Cupid's Chokehold

 

Look 1

Look 2

Look 3

Look 4

If you are a 90's kid, I'm sure you remember all the amazing music and of course, who can forget about the fashion. Some things were a bit questionable looking back...However some of those trends have managed to make a great comeback, such as the choker.

Many people either love or truly hate this trend. For those of you living under a rock, the choker is a close fitting necklace worn around the neck. It comes in many different materials such as velvet, plastic, beads, and any kinds of metals. People usually relate the choker mostly to the "grunge" or "punk" kids. I'm the kind that truly dislikes stereotypes, and I'm glad that this time around the choker is being used in a more fashionable sense. Girls can literally wear this accesory with just about everything and that's the beauty of it.

However there is an ugly side to it. I had stated before, "you either love it, or you truly hate it". That being said, many people have decided that the choker look takes away from a girl, as far as calling her a dog on a leash. I would understand why it's so easy to tease this look when we live in a society that lives to criticize, and I usually am the type who can take a joke. However, there has to be certain limits to things. Comments like these can hurt people, and last time I checked that definitely counts as some form of harrasment/ bullying. That clearly would be the con of this trend.

On a lighter note (and on to pros now), I know that there are some true wonder women out there, and comments like those are easily ignored. :)
The awesome part of this accesory is that has been made to fit every girl's lifestyle out there.

Look 1 is definitely made for a more edgy fashion forward girl. She loves the clasic look but finds a way to make it more innovative.

Look 2 is more of an ethereal style. She's the innocent girl next door, but she isn't afraid to try new things.

Look 3 is for the girl who likes to one up things. She's into more glam statement pieces.

Look 4 is for Miss Rock n Roll. She isn't afraid to rock the classic style.

In conclusion, you're allowed to wear whatever makes you happy and makes you feel beautiful inside and out, even if it is ridiculous in other people's minds. Let them laugh, and better yet let them stare. 

Which choker look fits you the best?

1:Nasty Gal-In the Ring Choker: $35 
2.Nasty Gal-Laced-Up Crochet Choker: $18
3.Nasty Gal-Jewel in the Night Choker: $24.50
4.Nasty Gal-Get Tatted Choker: $12

Aquamarine

Less is more, right? Well that dress would beg to differ. However, I did only use two pieces, a dress and some shoes. Sometimes it isn't necessary to accesorize, I just let the dress do all the talking. 

Sorry boys, but dresses below the knee are so in right now! I wouldn't cry just yet, the advantages to these types of dresses allow you to admire more than just the legs. The waist, hips, and Kim K's best asset (See what I did there?) are in included.

Ultimately, you can go two ways with this, edgy or classy. I went with the second option. I waved my hair to give it that old Hollywood glam, and added pointed- toe heels. Now if I had gone the other way, I would have sleeked my hair back into a ponytail and wore a pair of booties, either way you'd be rocking that dress.

Like I had said before, I've been really trying to use something other than black on black. 

Hope I haven't dissapponted any of you! 

Dress: Material Girl

Shoes: Cosmopolitan

#TeamHairFlipBye

 [Ariana Grande featured in MAY 2014 ELLE MAGAZINE]

As many of you may have seen, a lot of girls have been trying the half up, half down hair-do. Many people may even agree that it's simply just a hair don't, but let us discuss this debate.

Many big name celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez and even Lauren Conrad have been spotted rocking this look. However, I do have to give props to Ariana for starting this craze. She got a lot of criticism about the way she portrays herself, young and bubbly. But that's her persona, and her stylist does an amazing job with her. In conclusion, Ariana can sure rock that hair and many girls must thank her for allowing us to relive old times. 

Here's where I draw the line however, not everyone can pull this look off. You have to be young and courageous to flaunt this weave. To all my J-Lo fans out there (I apologize), but she cannot be rocking a hair- do like that. Yeah, Jenny from the block will always look amazing in our eyes, but think of your mom wearing this do; it's just not right. 

