I am fashion

Trend Alert: Skull Rings

A major trend being seen globally at the moment is the gothic look, and no this isn't down to the fact that Halloween was yesterday. So, right now you may be envisioning caked on eyeliner and chokers, but actually this look has been diluted down and translated into the highstreet for everyday wear.

Buying just a few statement pieces, like a long pendant or the sought after skull ring, can bring any outfit right on trend for this winter. I recommend using the gothic jewelry to toughen up any outfit. Check out this brilliant skull ring from ASOS for just $21.

By: Katie Cornish, Contributing Writer Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/11/trend-alert-skull-rings.html

Last Pics...

Here are the last pics from my trip to Barcelona. This first picture was taken right after our photo shoot as we headed to go grab some sangria. I wore this MNG by MANGO trench coat paired with some skinny jeans and my Missoni for Target ballet flats (which by the way I ended up buying on ebay). Anywho, being that I'm from Miami, I barely have any winter clothes. I ended up buying this trench coat a few days before my trip and I'm soo glad I packed it along. Not that it was really cold in Barcelona, but for us Florida folks, 60 degrees feels more like 30. It's also such a great piece to have in your wardrobe, especially if you don't live somewhere where it gets that cold because it's lighter than a coat, but it still does the trick at keeping you warm. Hopefully it starts cooling down where I live (which realistically probably won't happen until January...but hey, I'm not complaining).

Xx,
-
Carmen

Having some fun w/ Jean from Extra Petite and Lilliana from Cheap Chicas trying on the same jacket

Last dinner as a group at Boca Grande

Disclosure: My trip to Barcelona was part of a campaign produced by Style Coalition and sponsored by jcpenney.
Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/11/last-pics.html

Neckalina + Giveaway

So the other day I received this Neckalina in the mail from the nice folks over at Kavatee (pronounced Kah-Vaa-Tee). It's a really cool 3-in-1 pashmina looking scarf and statement necklace. The scarf has two hooks in the back in which you can attach the necklace or you can also decide to wear the scarf or necklace by itself as well. It comes in 6 different colors including blue, pink and black. You can check them out here.

Giveaway:

I thought you might enjoy it as well, so we'll be giving away a Neckalina to one lucky reader. Simply leave me a comment below. For an extra entry you can also tweet "I want to win the @VivaFashion @Kavatee_Tweets giveaway.

Contest ends on November 7th at 12pm (EST). Good Luck!

Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/neckalina-giveaway.html

Q&A: How to be Stylish Even with a Baby Bump

Here's my latest article on New Latina where I give some tips on how to stay stylish even with a baby bump...

Sometimes trying to dress an ever-expanding baby bump can seem like a very daunting task, but luckily with a few tips there’s no reason why you can’t be stylish while pregnant. Here are a few tips for all you moms-to-be to get you on your way.

Avoid wearing clothes that are too big or that have too much volume. It sometimes can be hard to resist the urge of hiding in a large t-shirt or baggy pants, but contrary to belief, this is only going to make you appear larger than you really are. Instead, look for clothes that are form fitting and that will hug your curves. A maxi dress is a great choice for a casual, yet chic look.

Go for bold colors. Instead of going straight for black, why not add some color to your wardrobe—remember this is a happy time. You’ve probably heard time and time again how pregnancy can make you look glowing, so embrace it, and find a color that will flatter your skin tone. Jennifer Lopez is a great example of embracing color while pregnant.

To read the full article click here.

Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/q-how-to-be-stylish-even-with-baby-bump.html

Look for Less: Alexander McQueen Skull Scarf

Celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Nicole Richie are just some that have been spotted wearing this Alexander McQueen skull scarf (on top). But with a whopping price tag of $445, it probably won't have too many budget fashionistas doing a double take. Fortunately we found a very similar scarf that won't break the bank. At just $16, this very similar skull scarf will fit into your fall wardrobe (and your budget) very nicely. Here's where to get it:

Where to Buy: Skull Scarf, Furor, $16

Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/look-for-less-alexander-mcqueen-skull.html

Steal her Look: Pippa Middleton

Pippa Middleton was spotted wearing this lace H&M dress paired with a black blazer and suede knee-high boots. Here's where you can steal her look for less and get her same exact dress for just under $40.

Where to Buy:
Lace Dress, H&M, $34 (same exact lace dress she's wearing)
Black Blazer, Zara, $79
Lindsey Suede Flat Boots, Amazon, $79 Source: http://www.vivafashionblog.com/2011/10/steal-her-look-pippa-middleton.html

MANGO Studios 'El Hangar'

On my second day in Barcelona we took a little trip down to the MANGO studios also known as "El Hangar'. It's the largest design center in Europe. Here is where they design all the collections not only for MANGO, but for the MNG by MANGO line for jcpenney as well. From picking the colors and fabrics to deciding on the trends...it all takes place here. They even have real life models of all shapes and sizes that test out the clothes before it ever hits the racks. At times I had to remind myself I was in a design studio, because the walls are filled with an amazing art collection. Wouldn't it be cool to work here? Hope you enjoy the pics.