White garments are a closet staple, but they’re not as straightforward as wearing black – and certainly not without their controversies (is no white after Labor Day still a thing? No!).

To help clear up and simplify wearing this classic neutral we turned to Jacqueline Harris, co-founder of I Love Tyler Madison, and asked her to share with us her tips for wearing white – all year round.

ALL-WHITE

“Effortlessly chic and easy to pull together, the monochrome look has a minimal, streamlined sophistication that elevates any winter wardrobe. Pair a white wide-leg trouser with a thick white turtleneck for an understated polish, zero effort required.”

MIX ‘N MATCH

“Coordinate neutral hues with warm undertones for a crisp-yet-cozy winter vibe. An earthy palette of soft white, creamy cappuccino, and timeless tan blends beautifully for a fresh take on cold-weather classics. Style a pair of white trousers with a caramel top and chocolate brown boots, top with a milky shearling coat and you’re set for the season.”

BLACK & WHITE

“For a high-contrast, graphic look with an unexpected edge, try pop of black in your all-white arsenal. Add a textured black belt, luxe boots, or a cashmere hat to your sleek silhouettes, or style a black bandeau under a tailored white suit for a crisp corporate ensemble.”

METALLIC ACCENTS

“Go glam with sparkly statement pieces for an elegant spin. Eye-catching and elegant, glitzy accessories add a dash of panache to your tonal whites. Try a vintage-inspired brooch (trending right now), chunky gold jewelry, or a swanky clutch, and you’re ready for whatever the crisp winter night brings.”

TONAL

“Pair different shades of white for a coordinated cold weather look with high versatility and endless style mileage. A balanced blend of rich vanillas, soft eggshells, creamy marshmallows, and optic whites make for an ultra-chic combo that works head-to toe. Top with an oversized faux fur for an extra dose of luxe winter warmth.”

The post Here’s How To Wear White… All Year Round appeared first on theFashionSpot.

We turned to Gretchen Hollingsworth, founder of INK+ALLOY, to get her easy-to-implement tips.

‘Throw-on-and-go’ type accessories.

“As a mother of two and a business owner — I don’t have time to put a ton of thought into each and every piece I select in the morning. I like to have a handful of ‘throw-on-and-go’ type pieces that can pull together a last-minute look with ease. So, whether it’s a classic pair of brass hoops or a neutral beaded pair of earrings, I can top off my look in a breeze + make my morning hustle look more intentional. My favorite go-to earrings for this are my linear brass hoop earrings + my citron solid petite fringe earrings. Citron is a neutral color in my world + one that always keeps my outfit on the edge of chic/modern + boho/cool.”

Car jewelry.

“Yep, it’s exactly as it sounds. I got in the car after work one day and ditched my go-to bracelet stack + earrings in my cupholder and once I arrived home, I simply left them in the car. The next evening after work I was meeting a friend for happy hour + realized I didn’t have on earrings — you know that weird ‘naked’ feeling you get when recognizing a missing piece? It was at that moment that I looked down and saw my forgotten accessories. That ‘oops’ moment turned into a happy little accident that I now do on purpose. Keep a pair of earrings + a few bangles in your car – your future self will thank you.”

Color blocking and contrasting color trends.

“The next time you step out in your favorite denim jacket, be sure to throw on a pair of contrasting coral earrings! That go-to pink-striped button-up? Accessorize boldly with green statement pieces. It’s a fun way to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh + on-trend while simply using that handy-dandy color wheel we all learned about in grade school.”

Mix metallics.

“Mixing metallics is FUN! Those classic bronze + silver hues of the 90s are back and they are even more fun as a professional woman. It’s a great way to keep your heirloom pieces in rotation alongside fresh new finds you fall for in stores now. I love that this trend highlights my white gold wedding band while allowing me to mix+match my go-to brass bangles + shimmery gold beaded bracelets. It’s a throwback trend that I’m thankful has resurfaced.”

Pick an accessory that has ALL the colors in your closet.

“You’ll reach for it time and time again. It seems like an obvious tip, but not everyone is daring enough to reach for a necklace or bracelet or earrings that are jam-packed with punchy colors. I realized though once I started collecting multicolored accessories that they really are just as versatile as a neutral piece! When in doubt, grab a bright rainbow accessory and a more muted rainbow accessory and you’ll be amazed by how often you reach for them. They’ll quickly become jewelry box staples.”

