FINE Magazine's Weekly Top Five Ways To Wear Floral

Although there isn’t anything really earth shattering about the idea of flowers for spring, the eccentric aesthetics, rich fabrics, and darker graphics seen on the runway have given the spring flower a more contemporary and avant-garde look. From a totally floral outfit, to a fierce accessory, here are FINE Magazine’s Top Five new and atypical ways wear one of spring’s most beloved icons.

(Tip: When wearing these prints, then, avoid pieces that are too cute or girly as it will detract from the edgy character of this fashion.)

1. The Bold Way

If your fashion style is confident and more on the daring side, then a complete floral outfit could be the perfect choice for you when taking on this trend. Take inspiration from this dress out of Dries Van Noten’s Spring 2013 collection.

2. The Statement Way

Make a flowery statement by going for a striking separate (just make sure to wear it with more sleek basic piece). Let Dior’s Spring 2013 collection – which strutted iridescent ball gown skirts down the runway – be your muse when following this tend.

3. The Classic Way

If you would rather take a more traditional approach to this floral trend, then try taking ideas from Milly’s Spring 2013 collection, which was packed with chic black-and-white floral outfits. Add a burst of color to all your black-and-white looks by also wearing a colored accessory, such as fire red heels or a neon yellow purse.

4. The Handbag Way

An alternative approach to wearing flowers is by way of a super trendy handbag, such as (my fav) an Alexander McQueen clutch. Striking floral designs give accessories a stylish appearance. To allow such a piece the attention it merits, however, opt for neutral pieces for the rest of your look.

5. The Natural Way

For a more natural look, you can always embrace this spring fashion by wearing real flowers. This look was exhibited in the Spring 2013 Issa collection, whose models paraded lovely flowers that were fixed into their hair. If the suggestion of picking and fastening real flowers into your hair sounds slightly of unrealistic, though, go for a floral hair accessory instead.

-Nicole Lawrence

3D Nail Fashions

One simple search on the internet and you will discover detailed directions on how to do practically everything with your nails. If you really desire to experiment in the world of nail art, however, take note from the fall fashion runways, and try playing with a stylish 3D effect (lace, glitter, crystals).

For these New York Fashion Week manicurists the question wasn’t what they couldn’t adhere onto nails, but what could they, which fashioned a jewelry-like quality to the model’s fingertips. At Libertine, for example, crystals resembling the aesthetics from the collection were glued onto the nails. Soft and elaborate lace appliqué was additionally seen on models nails at Houghton, opposed to the harder gold studs worn on nails at Kate Spade.

With a fabulous craze like this, the nails are not only a fun accessory, but they become a fundamental part of a look. Try creating this look for yourself by using a nail kit from Ciaté’s. Ciaté, whose caviar nail kits quickly became all the rage when they were released last year, have introduced three more kits – velvet, sequin, and foil! These kits are just as straightforward as the caviar if not more so (applied in two simple steps!), and give your nails a show-stopping look.

 

You can also try a textured nail polish if you want something that can be applied in only one step. Illamasqua’s Speckled Nail Varnish is a good alternative, and, offered in five pastel shades, each with big chunks of matte black glitter, these stunners are not like anything I’ve ever used. Or, try out OPI’s Sand Nail Lacquer, which has small three-dimensional beads and traces of glitter, giving your nails a cool grainy texture.

Also great for the DIY-impaired, it doesn’t get any less straightforward than the Sephora Nail Bling collection. This collection of nail art stickers are offered in a variety of textured bling effects, such as crystals, paisley prints, and a white basket weave. Not only do these appliqués work well when worn by themselves, but they are also damage free!

Try these and let me know what you think, or comment with your own favorite textured nail options!

-Nicole Lawrence

The Hottest Jackets For Spring

While the weather continues to feel crisp this season, a light jacket or an overcoat is an effortless way to stay warm, while also boosting the rest of your look.

To help you do this, FINE Magazine is here to give you a guide on springs hottest jackets to suit everyone’s style. Check these fashions out and leave a comment to let me know what you think!

The Denim jacket -

The denim jacket never goes out of style, and it is perfect for everyday wear over laidback and relaxed looks.

For a new twist on this classic denim, try a color blocked or graphic version. Keep the rest of your look on the neutral side, however, allowing this color blocked/graphic style to be your statement piece.

