Bling Bling

Since I already wrote about sequins and studs, I thought I should write an article about rhinestones as well. Rhinestones actually provide the best qualities of both embellishments. They're tough like studs, yet glamorous like sequins. While it is pretty easy to confuse rhinestone and studs at first glance, they're actually different. While studs are usually metal and look like nails, rhinestones are jewels and tend to sparkle more than studs do. I'll show you some more examples of rhinestones below:

Bling Wings Graphic T, $24.50, shown in petunia; also available in aqua, sugar, bleach, lime, and black, sizes xxsmall-xxlarge, aeropostale.com

Hello Kitty Rhinestone Belt, $10.99, shown in pink; also available in silver, sizes S/M and M/L, charlotterusse.com

Rhinestone Filigree Earrings, $4.00, charlotterusse.com

Rhinestone Wire Wrapped Hoops, $4.00, charlotterusse.com

Ruby Boot Cut Jeans, $38.99, available in sizes 3-7, charlotterusse.com

Satin Rhinestone Stilettos, $24.99, shown in purple; also available in black, sizes 6-10, charlotterusse.com

Zebra Heart Necklace, $6.99, charlotterusse.com

Rhinestone Bracelet, $14.50, claires.com

Rhinestone Headband, $14.00, claires.com

Rhinestone Hoop Earrings, $9.00, claires.com

Rhinestone Turtle Earrings, $6.00, claires.com

Rhinestone Wrap in Chain Hoops, $14,50, claires.com

Triple Rhinestone Headband, $14.50, claires.com

Guitar Rhinestone Tee, $9.99, available in sizes medium and large, delias.com

Faceted Rhinestone Bracelet, $3.80, shown in dark grey; also available in black, forever21.com

Jeweled Geisha Top, $22.80, available in sizes Small and Medium, forever21.com

Dazzle Jeweled Ring, $8.80, available in sizes 6 and 7, forever21.com

Jeweled Chain Maille Necklace, $10.80, forever21.com

Jeweled Flower Compact, $7.80, forever21.com

Burnout W/ Rhinestone Eagle, $28.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Rectangle Rhinestone Purple Band, $18.00, mandee.com

Rhinestone Cuff Glove, $2.40, mandee.com

Rhinestone Trim Scarf, $4.20, mandee.com

Metaphor Pearl and Rhinestone Comb. Silverplate, $20.00, sears.com

Golden Rose Vintage Tee, $12.99, available in sizes X-Small-XX-Large, target.com

Rhinestone Flower Ring, $6.00, shown in gold; also available in silver, sizes 6 and 7, wetseal.com

Rhinestone Knit Cabby, $5.99, wetseal.com

Rhinestone Raised Pave Ring, $36.00, babyphat.com

Bling Tote, $29.50, victoriassecret.com

Sally, $39.99, shown in silver; also available in gold and black, sizes 5-12, bakersshoes.com

Low Key, shown in black; also available in cream, sizes 5-9 (cream only available in 5), bakersshoes.com

For a DIY project, buy a pack of rhinestones and some fabric glue from a crafts store, grab a plain pair of jeans or plain t-shirt (or any other plain item you can get your hands on!) and glue on as many rhinestones as you desire. You can also use a bedazzler on your clothes. Another fun idea I have for rhinestones is a way to spice up your usual mani-pedi routine. Paint your fingernails and/or toenails with your favorite nail polish. Then, while your nails are still wet, stick one rhinestone on each nail. Then, of course, wait for your nails to dry with the rhinestones attached. I once did this a while ago and my friends all thought it was really cool. If you want to try this out too, I suggest that you don't use glitter nail polish since you'll want the rhinestones to stand out as much as possible (I used plain red nail polish). Also, for the manicure, you might want to paint your nails and attach the rhinestones on one hand first, then wait a little while for your nails to dry before starting on the other hands. That way, you won't have to worry about any rhinestones falling off in the process. Of course, this can only be done if you aren't pressed for time. This type of mani-pedi would also be fun to do at a sleepover with the girls. I hope you've enjoyed this article and found my tips helpful. If you'd would like me to post any of your crafts or mani-pedis involving rhinestones in this blog, let me know. E-mail all pictures and links to me at Charmed42787@gmail.com. Have fun!

Star Studded Style

With metallics, sequins, and "punk princess" looks being big trends, it's no surprise that studs are in style too. Studs are a lot like sequins, only with a tougher feel to them. They're the perfect way to add an edgy feel to an otherwise plain outfit. For those of you who are into crafts, I have a fun DIY project for you. Buy a pack of studs and some fabric glue from stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabrics, grab a plain t-shirt, a plain pair of jeans, a plain hat, some plain shoes (or anything else plain you can think of!) and start gluing on as many studs as you want. Not into doing it yourself or simply just don't have the time? No need to worry; I have found some items for you that come with the studs attached.