Find something to reach for in a pinch on a bad hair day.

“They’re inevitable. Whether you slept on wet hair or don’t have time to tame your frizz, you’re sure to have a bad hair day at least a couple of times a month. When you have a go-to hair accessory in your arsenal, bad hair days are a nonissue. My favorite is a classic brass hair stick! It’s a damage-free way to tame your hair in a pinch and always makes it look like you tried harder than you did. Simply twist it up and top it with a bit of shine. My personal favorite is this brass hair stick that adds a bit of modern boho flare to any outfit.”

The post Here’s How To Elevate Boring Outfits With Accessories appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Of course a fashion lover can’t go wrong with Paris or Milan, but there are other “capitals” that shouldn’t be overlooked.

To break down what those are and why, we turned to Keith Brooks, a travel expert and Happiness Member at Upaway.

Seoul

“Even though the city was hit badly by the pandemic, Seoul still holds its place as the beauty capital of the world. In the popular Myeongdong district, you can find top Korean beauty brand Innisfree’s flagship store, which leaves a relaxing respite from busy and crowded Seoul. In the Samcheong-dong district, you can find Gen Z and trendsetters heading here and get a real-life peek at Seoul’s style, as the neighborhood is filled with boutiques and stores for shopping. The Garosu-Gil district is also recommended and has a very interesting art museum, a beauty concept space for top Korean beauty brand Dr. Jart and the Etude House Color Factory where you can create your own lipstick — reservation required!”

İstanbul

“Not only is İstanbul a textile haven, but travelers can also get the biggest bang for their buck here due to low prices. The city has some of the fanciest malls in Europe and has many scattered throughout the city, including Emaar, Kanyon and Zorlu Center and are filled with Turkish and international clothing brands. Even Kanyon alone is worth visiting for the stunning architecture. The Nişantaşı neighborhood holds a bulk of the city’s designer stores, and the Cihangir and Balat neighborhoods are also great for vintage shopping.”

New York City

“New York City is one of the most expensive places in the world, but you don’t have to shop on 5th Avenue or SoHo to be fashionable. Travelers and locals tend to head to the Bushwick neighborhood just east of Williamsburg in North Brooklyn, which boasts lots of fashionable boutiques and vintage stores that hold anything you can find on a runway. Stepping off the L train you’ll find Friends NYC and also Urban Jungle nearby, which may be the biggest vintage store in the city. If you do have to get designer goods, head to SoHo, but also explore some innovative and local stores such as Flying Solo and Acne Studios.”

Sao Paolo

“Sao Paolo is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and it certainly shows such through its style, particularly with Afro-Brazilians being highlighted during past Fashion Week events. Besides Avenida Paulista, many locals and travelers head to the upscale Jardins neighborhood, particularly Rua Oscar Freire for luxury shopping and notable Brazilian brands. The city has a number of impressive malls which are a completely different shopping experience compared to a typical American mall. For affordable fashions, you can head to Morumbi Shopping Center, which has 450 retailers, or Shopping Iguatemi.”

The post The Best Cities To Travel For Fashion Lovers appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Looking for some fashion inspo before you hit the beach? We’ve got you covered.

We reached out to Adore Me design director, Arianna Levin, and asked her to dish on all of the top current swimwear trends.

Lingerie-inspired swimwear with supportive underwire tops.

“We’ve been seeing corsetry and underwire cups on the runways for a handful of seasons now. This trend is only going to continue in 2023. From bustier-like tops and feminine ruches to sexy, strappy bikinis and plunging necklines, these lingerie-inspired details make a great addition to swimwear. You can find an array of fun styles that also give great support for soaking up the sun.”

Beyond the Beach swimwear

“Beyond the Beach is another big trend we’ve been watching. Customers want more versatility and functionality out of the things they buy. These are swimsuits that can seamlessly transition into a cute item to wear to dinner, the bar, or whatever fun plans you may have. Bonus: it allows you to pack light when going on a vacation.”

