My Favorite Lines Series: Aryn K

Aryn K first caught my eye one day when I was shopping on Blue Fly. I quickly snapped up a deep purple belted top with sheer cap sleeves- perfect for day or night.

Aryn K Coral Tiered Top, $60 from Blue Fly

Aryn K Laissez Faire Pants, $82.99 from Mod Cloth

The line originated in the Fashion District of Los Angeles. Aryn K designs are modern, with soft lines, and affordable which is a huge plus for me. The contemporary line can easily transition from day, to happy hour to going out.

Aryn K Peach Graphic Bubble Top, $49 from Blue Fly

Aryn K Barcelona Vest, $68 from Anthropologie

You can shop the line on Blue Fly, Shop Style, Mod Cloth, Piperlime, 80's Purple, or use the store locator to find a retailer near you.

Aryn K Cucumber Falls Dress, $97.99 from Mod Cloth

Aryn K Scurnch Flower Dress in Mustard, $106 from Piperlime

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Photos from Blue Fly, Mod Cloth, Anthropologie, Piperlime

Geode Jewelry

If you are looking for an interesting piece of jewelry, go with a natural look. Nature's geodes and turquoise are beautiful and unique. I have a blueish gray geode wire wrapped ring from Revolver, a local upscale consignment boutique. Every single time I wear it, I get tons of compliments and people asking where they can find it.

However, if you aren't in the Raleigh area, you can still find natural jewelry.

Dara Ettinger graduated from Parsons School of Design. Upon graduating, she worked for a multitude of clothing companies, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Steffe and Anthropolgie. She moved to Los Angeles from New York to work on her jewelry line, which is lucky for us since her jewelry is fabulous! Her unique creations can be worn casually during the day, or can be easily worn at night.

Dara Ettinger Druzy Ring, $50 from Haute Look

Dara Ettinger Isabella Long Amethyst Cluster Necklace, $127 from Haute Look

Devon Leigh is another jewelry designer that utilizes natural materials. Devon studied film at Loyola Marymount University, but found her hobby of making jewelry taking over her career aspirations. The Los Angeles native will make one-of-a-kind pieces that include diamonds and other precious gems for a sure to be show stopping piece.

Devon Leigh Agate Geode Necklace, $280 from Row Nine

Devon Leigh Shark Tooth Necklace, $285 from Row Nine

Heather Moore began her Cleveland, Ohio based company in 1994. She uses 100% recycled materials; each piece is unique due to natural materials. Heather will also customize jewelry for a special gift that will last forever. The personalization process is done by hand using vintage tools of the trade.

Heather Moore Three Stack Turquoise Earrings, $109 from Gilt

Heather Moore Turquoise Ball Necklace, $269 from Gilt

Next time you are looking for an unexpected, yet beautiful, strong, yet feminine accessory, look for jewelry made from natural materials that haven't been altered (too much!) from their original state. These natural jewelry pieces can be worn day or night, in casual settings or more formal. Just know that you will be answer the same question all night: "Where did you get that?"

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Photos from Dara Ettinger, Row Nine, Gilt

Decorate Your Nails

Chic Prints from Sephora by OPI have hit the stores. Now you can get fun, creative and eye catching nails at home. Choose from 8 patterns for $15 each and get free shipping on orders of $50 + and three free samples with every order.

Each package of Chic Prints includes 16 sheets of nail art, just in case you mess up one nail or need to replace one. Application is simple: remove any old polish, swipe nails with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or oil, trim sheet if needed, rub sheet to warm (they are heat activated), peel off and apply to nail, rub onto nail from the center out, smooth, use a file to remove any excess, press down again just to be sure and that's it! Removing the nail art is just as easy: rub the sheet to warm and peel off slowly starting at one side.

Tiger Chic Prints, $15 from Sephora

Patterns include black and white stripes with several sheets containing an anchor (anchor), black and gold geometric patters that are a bit dizzying (black and gold geometric), fuchsia and light blue checked (checkers), black and white lace (chrome lace), pink and white fishnet (fishnet), black and white skulls (skulls), blue and white stripes with yellow and red stars (stars), and traditional tiger (tiger).

My favorites are chrome lace, skulls and stars. Click here to see all the patterns close up; just click on the thumbnails on the bottom.

Order online at Sephora, or find a Sephora near you.

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Photo from Sephora

Models Aren't Perfect! Swimwear Before & After Retouching

Debenhams, a UK department store, is selling swimwear in an unusual way: showing their model in before/after photos of retouching. NY Mag's blog, The Cut, explains that Debenhams shows the two photos side-by-side and then presents the retouched photo with details of the retouching. While the model looked great in the before photo, she is perfected in the after photo. As you can see, no one is perfect, not even models.

At least the photo retouchers working for Debenhams didn't go overboard. You can see retouching gone awry at Photoshop Disasters.

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Photos from The Cut

Bags, Purses, Clutches, Totes: Avelle Has Them!

Looking for that special clutch? What about a carry all, goes with everything purse? Just a lover of bags? Well, Avelle is your answer.

