by Renae Virata

Fashion Forecast Look #1

Click the look below to shop it now!

Fashion Forecast Look #2

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Fashion Forecast Look #3

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by Renae Virata |

Click here to check out Rodeo looks we created using our Fashion Forecast tool!

This gal's shirt says it all! A vintage tee fit to be tied with your favorite jeans and boots is simple but carries a ton of fashion impact.

The splash of color with a scarf and otherwise neutral, urban look is chic and complete with a pair of boots - and spurs (yes, spurs!).

Spurs up close.

Get comfy in a simple cardigan, your favorite boots and skinny jeans for an easy rodeo look.

]]> http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2013/03/event-what-to-wear-to-a-rodeo/feed/ 0 http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2013/02/freebie-wear-do-you-want-to-go-jewelry-from-j-sinigal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=freebie-wear-do-you-want-to-go-jewelry-from-j-sinigal http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/2013/02/freebie-wear-do-you-want-to-go-jewelry-from-j-sinigal/#comments Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:52:39 +0000 Renae Virata http://blog.wearevertheweather.com/?p=8022

JSinigal.com global bracelets

by Renae Virata | If you can’t go somewhere fabulous anytime soon, why not wear it?  Jennifer Sinigal, a super stylish Angeleno, has just launched her line of fabulous jewelry J. Sinigal, and what really struck our fancy was the collection of beaded bracelets which she has named after exotic places around the globe.

It’s amazing how a color and texture can easily remind us of a certain place in the world.  We can’t help but get lost in the water blue of “Jamaica“, the spicy curryness of “Thailand“, and the ancient look and feel of the “Mexico” beads.  She even has a stateside dedication to Florida’s Everglades with a chic jade-green bracelet.  Check them all out here and slip on your next fantasy getaway!

Bracelets range from $22 – $34. Just click on a bracelet to shop now and for more details. Be sure to check out Jennifer’s growing line at JSinigal.com!

London

Uruguay

Tahiti

Thailand

Sydney

The Senegal

The Philippines

Mexico

Everglades

Morocco

Jamaica

Ivory Coast

Greenland

Egypt

Jamaica

the N12 Bikini

by Renae Virata | While casually parking my dial at our local NPR station, I came across an interview with a scientist discussing 3-D printing.  The interviewer mirrored my confusion as we both tried to wrap our heads around the concept!  I Googled what I could to understand exactly HOW this technology works and stumbled upon the N12-bikini – made entirely from 3-D printing – and the programmer who gives a great explanation about this emerging technology. Click here to see the video.

When it comes to nightlife, everyone wants to turn heads, whether it be for the amount of effort they put into their outfit…or the lack they want you to think they put in. Despite the assortment of styles, there is one thing that most Houstonians share, and that is the love of designer brands.  Depending on where you go in the city, you can spot a guy at a club wearing an Adidas sweat suit, or you may find him looking like he just came down a runway with a Louis Vuitton scarf around his neck. Girls in one place may be wearing nothing but Louboutins, or they could be sporting Jordans.

Ahhh...love how this dress is perfect for a chilly but not too cold Houston winter. Click to learn more and to shop this look.

When your city has a mall like the Galleria, it’s not hard to notice the demand for luxury goods. There is a lot of wealth in Houston, and even for those who may not have it, there is still emphasis placed on grandeur. You can almost always count on a statement piece to make an impression with someone’s outfit.

Sassy but elegant, the perfect look for a night out or a special date. Click to learn more and to shop this look.

Houston also has a very prevalent hip-hop/music scene which shapes the trends of the city. It wouldn’t be uncommon to find graphic tees paired with tight mini-skirts and heels. The mix of street wear and designer wear is something we like to call “urban chic”. You take the rawness of downtown and combine it with the opulence of, for example, River Oaks and come out with a very Houston vibe.

Lavo Collections is one store in H-town that has been dedicated to defining Houston style while helping their clients create their own looks. One of the great things about Houston shopping, just like Houston style, is that, while you have your run-of-the-mill stores, you have places like Lavo Collections that constantly rotate fresh looks that you know no one else will have in their closet and that are easy to make your own.

We especially love how pieces we’ve showcased here from Lavo are easy to dress up or down, mix and match, and accessorize.  A great practice that any stylish Houstonian does for sure is to pick out a silhouette that will work for multiple occasions and in multiple ways just by changing her shoe, adding a scarf or adding a splash of color.

Check out any of Lavos’ five Houston locations today or shop their fabulous collection online to see more looks like this to add to your collection.

LOVE this lace-top dress that will be on your style checklist year after year. Click to learn more and to shop this look.

