Sunday, April 29, 2012

Spotted On: Neon Satchel


Source: Lookbook.nu

Source: Lookbook.nu

Source: Google





Source: Dragon Fruit


Source: Fame Cherry



Happy Neon Monday! Add a pop of color to your wardrobe. Get your satchel at Ici Fashion

A.I.
Ici Fashion

Friday, April 27, 2012

Prepping For Summer


Breaking news: summer is coming, look busy. Or, better yet, get busy – I don’t know about you, but at least in my case there’s a lot of prep to done before I can feel beach-ready and body-confident for the fast-approaching summer months ahead. Below, a won’t-waste-your-time (you’ll need that for waxing, sugaring, tanning, sweating…you get the idea) guide to prepping for summer.


First off: fitness. Come on, you knew that was coming, right? Those thighs ain’t gonna tone themselves. There’s a fine line between looking good and looking like a Victoria’s Secret model, and we intend to cross it. In general, it’s a great idea to focus equally on strength and cardio, but it can help to lean more towards strength if you want to tone up, and cardio if you’re looking to lose weight. For girls like me, who bulk at the even the sight of one-pound hand weights (or anybody who wants long, lean muscles like a dancer’s or willowy Pilates devotee’s), I recommend Pure Barre for strength, and Tracy Anderson’s treadmill workout (find it, in Parts One and Two, on YouTube) for cardio. Pure Barre is a great, incredibly challenging alternative to traditional weight training and incorporates Pilates-inspired isometric movements, using your own body weight, and yoga-themed stretches to build strength, not bulk, while chiseling long, dancer-like muscles. Anderson’s cardio workout is challenging on all levels (it keeps your heart rate around peak levels for the duration of the workout, and tests your balance, coordination, and proprioception), so you know you’re getting an amazing workout, while making time fly and being crazy-fun all at the same time.

 

Alright, now you’ve got your smokin’ bod – get ready to flaunt it! We all know the waxing drill: full legs, underarms, maybe a Brazilian if you’re feeling fruity (and brave). But we all know that, much like a dental drill, this procedure can cause a lot of, well, let’s be frank – AGONY. Take it down a notch and actually enjoy your appointments with sugaring. Essentially waxing with a sticky sugar paste instead of, y’know, wax, sugaring reduces pain by eliminating hot wax burns and by adhering to the hair, but not your skin. And sugaring can do everything waxing can: legs, underarms, and yes, even those Brazilians.



And there you have it: how to be a real-life VS model, in three easy steps. Helloooo, Adam.

Laura Hunter-Thomas,
Ici Fashion  

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

How to Accessorize With a Little White Dress


Although little black dresses aren't necessarily a thing of the past, little white dresses are taking over for spring. They're fun, flirty and bright, but accessorizing with them can be quite a challenge, especially when the wrong accessory will take the focus off the dress, or in some cases, turn a cute frock into a springtime nightmare.

Source: Fashion Trends Beauty


Metallics are always a hit with little white dresses. They add a bit of sparkle and glamour without taking all the attention away from your simple attire. Whether you wear a pair of strappy, silver high heels, or use a gold bag, you can dazzle that dress with a hint of shine.



Bright, spring colors can really liven up a snow-colored dress. Try a pair of turquoise earrings or a pair of pink shoes. Maybe, you love scarves, but don't know exactly when it's appropriate to wear one. Well, fret no more, try a scarf with a golden hue for a look that will make you feel like it’s a beautiful spring day. If you're not a fan of yellow, opt for any spring shade that makes you happy.


Source: Lookbook.nu 


Steer clear of black or brown, even though these colors match, there's way too much you can do with a little white dress to settle for neutral shades. Opt for bright colors that stand out, since you're basically working with a blank slate. Remember, if you want to compliment a white dress with something white, do something with very minimal white, such as a pair of white drop earrings, rather than a white purse. White shoes do work with a white dress, but if you want to have some fun, you can do shoes with a print, a bold color or with a bit of bling.


Source: Fashion Trends Beauty


The bottom line with a white dress is just to have to fun with your look, whether that means adding a leopard print bag or wearing a pair of orange flip-flops.

Christine DiMaria,
Ici Fashion

Monday, April 23, 2012

Bolder, Brigther Neon



No, you didn't step into a time machine and land in the 1980s; neon-colored clothing is back and it's brighter, bolder and more on-trend than ever. These hot hues not only look super stylish, but   they can also enhance certain parts of your body, as well. You might be a bit apprehensive about how to work neon shades into your wardrobe, but you can look seriously fashionable when you go about it the right way.

