MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE SPARKLE

Faster then the speed of light here we are once again at the cusp of a New Year. It seems that the entire 365 days of 2016 have been leading up to this one event; New Year’s Eve. There is always so much pressure around this night to make it memorable so we have some traditional ideas combined with a fresh perspective to make your New Year’s Eve sparkalicious!  (sure it’s a word LOL)

FASHION FIRST

This is the one night of the year that glitter is appropriate; anytime, anywhere, no holds barred. So live it up! Grab that sequined dress, jacket or skirt out of the closet that has been hanging back there for years waiting for its debut and knock-em dead.

Sequined Jacket
Sequined Dresses
Sequined Skirts
Sequined Tops
*Order any item before December 29th. for NYE delivery and receive FREE shipping in the continental US.

If an entire garment full of sequins feels to bold for your wall-flower personality, make it a little more subtle with some glitter tights, jewelry or make-up. If you can’t find glitter tights in your area and do not have time to order them from online we have instructions on our Facebook page for a DIY version that looks terrific.

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FOUR SPARKTACULAR CITIES FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE

New Year’s only comes around once a year, so why not make the occasion memorable and join the celebration in one of these sparktacular cities.

New York City – Although New York may be too much for some people, there is no denying that it is one of the best parties in the world when it comes to New Year’s Eve. Whether you are down in Time Square watching the ball drop or out on the water enjoying the fireworks, New York will give anybody an experience to remember.

London – The iconic Big Ben is the gathering place of hundreds of thousands of people on New Year’s Eve. The banks of the Thames and all of London’s most famous bridges are crowded with people watching the incredible light show and listening to the clock chime at midnight.

Paris – The “City of Lights” lives up to its name during its New Year’s Eve celebration. From the spectacular fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower, to the massive block party in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe and finally to the show at the well known Moulin Rouge, Paris provides an experience not soon forgotten.

Sydney – Because of its unique location Sydney is the first major city to ring in the New Year and they do it in style. The city is known for having one of the largest firework shows  in the world, the show starts at 9 PM and ends when the clock strikes midnight. The large waterfront provides a place for millions of people to gather and enjoy the show which features aerial acrobatics, an Aboriginal smoking ceremony that is said to cleanse bad spirits, and the Harbour of Light Parade.

LET THE NEW YEAR SPARK A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

So, if you are like me and are so over the hype and hubris surrounding this holiday there are others ways to make it memorable without all of the hubbub.

Indoor Camping – Set up a small tent and to add some sparkle put up some lights and light some candles. You can even venture outside and ring in the New Year under the twinkle of the stars. If you are really feeling adventurous you can light a fire (in the fireplace of course) and roast some marshmallows.

 

Create An At Home Spa – This is a great way to pamper your spouse and it sets the mood for a romantic New Year. You can plan out the spa treatments you will offer. Don’t forget the candles and champagne.

 

Spark The Inspiration Of Those Around You, Create A Giving Calendar for the New Year – Create a calendar of ways you want to give in 2017. Plan something for each month, find a charity or ministry that you would like to support and create unique ways to give back to them, it could be as simple as the gift of your time.

 

Put Some Sparkle in Your New Year and Plan a Trip to Vegas in 2017 – Spend your New Year’s Eve planning your next vacation. There are a lot of great ways to enjoy Vegas, from Cirque Du Soleil shows to Wynn Night Clubs, there is something for everyone. Vegas is a great place to make your New Year sparkle.

 

READY FOR RIO: CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF THE SUMMER OLYMPICS DESTINATION CITY

As all eyes follow the best athletes in the world this week at 2016’s Summer Olympics, let’s focus on the exotic locale where the Games are being held this year. While most of us will only be able to visit Rio de Janeiro through the comfort of our home, we can still embrace the culture and fashion of what the city and country have to offer. Take a look at our favorite Brazilian tips below and dare to be a little “exotic”this Summer.

ALL THINGS FLORAL

Nothing says “Rio” more than a beautiful floral. Echoing the lush vegetation of the city, why not try a chic cropped floral “capri” pant, flattering on any figure and perfect from the pool to party. Let your hair loose, and keep your style simple with your favorite flat sandals and minimal jewelry.

Take a look at our top Summer floral cropped picks:
“Whimsical” Mint Green Floral Capri Pants
“Summer” Pink Printed Cropped Pants
“Exclusive” Brushed Printed Capri Pants

BRIGHT PATTERNS

Another signature “Brazilian” theme is bright intricate patterns. From buildings to art to fashion, residents aren’t afraid to go big and go bold.

