How To Celebrate Your FashioniSTA Graduate
May 28th
Last week, like thousands of other students, I graduated college. While the feeling is still somewhat surreal, the time has come to be forced into the “real world”. This is one of the biggest transitions in a young person’s life, and it should be celebrated! As a freshly minted graduate, here’s my list of helpful tips to commemorate your own fashioniSTA’s graduation.
My friends and I at my own graduation
Jewelry
What girl doesn’t love the gift of gold (or silver)?! Jewelry is one of my go-to gift options when it comes to major events, like graduations. Whether you choose a meaningful birthstone ring or a dainty necklace, you really cannot go wrong with jewelry. Unsure what type of trinket your grad will like? Stick with the old standbys: Tiffany and Yurman. You won’t go wrong.
Her It Bag
For the less traditional fashioniSTAs (like myself), I prefer my graduation gift to be a little less shiny and with a little more leather. I’m talking about that it handbag, the perfect designer purse that a college student would never own, but is absolutely essential for the working woman. This gift is a little trickier because each girl has her own style in mind, but I suggest something along the lines of Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Philip Lim or the ever-popular Louis Vuitton.
Dinner
For those who don’t want to shell out for material items for their graduate, not to worry! After four years of dining hall food and ramen, there is nothing your grad won’t appreciate more than a delicious dinner. Choose a fun atmosphere where you can celebrate with family, good drinks and good food—you can’t go wrong.
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: pinterest.com, tiffany.com, sashasouzaevents.com, louisvuitton.com, 31philiplim.com, marcjacobs.com, myself)
Heatwave Hairstyles for Summer
May 24th
Summer is a great time for experimenting with fun, bright new fashion trends. As the temperature gets hotter, I look for new means to work a sundress or a pair of cutoffs—and also to experiment with ways to tame my thick, long brown hair as the humidity takes its toll. I know I’m not the only one with heat wave hair struggles, so hopefully these new summer hair trends will help us rock flawless summer looks from hair to toe.
The first and most flexible hairstyle to rock this summer is an old standby: braids! But I’m not talking Pippi Longstocking pigtails—there’s so much more. The fishtail braid is a fun and easy style to try; I like pulling all of my hair to the side in a low pony and braiding it all into a fishtail. One of the greatest parts of a fishtail braid is that it looks great even when it’s a little messy, so it really takes no effort. Another great braid to try is a braid crown. For those who are a little more experienced in braiding, this style is definitely one to try. You can either braid part of your hair into a crown, or try your whole head of hair for a bohemian updo.
For those who want something a little simpler, don’t be afraid to play around with different buns! The topknot has been a favorite in fashion for a few years now, and it isn’t going anywhere. Take it to the next level by trying a topknot sock bun—the sock bun will add extra volume to your limp summer locks, and is the perfect look to take from day to night. For a gentler, more tousled look, try a loose bun at the nape of your neck. It’ll add some glamour to your look.
Finally, when it truly is too hot to deal with anything, you can always resort to a big floppy hat. It’ll hide your frizzies, protect your face from the sun, and requires no time or practice!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: vanessajackman.com, stylishboard.com, tumblr.com, defrumpme.com)
Four Spring Essentials Easily Under $100
May 15th
Gearing up for warming weather is fun, but it can also be expensive. Here are four must-haves for this springtime season that will help you look like a trendsetter on the cheap.
1. Stackable bracelets
This is a great trend that anyone at any age can try. If you like to mix and match your jewelry, go all out with different colored bangles in all different sizes and shapes, no combination is wrong! Should you want to coordinate your look a little more, go with a similar color palette – like black and gold – and just mix and match different textures, such as a black leather bracelet paired with a few solid gold bangles.
