S is for Spring break

Did you ever think about how many things start with S that are associated with Spring break?

Sand
Sun
Sea
Sandals
Snorkel
Sandwich
Sundress
Shorts
Swimsuit
Soundtracks
Starfish
Shells
Sunscreen
Sunglasses/Shades


Anyways,

My sister and I had wayyy too much fun thinking of words that start with S and are related to Spring break the other night...it was a little Silly haha wow ok I need to stop.  Here are some items that will help you experience Spring break in Style!

Statement jewelry with your swimsuit is sexy.  Earrings are a great go to because they don't leave tan lines! However, I do love necklaces...try one that drapes down the back!  Also, the tribal trend is huge this Spring so incorporate it into the print of your swimsuit, arm cuffs or bands, or your cover-up!  Braids are also a big hit and a good way to keep the hair out of your face and keep your beach wave from developing into a big beach knot.

TRIBAL TREND PIECES AND INSPIRATION: 

Scarves and hats are a lot of fun and can spice up a solid suit! Do your hair up in a sleek retro style with some fun vintage shades and you will definitely catch a few looks!

Fashion history fact for the day: 

Here, you will see one of the first real versions of the swimsuit.  This is a 1920's sleeveless tank suit made of wool jersey.  The bathing cap also came about in the  1920's! The first bikini was patented in 1946 by Louis Reard.  

WOW, I AM SUCH A DORK!

Pinch your Penny!

Oh lordy,

I am so ready to shop but gots no money. Therefore, I am in search of new ways to update my current wardrobe. I have just recently become a huge fan of jewelry and accessories. In the past I've always spent most of my money on clothing only and shrugged off the need for frill and trimmings. The problem there is, it doesn't leave many options or different ways to present the ensemble. Since jewelry this season is big, bold, and beautiful, it can be the outfit itself! Get a statement necklace, stack a bunch of rings, or go crazy with some ear bling paired with some cut offs you made from some old jeans you don't wear anymore and a solid silk top or even a white tee and you are good to go! Here are some great finds....best part is most are under $15 and all are under 50!

  

Another good way to accessorize is with a scarf, hat or both.  Yes!  you can still wear scarves in the Spring and Summer as long as the material is lightweight.  Scarves made of Silk, Viscose, or Cotton for instance are perfect for Spring  and really don't work unless you have a solid pallet such as the 

white tee to work with anyways.  Hats are great to help you avoid too much sun and instantly give your outfit a cool vibe and sends the message that you 

are hip, trendy, and might have a bad hair day haha jk.

Here are some great key pieces, (which you probably have something close too in your closet already) that you can work with over and over again to create new looks.  A simple Summer dress is a great staple to work with as well. Unique Vintage or Thrift finds are also great ways to make your outfit unique and one of a kind!

 

Who TAT?

Hear the Cry. See the Need. Be the Change.  That is the slogan for Tigers Against Trafficking, an organization in the Baton Rouge area raising awareness about Human Trafficking. 

• The second largest global organized crime today is trafficking in women.  It generates approximately $12 billion dollars a year!

• 100,000 to 300,000 children in America are at risk for sex trafficking each year.

• There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide. Only  1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.

• In the U.S. , the sale of child pornography is a $3 billion annual industry; 55% of child pornography on the Internet comes from the U.S.

• 12 is the average age of entry into pornography and prostitution.

• Pimps can earn up to $632,000 per year by selling four young women or children.

• Three domestic minor sex trafficking victims interviewed were sold 10-15 times per night, 6 days a week, totaling between 9,360 and 14,040 sex acts in a year.

In our area, New Orleans, Houston, and New York are three of the biggest cities involved.  I had no idea!  As soon as I learned how prominent this industry is, I wanted to help in some way.  
The following pictures are of a t-shirt I designed to promote awareness of Human Trafficking.  The design is printed on American Apparel tri-blend tees.  The shirts are $18 and 70% of sales goes to Tigers Against Trafficking.  This is the women's cut, but I have unisex shirts as well.  

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  They will be available at Storyville and Merci Beaucoup in Towne Center, as well at the table set up for the TAT 5k on the Parade Grounds this Saturday. 
  
  
  To learn more about what is going on and how you can help. Vist www.tigersagainsttrafficking.com or www.traffickinghope.org.  Trafficking Hope is another campaign in the Baton Rouge area trying to bring hope to the victims of this horrible crime and help prevent future cases through outreach and awareness. 

Icing on the Cake

Ok, today I want to talk about accessories for the Spring.  I'm trying to figure out what I need and it helps to write this business down.

Sooo, first on my list is a new pair of sunglasses since I stupidly lost them on St. Patty's day at Serranos :(.  The worst part is the empty Ray Ban case is still in my car haunting me every time I get in.  I really think that Ray Bans will be in style for quite a while.  The trend started a few years ago, but they look great on everyone and are so fun that I think they have a long life ahead of them.  I really want the exact same pair I had, maybe just a different color like Blue!

Another big come back this season are wedges and clogs! I loathed them for quite a while, but I recently found a place in my heart for them all over again. I'm very picky about cork and hemp wedges though...wooden are usually my fav!  They give you height and comfort at the same time and give a funky feel to your ensemble.

Jewelry: Big, bold, and glamorous.  Stack on the rings, wear big cuffs and colorful bright jewels.  In my opinion, gold over silver,  wear as many rings as you can, and either go big with jewelry or your outfit, not both.  I love layering multiple necklaces but then wearing subtle or no earrings.  Here are a few of my favorite picks.  Items from Rachel Zoe's new line for qvc are mixed in as well as pieces from Topshop.  Shopbop.com also has a great trend guide if you are ever in need and carries oodles of great designers.

 Bags: I'm seeing a lot of snakeskin, (which I'm not a fan of),  long chains, and bucket shaped bags.  Studs are still a big trend as well as fringe.  If you go with a studded bag...please don't pair with studded shoes and jacket as well. You don't want to over do any one trend, but rather make it yours by integrating your personal style in with a couple of fads of the season.  I'm going to be honest...most of my handbags come from thrift stores.