Forgo “boring” plain neutrals and spice things up this Summer with a comfy AND lightweight pair of patterned silk or cotton shorts. We like the  breathable material that not only feels great against the skin but is also fashionable as well. Pair your shorts with a simple white Tee for daytime and a billowy blouse and strappy heels for nighttime fun.

Take a look at our favorite cool short fashion finds:
“Jeniel” Orange Silk Shorts
“Silky” Green Patterned Shorts
“Lillian” Teal Embroidered Cotton Shorts

Or go with a brightly patterned maxi for cool Summer style. Perfect as a cover up at the beach or pool as well as an evening gown for a night on the town, this dress style is your “go to” item this Season.

Take a peek at our favorite Summer maxi styles:
“Lacy” Blue Printed Chiffon Maxi
“Jules” Drop Waist Silk Charmeuse Dress
“Feminine” Purple Silk Maxi Dress

Hit the beach or pool with the girls this Summer in a silk chiffon Caftan dress, just like the Brazilians do. The lightweight material allows skin to breathe while providing the perfect shield against the sun’s hot rays.

These are our favorite “Brazilian” print picks:
“Brea” Yellow Print Silk High Low Dress
“Beach” Black and White Silk Chiffon Dress

We also like a pretty patterned maxi skirt paired with a Tee tied at the waist or your favorite crop top, perfect for any Summer occasion . Be sure to stick to form fitting tops, tanks, and camisoles to avoid too much bulk.

Check out our favorite printed maxi skirt patterns:
“Emily” Printed Pink Maxi Skirt
“Sailing Away” Patterned Chiffon Skirt
“Zebra” Printed Maxi Skirt

BOLD COLORS

In addition to intricate patterns, the Brazilians also favor bold colors. They are proud of their heritage, the culture, and colors of their cities, and are not afraid to show it. .

Don’t just blend into the background this Season- show off your “true colors” and choose your favorite brightly colored tank, top, or tunic.

Which one of these is YOUR favorite color to choose from?
“Cabana Sanctuary” Fuchsia Mayan Tunic Top
“Zephyr” Purple and Coral Patterned Came
“Chain Reaction” Coral Silk Washed Tank
“Cruisin” Yellow Satin Printed Tank Top

ACCESSORIZE WITH BRAZILIAN JEWELRY

Let’s not leave out how the Brazilians adorn themselves. Coming from a country rich in tradition, religion, and culture, the women tend to wear what is meaningful to them. The day and night jewelry style is different- almost invisible during the day with bold statement pieces worn at night.  Take a look at our three favorite jewelry style you can try this Summer:

(1) ART JEWELRY
Quintessential to the culture, Brazilians love to adorn themselves in rich colors and bold statement pieces. Popularized by Carmen Miranda in the 40’s, the style is still favored today. Look for bold beaded chest necklaces, ornate cuff bracelets, and oversized finger rings.

(2) BRUSHED GOLD
Since oftentimes the streets can be unsafe, Brazilian women steer away from precious gems and diamonds in favor of brushed gold rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. Why not get on this year’s “body chain” Summer trend and look for a brushed gold look to pair over your favorite swimsuit. Body chains can also be fashioned over tanks for daytime glam and slip dresses for nighttime.

(3) “BIO” ECO FRIENDLY
Due to safety and the richness of the Amazonian rainforest, bio jewelry has an important place in Brazil. Eco friendly jewelry is made with natural materials, such as wood, seeds, bark, and stones. Many designers collaborate with various indigenous tribes as gatherers and suppliers of materials. Their lifestyles and culture provide inspiration to create unique natural jewelry while protecting the environment as well. Save the Earth and stay fashionable this Summer with your own one-of-a-kind eco friendly jewelry piece.

BRAZILIAN BRONZE

Whether you opt for fun in the sun or tan in a bottle, be sure to taint that skin for a true  sun-kissed bronze glow. FUN FACT: Most Brazilian women bleach their body hair baby blonde, regardless of the color of the hair on their heads. Bleached body hair shines in the sun, making you look luminous in a way bronzer or body oil never could. So, whether you choose to go all the way with Sol de Janeiro Golden Body Veil bleach system or do it the natural way, be sure to soak up a little sun this Season.

