Flowboard: The Latest in Virtual Photo Albums

My iPad Mini is always active with online shopping, Angry Birds, and blogging.  That's why the new app, Flowboard, is my go-to for arranging my pictures.  For the first post on my Flowboard account, I decided to share my favorite summer trends.  Make sure to check out the trends and download Flowboard on the App Store! 

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Hanes Hosiery: Sheer is Better Than Bare

Hanes Hosiery is having a Blogger Challenge.  I was so excited when they contacted me to test whether sheer is "Better Than Bare."  My challenge was to style a fashion look with Hanes Hosiery.  I tried on the same outfit with and without the hose to make a true comparison.  Let's analyze the pictures, shall we?

Can you tell which one is sheer?  Hanes Hosiery Ultra Sheer Control Top Hose in Barely There (Style 0B260)

Which one is bare, which one is sheer?  Look at the difference between the smoothness, coloring, and overall appearance of my legs.  On the left I'm bare-legged (with a visible bruise) and on the right, I'm wearing Hanes Hosiery sheer hose.  I found out that sheer is Better Than Bare, and here's why:

1. Hose are like makeup for the legs!  When I'm not wearing hose, you can see the bruises on my knees and redness.  But with sheer hose, my legs are totally smooth and bruise-free!

2.  Hose makes you thinner!  Once I put on the hose, my legs instantly looked thinner, which made me feel more confident.  Plus, the control top slightly sucks you in for a leaner look.

3.  Hose gives you an instant summer glow!  After a long winter of wearing pants and tights, my pasty white legs won't be ready to be bare for a while.  Thank goodness hose are coming back!

I'm not going to lie, I used to think hose was just for older women, but that's certainly not the case.  Young, stylish celebrities and royalty like Kate Middleton are bringing hose back into fashion.  Hose instantly elevates your look to a new level of sophistication, elegance, and class.  Those are definitely things I want my style to say.  Sheer hose is one of my new new favorite trends.

Check out Hanes Hosiery on Facebook and Twitter for more fashion fun with hose!

* I'm wearing Hanes Hosiery Ultra Sheer Control Top Hose in Barely There (Style 0B260), courtesy of Hanes Hosiery

Hot Pink Nike Shoes!

 I found these fierce hot pink Nike tennis shoes and had to have them!  Would you ever guess that I got them for $60 at Costco?

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibit T-Shirt

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art is closing :( next month (February 12).  To commemorate the fabulous exhibit, grab one of these super-cool Gaultier Tour shirts at the DMA.  Or, to purchase your Gaultier shirt online, go to the DMA’s website.  

Jason Wu for Target

Photo Credit: nymag.com

The next Target guest designer will have a hard time to fill Missoni for Target’s zig-zag shoes.  Jason Wu is Target’s next collaborator, the collection launches February 5.  Jason Wu for Target features several handbags, as well as modest, feminine dresses.  The prices range from $20-$60. I love designer Target collections, I just hope this one doesn’t sold out in less than an hour!

 Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Small4Style Interviews Angela Hudson

Me with Angela Hudson

I talked with fashion insider, Angela Hudson, about her beginnings in retail, her style, and the latest trends.  Angela is the Manager of the Women’s Shoes department at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas.  She’s also the best boss ever, I work for her in Shoes during the holidays and summer.

Working at J. Crew seasonally, while studying Marketing at Texas A&M, was the start of Angela’s retail career.  She loved putting together outfits, especially creating back to school wardrobes for her customers.  At A&M, she took retail marketing and buying classes, all the while knowing that she would like to be a buyer.

Angela is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.  You can tell she loves what she does, and that her priority is making her customers happy.  I asked her what her favorite part about her job is, and she responded “There’s so many!”  She added, “I love interacting with customers, but really I love working with the team.”  And trust me, her team is lovely to work with.  She got into management at Nordstrom because she wants to become a buyer, but also because she loves helping her team “Learn and grow, help them sell more, and help them to reach their dreams and goals too.”  Obviously, she’s a real people-person.