Lavo Collections loves running specials and discounts to show our customer appreciation. Sign up to our email distribution list to be the first among our clientele to receive these exclusive promotions: www.lavocollections.com/email

Poor old dress...hadn't seen the light of day in ages. Until yesterday!

by Renae Virata | So if you hadn’t read my previous post, I am on a “shopping my closet” kick!  I realize that there are outfits just WAITING to be made that I have yet to discover. No more staring at my closet with “nothing to wear”! I just wore this summer semi-formal to a boho-chic bar on a VERY chilly and VERY windy night with some great success.  See how I breathed new three-season, three-occasion life into this old-wedding-dress oldie but goodie!

So, this French Connection dress has been a wedding staple for me since 2007.  I bought it while shopping in NOLA and couldn’t resist the fabulous color combo and watercolor print (thank goodness prints are making a furious comeback!).  But after about three or four (okay, maybe five) weddings, I was finally ready to push it to the back of my closet, never to be seen again.  Until yesterday.  As I had done with my previous dress, I decided a little layering was in order and discovered a chic, boho-ish look.  Now, I have three outfits in one, ready to go whenever.  Check ‘em out below!

Here’s the dress with my favorite black boots.  Simple, but already a different look without the gold or silver heels I normally wear with them.

Outfit 2: I added a simple sheer, big-striped tee over it to add some dimension and to create a cooler-weather look. Now the dress is a funky boho skirt!

Outfit 3: And the final touch for a cold-weather look – a wool bomber jacket!  Four completely different key pieces rolled into one fabulous outfit!  PS – Tights are a good idea.  Get creative!

See how I turned this summer strapless into two different cool-weather outfits!

by Renae Virata | In a desperate effort to keep myself from overshopping after the holidays (I just love giving gifts!), I decided that it was time to do a different kind of shopping…in my own closet!  How painful is it to stare at a closet (or two) full of clothes and feel like you have “nothing to wear”?  Sooo frustrating.  So I’ve put together some looks that are great for transitioning from winter to spring with just a few layer adjustments here and there that I hope will inspire you to do the same.  Check out my first two looks from one piece! (And a great way to practice planning for a versatile trip wardrobe!)

Do you have those one or two pieces in your closet that seemed like a great idea at the time of purchase but ended up seeing the inside of your closet more than the outside?  This dress is it for me!  A fun summer purchase in all its teal, gray and purple glory, I thought, “Hey, I can wear this to a summer soiree, dress it down with sandals, it’s perfect!  Yay!” Then promptly forgot about it or rejected it every time I put it on. I felt like it emphasized my man shoulders, lol.

So here is my first look, a great winter option (tights optional, depending on the temps) with a simple Gap sweater I’d had since college (I know!) and my new brown riding boots.  Now, as a patterned skirt, it’s fun and funky in all its frilliness.

Check out our FASHION FORECAST shopping tool to the right to discover some fabulous dresses that fit your weather forecast just like this one!

It warmed up a bit in H-town, so I came up with this look (complete with nude heels) to wear to church.  Notice there isn’t a HINT of yellow in the dress, but it just seems to go.  The skinny belt in the same tone ties the look together nicely.  Then I have a new look for spring, too!

Photo | Calvin Teo

by Renae Virata |It’s the Year of the Snake…according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar! To properly celebrate, whether it is a part of your culture or not, make a statement in red, the color of good luck in Chinese culture.

We can learn a lot from the Chinese New Year, fashion-wise.  One tradition of this 15-day spring festival is to clean out your home and, therefore, your closet – one of the best ways to keep your style flow going (and, according to the Chinese, get the house ready for the good luck to enter).

Check out our recommendations across the country for celebrating the Chinese New Year in style!  (We found these looks for each city and for the February 10 weather forecast using Fashion Forecast – try it to the right for yourself!).

San Francisco (Click to see details and to shop this look before it expires!)

New York (Click to see details and to shop this look before it expires!)

Houston (Click to see details and to shop this look before it expires!)

by Renae Virata |

The kimono is traditionally a robe-like one-piece cover up that has its origins in Japan.  However, this look has steadily grown in fashion favor since the early ’80s when it was introduced into the mainstream (seems like there was a big Japanese/Far East craze with the growing popularity of sushi, inspired videos, and such).

