HOW TO STAY COOL IN SUMMER’S HEAT

With Monday being the official first day of Summer, it’s time to start preparing for the hot weather ahead. No matter which region you live in, there are bound to be some hot times ahead. But don’t fret! We’ve gathered together our favorite “chill” Summer tips that’ll keep you refreshed and revived all Season long. From fashion to food to drinks to fragrances, take a look and start feeling cooler already.

HOST A POOL PARTY

On the hottest of Summer’s days, why not take the opportunity to host your own pool party. Not only will everyone cool off, but it’s a good time to catch up with your best friends and have a little fun as well. Be sure to include lots of floats for young and old alike, and stay cool and fresh in your favorite patterned print romper paired over your favorite Summer swimsuit.

Our favorite Summer Party wear to try:
 “Aliza” Printed Rayon Romper
“Iara” Handkerchief Shorts Set
“Cabana” Teal Bikini

STAY HYDRATED

Whether hosting a party, having a friend over, or indulging yourself, be sure to stay hydrated with cold, refreshing beverages throughout the Season’s hottest days. While we all know that nature’s chilled water is always best, dare to have a little fun now and again with some tasty alternatives. And why not dazzle in style as well in your favorite cool cotton tank sundress.

Additional  cool “hostess” Sundress options to try:
“Adelaide” Pink Jersey Dress
“Romantic” Ruffled Floral Sundress

Our favorite unique Summer “adult” beverage is Captain Morgan’s Guava Nectar drink:

Recipe: 1.5oz grapefruit rum
1.5oz Goya guava nectar
2oz club soda
0.5oz lime juice

Throwback to Summer fun as a kid at your favorite amusement park with homemade frozen lemonades or spice things up with a “Blue Hawaii” direct from the Hilton Hawaii Village. Click below to get the recipes:

Frozen Lemonade
Blue Hawaii

You are sure to be the “hostess with the mostess” in a cool, flowy maxi this Summer. Look for dresses made with sheer silk or soft cotton to stay cool thought the day as you entertain your guests.

Our other favorite Maxi Dress options to choose from:
“Brea” Yellow Silk Chiffon High Low Dress
“Billie” Coral Pink Satin Maxi
“Sonnie” Pastel Pink Strapless Twill Dress

GET OUT OF THE KITCHEN

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want to do is heat up the kitchen. We suggest making cold salads and dishes throughout the Season to keep the house cool. Start with personalized seven layer dip and chip cup appetizers, layering refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese, and freshly diced tomatoes on top. Take advantage of Seasonal fruit at your local market, and fill ice cream waffle cones with freshly cut melons, berries, kiwi, apples, and whatever else appeals to you.

Next, serve a luscious cold Mexican chopped salad tossed in a light vinaigrette and packed with nutritious  iron, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Not only will your taste buds have a party, but also you won’t have to work twice as hard for that perfect “bikini” ready body.

Click here for the full recipe
Summer Mexican Chopped Salad

CREATE SUMMER SCENTS

Make your living space fresh and cool with sunny scents of Summer paired with romantic floral arrangements. Fill a simple mason jar or vase with water and freshly cut lemons, adding your favorite Summer posies for fun yet easy DIY interior decor.

Not only can you keep your home smelling fresh, but you can also refresh yourself 0n the hottest of Summer’s days. Create your own cool mist spritzers, perfect for everyday or when you are hosting an outdoor Summer party. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and julienned cucumber or a few sprigs of mint and lavender. Bonus: cucumber is known for its hydrating properties, and lavender and mint are reputed insect repellents.

HEAD TO THE BEACH

When you feel like getting out of the house, pack up some sunscreen, a good read, a  floppy hat, sunglasses, and a cooler filled with plenty of cold beverages to stay hydrated against the Summer sun. Now is the perfect time to show a little skin and bring out that Summer body you’ve been working on in a chic ivory lace crochet swimsuit.

Want a little color? Try these other swimsuit options:
“Flight of Fancy” Purple Ruffle Bikini
“Guilty Pleasures” Teal Crochet Swimsuit

Bring a touch of romance to your Summer beach look and pair your lace bikini with a cool off the shoulder romper or lace tunic.

Other favorite “lacy” cover up options:
“Prisca” Ivory White Lace Chiffon Dress
“Naomh” Strapless Maxi Dress
“Azaria” Lace Trimmed Kimono

COOL OFF AT THE LAKE

If your region doesn’t offer a sandy beach, another alternative  is a visit to your local lake. Whether you decide to bunk overnight in one of the lake houses, tootle around in your own canoe, or enjoy a good read while soaking your feet, you’ll bask in the beauty of nature while cooling off against Summer’s hot sun.

