This spring, join the tribe! Print mixing, brights and African-inspired twists were all over the Spring 2012 runways, bringing a touch of the wild side to spring dressing — but you don’t need a runway budget or a first class ticket to the Serengeti to get in on the fun.  Here are four suggestions on how to incorporate a little tribal style into your attire. 

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1: Kenna-T Black Leather Vest, $348. 2: Prada Baraque Round Sunglasses, $290. 3: Hard Tail Mesh Sweatshirt, $78. 4: Aqua Red Girlfriend Blazer, Exclusive at Bloomingdale's, $98. 5: Michael Kors.

New Year. New You. New fashions!  Here are a few items that I have added to my “want list” and why.

#1  Outerwear Lust:  Black Leather Vest A black leather jacket is a closet staple.  I love my black leather jacket but sometimes I feel like it’s too much for the Los Angeles sunny weather and it hides my shirt underneath.  A black leather vest is perfect for layering and I like pairing it with a bright color to have your outfit pop.  This isn’t a biker vest or a super tight vest from the ’80s, think deconstructed, lose, almost like a cuddly sweater wrap but in leather that gives your outfit a ‘lil edge.

#2 Sunglass Lust: Baraque Frames Baraque side frames are fun, super feminine, and a throw back to the 1950s with a modern edge ; a great pair of frames to add to your sunglass collection.

#3 Fabric Lust:  Mesh We spotted mesh fabric everywhere at Milan’s Spring 2012 fashion week.  We also saw actress Jennifer Lawrence in a beautiful blue dress with mesh detailing at the 2012 People Choice Awards (look here).  I’m particularly fond of mesh work out clothes as it’s something different and gives your fitness look that extra touch.

#4 Color Lust: Red Red is the color of the season.  I am drawn to red because it is a power color; it’s classic, glamorous and sexy and you wear red when you want to be noticed.  Incorporate red into your wardrobe in an unexpected way, like with a red blazer or red pants, and stand out from the crowd!

#5 Shoe Lust:  Bling Take your black shoes up a notch with bling; think jewelry for your feet.  Add some extra fun in your step during those long work days with bling!

Braids are back!  Forget the feathers.  Time to tie up your hair in a few funky braid styles.   Oftentimes it’s easier to braid your friend’s hair than your own.  And the NineZeroOne Salon located in West Hollywood, CA has the perfect solution for you to keep your own braids beautiful. The ladies of NineZeroOne Salon have launched the “Braid Bar.”  Like the blow out bars popping up all over, the braid bar stems from the very same idea.  You can walk in, pick one of the four signature braid styles they have created and made available for this service, and in 15 to 20 minutes you’ll be leaving with the best braid in town.  All this, for $25.  And the great thing about braids is not only are they versatile — then can take you from the beach to a red carpet — but they also can last for days.   One look NineZeroOne Salon has is called the “Venice Hippy” and it consists of a side braid and a fish tail down, Check out this feature on NineZeroOne that highlights this look.


 

For more on NineZeroOne Salon, click here to visit their web site.

Scott Riffe, Feather Extension Specialist. Photo Credit: SSD

Scott Riffe is a hair stylist and feather extension specialist who also makes feather earrings.  He loves feathers because “the way feathers move is sexy, like hair” and “no two feathers are alike, every feather is different.”  And to prove he didn’t just jump on the feather craze, that really want bonkers once American Idol judge and living legend rock star Steven Tyler added feather extentions to his hair, he also owns a parrot as his pet, has a few feather tattoos AND grew up with his Dad being an avid bird lover.

 

Scott Riffe, Feather Extension Specialist. Photo Credit: SSD

He is one of the few guys in the country who works with feathers on this scale.  Because of the current popularity with feathers, good feathers are hard to come by.  Riffe gets his feathers from Colorado, Wyoming and Florida.  Fred Segal and Wasteland are a few places who carry Scott’s feather earrings.

Scott Riffe Feather Earrings.

His feather earrings sell from $10 to $60 for each one — and Scott says you can wear just one or two.  For more information, check out his website: www.scottriffehairstylist.com

 

Similar:

http://www.styleseendaily.com/2011/06/trend-alert-feather-hair-extensions/

 

Express, $79.

Express, $79.

