If you loved our post earlier this week on blush heels, you’ll squeal about this trend!


According to Pantone, two of this Spring’s top colors are honeysuckle (a soft peach) and silver peony (a soft pink).


We saw confirmation of the popularity of these colors on the red carpets at the Golden Globes. These two colors, and various shades in-between, were definitely the evening gown color of choice this year.

In fact, pink dresses are so popular, they’re basically replacing the LBD this season as the go-to dress. (Don’t get rid of your little black dresses, though…they’ll be back soon enough!)

How To Wear a Pink Dress

Shoes – As tempted as it might be, don’t combine this trend with the blush heels trend. Unless you want to look like Pink Princess Barbie, of course. Black heels or nude heels with gold accents are a better option.
Jewelry – Let your dress be the focal point. Wear ONE statement piece – a multi-chained necklace, a wide cuff bracelet or chandelier earrings.

Where To Find a Pink Dress

The trend hasn’t hit many department stores yet. Watch in the months to come for this dress to be in the windows of all your favorite stores.
Here’s what’s out right now –

Banana Republic | The Limited | The Limited | Amsale | D&G | JCrew | ModCloth | ModCloth | ModCloth

What do you think? Are you a fan of the pink dress trend?

It’s so easy to forget to make an appointment for the spa. You always leave feeling fabulous, but then forget to book your next appointment until it’s too late. Your nails are scraggly, your skin is dull, your hair is two-toned and split at the ends. You try to get in, but you have to wait another week or two. During this time, your beauty situation becomes dire. You’re tempted to wear a paper bag over your head until your appointment. Does this happen to you?

I used to be a paper-bag-wearer every 2 months or so. It took getting engaged and reading a bridal beauty schedule to get me in the habit of following a spa schedule.


Now that I do, I’m hooked. I push the limits as far as I can to make sure I’m not breaking the bank with my spa habits, but I never get to that scraggly, dull, two-toned, split ends stage. Here is a schedule you can follow – accounting for time and money and offering maintenance suggestions as well.

Hair

Cut

Short - If your hair is short, it takes a bit more maintenance to maintain its stylish shape. Women with short hair will need to have their hair cut every 4 weeks.
Medium - Medium hair cuts give you a little more wiggle room than short cuts, but you should still make sure to visit your salon every 5 weeks.
Long - With long hair, you have the ultimate in terms of forgiveness. To keep your ends healthy, make sure you get a trim every 6 weeks.


If you’re growing your hair out in any of the styles listed above, don’t just let your hair grow willy-nilly. Make sure to have your ends trimmed at least every 8 weeks.

Color

No Roots – If you never want your roots to show, get your hair colored every 4 weeks. However, if you’re having your hair colored this often, make sure you’re not damaging your hair. Consult with your hair stylist to make sure the color being used on your hair isn’t super harsh.
Starting To Show – If you can handle your roots showing just a bit, you can probably wait until 6 weeks to have your hair colored again. Again, make sure you’re taking a healthy approach to your color so as not to damage your hair.
Two-Toned – If you wait 8 weeks or longer, your hair is going to look two-toned. You’ll have that ‘I’m growing out my color’ look – not pleasant. Depending on the difference between your natural hair color and your enhanced hair color, this may not be as drastic for some. If you can make it this long without having ombre hair, it’s a much healthier (and more affordable!) option.


Ways to extend your hair color – Using shampoos that are gentle on color-treated hair definitely seems to extend the amount of time you can go between colors. I love Frederic Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo. I don’t find the need to use a color care conditioner and can use one more suited to my hair texture.
Another little secret my hair colorist introduced me to is the Aveda color gloss services. I have my hair colored every 8 weeks with a color gloss in between. The color gloss gives my hair a nice shine and extends the color until my next highlight.

Nails

Perfect Cuticles – If money and time are no object, you should get a manicure every week and a pedicure every 3 weeks. This will keep your nail polish fresh, your cuticles healthy and your nails well-groomed.
Maintenance – If your budget and schedule don’t allot for such a hefty nail schedule, try to get a full mani/pedi at least once a month with a polish change on your hands in between. Most salons will do a basic nail grooming as they do your polish change. This will keep your nails looking fresh, your cuticles healthy and your pocketbook happy.