Stay cool while chillin’ in a casual “Cabana” drop waist dress or flowy blouse over your swimsuit, just in case you decide to go for a dip.

Other “lake view” Summer options? Try a chic shirtdress, cool, stylish, and free.
“Femi” Flutter Crepe Navy Dress
“Cabana” Silk Cotton Shirt Dress
“Eda” Lace Trimmed Tunic Dress

THERAPY SHOP

Finally, at the hottest part of the day when the heat becomes unbearable, head to your local indoor mall to cool off and do a little retail therapy. Give your air conditioning at home a break while you enjoy the cool open air at the mall. Grab an ice cold tea and take advantage of the Summer sales.

Don’t go at it alone. Don your favorite “boyfriend” jeans and take your best girlfriends with you.

Consider these other cool denim options as well:
Citizen’s of Humanity’s “Gibson” loose fit shorts
Joe’s Jeans’ Floral Denim
J Brand’s Cut Off Tangerine Shorts

On Summer’s hottest days, stay cool while shopping the sales in a pretty cotton floral sundress or breezy silky shorts.

Consider these fun options as well:
“Time to Turn Heads” Coral Cotton Sundress
“Denise” Sleeveless Printed Tank Dress
“Livia” Printed Crepe de Chine Shorts

Whatever you have planned as the temps rise, we hope you follow our easy breezy ways to stay cool this Summer. Don’t let the heat get you down. Kick back, stay cool, and be fashionable this Season, and let the good times role.

And remember we here at Posh at Play always want you remember that no matter what
Be You, Be Fabulous, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

SPRING’S FAVORITE BEAUTY TRENDS

A few weeks ago we featured our favorite trending accessories for 2016. This week, we follow up with our top make up and hair trends seen on the runways this Season. Take a look at our choices below  and see how you can start pairing with your favorite fashion finds for Spring.

BOLD LIPS

Gone are the days of “no makeup” makeup. This Spring, designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Jason Wu to DKNY went big and bold with all hues of red on the lips. Backstage makeup pro Yadim suggests keeping this look young and fresh by starting with “freshly scrubbed” skin, using only a light concealer to hide any blemishes, and finishing up with a sculpted “boyish” brow. We like Dolce & Gabbana’s Dolce Matte lipstick in an array of colors from dark mauve to cherry red to blood orange. If you’re not quite that daring, you can still experiment with the look by using a “barely there” lip tint like Stay All Day lip gloss from Stila. Pair your makeup look with a simple solid color outfit to enhance and draw attention to your bold lips. Throwback to the boppin’ 50’s in Hale Bob’s vintage black V neck dress accessorized with classic black satin pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo. Or go “Hollywood glam” in Hale Bob’s silk jeweled cocktail dress, gold flecked sandals by Schutz, and glitter box clutch from Kate Spade. Brighten up your Springtime look instantly this Season with a swipe of bold red lip color.

GO BLUE

Another bold make up trend seen on the runways this Season is the return of the blue eye shadow. Reminiscent of the 70’s and 80’s, this color can be tricky to navigate without looking too tacky. The key to succeeding with this look is to start with a fresh face with minimal cheeks and lips to emphasize the eyes. Get Kendall’s above runway look by swiping Urban Decay’s radium blue eyeshadow across the lids, lining with black gel eye crayon eyeliner from Marc Jacobs, and finishing with luminous emerald shimmer powder from Make Up For Ever. If you’d rather go with just a touch of blue, try Yves Saint Laurent’s luxurious lash extending blue mascara or simply swap out your usual liner for a crystal blue waterproof crayon eyeliner from Dior. Compliment your 70’s look in a black lace baby doll dress from Liberty Garden accessorized with a wide brim hat from Eric Javits and patchwork Vintage clogs NEW from Shellys London. Get groovy this year, and go blue.

 

QUARTZ ROSE MAKE UP

Pantone’s color of the year can be incorporated not only into your wardrobe collection, but also into your Spring make up regime. Update your coloring and add quartz rose pink for a girly, Seasonal glow. Start with a tinted foundation like Nars’ NEW Velvet Matte Skin Tint, formulated with SPF 30 to protect and transform your skin now and over time. Give your cheeks a light dusting of pink powder blush from MAC and sweep the same color over your eyes. Finish your look with a slight “cat eye,” brush of mascara, and swipe of Yves Saint Laurent hydrating lip tint to keep lips moisturized on colder days. Pair your fresh faced look with Liberty Garden’s NEW pale pink embroidered maxi or the blush pink suede shift dress from Hale Bob and you are sure to spread your sweet “scent” everywhere you go.

