“Oh my God. Oh my God!” is the first thing that came out of my mouth after seeing the amazingly perfect bags from Travelteq— actually, it was more like, “uhmygahd. UHMYGAHD!”

I’ve yet to get a new bag for the beginning of school, and though I’m still in love with the MICHEAL Michael Kors Hamilton tote, the Trash Cougar in red may have just done one of those wrestling moves where you leap off the corner of the ring onto your opponent leaving him gasping for breath while you put him in a sleeper hold until he taps out. Yup, that’s how major this bag is!

I can just see myself hurriedly stuffing my laptop into this bag at the end of class after spending the entire hour and a half chatting on Facebook with friends (professors don’t, or at least pretend not to, know the difference). Then, as I rush out of class I’ll “accidentally” drop my pen (even though there’s a pen compartment) in front of the cute guy two rows over, inevitably starting a conversation and maybe even scoring a free lunch.

This bag would also pair perfectly with those, yet to be planned fashion week outfits. Imagine teetering out of Lincoln Center in your 5-inch heels, cropped pencil trousers and effortlessly chic top, looking oh-so-gamine, only to be tapped on the shoulder by some mysterious stranger. As you twirl around— in slow motion, of course— you see Scott Schuman behind you asking to snap you for The Sartorialist. You gladly oblige, trying to not to look to posed while smizing like Tyra taught you, and before you leave you pull out a business card from the easily accessible business card pocket on the Trash Cougar and hand it to him making sure to mention you write a blog as well. END SCENE.

You can replace Scott Schuman with any sexy stranger asking to do whatever you wish, but the point is, this bag is what dreams are made of. Oh, please Santa, come early and bring me the Trash Cougar! I promise I’ll stop flirting with guys at the bar for free drinks— ok, I’ll cut back, cold turkey is tough— and I won’t keep questioning why some of my friends insist on being trapped in middle America when they could move to either coast. Please, please!

To buy the Travelteq Trash Cougar, or any of the other Trash bags, visit www.travelteq.com.

There’s no denying, when it comes to jewelry, it’s all about making a statement. Lately, the general rule of thumb for necklaces has been go big or go home. From chunky collars to long layers and even knotted chains, gaudy pieces are up for grabs everywhere. However, many forget, sometimes you make the biggest statement by saying little to nothing at all.

In a transitional month like September when the strappy sandals and micro minis are turning into platform boots and below-the-knee swingy skirts, it more than makes sense that the jewelry should follow suit. It’s also fun to juxtapose the crisp lines of seasons past with soft, simple jewelry.

When looking for the perfectly-simple, standout necklace the key isn’t to find the thinnest chain with the tiniest charms— unless, of course, that’s what you want— the trick is to let the effortless nature of the piece make the statement.

Take the Tom Binns necklace for example. The necklace consists of a long strand of crystal pearls (that means fake) and a fun 24K bottle opener (hello 22nd birthday present!). The key to the entire look is the brilliant paradox of a classy strand of pearls and a frat-boy-badge- of- honor bottle opener. There’s also a less obvious juxtaposition in pairing natural objects with man-made objects as seen in the necklace from Shop The Look.

Other fantastic simply-stated necklaces give the big ‘ol finger to the statement necklace trend. The allure of the Topshop necklace is it’s just a long gold rope, while the simplicity of the Forever21 necklace only adds to the “it’s from Forever21” shock value.

No matter your age, style or price range, with beauties like these, you’ll be noticed without having to be, and look, over the top. So, here’s to all the understated and underestimated necklaces that are just screaming to be showcased.

Oddly, in fashion, these truths are terribly kept secrets, like Uncle Jim-Bob’s problem with the bottle (no, I don’t have an Uncle Jim-Bob).

Those in high-fashion, who consider themselves “style crusaders” will denounce the word trends and say they are true to themselves, only wearing classic pieces. However, the $300 leather leggings they’re sporting say otherwise. Magazine editors will gasp at the notion that their editorial integrity is even slightly compromised by the magazine’s advertising profits, but we all know the truth. However, the dirtiest secret of all is the most obvious— celebrities rule.

