Strike a (Yoga) Pose

Strike a (Yoga) Pose

You know you love it and want it more each time. In fact, you probably can’t get enough, especially after you do it. Okay, well maybe you’re not exactly addicted, but here at StyleCandy we lust yoga and must have the new om-loving looks that are popping up in classes and beyond. These yoga-chic styles take you from mat to street effortlessly, letting you spend less time fretting about what to change into after class and more time to focus on your fabulous form. Now go strike your tree pose.

She Wears the Pants

The Perfect Core Collection is the latest invention from Lucy and possesses some of the most-sought after yoga pants that exist today. The Perfect Core Pant ($98; lucy.com) boasts “xBAR” technology and ultra-compressive Lucy powermax™ which features strategically-placed mesh abdominal panels that smooth and lower back panels to ensure you are engaged to the core.

Shirr Love this Top

We are forever in search of that perfect yoga tank. One that doesn’t ride up, breathes, and equally offers spandex and style would be perfect. Coming darn close is Hard Tail’s Shirred Tank ($42; nordstrom.com), our must-have in both black and white. This shape-skimming spaghetti-strap tank also offers a built-in shelf-bra for maximum function.

The Un-Hoodie

Front-zip hoodies have been on the yoga scene forever. Step up to style with Athleta’s Reefbreak Hoodie (59; athleta.com), a cotton-crocheted version with hand-knit floral trim. We’re a little crazy about the Berry Swirl or Blue Bling hues! (Double Duty: This cute and cool hoodie also makes an ideal swimsuit cover-up.)

Meditation Wrap

Perhaps a scarf isn’t exactly a yoga essential but we just couldn’t resist Tory Burch’s Zuma Tie Dye Print Scarf ($95; toryburch.com) with its ultra-lightweight cotton viscose blend and deep navy and white contrast. Perfect for warming up with, or draping around your neck après session, this luxurious scarf lets you go from the studio to the café to shopping and beyond. We just dye!

Yoga Sole

Ballet has inspired many things fashion including shoes, skirts, sweaters, even runway hair. But we adore nothing more than the Adidas by Stella McCartney Corrigia Shoe in Grey/Silver/Pearl ($100; adidas.com.) This sporty yet feminine jersey shoe is trimmed in metallic leather and features an elasticized ankle wrap intended for added support (but which we think is just plain pretty.) As a bonus, this sassy shoe also features a state-of-the-art AgION™ antimicrobial treatment. Whether running to class or on errands afterwards, you’ll be one stylish step ahead.

A Take on Spring 2010

This year’s Fashion Week brought us a plethora of new—and recycled—ideas for Spring 2010. From petite florals and the reinvented cardigan to tribal accents, near-neon bright espadrilles and pastel nails, looks are absolutely fresh and deliciously wearable. These new arrivals have quickly turned into our latest loves. (And be sure to check out all the latest Spring Sales and information available at Style Cabana!)

Gorgeous Gardens

With flower prints shrinking in size yet bursting with vivid colors, the Tory Burch Angie Top ($195; toryburch.com) is vital for that floral fix. Pair with white jeans for a crisp, casual feel or dress up with a coordinating floral mini for a maximum punch of pretty.

Knot My Shoe

A chic alternative to straps, the season’s knotted wedge will take you from desk to dinner effortlessly. We are glowing about Stella McCartney’s Tropical Print Espadrille ($375; bergdorfgoodman.com) with mandarin-hued grosgrain straps and a woven-rope platform wedge.

Cardi Again

With such a stronghold on winter’s fashion scene, the spring cardigan has been reincarnated with splash and sass. Wear Kate Spade’s sequined House of Mirrors Courtney Cardigan ($295; neimanmarcus.com) and become part of this must-have metamorphosis.

Tribal Gems

Statement necklaces are still hanging around and for Spring 2010, we are seeing a draw on tribal inspiration from designers. We love the exotic glamour of Juicy Couture’s Bead Drama Torsade Necklace ($198; juicycouture.com) with a mesmerizing drape of baguette and seed beads that works with a plain tee or a sexy bare neck.

Nail Petals

With current “it” colors being varying degrees of gray and mushrooms, we’re more than ready to snap out of these winter doldrums and go for something simply spring. In doing so, we think of lilac. So romantic and flirty, yet cool to the core is Sephora by OPI’s polish in Iris I Was Thinner ($9; sephora.com), a medium-hued passionate purple.