This season, it’s the easiest piece in your wardrobe, and for good reason. On a warm day or for a warm vacation, it can transition from a beach cover-up to a sultry third piece over a cocktail dress or simply paired and belted with your favorite leggings or shorts for a pulled-together look.  Here are a few sassy choices we hope you’ll love (just click on any one of ‘em to shop it now).

by Renae Virata

If you can’t make it down south this year for the Big Game, no worries! Show your team pride (or at least for the team you’d like to root for) with a spirited look at your Super Bowl fete.  You can go the traditional jersey-wearing route, which is cute, sporty and for the all-out fan.  Or, to save some cash and have a less-committal look (especially if your hometown team didn’t make it this year), coordinate your look to match a team’s colors.

Baltimore Ravens

Click to buy: $27.99

Click to buy: $114.99

San Francisco 49ers

Click to buy: $34.99

Click to buy: $114.99

Click to buy: $27.99

by Renae Virata

Made in Vancouver and designed in Toronto, Trout (aptly named for its Canadian roots and to immediately align with the idea of water – Trout…water…rain…get it?!) offers three distinct styles of rain jackets to suit any travelista’s style.  And, clencher, each style is fabulously named after a species of Trout!

“Our coats are perfect for trips because they don’t look like raincoats,” explains Ashley, one of the two Canadian sisters, based in Toronto, who started the line with her sister Jennifer, currently in New York. “You can wear them every day, but, just in case it rains, you’re covered.”

Behind every great line is a great story, and Trout’s is no different.  The two Canadian sisters dreamed of starting their own fashion brand together and saw the gap between sporty rain jackets like Nike’s and more expensive, highly stylized rain coats from the likes of Burberry.  Two years of digging deeply into fabrics, designs, and crafting (with a few hits and misses along the way) finally culminated into Trout.

Three Looks from Trout

The sporty “Humbolt” stands out wherever you go with florescent pink cord tips and cool styling. Think Portland, Denver or another more casual, outdoorsy locale to get a ton of mileage from this jacket.  A cool feature? An interior pocket that holds your cell while you’re on the go and extra long sleeves to cover your hands in wet weather that can be chic-ly rolled up when it gets dry.

“Gila” is a classic trench – with a twist.  Dressed up or down, the “upbeat trench” features a hood cleverly disguised as a stylish collar when not in use.  The snap closures, double breast, and removable belt make this coat dressier while the longer length ensures you won’t get that cocktail dress drenched if you get caught in a rainstorm.

My favorite, though, is probably the “Biwa” for its versatility and in-between styling (perfect for traveling!).  Not only does it come in classic colors (as all Trout rain gear do), but it is also reversible. One side has a sportier look, exposing the bright tape seams, while the other side can easily go to dinner or shopping.

As a trip wardrobe addition, they all work perfectly: lightweight (read: easy to pack), stylish and waterproof.  But why hide it when you can show it off the minute you step onto the plane?

Right now you can find Trout at Holt Renfrew in Canada , but if you’re not within driving distance of one, you can visit the Trout online store, launching this spring. I’ll keep you posted!

by Renae Virata

Here are a few fabulous looks that my friends and I donned while witnessing the nuptials of my best friend Nataliya.  Bright or creamy colors and flowy, breathable fabrics are key to a great look!  Jewelry is the best way to dress up an otherwise casual sundress.  If the wedding takes place on the grass, try a pair of heel protectors.  Nat wore them on her sexy, skinny heels and prevented them from getting ruined or from her sinking in the soft Hawaiian grass.  C’est parfait!

by Sameera Ahmed

Travelistas, it seems to be a never-ending dilemma: do I blow my hard-earned money on fixing the rat’s nest on my head, or save it for that trip to Thailand I’ve been dreaming about?  If you’re reading this blog, then you probably know the answer – Thailand always wins!  So, that means I’m traipsing around town looking a hot mess, and scheduling haircut appointments at the local beauty school in an attempt to save a buck.

Just as I was about to schedule another experimental appointment at another student salon (praying I’d be seated in the chair of the student who paid the MOST attention in class… which never happens.  *Sigh*), this glorious book arrived in my mailbox:

It’s like the beauty universe read my mind.  This incredible book is written by industry veteran Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, who has been Glamour’s beauty editor for over 10 years, and was pioneer editor in chief at Sephora before that.  Yeah.  So needless to say, the girl knows her stuff.

She starts the book with a definition of what it means to look expensive, saying “Looking expensive takes practice, knowledge and education. It’s luxe, not loud. More Paris, France, than Paris Hilton.”  Amen, sister.  Amen.