The Varsity jacket –

A baseball-style varsity jacket is a easy way to stay in style with this years sporty fashion trend. This jacket is a merge of men’s and women’s fashion, combining girly and tomboy, to create a look that is casually cool. Wear it with a flirty skit or top for an edgy, yet refined look.

           

The Tuxedo jacket –

For a sophisticated and polished look, this jacket is just what every woman needs. To complete this outfit, wear it with a boyish button down and a pair of jeans, or, for a more feminine style, pair this jacket with a dress.

The Motorcycle jacket –

These biker jackets are a great way to add a stylish edge and a streak of bad girl to your outfits for spring. It doesn’t matter if you wear high heels or combat boots, these jackets are versatile to wear with skirts to dress pants, and will greatly enhance your personal style.

Go for a pastel spring color for a more girly feel, or select a bright colored leather for a look that is more rocker chic.

 

The Trench Coat –

The trench is a buy that is worth the splurge, as it is a great staple for every woman to have in her closet. Although, the classic trench color is tan, in the modern world of today’s fashion, there’s a trench in just about every color (even metallic), print and style, and are a super fun look for spring.

The Army Jacket –

Military inspired fashion is huge this year, and a great way for you to embrace this fashion is with a khaki army style jacket. A style that is both casual and chic, try pairing it with jeans and a T-shirt for a casual look, or create a more contrasting approach by wearing it over a girly dress.

-Nicole Lawrence

Sheer Fashion: How To Wear It This Spring

Virtually impossible to sheer away from of, the popularity of sheer clothing is greater than before, and was seen in original and exciting ways all over the fashion runways. From modest to sensual, from dressy to casual, this desirable aesthetic accentuates feminity, while leaving ample to the imagination in an utterly unexpected fashion.

Wearing this trend, then, doesn’t mean you have to bare all. You should still feel comfortable and determine for yourself how far you want to dare to be bare. The most realistic way to take on this look is to feature your best assets through sheer pieces cleverly infused in your outfit, such as back, sleeves, or midriff. You can, also, go for a more translucent or nicely embroidered material if you don’t feel comfortable with absolute transparency, or wear color in order to somewhat distort the sheerness. When going for the translucent top, though, wear it over a piece of statement lingerie, over another sheer undergarment, or under a blazer, and, to further accentuate your feminity, try pairing your sheer outfits with heels or wedges, refined piece of jewelry, floral crowns, or hats.

Tip: Refrain from wearing sheer from head-to-toe, and rather work to keep a harmony between your see through pieces by wearing them with opaque ones. Also, to keep your look feeling polished and chic, don’t wear too many accessories, and, for a more refined look, choose neutral colors and soft lines.

-Nicole Lawrence

Energize Your Fashion With Orange

On occasion a bright and daring color is the only accessory your require, so this spring, think about adding one of the season’s shining shades of orange to your outfit. From scrumptious shades of tangerine to warm shades of honey, nothing says spring and summer better than an spirited color like orange.

As electrifying as it may appear on the runway, or as alluring it may appear within fashion magazines a bright color isn’t always the simplest to wear, or to wear right. It necessitates a reasonable amount of boldness, a bit of originality, and lots of attitude, and FINE Magazine is here to help :). Ultimately, a little goes a long way when it comes to a powerful color. As such, rather than going for a head-to-toe orange outfit, dusted whites, blacks, and dark navy’s will soften the bubbly orange color, while still making a statement. If, however, you desire too embrace the orange brightness and all of its positivity completely, an assortment of similarly prominent hues, such as beige, brown, or tan, with highlights of silver or gold metallic, would be a perfect match.

A bubble-gum pink, a sunny yellow, and a blood orange, made cohesive through black and white aspects, could also aid in creating a fun and daring take on the color-block trend.

You can also wear orange with other vibrant citrus shades (that belong in the same family), such as yellow, as, when paired together, this builds a modern minimal aesthetic. Or pair orange with red, creating a strong, ultra-feminine look.

-Nicole Lawrence

FINE Magazines Top 5 Make-up Trends

It’s time to rejuvenate your look for spring with bright eyes and strong brows. Here’s how to wear the FINE Magazine's Top 5 spring beauty trends:

1. Neon & White Eyeliner:

Neon liner is a fun way to give a pop of color to your makeup. You can achieve this look by lining your bottom lash lines with a neon color, such as pink. Another cool way to achieve this look is to use a creamy color like teal to line the inner rims of your eyes, then use a touch of black liner along your lashes as well, and finish with a few coats of black mascara. White liner is also a trend to try this season – giving your skin a glowing and refreshed look.

