The Urban Feed

In the awakening of the New Year, we’re faced with the coming of the dawn. There is nothing more exciting than the freshness of the morning after, the sun sliding slowly back into its place, signaling the start of the New Year. And what I love most about those glorious New Year’s Eve turned mornings are the chances in which we get to reinvent ourselves, and start something new. And what better time is there to discard the trends of fall and embrace the coming of spring, and more importantly, the freshness of the 2010 spring lines? Designers go above and beyond in presenting their spring collections. It seems as if their fantasies leap from their imaginations and sketch books onto the runways in the fabulous forms of chiffon daisies, prints, and utilitarian khakis and trenches. Below are some of the hottest trends of 2010. Keep what works for you, and pass along what doesn’t to a friend, who’s still in last season’s knits.

1. Colorful floral prints- Large or small this ode to Mother Nature debuts every spring bigger and better than the year before. They offer a great alternative to lace, which works for spring but is best left in winter. The best of 2010’s florals are three dimensional, which makes them even harder to resist.

2. Ethnic prints and accessories- Traditional African, South American, and Native American prints made their big debut in Spring 2008 but have come back more fierce than ever. What makes these prints work so well in the New Year is their versatility. Pair an Ikat printed skirt with a tie dyed shirt to get a polished but fun look. Be one of a kind in traditional cultural accessories. Think the necklace your mother brought back from her trip to the Ivory Coast. More than likely the metal or stones are real and you’re the only who has it.

3. Utilitarian cuts and pieces- if you’re not into the femininity of florals or the adventurous risk of the tribal prints, the utilitarian way is definitely for you. Picture denim dresses or skirts, and khaki blazers. You can make them it interesting and keep it feminine with rope belts and floral or lace touches.

4. Themed jewelry- Like winter, art deco and architecture reminisces are left behind, and simple animal or flower charms are not enough right now. Go the long mile and wear the whole garden. Fish out the entire sea when doing fish charm necklaces. Layer a plain charm necklace with another heavier one. And if done right, you may be even able to incorporate some corals and jewel pieces as well. Opt for the bracelets as well.

5. Long strap purses and bags- Store away big slouchy bags with short or medium straps. They are not gone forever, but are certainly not of the moment. For 2010, bags that strap across the shoulder are hot. Miniature bags blazed the runways but for those that have more to carry large structured ones are ok too. Check out some of the hottest trends below.

Isoke Davis
Fashion Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 3% [?]

Fashion 101: Top New Year’s Party Dresses

Stacey Meadows
Contributing Writer

WARNING!!! This list of sexy, flirtatious, and certified freakum dresses are not for the mere average female. On Thursday night when the world rings in 2010 sequence dresses will shimmer, women will bare their skin, and high length skirts will have even the shyest young girls showing more leg than a mother thought possible. The silhouettes for the party season are form fitting with plenty of draping. And we see a return of trends from the 80’s. This season the styles are making a statement. They’re about having fun, shaking off the year of the recession, and bringing in a new year of promise. As a side note…be creative when looking for your perfect 2010 dress, shop at your local Forever 21, H&M, Zara, or just your favorite boutique that fits your own unique style and wallet.

Ruffles & Tiers Galore- Now this style is truly versatile. Look for a nice strapless dress where the skirt portion has tiers of ruffles. Or, look for a dress where the entire garment is uniquely layered with ruffles that curve inward for the illusion of a smaller torso and waist. Have fun with your accessories, if the skirt portion of the garment is layered, then layer a couple sets of necklaces. With a set of textured ankle boots (i.e. leather, suede) this look is definitely a seasonal trendsetter that’s already a favorite.

Give Em'Some Shoulder-The one-shoulder dress has been gaining popularity for some time. The trendiest form of this style is made of a metallic sequence and has a tight fit. The shoulder strap can be sleeveless for a free-spirit sort of girl, or long sleeved for the fashionista in a cooler climate. If you’re going for a simple look, wear your hair down; for a sleeker and sexier appearance, pin the hair up in a high bun or straight ponytail.

Strapless Sweetheart- The sweetheart neckline is a favorite for most girly girls, but this season the strapless sweetheart dress is more for the sex kitten mode. It’s almost reminiscent of the bustier look Madonna used to rock in the 80’s. The shapes of this style range from simple curve hugging silhouettes to styles with wrapped skirts that exaggerate the hips. This outfit looks great when coupled with a funky boot but, it can also look perfect with a cute closed or pep-toe pump. If you’ll be out with friends for dinner before hitting the parties, wear your hair in a nice curly style or try a low bun with sleek bangs. Clearly, you should wear a complementary jacket or blazer with this look. Your dress may be cute but if you’re sneezing and hacking in the middle of the club all that cuteness runs out the door.

Dip It Low - YES, you do need to have a sexy back to pull off this low draping ensemble. While looking frontward at this dress it almost seems boring and plain; but when you turn around everyone discovers your secret weapon of seduction. Accessorize this look with earrings and bangles plus a high ponytail or bun. With this outfit you’ll want to show off the curves of your back, not bury them.