Then, she shares insider info from all her beauty-pro buddies, like dermatologists, hairstylists and makeup artists that work with A-list stars.  No big deal.  Seriously though, this book is filled with little nuggets of gold.  From DIY tips on how to get your favorite celeb’s enviable highlights and skin care routines for your skin type, to step-by-step how-to’s on creating red carpet ready makeup with drugstore products, this book has it all!  Here is a sneak preview of some of the life-changing tips you’ll find in the book:

• You can boost blonde hair by pouring leftover champagne over your hair, and then blow-drying for five minutes for natural-looking sun-kissed highlights.
• Use Affrin nasal spray as an anti redness treatment for pimples or irritated skin.  It will take the red out in less than an hour.
• Sleep on a silk pillow case, or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to make your blowout last longer.
• Makeup tip: With mascara, you don’t have to go expensive.  Most makeup artists actually swear by drugstore mascara!

In addition to the insider tips and tricks, my favorite thing about this book is that she gives ACTUAL product recommendations.  I know, that sounds basic, but most beauty books don’t do this – they’ll say “buy something with [blank] ingredient”, or they’ll hock their own products, but it’s so hard to find actual, specific product recommendations.  In this book, Andrea makes recommendations in every category, across multiple price points – it’s like going shopping with your beauty obsessed bff!

Well, travelistas, turns out we can be expensive-looking AND still afford to travel!  Pick up a copy to get drugstore dupes for industry favorite products, and to learn application techniques from the pros, all with options that fit within your budget.

By Alexa Serrecchia

Firstly, I barely used any of the gym type clothes that I brought. I never used my gym sneakers once. I told myself that I would exercise some while away, but I didn’t need to considering how much we walked each day. Also, I didn’t want to waste my time in a foreign country exercising! Therefore, considering that I only used my gym clothes as pajamas, I could’ve brought half the amount that I did. The sneakers also took up valuable space in my suitcase; although, if you’re going to bring bulkier shoes, utilize the space as I did by stuffing smaller items inside of your shoes!

 Next, there were a few nicer items I could’ve left at home. I didn’t wear my blazer or black pants once. I brought a beautiful long-sleeved tunic that I figured I could wear for a nice cooler night out to dinner- problem is, there is no such thing as a cool night in Rome in the summer. There were also a few skirts that I never wore.

By leaving the blazer, tunic, skirts, and gym clothes home, I probably could’ve saved a lot of room in my suitcase. Next time, I will pack more tops and maybe one more pair of shorts. I noticed that the reason I didn’t wear some of these things is simply human nature. I wanted to be comfortable, especially when I was walking around all day, taking pictures, or trying to look nice. In general, most people tend to wear the same clothes over again because they feel comfortable with how they look and feel when wearing them. I tried to bring a few pieces I don’t normally wear, almost to force myself to wear them. Although I did wear a few of these pieces, as I said, the blazer and skirts still sat in the closet. Long story short, bring the piece you love and wear often over the piece you keep meaning to put on. You will be happier about your decision in the long run!

Another item I found myself missing was maybe one more pair of shoes. Whether it was flats or sandals, I could’ve used a bit more variety in my shoe choices. The sandals I brought were fine, but I got quite sick of them by the end of the trip; they also became very worn out from so much use. I learned that the cobblestone streets were not kind to my feet or shoes. The few pairs I brought were very worn down, and the heels of my feet were extremely dry from walking around on the cobblestone constantly. I would suggest bringing an extra pair of flats, because sandals may not always be the best choice.

Overall, I packed a fair variety of items and used mostly everything that I packed; however, I certainly could’ve traded out a few items that I never used. One more helpful hint before I leave you— if you have the room, stuff an extra bag into your suitcase that can be easily folded up. If it weren’t for the Vera Bradley duffel that I stuffed in my bag at the last minute, I would’ve been buying a new suitcase to go along with all of my souvenirs.

Photo | Alexa Serrecchia

About Alexa

Alexa is a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where she is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and a journalist for The Ionian.  Follow her fashion journey and musings here on WeareverTheWeather.com as she makes her way through Rome, Paris and in between.  Also, check out her fabulous blog and subscribe to her YouTube channel for awesome lifestyle, fashion and beauty tips.

I decided to pack one day and one night outfit for each day of our trip, along with my bathing suit, beach cover-up, and fedora. Turns out, I packed far too much. Considering that it was our last weekend, we decided to just spend some time relaxing by the pool and on the beach.

In Sorrento, there was a nice downtown area to walk around and shop. There were a few little restaurants and dessert shops as well. On the first day there, I had some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. All of the ingredients were fresh, the dough was handmade, and the pizza was cooked in a brick oven after we ordered it. It was the perfect meal upon arrival as we were starving from our day of travelling.

