A Peasant Surprise

With bohemian and hippie-chic looks being big trends right now, peasant tops fit in perfectly. If you're wondering what a peasant top is, they're lightweight, loose-fitting blouses that are often (but not necessarily) embroidered. There are also peasant dresses. I own quite a few peasant tops myself and I love them! They're extremely comfortable yet still feminine and cute. If you're still having trouble visualizing what a peasant top or peasant dress looks like, maybe the pictures featured below will help.

Peasant Tank, $26.50, available in sizes S-XL, alloy.com

Karen Tunic, $39.50, shown in blue; also available in purple, sizes XS-L, delias.com

Ethnic Peasant Top, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

H81 Crinkled Peasant Top, $16.90, shown in navy ; also available in cream, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Retro Floral Peasant Top, $19.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Silk Cotton Peasant Top, $22.80, shown in purple; also available in cream, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Trisha Peasant Top, $17.80, shown in coral; also available in cream, sizes Small-Large (cream only available in Large), forever21.com

Woven Peasant Top, $19.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Contrast Stitch Peasant Top, $22.80, available in sizes Small and Medium, forever21.com

Lara Peasant Top, $22.80, available in sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

Ikat Peasant Top, $49.50, shown in blue print; also available in yellow print, sizes XS-XXL (blue print only available in L-XXL), gap.com

Pintucked Peasant Blouse, $49.50, shown in optic white; also available in true black, sizes XS-XXL, gap.com

Floral Peasant Blouse, $49.50, available in sizes XS-XXL, gap.com

IZ Byer California Smocked Peasant Top, $21.60, available in sizes Small-X Large, kohls.com

American Rag Blurred Floral Peasant Top, $39.00, available in sizes XS-L, macys.com

ING Three-Quater Sleeve Crochet-Trim Peasant Top, $28.50, shown in yellow; also available in black, sizes S-L, macys.com

Rampage Drop-Waist Peasant Top, $33.00, available in sizes S-L, macys.com

3/4 Sleeve Peasant, $11.99, shown in forest green; also available in black and hematite, sizes S-L, mandee.com

Beaded Chiffon Peasant, $26.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Ditsy Peasant Dress, $39.99, available in sizes 7-13, mandee.com

Embroidered Front Tie Peasant, $24.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Embroidered Peasant Top, $26.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Floral Peasant Scarf Top, $14.99, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Off The Shoulder Peasant, $17.99, available in sizes S and M, mandee.com

Peace Sign Peasant, $26.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Peasant Smoked Bottom Feather, $22.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Peasant Tribal Print, $17.99, available in sizes S-XL, mandee.com

Square Neck Peasant Top Blue Embroidery, $24.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Fang Peasant Embroidery Top, $19.99, shown in black; also available in white, sizes Small and Medium, sears.com

Boho Peasant Dress, $29.50, shown in purple; also available in yellow, sizes XS-XL, wetseal.com

Embroidered Gauze Peasant Top, $18.50, available in sizes M and L, wetseal.com

Embroidered Peasant Top, $21.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

Smocked Floral Peasant Top, $17.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

Smocked Peasant Top, $19.50, shown in aqua; also available in grey, sizes XS-XL, wetseal.com

Smocked Trim Peasant Top, $11.90, shown in golden; also available in blaze, brown, white, and black, wetseal.com

Floral Peasant Top, $19.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

Crochet Dolman Voile, $21.50, available in sizes S and M, wetseal.com

For a boho-chic look, pair a peasant top with a maxi skirt, wedge espadrilles, bangles, feather earrings, and a hobo bag. You can also achieve the boho-chic style with a peasant dress. For a modern hippie style, wear your peasant top with a pair of ripped jeans or a destroyed denim skirt, some flip-flops, and a headband. For a casual but cute Spring look, wear your peasant top with a pair of capris or Bermuda shorts, some sneakers, a fabulous pair of earrings, and a necklace. If you have any more ideas on ways to wear peasant tops or peasant dresses, tell me. E-mail me at Charmed427@gmail.com or contact me on myspace.