This hairstyle is made for girls who have super thick voluminous hair, not made for thin hair. Why? Try to imagine a rat's tail (shall I go on?). Do not get discouraged my fair ladies, there are of course a lot of tips and tricks to help that situation, but if you aren't willing to put in the work, try the half knot instead! Girls with a thick mane definitely have the advantage with this one. You can go straight for a sexy seductive look, or you can go wavy and curly for a more flirtatious fun look! Either way, you are definitely sure to turn some heads.

Ultimately, I feel like this is any other trend, you can either pull it off or you simply just have to stay away from it.

I personally have not tried this look and in all honestly I don't think it's my style. But... since I have been trying to think outside the box, I might have to give it a try. I'll be sure to update you all as soon as I try it. In the meanwhile, you give it a try! Try to see what style fits you best and twirl that beautiful half pony of yours.  

 

She Believed She Could, So She Did

As some of you may have noticed, I have been MIA for a really long time. I've been super caught up with school and work, that I almost forgot how much fun I had on here. I recently got promoted and have taken a new range of responsibilities. I'm on my final quarters of school, therefore any time left is dedicated to my schoolwork. Becoming an adult has been the scariest experience, especially because I started so young. We all beg to grow- up, but we never think of the actual consequences. We think it's all fun and games, when in reality all I got was sleepless nights and depression.
There's days when I have to cry myself to sleep, because I tell myself that I can't anymore. There are times where I beat myself up (metaphorically of course) and regret everything I've done. You forget about your friends, and push them aside. It's so hard being an adult, and honestly it always seems so much easier to quit.

My birthday was a couple days ago, and that was only another reminder that I'm getting older. However, this birthday was different. I requested the whole weekend off. I had almost forgotten how fun it was to be surrounded by your loved ones. I had forgotten what it was like to go out. To sleep in. To have fun. This birthday, I read the most beautiful birthday card from my mom. It may sound cheesy, but it was the fuel that I needed to keep going. All those horrible days were not in vain. I do have a career. I do know what I'm doing with my life, and I sure as hell believe in myself to keep going. And it all starts here...

I Paint Flowers, So They Will Not Die

Now here, is a very rare sighting. Florals...on me??? I'm usually all about the black on black, and definitely something on the shorter side. But for once, I felt that I could let it slide with this dress. It doesn't have the usual bright flowers that every dress usually has to offer. The color pallette on this one is something I can work with. Of course, I'm leaving out the best part... The whole back on the dress is covered with black mesh. :) Old habits die hard right? Anyways, I have been giving it a try to open my horizons. Print is always something to stand out in, so why wouldn't I want to try it? This year will definitely be filled with more color and patterns! Stay tuned for more ;)

Floral Dress: Material Girl $70
Black Booties: Victoria's Secret $120

Shoutout to Frida Kahlo for the beautiful quote...
"I Paint Flowers, So They Will Not Die"

Dyed Out

I know that you all may hate me for this, but some trends aren't meant to stay forever. I get it, the ombre hair looks good on just about anyone and it's an easy way to add some change to your look. However, don't you think it's a little played out now? It was fun when it started and just about anyone was willing to sacrifice the tips of their hair. You were able to do a subtle ombre or go all out with a neon color. It definitely beats the trend of going all out with one solid color for your whole head. Even Harley probably needs a makeover with those dark tips of hers. However, I have been noticing lately that girls are beggining to chop their hair off. Why? Because they're done dedicating to the ombre look. Can you blame a girl? There's only so much a girl can take before they get sick of looking at dry split ends. Besides, short hair is so in right now, considering the fact that our lovely Cali sun is about to reign over us.

I'm also starting to get sick of turning around and seeing an ombre head everywhere I go. My suggestion is simple, just let your hair breathe for the summer. I stopped dying my hair a couple months ago because I got bored of the black and it was extra money that I could keep in my pocket. My hair is all sorts of colors now, but I ended up getting a better change than what I was expecting.

Now ignore my rant and let us focus on the facts:

During summer you are most likely to damage your beautiful mane.

Taking a dip into that nice pool so you could cool down. Hey you do you, but remember chlorine is definitely not your best friend.