For our day on the island of Capri, my friends and I all wore bathing suits with beach cover-ups. We saw la Grotta Azzurra in the morning, went up to Anacapri to shop for handmade sandals, and then went to Marina Piccola, a beach on the far side of the island. It was a nice day of relaxation; during the rest of our trip, there was always somewhere to go, a museum to get to, or a church to visit. While in Capri and Sorrento, we were able to just appreciate the beauty of southern Italy and the coast.

On our second evening, we finally donned nice dresses for a beautiful dinner in a restaurant on the water in Sorrento. This was the only time I wore any of the various outfits I had packed. Therefore, my main suggestion for anyone visiting the Italian seas—leave the daytime clothes at home; all you need is a bathing suit, cover-up, and a couple nice dinner outfits. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Photo | Alexa Serrecchia

About Alexa

Alexa is a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where she is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and a journalist for The Ionian.  Follow her fashion journey and musings here on WeareverTheWeather.com as she makes her way through Rome, Paris and in between.  Also, check out her fabulous blog and subscribe to her YouTube channel for awesome lifestyle, fashion and beauty tips.

Free People 'Girl' Graphic Tank $68

by Renae Virata | The fresh air, the throngs of happy people, the amazing music – summertime is definitely outdoor concert time! And this summer’s trends definitely lend themselves to perfect concert looks.  Crochet, neon colors, and maxi dresses are all hot and fit well for any casual summer celebration.  In Houston, where it’s hot and muggy, the less clothes, the better.  However, we have a few tips to make sure you have a comfortable and fun experience.

Crochet

This is not your grandma’s crochet (though if she could knit us a cute tank like this one, we’d wear it with pride!).  The super open weave of a great tank or tee is like a sartorial air conditioning system.  Plus you can be as revealing or demure as you like.  We love the idea of a bikini peeking through or layering it over a maxi tank dress. Comfy wedges with a little platform play into the boho look and are extra hot.  Here we’ve given it an Americana touch with this fabulous stars and stripes bikini from Ralph Lauren.

Show here: Roxy 2 Piece Tank & Bandeau Bikini Top $76; Ralph Lauren Blue Stars & Stripes Bikini Top $65; Hudson Jeans ‘Hampton’ Cuffed Denim Shorts $162;Sbicca ’Lizzy’ Sandal $74.95

Neon/bright colors

If you want to show your patriotism at Freedom Fest just by showing up but don’t necessarily want to dress the part, try neons and brights!  We love it in tanks, sunglasses, bikini tops, a bracelet or bandana – wherever you can either sneak a splash in or go all out bold.  Try letting it peak through your crochet or sheer top, like this one from Free People.  The summer sun picks up bright colors well, which is why it is such a HOT (excuse the pun) trend that comes back so often this time of year.  And if you want to break down the bright tones a bit, add an earthly element with a cool suede boot in tan or taupe.

Shown here: Free People ‘Spellbound’ Shirt $88; Rubbish Zigzag Bandeau (Juniors) $16; True Religion Brand Jeans ’Keira’ Cutoff Shorts (Optic White) $150; REPORT ’Rudy’ Boot $99.95

Maxi

In a cozy cotton, it’s ideal for looking chic…and for sitting on the grass!  Flat sandals tone it down while one great statement piece is all you need to complete it.  We love the idea of a floppy hat for a classic summer look.  If it gets too hot and sticky, as it may very well become, you can tie the hemline up to your knee in a chic little knot on the side and keep your cool.  For the Fourth of July, we can’t imagine a more patriotic look!

Shown here:  Kensie Bold Stripe Maxi Dress $68; Splendid ‘Madrid’ Flip Flop $48.95; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sun Hat $45

Outdoor Festival Tips:

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the concert!  It should already be a part of your beauty routine, ladies, but especially when you’ve been outside and consuming alcohol!
• Wear sunscreen, whether you want to tan or not.  UV rays are, of course, strongest during the summer, so make sure you protect what your mama gave you!
• A bikini is as quick-dry as it gets when it comes to what you wear underneath.  If you let it show, all the better – it’s another layer to your outfit!
• Bring a bandana or cotton scarf.  Cute on your wrist…cute in your hair…USEFUL for wiping sweat from your face (it WILL happen!).
• Bring a manual fan that coordinates with your outfit.  Nothing is more sultry than an old-school fan to keep cool.
• You might have to traverse grassy knolls and other questionable terrain to get to your final resting spot, so sandals that are secure around the ankles or heels work best.  Flip-flops and other flat, smooth-bottomed kicks tend to slide on slippery grass.  Wedges are your best bet for height, but give the illusion by opting for a comfy, light cork with a platform.