There was recently an article on NY Magazine’s Cut Blog— Has Reality TV Made Rachel Zoe More High-Fashion?— detailing Rachel Zoe’s ability to walk the line between elitist high-fashion and celeb-centric low-brow duds, but in this day and age, if you can’t balance the high and low brow, you’ll get nowhere.

Fifty years ago, celebrities were intangible. They were the epitome of class and maybe even decadence. They were high-fashion in every sense of the word. Today, celebrities are accessible. They strive to seem like your best friend. They have to make you feel as if you can relate, or we, the general public, bitch and tear them apart for being secretive and snooty.

What does this have to do with fashion?

I was once told by an internship employer, “We don’t do celebrities. They have nothing to do with fashion,” but through the years, I’ve realized how incorrect that statement was, or at least, the last half of it.

Without a famous name or a famous face to wear the clothes and company will go under. Publicists fight to get their clients clothes on the backs of celebrities whether for the cover of Vogue, a scene in a mildly successful TV series, or pairing with Ugg boots while grocery shopping. If Whitney Port didn’t “work” at Diane von Furstenberg, non-fashion-obsessed, fourteen-year-old girls wouldn’t be half as intrigued and obsessed with the woman and her work as they are. If Michael Kors wasn’t a judge on Project Runway, making him a celebrity in his own right, he would just be another label in these same girl’s mother’s closets. And, if Rachel Zoe hadn’t been involved in an early-millennial scandal with Lindsey Lohan and Nicole Richie she wouldn’t be half as notable as she is now.

Of course, there is the argument many trends are being started by bloggers and street style websites, but these people are being idolized like celebrities creating a sub-genre of sorts.

“All too often, pure fashion is high-brow, and celebrity fashion is low-brow. It seems the more exposure fashion personalities like Zoe get, the more they’re likely to gravitate toward the more commercial and celebrity veins of work…But Zoe seems to be moving seamlessly between the world of high fashion, mass fashion, and celebrity… So Zoe is in a rare position, but one that is fascinating to watch, where elitist and mass fashion exist in harmony,” writes Amy Odell, but what is that saying about the fashion industry? Is it moving towards a lower standard of artistic expression— the public’s interest in procuring couture is almost nonexistent, and ready-to-wear has become more like wear-it-now with the influx of mass market knockoffs— or will we start to see more of what I call, the Wang-effect (i.e. $300 stretched out tank tops like those from Alexander Wang’s T collection)?

I’m not particularly a fan of the institution of fame. I believe that idolizing a person for their closet is pointless because I live a make due kind of life. Idolizing a person for their talent and passion is a completely different situation and a different subject all together. I feel the most exhausted by the clout of the famous and infamous around fashion week. I’ve ranted about the excessive amounts they are allegedly paid to sit front row at shows and constantly scoff at their attempts to create fashion lines, but I also understand their strange necessity. I don’t have answers to any of the questions, but I do know that celebrities will have a giant influence in the future of the industry, whether we like it or not.

These shirts touch on my love of literature by featuring the covers of notable and often out of print novels. The Catch-22 tee would be my ultimate ironic statement, while most hipsters (and Mark David Chapman) would go for the Catcher in the Rye shirt.

As interesting as the concept is, Out of Print Clothing also likes to help out society by taking initiatives to bridge the international reading gap. For every shirt sold, a book is donated to underprivileged children through their partnership with Books For Africa— an organization dedicated to ending “the book famine in Africa.”

With a tee from Out of Print Clothing, you can’t lose. Not only will you look smart by sporting the cover a famous literature on your top, but you can also feel good about helping others experience the pure bliss begotten from reading a good book. Shop the shirts at Out of Print Clothing, outofprintclothing.com. For more information on Books for Africa visit booksforafrica.org. ]]> http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/30/dot-your-%e2%80%9ci%e2%80%9ds-and-cross-your-tees/feed/ 0 http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/09/grade-a-school-bags/ http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/08/09/grade-a-school-bags/#comments Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:06:06 +0000 Chelsea Rae Simmons http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/?p=1974 MICHAEL Michael Kors; michaelkors.com. Simply Vera; kohls.com. Modcloth; modcloth.com [Affiliate Link]. Forever 21; forever21.com. Hilary Radley; endless.com.