2. Liquid Metallic Eyes:

Add a little shine to your spring look with major metallic eyes! If your skin has cool tones, use hues of silver, or go for hues of gold and bronze if your skin color is warmer. Tip: By putting metallic just along the inner rim of your bottom lashes you create the appearance of having wide-open doll eyes.

3. Bright Pastel Eyes:

This springs pastels are bright and bold! A fun way to use them is to layer on super-vivid colors, creating an edgy take on the traditional smoky eye. Also, add a dash of highlighter in the inner corners of your eyes, making you appear instantaneously more wakeful, and also giving the appearance of bigger eyes.

4. Red Lips:

From pinky-red to dark and striking black cherry, red is the hottest trend in lips this season. However, if you’re feeling slightly unsure about these flashy lips, you can opt for a matte formula! Your lips will still be colorful, but the absence of shine gives your look a more casual vibe. Tip: Outline the outermost part of your lips with a same colored lip pencil to emphasize the shape of your mouth. This will make your lips look larger and fuller.

5. Strong Brows:

Strong brows that are full and dark were seen once again this season on the fashion runways for both brunettes and blondes. If you’ve been a little tweezer-happy, or have naturally lighter brows, fill them in by making short strokes with a pencil. Tip: Comb brow hairs down to find your natural shape, then fill them in with a pencil (one that is at least one shade darker than your natural brow color) by making small feathery strokes. After, brush a brown shadow over them for a smooth, shadowy finish, and then set them with a brow gel.

-Nicole Lawrence

FINE Magazine’s 2nd Annual Spring Xposure Fashion Show

FINE-Magazine-Spring-Xposure-Fashion-Show

Join FINE magazine’s 2nd Annual Spring Xposure Fashion Show this Thursday April 11th at Bentley’s Steakhouse. Enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres fine shopping and fine fashion. Local designs by Deja Chic Boutique, Pebbles by the beach, Maggie B and Mister B, Santori, Queen Eileen’s and more will be featured in the fashion show. Purchase tickets on the event page at FINEsd.com

-Natalie Neece

Lazy Sunday Fashion

It’s only natural to want to wear loose-fitting, cozy clothes on the weekend. Consequently, trying to look stylish, when all you really feel like doing is sleeping in on a Sunday afternoon, can feel next to impossible. With a few basic pieces, however, you can look fashionable and still stay comfortable.

The secret to doing this is creating an outfit that is casual yet inspired. A good option for a Sunday spring outfit is a Maxi dress, paired with a cute blazer or classic jean jacket, as seen, here, on Kim Kardashian. Or try taking a cute shirt dress and belting it. These looks are not only easy, but they are on trend with this springs bohemian fashion.

Skinny jeans with a breezy blouse or graphic tee are also great and easy options. A good trick is to try and always wear at least one body conscious look in the outfit, such as skinny jeans, or a fitted jacket.

Accessories can also be key to looking put together. Try a spring colored handbag, such as the Valentino Rockstud Mini Tote Bag in red (my personal favorite). Or break out a trendy Alexander McQueen skull scarf. Statement jewelry is, furthermore, a perfect way to make a casual look stylish without having to try too hard. 

-Nicole Lawrence

Bad Hair Day?? Accessorize!

Bad hair days happen to all of us. On those days when you wake up with severely BAD hair, though, it can make you just want to stay hidden at home, and cancel all your plans.

Luckily, FINE Magazine is here to help you make the most out of a bad hair situation (for those days when wearing a messy ponytail or a paper bag isn’t an option) by wearing hair accessories. Not only will you look cute, but you will be on trend as well! 

The head wrap:
Cool and casual, scarves and wraps are trouble-free, flirty, and bohemian chic. You can leave your messy hair down, or tie it back in a ponytail with a head wrap (like this one seen by Dolce and Gabbana straight off the fashion runway).

 

Find your fedora:

Fedoras are a must have hair accessory. Not only do they look good on almost everyone, but they also offer a fun look that is perfect for spring and summer, and are way more stylish than a baseball cap.