GET A HEAD START ON FALL!  SHOP NORDSTROM’S ANNIVERSARY SALE ONLINE OR IN-STORE JULY 20-26.  REDUCED PRICES ON NEW FALL FASHION – RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER!

 By Alexa Serrecchia | 

When I say cold, I, of course, don’t mean 30 degrees winter cold. However, considering that all we brought were summer clothes as we had been in Florence just prior (where it had been quite warm), we were unprepared for Paris’ weather. My saving grace was the leather jacket I had purchased in Florence. It kept me warm during the day and out at night. I also relied on my pair of purple skinny jeans and dark-wash denim jeans. Whenever the sun came out during the day, I rolled them up into capris; after the sun went down (not until 10:30 pm in Paris!), I rolled them right back down. Another key aspect of my wardrobe that weekend were my Toms. They kept my feet dry in the rain and still looked cute with my outfits. I also wore a scarf and sweater under my jacket, both of which I was able to roll up and throw in my Longchamp if it got warm during the daytime. The first day we arrived, my friends had a mini-shopping spree in H&M to buy a few pairs of pants and sweaters to keep them warm for the weekend. Just a helpful hint whenever you are travelling: assume the weather forecast is at least 10 degrees off, and always bring something to wear on a rainy day!

Not only was it cold, but it also rained on and off during our visit to Paris. Despite the confusing weather, however, we loved Paris. I would highly recommend including Paris in any Europe travel plans you may make. Personally, I never had a major desire to visit Paris, and I wasn’t sure if I would even enjoy it. Once I got there, my mind was completely changed. It is a beautiful city, both with the large city feel and the small-city charm. If you do nothing else while you are there, you MUST see the Eiffel Tower at night. It sparkles for five minutes every hour after dark, and it is something everyone needs to see at least once in his or her life!

Photo | Alexa Serrecchia

About Alexa

Alexa is a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where she is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and a journalist for The Ionian.  Follow her fashion journey and musings here on WeareverTheWeather.com as she makes her way through Rome, Paris and in between.  Also, check out her fabulous blog and subscribe to her YouTube channel for awesome lifestyle, fashion and beauty tips.

 Summer is THE time to play up that beautiful bronzed skin we all long for!  While some of us are naturally blessed with bronzy skin, others of us have to work a bit harder to get that sun-kissed glow.  And, after recent warnings released by the  FDA about the negative health effects of spray tanning (see here and here), I prefer to get my glow the safe, albeit temporary way by using bronzers.

After trying many different formations and shades, here are my picks for bronzers that will work to warm any skin tone with that sun-kissed summer glow.

Origins Bronzing Stick

This bronzing stick from Origins is an absolute must-have for those of us on-the-go.  I lovingly call it my “face in a tube”, as it can be used on cheeks, eyes and lips for a gorgeous all-over bronzed look.  The beautiful rosy-bronze shade is the perfect alternative for blush, and the light shimmer wakes up the skin without looking too frosty. $21
Tip:   Swipe a stripe of this bronzing stick under each cheekbone and blend upward and outward towards the hairline for a gorgeous look for day or night.  For a long, lean look, run this bronzer down the shins and arms, then blend.

Sue Devitt Gel Bronzer SPF 40

Leave it to Australian brand Sue Devitt to create the perfect hybrid of makeup and high SPF coverage found in this gel bronzer.  The consistency is perfect – not too wet or too dry – and works for all skin types, leaving the skin with a beautiful and believable bronzed glow.  I’ve used it with the sponge and without and find that it works great applied both ways.
Tip:  Use this on cheek bones and along the hairline for a natural everyday look.  Keep this with you when you’re out and about for added sun protection and an instant glow.

Guerlain Terracotta Spray SPF 10 02 Medium 2.7 oz

Want the effect of a spray tan without the potential health effects?  Try this bronzing powder mist by Guerlain, who  in my humble opinion makes some of the best bronzing products on the market.  The color of Guerlain bronzers is never too orange or too muddy, so you’ll get a perfectly believable glow without the potential for looking oompa loompa-y.
Tip:  After applying concealer and foundation, lightly mist the face and neck with this bronzer by keeping the can at least six inches from the face.  After spraying, use a kabuki brush to lightly buff the color into the skin for a naturally bronzed look.  Great for body application too!

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals All-Over Face Color Warmth 0.05 oz

This gorgeous bronzing powder is an oldie, but a goodie.  Just the tiniest bit of this powder is all you’ll need to add a gorgeous “warmth” to the skin.  With all natural minerals, this powder illuminates without being shimmery, and bronzes without being muddy.  Apply directly to skin as a powder, or mix with foundation or moisturizer to create a tinted hydrator for face or body.
Tip:  Using a fluffy brush, bring this color in from the hairline in to the rest of the face.  Focus on creating a “3″ from forehead, in to the cheekbone, and down the edge of the face to the jawline.