2009 Wet Seal Stylist Search

If you're interested in becoming a stylist one day, now's your chance to show off your talents. Wet Seal has selected 180 finalists for their 2009 Wet Seal Model Search Contest. However, if you're anything like me, then you're more interested in working behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. Well, you're in luck! Wet Seal is also having a contest for a Stylist Search. To enter; sign up for or login to the fashion community, go to "My Boutique", create an outfit, tag your outfit as "2009 Stylist Search", and submit it to the runway! Make sure you tag your outfit correctly and that it has three or more items in order to be considered. See the contest rules for more details. You might also want to watch some of the modeling finalists' videos and get to know more about them. If there is a potential model you would be interested in styling, be sure to vote for her (you can only vote once a day). I will post the outfits I've created for the contest below.

The outfit with the most votes will win the contest. The winner will receive a round trip ticket to Orange County, California, transportation and accommodations for two nights, participation in the 2009 Model Search photo shoot, VIP treatment, and a $500 Wet Seal gift card. Contest ends on April 26th, 2009 at 11:59 PM, so start styling now! Let me know if you would like me to vote for your outfits and help your chances of winning. E-mail me at Charmed42787@gmail.com or contact me via myspace. You can also contact me through the Wet Seal fashion community. My Wet Seal screen name is Charmed42787. Good luck to all who enter!

Rip It Up

Do you have a pair of jeans that you may have accidentally snagged on something and now they have a big hole in them? Well, don't get rid of those jeans just yet! For the Spring of 2009, it's OK for your jeans to be ripped. Destroyed denim is everywhere right now. In fact, you may even want to add more holes to the jeans you've snagged. You can also grab a plain pair of jeans and rip them up with a cheese grater or a pair of scissors. But wait! The torn-up denim trend isn't just limited to the jeans. Denim skirts and shorts are now being destroyed as well. You can rip these up yourself too. However, if you don't want to tear up your own denim; you don't have to. There are many jeans, skirts, and shorts that already come pre-ripped. I will feature some of these styles below.

Destroyed Jeans:

Emma Boot Destroyed, $49.90, shown in medium destroyed; also available in superlight destroyed, sizes 00S-8L, abercrombie.com

Destructed Denim Capri, $24.99, available in sizes 00-13/14, aeropostale.com

Indigo Saints Shredded Boyfriend Jean, $42.50, available in sizes 1-13, alloy.com

Revolt Destroyed Jean Capri, $36.50, available in sizes 1-13, alloy.com

True Boot Jean, $39.95, available in sizes 00-18 and in lengths short-x long, ae.com

Fragile Boyfriend Crop Jeans, $32.99, available in size 1-9, charlotterusse.com

Hydraulic Boyfriend Jeans, $39.99, available in sizes 0-9, charlotterusse.com

Charlie Low-Rise Boyfriend Jean, $49.50, available in sizes 0-13/14, delias.com

Decree Super Skinny Flare, $29.99, shown in light blue; also available in dark blue, sizes 0-15, jcpenney.com

H2j Cuffed Denim Capris, $21.99, available in sizes 0-13, kohls.com

H2j Distressed Boot-Cut Jeans, $34.99, available in sizes 1-13, kohls.com

Fire Destroyed Boyfriend Lisa Ankle Jeans, $29.99, available in sies 1-11, macys.com

Bleach Out Destructed, $34.00, shown in light denim; also available in medium denim, sizes 0-9/10, mandee.com

