Peace

From Junk Food to Tiffany’s, a lot of designers have been making clothing and accessories featuring peace signs. This is personally one of my favorite trends! I have everything from peace rings to peace key chains. I just can’t seem to resist whenever I see the symbol.

Originally the peace symbol was created in the hopes that one day there would be peace all around the world. Many individuals love to support the cause and wear the symbol proud. Hopefully this trend will continue to emphasize the importance of world peace and get more individuals aware of the atrocities happening around the world.

What do you think about the peace trend?

XOX Jessica

Shopping on a Budget

Currently the economy is not as good as we would all like it to be, but this doesn’t mean that our clothing has to go downhill as well. In rough times like these it may be a little hard to go out and spend as much money as we would like on our clothing.

If you find yourself on a tight budget when it comes to clothes, shopping on a budget is the way to go! Here are a few ways you can still look fabulous for a very low price:

1. Be a smart shopper: You do not need to go to Holt Renfrew to purchase all of your favorite clothing. Stores like H&M, Gap, and Forever 21 have very similar clothing for really great prices!

2. Quality over quantity: Although most would like to believe that more is better than less, this is not always the case. Purchase items that will be good for all seasons and not just for one.

3. Mix it up: You can always wear the pieces that you have in a variety of different ways.

4. Thrift shopping: Many people will not be found anywhere near a thrift store, but if you know how to shop and you spend the time looking around you can find some really cool pieces for really reasonable prices.

5. Shop off season: In between seasons stores always have the best sales. Just because something is trendy at the moment doesn’t mean you need to have it right away. Wait a bit and in time your favorite item could be half the price!

Shopping on a budget isn’t that hard! What ways do you go about shopping on a budget?

XOX Jessica

Long Dresses

Long dresses are going to be one of the hottest trends for this upcoming summer! Everyone seems to be wearing them from celebrities, fashionistas and even pregnant women. Whether going for ice cream during the day or to a formal at night, a long dress is a summer must have.

Long dresses are extremely slimming, sexy and comfortable. Your best bet is to wear a solid colored long dress, but there are also a variety of printed long dresses as well. With summer approaching be sure to go out and get a long dress. I have yet to purchase a long dress but I am definitely going to start looking for one!

What are your thoughts on long dresses?

XOX Jessica

Gladiator Sandals

Since the weather is finally starting to warm up (here in London, Ontario that is) it is time pull your gladiator sandals out of the closet. If you do not have a pair it is time to go out and buy some! These are one of the biggest shoe trends for this spring and summer and have been spotted on many celebrities like Mary-Kate Olsen.

Gladiator sandals come in a variety of different colors and styles like short, tall, heeled, flat, the list goes on. The best place to purchase a pair of gladiator sandals would be in Greece. However, for a purchase a little closer to home you can find gladiator sandals pretty much anywhere from Urban Outfitters to Dolce and Gabbana.

What do you think about gladiator sandals? Do you have a pair?

XOX Jessica

Adding Color to Your Outfit!

Adding color to your outfit will definitely make you stand out. However, too much color is not a good thing and you need to make sure that you have the right amount so that you do not end up looking ridiculous. Wearing colors has always been a nice spring trend so it is important to try and implement them in your everyday outfits.

“Wearing color can do amazing things for your skin tone, hair color, and overall
appearance. While basic black will forever be a wardrobe staple, adding in a few
more shades can spice up your wardrobe and add interest to your look” – College
Fashion

According to CollegeFashion.net, here are some easy ways to add color to your outfits:
1. Start small and work your way up
2. Trade in basic black for a different neutral
3. Choose colors that work with your skin and hair
4. Wear a neon shoe
5. Add a bright handbag
6. Wear a multi-colored dress
7. Sport colorful jewelry
8. A bright top and denim = Love
9. Two words: Colorful accessories
10. Just have fun!

How do your add color to your outfit?

XOX Jessica

Make Your Own Headbands!

It is obvious that extravagant headbands have become one of the biggest trends this year, but sometimes it just seems ridiculous to pay $30 for a headband that looks like it did not take long to make. You may not think that you could make your own headbands but it is literally as easy as 1,2,3!

To make your own headbands just follow these three simple steps:
1. Go to any accessory store like Claire’s and Ardene and purchase a simple headband. These wont be more than $10 depending on the type you get.
2. At many accessory stores they have bows and flowers, purchase the ones you like. Then go to a craft store like Michael’s to get other accessories such as beads and jewels that you like.
3. Take some crazy glue and then attach the accessories you purchased on the headband.