Sephora byOPI 'Iris I Was Thinner'

Sephora by OPI 'Iris I Was Thinner' (photo courtesy of Sephora 2010)

Lancome ‘Chris & Tell’: Going, Going…

 

Lancome "Chris & Tell" Lipstick

Lancome "Chris & Tell" Lipstick

 

So, pretty procrastinators, time is up. Well, almost. If you can boogie and get on a Saks Fifth Avenue waiting list (Lancôme.com is sold-out), you just may gain access to a tube of spring’s hottest lip hue. Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in “Chris & Tell” by designer Chris Benz is a creamy pink-meets-peach-meets-coral and goes on super smoothly. You may want to apply with a lip brush for even tone. We also blotted and reapplied for a more opaque finish. So, why are you still reading this? Call Saks now and pray that the beauty addict-next-door only wants four of her five reserved, leaving you one very lucky girl.

That’s a (Gift) Wrap

Greetings, StyleCandy readers. You may have noticed we’re taking a little winter break of our own. ’Tis the season, so we’ve been busy shopping for glamorous gifts and checking off our lists.  Stay tuned, we’ll be back in January with more fabulous and juicy style finds.

Wishing you a Haute Holiday! 

StyleCandy xoxo

Glimmer-Shimmer Holiday Style

What better way to welcome the festivities than with your own personal dose of shine! From casual cocktails to fancy fêtes, this is your chance to gorgeously rock sequins, satin and silk. We also adore ruffles and bows, which are topping our wish lists. Enjoy StyleCandy’s top picks for holiday fashions that will definitely dazzle:

Best Dressed

Every girl needs a dress for that fabulous seasonal soirée. The LBD is a given, but if you choose to veer from the obvious, BCBGMAXAZRIA’s Ruffle Silk Shirtdress ($218; nordstrom.com) in Evergreen is hands-down hot. With a terrific touch of stretch, this jewel-tone dress features sweet ruffles falling into a most flattering drape. For a ‘dark shimmer’ look that is all the rage this season, wear Forever 21’s Buttoned Sequin Top ($15.80; forever21.com), a crepe chiffon-lined creation that can be paired with dark jeans and platform pumps, or a black pencil skirt, opaque tights and suede booties.

Plum Shoes

You’ve seen this color go from runways to your wardrobe, beauty products and beyond, but we must admit, purple still reigns for the holidays. The new neutral, this regal hue looks stunning on Badgley Mischka’s Eavan Open-Toe Pump ($200; lordandtaylor.com) in luxurious satin finished with chiffon wrapping and a crystal-encrusted brooch. Post-party, treat your feet to Kate Spade’s Fiona ($95; katespade.com), an adorable pointe-toe slipper featured in a sugarplum shade and finished with a festive red bow.

Bedeck the Neck

Baubles are brimming with rhinestones, pearls, ribbons and chains—at times all marvelously meshed into one! A deal of the season that we’re crazy for is American Eagle’s Crystal Vintage Necklace ($15; ae.com), a silver circle link chain boasting chunky, brooch-inspired crystal rhinestone and silver pearl charms. Wear it against basic black or deep amethyst to outshine the other guests. Another adornment for the neck definitely worth the splurge is Coach’s Sequin Skinny Scarf ($298; coach.com), a luxe silk style covered in tonal gold sequins. For a dramatic finishing touch, wrap around the neck with a sleek silk tank or hang casually over a cotton tee to add some sexy sparkle.

Boot Parade: Winter 2010

For the moment, put those perfect pedicures aside and prepare to get all booted up. This season we’re more than excited about the fantastic boot options out there. From mile-high silhouettes to relaxed rider styles, there really is something for everyone. Perfect for parties, shopping and getting noticed, these boots were made for way more than just walking. 

O-T-K

What girl doesn’t love that sexy and sophisticated over-the-knee boot of today? Featured in a variety of vixen-like textures of lacquered leather, luxe snakeskin and molten metallics, we’re crushing on Bourne’s Tatana ($300; nordstrom.com), a soft grey suede, high-heeled version replete with optional jeweled patent ankle embellishment. (P.S. Grey is the new black.)

Wedged In

While booties have been about for a while, we think the stacked pale-wood wedge is not only refreshing but oh-so-wearable. (We see this trend stretching through spring.) Banana Republic’s Camry Suede Wedge Bootie ($160; bananarepublic.com) in Dust is flawlessly hip vibe-meets-elegant allure. Just as gorgeous is the Kors by Michael Kors suede Danielle Wedge Boot ($350; michaelkors.com) in rich Coffee, a double-buckled, hidden platform design.

Biker Chic

Feeling a bit rough around the edges? Dare to take advantage of this attitude by wearing this fun and feisty trend: the biker boot. Not for the hardcore Harley fan, these styles are more like “takes” on the real thing. Test drive Tory Burch’s Stowe Motorcycle Boot ($495; bergdorfgoodman.com) featuring black tumbled leather highlighted by goldtone hardware and a hardcore zipper. Rugged, yet refined, J. Crew’s Vintage Tall Roadster Boots in Sepia ($250; jcrew.com) are a distressed leather rendition of an original, beautifully finished with antiqued-brass buckles.