Studded Bangle Watch, $16.99, aeropostale.com

Pyramid-Stud Tank, $14.99, available in sizes S-XL, alloy.com

Studded Tank, $19.99, available in sizes S-XL, alloy.com

AE Gold Stud Bangle, $9.95, ae.com

Studded Bustier Dress, $16.99, available in sizes 0-3, babyphat.com

Studded Paisley Tote, $22.99, charlotterusse.com

Studded Top, $19.99, available in sizes S-L, charlotterusse.com

Studde Strappy Platforms, $34.99, available in sizes 5 1/2- 10, charlotterusse.com

Black Studded Belt, $10.00, claires.com

Star Earrings, $8.50, claires.com

Studded Silk Choker, $9.95, shown in pink; also available in mustard, olive, hunter, and ivory, freepeople.com

Studded Legwarmer, $19.95, freepeople.com

Studded Starlight Case, $19.95, shown in tomato; also available in washed black, taupe, and aqua, freepeople.com

Lip Service Teal Acid Wash Denim Skirt, $15.98, available in sizes XS-XXL, hottopic.com

Abbey Dawn Studded Denim Miniskirt, $28.60, available in sizes 1-13, kohls.com

Abbey Dawn Studded Skinny Jeans, $31.20, available in sizes 1-13, kohls.com

Chain W/Ring Studs Snake, $18.00, shown in brown; also available in natural, mandee.com

One Shoulder Stud, $24.00, available in sizes M and L, mandee.com

Rib Tank Matte Studs, $16.00, available in sizes M and L, mandee.com

Zebra Print Studded Tank, $16.00, available in sizes S-L, mandee.com

Bongo Skinny Dark Tint Jean, $14.99, available in sizes 1,3, 5, and 13, sears.com

LL Cool J Studded Military, $10.00, sears.com

Pyramid Rocker Belt, $12.50, available in sizes S-L, wetseal.com

Pyramid Stud Strap Heel, $24.50, available in sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Pryamid Stud Sunglass, $7.50, wetseal.com

XO Studded Tank in jade, $21.99, available in sizes Small-Large, xoxo.com

XO Studded Tank in white, $21.99, available in sizes Small-Large, xoxo.com

Mina Studded Tunic, $19.80, shown in magenta; also available in royal, sizes Small-Large, forever21.com

To get a rock star chic look, grab a pair of studded jeans or a studded miniskirt (or plain jeans or a plain miniskirt with a studded belt), a rock & roll graphic t-shirt, and some high heeled shoes. To add some tough edge to a bohemian look, wear a maxi dress with a studded oversized handbag. To spice up a western inspired look, grab a button-down shirt, a denim skirt, some slouch boots, a cowboy or straw hat, and add some studded jewelry. To spice up a casual everyday look, just wear a simple pair of jeans, a plain t-shirt and/or a cardigan sweater, and add some studded shoes. To simply toughen up a feminine look, wear a studded tunic top and pair it with some leggings or skinny jeans. I hope you find my tips on how to wear studs useful. Let me know if you can think of any other ways to wear studs or if you see any more studded items you would like me to post. Also, tell me if you'd like me to feature any of your crafts. E-mail me at Charmed42787@gmail.com or send me a message on myspace.

A Slouch In Your Step

I've been doing some research on shoes for my Fashion Home and Accessories class. As I've been doing this, I've noticed that slouch boots seem to be very popular right now. With menswear-inspired looks being in, these sloppy yet stylish boots fit in perfectly on the list. Slouch boots also go with the western-inspired fashions that are supposed to be big for Spring this year. I think these boots are really cool so I decided to feature some of my finds in this blog.

Suede Slouch Boot, $29.99, available in sizes 6-8, charlotterusse.com

Brianda Slouhed Boots, $26.24, shown in brown; also available in black, sizes 6-10, forever21.com

Olsen Slouched Boots, $34.80, available in sizes 6-9, forever21.com

Volatile Black Low Slouch Boot, $19.98, available in sizes 6-11, hottopic.com

Blue Tall Slouch Boots, $42.99, avaiable in sizes 6, 7, and 10, hottopic.com

Decree 'Delafield' Flat Slouch Boot, shown in black; also available in dark gray, 6-81/2, jcpenney.com

Round Toe Slouch Boot-Singerr, available in sizes 8.5 and 9, mandee.com

Slouch Boot-Lover in black, $33.00, available in sizes 6.5, 7, 8.5, and 9, mandee.com

Slouch Boot-Lover in silver, $33.00, available in sizes 6-10, mandee.com

Top Slouch Boot-Wizard in black, $25.50, available in sizes 6.5, 7, 7.5, and 9, mandee.com

Top Slouch Boot-Wizard in silver, $25.50, available in sizes 6-10, mandee.com

REPORT 'Danae' Boot, $49,95, shown in grey; also available in black, sizes 6 M, 7.5 M, and 9 M, nordstrom.com

Crinkle Wedge Boot, $34.50, shown in black, also available in brown, sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Faux Suede Platform Boot, $44.50, shown in black; also available in brown, sizes 5.5-10, wetseal.com

Flat Faux Suede Boot, $34.50, shown in brown; also available in grey and camel, sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Medium Height Boot, $34.50, shown in brown; also available in black, sizes 6-10, wetseal.com

Slouch Cowboy Boot, $39.50, shown in red; also available in cognac and black, wetseal.com

These slouchy boots would look great with a skirt/dress and a pair of thick tights. You can also wear them with a pair of jeans and tuck the bottoms of the jeans into the boots. To get a menswear-inspired look with these boots, grab a pair of ripped or loose-fitting jeans, a boyfriend cardigan and a fedora hat. For a western-inspired look, grab a plaid button-down shirt, a fringe purse, a denim skirt with a braided belt, and a cowboy or straw hat. I hope these ideas inspire you to try out some different looks with slouch boots. Tell me if you have any more ideas on how to wear slouched boots. Also let me know if there are any other boot trends you would like me to write about. E-mail me at Charmed42787@gmail.com or send me a message through myspace.