The red carpet’s been rolled up for yet another year, and you can almost hear the entire city take a deep breath and relax.  As the celebrity pomp and circumstance make an exit from stage right – what’s left is the “OMG, did you see what she was wearing” and the “how can I get that look”.   Just as much a tradition as “thanking the Academy” on award’s night is dissecting the styles and looks from the Oscars and making them your own.   While you may not go all out J-Lo for your next date night – even a touch of new trend can update your look and keep you in the here and now.  Here’s the cliff notes version from this year’s big event…

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Leighton Meester lets her hair down and shows a little skin in this casual number. Courtesy of Johns Pkl/Splash News Online.

It’s great to see ladies like Gossip Girl lead Leighton Meester and Super actress Liv Tyler switch off between gowns and jeans on the red carpet, proving there are lots of ways to stay casual while keeping with the glamour of an event.  What girl doesn’t want to keep it comfy yet still look amazing?

There are some tricks to pulling off the relaxed glam look and we here at Style Seen Daily have put together some great tips on how to best pull this off with jeans, accessories and shoes.  So, read on for a few basic pieces and styles to pump up your look and still keep it relaxed.

Jeans

Sara Paxton in skinny jeans and a blazer. Courtesy of American Foto Features.

It’s all about the skinny jean.  Stick with a dark denim or black skinny jean. These jeans will become like your second skin.  You can pair skinny jeans with a silky top and scarf, or a graphic tee and blazer. Skinny jeans are sleek and show off your figure almost as well as a short dress, like they do on Sara Paxton.

Citizens Of Humanity.

Citizens of Humanity Avedon Skinny comes in all colors and are very comfortable.

Accessories

Kristen Wiig conquers the casual look in cargos and a tee, but pumps it up with the chain necklace and leather. Courtesy of American Foto Features.

You can take a day-at-the-office look and make it look red carpet ready. Switch out your laptop bag for a bright colored or animal print purse, add statement jewelry like a funky chain necklace or a thick bangle, and throw on a leather jacket. Your black pants and button down shirt will go from business casual to casual chic in a no time. Actress Kristen Wiig pumps up her casual look with a big multi-layered chain necklace.

Tuleste Market tiered hexagon necklace.

Tuleste Market makes jewelry that will add to any outfit — like the tiered hexagon necklace priced at $145, it’s an interesting shape and it shines.

Shoes

Liv Tyler rounds out her casual denim button down with black high waisted pants and super trendy oxfords. Courtesy of Joe Kohen/ Getty.

Platforms, wedges, and oxford flats are all the rage right now so its easier to keep your shoe choices fun. Strappy heels and black satin pumps are great for the Oscars, but for a more laid-back event, spice up your casual outfit with a studded heel or lace up flats and you will instantly glamorize your look. We have spotted fashionistas on the carpet wearing cargo pants with studded booties or a sundress with a chunky heel sandal. Like Liv Tyler’s look, funky shoes add some personality to your casual outfit and it keeps your look fun and trendy.

Elizabeth and James‘ Stilt platform lace up wedges, priced at $465, are fierce.

Elizabeth and James Stilt Platform Wedge Booties. Courtesy of Shopbop.com

And for a more affordable style, try Steve Madden‘s Annton, priced at $130 the peep toe lace up booty is so in and will definitely dress up a pair of jeans.

Steve Madden Annton. Courtesy of Stevemadden.com.

Tired of tartan? Think you can’t possibly do more plaid?  Think again—this smart print has been reinvented just for spring in shades of summer, and in fresh and unexpected new shapes—the perfect play on classic, yet utterly redefined.   We thought we were over it—until we saw the new looks hitting the floor for the season, and stopped to take pause.  Banish your private school skirt misconceptions—there is nothing scholarly about this checkered take on handbags, kitten heels, scarves and summer dresses when doused in punchy shades of cerulean, hot pink and lemony yellow.  We made off with a handful of our own have-to-haves:

Entrenched

Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Tame is lame.  Don’t try on a plaid bangle when you can take on the trend with more passion, and certainly more style.  Get bold with a fun new take on spring’s essential trench coat in muted nature-inspired neutrals sure to go with everything.  If you love this one too—you can find it at Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Check Her Out

Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).

We can’t and won’t promise that tricking out your summer dresses in precoscious plaid won’t be an attention getter.  It will.  Especially when you choose eye-catching strapless versions in an alluring ombre fade.  We can’t wait to layer a cardi over this one from Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).

Poolside Polish

from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).

No review of the finer points of springtime plaid with be complete without broaching the subject of beachwear.  You could wear solid colors—or you can chime in on chic and slip into this more lively alternative.  We beseech you to reconsider like we did when we spotted this tankini from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).

