Wrap it Up!

Head wraps and turbans have been a great fashion accessory since the 1940s.We've seen it on Sophia Loren with her silk head wraps and royal blue turbans, the runways' Spring 2013 collections, and now on the streets. For me this is definitely the perfect summer accessory that can be worn by the pool, running errands, or just out on the town. The best part is that it also shields a bad hair day from everyone while looking stylish.You don't even need to go out and buy new head scarves and special headbands, all you need is a scarf or long piece of fabric!

Boho inspired with a turban style head wrap.

How to tie a scarf into a turban head band:

1. Grab your scarf or piece of fabric
2. Fold it in half depending on desired thickness
3. Place it on the back of your head
4. Bring the ends of the scarf/fabric forward and overlap
5. Cross again, bringing the ends back from the side they originally came from
6. Tuck the ends in so they are not visible and then you have the finished product

Note: You can wear your hair down with the turban tied scarf or put your hair up and make a messy bun like I did above. 

Remember, be bold with colors this summer; pick head wraps and turbans that are bright or light pastels.These head scarves can incorporate so many different colors, styles, patterns and materials.You can go for a boho chic look or even retro, the point is that there is so many ways you can wear a head scarf so try them all! 

The Magic of White Eyeliner

We've seen make-up artists paint the 2013 Spring/Summer runways with the magical white eyeliner. As a beauty must-have and ultimate tool, it truly does have its magical properties. White eyeliner instantly brightens up the face by creating the illusion of larger eyes and when added to he cupid’s bow (the little dip), of your upper lip, it can make them appear fuller and more luscious. So be daring and swap out the usual go-to smoky eye for a bold white cat eye. 

The Added Magic Look

White eyeliner added to inner corners of the eye and lower waterline with black liner on top.

You can even double the white liner with your usual black or brown to keep the wide-eyed look, just add a little to the inner corners of your eyes and the lower waterline then add the black or brown eyeliner. Don't forget to blend!

 The Subtle Fresh Faced Look

Opens your eyes and wakes up your face.

Apply the eyeliner across the top lash line of your eye and smudge it outwards, make sure to cover the whole lid. This will help to make your eyes look larger and your lashes longer.

 The Cat Eye look

Make your cat eye even more dramatic with white eyeliner instead of black.

Add the liner to your top lash line, then line the lower waterline. Make sure to blend liner into the lashes with a angled brush. You what to layer with a liquid white liner after to make the look last. Now it's time to create the winged-out edge, close your eye, and trace a finger along your upper lid’s crease, moving outward, continue to drag the liner back to the outer corner of your eye and thicken the line as you go. 
 

My Geeky Obsessions

Besides my love for fashion and clothes, I am a (Cultural) Anthropology major and a theatre minor. In other words I grew up with people labeling me as a "nerd" and a "geek", but I absolutely love being both those thing! Plus no one ever said nerds/geeks MUST be unfashionable. Combining your geeky obsessions with style means you can have your cake AND eat it too! 

Even though it's summer doesn't mean I can't start shopping around for some awesome fall scarves, especially when the scarf is also a map of  Middle Earth! This scarf was made by NerdAlertCreations  and is sold on Esty! From Portal to Doctor Who, you can find your new favorite accessory or even skirt right here. 

"Doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love". 

- Hamlet (Act II, Sc. II)

There is most definitely an infinite reason why leggings are a girls best friend when it comes to her wardrobe, but the lead reason for this particular pair is the fact that the entire Shakespearean play, Hamlet, is printed on them! Did I mention I'm a theatre minor? Yea I am obsessed.
These leggings are from Black Milk Clothing, which is a great place for printed leggings, swimsuits, dresses, and other great finds. 

Who wouldn't what to wear a piece of art? Summer is here and lord knows I need a new swimsuit, so why not this one! Alfons Mucha was a Czech, Art Nouveau painter, and La Trappistine (which is printed on this one-piece swimsuit) is one of my favorite paintings. This swimsuit is also from Black Milk Clothing

 I, Natasha Rodriguez, am a Whovian; a big Doctor Who fan. Every girl needs unique jewelry to add that finishing touch on an outfit. So naturally, I would like to do that with this wonderful pocket watch necklace. This is completely handmade and sold by TimeMachineJewelry. It's amazing what you can find on Esty.com

More Black Milk Clothing. I really want these! Doctor Who Tardis dress and leggings. What more could a fan girl ask for? Oh yeah, David Tennant! But kidnapping is illegal and frown upon.

Bloglovin!

Classy, Sassy, And A Bit Smart Assy is now on Bloglovin! Stay connected and up to date by following us through Bloglovin. Just go to the top menu bar and you will see listed there is Bloglovin!

D.I.Y Summer (Hi-Low) Cropped Tees

      From the catwalks to the city streets, the crop top has sparked much interest. First of all, cropped pieces are the subject of a tricky trend this season and it's not hard to see why. On the catwalks we see models with bare midriffs and perfectly toned stomachs, but lets face it, we all do not have that perfectly sculpted middle. But sometimes, tricky trends aren't actually so hard after all; you just have to work out a way to cheat and make it your own. There are ways for everyone to wear and enjoy this fashion trend, for example pairing a crop top or t-shirt with a high waisted skirt, pants, or shorts. Flashing the higher-midriff zone is a good way to create the suggestion of a toned stomach without revealing much at all, with just a perceptible slit around the waistline of a skirt, pair of pants or shorts, it offers the perfect illusion. 