Sexy cutouts

“Bold keyhole and cutout details are a fun and sexy addition to any swimwear style. You can find them on bikini tops, one-pieces, and bottoms for added personality and to show off your curves. If you don’t want to bare your whole chest or belly, you can find keyhole and cutout designs that cover the chest or belly area, or opt for a style with a mesh insert.”

Reversible swimwear

“Why buy one swimsuit when you could have two? I really love this idea because it also lets the customers have fun with mix and matching within the one style. When you get a two-piece that’s reversible you get to pick how you want to style the top and bottom together, giving you multiple looks.”

High waist bottoms

“High waist bottoms aren’t anything new, but we’re seeing them all over and the amount of them means they aren’t going to be going anywhere. Not only are these bottom options extremely flattering but they’re still having fun details to give a fashion look to the set. Anything from belts, keyholes, and ruching to dress up this classic.”

The post The Swimwear Trends For 2023 You Need To Know About appeared first on theFashionSpot.

June means all things bright, fun and rainbow as we get into the Pride Month spirit. To celebrate the month we’ve rounded up some non-cheesy ways to show your support.

Click through the below slideshow for a look at rainbow fashion you’ll want to rock all year round.

The post Gay Pride Fashion To Rock Now appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Mama Luma is a girls brand based out of Santa Barbara, CA. c0-founded by designer and interior architect, Mrs. Sari, who runs the brand with one of her two kids, Ata Sari.

She started designing for her daughter back in 1999 and hasn’t looked back since. The brand makes heirloom quality special occasion pieces, many of which you’ll be wishing come in adult size!

We chatted with the founder, entrepreneur, mother and grandmother about her brand, just in time for Mother’s Day.

theFashionSpot: Can you tell us a little bit about your background before starting your brand?

Mrs. Sari: I am an interior designer, who’ve spent over 15 years in the women’s fashion industry. I always had the eye to pick up the looks, which people admired, so I took the leftover fabrics from my husband’s company and started designing for kids.

theFashionSpot: Can you tell us a little bit about your business and how being a mom inspired it?

Mrs. Sari: I started crafting kids designs around the time I had my baby girl, Ece. Being a mom always gave me the courage to keep doing what I love, so I decided to turn the designs into a business. After all these years, my son, Ata, started working with me and he built the brand, Mama Luma.

theFashionSpot: It’s not easy to balance running a business with being a mom – any tips or tricks?

Mrs. Sari: It’s never easy to run a business as a mom, especially a new one. The hardest thing about running a business as a mom is the time you have to spend at work and constantly get the thought of “Am I missing on the growth of my kids”. My trick was to be strict with my timing and be at home at a fixed time, so I get to spend enough time with my family before I go to sleep. After they grew up, it became relatively easier.

theFashionSpot: What have been some of the biggest challenges when it comes to the business?

Mrs. Sari: My main focus has always been to come up with the best products and I didn’t really get to look at the numbers to optimize the process. Mama Luma is in a very niche market and it’s harder to make profit than it looks. After Ata joined me, he elevated the business with his analytical approach to every aspect of our business.

theFashionSpot: At any point did you think about giving up? If so, what kept you going?

Mrs. Sari: There’s been a time, which the business was struggling to profit and it was becoming a heavy burden. Ultimately, what kept me going was to provide a business and a future for my kids. That’s why I never stopped working hard.

The post Designer To Watch: Mama Luma appeared first on theFashionSpot.

We often don’t realize just how dirty our jewelry is until it’s cleaned and sparkles from a mile away. While a professional deep clean is wonderful, it isn’t actually necessary for next level sparkle – though it is recommended at regular intervals.

“Every day a customer comes in with  ‘I never take my ring off.’ Can you imagine the bacteria that builds up on something you NEVER take off?” says Robin Williams, vice president at  H Tim Williams’ Jewelers, adding that the COVID-19 virus can live on metal for five days. “We highly recommend cleaning jewelry you wear regularly as often as possible and having it professionally cleaned and inspected every six months. “Keep in mind that jewelry also includes your watches. You don’t need anything fancy to clean your jewelry, you will have what you need at home.”

What to use to clean jewelry?

