Nerd Chic: Trendy Glasses

It's no secret that Hollywood loves their reading glasses. The bigger, and nerdier the better! Thick rimmed glasses and retro styles are coming back in a big way. Hilary Duff, Jennifer Aniston and Taylor Swift love their thick frames, un-ironically. Now more than ever, women want to be taken seriously in the work place. These thick rims say style and work ethic. Nerd culture is stronger than ever with shows like Glee and Awkward making huge numbers in the entertainment scene.

These glasses were made infamous by singer Buddy Holly. His smooth vocals and fun style is retro and iconic. In the 20th century, the band Weezer, specifically lead singer Rivers Cuomo, made these glasses a hot fashion trend that would last far into this current year. His music video for "Buddy Holly" showed him adorning the look and the trend spread like wildfire.

Women then stole the look from Weezer and Buddy Holly. High fashion ads, famous singers and actresses all stole the look and made it their own. It has been seen in magazines, in music videos and on the red carpet on all types of celebrities. Eye glass stores started carrying these retro brands and styles that were labeled as old fashioned.

Actresses each find their own nerd flare with different thick rims. A cat eye or retro wayfarer can look stunning on almost any facial feature. These glasses are all about confidence and style. Brands like Oliver Peoples and Ray Ban create fashions most worn by the elite and fabulous. Although these can be quite pricey, thick frames can be covered by your insurance and offered at prorated discounts!

People love these retro looks so much that they even purchase fake ones with clear lenses! The thick frames can overpower an ensemble so it's best to keep your outfit simple to accent your frames. Most celebs invest in multiple pairs to wear. This way, a Sheldrake or Gregory Peck frame doesn't get old.

Undoubtedly the queens of these frames are Tina Fey and Zooey Deschanel. These ladies are rarely seen without their frames. Try a thick square or super round frame to get yourself started with the trend. Always try on beforehand and enjoy your new look!

One Piece, Many Ways

With spring cleaning upon us, us ladies must figure out what to keep and what to toss. With overflowing closets we must learn to minimize the clutter in our lives. The best way to do this is buy pieces that are versatile and can do the re-wear. A simple blazer or a plain dress can be revamped into a number of unique ensembles. Several other pieces can make multiple outfits perfect. 

Bottoms

Staple bottoms can be worn several different ways to create a plethora of outfits. Other than the obvious jeans and yoga pants, other bottoms can be dressed up or down to create different looks. White shorts are perfect for summer. You can mix wedges or flats with different tops and accessories to dress up this one important bottom. A tulle skirt can also be casual or classic. A blazer, cardigan or blouse can change the look in so many different ways. 

Shirts

You can also invest in a versatile top. Chambray tops can look stunning in 8 different ways! Colored jeans, sequined or printed skirts, maxi or mini skirts or different colored pants can create a whole new look. A striped high collared shirt is also stunning in 5 classic ways. Skirts, shoes, pants and accessories transform a a simple piece into many ensembles.

Dresses

A few basic dresses an also be easily converted to new outfits. The Le Sac dress from American Apparel is a simple piece that transforms into a variety of looks. Watch the video on their website for directions on how to revamp the look. Also, a belt, boots, cardigan or trench coat can create a variety of looks with one simple dress. Steal inspiration from looks above. 

Putting Me Together

Lastly, Putting Me Together is a fabulous blog created by fashionista Audrey. She has amazing style tips for shopping and organizing your clothing inventory. The most amazing portion of her site is her One Piece, Different Ways section. This debuts ensemble created from one or two basic pieces to be dressed up with accessories to be re-worn. She has more tips for re-styling pants, shirts, skirts and dresses! Check out her site and enjoy some of the looks featured here!

Minimize your life to buy basics that can be worn again, and again. 

Maasai Inspired Beads

After spending a summer in Tanzania, I was inspired by the local culture and style of the Tanzanian people. The Maasai people often wore colorful patterned woven saris and vibrant beaded necklaces that were hand crafted and sold in local markets. The beaded necklace trend is fabulous for summer and has been sold in markets and stores not just in Africa but all around the world.

Beaded necklaces are chic for warm days and sunny climates. The bright colors and patterns look great with a plain tank top or dress. Boutiques like Anthropologie and countless others listed on Polyvore sell these darling items that will make you summer ready.

Turquoise and green are the most popular shades for this trend. These colors look best with coral or white clothing. Gold is the best metal to accompany this accessory. You can have a necklace with multiple strands or a woven pattern. The thicker the piece, the bigger the statement.

More unique pieces have more vibrant color palettes or a funky design. A chevron inspired piece is just as darling as the multitude of threads. Statement pieces have tribal icons and patterns all along the necklace. These pieces make a dress casual and a pair of shorts fancier. Find a signature beaded piece that matches your style before summer hits.