Vintage Shoulder- This 80’s inspired vintage look is best worn by the female who likes things “off beaten path.” The shoulders are bold with structured angles that extend outward or soft ruffles layered on top of each other for a strong look. You are sure to stay warm in this outfit so no need to dig out a blazer. When searching for the perfect shoes to match, look for only classic styles.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Fashion 101: Winter Haircuts
Haircuts for the Winter Season

Aleia Woods
The Urban Feed

The season has changed, and the weather has transformed from bright and somewhat tropical, to brisk and gloomy. Because it is winter does not mean one’s hair must reflect the bland and frigidness accompanied by the harsh winds and gray-clouded skies that symbolize that winter has arrived and is in full force. Stepping away from the long, luxurious, weaves are a start to bringing more vibrancy and pizzazz to these newfound looks for the winter. There is a plethora of short, stylish hair cuts to choose from, but not all of them suit everyone; in fact, hair styles are best based on the shape of one’s face.

Curly Bob - Voluptuous loose curl look is great for the weekend or evenings out. This style is great for long narrower shaped faces as well. To accomplish such a style, one can dampen hair and twist it; after twisting it, allow hair to dry, then take twists out. Fingering the twist is the best way to have this fluffy, wavy bob.

Short Bowl / Mushroom - Perfect for any shaped face; round, thin, or even oval! This look is classy in any form of the word. Have an interview with that new company on Fifth Avenue, in New York City, this look will put you in the winner’s bracket for sure! This modern mushroom cut is accompanied by a thin, swooped bang to shape one’s face; it also brings attention to the eyes.

Short Feathered Swoop - Sexy and sleek, this style is ideal for any and every occasion. This short haircut is best suit for a thin face, and it also brings attention to the face. The curls done by a flatiron provides the perfect, feathered look, including the layered swoop on the side.

Short Curled Bob - Dark, Curled, and Lovely! Although this style appears wavy, it is actually extremely loose curls. This style suits any shaped face and can be done with almost any length of hair! This style can be achieved by making square shaped parts, and moving the pieces of hair in circular motion to pin curl. The top half of the hair will be pin curled, and the bottom portion can be tightly bumped with a narrow curling iron.

Short - Curly - Thin straw rollers are most appropriate for this get up and go style. Best fit for a long narrower shaped face, this hairstyle can work in either a casual or professional setting.

Popularity: 24% [?]

Fashion 101: Beauty Must Haves

FIVE EYE PLEASERS

Noticeably, the leaves on the trees have changed from a dark green to florescent yellows, oranges, or reds. The evenings are no longer warm, and comfortable; lastly, the skies are grey by snack time. These changes imply that the seasons are switching positions. It’s time to say bye to Fall and welcome in the Winter, and of course we cannot welcome a new season without including the Beauty Must Haves, along with Beauty Dos and Don’ts of the Winter season, so strap on for this informative, yet luminous ride!

Although it’s winter, your make-up does not have to be dim and grim as a reflection of this season. For an everyday look, glamorous, yet professional, a thin line of black eyeliner curving the line at the corner of the eye is your best bet. Preferably, Carbon Black Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner by L’Oreal. This eyeliner is perfect for shaping and enhancing any eye shape, and doesn’t smear. What makes this product even better is that it can be purchased for about $11.00!

Stepping away from the office, into the weekend, which more than likely includes shopping and hanging out would be more lenient to one’s eye decorations. Another eye shaper, without eyeliner, would be placing eye shadow in the inner corners of one’s eyes, whether it’s a teal blue, or even a silver-like grey! Weekends suggest the week has ended, so let’s be free with our eye decorations and for this, the best way to go is Ultimate Blockbuster Eye shadow Palette by Sephora. Now don’t allow the high end make-up brand frighten you. This is a purchase that will be well worth it and last you many seasons. Retail is $48.00, but it will make you 48 times happier than before you had this multi-purposed eye shadow pallet.

It is very common for the smokey eye to come out of the make up drawer in the evening for social or clubbing events. Smokey eyes are usually done with blacks, navy blues, dark greens or charcoals, of which these colors are all in the pallet listed above! So as you can see, we’ve covered makeup for Sunday through Saturday; time for some make up tip dos and don’t!

DOs
Accompanying any eye decoration, always apply mascara, preferably one that lengthens and adds volume. Brands such a L’Oreal and Maybelline carry both types of mascaras, averaging about $5 to $6 a bottle.

Be sure when doing either eyeliner, or any type of minimal eye decorations, it is complimentary to highlight the lower brow with either gold or a bronze eye shadow. Apply with a very thin brush, and use the fluff brush to soften color. With mascara, it is helpful to keep q-tips around to clean up the excess mascara that may get on the eyelid. Just dampen the q-tip with a little water, and you’re set!