Shown here: Various bracelets at Second Time Around in Haddonfield, NJ (starting at $18, call 856-354-9400 to order)
2. Printed Pants
Think you need to work at a fashion magazine to pull off this look? Think again! With the right kind of print, this springtime look can be worn during a family weekend event or to the office (if you work in a more casual workplace, of course). For a weekend look, go with a lightweight sweater in a solid color – white works best for the fashionably conservative, while cobalt blue works great for style extroverts. To transform this piece for the office, pair it with a neutral top and matching neutral-colored blazer and keep accessories minimal.
Shown here: Ralph Lauren pants at Second Time Around in Boston, MA ($49, call 617-247-3504 to order)
3. Chambray Top
The new closet essential is hands-down the chambray button-down. Perfect with white jeans or a printed skirt, chambray has become the new neutral, replacing plain, white button-downs. Break it out at work under a blazer or with a skirt, then dress it down for the weekend with linen shorts for those extra warm days.
Shown here: Rag & Bone top at Second Time Around in Boston, MA
4. Bright Floral Accessories
Springtime is the chance to break out the flower power, and there’s no better way to do so than in bright, bold colors. While matching your shoes to your handbag is an outdated fashion rule, if you match with a fun print, your outfit will look modern and fresh. Since these accessories are in such a feminine print, you can balance your ensemble by wearing them with pants and a button-down, like the chambray top in #3. Pair these printed accessories with a solid-colored outfit to avoid being overly busy, and you’ll be the envy of your next workday or weekend get-together!
Shown here: Betsey Johnson flats and Stuart Weitzman handbag at Second Time Around in Boston, MA ($32 for the size 7.5 flats, $79 for the handbag, call 617-247-3504 to order)
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Taking Festival Fashion to Daily Life
May 6th
Street style photographers assemble for hours outside of Lincoln Center during Fashion Week in the hopes of capturing the chicest outfits and most inspirational ensembles from the high fashion elite. However, with the rise in popularity of music festivals like Coachella, festival fashion has garnered its own notoriety. Those same street style photographers now crowd the barren desert campgrounds of Palm Springs, photographing hip concertgoers rocking the latest trends.
As a bit of a festival veteran (I, too, paraded around Palm Desert last spring for Coachella and have attended San Francisco’s Outside Lands festival a few times), I must warn you that festival fashion isn’t always the most wearable in day-to-day life. The desert heat and packed amphitheatres make crocheted crop-tops and high-wasted cutoffs seem okay—but that doesn’t really fly in day-to-day life. Here are a few tips so you can still rock those fun festival styles without hitting the desert.
1. Go Wild with Prints
Festival goers love their animal prints! Cheetah print tops, pants and jackets—you name it. Try this trend on the daily by switching up your normal blouse with a cheetah print one. Pair it with simple black pants and a leather jacket—you’ll be rocking festival style without being too outrageous. If you want to be a little more daring, choose a pair of animal printed pants or a wild leopard print jacket.
2. Crop It
I’ve never seen more crop tops than when I was at Coachella. While some of the girls paired their cropped tops with hip-hugging shorts or jeans, I don’t have that confidence. If you’re like me and just want to show a little stomach, try a crop top with a high waisted pair of slacks or a maxi-skirt (another festival staple). Finish off the look with a fun structured jacket or blazer.
3. Heavy Metal
The hardest part about rocking festival trends is that they’re not always appropriate for daily wear. However, the chicest festival goers always had one thing in common—awesome statement jewelry—which can be worn no matter the occasion. This trend is super easy to try and you can tweak it to match your own personal style. I like piling on the silver jewelry: numerous rings on my fingers, a solid silver arm party, and a spiky statement necklace. Make the trend your own by layering your own favorite jewelry pieces—the more the merrier!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: garancedore.fr, harpersbazaar.com, refinery29.com, obaz.com, dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com, mydaily.co.uk, studdedhearts.com, freepeople.com)
One Weekend For The One Fund
May 2nd
The events of the 2013 Boston Marathon hit us close to home. With our headquarters located in Boston, as well as three stores located on Boston’s Newbury Street, our hearts went out to the victims, the first responders, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
During the weekend of May 17th - May 19th, 10% of all STA sales will be donated to The One Fund, benefitting the Boston Marathon victims.