It is just that simple! Now you have a completely original headband. Sometimes when you are purchasing accessories like bows or flowers, they will have clips attached to them. In this case you can just clip them onto the simple headband and reuse that same headband for all different accessories!

Any other headband makers out there? Try this out and let me know how it goes!

XOX Jessica

The End of Radio, TV, and Print

After watching the CBC three part series on the end of radio, the end of TV and the end of print starring culture specialist Jian Ghomeshi it is evident that we are slowly moving into a world where radio, TV, and print are coming to an end and recreating themselves online. There have been many trends and fads that come and go but this one (the internet) is here to stay and everything is slowly making its way onto it. With online radio stations, online TV and electronic books, radio, TV, and print are slowly on their way out.

Radio:
There are now so many new ways to listen to music and a large number of them are not from the radio. People are listening to music on the internet or as many like to call it, radio on demand. Sites like Pandora are allowing individuals to create their own radio station based on the music that they like. There are many different types of radio on demand such as podcasting/ audio blogging which is a radio show that can be downloaded onto ones computer or to a portable player.

With the availability and accessibility of these new forms of radio, radio shows can automatically be sent to your iPod or any other listening device. All one needs to do is subscribe to them through a RSS feed. Podcasting/ audio blogging isn’t the only thing taking over radio. There is also XM and Sirius Satellite Radio that are a crucial part of the evolution of radio. With these satellite radios, individuals have access to more and specialized stations.

TV:
The future of TV will be very different than how it was in the past. Today, individuals can easily access all of their shows online with no hassle and of course no commercials (who wouldn’t want this!). Many individuals can watch their shows on YouTube, television network sites, and on other torrent sites whenever and wherever they want. It is just as easy to watch TV online as it is to watch it on TV. In fact, I would argue that it is easier to watch TV online and it is pretty much the main way I go about my television viewing.

If you don’t want to watch shows online there are digital recorders such as PVR and TiVo that allow individuals to watch shows at a more convenient time. These devices also go against the normal habits of television viewing as people have control over what they choose to watch and when they want to watch it.

There are some things I will never get like why someone would ever want to watch their favorite show on their phone or iPod. I personally have a video iPod and it is just annoying to watch any form of television like that. However, the future of TV will in fact mainly be on portable devices. It is unfortunate for the advertisers because they will have to think of other creative ways to promote their products.

Print:
Because of things like e-books and blogging, print is slowly but quickly dying out. More and more information has gone digital and this makes perfect sense as it is easy to store, it can be found easily and it does not accumulate dust over time. Print online in such mediums like blogs and wikis open up the opportunity for more voices and people who otherwise would not be published.

Print has become a challenge to media. The New York Times has more readers on the web then they do in print. In addition, news organizations are finding new audiences. As time goes on people are becoming more and more comfortable reading off of screens and many kids today grow up learning from these screens and not books.

I personally still enjoy reading a magazine in print and not online and I do not think that that will ever change for me. However, the availability of information and print that has been put online has definitely made my life a lot easier.

These videos only reinforce the ideas that radio, TV and print are doomed because they are all ending up online. I personally believe that the future of the radio, TV and print is online. Are these real substitutes? What do you think?

XOX Jessica

P.S. If you are wondering where this came from, it is an assignment for my blogging class!

One Shoulder Tops and Dresses

A style that has always been in that may even be the biggest trend this season is one shoulder tops and dresses. The one should trend can be sexy, sophisticated and cute and can be worn for a variety of occasions. So many celebrities have been wearing them that they have been made into everyday wear as well as formal wear.

The one shoulder trend comes in a wide variety of different colors and styles and can be found almost everywhere from Michael Kors to Urban Outfitters. You are bound to find some variation of the trend that best suits you.

Some designers have even started making one shoulder swimwear! A one shoulder bathing suit will for sure be on my list of things to get for this summer! I have already spotted some really nice ones on the Victoria Secret website. A one shoulder bathing suit will definitely make you stand out on the beach and maybe even get you a number if your lucky!

I’m on the hunt for a good one shoulder top or dress, anyone have any ideas where I should look first?

XOX Jessica

Strong Shoulders

If you have picked up any fashion magazine recently or seen any of this seasons fashion shows you most likely have seen the new trend Strong Shoulders. This style is making a comeback and I am pretty sure most people never thought it would. Personally whenever I see this trend it reminds me of some of the older outfits my mom used to have (or still has hidden away in her closet - in that case I guess it is a good thing for her). I personally am not running out anytime soon to get a shirt or jacket that has strong shoulders. However, it may start to grow on me but I will just have to wait and see what happens.