Remember Bag, Borrow or Steal? It is now called Avelle and has more features for fashion (and budget) lovers.

BE & D Limited Edition Leather Garbo Tote, $32/week, $95/month, $242/three months from Avelle

The site still works as Bag, Borrow or Steal did. You can rent bags, jewelry and sunglasses for a few days, weeks, months, or even a year. Find the hottest items and get them in your hands for a fraction of the retail price. Even vintage and high end designer bags are available! Some of the brands you will find include Coach, Cole Haan, Chanel, Chloe, LAMB, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tory Burch, Hermes and many, many more.

Louis Vuitton Limited Edition Monogram Jokes, $60/week, $175/month, $446/three months from Avelle

If you borrow an item that you can't bear to return, just request to steal it. Avelle will then let you know if the item is available to sell, calculate the equity you've earned from the rental price, and add the difference to your shopping bag to check out. But, if you must part with your lovely bag, returns are as simple as printing out a prepaid label and dropping off the package at any UPS location.

You can become a member of Avelle for a year, three months or just a month. The membership price varies, but however much you pay in membership fees you earn in rental credit. Members also receive 20% off rental fees compared to non-members and have access to a few other features. But, you can always borrow as a non-member.

Isabella Fiore Francine Bag, $17/week, $50/month, $128/three months, from Avelle

Besides being able to borrow fabulous bags, jewelry and sunglasses, Avelle will even clean and repair your bags. Yes, your personal bags. Shipping is free to Avelle; just pay for the cleaning and repairs.

Used Botkier Sophie Satchel, $185 (retail $625) from Avelle

What does Avelle do with bags that are no longer borrowed? What about people that have a surplus of bags (new and used)? Just click on BBOS Private Sale at the top of the page for a wonderful surprise. All those bags, and jewelry and sunglasses are on sale at great discounts! Discounts up to 73% off!

New Donald J Pliner Shima Vintage Shoulder Bucket, $100 (retail $335) from Avelle

For an even more amazing deal, use coupon code SAVE20 for $20 off your first purchase/borrow or SHOP15 for 15% off your first purchase/borrow. My first purchase was a brand new, bronze Calvin Klein hobo bag. The retail price was $183, was on sale for $55, plus I used a coupon code. My total was $35! $35!

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Photos from Avelle

My Favorite Lines Series: American Retro

American Retro is actually a Parisian label; an American in Paris, anyone?

Aztec Dress, $82.50 from the OutNet.com

In May 2002 the brand began being distributed under the label Joe's Jeans. But, just a few months later, under the American Retro label, a collection was shown at Salon Who's Next with great success.

Tuxedo Sarouel Pants, $79.99 from Blue Fly

American Retro is a cross between American Apparel with their simple silhouettes and French Connection being more sophisticated and able to be worn by a larger age group. The line includes tops, dresses, outerwear, bottoms, shoes and accessories.

New Chic Jacket, $101.50 from The OutNet.com

You can shop for American Retro online at Blue Fly, The OutNet.com, Shop Bop and Shop Style.

Hippie Fringed Wool Dress, $124 from The OutNet.com

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Photos from Blue Fly, The OutNet.com

Patriotic Ensemble

The Fourth of July is coming up. That means pool parties, BBQ's, fireworks and lots of family and friends. Of course, you want to dress to impress. Here are some of my favorite patriotic finds.

Tarina Tarantino, the colorful jewelry designer, has the Liberty Belle collection, which includes hair accessories, rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The pieces are cute and quirky; there is no better time to wear an Abraham Lincoln adorned bracelet than on the Fourth of July. Ol' Abe not your favorite American icon? Go with Uncle Sam, Liberty Belle, traditional stars and stripes or just red, white and blue. Pair you patriotic baubles with black, white, red or navy dress, top or romper.

Tarina Tarantio Liberty Loves Company Crystal Framed Ring, $55

Tarina Tarantino Liberty Belle Three Row Lucite Necklace, $188

Purchase Tarina Tarantino jewelry and accessories from her website, or use the store locator to find a retailer near you.

You will probably be wearing a swim suit at some point during the Fourth of July weekend, whether you are at the pool, beach, or just hanging out in the heat. Sexy suits are best saved for other times of the year; for the Fourth of July go with cute and a bit flirty.

Victoria's Secret Beach Sexy Shadow Dot Top and Bottom, Top $11.99 Bottom $9.99

Victoria's Secret Beach Linen Short Jumpsuit, $39.50

Cool is the word to remember when dressing for the Fourth of July. Tanks, shorts and dresses in light, breathable fabrics are essential for your holiday outfit. If you are in an especially hot climate, a dress is the way to go. Avoid cliché flag t-shirts and shorts, and stick with solid colors, seersucker or other summer prints. Ladies, if you are lucky enough to be able to go braless, this is the time to do it (boob sweat is an awful affliction!). If not, go with a light bra, like Victoria's Secret's Wear Everywhere T-Shirt Bra that can be worn regular or racerback.