And of course, taking a swim in the big blue sea comes with its consequences with all that sea- salt in there. Putting all those chemicals together along with your dyed out hair, is not a great result for the upcoming season, Fall.

Of course this is just my opinion and you are free to do what you want with your hair, but I am also stating facts out there for you.

Just try something new and ditch this trend that is totes dying out!

Alice in Chains

As a stylist, I tend to have a couple flaws. Sometimes I mix in old trends with new trends, or sometimes to be honest, my outfits contradict each other. However, the biggest flaw I may have is, always forgetting to accesorize.

Sure, maybe I can live without accessories, but they really do end up completing a look. But having to figure out which earrings could go with which top is just too much of a hassle.

I recently have discovered the best accessory out there and I am seriously OBSESSED. The body chain, has got to be the best accesory out there. This insane chain look can really alter any outfit.

Here are a few examples:

1) LBD: Yes, your little black dress will always be there to make you look better than Selina Kyle in her little number, however don't you always want to stand out a bit more? Adding a body chain to your LBD will transform it into a completely different dress and you are sure to turn heads.

2) Casual: If you think the body chain is just for a nice night out, don't you dare lose hope! The point of this accesorie is to bump up your outfit from a 10 to an 11. I personally wear the body chain with just a plain black tee and jeans, and it instantly transforms such a casual outfit to a more bold look.

3) Swimwear: Oh yeah, I am definitely going there... Think it's impossible? Take a look at celebs. Kim Kardashian and Rihanna LOVE to wear a body chain with their favorite bikini, because we all know they aren't going into a pool, they are just flaunting their amazing bodies. Remember, accesories are to decorate, so take advantage of the body chain and decorate that beautiful beach body of yours!

Now it doesn't stop there... The possibilities are endless, but it is up to you to figure out more looks!

Let us remember that all great things must come with great care. Body chains are very sensitive and you should be aware of your surroundings as well as to what kind of occasion you may be taking this to. They also are very likely to tangle up, and how annoying would it be to try to untangle that hot mess? What I do to prevent that is hang it on my mannequin. If you don't have one at home lay it out on your desk or use it as a decoration for your room and let it hang somewhere.

The best part of this trend is that it is not only limited to the body, there are also leg and arm chains. If you would like for me to get into detail with them make sure to leave me a comment!

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @harleyquinn_ista and make sure you hashtag  your body chain looks to #EmbraceYourChains

For once, don't feel the need to breakaway from a couple of chains, embrace them instead!

nastygal.com $38

Jailbait

All black everything is my fave, but when I can get to add a little white to the mix, it starts to bring me back to my Jester roots. I'm sure Mister J would be proud. Anyways, the reason for this ensemble is simple...I barely bought the top and the body chain and I was just dyyyyiiiing to wear it! The crop top had everything I needed: a cold shoulder, it was a crop, AND the big opening at the back! So I paired it with some high waisted shorts so my mid section wouldn't be showing as much (since I went into work like this). The shoes were a complete accident actually... Funny story really.. The shoes I was wearing had a little mishap so I bought these. Fortunately the story had a happy ending. It totally looked great with the outfit! Some accidents are just meant to be.

Black Cold Shoulder Crop Top: GUESS? $59.50

High Waisted Shorts: Papaya $5

Body Chain: GUESS? $32.50

Elsea Heels: GUESS? $129

Spring Blues

This look was inspired by the ongoing "blue and white" Spring trend. I am really starting to see it everywhere. It looks great on dresses, tops, and shorts. I feel like it is a perfect trend for the spring season. Finally no more bright predictable colors!

Since I picked the blue and white on my shorts, I didn't want to distract from it. That's why I wore a simple black tank. What makes this tank super special is that it has a gold chain on the inside of the shirt. It's most visible on the collar and pocket. To finish off the look, I chose to wear my favorite booties, which has gold buckles so it matches my shirt.

Black tank with chain detail: GUESS?

Acid Wash High Waisted Shorts: GUESS?

Finlay Boots: GUESS?