QUARTZ ROSE HAIR COLOR

If winter winds have done a number on your tresses, head to the stylist for a deep conditioning treatment, a trim of the old dead ends, and a fresh new hair color for Spring. If you are already blonde, go with this Season’s trendiest “gold pink” tint, topped off with a bouncy “blowout.” If you are a redhead, ask for a lighter hue, and for the brunettes, go “hipster” with pink streaks. Or be “pink” for a day with Splat Hair Chalk, a fun, temporary way to color your hair for just 24 hours. For the less daring, you can still get in on the trend by adding a “touch of pink” hair accessory to your everyday style. Look for glittering pink barrettes like L. Ericson’s “Swarovski Treasure Trove,” dainty headbands, handcrafted flower clips, or this Season’s trendy floral head piece embellishments from Erickson Beamon. Pair your luscious locks with a flouncy floral satin dress from Hale Bob or go matching in a pink printed jersey tank dress. Whether you choose to go gold pink this Spring or simply add the color to your hair accessory collection, be sure to include quartz rose into your fashion style this Season.

FLORAL HAIR EMBELLISHMENTS

As mentioned above, floral hair accessories are all the rage for Spring. From Rodarte to Alice + Olivia to Prada, the runways were filled with glittering flora and fauna this Season. Dress up Hale Bob’s short sleeved floral shift dress by accessorizing your tresses with a swarovski crystal embellished barrette by Colette Malouf and matching t-strap wedge sandals from Badgley Mischka. Try Spring’s top trend in Hale Bob’s “Boho” drop waist black and white embroidered dress paired with gladiator sandals from Rebecca Minkoff, a fringe crossbody from Free People, and a flowing floral lariat hair accessory. Or spruce up Hale Bob’s long sleeve romantic lace dress with nude floral sandals NEW from Kay Unger and a golden floral headband from designer Deepa Gurnani. Add a little embellishment to your everyday life this year.

BASEBALL CAP FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Another favorite hair accessory trending on the runways this Spring is the utilitarian ball cap. Not just reserved for game time, the baseball hat can be paired with anything from a floral sun dress for lunch out to cropped dress pants for work to a flowing maxi for a night out on the town. Accentuate your female physic while keeping it casual by pairing Hale Bob’s printed pink tank dress with the new platform sneakers from Superga and net overlay cap from Alexander Wang. Segue into the evening hours with iridescent ankle strap sandals from Loeffler Randall , a silver studded clutch by Sarah Jessica Parker, and an embellished sequin hat from Shourouk. Carry the look to the office by combining Hale Bob’s classy metallic floral capri pants with a flouncy ivory silk tank, black Bolero blazer, classic pumps by Charles David, and a black leather cap from Kate Spade. Dressy or casual. Day out or day in. Be sure to incorporate the baseball hat into your wardrobe collection this year.

ROPE BRAID

And finally, if all of our top hair and make up trends just really don’t appeal to you, try the simple and easy-to-do rope braid. Instead of sweeping your hair into the usual pony, try something new this Season. Achieve this hairstyle by dividing your ponytail into two or three equal sections and lacquering with Bumble and Bumble classic hairspray to prevent frizziness or flyaway. Sport this style on your way to the gym or errand day around town. You’ll feel like you just stepped off the runway by pairing your hairdo with Hale Bob’s long sleeve beaded shift dress or classic black lace tank dress on your next date night. Trying something new this year doesn’t have to be complicated. Try the rope braid this Spring.

Whether you try bright lips and eyeshadow, or embellish with baseball caps and floral adornments, try something new this Season. Highlight your best asset and let the true you shine through. Take our trending beauty tips and make them all your own.  Don’t wait for the weather to warm to start glowing in the Season’s top looks and fashions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FALL 2014 HAIRSTYLE TRENDS

Simple, chic, and sleek is the common trend in FALL HAIRSTYLE TRENDS 2014. From natural waves, to ballerina bun, to every type of ponytail, to 60’s bobs, designers for this FALL 2014 HAIRSTYLES went for natural, “undone” hair to contrast with the “bigger is better” trends in FALL FASHION 2014. Check out our favorite FALL HAIRSTYLE picks and step out in style THIS FALL with a simple, clean, fresh new you.

SLEEK BLEACH BLONDE

From 60’s bob to ballerina bun to long tresses, bright bleach blonde hit the Runways this Fall 2014. Seen at the Tori Burch, Marc Jacobs, and Anna Sui runway shows, bleach blonde is making a comeback for Fall 2014 Hairstyles. Go golden as seen above at the Ralph Lauren show, super platinum like Hilary Duff,  or sun-kissed highlights like  Vanessa Hudgens. Reach for the bleach this Fall 2014 and show your blonde ambition.