Destructed 5 Pocket Skinny, $39.99, available in sizes 0-13, mandee.com

Destructed Bootleg, $29.99, available in sizes 0-13, mandee.com

Destructed Cuffed Crop, $28.00, available in sizes 1-11, mandee.com

Destructed With Rainbow Stitch, $29.99, available in sizes 1-11, mandee.com

Light Wash Destructed, $29.99, available in sizes 0-11, mandee.com

Sunblast Flare W/ Braided Belt, $34.00, available in sizes 0-13, mandee.com

Tinted Destructed, $29.99, available in sizes 0-11, mandee.com

To look like a rock star, wear these jeans with a Rock & Roll graphic t-shirt, some hoop earrings, and a pair of studded boots. Also, try wearing some printed or bright colored tights under the jeans so that the tights are peeking out through the rips. For a western-inspired look, pair these jeans with a plaid button-down shirt, a braided belt, a cowboy or straw hat, and some slouch boots. For a grunge-inspired look, wear your ripped jeans with a plaid top and some sneakers. To get a modern-day hippie look, you can pair them with a tie-dyed shirt or peasant top (article on peasant tops coming soon) and some flip flops. Another cute Spring look I have in mind is wearing some destroyed denim capris with a butterfly or floral printed tunic top, a pair of ballet flats, and some bangles. This would be the perfect way to add a feminine touch to the tough edge that shredded denim provides.

Shredded Shorts:

Boyfriend Bermuda, $29.50, available in sizes 0-13, alloy.com

ZCO Cutoff Stretch Jean Short, $24.50, available in sizes 0-13, alloy.com

AE Cut-off Denim Shorts, $34.50, available in sizes 00-18, ae.com

AE Destroyed Cutoff Denim Shorts, $34.50, available in sizes 00-18, ae.com

Campbell Cuff Jean Short, $34.50, available in sizes 00-15/16, delias.com

Bleach Washed Bermuda, $17.80, available in sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

Dark Wash Distressed Shorts, $32.00, available in sizes 1-13, hottopic.com

Decree Roll Cuffed Boyfriend Bermuda, $19.99, shown in lt ultra destruct; also available in dk ultra destruct; sizes 0-17, jcpenney.com

Decree Rolled-Cuff Short, $16.99, available in sizes 0-17, jcpenney.com

Bongo Cuffed Denim Bermuda Shorts, $19.99, available in sizes 0-17, kohls.com

5" Destructed Cuff, $29.99, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Destructed Bermuda, $32.00, available in sizes 0, 1, 3, 9, and 11, mandee.com

Extend Tab Short, $24.00, available in sizes 1-13, mandee.com

Zipper Trim Bermuda, $28.00, available in size 0-11, mandee.com

Bullhead Coronado Light Blue Cut Off Short, $25.00, available in sizes 00-13, pacsun.com

Bullhead Redondo Light Blue Destroyed Denim Short, $25.00, available in sizes 00, 7, 9, and 11, pacsun.com

Urban Renewal Levi's Destroyed Denim Shorts, $28.00, shown in blue; also available in black, sizes x-small-large, urbanoutfitters.com

Roll Cuff Bermuda Short, $22.50, shown in lt sndblstd; also available in dk sndblstd, sizes 0-13, wetseal.com

To wear distressed Bermuda shorts; pair them with a ruffled or lace top, high-heeled slingbacks, bangle bracelets, and some chandelier earrings. This is the perfect way to add a feminine balance to this style. If you want to wear the shorter shredded shorts; grab a screen tee, a pair of flip flops or sneakers, and some shutter shades. To wear either ripped up Bermuda shorts or short shorts on the beach, pair them with a bathing suit of your choice (bikini, tankini, monokini, or one-piece), flip-flops, and sunglasses (do NOT wear shutter shades if you're actually going to be hanging out in the sun).