Since she’s so passionate about her job, Angela has some great advice for those of us that want to work in retail.  First of all, “get ready for long hours!” and working during the holidays.  More importantly, “keep a positive attitude.”  In her job as Manager, Angela deals with frustrating situations.  She stressed the importance of keeping the customer at the center of everything, also a famous Nordstrom value.

According to Angela, the biggest trend for shoes this year is bright colors like fuchsia, turquoise, and orange.  At Nordstrom, brands like Pele Moda, Vince Camuto, and Nine West are featuring brights, as well as color-blocking.  Very high heels are also “in,” Angela says, “they’re not getting any lower.”  Angela describes her style as “accessorized, current, and classic but not basic.”  Her style icon is Diane von Furstenberg.  “I love her colors, I love her fabrics, very flowy and feminine.”  She also likes the Trina Turk collection, also sold at Nordstrom.

 When you need new shoes, remember to stop by Nordstrom at the Galleria Women’s Shoes department and ask for Angela, or any of her outstanding team! 

  

New Wedges

I'm so looking forward to Spring 2012!  I'm the ultimate bargain hunter, check of these super-cute Tommy Hilfiger wedges I found at TJ Maxx for $35!

Check out more fabulous wedges at Nordstrom!  I was there there other day and they have tons of fun color-blocked heels and wedges.

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Moschino Resort 2012

One of the most classy-quirky-unique Italian designers is Moschino.  Like Nina Ricci's Resort 2012 collection, Moschino is inspired by the 50's and 60's with the mod shapes and bright color-blocks.  I also love the big-framed black glasses, I have some similar ones from Prada.
*All pictures from Style.com*

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Nina Ricci Resort 2012

Nina Ricci designer Peter Copping has done it again!  Nina Ricci's Resort 2012 collection is feminine, French, and 50's and 60's-inspired... my favorite!  Pink suits, purple tweed, and a feathery coat, can you get much better than that?
*All photos are from Style.com*

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Friday: Sparkles!

Friday's trend is anything sparkly and shiny.  From sequin Uggs to sequins on pretty much anything, I think sparkles are here to stay!

 

Sparkles! (Always in Style!) 

Metallics, Diamonds, Sequins

Photo Credit: Style.com

Get the Look!

Sequin Tee, Gap $35

Tasha Headband, Nordstrom $38

Ugg Sparkles Tennis Shoes, Nordstrom $110

 Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,
Alex 

Thursday: Feminine Details

I went to Karl Marshall's Dallas in Wonderland Spring 2012 fashion show, where pearls and lace were huge trends.  Looks like my favorite pearls are in style this season!

Feminine Details

Peplums, Pearls, Lace

Nina Ricci Hat

Photo Credit: Vogue Magazine

Photo Credit: W Magazine

Nina Ricci Resort 2012 Photo Credit: Style.com

A look from the Dallas in Wonderland show

Tracy Reese Spring 2012

 Get the Look!

Necessary Objects skirt, Nordstrom $48

Kate Spade bracelet, Nordstrom $148

Juicy Couture Jacket, $298

Fashion is not an Option

XOXO,

Alex

Wednesday: Schoolgirl Glam

Prep with a twist is today's 2012 trend.  Looking totally put together isn't always fun!  Mix it up with "Violently Opposing Plaids" as Jan Strimple says.  Peter Pan collars are also huge this season; pair them with jeans for a daytime look.

Schoolgirl Glam

Peter Pan Collars, "Violently Opposing" Plaids (A quote from Jan Strimple)

Photo Credit: Glamour Magazine

A look from The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at the DMA

Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl  Photo Credit: collegefashion.net

Photo Credit: thefashionpolice.net

Get the Look!

J Crew Pants, $138

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom  Blouse, $248    Shorts, $228

ASOS Peter Pan Collar Blouse, $27

Fashion is not an Option
XOXO,
Alex