A Gift Is Always Good...

Step 1 into getting in the spirit of Valentines Day... This is a good gift...

Weather you may have a hot date planned, or a night out with some friends; your going to need a new little something....extra bonus when a goody bag is included.

Happy Valentines Day! xoxo

Pastel Pretty

Pastels are always a good choice going into spring- so bright and pretty! Mint green, lavender, or peach will go a long way to chase away the winter blues! Add some pastel touches into your home, beauty routine, or wardrobe- its a step in getting spring ready!

Here are a few of my favorite pastel things:

Photo via Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott "Morgan" stud earrings. Available here at Uniquities, these are GORGEOUS; I can not wait to get my hands on a pair! (And wear them every single day)

Photo via Pinterest; recipe below via sweetapolita

http://sweetapolita.com/2010/11/misty-minty-peppermint-patties/
Feeling adventurous? Why not try and make some sweet treats in pretty spring ready colors! Put this recipe away for Easter, or dye them all light pink for Valentines day!

Photo via TheBeautyDepartment.com; link below for tutorial

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/01/chalk-it-up/

Feeling REALLY adventurous?? Follow this link to one of the best beauty blogs; The Beauty Department to find out how to add a little pastel to your hair! (Don't worry, its temporary!)

Photo via Pinterest
Just in time for the weekend, how about trying a pastel manicure? n easy way too add a little spring color in and just in time because the new Essie Spring colors have arrived! Just looking down at your finger tips with one of these shades will put a smile on your face!

The Cure For...Spring Fever!

Having Spring Fever in January is completely normal when it’s been such a warm winter. Unless my iPhone is malfunctioning, the forecast for the upcoming week is in the 60’s! While I’m working on stocking my closet with new spring goodies; sundresses, cut off shorts and sandals I still need something to wear now…

Bring on the colored jeans!

Still a big trend- not going away anytime soon, colored jeans are a favorite way to give a little taste of spring even if it is technically winter.

images via Pinterest
The rainbow of colors is spot on for spring, and oh so transitional!

Make these buy now wear now with your favorite chunky sweater and boots….
Go into spring with a tank and wedges. Perfect!

Come check these out ASAP! We are loving the colors from AG, Joe's, and J Brand right now!

CFDA 2011 - An ode to a new era of fashion

The Council of Fashion Designers of America 2011 on June 6 showcased new, up and coming talent, as well as shining the spotlight on the few reliable designers who have withstood the trials and tribulations of time. A breakdown of the some of the big winners of the night include:

• Womenswear Designer of the Year - Proenza Shoulders' Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez
• Menswear Designer of the Year - Micheal Bastian
• CFDA Fashion Icon Award - Lady Gaga
• Geoffrey Beane Lifetime Achievement Award - Marc Jacobs
• Accessory Designer of the Year - Alexander Wang
• Swarovski Award for Womenswear - Prabal Gurung
• Swarovski Award for Menswear - Robert Gellar

While, of course, we as spectators deeply care about those receiving the life changing awards as designers; however, the curiosity in us took over to see "who wore what." Pictured above, Alessandra Ambrosio, Victorias Secret model, was photographed with Prabal Gurung, one of the lucky winners of the night. Prabal Gurung designed the gorgeous, body-hugging, red gown Ambrosio is wearing. Obviously, if Gurung was not on your list of designers to watch before, he is now.

Lady Gaga was, of course, another stand-out attendee of the night. Her turquoise hair, over-laying, an all black ensemble, made complete with obscenely high black ankle boots, forced even the most outlandish of partygoers to applaud. Obviously, it is safe to say her award for CFDA Fashion Icon was well deserved.

Ashley Greene and Miranda Kerr, photographed above, took to the red carpet with looks from Michael Kors' Resort 2012 Collection. While Kerr's all black ensemble paired with strong accessories was a hit for the night, Greene's look was more wearable; looking like something I could maybe find in my own closet.

The CDFA 2011 represented a night to honor those with lifetime achievements in the world of fashion. Obviously, our focus shifted from the nominees to the attendees after a while, but my only unanswered question is: What will Lady Gaga be wearing next year?

Window Watching

It's already November, big box stores have Christmas merchandise lining the aisles, and local malls have had their decor up for a few weeks now. One of my favorite things about the (commercial) holiday season has to be the elaborate window displays! Saks, Barney's, Printemps, Le Bon Marche, Macy's, Bloomingdales, and Neiman Marcus never seem to disappoint. New York is the place to be if you want to see some serious holiday windows.

Saks glamour girls (are these dresses for sale?)

Saks on Fifth Avenue, adorned with their signature snowflakes

Bergdorf Goodman and their interpretation of the 4 seasons (p.s. they have 5 store front windows, so they made up a 5th season...why not?)

Barney's window by Simon Doonan. "Have a Foodie Holiday" theme. All made of Illycaffe espresso tins.

If your local here to the Triangle area, you can get your fix on a smaller scale in Cameron Village. Every year the shopping center has a store window contest, causing all retailers to bring their "A" game when making their windows. It's our own mini 5th Avenue!

What is the best holiday window you've ever seen?

Denim Days are Here!

James Twiggy Jegging

The weather is changing, leaves are are starting to fall, and it's time to start living in your jeans!