 Source: peoplestylewatch.com

Start Small

If you're not too sure about wearing neon, but want to give it a try, start small by working neon-colored accessories into your look. For instance, neon shoes, belts, bracelets or blazers can add a pop of color to your outfit and have you looking totally trendy. For instance, a little black dress is taken to the next fashion level when you throw a hot-pink blazer over top. A boring tan-toned dress becomes exciting when you slip on a bright green belt or pair of stilettos. These tiny accents make a big difference in your look and help you become totally stylish.



Source: Lookbook.nu

Color Block It

Color blocking is a technique that is used to accent parts of your body you are pleased with and detract the eye away from areas you aren't. For instance, if you feel like your hips are just a little too shapely, you could wear a dark-colored skirt and bright top. The bright color will bring attention away from your bottom and to your upper half, and the dark skirt will act slimming. So go ahead and do this trick with neon. A black skirt paired with a neon pink or green top shows off your favorite features and leaves you looking oh-so-sassy. The same rules apply to when you want to show off that booty and hide your girls. A neutral top paired with a neon yellow or orange skirt brings attention to your lower half, while masking your top. You'll look more gorgeous than ever and become a successful part of the neon craze.

 Source: Upscalehype.com  

 Source: Lookbook.nu

Go All Out

So you love neon and want everyone to know? Then go ahead and get your bright on. Donning neon from head to toe will definitely earn you some attention, as well as fashion props. A neon yellow dress with bright green shoes is bright and beautiful. You can also wear everything in the same color family. For instance, a neon pink pantsuit and shoes adds some brightness and excitement to your look.

 Source: Lookbook.nu

The bottom line with wearing neon is that you have to feel comfortable doing so. If not, you won't be confident and there's nothing prettier than a confident gal. Ease your way into the neon trend until you feel like you're ready to wear more and when you are, you'll be amazed at just how good you look, and feel.

 Source:  lookbook.nu 

Heather Vecchioni,
Ici Fashion

Friday, April 20, 2012

The chic alternative to the PJ trend

Be honest – what is there to love about the PJ trend? I mean, really. Sure, they look kind of (and note, I said kind of) cool on stick-thin supermodel types, maybe even sort of floaty and summer-appropriate. But that’s where the positives end. Think about it: if they look okay on supermodels, they surely look unflattering on basically the rest of the global population. Likewise, on real people, in real life situations, outside of a staged, backlit, and Photoshopped-to-high-heaven photograph, they look simply sloppy. You don’t look chic, summer-appropriate, or even the slightest bit Parisian. All that je ne sais quoi vanishes in the harsh light of day, leaving you resembling a sleepy teenager rocking up to take the SAT at a stupid hour of a Saturday morning.


 Look, we get the appeal: it’s (apparently) a cute and comfy look. That can be very appealing. But there is a chic way to do it. Cute (actually cute), floaty looks are all over Lookbook, and, unlike the PJ trend, are flattering on all different body types, and leave you looking pulled together and perfectly polished. Très bien.

Source: Lookbook.nu

           Source: Lookbook.nu 

For a cute coral ensemble like our Lookbook star Konstantina, try pairing this tangerine Topshop number with a floral top, tee or blazer and sky-high black platforms. For the pastel polish of Lookbook favourite Michele, we love this pastel dip back skirt, again from Topshop. Or, to cut the styling BS, try our Love Peach Asymmetrical Maxi Dress. It’s cute, comfy, and right on trend.

Source: us.topshop.com

Source: icifashion.com
           

By Laura Hunter-Thomas,
Ici Fashion

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Look Your Best By Rocking the Right Summer Dress

The temperature is rising and you know what that means – sun, fun and rocking those cute little summer dresses. The only problem with that, however, is not every dress you see on the rack will look good on you – even if it is adorable. Your body shape should determine the type of dress you don and if you wear one that is unflattering, you just won't look your best. But when you slip into summer dresses that are made for you, you'll likely look better than ever.

Hourglass

Hourglass honeys are curvy and oh-so-sexy. Voluptuous chests, narrow waists and full hips define this body shape and when you wear the right dress, you'll look smoking. A wrap dress is super flattering, as it shows off your teeny tiny waist and downplays spots you might be shy about, like a bit of a tummy. Dresses that feature light fabrics are also key, as thick material can make you look boxy.