“When home cleaning jewelry we recommend mild, gentle cleansers like Dawn dish soap, which is famously gentle and effective,” says Kristy Cullinane, the co-founder of Plum Diamonds. “There’s something in the formula that cuts through grease but is still very mild. Use a soft baby toothbrush and warm water.”

Alternatively, Williams suggests mixing a solution of dishwashing detergent (one or 2 drops) and water. “If needed, you can add ammonia or Windex or 409 or a similar cleaner to break down heavy build up.”

To clean your watch-use the toothbrush to remove buildup and rinse using a damp cloth. “Be careful not to immerse the watch in water unless it is waterproof. If in doubt, don’t immerse. It’s okay to immerse metal watchbands,” says Williams.

If all that doesn’t sound like something you would actually do on a regular basis, consider Shinery. They make a hand soap designed to double as a jewelry cleaner, so you can clean without actually removing your rings/bracelets.

What not to use to clean jewelry?

Cullinane notes to never use anything that might be abrasive or contain harsh chemicals. “Keep your fine jewelry away from bleach and household cleaners, which can damage precious metal alloys. Also, be careful of ultrasonic cleaners if you’ve got small diamonds set in your jewelry – ultrasonics vibrate, which can cause loose or lost diamonds. Better to use your warm water and dish soap mixture with a soft toothbrush.”

Also, Williams underlines to never use toothpaste or baking soda as they are abrasive and can scratch metal and gemstones, and don’t use anything other than soap and water on costume jewelry (plastic, beads, crystals) or pearls. Lastly, despite what your grandmother may have suggested, don’t use Coke as it will leave a sticky residue and contribute to future build up.

How often should jewelry be cleaned?

As long as you’re using mild cleansers, Cullinane says you can clean as often as you like. “Our rings get dirty at different rates, largely depending on skin oils, lotions, soaps and other products we use. I usually clean my rings once a week when I see lotion buildup or whenever they start looking dull. Diamonds attract lots of oils and don’t sparkle like they should when they’re soiled.”

The post Your 101 Guide To Cleaning and Caring for Your Jewelry appeared first on theFashionSpot.

When I had my first child I was told to come with an empty suitcase for labor and delivery because hospitals have the “best” postpartum care products. Anyone who says that must not have used Fridamom products because they certainly weren’t amazing compared to those.

Despite a vacuum delivery with an episiotomy my recovery was quick – I was back to working out and “normal” life after about two weeks. I can say without a doubt that was in big part thanks to the Frida Postpartum kit (I ordered more of the ice pads) and Donut Cushion (I couldn’t sit without this pillow for two weeks – I literally didn’t leave the apartment without it). Having a freezer full of food that I prepped didn’t hurt either.

Lastly, having comfortable clothing that helped boost my confidence was also key to a swift recovery. It’s natural to feel better when we feel better about how we look, and that’s not always easy postpartum.

Click through the slideshow below for more on some of the best after care and fashion options to make the very difficult task of recovering, as easy as possible.

The post The Best In Postpartum Fashion And Care appeared first on theFashionSpot.

Keep reading for more ways to be eco in your everyday life according to environmentalist and expert, Tovah Barocas.

Repair, don’t replace

“I’m always amazed at how quick people can be to throw things away because of one tear or when they’ve gained or lost a few pounds. With some very basic sewing skills or a quick trip to a tailor, that shirt with the underarm hole or pants that are sliding down when you walk can be fixed with no one the wiser.”

Host a clothing swap

“Rather than throwing out clothes or buying brand-new ones, invite some friends over for a clothing swap. I like to do these when the season is about to change – you can get a whole new wardrobe without stepping foot in a store. Clothing swaps are also great for kids– especially items they might only wear once before growing out of them, like Halloween costumes or that fancy holiday dress.  You can also donate your clothes or if they aren’t in good enough condition to donate, recycle them properly – never put clothing in the garbage.”

Spread the word

“Don’t underestimate your influence on those around you, especially children.  If our kids see us treating our clothes and belongings as disposable, they will too.  It’s important to instill environmental values early on, so that rather than having to break bad habits later, our children will grow up with the benefit of learning from some of our former mistakes.  Plus, maybe they’ll spill less… we can always dream!”