What are your thoughts?

XOX Jessica

Tulip Skirts

A nice alternative to the pencil skirt is the tulip skirt. A tulip skirt is very similar to a pencil skirt however it differs because they are wider on the hips and are oftentimes shorter. They have been out for a while and they are increasingly becoming more popular.

Tuck in a simple shirt and add some heels to the outfit to make your legs look longer and your good to go! However, if you are looking for a more casual look, pair the skirt with a pair of flats. The best part about tulip skirts is that they can be worn during all seasons!

What is your favorite tulip skirt and where did you get it?

XOX Jessica

M-A-C Aids Fund

“A lavender-lovely Fergie asks us to enter a new kind of dreamscape, to feel the
"Yes, we can!" of tomorrow, and to push forward on behalf of every man, woman
and child affected by HIV/AIDS. VIVA GLAM VI Lipstick, Lipglass, and Special
Edition Lipglass lead the way.”

Every girl needs lipglass and lipstick so why not buy it from M-A-C! I personally believe that M-A-C has some of the best cosmetics one can buy. M-A-C Cosmetics has an aids fund that supports women, men and children all over the world that are affected by HIV/AIDS. There is nothing better than being able to purchase something where some of the proceeds go towards a good cause.

Have you purchased anything from the M-A-C Aids Fund? What is your favorite M-A-C product? Let me know!

XOX Jessica

Scarves

Scarves have always been a pretty big trend but more than ever, individuals both men and women have been wearing them. They are a great way to add some color to a fairly plain outfit, for example if you were wearing all black. This trend has especially been seen in the media, all the celebrities are wearing scarves!

They are not hard to find and the best part is that you can find them for fairly reasonable prices at places like Urban Outfitters. They can be worn in a variety of different ways and come in a wide assortment of styles and colors. Scarves are a must have accessory so make sure to go out and get one ASAP!

What’s your favorite scarf?

XOX Jessica

Feathered Headbands

A big trend I have seen a lot of recently is the feathered headband. Feathered headbands are a nice addition to any outfit and they come in a wide variety of different styles and colors. From thick to thin, single colored or multi colored there is a feathered headband out there for everyone. Whether or not the whole head band is covered with feathers or only just a small part of it, it is a must have!

I have yet to get one, anyone know of a good place to find a nice feathered headband? What do you think of this trend?

XOX Jessica

Blazers

I find it hard to think about adding a blazer to my style as I tend to associate a blazer with going to an interview. However, they seem to be bombarding today’s fashion scene and are seen in the media worn by all the stars. Blazer’s are an extremely versatile piece and can be worn with a variety of different outfits. The hard part is finding the right one! The following are a few different ways you can wear a blazer to your outfit:

- With jeans and a t-shirt, this will make the outfit look fancier
- With a girly dress, this will make it look a little tougher
- Clash, try wearing a pink blazer with a red dress
- Add color, if you’re wearing a simple black blazer add a colorful scarf
- Add a belt, this will add more to the blazer

What is your favorite blazer style?

XOX Jessica

St. Pattys Day!

The one day of the year besides Halloween of course where anyone is allowed to commit a fashion crime is St. Patrick’s Day! My day consisted of waking up, making some green pancakes with my roommates and then hitting the streets of downtown London to join in on the fun.

Wearing my tye dyed green shirt, American Apparel black shiny leggings, green eyeliner and how could I forget to mention my ‘Irish Princess’ crown, I was good to go!

It’s almost midnight and I am more than ready to go to sleep, it has been a longgggg day!

Anyone have a good St. Patrick’s Day story?

XOX Jessica

JET by John Eshaya

Trend setting buyer for Ron Herman John Eshaya definitely knows what the best clothes are. He transforms current trends into a variety of fun and flirty sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, dresses and almost any other clothing you can think of. My JET sweatpants and sweatshirts are some of my favorite pieces in my closet. They are great for lounging around the house or studying late at the library.

JET also has a loyal group of celebrity wearers such as Hilary Duff, Nicole Richie and Vanessa Hudgens.

Anyone else out there a JET fan? Click HERE to shop John Eshaya!

XOX Jessica

Lululemon Leggings - The Best!

The perfect pair of leggings that can be worn with almost everything and are made to last are the lululemon athletica leggings. Lululemon has a variety of different leggings and they also come in an assortment of different colors. I used to get my regular leggings at random stores here and there and after a few washes they would start to deteriorate. Although the lululemon leggings seem a little pricy, they are definitely worth the investment! They will not wear out and in the end you will probably be saving money by not having to constantly purchase new leggings when the old ones are no good.

