Harpermac

How to Catwalk at Graduation: Four Ways to Strut Your Stuff and Be Original

May 20, 2013 By Harpermac

Never mind the job market—how’s a girl supposed to stand out at graduation?! You’re in a room with hundreds of other people wearing the exact same thing as you, and the gowns are so loose that you can’t even distinguish yourself by that rockin’ bod you’ve been working so hard for at the gym. Sure, this ceremony is mostly about celebrating your academic achievements, but is it a crime to want to be smart and look good? Here are four crafty and creative ways to make your graduation outfit look a little more original.

1. Decorate Your Cap

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Latest Trends – Wearing Your Fragrance on Your Clothes

May 15, 2013 By Harpermac

While you might not think of leaving the house without your fragrance carefully dabbed on your wrist and neck, have you ever thought of making it an actual part of your wardrobe? With some of the latest styles and fashion innovations, you can actually build fragrance into the clothes you are wearing. Here are some of the latest styles to consider.

Jewelry with Built-in Perfume

When you add some bling around your neck, you can now add fragrance as well. Necklaces with compartments that hold perfume allow you to wear your fragrance around your neck. Instead of spraying it on your pulse points, simply don your necklace and you will both look and smell great. These compartments are refillable, so when the fragrance starts to wear off, simply refill and continue enjoying your great new scent.

One version of the perfumed necklace is the aroma necklace. The aroma necklace does more than just add a fresh scent to your outfit. These necklaces are often filled with essential oils that provide relaxing or healing properties in addition to their great smells. Imagine wearing lavender around your neck as you seek relaxation throughout the day, or fill it with vanilla extract for a natural, pleasant scent.

Scratch and Sniff Clothing

Do you remember scratch and sniff stickers? As a child, a scratch and sniff sticker made the reward of a sticker way more satisfying. Not only could you decorate your shirt or your sticker book with a new image, but that image held a delicious scent that simply had to be freed with the scratch of your finger. [Read more…]

Technicolor Togs: Strut Your Stuff in Colored Denim

May 8, 2013 By Harpermac

Levi Strauss probably didn’t have the rainbow in mind when he became the first person to mass produce blue denim pants for sale. But today’s jeans are testing the limits of tradition: From red to green, yellow to purple and even plaid, colored denim has blown up as a modern trend, and there are no signs of these vibrant colors going away anytime soon.

Colored denim can be intimidating for some fashionistas who prefer subtler, more elegant clothing. But colored denim doesn’t have to be restricted to the boldest personalities. With some smart wardrobe decisions, anyone—regardless of age, style or body type—can wear colored denim and pull it off. Whether you’re shopping for girls’ jeans or women’s denim, this is a super-wearable trend everyone can embrace. Here are some tips to help you incorporate colored denim into your own closet.

Choosing colors

Generally speaking, darker colors of denim will be more flattering than others, so burgundy, dark green and even dark gray are all worthwhile options. That doesn’t mean you can’t get crazy if you feel the colors suit your personality and body type. Reds, oranges and other bright hues will help you stand out if that’s your goal. Dark colors are probably better for the office, but the sky’s the limit in your free time.

Matching

If you think matching tops with colored jeans is a difficult task, adjust your thinking: It can be done! It’s common to wear all varieties of colors with blue jeans; other colors aren’t much different. Pull out your color wheel from middle school science class; colors on opposite ends from one another, like yellow and purple, are complementary hues and will look pleasing to the eye when paired together. The most important thing to watch out for is colors that are too similar—make sure your outfit strikes a balanced contrast. [Read more…]

Four Fabulous Fashion Risks Worth Taking

April 22, 2013 By Harpermac

Last weekend I wanted to start my spring break off right by heading out for a night on the town with my friends. I was super excited for it all week, until I looked in my closet to pick out what to wear. Jeans, jeans, jeans, T-shirt, T-shirt, plain long-sleeved top—boring! My wardrobe was a major letdown, but my bank account wasn’t exactly in shopping spree mode. So, what does any fashionista do in this situation? She gets creative! Here are some awesome ways to transform your outfit from casual to glam.

1. Flower Crown

When I first saw this trend surface in the fashion blogosphere, I’ll admit I thought it seemed a little over the top. But being the girly girl that I am, I couldn’t resist trying it out. With just one glance in the mirror, I was hooked. There’s no better way to feel like a princess and make your outfit stand out than topping off with a beautiful flower crown. Plus, even if you’re not into the princess look, stylist Rachel Zoe’s hippy-esque attire is all the rage. If you’re more comfortable in 70s-inspired designs, even more reason to give the flower crown a go! An array of pink hues is the perfect finishing touch to a simple white crop top and blush chiffon maxi skirt.

2. Eternity Bracelet

Basic bracelets are great for adding fun colors and sparkle to a bold look, but you need a bit more pizzazz to spice up a bland outfit. Trendy eternity bracelets are gorgeous Eastern-inspired pieces that add an exotic flavor to your jewelry collection. Complete the theme with hamsa hand and evil eye motifs for a culturally consistent look, and keep the bohemian trend going with the rest of your outfit. Think long, loose dresses, simple sandals and oversized hippie sunglasses.

3. Bold Scarf

A bold enough scarf can completely overshadow a basic top while adding texture and versatility to your look. Although bright colors can sometimes do the trick, a basic outfit needs a little something more. Try metallic polka dots for a fierce, fun look or feminine floral prints for a whole color scheme. Think fringes for an extra unique look or gold and silver detailing for an eye-catching shine. [Read more…]

Fashion for All Seasons: How to Modify Your Summer Clothes for Changing Spring Temperatures

April 15, 2013 By Harpermac

Spring can be an awkward in-between phase for fashion because the weather is at that thin line between warm and cold, which means versatility is key for transitioning and staying comfortable while the weather makes up its mind. Since you’re probably sick of your sweaters by now, use this time to finally put them to rest and bust out your warm-weather favorites a little early this season. To find out how to wear summer staples both now and later, read on for some helpful tips.

1. Shorts

Most people think of shorts as a summer-only item, but they can actually be worn all year long with a little modification and creativity.

Wear it now: Pair your favorite pair of shorts with a shrunken sweater for a cute and cozy, form-fitting look. Keep your bottom-half covered with nubby tights to block out the wind chill, and finish off your look with a sophisticated pair of studded loafers or heeled booties.

Wear it later: A colorful linen blouse keeps you cool on a breezy summer day, while strappy heels allow your feet to breathe without coming with a high risk of falling off. An oversized hat and beach bag completes this look.

2. Windbreaker

Windy days can come up during any season, so knowing how to style your windbreaker from spring to summer might come in handy. [Read more…]