Distressed Skirts:

Belted Mini Skrit, $24.99, available in sizes 3, 5, and 9, charlotterusse.com

Diane Denim Skirt, $15.80, available in sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

Erin Frayed Denim Skirt, $19.80, available in sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

H81 Deena Denim Skirt, $19.90, shown in medium denim; also available in light denim, sizes 1, 3, 5, and 11 (medium denim only available in 1 and 3), forever21.com

C7P Destructed Mini, $24.99, available in sizes 0-17, jcpenney.com

Decree Destructed Mini, $19.99, shown in dk super destruc; also available in lt super spray, sizes 0-17, jcpenney.com

Paris Blues Distressed Denim Miniskirt, $17.99, available in sizes 3, 7, 11, and 15, kohls.com

SO Destructed Miniskirt, shown in light wash; also available in medium wash, sizes 0-17, kohls.com

Side Zipper Mini, $24.00, available in sizes 1-11, mandee.com

Tulip Back Pocket Mini, $24.00, available in sizes 1-11, mandee.com

Bullhead White Destroyed Denim Skirt, $35.99, available in sizes 00-13, pacsun.com

Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Denim Mini Skirt - Dark Wash, $19.99, available in sizes 1-19, target.com

Junior Mossimo Supply Co. Denim Mini Skirt, $19.99, available in sizes 1-19, target.com

Worn-In Denim Skirt, $39.50, available in sizes 0-10, victoriassecret.com

Destroyed Side Zip Mini Skirt, $19.50, shown in lt sndblstd; also available in dk sndblstd, available in sizes 3-11, wetseal.com

Notch Front Mini Skirt, $22.50, available in sizes 5-15, wetseal.com

For a bohemian look; wear a ripped denim skirt with a peasant top, oversized fringe handbag, and bangles. If you're going for a sexy look to wear on a date, pair your destroyed denim skirt with a halter or tube top, some hoop earrings, and high-heeled shoes. To get a cute cowgirl chic look, you can wear this skirt with a plaid shirt, a straw or cowboy hat, slouch boots, and a braided belt. If you want to look like a rock star, pair this skirt with a Rock & Roll graphic tank top, some studded or rhinestone embellished jewelry, and high heels.

I hope this article has made you as excited for the shredded denim trend as I am. I also hope my styling tips on different ways to wear this trend come in handy. Tell me if you know of any other ways to wear ripped denim. E-mail me at Charmed42787@gmail.com or talk to me on myspace.

Jump Into Spring

Jumpsuits and rompers were seen all over the Spring 2009 runways and have been spotted on various celebrities. Jumpers have been in style for the past couple of years now but show no signs of going away any time soon. Jumpsuits are a one-piece garment with pants attached at the bottom. Rompers are also a one-piece garment but with shorts attached at the bottom instead. Jumpers are sleeveless dresses which are typically worn over a shirt. I will feature some images of these items below.

Jumpers:

Printed Jumper Dress, $12.99, shown in ocean current; also available in mandarin, sizes xsmall-medium, aeropostale.com

Metallic Stripe Jumper, $19.99, available in sizes S-XXL, alloy.com

Modal Terry Jumper Dress, $46.19, shown in black; also available in carribean and rouge red, sizes X-Small-Large, bebe.com

Denim Jumper, $26.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Fair Isle Jumper, $13.49, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Fair Isle Pocket Jumper, $13.49, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.ccm

Wavy Knit Jumper, $12.49, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Eyelet Jumper, $29.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Erica Sweater Jumper, $19.99, available in sizes XS and S, delias.com

Rubbish Racerback Knit Dress, $38.00, shown in phantom; also available in heather and black, sizes X-Small-Large, nordstrom.com

Terry Jumper, $39.00, shown in candy apple; also available in white, sizes XS-XL, victoriassecret.com

To wear a jumper during the warmer weather to come, either layer it over a short-sleeved t-shirt or just wear it by itself. Then pair it with some gladiator sandals, a fabulous pair of earrings, and a necklace. To wear a jumper on a cooler day, layer it over a sweater with a pair of tights and some slouch boots. If you're going for a preppy school girl look, wear your jumper over a button-down blouse and pair it with some knee high socks, ballet flats, a headband, and a tote or messenger bag. Another cool look to try out with a jumper is pairing it with some ripped jeans (article on ripped denim coming soon!).