Ways to extend your manis –
1 – Wear gloves when you clean, wash dishes or garden
2 – Apply cuticle oil each night before bed
3 – Apply a clear coat every couple of days

Skin

Facials – I love a good facial even more than I love a good massage. I highly recommend having a facial (with extractions) every month. If your budget and schedule don’t permit that, go for at least once every 3 months.


Tip - As much as I love my regular aesthetician, there are plenty of group deals on spa services. A facial is a good way to experience a new spa since there’s not so much they can screw up.


Waxing – To maintain a good shape and not mess up the progress your aesthetician has made, make sure to have your eyebrows waxed about once a month. It pays to go to someone who specializes in eyebrow shaping instead of the random nail-tech, waxing your brows behind a makeshift curtain.


One of the best ways to make sure you maintain a spa schedule is to book your next appointment as you check out. Booking your services in advance ensures you’ll be able to get in when you need to.


Do you have a spa schedule? How is it similar or different to the one I listed here?


Photo Credit – epic self

The following is a guest post from one of our readers. Join me in welcoming Rochalle!

What Are Kitten Heels?

Kitten heels are a compromise between flats and high heels. More than just being a low heel, what makes a kitten heel is the placement and feminine shape of the heel. They will always have a 2-inch or less thin-based heel that is set in from the back of the shoe. Due to this placement there is an inward curvature of the heel (like a kitten claw).

The shoe is always delicate and slender. Much of the time, the shoe has a pointed toe or peep toe, adding to the feminine appearance. Especially popular on pumps, kitten heels can be found on many types of women’s dress shoes. You can find kitten heels in pumps, sandals, peep toes, and wedges. Also, you’ll find everything from dressy kitten heels appropriate for evening wear to casual options that can be worn on the street, at work or when shopping.

How To Wear Kitten Heels

There’s a pair of kitten heels for almost any outfit since they are available in so many styles. Kitten heels are delicate with dresses or pants. They’re especially pretty with summer dresses and skirts.


Fair Warning – Be careful when purchasing and dressing these tricky little heels. Kitten heels do not flatter the leg or foot like high heels. They won’t make your legs longer and they won’t make your feet look smaller.

Because they still give you a lift but fail to elongate the leg, most of us should wear kitten heels with wide leg trousers. They can also be worn with skinnies as a substitute for the higher heels we have been seeing lately.


If you choose to partake in this trend buy a versatile pair. Black or brown are always a good bet but why not try navy blue, olive, or even red.


Are you a kitten heels fan?

The Seventies are back in a big way. We’ve flirted with the styles over the last few years – along with each of the other decades. This Spring, the 1970′s have taken center stage.


So, what does this mean? No, it doesn’t mean fringe, paisley and polyester (though those elements are hinted at in current pieces). Rather, the trend is more of a modernized version of the Seventies style. Instead of polyester bellbottoms, you’ll see bells from your favorite designer denim brand. Instead of fringe vests with paisley jumpsuits, you’ll see suit vests over solid colored peasant tops.


Here are the top ten pieces for the trend. As with most things, make sure to mix and match but don’t combine too many of the trends at one time or you’ll look like you’re on your way to Woodstock (yes, I know Woodstock was in 1969 – you get my point).

Goddess Dresses

What - Goddess dresses are maxi-dresses with a focus on flowiness. For the ultimate, choose a maxi-dress with a halter neckline, wide sleeves or a psychedelic pattern.
How - Wear your goddess dress with flat sandals, a wrist cuff and a long, chain necklace.

Parker | Leifsdottir

Round, Oversized Sunglasses

To pull off this look, find a pair of sunnies that are truly round – not just oversized. But, also make sure your pair is oversized or you’ll just look like one of the Beatles.

Urban Outfitters | Alexander McQueen

Bell Bottoms

What - These are not your mother’s bell-bottoms. Look for designer denim with higher waists and flared legs.
How - Wear with a simple peasant top, a loose tunic or a camp shirt. Heels are preferable, but strappy (super) flat sandals work as well.