It’s fun and fearless, and dramatically fashion-forward—go with the faux this season—it’s a fur sure thing.  You’ll find faux fur lined boots, bags, vests, jackets—even dresses—this holiday, and yes, even in the semi-tropical climate of California—it’s a “go”.  Worried about looking a little too Tarzan-and-Jane, or Flinestone-esque? There is a tiny bit of science to nail the haute look: tame the trend by picking one key piece at a time and wearing it well.   We went shopping and snagged our favorite fur finds—take a look:

Animal Magnetism

We found this out-on-the-town version at BCBGMAXAZRIA in Westside Pavilion ($218 ).

Watch outthere are very few things with more alluring appeal than a cropped fur coat.  Prepare to be looked over when you add this layer to your look this season, but hey–a little extra attention never hurt anyone.  We found this out-on-the-town version at BCBGMAXAZRIA in Westside Pavilion ($218 ).

The Real Deal

These are from Bloomingdale’s at Santa Monica Place ($55).

Looking for that perfect, stylish gift for her?  Treat your sister, your mom, your boss—and of course yourself– to a little bit of luxe heaven this winter, with a pair of for-the-coldest-days faux lined earmuffs.  Whether you plan to hit the slopes or just like to be warm on those chilly nights—top any fabulous look with this trend-forward and glamorous accessory.  These are from Bloomingdale’s at Santa Monica Place ($55).

Fur the Home

We loved these ones from Nordstrom at Paseo Nuevo, in mink, leopard and chinchilla ($195).

Bring the runway to your foyer—don’t limit this trend to your look—bring a little style home with you.  Look for plush faux throws to drape over your chaise, or cozy up with by the fire.  We loved these ones from Nordstrom at Paseo Nuevo, in mink, leopard and chinchilla ($195).

Click here for the Style Seen Daily Hauteness on Haute Living

The new fashion momentum is bringing back old-world glamour and reintroducing pearls as fresh go-to accessories and embellishments for the season.  Pearls may have temporarily gotten a bad rap for being the costume jewelry of your frumpy Aunt, or it may conjure images of beaded puff-sleeved wedding gowns from three decades ago — but these aren’t those pearls.

Your favorite retailers, your celebrity style gurus, clothing and jewelry designers everywhere have taken notice of this time defying trend and are piling them on — adorning cardigans, pairing them with metallic chains and ribbons in rich necklaces, and topping off chunky cocktail rings.  Pearls are the quintessential accessory for fall and winter — you want them.

Here’s a peek at the top three ways we like to wear them:

Cultured Couture

We snagged this one from Metropark at The Oaks ($20.30).

Pearl necklaces are traditional, sure, but have gotten a makeover for a little twist.  Look for tiers of mixed mediums—edgy chains, whimsical ribbons and glittering beads offset the refined sass of perfect pearls.  Top off any look—night or day—with this versatile piece for an instant style update.  We snagged this one from Metropark at The Oaks ($20.30).

Pearls of Wisdom

Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($38).

We can learn a thing or two about style from those trend-setters of yesteryear.   Pearls have long been lauded as lust-worthy—and now we’re seeing them from inventive new angles.  We’re positively purring about the latest pearl-studded tops and sweaters—choose a blast from the 80s past, like this scoop neck sweater tunic we saw at Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($ 38) or curl up in a pearl adorned cardigan for a sweet and tidy take on the look.

Pearly Mates

New York & Company at The Shops at Montebello ($16.95).

Get attached to a signature pearl accessory with a little weight to it.  Look for clustered pearl and gem cocktail rings, or a pearl-laden cuff bracelets and call attention to a trend-forward statement piece for the season.   You can find these fun holiday looks at every price point — we love this one from New York & Company at The Shops at Montebello ($16.95).

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Purchase Here:  Pile On The Pearls

Winter seems to always sneak up on us  –  is your closet stocked with this season’s on-trend necessities? With so many stylish trends and looks to choose from, the task of narrowing down what to buy and what to pass on by can be daunting.

Want to know what will be in our closet this year?  We’ve pared the season’s trends down to our top five faves to give you a lust-worthy, and essential, list to shop from.  Included in this Style Seen Daily trend report:  Faux fur, leopard, gold, over the knee boots, and red lips.

#1 THE MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY:  Faux Fur

Model Iwona Lis in outfit provided by Los Cerritos Center. Foreign Exchange Faux fur vest: $44.