Get creative with hair pins:

Hair bling can go a long way in fixing a bad hair day, and hair pins, such as with flowers or pearls, are a great accessory for embellishing a cute side pony or messy bun. You can DIY by purchasing hair pins at your local drugstore and garnishing them with charms, flowers, ribbons, or beads. Not only will you be creating a one-of-a-kind look, but it is also certain to match your fashion.

-Nicole Lawrence

Trendy Tuesday: Boho Bombshell

FINE Magazine trend alert! The bohemian fashions of the 60s and 70s have gotten a modern and luscious restyling for spring 2013. With this trend one can expect an abundance of layers and volume, however, with a look of simplicity.

This look was seen all over the fashion runway. Everything from lovely floppy hats, to girly floral prints, flowy maxi dresses, vibrant beaded necklaces, and shoulder-length earrings, got an elegant make-over for this spring. At Versace, for instance, by combining bohemian styles of long and flowing hair, tie dye silks, flared sleeves, heeled gladiator sandals, and relaxed silhouettes, with edgy black lace details, and studded low leather belts, their spring bohemian collection was given a comfortable, yet glamorous and sexy feeling. 

This trend could be seen at Blugirl, too, who crafted a bohemian collection through its laid-back silhouettes that had flirty details, like flower prints, pastel colors, and crochet details. The bohemian spirit was also apparent in the light and transparent fabrics used – such as chiffon, lace, silk, and organza –which were decorated with crystals and sequins, resulting in a collection that was romantic and flirty.

To easily achieve and wear this look invest in some flattering flowy dresses or jumpsuits. Light fabrics, lace detailing, and flower prints all create a hippie vibe if done right. Layering is also an effortless way to accomplish this boho trend. Scarves, vests, overcoats, and skirts can all be layered on top of one another, creating a look that is relaxed yet fashionable. Try adding accessories like a floppy hat, or an oversized bag to complete this look.

-Nicole Lawrence

Fashion Alert: Heavy Metal

Crazes in fashion result from the three Rs: runway, red carpet, and real life. This spring, from chest-plate pendants to knuckle-duster rings, bulky metal pieces are what’s hot, and nothing can take a look from drab to fab like a piece of statement jewelry.

Seen in Spring 2013 fashion collections – such as Givenchy (pictured), Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, and Balenciaga (pictured) – oversized chunky jewelry are in style, and is not going anywhere. These metal only collar necklaces (including chokers), rings, and cuff bracelets, are fun in metallic colors such as gold and silver, as well as brass and copper.

With a very fresh modern look, one can find resemblances to large tribal jewelry in these collections. The angular structure, cuts, and sharp edges are both simple yet bold. Because metallic metals can be fairly eye-catching, however, stick to polished and minimal designs. Several rings worn together on one hand, or wearing multiple bangle bracelets, are both a way to achieve this. These statement pieces are great for going out, or adding glamour to any everyday look, and worth giving a try.

-Nicole Lawrence

Cafe 21 - FINE Exclusive

For anyone who hasn't ever heard of Cafe21, it is a quant and inspired restaurant that is centralized around providing its customers fresh, organic, local ingredients and flavors from around the world. Their homemade dishes are made from scratch everyday, and the flavorful menu is sure to offer something for everyone, from refreshing drinks, to sandwiches and salads, to their fish and meat entrées. 

New or returning customers, however, should be excited to hear some of the exclusives FINE Magazine has about some of the yummy changes coming to Cafe21.

Beginning next week, Cafe21 is opening a new happy hour, from 3 to 6 p.m., that will be offering delicious and unique tapas! All tapas are only $5, and will include items such as a lemon beef veggie skewer with chipotle sauce, potato pancake with lamb, and other homemade dishes.  

If that’s not enough, the happy hour menu will also offer locally brewed beers for $3 a glass, as well as seasonal flavors of house-made sangrias, such as cantaloupe-berry, apple-strawberry, and pineapple-orange for $4 a glass!

Located downtown, at 750 Fifth Avenue, as well as on University Heights, at 2736 Adams Avenue, be sure to stop by for some great service, mouth-watering tapas and food, as well as a great experience.

