purchase. Bonus points for price-checking 10.
2. Choose less expensive flowers. Carnations are a traditional choice because they're cheap and easy to dye in various colors.
3. Skip the fancy florist and head to the grocery store. The selection is usually smaller, but you're sure to find something you like. They are flowers, after all.
4. Don't go overboard with a massive bouquet. A few tasteful flowers will suffice, and it won't weigh heavy on your arm all night.
5. Get crafty! Make your own corsage and boutonnière using a few inexpensive materials from a craft store and flowers from the grocery store.
6. Take advantage of your region's natural beauty. Pick some gorgeous wildflowers, or ask your neighbors for donations from their gardens.
PHOTOS
1. Let's be honest; a lot of those professional prom photos look awful. Ask an artistic friend or relative to take pictures before prom, and forgo the expensive train wreck.
2. Don't have a talented photographer in your social circle? Trying recruiting a photography student from the local university.
3. If your photographer uses traditional film, ask if you can buy the negatives and have them printed yourself.
4. If you photographer uses a digital camera, ask if you can buy the files and print your photos at home.
5. This may sound crazy, but consider (gasp!) not taking pictures at all. Just put the cameras aside, get on the dance floor and enjoy your big night to the fullest!
POST-PROM PARTYING
1. If you live in a medium to large city, just take a stroll downtown. You may find live music and street performers, or just some great conversation and people-watching.
2. Find a safe, suitable outdoor space and organize an evening picnic for two. All you need is finger foods, a warm blanket and a sky full of stars.
3. Grab 10 of your closest friends and head to the nearest beach or lake for an old-fashioned bonfire and barbecue.
4. Not every prom night has to be romantic. Why not throw some bowling shoes on under that formal gown? Or does evening wear go better with roller skates?
5. Assuming your parents are cool with it, why not just party at home? They'll be relieved, you'll still have a great time with friends, and it won't cost a fortune.
What did we miss? Leave a comment below with your best tips on how to save money on prom!
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With spring fast approaching, shorty shorts are hitting the shelves left and right. I put on a pair the other day and decided it was still too breezy outside and by far too early to be showing so much pale winter skin.
That's when I was inspired to pair my favorite black opaque tights with last summer's denim shorts.
The combination is so wonderfully simple. What better way to safely transition from chilly winter weather to fresh and sunny spring mornings?
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The expert bloggers pictured here have mastered the whole jean short/tight pairing. I love it best with cut-off shorts or those with a cuffed hem. Paired with a loose top and a crisp blazer or crop jacket, the look is perfectly pulled together.
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For footwear, try ankle booties or flats. Also, the addition of a long, chunky necklace adds the perfect finishing touch.
Photos (from left to right) courtesy of: Obliteratedheart, Kendra Amy Allen, Sterling Style, Kansas Couture, Denimology
I was flipping through Lucky Magazine the other day and was so inspired by this pic I found of Zooey Deschanel in an advertisement for America's Cotton Producers. I've gushed about Zooey's style before, but I thought I should point out how well she pulls off the bow trend here.
The cute little bows on her feet are a dead ringer for our Chinese Laundry Sweet Caroline Black Jelly Flats that have been literally FLYING off the shelf. I love the idea of a metallic bow necklace as well, which is why I was so psyched to see the Maybe So Necklace in gold and silver arrive this morning.
Now, the Zooey Bow Earrings below [sold out! but available in Red] have a name not only inspired by Zooey herself, but I'm pretty sure she'd go crazy over them if she happened to stroll into the Lulu*s warehouse one day. :)
Feminine, flirty and fun, bows are taking the spotlight when it comes to fashion accessories!
Move over Minnie Mouse -- this fun trend is no longer reserved for the girly girl, but for the girl with a unique, funky style. Tie 'em up in your hair, sport 'em as a pair of earrings or on a necklace, and you'll be the bow of the ball!
Get in on the trend here at your favorite bow-tique with our Bowdacious Earrings [sold out!], Bow-tie-ful Lady Necklace and Bow Peep Earrings in Ivory.
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Beach. That is all you need to know about this New Year's adventure.
But not just any beach. If I were to have my New Year's way, I would head to the Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica located south of Quepos on the Pacific Coast, 132 km from San José. Tours through the park are available, including a rain forest walk where you might be so lucky as to spy a sloth!
Coastal Manuel Antonio at night is pitch black, being lit only by the moon -- perfect for some stargazing. Instead of the big count-down at midnight, I would suggest quietly bringing in the New Year with a few good friends or your sweetie on the sands.
With spring coming, this would be a perfect place to try out next season's trends: the Pocket Change Necklace in Gold [sold out!], the Silk Arboretum Maxi Dress, and the Bamboo Poetic 04 Gray and Silver WhipStitched T Thong
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