It’s a fur thing, and a sure thing—this holiday you can’t go wrong with decking out in faux fur.  Gain some instant style cred when you choose fur-trimmed boots, handbags or jackets.  We’ve taken note of the way this trend is spreading like wildfire with celebrities — Kim Kardashian likes to layer on her blonde faux vest when traveling, and Olivia Palmero broke out her faux vest early in chilly NYC — a sleek black version she layered over black skinnys and a dark sweater.   Don’t think California is exempt from this cozy look—as the weather cools here in L.A. we’ll see even more of this hot look around town.

Can’t decide which fur is fur you?

While shopping for our favorite faux-fur, we decided to go with a vest from Foreign Exchange in Los Cerritos Center that looked that it cost much more than it’s affordable sticker price of $44.

Pick a blend and style that fits your personality—are you wild and wooly with an edge?  Pick a longer haired multi-hued vest.  Are you Jackie O’s refined elegance?  Look for shorter haired single-tone cropped jackets.

#2 THE MUST-HAVE PRINT:  Leopard

Model Camila Poindexter. Outfit provided by Ann Taylor, Westside Pavilion. Ann Taylor Leopard Skirt: $118.

Here kitty, kitty….this fall, a little leopard makes your look large on style. Don’t try to tame this wild animal, 2010 is the year to feed your inner feline.  Grab that racy printed heel, or cinch that waist with a touch of cat-like couture—and know you’re not alone.  This fall we’ve seen Angelina Jolie is wrapping up in a stealth leopard trench, Victoria Beckham’s been carrying her kitty on her arm in a chain-strapped handbag, and Keira Knightly tied on a purr-fect printed scarf.

We spotted some decadent leopard looks at Ann Taylor at Westside Pavilion (model is wearing a-line leopard skirt, Ann Taylor, Westside Pavilion, $118).

Pick a lady-like pencil skirt, pumps or cute cardigan, or step out in a printed sheath, or ballet flats—just call a cat a cat, and say that leopard is topping your list for winter.

#3 THE MUST-HAVE COLOR:  Gold

Model Ashley Jeuong. Outfit provided by Love Culture, Santa Monica Place. Love Culture Gold tube dress $19.

The old adage is being redefined—all that glitters is gold this season.  Get your glitz-fix this holiday with this old-school glamour inducing metallic.  Start with jewelry, yes, but then get creative and look to lamé for new inspiration.  Gold-plated blazers, skirts, handbags and headbands are ruling the runways this winter, with glinting new takes on trend-forward pieces.

We recently caught Heidi Klum donning a sequined golden stunner during Milan Fashion Week, and Hilary Swank looking ravishing in bustier version at the London Film Festival.

When we hit the aisles and took a quick peek inside Love Culture at the new Santa Monica Place, we fell in love with their collection of gold tops and accessories.  Our faves that tipped the scales–everything from sequined tunics to gold and rhinestoned cuff bracelets, all for $20 and under.

#4  THE MUST-HAVE BOOT: Over-The-Knee

Model Michelle Marie. Dress provided by Foreign Exchange, Santa Monica Place. ALDO boots, Westside Pavilion, $130.

Over-the-knee boots are so fashion-forward they may make you question your style identity — “is over-the-knee for me?”  The answer is yes—the brave, the bashful and somewhere in between–even you can wear them.  So buck up, skivvy into some skinnys and get to shopping, because these boots aren’t optional.  Get right in a longer riding-boot flat version, or saddle up to sexy suede stilettos, but don’t dare to say that model Claudia Schiffer, and “Gossip Girl” star Taylor Momsen, don’t know where it’s at—they both started the fall wearing boots up to there with boldness.

ALDO in Westside Pavilion is our favorite haunt these days for these leg elongating lookers, (model is wearing knee high leather boots, Aldo, Westside Pavilion, $130).

Aldo carries knee high boots with prices ranging from $60 – $250 and when paired with tights and dresses, leggings and chunky sweaters, or your favorite slimming denim, will raise the roof.

#5 THE MUST-HAVE LIPS:  Red

Style Seen Daily Founder Crystal Fambrini.

Finally—what’s the accessory that compliments everything else you’ll buy this season?  Your sassy, bright red lips.  Pucker up and find the shade that lights up your complexion, and complements your hair and eye color.  If you have pink undertones to your skin, pick rowdy raspberry inspired reds, or blue-based plums.  If your skin is any shade of olive, choose brazen brown-reds or bubbly poppy hues.

If color matching makes you cringe, take a trip over to M.A.C at Westside Pavilion and ask one of their color experts to choose a true red for you.  This universally flattering neutral red is easy to fall for—it looks great on every face.  M.A.C’s color-rich lipsticks are $14.50 each.

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