-Nicole Lawrence

The Top 5 Hair Trends for Spring 2013

Although grandeur hairstyles are cool to look at as they go down the fashion runway, they don’t always translate well without your own team of stylists on hand.  This season, however, while there was no lack of originality, doable hairstyles appeared all over the runways. As such, spring 2013 is a dream, allowing one to easily recreate these trending hairstyles. Here are the Top 5 styles to try this season:

1. The Ponytail

Two features characterize the new modern ponytail: it’s low placement (just at or below the nape), and it’s ironed straight look. Still, one can find numerous variations of this look, such as at Michael Kors, where a wide hair band was used, and hair strands were gripped in place. Alternatively, at Akris, hair strands were freely left out, and framed the face.

2. Loose waves

There’s no hair style dreamier than soft and flowing waves; a style worn on the fashion runways of Versace as well as Lanvin. These looks are not only effortless, but they are also sexy. Try doing it yourself by naturally letting the salty ocean wave your hair. Or, you can achieve this look by curling your hair, and then gently combing it afterwards before holding it with hairspray.

3. Hair knot

As seen at Gucci, Givenchy, and Paul Smith, tightly wound knots are simple, yet unusual. At Gucci, for instance, a very structural and oriental knot was fashioned, and was both chic and wearable.
To create your own knot, begin by blow-drying your hair straight, then putting it into a ponytail at the nape of your neck. From there, you can create numerous different looks by the way you wrap the tail. You can point the ends up or tuck them under, form a round ballet bun, or create a classic double knot. Finish by using an anti-frizz spray to hold your bun.  

4. Braid hair

The braid was revealed on the fashion runway this season in a variety of new ways. At HervÈ LÈger, for instance, there was elaborate braiding that crisscrossed the heads of the models. On the other hand, at Balmain, a single, somewhat messy braid was secured with a hair band, and sent down the runway.

5. Hair accessories

Hair accessories, for the third season in a row, ruled the fashion runway. This season one could see sporty neon head bands at Fendi, jumbo fabric flowers slipped into ponytails at Rochas, feminine pearls hung down models napes at Chanel, branches formed from brass and worn like a crown at Balenciaga, and elegant beekeeper inspired headpieces at Alexander McQueen. If your not feeling quite so daring, however, look to the stunning printed head scarves worn at Dolce & Gabbana for inspiration.

-Nicole Lawrence

Alexander McQueen – Designer Fashion and Luxury Clothing

As we transition into spring, a season characterized by new life, green grass, and the blooming of flowers, I am reminded in particular of Sarah Burton’s Spring 2013 collection for Alexander McQueen. The collection, which was inspired by bees, is most markedly a retreat to the hyper-exaggerated female silhouette. With its wasp waists and constructed hips, the collection examines the transformation of the body; a trademark of the Alexander McQueen brand. “The collection is a study of feminity,” asserts Burton, “It’s about sensuality and skin but not nudity.”

This type of mingling – between covering and tastefully exposing the body – can be seen in the way the transparent and the opaque are brought together. Ornate cages, corsets, and crinolines are also seen fastened and haltered throughout, this collection all mainly within a honey-based color palette. In addition, every model wore a stunning bee keepers inspired hat, and strutted down the runway in netted Lucite wedges that had loose golden crystals rattling in the heals.

The collection is as conceptual and meticulous as anything from Lee McQueen’s prime, and the expertise necessary to accomplish each of the pieces in this collection was breathtaking. Despite the fact that it may not be made up of the substance that make for high commercial appeal, when it comes to fashion deserving of being in a museum, its hard to top McQueen. Nevertheless, as the spring collection becomes more readily available, it is being shown that the translation of the collection from runway to commercial is indeed marketable and wearable, and have already been seen on celebrities such as Nicki Minaj.

More recently on the fashion runway, the Fall/Winter McQueen collection was just as outspoken and moving as the Spring/Summer. Shown outside of Fall Fashion Week in the halls of the OpÈra Comique (because Sarah Burton was on maternity leave), the runway show was a condensed collection. Despite the limited size, however, in just ten outfits the McQueen brand was able to shock the fashion world (once again) with a collection that was, in concept and production, all haute couture.

Inspired by the church, and fit for royalty, the ecclesiastical wardrobe seamlessly weaved between Elizabethan, Victorian, and modern fashions. It was opened by a white organza dress, that was laced with pearls, synched at the waist, layered over a hooped skirt, and topped with an Elizabethan ruff at the neck and a face guard that crisscrossed with further pearls. Throughout the next nine looks, there were black jackets with caped shoulders, peplums, and laced with pearls, short white dresses made of lace with gold corsets, decadent ostrich feather jackets, and shoes with metal toe caps and pearl-studded platforms.