 
Source: polyvore.com 

Apple

Gals with apple shapes are typically full in the mid-section. The dresses apples should wear draw the eye away from the belly and bring it out towards towards the limbs. One summer dress that gets you looking gorgeous is a slight A-line. These dresses flare out towards the bottom, making the perfect disguise for a larger mid-section. Additionally, structured shift dresses conceal problem areas and show off your foxy legs and arms, particularly when you wear nice heels and stunning bracelets.

 Source: polyvore.com 

Boy-Shape

Being tall and skinny certainly has its advantages; however, you might wish you had some curves to go with that model-worthy body. To make you look a bit more shapely, go with a halter-style summer dress. This type of outfit creates a curvy look around your bustline and gives you an uber-feminine shape. Additionally, look for vertically-stitched seams, as they'll also create the illusion of curves.

Source: polyvore.com 

Pear-Shape

Pear-shaped princesses are slight up top, then expand around the hip area. The goal of a dress for a pear shape is to minimize those full hips. Do this by rocking a tunic-style dress, which shows off your girls, but helps disguise your lower half. These types of dresses also flatter your arms and legs, which can take the attention off of your trouble areas.
Source: polyvore.com 

Take advantage of your gorgeous shape by donning a dress that plays up your best features and helps disguise those you aren't quite pleased with. Once you do, you'll be amazed at just how stunning that body of yours is.


Heather Vecchioni,
Ici Fashion

Friday, April 13, 2012

5 Spring Accessories for 2012

Accessorizing doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. In fact, it can be quite exciting, especially when you get to experiment with all of the latest trends. And the accessory trends of 2012 are no exception. If you like flirty and fun, you'll be sure to love what this season has to offer.

Dangle Earrings
This was one trend that everyone was sad to see go, but no need to fret any longer, because guess what? They're back! You can find a pair of dangle earrings to match almost any piece of attire, since so many colors and styles of dangles is available.

Source: icifashion.com

Plain Doesn't have to be Boring
White is the color of spring 2012, and you may incorporate this with a simple single-pearl necklace or with a pair of sleek, white heels. Both looks use the color white in a manner that's sophisticated, yet trendy.

Source: blog.shopbop.com

Bangles
If you're looking for some wrist bling, try wearing a few brightly colored bangles that match your spring frock. Bangles are just one of those accessories that always seem to make its way back into mainstream fashion. But hey, who's complaining when they're so easy to find one that matches your outfit?

Source: blog.trendstop.com

Flowers
Everything is blooming for spring including the spring accessory trends. Whether you wear a pair of shoes with a few flowers strategically placed on the straps or a pair of drop earrings with elegant diamond flowers at the bottom, you'll be sophisticated and feminine, while still being fun and fresh.

Source: foammagazine.com

 Leather Handbag 
 Although leather is basically a faithful standby when you're not sure what type of bag to buy, this spring is all about the leather handbag. You may want to search for one to match almost anything, so you don't have to change purses much. If you're not a lazy fashionista, feel free to indulge and go bold with vibrant colors like red and blue—two very hot colors of the season. 

Source: fashioncraz.com


Christine DiMaria,
Ici Fashion 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

How to Repair a Shattered Eyeshadow

How many of you have a favorite eye shadow that got broken but it is so precious that you will never, ever throw it away? Well, we have plenty. And we recently came across this amazing tutorial that will teach you how to repair it! Yes, no more crying over a shattered eye shadows.
This tutorial is from a makeup artist Kandee Johnson. (Just so you know who to thank for saving you some cool $45 per broken eyeshadow )


Here’s what you need:
  • shattered eyeshadow
  • coin {I used an American quarter}
  • rubbing alcohol
  • tissue
  • butter knife
  • medicine squirter
  • {not pictured} plastic bag or plastic wrap

Here We Go:
 

Step 1:
Place the broken eye shadow into a plastic bag holding the bag over the top.


Step 2:
Hold the bag tight across the top of the makeup and with the back of the knife smash all the eyeshadow into a powder.


Step 3:
When it looks looks like this, remove the plastic bag.


Step 4:
Using the medicine squirter put a couple squirts of rubbing alcohol into the broken eyeshadow.  Make sure the eyeshadow is completely saturated with the rubbing alcohol.


Step 5:
After that put the tissue on top of the makeup and press down the coin on top of it as hard as you can.


Step 6:
And enjoy your new eyeshadow! 

credit belongs to Kandee Johnson, makeup artist extraordinaire, and http://petitelefant.com