We love denim being our staple for Fall. There are so many different washes, styles, and even denim alternatives to choose from! Here's a run down of some of the best of the best for Fall denim!

1.) Jeggings- A new term (look it up in the dictionary, it's there!), a combination of "denim" and "leggings". This supersoft material with the classic 5 pocket denim look is perfect with flats, and tucks into boot seamlessly, with no fuss! James Jeans Twiggy and Citizens of Humanity Avedons are some of our favorites. They come in tons of colors, too!

2.) Trouser- Casual Friday can be hip and sophisticated! Trouser cut denim is popular, especially in a dark wash like the Ginger from Seven or the Hutton from Citizens of Humanity. Pair with a button up shirt, or make throw on a fur vest and some sky high heels! These are a good alternative to dress pants.

3.) Skinny/Straight- The new classic, the ones no fashion conscious individual can live without (boys too, these days!). Tuck them into boots, wear with an oversized sweater. This make for an oversized look on top, and a sleek look on the bottom. Great proportions can make an outfit! Our favorites include 12" Skinny from J Brand in Ink and Seven Straight Leg in Dark Vintage. Choose from grey, to black, to indigo blue, it's up to you!

4.) Denim Alternatives- Jeans have evolved. Your favorite brands are now offering ponte and cargo styles. With the trusted denim fit, it's the perfect way to jazz up your fall wardrobe. Try skinny fit cargos from Seven and James. The Gweneviere from Seven in black Ponte is a great basic to wear back with boots.

Resin denim is a new arrival to Uniquities. Their forward fit and deep dyed mechanic inspired washes are a fresh new take. True Religion still there with a tried and true bootcut with their signature pocket and basting stitching.

Of course, we want to know how you are wearing your denim! Are you pairing it with a cozy sweater, or a dolman tee? Or are you jacket obsessed and pair your denim accordingly?

Lessons in Lacquer...

Nail color and polishes have come a long way. No longer are the options limited to red, pink, purple, and clear.

Fashion has taken nail color under it's wing and is now considered a viable accessory. Everyone from Chanel, YSL, and new comers Essie and Butter of London have made nail polish chic again.

This season, picking out your polish is almost as important as picking out your clothes! Here's a few of our favorite trends in polish this Fall:

Browns and Nudes

We are loving this Little Brown Dress from Essie. The whole fall collection is a great mix of subdued tones.

Mink Muffs from Essie is a carryover color from last year that look good on everyone! It's a great way to update your nail color without being too outrageous.

Metallics

Heavy metals are more sophisticated these days, try one as a top coat over a regualr color for a little shimmer. Dior in Black Sequins is a favorite! YSL gets into the game too, with gold shimmer and a lacquered plum.

Have fun this season with fashion's newest accessory!

What's the color you can't live without this season? We'd love to hear!

We're off to Coterie!

It's that time of year and we are off to market in New York! We're really excited about this buying trip, and can't wait to get some last minute things, as well as preview Spring 2011 (yes, spring...).

Preview posts of our buying trip coming soon on our Facebook page...

Blogs vs. Mags

street style shot from The Sartorialist

How we get our fashion and style information has certainly changed in the past 5 years. Blogs beat out the magazines with their multi posts per day, where as the magazines only get their one issue a month to bombard you with colorful ads, editorials, and well, FASHION. Want to see the Prada Spring 2011 ad campaign? You don't have to wait a month for Vogue to pop up in your mailbox, log on to any style blog and see for yourself, instantly!

There are arguments that magazines will be the media dinosaurs of the 21st century. While blogs are great, and an easy way to get fashion inspiration, magazines still employ some of the best writers around to bring you stories that bloggers could never convey so eloquently. There are no bloggers that will be able give you a 10 page editorial spread with the supermodel of the moment in McQueen.

While blogs are the new kids on the block, fashion magazines will still be a fashion lovers go-to for vibrant colors and page turning stories. Curling up with the new issue of Harpers Bazaar sounds a little more appealing than curling up with your computer....at least to some.

I must say, I am a huge fan of blogs, especially street style blogs. There is no better way to find your fashion inspiration than to log on and see what the NYU kids are wearing, or what coveted outfits those fashion editors are donning as they leave the fashion shows (mere MINUTES after they leave the shows). Next time you are in New York, Milan, Paris, or LA, dress your best, you never know, you could get snapped by a style blogger!

Here are a few of my favorites:

http://www.thesartorialist.com/

http://jakandjil.com/blog/

http://facehunter.blogspot.com/

Please let us know what some of your favorite style blogs are!

Perfection to a T

T-LA is a favorite of ours here at Uniquities. Fall has just shipped and they have once again not let us down. It can stay warm here in NC for the first part of Fall (let's face it, sometimes ALL of Fall). And while we can't bundle up in our coziest wool pieces just yet, T-LA gives us pieces that will work now and right into the heart of Fall. Being based in Laguna Beach, CA, where it's always summer, they've got their cotton and silk blends down to a T(-LA, pun)!

Here's a peek of some of our fav slub tees, you'll have to feel them to understand how buttery soft they are!

Novel pieces that we love:

We can't wait to wrap up in that sweater!