Next, applying eye shadow in the inner corner of the eye! This application is best done with the sponge-like make-up applicator, not a brush, so you can get more color on the eye. Apply as if you are drawing a right triangle, and once again, the q-tips will assist in any mess made, including eye shadow that may get on the face from application. For best result and longer lasting eye shadow looks, apply concealer on the eyelid, as well as the lower brow area.

DON’Ts
A few don’ts to keep in mind, when applying dark eye shadow, don’t use eyeliner; it is not necessary. Don’t mix extremely contrasting colors; try to match colors that will blend. Stand clear of lipstick, to complete the look, light pink, or nude color lip glosses does the trick!

TOP SIX NAIL SPLASHES
It is common for females to just polish their nails with a dash of clear or the oh too common, black & white, so step away from the “typicalities” (yes, I said typicalities) of life, and add some splash to those phalanges. All polishes can be found at your local drug store! The nail splashes for the season below:

212 [metallic brown] by Sephora [Opi]-$9.00
Bright Tights [orange] by Essie-$8.00
One Night Stand [red] by Orly-$6.49
Mint Candy Apple [light green] by Essie-$8.00
Spiced Latte [nude] by Maybelline-$3.29
Dating a Royal [navy blue] by Opi-$8.00.

Check out the visual representation below to make sure you make the right purchase.
Aleia Woods
Contributing Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 5% [?]

And Then, It Was Winter: 10 Fashion Must haves

Classic Missoni bikinis compliment Spring Break in Cabo like a lime compliments a Carona on a sandy beach. Unfortunately, we’re not always in the position to enjoy tequila sunrises and the sun’s heat. And unless you are fortunate enough to be on a permanent vacation, or a citizen of Cabo, there will come a time when there’s nothing that you would rather do than run inside to the comfort of your central heating and hide from the rigid weather. But, there is definitely a way to get through the unforgiving winter; especially without making those unforgiveable fashion faux pas that come easily in the desperate times of layering sweats and sweaters and last season’s Michael Kors. I’m sure you remember that time when you thought it would be ok to leave the house in ninth grade’s jean mini over cream tights paired with the pink snowflake sweater your nana sent in your Christmas care package. So, now its winter, come November, a girl’s closet should be stocked with winter essentials that will rival Ivana Trump’s wardrobe at any ski resort in Czech Republic. Below are winter must haves that include pricey investment pieces all the way to items that can be picked up at your local forever 21.

1. Black Stockings – Although pretty obvious you’d be surprised what a pair can do for your everyday look. Especially those coveted resort pieces or next season’s florals. Black stockings easily update any look into winter while adding sophistication to your look. Go for thick textures, lacey prints, or a sheer black overcast to ensure variety and personality in your outfit.

2. Thick Knits- For days rushing to class or even casual dates to the movies, heavy knits prove practical and easy. Pairing one over a dress or with a tank and jeans instantly creates a polished and classic look. Black or neutrals always create the finishing touch when paired with a dress and maybe a skinny belt around the waist. Bright colors and elaborate patterns always go just right with jeans. Be creative with jewelry; whether you opt for subtle or statement pieces, you can’t go wrong.

3. Bronze or Blue Eye Shadow- bronze eye shadow creates a warm look in the winter instead of the usual brashness of gold. Also, it doubles as a lip color when paired with clear lip gloss. Go for blue when lining the eyes. It’s a great alternative for black and works just as well for smokey eyes.

4. Blazers- this ode to the boys gets it just right! However, it can look equally as feminine with pearls or a sheer oxford shirt. The key is to get the fit just right and getting a blazer tailored will take that personalization the extra mile! Colors like brown or grey always look good in textures like tweed or cotton.

5. Lace Up Shoes – Think color! Think texture! Think laces! Statement shoes are so of the moment. There are so many different structures and esthetics to play with! Platform, Patent leather or colored booties or oxfords finish prime pieces while combats add edge to any look.

6. Beaded or studded party dresses- Winter is party season and you don’t want to be caught in last season’s playful delicate frocks. Jeweled, beaded, sequined, or studded dresses are classics. They require minimal jewelry and are heavy enough for the winter winds.

7. Peacoat- The classic Peacoat is definitely the must have for the winter season EVERY year! This is a piece that is sure not to go out of style. Black, Navy Blue or a bright vibrant color; it’s all up to you.

8. Tall Leather Riding Boots- Paired with a Peacoat that hits just at the waist or just above the knees, riding boots are the perfect outerwear accessory. Go for subtle designs and colors.

9. Ornate ironwork jewelry- Save architectural pieces for the summer. Delicate iron works, pearls and jewels set in gold or silver always add glam to winter assembles.

10. Red, eggplant, and metallic finishes- matte pinks and pop yellows speak volumes in spring, but red or gold nail color, emerald scarves, or eggplant platforms compliment winter looks.

Isoke Davis
Fashion Writer
The Urban Feed

Popularity: 5% [?]