I’ve spent the last 10 years avoiding a normal backpack. At this point, I couldn’t tell you the appropriate way to walk whilst two straps are latched to your shoulders. I have, however, become an expert on the perfect non-backpack school bags. Kitschy totes are always fun, but as you get older, a more professional bag for lugging around books at school and to carry extra shoes to an internship becomes necessary.

When on the hunt for the perfect school/work bag, I look for the following attributes:

Spaciousness - Bags have to be wide enough to fit my laptop and tall enough to hold folders and notebooks.

Structure - I love hobo bags just as much as the next girl, but a bag with too much slouch becomes bothersome when digging for pens or a cell phone carelessly tossed in the sack.

Universality - I never expect my bag to match perfectly with every outfit, but I do like them to “go.” Choosing neutral colors (dark hues and metallics count) enables me to wear almost any outfit without having to change my bag.

Durability - I plan on throwing lots of books, and the like, in my school bag, so finding a handbag that won’t fall apart at the first sign of stress is a must.

My dream school bag is the MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton bag, but I’ve yet to decide whether I want to spend almost $300 on this bag or on a potential plane ticket to visit friends in other states. I really love the bag, though!

Yes, I get to see new beauty releases months before they hit stores, but I also have realized how little I cared about makeup until now. I’m a changed beauty.

When I read the article “What Beauty Products Would You Splurge On,” on the Allure Beauty Reporter Blog, I started to think about how my beauty budget has changed in the past few months.

No longer do I simply shop the drugstore aisles with indifference, I’ve expanded my makeup cache to products that actually work no matter where they’re sold. I’m still religious to my cheapo eyeliner pencil and MAC has had my blush business for as long as I can remember, but when it comes to the rest of my face, let’s just say, my taste has greatly improved.

So, what would I splurge on, now? Mascara, fragrance, and lipstick.

Right now, my mascara is a Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara ($22), which doesn’t come out until the fall. It volumizes wonderfully, but still looks natural and clump-free. For extra drama I use, Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara ($15).

My fragrance is Marc Jacobs Lola, but I want to get Christian Dior Hypnotic Poison Eau de Toilette. I love fragrances with a little musk and vanilla. Do you know any scents I should try?

Last, but certainly not least, is everything that has to do with lips. When I want a bit of shine, I sport Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick ($26), while my go to red is Rimmel London Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Temptation (under $5). My daily lip routine usually consists of applying a sheer layer of Tarte LipSurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lively ($24) and swipe Jane Be Pure Mineral Lip Balm (under $5) on top.

Talk Back: What are your favorite beauty/makeup splurges?

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!

Goody; walgreens.com. Forever21; forever21.com. Floreat; anthropologie.com. Steve Madden; zappos.com [Affiliate Link].

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). ]]> http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/07/22/making-the-grade-rachel-rachel-roy-matrix-dress/feed/ 2 http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/07/21/beauty-buys-magic-argan-oil/ http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/2010/07/21/beauty-buys-magic-argan-oil/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:34:41 +0000 Chelsea Rae Simmons http://pinkrockcandy.net/fashion/?p=1951 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:

Kiehl’s Suberbly Smoothing Collection, $18-$25
Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, $30
One ‘n Only Argan Oil Treatment, $10
Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Angel Drops with Argan Oil, $19
Rusk Deepshine Oil Protective Treatment, $24

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

Sorry for the lack of posts of late, I’ve been working and distracted by the beautiful weather. I’ll try to do better, but the sun is going to keep warming my face, beckoning me to play outside.

I spent my Sunday afternoon watching the guy play baseball, sweating my toosh off, and batting away bugs while sitting under a tree.

I wearing an American Eagle Outfitters dress I bought over a year ago and Betsey Johnson sunnies.

More soon!