What Do I Wear to the Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and if you don't know what to wear, we have you covered. Seasonal Prep has already started preparing us with their styles stolen from vintage horse race icons like Princess Rainier and Blair Waldorf. What's to be expected of a lady at the races? A spring dress, a floppy hat and amazing shoes.

One thing you should be ready for this weekend is an abundance of celebrity sightings! Celebs like Heidi Montag, Maria Menounos, Erin Andrews and Salt n' Peppa have frequented the Derby. One thing all these celebs have in common: they all wear the hat! Follow our post below for some hat advice on how to dress like a star. One thing made clear by the celebs above is to wear a dress that represents you and your style. Although the first picture plays up spring floral prints and vibrant colors, you can dare to be you at the Derby.

These spunky celebrities weren't afraid to step out in fire red, each in a style that represents them. Ashlee Simpson stayed true to her rocker roots and adorned a fun polka dot number with a strand of pearls whereas Ginnfer Goodwin wore an art deco inspired dress that hit at her shins. Don't be afraid to let your style shine through during the floral brigade.

Ladies, when in doubt, wear white! White is a flattering color and is perfect for a spring day. Ever since Labor Day you have been begging to break out your white and now is the time! Brooke Shields and  Kim Kardashian both looked stunning in their white dresses. Strapless, V-neck or one shoulder are all darling looks for the horse races. A colored hat will give you the pop you need to be spring ready. Check out more celebrity ensembles at Zap 2 It.

If you're one rung down on the social latter, not to worry! You will probably still get red carpet time. This event is high class and it's a day for every girl to feel like royalty. The only accessory that is a must have is your girl friends. The event is a great time for friends to get together and share in the fun. The ladies above all have different styles but look Derby ready. Find the style that suits you and borrow it for the day!

Even if you're not famous you can pretend you're a celebrity for a day. The ladies above nailed the Derby fashion and look flawless. Brands like Trina Turk, Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines are your best bets to find chic ensembles like the ones above. Preppy and patterned is the mantra for the weekend. The brighter the better!

For a little cheat sheet, steal the suggestions above. For rain, a cute rain boot and a monogrammed hat are perfect to combat the grass and rain. You can't go wrong with a floral dress and classic jewelry for the event. Now it's time to get dressed and place your bets!

Hats of the Kentucky Derby

Derby Season is here! The horse races are abundant and the fashion is even more plentiful. Whether you're going to the Kentucky Derby or the Gold Cup in Virginia this weekend, there is a dress code you should be following when it comes to hats. Hats are a huge part of horse race culture and you need to be ready.

From celebrities to common place folk, a hat can make you look like royalty on Derby weekend. Star Jones and Jessica Simpson join in with big statement hats while other models like to blend with a retro 20s style. Whatever you wear, we have the hat tips to go with it.

Black and White

Black and white is the perfect hat color combination. You can't go wrong with these classic colors. You can mix and match or go all black or all white. White can look stunning with a colored frock but if you go all black, avoid the black dress. This is a fun event, no need to look like you're at a funeral. Steal some of the hat looks above to pull off the simple color palette.

Pinks and White

Spring is all about the pink! The best way to rock this vivacious color is as an accent to a big white floppy hat. Usually, the pink can accent or pick up on a color on your spring dress. If you're going the all white route, be sure to add in the pink.. you're not getting married! A pink ribbon or flower makes this look to die for.

Neons and Pastels

If you're more of a color fanatic, you can rock some of the hats above. Bright neon colors are fun and bold for your hat. If you elect to go with a deep blue or hot orange hat, be sure to tone down the dress. Black or white frocks compliment this look the best. Pastels are also in fashion this season. A big pastel hat can match other neutral or dulled shades of pink, purple and blue.

Accent Your Accessory Color

If none of the colors are suiting your fancy, follow this style tip: accent your accessories with a hat. If you're dress is blue or has blue flowers, wear a blue hat or a giant bow with your sunhat. You can also match your hat to your bag or shoes for a playful derby look. Finally, don't forget about that makeup. Red lips with a red hat is a fun way to look fierce yet put together.

Feathers and Flowers

Flowers and feathers are also a great addition to a fat or fascinator. The feathers is a fun homage to a Kate Middleton look and the flowers are feminine for springtime. Your accents can match your hat or stand out as a complimentary color. Whichever you choose, be sure they don't look too plastic or too fake! Looking cheap is not the style for these events.

Goofy

Who says fashion can't be fun! Check out these hats above for some funny inspiration. If you're the daring type, this will be a great way to meet people and start conversation. For more Derby looks check out Gadling or Yahoo for more hat action.