Whether these collections are deemed couture or costume, what really matters is the moment of pure pleasure they bring, as Burton displays her ability to make dreams a reality, while challenging the norm. Although one could never fill the void left in the brand after the passing of Lee Alexander McQueen, the persistence of his brand and legacy continue. It will be exciting to see, once these concepts are transferred to knits and accessories, how this divine inspiration will continue to be interpreted commercially.

-Nicole Lawrence

The Top Spring 2013 Nail Trends

One of the hottest accessories this spring season is glamorous, eye-catching nails. At the New York Shows, one could see looks varying from dark and edgy, to light and simple. The element that so many of the looks had in common, however, was contrast.

Pastels are in for spring and projected to be the most sought after shades including, canary yellow and mint green, with creamy and sparkle finishes add to these candy coated nails.

Detouring from the familiar bright shades, darker shades of gray and a variety of unconventional styles are also trending. This dark romance can be seen in the grayish navy shades by Jason Wu (OPI’s Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees), to the purple hues by Marchesa (Essie Tuxedo), as well as in the “dripping blood” look by Prabal Gurung--done by dipping a fine-tip striper brush into a blood-red polish, and then allowing it to drip down onto the nail.

Other dazzling styles include the metallic polishes, and rich two-toned manicures. These two-toned manicures (a dual polish effect), are a fresh twist on the French manicure and created by picking two contrasting shades, and using a small brush to paint on a graphic style (try a half mood, a vertical split, a diagonal strip, or a V–shape). You can also take on the conventional French manicure by creating a matte-shiny French. Do this by laying a somewhat darker matte pink shade on top of a glossy one.

To balance out these bolder nail trends, the more traditional pale nail color has also been seen used by Marc Jacobs, as well as Chanel. Neutral, creamy, milky, white, off-white, and pale pink are all making an appearance this spring, and, although these pale colored nails aren’t much of a shock, they are a stylish way to play it cool, and offer a more sophisticated and clean look.

The best thing to do? Play with all the trends! You know it’s going to be a good day when the toughest choice you have to make is which nail polish to use.

-Nicole Lawrence

San Diego Brunch with Bertrand at Mister A’s

Bertrand at Mister A’s is bringing San Diego brunch to the table starting Sunday, April 7. Accompany your eggs benedict or Maine lobster salad with the spectacular views of downtown San Diego at this iconic rooftop restaurant.

“There will be no better place to enjoy a delicious brunch while taking in the incredible views of downtown, the sparkling bay and of course, the airplanes flying by always brings out the kid in me, “ said Bertrand Hug, owner of Bertrand at Mister A’s.

With the exception of holidays, April 7^th will mark the first time in Bertrand at Mister A’s 48-year history to dish out its award-winning service and cuisine during the day on weekends.

“Brunch has become such a celebrated part of San Diego’s dining scene and I can’t count the number of times guests have asked us when we would offer it,” said Hug. “Now, the timing seems just right.”

Longtime Chef de Cuisine Stéphane Voitzwinkler will have your taste buds tingling whether you order one of his innovative dishes or one of his delectable, traditional selections.

This San Diego brunch will be offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. If you’re coming in on a Sunday, this gives you 30 minutes to relax and take in San Diego’s fine scenery before Happy Hour begins at 2:30 pm.

If you don’t want to wait until then, a range of brunch cocktails, such as Mimosas or Mister A’s Classic, are available.

Visit bertrandatmisteras.com/menus/brunch and bertrandatmisteras.com/menus/brunch-cocktails for a full menu and cocktail list for your San Diego brunch with Bertrand at Mister A’s. 

The Artisan Market This Saturday in Encinitas

Be sure to make it to downtown Encinitas this Saturday, March 30th, in support of your local artists and small businesses at the Artisan Market. This market will be offering beautiful Vintage Mexican furniture, handcrafted Mexican pottery, textile, ceramics, and jewelry, which includes jewelry handcrafted by a local southwest jewelry artist from high-quality gemstones. 

Hosted by and at Coast Hwy Traders, this gift store continually works to provide customers with the most unique gifts in San Diego Country, not only from local artists, but also from around the world. In addition, they have the largest offering of Day of the Dead merchandise in San Diego.

