Oxblood?

This is an article I wrote December, 22nd 2012 for The Campus Companion

It’s this season’s trendiest color. Oxblood has been all over runways, television, magazines, catalogues, shops, and blogs. You see it everywhere, or at least you think you do. This season has absolutely abused the color Oxblood, which you’d think you couldn’t get anymore abusive than calling something “Oxblood.” I don’t think any other color has been as misunderstood as Oxblood. Designers and merchandisers have been running amuck this season by taking any hue in the red family, calling it Oxblood, and it will sell, sell, sell. I’m not so easily fooled and now you wont be, either! I’m going to show you what the color Oxblood truly looks like:

Not everyone looks fantastic in this shade of red, myself included, so here are some ways you can stay on trend without “drenching” yourself in Oxblood.

Accessorize. Keep your classic winter wardrobe, that you already own and love, then just pop in whatever color trend happens to be hot at the moment with some fun and cute accessories. I’ve put together a collection of 10 truly Oxblood suggestions for you. Now, the shade you see in each image may seem to vary from fabric to fabric and because the pieces are shot under different lights, but I am confident that all the pieces I have chosen represent true Oxblood. Happy Shopping!

 

These are just a few great examples of Oxblood, but now that you know what true Oxblood looks like, you can go out and shop for this color trend with confidence. Hope you enjoyed!

To see the original article click HERE.

Mani, Pedi, and a Splash of Nail Art

The nail art trend has taken us by storm! Nail art has gone from just another fashion blunder of the 1980s (along with acid washed jeans and mullets) to a trend that can be very chic and beautiful.

Nail art can be an expression of yourself, your style, or even just your mood.

With nail art you can say “I’m edgy,” “today is a fancy day,” or  “I’m feeling funny.”

We’ve thrown the old rules for painted nails out the door, it’s time to get creative.

Maybe paint each nail a different color, use a detailed design, or even try 3D nails.

Feeling a little apprehensive about such bold nails? Try something a bit more subtle.

Play around with glitter, put a new twist on a classic look, or just try out interesting colors.

However you decide to enjoy this current trend, I recommend having your nail art done by a professional. I know there are a lot of DIY nail tutorials floating around the internet, but let’s face it, nail art is better left to an actual nail artist.

If you can’t afford to pay a professional to do your nails, try just painting with really cool polish.

Girls Collection Nail Lacquer Set $45, NeimanMarcus.com

Famed nail polish designer Deborah Lippman has collaborated with Lena Dunham, creator, director, and star of HBO’s hit series Girls, to create this fabulous new collection of polish. Each color is named for one of the four main characters of the fashionable show. So, if you can’t afford to have your nails done weekly or bi-weekly by a professional, you should definitely invest in this really cool collection.

Accessorizing Your Winter Wardrobe

Looking fabulous on a students budget isn't easy.

This year I had to get very creative with my accessories because purchasing a new winter coat just wasn't in the stars for me. I've put together a few winter accessory ideas for glamming up my trusty, black winter coat from last season!

Tip: When buying accessories get crazy and get trendy! Don't spend to much money because that accessory might be a one trick pony. You can never know what will be on trend next year! I like to spend my big money on basics and classics; then spend a little less on really fantastic accessories.

Wooden Ships Zelda Ear Warmer $29.00 Urban Outfitters.com Rabbit Fur Ear Muff $20 Etsy.com

Keep your ears warm with some cute head gear. Try a knitted turban or some furry ear muffs.

Tamara Leopard Glove $30 Boohoo.com Brian Atwood Leather Gloves $14 Target.com

Gloves can be so cute. Here's a tip for gloves: make sure they have leather soles or they are fingerless so you can drive in them!

Nobility Houndstooth Scarf $18.99 ShopRuche.com Faux Fur Snood $31.66 ASOS.com

I have an entire wall of scarves. I wear a different one everyday and I feel like they just complete and outfit.

Miles Fedora $28 ShopSosie.com Plush Knit Hood $55 Shopbob.com

Every time I see a girl in a hat, I always think she's a little cooler than me. Hat's are cool.

3D Fierce Spike Epaulettes $31.66 ASOS.com Faux Shearling Lapel Collar $38.70

Saved the best for last! Dress up that old winter coat with some spiked shoulder pads or a faux fur lapel!

Just remember to take risks with accessories. They can really add flare to an outfit.

Happy Shopping!