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I wear a dress almost everyday, but when my mom gives me the simple answer of “wear a cute sundress,” when I ask for her input on what to wear to my guy’s family barbecue this weekend, I freak out.

What sundress? What’s an appropriate shape? Should it have a print? What would work best with a bathing suit under? How short is too short to meet grandma?

After gathering myself, I realized if he knew I was freaking out about this he tease me for ages. However, I know I’m not the only girl who’s ever been in this position.

My best outfit suggestion is a dress— yes, my mom was right. Go with something that isn’t too fitted or short. A little cleavage is fine, but giving Uncle Bob a peak of “What Your Momma Gave You” is way too revealing.

If you’re a heel addict, like me, go with a pair of wedges. God knows how long you’ll have to be on your feet and walking on grass in stilettos is a pain.

Let your jewelry do the talking if you’re a little bolder normally. However, remember, before you leave the house take one accessory off.

If you know you’ll be swimming, a swimsuit my be the toughest part of the outfit. The best advice I can give is to make sure your top has no chance of a nip slip and your bottoms are full coverage. Leave the sexy, barely there number for later.

Talk Back: What would you wear to you boyfriend’s family barbecue?

Read what the twitterverse has to say:

“A white dress? Any dress? & platform sandals.” – Xtine [@Azn_Barbie]

“Try bermuda or walking shorts and wedges.” – Kimberly Denise [@SATC_Addict]

‘Espadrilles, bikini and a printed sundress!” – La Petite Fashionista from La Petite Fashionista [@lpfashionista]

“I would wear a romper, wedges & a cute hat if it was really sunny out! Something appropriate that shows off my quirky style!” – Jessica Chu from Of Vice And Men [@jessicachu]

“A cute summer dress, probably with fancy flip flops, of course!” – Melissa Dominic from Broken Nerves [@melissadominic]

“A cute dress with a cardigan, just in case it’s cold, with some cute sandals/wedge heels or cute shorts and a cute tank/shirt” – Rayven Crockett [@RayvenNicole]

A while ago, I tried a couple of great Bliss products, but they were sort of time consuming.

So, this weekend while rushing around like a mad woman, I decided to try Elizabeth Grant’s The Socializer pens.

The two, night and day pens are jam packed with de-bagging, anti-dark circle, eye-illuminating ingredients, most of which I won’t even attempt to describe. Just know they work.

On Friday, I went to the beach then the pool, had a barbecue, and watched the Yankees game well into the wee hours of the morning with my guy. Needless to say, the next morning my eyes felt beyond heavy. After dabbing a couple of clicks of The Socializer Bright Lights (AM) formula under my eyes, I looked as rested as a babe. To keep the facade up all day, I decided to put The Socializer Late Nights (PM) formula on after 12 or so hours and my eyes were as bright and bagless as they were that morning.

These pens are my new savior! I’m terrible a keeping a regimen, so these on-the-run, results-in-no-time magic pens are just peachy.

Editor’s Note: This product was obtained and tested as a sample at no cost or profit to Pink Rock Candy/Chelsea Rae Simmons.

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Yesterday, My day started off with a coworker saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear pants!” As a matter of fact, she hadn’t. I usually come to the office in a dress/skirt and five inch heels. My alternative outfit is a slightly shorter dress/skirt and flats. However, yesterday I wore pants—cuffed khakis to be exact.

I recently read an article in Real Simple called “How to Cuff Your Jeans Stylishly”, and in a light bulb moment, I realized, I should wear cuffed pants and super high heels to work.

Cuffing or rolling one’s pant leg doesn’t seem like it would be that difficult, but there is a real skill to it. Real Simple broke the process down into two easy steps:

“Step 1: Grasp a bottom hem and fold it vertically so there’s a ½-inch tuck in front.

Step 2: Hold the tuck in place while you roll up the hem by about two inches twice. Repeat with the other leg.”

My pants were a little (read: a lot) more than bootcut, making my tuck much larger, but the end result was just as cute.

As for my pant wearing, I may break them out from time to time, but I will never forsake my flirty dresses and sassy skirts.