Show off that tan with our favorite bold swimsuit picks:
“Bollywood” Blue Beaded String Bikini
“Flight of Fancy” Purple Ruffle Swimsuit
“Guilty Pleasures” Coral Lace Crochet Bikini

COCONUT EVERYTHING

From hair product to body lotions to beverages, the Brazilians love their coconuts. As locals will attest, coconut oil has the ability to save your skin and your hair from the drying effects of the sun and salt water….plus, the smell. See last week’s blog for our favorite coconut oil for body nourishment, and we suggest Gloss Moderne’s coconut oil mask for luscious locks. Or, make your own DIY fresh coconut leave in hair conditioner, used before your daily shampoo and conditioner routine. See our Facebook page for the recipe.

STAY HYDRATED WITH TROPICAL DRINKS

Speaking on coconut, don’t forget to include it into your daily eating routine. Health benefits include reducing cholesterol, killing harmful microorganisms, reducing fat, boosting energy, and warding off hunger cravings. To get you started, why not make this healthy Brazilian homemade coconut drink, delicious and nutritious:

*Serves 2*
Ingredients:
3/4 cup coconut milk
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 oz sparkling water
ice cubes
2 tablespoons shredded coconut

Directions:
1. Mix the coconut milk, the condensed milk, and the water in a drink mixer or a blender.
2. Put the mixture in a pitcher.
3. Add the ice cubes to the pitcher and pour in glasses, and cover with the shredded coconut.
4) Serve and enjoy!
*Note: For an “adult beverage,” you can substitute the sparkling water for 2 shots Brazilian cachaça (cane vodka)

AND NOURISHED WITH TROPICAL FRUIT

One of the Brazilians’ top favorite foods that has only recently become popular in America is acai fruit. From Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Refresher to Sephora’s Sugar Acai Body Cream, everyone is starting to take note of this fruit’s benefits to every part of the body. Currently in the US, you can only get the fruit in the frozen freezer section of your local market. You can find the fruit currently at these stores:
Ralph’s, HEB, Earth Fare, Whole Foods Market, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Kroger, Bristol Farms, Vons, Sprouts Farmers Market, Costco Wholesale, CVS Stores, Wal-Mart, and Sam’s Club.

Click here for an easy yet nutritious recipe: Breakfast Acai Fruit Bowl 

As you sit back and relax with your favorite ice cold drink watching the Olympic Games this week, adapt some our favorite Brazilian traditions this Summer. Just because you are not actually be there doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Rio culture. Wear pretty florals. Go bold in a bright tunic top. Nourish hair with a coconut mask. Try some Brazilian food. However you choose to embrace the Brazilian culture, alway remember that we here at Posh at Play want you to

Be You, Be Fashionable, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

 

SPRING’S NEW NEUTRALS

 

From Valentino to Dior to Ralph Lauren, we’re loving this year’s NEW neutral color trend. Get in touch with your feminine side this Spring and start including quartz rose, serenity blue, soft peach, neutral beige, and creamy ivory into your wardrobe collection. Romance is key this Season. Take a look at our favorite outfit styles and start shopping the trends today.

AT THE OFFICE

Start your week off right and carry the soft neutral trend to the office with you in style. Start with a neutral colored knit pencil skirt from St. John’s Collection paired with Hale Bob’s sleeveless draped satin blouse or  ivory long sleeve silk blouse and classic Christian Louboutin pumps, designed to accentuate and elongate the leg line. Or if you are feeling daring, go with a white embroidered mini skirt from Hale Bob. Keep up with Spring’s fluctuating weather patterns and top your look with an ivory Bolero jacket from Hale Bob on chillier days. Accessorize in style with a Tory Burch black satchel bag and matching cat eye sunglasses from designer Tom Ford. You are sure to catch your co-workers’ attention in the office this Spring.

ERRAND DAY

Your romantic side can shine through even on “run of the mill” casual errand days.  Air dry your hair, tousle, and lightly spritz with a touch of Bumble & Bumble’s surf foam spray for a “no nonsense,” easygoing style. Next, grab a pair of stretchy, comfortable taupe ultra suede pants from Hale Bob topped with Rag & Bone’s ivory sweatshirt and chic leopard print ballerina flats from Salvatore Ferragamo. Strap on your blush pink cross body bag, swipe on a drop of all natural lip balm from Grown Alchemist, and you are ready to step out on the streets in style.

LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

Why not be trendy yet comfy in soft muted pastels on your next lunch out? Start with Spring’s trendy distressed look, updated for 2016 on the skinny leg silhouette. We like True Religion’s stretch white skinny jeans topped with Chloe’s luscious vintage Victorian pink chiffon blouse, trending on the runways through Fall 2016. For chillier days, accessorize with a soft beige shawl coat from Harris Wharf London, or BCBG’s lace trench for a more structured style. Top off your look with Kate Spade’s sweet pink bucket bag and matching lace up sandals from Steve Madden. You’re sure to get the girls gossiping this year with your “easy breezy” beautiful Spring style.