Sophomore Stripe Shorts, $69 from Gilt

Sophomore Cotton DTF Tee, $29 from Gilt

Miguelina Roni Petal Dress, $119 from Rue Lala

T-Bags V Neck Pocket Dress, $159 from Shop Bop

Chic sandals are a must for any summertime outfit. Chances are, you will be standing and walking on uneven surfaces like grass and sand. You may even need to negotiate a few rocks, stumps, coolers and other BBQ obstacles. If you must wear heels, go with wedges. Don't wear any shoes too beloved since spilled drinks and splashed pool water may end up on your feet.

Morena Thong Sandal, $78 from Gilt

Cole Haan Air Lunetta Leather Slide, $79 from Rue Lala

Rafe Leather Beaded Espadrille, $129 from Rue Lala

In your bag, throw in blotting papers (like Arbonne's FC 5 Mattifying Powder or MAC's Blot Film), lipstick, gloss or chapstick with SPF (like Arbonne's BefoRE Sun Lip Saver or MAC's Tinted Lip Conditioner), a comb, pony tail holders and bobby pins, body spray, sunscreen (Arbonne's BefoRE Sun is a great choice) and deodorant (you never know...).

Collina Strada Ferra Hobo in Navy/White, $119 from Gilt

Rafe Katherine Large Print Tote, $139 from Rue Lala

Don't forget sunglasses and a hat to shade your face during the hottest part of the day. Also, a chic beach towel is a must for fashionistas!

Cole Haan Acetate Oval Sunglasses, $35 from Rue Lala

Eugenia Kim Erika Sunhat, $297 from Shop Bop

Lacoste Crocobayadere Beach Towel, $27 from Bloomingdale's

With these tips, you will be the most stylish person at your Fourth of July party!

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To order Arbonne products, shop online or contact Christina Hayward.

Photos from Gilt, Rue Lala, Shop Bop, Bloomingdale's, Tarina Tarantino, Victoria's Secret

Ombre

The gradual color gradation from dark to light, or from one color to another, is called ombré. This technique has been seeing a revival in the past few years and now it is being used by mainstream labels. Fashionistas can find shoes, clothing, accessories and bags in ombré.

BCBG Striped Ombre Poncho, $138.60

BCBG Front Draped Printed Top, $110.60

Fendi Mahogany Ombre Zucchino Small Boston Bag, $668 from Blue Fly

Jessica Simpson Marsha Heels in Ruby, $57.39 from Heels.com

Some people are even ombré-ing their hair! If you are daring enough to do this, you can go more subtle starting with a natural darker color at your roots and moving toward the lighter color at the ends. You can go even more bold with platinum blond at your roots and go to black at the end! Some people, ok models, have even used this technique to add light pink or purple to their hair.

Tommy Ton/jakeandjil.com

Even guys can get in on the ombré trend. If your guy isn't too into fashion, point him to ombré pieces that don't vary in color too much. This way he can get using to wearing something considered trendy before jumping into something more fashion forward.

Diesel Koland Ombre Sweater, $88 from Blue Fly

Diesel Arkroyal Board Shorts, $59 from Blue Fly

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Photos from Blue Fly, Heels.com, BCBG, jackandjil.com

Dazzle Your Friends, Closet & Wallet with Shoe Dazzle

You probably associate Shoe Dazzle with Kim Kardashian, and therefore may have stayed away from the service. However, don't let the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star deter you from getting trendy shoes at a great price. After all, Kardashian was a stylist before reality famedom.

Kardashian came up with the concept of Shoe Dazzle because she wanted everyone to have the experience of a personal stylist, but at an affordable price. That is something I can definitely get behind.

Envy Shoe, $39.95 from Shoe Dazzle

When you join the service, just answer a few questions about your personal style and likes. The site's stylists then present a selection to you on the 1st of each month (or several days after your initial registration) which you pick your pair from. When your personal showroom is complete, you will receive an email to make your selection.

Not feeling their picks? Just tell the stylists and they will come up with a new selection for you. But, beware that you cannot go back to a previous selection once you request a new one!

Loving their picks? Get as many as you want at once, just pay the additional cost.

Chicago Bag, $39.95 from Shoe Dazzle

Shoe Dazzle is a shoe-of-the-month-type club. You pay $39.95 each month (free shipping and returns) and a new pair of shoes arrive at your doorstep! Customers can return shoes they don't like and can cancel the service at any time. Registration is free, so you can sign up just to see if the service is for you.

You will only be billed once your first order is placed. If you want to skip a month, simply select that option by the 5th of the month. Customer's credit cards will be charged on the 6th of each month. If you forget to skip a month, your card will be charged, but you will receive a store credit.

Happy Shoe Dazzle Customers

Shoe Dazzle also offers bags and jewelry, so if you just don't need another pair of shoes for that month, you have other options.

Looking for a unique, memorable gift? Shoe Dazzle offers gift cards! Any fashionista, young or old, will have a blast filling out their style profile and waiting for their special pair of shoes.

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Photos from ShoeDazzle.com