Final Tip of the Day: As much as I love bronzer, I’d like to point out that  there are plenty of ways it can go wrong, leaving you looking orange, streaky or muddy.  May I submit for the jury exhibits A, B and C:

            
Not good, right?!  Follow my tips above to apply each different type of bronzer the right way, and avoid repeating these mistakes! Also, as a general rule, I never apply bronzer to the nose – it ends up looking weird and creates a weird-looking shape, as seen in Catherine Zeta Jones’ image here.

Photo | Alexa Serrechia

by Alexa Serrechia | In America, every time that I go to church, it seems I see more and more people wearing sweatpants. In the summertime, it is common to see girls in short shorts and guys wearing gym shorts to mass. No one dresses up for church anymore in the US; my parents used to tell me how they used to dress up for Sunday services, and it was considered abnormal if you weren’t in your “Sunday best.” Here in Italy, it seems that this old tradition is still honored.

Both your shoulders and your knees must be covered before entering any church/basilica. Therefore, I figured when visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, the best option was a maxi dress with a light sweater.

I never owned a single maxi dress before this trip. I always felt like it was pointless to try one on; because of my height, I never thought I would find one that was short enough. However, I managed to find not one, but two while I was shopping for my trip! The one I chose here is from the Loft Outlet. It’s perfect because it is a light cotton material, it has tank top straps so that I wasn’t too warm walking to the Vatican, and it is a classy look. I could’ve easily thrown on leggings and a tee, but I felt that the maxi dress was a pulled-together look. Once I got inside St. Peter’s Basilica, I threw on a short-sleeved yellow cardigan for a pop of color and to cover my shoulders.

Photo | Alexa Serrechia

Side note, if you ever get the chance to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, make sure to go inside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It is a place reserved solely for prayer, and even if you aren’t religious, it is nice to just sit and enjoy the quiet and beautiful sculptures surrounding you.

About Alexa

Alexa is a junior at Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, where she is a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority and a journalist for The Ionian.  Follow her fashion journey and musings here on WeareverTheWeather.com as she makes her way through Rome, Paris and in between.  Also, check out her fabulous blog and subscribe to her YouTube channel for awesome lifestyle, fashion and beauty tips.

by Renae Virata | Summer is officially here, people!  And if you haven’t yet decided on where you are going to go or how you are going to spend it, at least have a summer beauty routine in mind.  I visited with Spa Nordstrom in Houston to get tips from their beauty and skin care experts on how to make sure you’re prepared for the heat, humidity and summer elements.

The stress and heat from the day seemed to melt away as I toured the extremely zen (and deliciously fragrant) spa with its welcoming director Robert Alvarez.  In fact, the first thing that the Spa Nordstrom team does to ensure you are relaxed is a complementary foot soak prior to your services.  Located on the second floor, right off the parking garage entrance, this oasis in the middle of the Galleria mall is easy to miss but shouldn’t be!

One of only 14 Spa Nordstroms in the entire country, it houses only two luxurious massage rooms (complete with showers!), three facial/treatment rooms, three manicure stations and two pedicure chairs but offers a selection of products and services that will prepare you for summer.

Some of the team at Spa Nordstrom (L-R): Manager Robert, Jamie, Jorge, Mariette, Patty, Bianca and Ha.  Client coordinator Darryl Judge happily answering a client call (above).

Recommended Summer Beauty Services

• Summer skin can definitely use a lift from time to time, so try an oxygen facial infusion treatment using Intraceuticals.  Many A-list celebs such as Madonna rely on any one of the different treatments (rejuvenate, brighten, firm/plump, and clear) to battle against the elements of the urban environment.
• Before you step into those sandals, make sure your feet look their best!  Any pedicure includes a treatment against dry, scaly skin using Gehwol, used by top spas in Europe.  You can also continue the treatment at home by purchasing the products as Robert’s friend had.  His rough, cracked feet were renewed in just five days of treatment!
• We’ve all seen what damage the sun can do over time, but we still want that darned summer glow.  Airbrushing is the answer!  If you’ve never tried it or are afraid of looking like an oompa-loompa, fear no more.  Robert’s team uses St. Tropez (the same kind they use on Dancing with the Stars!), which offers a range of tones that actually meld with your skin tone to give you your best tan.
• Dontcha just hate when you get a perfect mani-pedi, only to watch it fade to nasty chips and breakage days after?  Avoid it all with Shellac!  Choose from a selection of delicious colors or bring your own and have it glazed with a Shellac topcoat.
• Wouldn’t it be great to wake up and not feel as if you HAD to put on mascara?  During the summer, you shouldn’t have to with all the sweat and water you have to deal with.  Spa Nordstrom offers eight lash services to suit your taste and needs to keep your lashes looking lush and lovely.  Or do as Robert had and use Revitalash, sold at the Spa, to grow your own beautiful lashes in just three short months (and it’s just $98!).