Weather or Not

In the past, we’ve cringed at what some designers were passing off as functional yet stylish…Uggh! Fear not, fashionista friends, we’ve found two all-weather looks that are guaranteed to both warm and wow. Cole Haan’s Air Lizzie Tall Boot ($198; bloomingdales.com) combines comfort with class in sleek waterproof patent leather featuring a rubber sliver-wedge heel. For a more rustic approach to a cold snap, we discovered bargain-buy Hush Puppies’ Amarone Boot in Dark Brown ($75; macys.com) offering a realistic manmade upper with faux shearling, contrast stitching and toggle details.

Holiday Nails: All is Bright

Considering one of this year’s hottest nail hues sold out almost instantly after debuting in September at Fashion’s Night Out (hint: Jade-d, anyone?), the time is now to stock up on the season’s most-wanted polishes. Whether your look is very vixen or angel sweet, these shades are sassy and clearly meant to be noticed. Here are our picks for the season’s polishes we think are hands-down haute: 

Sugared Plums

As any beauty buff would know, purples have been played up for a while now from dark almost-blacks to more subtle matte lilacs. Newest on the scene is Dior’s Vernis Nail Polish in Silver Purple ($20; sephora.com), a high-shine, magical mix of these two tantalizing hues that can take on any style.

Red Delicious

Red fingertips around the holidays can be so ho-ho-hum. To turn it up a naughty notch, we’re after Nars Rouge Andalou ($16; beauty.com), part of the Holiday 2009 Collection. This luxe candy apple red is emblazoned with a luscious dose of shimmer that will stylishly take you from dinner with your date to dancing the night away.

Champagne Shimmer

This time of year definitely brings visions of gold to mind, but none that impress like Sephora by OPI’s Nail Colour in Worth My Weight ($9; sephora.com.) This limited-edition glimmery shade is a golden base bubbling with iridescent and silver glitter. We’ll toast to that!

Green Grace

If there ever was a time to don polish the color of your tree, now would be it. As one of the standout colors shown at the Fall/Winter 2009 shows, forest green has made its mark. Our eyes were completely drawn to Butter London’s British Racing Green ($14; b-glowing.com), a stunning deep metallic green inspired by the original color of Formula One racecars.

Babe Blue

For a dose of daring and a pinch of posh, this season’s ideal concoction is captivating with Essie’s Midnight Cami ($8; ulta.com), a sultry deep blue that adds a surprising sophistication to your look.

Style Factor: The Cardigan

Crisp days lie ahead so get cozy with the season’s staple: The Cardigan. Whether featured in a chunky knit, smooth cashmere or glitzy design, this sweater will effortlessly carry you from noon to night. Just above the knee versions look great with leggings or opaque tights, while traditional lengths work endlessly with a pencil skirt, trouser or favorite pair of jeans. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort when it comes to these fresh takes on a timeless trend. Prices listed subject to change.

Knit Wit

Thick cable knits may be warm but, let’s face it, not always so chic. Instead, opt for a sleeker version like Ann Taylor’s Short Sleeve Cardigan ($110; anntaylor.com) which features a hidden snap front placket creating a smooth silhouette. Pair with a belt, cuff bracelet, dark leggings and over-the-knee suede boots for a sophisticated look.

Boyfriend Beauty

We can all appreciate a comfy, roomy sweater to keep us toasty. With its slouchy boyfriend fit, pure cashmere threads and mod neutral hue, Theory’s Valene Cardigan in New Camel ($335; piperlime.com) will have you looking ever so hip, while paying homage to this tried-and-true twist on classic collegiate. To take it up a notch, don a mixed-metal statement necklace wear over a fitted mini, dark patterned tights and studded platform booties.

Pretty Warm

Right now, we are obsessed with anything reminiscent of the early 60s—think Mad Men and you’re on the right track. A ladylike choice is the Leo & Nicole Space Dye Cardigan, ($58; nordstrom.com) a rich wool-blend weave featuring an elegant scoop neck, pearlized buttons and three-quarter sleeves that take you from day to date night in a retro flash.

Sequined Sass

With the holidays fast approaching, we’re jazzed to bring on the glam. Silence & Noise’s Sequin Cardigan ($68; urbanoutfitters.com) does it to the max with sheer chiffon layered in tonal sequins. Slip a ruffled silk shell underneath this cropped creation and pair with a slim skirt for that soirée, or top over a tee and denim for extra pizzazz by day.