What are your thoughts on leggings? Anyone else have the lululemon leggings? If so what do you think?

XOX Jessica

Michael Kors Olivia Boot

One of my favorite pair of boots that go with almost all my outfits is my Michael Kors Olivia Boots. They are the perfect pair of boots! They have a slouched shaft that gathers at the top and they have a rounded toe. There is a ton of support and for those that do not like walking in heels; these ones are easy to walk in! They go with pretty much any outfit, from shorts to dresses. I believe that these are a must have pair of boots for all seasons, and if you can’t find these ones any other boot that looks similar will work as well.

I will probably be wearing these out tonight. Now I just have to think about what to match them up with.

What is your favorite pair of shoes?

XOX Jessica

Braided Hair

Braided Hair seems to be one of the hottest hair trends this season. It is a look that is constantly seen on celebrities and in the media. This is a trend that some people either love or they hate, and if they hate it I have to believe that it would eventually grow on them (it is just that fabulous!). Depending on how one does it, this hairstyle can be anything from sexy to cute.

I personally have not tried out this trend yet. For those who braid their hair like this how do you do it? For those who don’t what do you think of it?

XOX Jessica

High Waisted: Pants, Skirts & Shorts

A trend that is hard to miss this season is High Waisted Clothing. They were the big thing in the 40’s and now they are back! Whether they are pants, skirts or shorts, high waisted clothing has become an essential for everyone's closet. High waisted clothing gives off a nice silhouette and is very flattering on most body types.

It is not hard to find high waisted clothing at most retail stores. Check out American Apparel for a large variety of high waisted pants, skirts and shorts in an even greater amount of colors. Match up any high waisted pants, skirts or shorts with a simple or extravagant shirt. The high waisted look is a nice and classy look and it is hard to make it look bad.

What are your thoughts on high waisted clothing? I personally love it!

XOX Jessica

BlackBerry Messenger – I know you read my message!

Wherever I am I constantly see people glued to their BlackBerry’s, hence the term CrackBerry. For those lucky enough to have a BlackBerry along with a data plan, comes the wonderful BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) application. As if text messaging is not good enough, BBM allows individuals to practically be instant messaging every second of the day.

“Use BlackBerry
Messenger to chat with other BlackBerry smartphone users in an
easy-to-use instant messaging format. It is designed to support group-chat,
provide you with the availability status of your contacts and track message
delivery status”

One thing that I find fascinating about BBM is that it allows the user to know when their message has been sent and when it has been received. This is extremely convenient but at the same time I constantly hear people around campus or people I know making comments like “Ugh he totally read my message and just didn’t respond” or “Why would she just look at my message and decide not to answer?”. There are tons of questions like these ones that many are constantly trying to figure out.

I personally find it pretty entertaining how something like this could make some people a little bit crazy. I do however get a little stressed out when I happen to send one of my friends a BBM along with a question and he or she reads it and does not respond. You are unable to hide as easily from a BBM like one can hide from a text message.

So what do you think, is the ability to see whether someone read or hasn’t read your message a good thing? Or is it only going to bring about more problems for certain individuals?

XOX Jessica

Chuck Taylor All-Stars Converse Shoes

Now that all the snow is melted and it is starting to warm up we can say goodbye to our boots and hello to our shoes! In the past few years the Chuck Taylor All-Stars Converse Shoes which were first produced in 1917 have been making a huge comeback. These shoes come in a variety of different styles, colors and materials. This way there is a Converse shoe for everyone (Go to the site and you can customize your very own pair of shoes)!

At first I was hesitant to buy a pair but then I caved and I absolutely love them. I have the black and white high top’s. They especially look great with jeans and they are definitely a summer must have.

What are your thoughts on Converse?

XOX Jessica

Sheer Clothing

One of the biggest trends this year has been sheer clothing. It was hot in the 1990’s and now it is making a comeback. It is one of the hottest trends and all the celebrities are wearing it. The key when wearing sheer clothing is to keep it classy and elegant. If you are wearing a sheer shirt, pair it with a nice skirt to keep the look classy.

At first it may be a little hard to understand the excitement behind this trend, but after trying it out you will start to love it! Try it out with something simple like a sheer neckline and then as you get more comfortable with it you can try out the many other sheer styles!

Any sheer clothing lovers out there?

XOX Jessica