Recommended Beauty Summer Products

• Moroccanoil travel-sized products to nourish your skin and hair during your trip.
• Clarisonic sonic skin cleansing system features rotating bristles and accompanying products depending on your skin needs to thoroughly cleanse your skin of dead cells, impurities, and makeup – six times more makeup and two times more dirt than just using your hands!
• Baby Quasar hand-held light therapy, developed by NASA, will help your stimulate blood flow and circulation to help your skin heal where it’s needed.  It can give you a natural glow; relieve some pain in muscles, skin, and joints; and relax your muscles. It’s like packing a tiny spa in your carry-on! (Look for the Quasar MD, the bigger, quicker version, coming soon!)

Before You Spa

• Make sure you turn your cell phones off or hit ‘silent’.  You’re there to relax!
• Make it a spa day for your wedding party or besties for a birthday/bachelorette celebration.
• Book airbrush tanning 4-5 days in advance of an important event.

Upcoming Events

**Register for a chance to win a Moroccanoil bag filled with more than $350 worth of products!**

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 | Thalgo Event | You can’t get more summer-focused than this! This skincare company is focused on making a fantastic line of skin care products that harness the power of the sea’s natural ingredients found in algae, for example.  Take advantage of $25-Thalgo facials.  Find the formula that works for you and apply your facial as credit towards any Thalgo purchase.  Space is limited, so reserve your spot!

And if you want to grab some style inspiration while you’re in Houston…

…look no further than the eclectic and colorful Montrose area just a few short miles down Westheimer Road from Nordstrom.   A stroll down the street on any given day reveals a parade of one-of-a-kind style that is characteristic of this part of town. It’s the perfect place to come as you are or to experiment a bit with your look.  I caught some stylish divas making the sidewalks their runway as they grabbed coffee, made fun discoveries at the strips of antique shops and braved the heat at any number of delicious eateries.

Check out these Montrose-inspired looks from Nordstrom that you can find online right now!  Just click on each item or on the links below for more details and to shop the looks.

Boho Beautiful | Keeping cool is a priority – and so is looking cool! Accomplish both with this ethnic print dress in bright summer colors, a single-strand long necklace, bright-colored thong sandals, and (for that true Montrose boho look) a fabulous leather cross body bag to carry your essentials (water, sunscreen, wallet for shopping!).  Perfect to wear for a cup of Joe or glass of wine at Agora or hanging out Rosenkavalier Antiques.

Jessica Simpson Wrapped Bodice Crêpe de Chine Maxi Dress, $148; MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Sondra’ Sandal, $97.95; Tory Burch Long Station Chain Necklace, $97.95; Frye ‘Cameron’ Shoulder Bag, $398

Flight of Fancy | A little element of noir and art bodes well in Montrose.  Brighten up this bird-silhouette top with a pair of cool-mint denim capris (they come in other colors!). An appreciation for vintage looks goes a long way, too, so add accessories that harken back to super stylish times and that add texture, like this fabulous clutch (that can also be used to add fun to a formal outfit).  Black and brown are definitely not a problem to mix up in Houston.  A pair of brown wedges plays into the brown in the bag.

Ella Moss ‘Bird’ Print Dolman Top, $98; Lauren by Ralph Lauren Crop Jeans, $79.50; Vintage Reign ‘Mini’ Fold Over Clutch, $275; Cole Haan ‘Air Kimry’ Wedge, $198

Pretty and Free | Nothing keeps you cooler like a simple tank and flowy skirt.  Gray is a favorite neutral to give a pretty coral skirt like this a little more casual edge.  White statement jewelry pops and adds a little glam while printed flats are easy to walk in and add the exclamation point on an outfit!   A leather satchel in another bright color also captured in the shoe looks not too purposely put together.

Caslon® Ribbed Tank, $20 (tons of bright summer colors!); Halogen® Pleated Jersey Skirt, $33.90; Simon Sebbag Long White Quartz Necklace, $322; TOMS ‘Gabriella’ Flat, $78.95; Melie Bianco ‘Louisa’ Shoulder Bag.