Autumn Treats for Your Skin

Yum. Pumpkin pie and candy apples are definitely delicious…for your face and body, that is. This season has launched so many autumn-inspired beauty treats that you must indulge in at least one. That’s right, just add some of these scrumptiously-scented sweet things to your skincare routine for a gorgeous fall glow. Enjoy!

Scrub, Cookie!

Oh, exfoliation! We know we should do it more but who has the time? We promise that you’ll now find the minutes with the Body Shop’s new Nutmeg and Vanilla Body Scrub ($20; thebodyshop.com) which reminded us of home-baked sugar cookies. With a combination of toasted nutmeg, vanilla and organic honey, this scrub is certain to deliver that radiance you so crave.

Pumpkin Face

For more delicate areas like the face, neck and décolletage, we’re still in love with an old favorite: Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Peel ($44; sephora.com). This refreshing formula gently exfoliates with antioxidants and vitamin A to reveal glowing skin that looks as delicious as it smells!

Crème n’ Sugar

For skin buffed and beautiful, indulge in Laura Mercier’s Limited-Edition Crème Brulée Quad ($75; bergdorfgoodman.com.) This at-home-spa kit features a jar each of the Crème Brulée Soufflé Body Cream, Honey Bath and Crème Brulée Sugar Scrub. The included matching-scent candle with notes of warm caramel, spun sugar and French vanilla bean will just add to the experience.

Sweet Lips

The closest thing we’ve found to edible fall beauty products are Philosophy’s Flavored Lip Shines in limited-edition Caramel Apple™ and Pumpkin Spice™ Muffin ($12 each; sephora.com). These glosses are slick, not sticky and deliver an oh-so-kissable sheen that will carry you through winter. Beauty bonus: Each time you lick your lips, you get a zero-calorie treat.

Spice Girl

A scent we’re blissfully falling for is LAVANILA’s Vanilla Spice Healthy Fragrance, ($56; a Sephora exclusive) a limited-edition, 100% natural blend featuring essential oils, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants fused with nutmeg, sandalwood, cardamom and Madagascar vanilla. So warm and intoxicating, this rich concoction is sure to captivate—and sell out fast!

LAVANILA Vanilla Spice Limited-Edition (Image courtesy of Sephora 2009)

LAVANILA Vanilla Spice Limited-Edition (Image courtesy of Sephora 2009)

Shop Pink!

We all know October is breast cancer awareness month, but what some of you may not realize are the amazing finds out there—from jewelry to jeans and pretty things in between—that support this important cause. Surprisingly, these goodies aren’t even pink at all and their style is ultra-posh. Here at StyleCandy, we’ve scoured stores and sites for our alternatively-hued favorites. Supporting has never been sassier, so what are you waiting for? (All prices listed are subject to change.)

Rich Ribbons

The Breast Cancer Ribbon Bracelet by Lisa for Loft ($24.50; Ann Taylor LOFT stores only) is a pretty vintage-look, limited-edition bracelet of interwoven brushed gold chains featuring a rich burgundy ribbon and bow. So popular, this bracelet is sold out online and only available in stores so get there fast! For every purchase, $5 goes directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Support the Grrrls

You know you’re a tigress at heart, so go ahead and indulge in Wacoal’s Awareness Underwire Bra in Safari ($64; nordstrom.com). This tiger-print beauty in a silky nylon-spandex jacquard fabric is piped in black and provides comfy wide-padded straps and delivers ultimate support for all. As part of Wacoal’s “Support the Girls” Campaign, for every Awareness bra purchased, $2 goes back to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Blue’s the New Pink

Skinny, inky and stretchy—these jeans have it all, including a huge celeb following.  We adore PRVCY ‘London’ Skinny Stretch Jeans in the Dk Koto wash ($194; nordstrom.com). Even more, we love the fact that the company’s founder was inspired to pursue her true love of fashion after spending final days with her mother who battled breast cancer.  PRVCY is donating 10% of all profits to breast cancer research and free mammogram programs.

A Cause for Cashmere

Okay, so we said no pink here but here’s a delicious deviation from the typical tint. White + Warren’s Cashmere Side Ruffle Scarf in Freesia ($150; whiteandwarren.com) is not only luscious to look at, but will keep you warm and cozy…so there. Plus, if Freesia is too rosy for you, it’s also offered in striking Black or a dreamy Porcelain White. What makes us really want to wear this is that White + Warren is donating 50% of proceeds from this product to Women At Risk, an organization at New York Presbyterian Hospital focused on supporting women with and at risk for breast cancer.


 
Face the Cure

Estée Lauder’s Limited Edition Golden Ribbons Mirrored Compact ($55; macys.com) is sophisticated in style with its gorgeous flowing ribbons design and sure to be a standout anytime you admire your look. By purchasing this little gem, you help Estée Lauder donate $500,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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