We are proud to be from Boston, and we celebrate this one weekend in honor of The One Fund.
ALL LOCATIONS
www.secondtimearound.net
Mad about Mad Men Fashion
Apr 26th
Mad Men is one of television’s most popular television shows, and with good reason. The storyline, setting and costumes combine to create a program that is a breath of fresh air among today’s overwhelming brainless television (though I can’t deny my love for Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). Add a flawless cast (Don Draper, I could stare at you for hours) and you have a pretty perfect show.
Clearly, I love all of it, but I’m particularly obsessed with the fashion. It’s difficult to accurately capture fashions from other periods, but Mad Men does it perfectly. I’ve never felt the need more to throw on a pair of cropped black pants, a brightly printed blouse and a round pair of sunglasses. While I’ll admit that some fashion trends should stay in the 1960s (example), Mad Men has brought new life to many classic, chic trends of that era, and those trends are definitely worth trying, even in 2013.
For the Prepster: Betty Draper
Betty Draper is the epitome of a 60’s housewife: her hair is perfectly coiffed and her outfits match from head to toe. While Betty may not be the most ideal character on the show, her style is covetable, especially for those who like to add a little prep to their daily ensembles. To get a Betty Draper look, pair a floral blouse with a full skirt and cute kitten heels. Don’t forget those precious pearls! Betty’s single strand of pearls is her trademark look.
For the Effortlessly Chic: Joan Holloway
Joan rocks office-chic like no other woman on television. Her form-fitting ensembles are always flattering and stylish. To capture Joan’s look, try donning curve-hugging outfits like a cap-sleeved dress or a pencil skirt and v-necked blouse. To add your own personal flare, add your favorite statement brooch and necklace. Finish the outfit with a pair of killer pumps, and you’ll stand out in your office just like Mad Men’s signature redhead.
For the Trendy Bohemian: Megan Draper
Megan, the show’s newest lead, marches to the beat of her own drummer-setting her apart from the rest of the show’s females. Unlike the other women, she doesn’t let the norms of the 1960’s housewife restrain her, and she is by far the trendiest of the women on the show. She is outgoing, fun and undeniably sexy. To capture Megan’s look, don’t be afraid to try funky prints and loud accessories. Try a brightly printed dress, a fun cardigan and nude pumps for a trendy daytime look. For the evening, wow in a black cocktail dress with fun accents (like Megan’s chiffon flutter sleeves) or stand out in a bright color-blocked ensemble.
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(All images found on Polyvore)
Green is the New Black
Apr 22nd
It’s easy to get lost in the little things in our daily lives—we’re often too preoccupied with work, school, family and friends to think about much else. However, Earth Day is approaching on Monday, April 22, and it is a day when we should put those petty issues aside and express our gratitude for the thing we take most for granted, the Earth.
There are numerous ways to give back to the Earth, from the smallest act of recycling and drinking from reusable water bottles to volunteering time to plant trees or installing energy-efficient appliances in your home. However, it doesn’t stop there. Your wardrobe can be just as eco-friendly as your lifestyle. Here’s how:
Buy Used/Consign
I’m not mentioning this just because this is the Second Time Around blog; buying used clothing is one of the biggest ways to be environmentally friendly with your fashion. Think about it: the amount of fuel and resources it takes to manufacture clothes and accessories is enormous. By purchasing clothing from a consignment store, you’re saving the energy and supplies that would ordinarily be used in the production of new clothing. Buying from consignment stores is not only good for the Earth—it’s good for your wallet, too! Consignment stores offer great deals on gently worn clothes and are a moneymaking eco-friendly alternative to tossing your last-season pieces in the trash.
