Pink Rock Candy – Top fashion trends, news and shopping of 2010

Some days, my outfit is inspired by my mood, others days it’s inspired by the weather, but today, my outfit was inspired by my hair— which was quite unremarkable, might I add.

On Friday, I’m scheduled for a Brazilian Blowout at my local hair salon, Hopscotch (Editors Note: Check out Hopscotch on ELLE’s “Top 100 Salons” in the August 2010 issue). Until then, I’ve decided to do as little as possible to my hair, which unfortunately means it will be in some form of an updo until Friday morning.

Today, I tried an easy bun I saw in the Beauty & The Blog post, “The Art Of The DIY Updo: Only 8 Bobby Pins Required.” It required me to separate my hair into two sections, twist and pin. For extra flare, and in an attempt to keep my the bangs I’m trying to grow out out off my face, I parted my hair on which ever side it wanted to be parted and French braided the front.

The end result looked like some sort of lazy ballerina hairstyle, and I knew my outfit had to match.

So, for the first time this summer, I threw on my favorite pair of dark wash skinny jeans, a black Twinkle by Wenlan top, and my perfectly high, black Calvin Klein platform pumps.

The end result was relaxed, comfortable, and work appropriate— if you work in a casual environment.

Only three more days until my blowout. Let the countdown begin!

Shop the Off-Duty Ballerina Look.

When picking dresses, I have three criteria:

1) The dress isn’t so short it exposes butt cleavage.
2) The fabric quality is directly proportional to it’s price— I’m not paying over $30 for a polyester dress no matter who makes it.
3)  It has some waist-defining quality— including but not limited to: an empire waist, ruching, a drop waist, a detachable belt, or the ability to easily add a belt.

The Rachel | Rachel Roy Matrix Dress fits all my (dress) desires and so much more.

On the model, the hem looks at least four inches above her knees. I, however, am not a model, so through a very scientific formula, I’ve deduced the dress should hit me just above my knee. This means, in no way, shape or form will my tush be exposed.

The dress is made out of modal. Meaning, with a $99 price tag, this soft, wash and wear dress isn’t a bad deal. Not only that, but it will also be easy to pull on, no annoying back zippers necessary.

Last, but not least, it comes with a very cute belt to cinch the waist and further accentuate its lithe nature— if you got it, flaunt it! I’m very picking about dress-belt combos, but I’d buy this belt sepreately, so I have no worries.

Overall, the Matrix Dress gets a perfect score and bonus points for the fun heart print, and it will come in time for the first day of school.

Rachel |Rachel Roy Matrix Dress, $99, available at www.rachelroy.com (ships 8/4/10).

At 21, I’ve become quite adept at ignoring the demands of my parents, but when my mom commanded me to start using the bottle of MoroccanOil treatment she purchased, I had little trouble obliging. MoroccanOil, for those of you living under a rock or in a town full of bald people, is a trendy hair oil made from the kernels of the Argan tree, endemic to Morocco. Argan oil has been used in Morocco and surrounding nations for hundreds of years, but we Westerns have just become hip to its super nourishing abilities. Now products with Argan oil are popping up all over the place, but the first in my mind was MoroccanOil. At $37 per 3.4 oz bottle, the Oil Treatment is a tad pricey, but the results are magnificent. My hair is not only naturally dry, but also chemically straightened and, most likely, slightly heat-damaged. So, after I wash my hair I apply a quarter-size puddle of the oil treatment to my hair, and even after blow drying it feels soft and looks shiny. The oil absorbs into the hair instead of settling on top as not to weigh down your strands, leaving me with healthy locking locks. MoroccanOil has a full line of products, including the Intense Curl Cream ($28) for your tendrils.

Here are other Argan Oil-rich products to try out: (more…)

There are a lot of things I struggle with in life, one of which is so-called personal style. I’ve gone back and forth with myself and you lovely readers about the topic.

I initially believed I was in the process of finding my style, like it was some mythical beast hidden in the far realms of boutiques, vintage stores, and shopping malls. I like many monarchs in search of riches from the new world, dedicated much money to this quest, only to be left with mountains of clothes I don’t particularly want to wear.

Then, I focused my search by constantly looking at street style blogs. I wanted to know how these admirable people would wear the same type of items I already own. I quickly lost interest after realizing: I will never be the girl who can wear layers like the homeless, monster platform shoes are not for me, and my idea of a short skirt is cut an inch or two above my knees.

My inherent sartorial sense has yet to reveal itself like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so instead of wasting more money on needless clothes and more time scouring street style websites, I’ve decided to work off of intuition.

I’ve been told I’m quite perceptive when it comes to people making me a good judge of character, so why can the same insight work with my clothing choices. I’m challenging myself to face the seedy, seductive world of clothing racks, jewelry counters, and shelves of shoes with blinders on, only wearing what makes me feel the best and not caring who’s wearing what or how much it costs.

I’m officially kicking my obsessive search for style to the curb and am just going to wear what feels right.

Last week, I decided to watch How to Marry a Millionaire with my mom followed by a Mad Men marathon, to get me out of a funk. After, oohing and ahhing over the clothes, I realized if I could go back in time, one of the only eras I would visit is the 50s/early-60s.

I love over-the-top circle skirts, and the way girdles made everyone’s waist look like it was the size of my pinky— I’m not a fan of the pain, though.

I started thinking about where I could get that look without heading to a costume shop. My mind quickly flashed to the Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 collection. I’ve been tweeting obsessively about the big, bold and sometimes leather, skirts for almost a month. They make me want fall so badly, but for over $2,000, I’m going to have to pass on the LV version.

Here are my top, less expensive, picks:
1. We Love Vera Licorice Lanes Skirt, $78
2. Sparkle & Fade Full Voile Skirt, $58
3. French Connection Otis Skirt, $54