Jumpsuits:

Glam Jumpsuit, $48.50, available in sizes 1-11, alloy.com

Knit Tube Jumpsuit, $48.00, shown in cobalt; also available in olive and spice, sizes XS-L, ardenb.com

Seamless Ankle Jumpsuit, $32.00, shown in grey; also available in black, ardenb.com

Terry Smocked Tube Jumpsuit, $25.49, available in sizes Xsmall-Large, babyphat.com

Aqua Strapless Wide Leg Jersey Jumpsuit, $58.00, available in sizes X Small-Large, bloomingdales.com

Colorblock Knit Jumpsuit, $34.00, shown in heather grey/yellow; also available in black/green, sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

Origami Jumpsuit, $38.00, shown in magenta/navy; also available in bronze/black, sizes X-Small-Large, forever21.com

Sweater Knit Jumpsuit, $34.00, shown in purple; also available in black, sizes X-Small-Medium, forever21.com

BCX Tie-Waist Sleeveless Knit jumpsuit, $48.00, available in sizes S-L, macys.com

Rocawear "Back to Black" Jumpsuit, $45.99, available in sizes M and L, macys.com

Go International Jumpsuit Ebony, $34.99, available in sizes X-Small-Large, target.com

Terry Strapless Jumpsuit, $19.99, shown in java; also available in black and white, sizes XS-XL, victoriassecret.com

Necklace Halter Jumpsuit, $29.50, available in sizes XS-XL, wetseal.com

Jumpsuits, like harem pants, can be difficult to pull off. I would suggest wearing a jumpsuit with some high-heeled shoes, a pair of chandelier earrings, and some bangles. To make a jumpsuit look more sophisticated, try styling your hair in an updo. If you want a more casual look, simply wear your hair down or even add a hat for fun.

Rompers:

Convertible Gauze Short, $9.99, shown in white; also available in black, sizes S and M, alloy.com

Cricket Romper, $58.00, available in sizes SX-L, anthropologie.com

Denim Halter Romper, $48.00, available in sizes S-L, ardenb.com

Front Zip Denim Romper, $58.00, shown in white; also available in vintage, sizes 1-15, ardenb.com

Twist Strap Cover-Up Romper, $49.00, shown in fuchsia; also available in black, sizes X-Small-Large, bebe.com

Hooded Romper, $36.50, shown in new dawn; also available in spring night, sizes XS-XL, gap.com

I Heart Ronson Romper, $24.99, available in sizes X-Small-Large, jcpenney.com

ING Knotted Strap Knit Romper, $38.00, shown in sapphire; also available in black, sizes S-L, macys.com

ING Strapledd Knit Romper, $38.00, shown in fuschia; also available in black and gold, sizes S-L, macys.com

Roxy "Doin' the Jive" Linen Romper, $59.50, available in sizes XS-XL, macys.com

Insight Stripe Romper, $54.99, available in sizes x-small-large, urbanoutfitters.com

Garment-Dyed Linen Button-Front Romper, shown in coastal blue; also available in sweet plum, sizes 0-14, victoriassecret.com

Cover-Up Romper, $24.00, shown in lime; also available in white and black, sizes XS-L, victoriassecret.com

Organic Button-Front Romper, $26.00, shown in pink cupid; also available in white diamond, sizes S-L, victoriassecret.com

Terry Cover-Up Romper, $24.00, shown in coral; also availabe in black, sizes XS-L, victoriassecret.com

Terry Romper, $34.99, shown in navy; also available in white, sizes XS-XL, victoriassecret.com

Bubble Hem Tube Romper, $14.99, shown in orange; also available in yellow, sizes XS-XL, wetseal.com

Rompers look great when worn as a beach cover-up. To wear a romper on the beach or at the pool, put it on over your bathing suit and add some flip flops and sunglasses. To wear a romper for lounging around the house or to hang out with friends, pair it with either flip flops or sneakers, a necklace, and bangles.

I hope you found the styling tips I've provided for pulling off these trends helpful. If you have any more ideas on how to wear jumpers, jumpsuits, or rompers; let me know. E-mail me at Charmed42787@gmail.com or contact me through myspace.