Citizens of Humanity | J Brand

Floppy Hats

Wearing a floppy hat takes a certain amount of gumption. It’s basically the new fedora for those who venture into the world of hats. Wear your floppy hat with your hair down, straight and long if possible.

Urban Outfitters | JCrew

Peasant Tops

What - Peasant tops typically have loose, flowing sleeves, an unbanded bottom and a slit neckline.
How - Look for something subtly printed to wear with a solid bottom like jeans. Or, wear a solid top for an even more subdued look and accessorize with round sunnies or a floppy hat.

Anthropologie | Banana Republic

Halters

What - Seventies halters are loose, typically silky and often belted.
How - Wear these as you would peasant tops – wear printed halters with solid, plain bells and solid, plain halters with interesting, seventies-inspired accessories like floppy hats or round sunnies.

Robbi & Nikki | Free People

Oxfords

What - I’ll just come out and say it – I’m not so sure about oxford flats. We’ll see how they evolve and I’ll keep you posted. Oxford heels, on the other hand, are HOT! I love this look.
How - Wear heeled oxfords with tights and flowery dresses. Wear with bell bottoms only if your pants are long enough (almost to the ground with your heels on).

Jeffrey Campbell | Nine West

Wrap Dresses

What - Diane Von Furstenberg brought the wrap dress on the scene back in the 70′s. It’s basically a short, v-neck dress with a belt.
How - If you’re a big fan of this style, I highly suggest getting a DVF wrap dress. It’s the iconic piece and obviously has lasting power. Wear a wrap dress with tights and heeled oxfords.

Diane Von Furstenberg | Anthropologie

Jumpsuits

What - Jumpsuits for this trend don’t include the short variety – that’s a different style entirely. With these jumpsuits, look for loose fabrics, wide legs, belted or gathered waists and either strapless, spaghetti or halter necklines.
How - If your jumpsuit consists of long pant legs, consider heeled oxfords. If not, go with a strappy leather sandal.

Velvet Torch | Joie

Three Piece Suit

A super stylish wear to work option. Look for three piece suits that are very fitted through the top and waist and flare near the ankles.

Banana Republic

What do you think? Will you be wearing any of these styles this season?


RELATED – How To Dress Boho Chic

It’s time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day attire. If you wait ’til the last minute, you’ll surely be stumped in a ‘gosh-I-have-no-idea-what-to-wear’ quandary. Regardless of your plans, you’ll want to look super cute and sexy. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to shop for a new girlie outfit!


Here are some ideas categorized by the mood you’re applying to this year’s day of love.

Sassy

Planning a fun girls’ night out on the town? Hitting the dance clubs with your honey? If you’re feeling sassy this Valentine’s, find something short and slinky or – better yet – sequined to the hilt!

Victoria’s Secret | Victoria’s Secret | Free People

Sexy

Staying in for a steamy night with your sweetie? Heading to a cocktail lounge? If you want something on the sexy side, look for pieces reminiscent of lingerie – skin tight, lacy and seductive.

Victoria’s Secret | Victoria’s Secret | Victoria’s Secret | Herve Leger

Sophisticated

Going for dinner to an upscale restaurant? Is it a first date? Either way, you’ll want something that’s stylish and sophisticated. Look for longer hemlines and more structured dresses that still have a touch of sexy with silky fabrics or tastefully plunging necklines.

Suzi Chin | Adrianna Papell | Victoria’s Secret

Romantic

If your mood is a bit more sugary sweet than seductive, look for pieces that scream romance. Red velvet, pink lace and ruffles are perfect options.

Victoria’s Secret | Victoria’s Secret | Eliza J | ModCloth | Banana Republic

Cute

Maybe you want to look super cute and flirty for dinner and drinks with your man. Look for full skirts, bold colors, ruffles and shorter hemlines.

Taylor | D&G | Banana Republic | Ruffle Party Dress

What are your Valentine’s Day plans? Which mood will inspire you as you plan your outfit?