Check Out Eco-Friendly Designers
There are numerous designers (both indie and more prominent) who take pride in their environmentally friendly designs. Loomstate is a mainstream clothing company that produces organic cotton clothing using “socially and environmentally responsible methods of production.” Another eco-friendly designer is Marcia Patmos, of M. Patmos. After spending a decade at luxury label Lutz + Patmos, she created her own brand, creating socially conscious and environmentally friendly pieces. Stella McCartney is probably the most prominent eco-fashion designers. Her designs are famously vegan, along with an emphasis on using organic and sustainable fabrics.
Share With Friends
In my sophomore year of college, I lived with seven other girls. Sounds crazy, right? It actually was one of the best experiences of my life. Not to mention, I probably spent less time and money shopping than I ever had before. Why? Because we raided each others’ closets all the time. There was rarely a day each week when a roommate wouldn’t ask to borrow an item of clothing or just browse through each others clothes. Borrowing clothes is a great way to practice environmentally friendly fashion, because like consignment shopping, you’re not adding to the pollution and resources it takes to produce new clothing. Not to mention, that sundress hanging in your best friend’s closet probably looks better on you anyway. 
For more eco-friendly style inspiration, be sure to check out our Going Green: Your Closet and Going Green: At Home Pinterest boards!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(image credits: flickr.com, vogue.com, dailymail.co.uk
Recipe for the Ultimate FashioniSTA Birthday
Apr 10th
Birthdays are the greatest day of the year—but can also be the most stressful. It’s the one day that is all about you; as a fashioniSTA, there’s pressure to make it fantastic. Picking out the right outfit, party location and activities (not to mention creating your birthday wishlist) can be completely draining. However, after having just celebrated my own birthday, I’ve perfected the recipe to a fun, chic and successful fashioniSTA birthday.
Step 1: The Wishlist
I love making wishlists. I make them for Christmas, my birthday, and even various seasons—okay, maybe I’m a little overzealous. Still, if it’s your birthday, you want to receive gifts that you’re actually going to use, right? My birthday wishlists have completely changed since I hopped aboard the Pinterest train. Virtually any store can be accessed online, so you can just pin your favorite items straight to your very own birthday wishlist board. I start pinning my wishlists early and often, so there are lots of options for gifts by the time your birthday rolls around (and also because pinning is madly addictive). Once you’re done, all you have to do is send your wishlist board to your friends and family to give them a nudge in the right direction . Need some inspiration to get your Pinterest board on the right track? Check out our own “Night Out in Style” board for ideas!
Step 2: The Outfit
There are two days of the year when it’s okay for a fashioniSTA to get decked out in sequins: New Year’s Eve and your birthday. I have a crazy obsession with all things sparkly, so I obviously took advantage of the day and donned a green, long sleeved sequin mini dress. I paired the dress with simple black booties and a blazer, along with minimal jewelry—it was a hit. Not quite as excited about sequins as I am? Not to worry! Try a sparkly top with skinny jeans and killer pumps or a simple little black dress with fun statement jewelry, and you’ll still be a glittering birthday fashioniSTA.
Step 3: The Party
Every fashioniSTA celebrates her birthday differently, especially depending on your age and what day of the week it falls on. If you want to have a blowout event, you need to start this step fairly early on. Creating a guest list, planning food and drinks and finding a venue takes a lot of time—but is definitely worth it! Having a chic birthday bash is the ultimate way to celebrate in style. While I’m all for big parties, I had a milestone birthday last year (and rented out a hip bar to celebrate it), so this year I decided on a more intimate dinner with my closest girlfriends. Myself and nine other girls got dressed up and headed to the gorgeous Boston Waterfront, where we enjoyed specialty cocktails and fantastic new American food. My biggest suggestion when going to a birthday dinner with a large group is to go somewhere that has an extensive cocktail list (everyone has their own drink of choice) and a menu with plates to share. Also, pretend not to notice when your friends ask the waiter for a birthday dessert—it’s always more fun to act surprised when everyone starts singing happy birthday!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: tavernroad.com, thrillist.com, curioos.com/galaxyeyes/Abstract/Swim/000014152)
Rock Spring’s Hottest Colors…On Your Nails
Apr 4th
I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with nail polish. I’m not joking when I say I have at least 50 bottles. I spend more time perusing the nail polish aisle of CVS and Sephora than any normal person should. I don’t know why or how this obsession started, but there’s no stopping it. And, just like clothes, nail polish colors go in and out of style, meaning I’m always looking for the newest hue to paint on my fingers and toes.