    

Now not everyone has the money to go out and fill their closets with cropped t-shirts and tops so below if a quick guide on making your own. Take those old baggy t-shirts you have laying around and make something new! Experiment to see which length is best for you and start rocking the cropped top trend.

Trend Alert: Midi Skirts

Midi Skirts by natasha-rodriguez-1 featuring topshop

Have a slight Fashion Obsession?

How you know you are slightly obsessed with fashion;  

When you automatically notice the woman's pair of Christian Louboutin peep-toe shoes and nothing else. French shoes....Pairs/the Eiffel Tower....same difference! I mean they're both French!

Silver Screen Sirens

These iconic women have inspired thousands and changed the film industry while breaking a few hearts on the way. It's no wonder why we look to them for fashion inspiration. Every woman wants to be as sexy as Marilyn Monroe or Sophia Loren, to have the effortless grace and class of Audrey Hepburn, to have that fiery personality of Rita Moreno, have the song bird voice of Dorothy Dandrigde, and to be the original funny girl herself, Lucille Ball. So embody your favorite silver screen sirens with a modern flare.

 

 Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer, who became a major sex symbol, starring in a number of commercially successful motion pictures during the 1950s and early 1960s

 Dorothy Dandridge was an American actress and singer, and was the first African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. She also performed as a vocalist in venues such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater.

 Hollywood's Golden Age actress, Audrey Hepburn is recognized as both a film and fashion icon. She was a British actress and later a humanitarian.

 Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress. From her early years as a child star with MGM, she became one of the great screen actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age and her iconic violet eyes have made it's mark in history.

 

 Lucille Ball was an American comedienne, model, film and television actress and studio executive.Ball had one of  Hollywood's longest careers, especially on television. Ball also became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu, which produced many successful and popular television series.

Sophia Loren is an Italian actress. Loren is widely recognized as Italy's most renowned and honored actress She was the first actress of the talkie era to win an Academy Award for a non-English-speaking performance, for her portrayal of Cesira in Vittorio De Sica's Two Women.

Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress. She is the only Hispanic and one of the few performers to have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, and was the second Puerto Rican to win an Academy Award.

Which star will you embody? 

Rainy Day Blues

Rainy Day Blues by natasha-rodriguez-1 featuring hollister co

The Little Black Dress Revealed

In fashion we are always looking for the next big trend, but there is one essential style fact that we have all grown up to learn. Like an old wives' tale the little black dress has been passed down from one generation to the next, being revamped and added to with each passing year. Its silhouette has certainly changed since Coco Chanel made it ubiquitous and 1926 American Vogue marked it as the shape of the future, but the LBD remains a fashion must have.  

Ladies rely on the LBD to add some elegance to their wardrobe and make them look extraordinary; the key part today is knowing how to stand out among the growing sea of little black dresses.  

1.  Start by finding the perfect LBD for you   

   You want something that flatters your body and shows off you best attributes. Remember not all little black dresses are created equal, some are just more suitable for others so don't get discourage if you don't find that LBD that fits your needs. Here are some key points on finding the perfect LBD for your shape. 
    
   
   
   Pear Shape: try a halter dress, the cut with show off your shoulders creating the illusion of a more balanced shape because the width of your hips will appear smaller.
    
    
    
    
    
   
   Petite: go for a sheath dress, the clean cut shape of the dress will make you look taller and leaner. 
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
   Apple: a shirred dress is a go-to style for you, the gathering effect will define your waistline, making it appear slimmer then your top and bottom halves.
    
    
    
    
    
   
   
   Curvy/Plus Size: a wrap dress looks great on every body type, but especially this one. The structure of the dress hugs the slimmer areas of the body like the shoulders and waist. It also remains looser around the lower half of the body.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Hourglass/Figure Eight: accentuate your middle with a V-neck dress. This opens up the chest area and draws the eye downward making the waist look narrower.
    

2.  Accessorize

   Dress up your little black dress and make it your own.
   
   
   • Add some jewelry: the LBD is a great backdrop for showing off your favorite jewwlry pieces and its a way for you to show off your personal style.
   • Wear nylons/pantyhoes: they even out your skin tone on your legs and provide the finishing touch to the look.
     
   • Pick the perfect pair of shoes: Choosing the right pair of shoes is a significant part of the look because the shoes can provide contrasting color or style to the dress.
   • Grab a bag: The bag doesn't have to match the shoes or other accessories but it should blend well with the color scheme. A small clutch bag is a lovely, discreet look and a handbag should be good quality and clean while a larger bag can work for casual wear, provided it's in excellent, clean condition.
   •  Lets not forget about make-up: all your accessories should have a color theme. The same goes for your makeup. Make sure your nail polish, eye shadow, and lipstick match your wardrobe. 
    
    

There you go ladies, a little guide for your little black dress!