DATE NIGHT

Surprise him with a little romance as you include the soft colors of Spring into your nighttime activities. From Gucci to Caroline Herrera, get in on this Season’s pretty pleated skirt trend seen on this year’s runways. Get the above look with Tibi’s strappy pleated swing dress or go with Tahari’s fit and flare dress for a more classic silhouette. If you’re a “girly” gal, Hale Bob’s sweet sleeveless pleated tank dress will suit you to a “T” paired with your favorite strappy heels or gladiators. And finally, for the inner Hollywood “diva,” make a grand entrance in the luscious floor length ivory empire dress NEW from Liberty Garden. Simple, classic, Boho, or dramatic, there’s a perfect pleated dress style just waiting for you.

BEACH DAY

With lace and “Boho chic” all the rage, now is the time to add a few of Spring’s “essentials” to your wardrobe collection. Perfect for the beach topped over your favorite swimsuit or paired over your “go to” tee and shorts outfit, be sure to add this Season’s favorite lovely lace Kimono jacket. Light enough to prevent bulk yet thick enough to provide a little warmth from Spring’s fluctuating temperatures, Liberty Garden’s ivory lace Kimono is the perfect jacket option for you this Season. Another favorite Spring jacket option is the “Boho chic” poncho. Slip on Liberty Garden’s black or ivory laced fringed poncho over your favorite poolside attire, or pair over Citizen’s of Humanity’s ivory shorts, Hale Bob’s white lace tank , and Free People’s tall gladiators for the quintessential “festival girl” style. Or, complete your day of fun in sun with Liberty Garden’s long sleeve lace tunic on chilly Spring days or off the shoulder lace tunic from South Beach swimsuits during summer’s heat wave. Kimono, poncho, or tunic, there’s a lovely lacy cover up option to suit your Spring style.

GARDEN PARTY

Unsure of what to wear to your next garden party or Spring wedding? You can’t go wrong in a creamy ivory or peachy pink lace dress, suitable for any occasion casual to dressy. We like Hale Bob’s ivory lace pencil dress with this year’s off the shoulder trending silhouette style. Go with the long sleeve two-toned dress or white lace strapless maxi paired with Topshop’s lace up blush pink wedges for little “Boho chic” flare. If classic is more your style, grab Hale Bob’s ivory floral A line dress accessorized with Badgley Mischka’s floral embellished open toes pumps and matching leather clutch from Tory Burch. Classic or Boho, mini or maxi, you’ll look lovely in lace this year.

NEUTRAL NAIL COLOR

This Season is all about “do it yourself” beauty and what better way to usher in Spring’s neutral colors than with an at home manicure makeover. Our favorite is the Red Carpet Pro manicure starter set, featuring your own LED lights, nourishing cuticle cream, prep nail sanitizer, base coat and top coat enhancers, plus nail polish remover and application purifying cleanser. Grab Salon quality nail polish in soft peach cream and in minutes you can enjoy weeks worth of nail beauty. Invite the girls over, brew some detox tea, and relax for an afternoon of nourishment, fun, and style from the comfort of your own home.

NEUTRAL MAKE UP

Don’t just stop at nail beauty. Continue Spring’s neutral color scheme trend into your daily make up routine this Season. Start with Urban Decay’s weightless ultra definition foundation, add a blushing cheek stain from Tarte,  a swipe of bareMinerals’ natural volumizing mascara, and finish up with MAC’s soft sheer nude lipstick inspired by designer Zac Posen. To compliment this year’s carefree, “unfussy” style, treat your tresses to a little extra loving care with natural remedies for damage control. Two of our favorite “hair masks” can be found conveniently right in your kitchen. First is the Avocado and Peppermint hair mask, made by mixing one avocado, a tablespoon each of olive oil and honey, and sprinkled lightly with peppermint tea to stimulate your scalp and offer intense refreshment to your locks. Our second favorite, used to treat damaged follicles, is the Milk and Honey hair mask, made from one cup of whole milk and a teaspoon of honey. Let hair soak in the mixture for 15 minutes, and then rinse and shampoo. You’re sure to turn heads your way with your natural glow this Spring.

Get in touch with your romantic side and look for Spring’s softer neutral pastels in pinks, peaches, blues, and beiges. Coupled with silky lace, ruffles, and pleats, this Season is all about embracing the feminine ideal and enhancing the womanly figure. Take our fashion ideas and adapt them to fit your perfect style and unique personality. 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.