60’S- INSPIRED BOB

From Nina Ricci, to Oscar de la Renta, to Versace , Hairstyles from the swinging 60’s are back. Designers updated the Retro “Jackie O” Hairstyle for Fall 2014 with teased volume paired with pin straight locks. The slight “bouffant” look, so popular in the 60’s, also makes a comeback this season. For that Bardot-inspired look, hairstylist Brittany Williams parts hair, teases the crown by backcombing sections with a small boar bristle brush, bobby pins in place, and sets with Bumble and Bumble does it all hairspray. You’re ready for a swinging good time.

BRAIDS AND CORNROWS

The Braid-y Bunch. As an ode to the groovy 70’s, designers from Givenchy to Marc Jacobs are bringing braids back in every way. Whether braided in school girl pigtails, french braided down the back, braided into a bun, or divided into cornrows, try this fashionable Fall Hairstyle this season. Hollywood celebs are jumping onto the Braid trend, with Nina Dobrev sporting a loose braid this Sunday at the Teen Choice Awards and Heidi Klum appearing with perfect cornrows. Check out BeautyHigh.com for “how to’s” on braids of all styles this Fall 2014, including the popular “waterfall” braid seen all over the runways this Fall 2014.

SLEEK PONYTAIL

Ponytails everywhere. Simple yet chic, designers this FALL 2014 brought back the sleek, smooth ponytail. From adorned and accessorized at Chanel to simple and chic at  Ralph Lauren to multilayered at Fendi, the ponytail is a trend you’ll want to try this Season. Take a cue from Selena Gomez and apply John Frieda Frizz Ease over tresses, blow dry straight, and pull into a sleek ponytail, finishing off with Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Finishing spray.

UNDONE, TOSSED, CASUAL

From Burberry to Lanvin,  try this Fall Season’s slightly “messy,” casual no-nonsense Hairstyle Trend for 2014. Get natural “beachy” waves with celebrity hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins’ easy “How To” Tutorial.  To achieve the “look,” apply a texturizing spray like Toni & Guy’s Sea Salt Spray and blow dry hair. Finish with Chi ARC Automatic Rotating Curler by curling patches of hair away from face, and top off with a dry shampoo such as Oribe Dry Spray.

OFF-DUTY BALLERINA BUN

Sporting two of this Fall 2014’s Hairstyle & Makeup trends, actress Katie Holmes rocks the “Brown smoky-eye” and the “Ballerina” top knot at NYC’s “The Giver” Premiere this week. Seen on runways this Fall 2014 from Versace to Armani to Diane von Furstenberg, the “off duty” Ballerina bun is all the rage this Season. From slightly messy to sleek and slick, try this easy-to-do top knot trend this Fall 2014.

GLOSSY SLICK BACK

From Kourtney Kardashian to Jennifer Lopez to Penelope Cruz, Hollywood is getting on board with the slick but not  greasy combed back FALL HAIRSTYLE seen on runways the Season. The look is killer shine, with a wet glossy but not greasy style. Try the look this FALL 2014 by either gelling hair back in a low ponytail or slick crown back with CHI Pliable Polish, keeping tresses textured, long, and loose.

EXTREME SIDE PARTS

At the 2014 ACM Awards, Taylor Swift looked chic in the Fall 2014 “extreme side part” Hairstyle trend, paired with a teased 60’s bob. Spotted at runways from Stella McCartney to Alexander Wang, the 1930’s-style boyish comb over took a more confident and sexy look this Fall 2014. To achieve Taylor’s casual part, L’Oreal Paris Ambassador Peter Gray suggests using your fingers instead of a brush to style your part. For a dramatic side part, stylist Paul Hanlon brushes hair across forehead and secures behind ears with a spritz of Bumble and Bumble finishing spray. Update your look in an instant this Fall by changing your part, with zero commitment, just a glamorous you.

PIN IT

We’ve all spent decades trying to hide hairpins, but this Fall 2014 no need for that anymore. Pins are a fashion statement this Season. From Zac Posen to Reem Acra, bobby pins were on full display on the runway. With actresses like Emma Watson, Emma Stone, and Kirsten Dunst  sporting the trendon the Red Carpet, this Fall Trend is here to stay. Try stacking 5 or 6 bobby pins together or create geometric shapes to pin hair away from face. 

From sleek and chic to 60’s bouffant, this Fall 2014 is the perfect time to try a new Hairstyle, simple, no nonsense, yet chic. Accessorize with bobby pins and bows or go simple with beachy, “slept in” waves. Change your look with a simple sweep of the hair across your brow for an extreme side part or go dramatic this Fall with a bleach blonde bob. For a glamorous night out, pull hair into a sleek ponytail or try this Fall’s “Ballerina” bun or topknot. This Fall 2014, it’s easier than ever to try one of this Season’s Hairstyle Trends.