Closet Cravings: Get Ribbed

 Growing up, I remember the only people who sported "wife beaters were rappers. 

Just writing this post is giving me flashbacks of Jay Z spittin' bars on a yacht while wearing the infamous ribbed tank in his "Big Pimpin'" music video. I wasn't too up on game back then with the terminology of this now rising trend, since I'd often call the muscle tee a "white beater"--I know I'm not the only one. Nonetheless, the ribbed look is making its way back on the style scene

in a much more cool & feminine way.

Where to Find:

Top: Gricka Ribbed Midi Skirt from Missguided & Ribbed Cropped Vest from Topshop 

1 | Lystra Ribbed High Neck Mini Dress from Missguided

2 | Maxi Dress in Rib from ASOS

3 | Midi Body-Conscious Dress from ASOS

4 | Skater Dress from ASOS

5 | Milana Knit Crop Top from Missguided

I love how something so casual as ribbed cotton has been given a much more fashionable spin. From skater dresses and body cons to crop tops and slimming skirts, I am itching to snag 

some ribbed pieces to wear this summer.

Trend Hunting: Birkenstock Stunnin'

When I started to see Birkenstocks popping up all over the blogosphere, 

I couldn't help but have deja vu moment. Back in the day, the only people wearing the now highly coveted sandals were dads and grandpas who had the audacity to show off their toes.

Now, the sandals have gone from shabby to staple! They give just the kind of laid back look that is needed for coolin' out this spring & summer. Check out my favorite Birkenstock picks below!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

SPORTY LUXE

As of late, the sportswear trend has been on my radar. Though I don't plan on returning to my competitive cheer or track & field days, I'm definitely planning on adding a little athletic-inspired fashion to my wardrobe. I've been especially obsessed over the idea of wearing pieces that are typically associated with menswear and yet amping things up with the right bag, jewelry and killer pair of heels to add some feminine flair. And thanks to the ever-popular urban retailer Shiekh Shoes, completing your sporty-chic look with a pair of eye-catching shoes will have you looking stylish without breaking the bank! Keep reading to get some tips on how to make this trend your own!

street style photos via tumblr

shoe styles via shiekh shoes (solar-1, vogue-32,  seduce-443, sexy-21, domina-402)

RUBY RED

Karolina Kurkova. Whatta babe. lol I cannot believe I'm just now coming across these stunning pics from Elle Czech's March issue. Karolina's beauty is beyond timeless, but I'm sure that's a statement you're used to hearing in reference to this leading lady of the modeling world. I love the elegance and yet the simplicity of this shoot, and literally can't stop staring at the photos! Isn't that ruby red lipstick pure perfection? And the ornately detailed collar of her dress is definitely worth a DIY.

There was no way that I could stay staring at these phenomenal shots of Karolina without being the slightest bit inspired to get creative by mixing feminine and fancy to put together a collection of glamourous, embellished dresses, tweed jackets and glitzy accessories--all with hints of ravishing reds, of course.

  

Lady in Red by beyondtheblvd on polyvore.com

 editorial images via fashiongonerogue

VIVA LA CARMEN

My mind screamed "Carmen!" when I spotted this editorial--the name being that of one of my favorite black classic films

 with Dorothy Dandridge & Harry Bellafonte. It's a scandalous love story of a vibrant and stunningly attractive woman 

who lures a handsome military soldier to fall in love with her

--thanks to her gorgeous looks, witty charm & sweet words. 

Sounds pretty provocative, I know. But it's amazing! lol

I'm not sure if this was Alexander Neumann's source of inspiration for this 1960s-inspired "Maybe Tonight" editorial, 

but I'd like to think that Carmen had something to do with it. 

Model Cris Urena truly captured the va-va-voom persona of the film, 

and whether you're familiar with it or not, you've got to agree that these photos are all around stunning!

images via fashiongonerogue

TROPICAL SQUEEZE

Planet Blue never ceases to amaze me! Nearly every week, I can count on them for some visual stimulation via their infamously fun and fabulous lookbooks! 

There are so many awesome images in their recent "Tropical Squeeze" lookbook that I figured you all wouldn't mind this lengthy post with all of the fabulous shots! lol

I feel like hopping on a flight to the Bahamas like, now!

All of the bold colors, sassy bikinis, and and yummy treats put me in a roll-around-in-the-sand kinda mood!

Enjoy!

Now that's my kind of summer!

photos via Planet Blue