When the weather gets nicer, we discard our harsh black winter coats and thick gray sweaters for lighter, sunnier clothes. Nail polishes are no different. If you’re not afraid of a little color, this season is the time to go for it! Pastel nail colors are a great way to transition from winter to spring without worrying about your nails looking too bright. My favorite pastel colors are mint green and lilac, but if wearing nontraditional nail colors isn’t work-appropriate, pale pink is just as lovely. Want your fingers and toes to stand out a little more? Orange is one of this season’s hottest colors, and looks fantastic on the nails. If you’re even more daring, give a neon manicure a try. Neon colors are one of spring’s biggest fashion trends, and automatically add a pop to any outfit (remember my earlier post about all-white monochrome? Imagine that with a hot pink manicure—awesome!).
Not so much into highlighter or Easter egg-colored nails? Spring nail polish trends don’t just stop there. Nude polishes are just as trendy, and add an air of sophistication to any manicure; plus, they make fingers look longer and slimmer (and you don’t have to worry about clashing with your outfit!).
Whether you choose to rock a color or keep it chic and simple in a neutral shade, make sure your nails are just as ready for spring as you are!
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: http://fashion-ocd.tumblr.com/, obaz.com, flare.com, pinterest.com, sarahpatricia.com.au)
Trend Report: Sheer Genius
Mar 28th
As we start to say goodbye to the snow (seriously, snow, it’s time for you to melt already) and hello to the sunshine, we also will bid adieu to our sweaters and embrace new, lighter clothing trends—in particular, sheer clothing. This spring, sheer is absolutely everywhere, from skirts, to dresses to blouses. Sure, the trend may seem a little daunting and risqué, but when worn correctly, sheer can be classy and cute for any occasion—from a night out to the office.
Wearing sheer in the workplace may first strike you as a little inappropriate, and in some cases, that’s true. For most working women, wearing a sheer blouse with nothing but a bra underneath it is definitely not fit for an office environment. However, that doesn’t mean that we should write it off entirely. There are still many ways to rock spring sheer without getting disapproving side-glances from your coworkers. The biggest tip to wearing a sheer blouse in the office is layering. Try a sheer button down blouse in a pastel color (I love pale pink or baby blue) and then layer an oversized boyfriend blazer on top. The blazer will cover up the more risqué parts, but will still show off the sheer material underneath. Finish the look with a pair of cropped pants and a nude pump. Going out after work? Just take trade the blazer for a leather jacket and you’ll have the perfect outfit for post-work cocktails. Think you’ll get a little too toasty under the blazer? Don a cute nude or cream colored cami underneath your blouse—the cami will allow you to show off your gorgeous sheer blouse without showing too much skin.
Rocking a sheer ensemble for the evening allows for a little more versatility. Without workplace restraints, don’t be afraid to wear a sheer blouse with a flirty lace bra or a fun bandeau underneath! Still a little nervous about sheer, even at night? Don’t just limit yourself to tops—dresses are also a great way to sport the sheer trend. Try a cocktail dress that has a sheer neckline and sleeves—you can show off your arms without revealing too much. If you’re a little more adventurous, bring attention to your legs in a sheer maxi skirt with a short slip underneath. The short slip will add an opaque contrast to the skirt without fully covering your legs completely as most maxi skirts do.
The next time you spot a sheer top in your favorite pastel color, don’t let the thin fabric deter you! You can still rock this hot spring trend for absolutely any occasion.
~Alyssa, fashioniSTA
(Image credits: vanessajackman.blogspot.com, shopdailychic.com, neimanmarcus.com, tinacious.me, asos.com)