By bringing local Vendors and Local Artisans together, they are able to do away with the middle man, and keep prices low. Their selection of merchandise is always new and fresh, and definitely worth checking out!

The Artisan Market, open from 10am to 3pm, will continue to be a monthly event at Coast Hwy Traders, which is located on 530 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas.

Have fun!

-Nicole Lawrence

Slither Your Way Into Fashion

It’s not by chance that serpent-inspired rings, necklaces, and bracelets – with their twisting, slinky shape – have slithered their way into spring fashion magazines and jewelry stores in such high numbers. This is because, according to the Chinese Zodiac, 2013 is the Year of the Snake, who rears its reptile head every twelve years on this astrological calendar.

As such, accessory editors and jewelry designers have had ample time to prepare. Bulgari, for instance, has embraced this fashion trend by creating an entire diamond-encrusted Serpent collection. This snake-inspired jewelry, however, is available at every price; being offered by designers from Lanvin to JLo by Jennifer Lopez.

You can also try combining this fashion trend with emerald jewels (the color of the year per Pantone). Bulgari, for instance, offers a “snake” bracelet watch, which is designed as a coiled serpent with variously-cut diamonds within the head and tail, and embellished by circular-cut emerald eyes, that opens up to reveal a watch.

Fully embraced, in fact, by all of the facets of the fashion, you can also get your slither on by wearing a python print, snakeskin shoes, or carrying a snakeskin bags. Try, also, wearing your serpent-inspired jewelry with this trending color – such as with an emerald purse or dress – to create an ultra-stylish outfit. It’s an easy and fun way to add a little rock and roll to your style, however, it can also be styled vogue enough to wear on the Red Carpet.

-Nicole Lawrence

See Fashion Clearly

Lighten up by taking a break from your everyday leather tote with a transparent bag! Transparent handbags in beautiful spring colors, from fuchsia to nude, as well as in metallic, are a great way to show off your fashion sense without revamping your whole wardrobe. They are the clear pick for spring!

Seen at designers such as Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, and Stella McCartney, the transparent clutch, satchel, or backpack fashion took over the streets during fashion week. These bags, made out of PVC and Lucite, create a fun look, and many of them feature embellishments such as metal and rhinestones.

Personally, my favorite interpretations of the see-through trend are from the collections of Chanel, who created classy and feminine versions, and Valentino, with their edgy-glam designs.

This trend means that the contents of your bag are about to become as important as the bag itself. This is a great way, then, to show off your favorite beauty products, sunglasses, and that cool iPhone case.

A word to the wise: Pair these transparent bags with a smaller pouch that you can conceal any unmentionables in. Also, when carrying one of these transparent bags try not to carry too many things at once, as it gives the bag a messy look.

To easily incorporate this trend into your spring look in other ways, try wearing a pair of pumps that have clear straps or heals. Or, add a quirky touch to your outfit by carrying a clear umbrella, or wearing clear sunglasses. Clear jewelry, such as a clear bangle or Lucite necklace with fun jewels, can also make a statement and match any outfit.

-Nicole Lawrence

Pretty in Pink Fashion

Get inspired by some of the key runway collections, and shop COLOR this fashion season! As we transition into the spring season, known for its petal prints and pastel colors, why not try incorporating pink in your wardrobe! Although many fashionistas may avoid this color--as it can often be associated with being 'too cute'--by getting creative in its pairing and styling, the color pink can be a fun fashion trend for all fashion forward women.

There are numerous ways to work pink into your style. For instance, to keep from appearing too girly, pick pieces that are refined, like a pink and white color-blocked dress, or a neon-pink blazer. Try adding a black belt, or wearing some simple pearl earrings to make the color choices more sophisticated. Or, for an edgier  look, pair pink with hardware such as studs or chains.

You can also try adding a casual pop of pink to an otherwise neutral outfit. Pink sunglasses, flats, or a clutch are all easy ways to work pink into your look. Make sure to proceed with caution when pairing pink with pink though, as it just creates an outfit that is often too loud.

On the other hand, mixing pink with other colors is a good way to create a unique look. Any color is essentially acceptable with pink as long as it’s not too bright. Mix pale pink – which is typically a good color for lighter skin tones – or a magenta pink – which is a good pairing with darker skin tones – with deep blues or light purples. This way you can play up your color, instead of having it highlighted in the wrong way.

-Nicole Lawrence