Choose plants that help pollinators

“Many pollinator species are increasingly threatened as their habitats disappear to make room for more development. By choosing the right plants for your garden or balcony, you can help the pollinators, like bees and butterflies, that live in your area. Planting and decorating flower pots is also a great activity to do with kids. If you want to take it one step further, you can even build a bee condo to provide a safe place for bees that don’t live in hives to lay their eggs.”

Reorganize your fridge

“It’s estimated that almost half of all the food in the United States is wasted each year – a shocking amount! One way I reduce food waste at home is by ensuring that the food I’ve had the longest is at the front of my fridge, so I don’t forget about it. Improvised tacos, omelets and smoothies are also a great way to use up leftovers- like that sad-looking green onion, half a bell pepper or the bottom of a yogurt or sour cream container.”

DIY holidays and birthdays

“There’s nothing my daughter loves more than arts and crafts. So rather than buying things like holiday/birthday cards, wrapping paper and ribbon, we make it using stuff like junk mail, old newspapers and even natural materials like dried leaves and flowers. Not only is this more sustainable, but I’ve also found that people really appreciate receiving something that’s been made with love for them and the planet.”

The post Easy Ways to be More Eco-Friendly In Your Everyday Life appeared first on theFashionSpot.

With Bridal Fashion Week upon us we reached out to industry insiders and asked them to dish trends for the season and beyond.

Think Princess Di

“The big over the top Disney style princess ball gown style dress is making a comeback! More is more, these days that seems to be how everything is these days, from lashes to wedding dresses from designers like Ellie Saab,” says style expert and founder of Swiminista, Andréa Bernholtz.

Beads beads beads

“Stones and beading is everywhere. It’s not just for slight details anymore, full blown from head to toe is making its way down the aisle. Lots of extra time is needed for alterations and be expected to wear a heavy dress all night,” says Bernholtz.

The long and short of it

“I call this trend the Mullett of wedding gowns. Think short dress with a long train, still elegant, modern and easy to dance in. Monique Lhuillier does this trend very well,” says Bernholtz.

Strapless and lingerie styles

“This is the season of the sexy bride. No need to buy lingerie, just remove the skirt from your corset and your honeymoon ready. Incorporating other trends like beading and high low hems can be added into this season’s other trends,” says Bernholtz.

Unexpected fabrics

“These will also be popping up this season, maybe the entire dress is made out of, for example, tulle or lame. Keeping it white of course but new textures puts a modern spin on the classic styles, “says Bernholtz.

3D florals

“Nothing says feminine, beautiful elegance like being adorned in gorgeous floral decals that follow you down every step of the aisle. Many designers have been showcasing gorgeous 3D floral elements to their 2023 styles,” says fashion stylist Chantelle Hartman Malarkey.

Sheer dresses

“Tasteful transparency is a big trend this season. Light and airy that looks and feels like a calming breeze as you stride down the aisle. Comfort is in, no one wants a dress to weigh them down on a dance floor,” says Malarkey.

Asymmetrical necklines

“A simple way to stand out is with an asymmetrical neckline because it’s non-traditional, yet sophisticated and fashion-forward,” says Malarkey.

Draped in jewels

“This trend brings elevated elegance and a high-end luxurious touch to make you feel like the jewel of a bride that you are,” says Malarkey.

Shorter hems

“Cute, posh stray away from traditional long hemlines that drag down the aisle. A short hem creates a fun, active bride. Not to mention, it’s trending,” says Malarkey.

Unique twists

“The most exciting brands I see are trending with plunging necklines, sleeves and short hems, but they do not stop there. They add jumpsuits, suits, capes, veils and patterns. One to note and watch is the husband-wife duo Cucculelli Shaheen. They have an impressive collection, reflected in the price tag, but definitely the most stunning designs I have seen to-date in bridal. Their styles vary from printed pant suits, to two-piece bustier-skirt ensembles, long and mini length embellished dress varieties and capes to accompany many of the styles. The level of fashion from this brand is unparalleled in my opinion and allows a bride to really stand out,” says owner and design director of La Peony, Melony Huber

The post The Need-To-Know Spring/Summer 2023 Bridal Trends appeared first on theFashionSpot.