accessories: bangles

Dear Readers,

I tend to say that an outfit without accessories is not complete or harsher... a girl without accessories is no girl at all! I honestly don't know how they do it! It's like going to school without a pen to write with or going to gym with no sneakers! Something is missing and definitely not right! 

On the contrary, you should have accessories matching with every outfit you have in your wardrobe, be it casual or elegant. And by saying 'matching' it does not mean print to print or colour to colour! That's boring!

Add that extra spark to your look & be creative! 

There are various types & zillions ideas for accessories so I've decided to post them separately :) This is part one: BANGLES!

Check out some photos I've compiled for you just to have an idea ;)

Love Aly xx

Care for your skin this (and every) Summer!

Dear Readers, 

The sun is out and the days are getting hotter and hotter. When I wake-up to this kind of weather the first thing that comes to my mind is: ''beach! or....off to get some tan!'' and I'm sure most of you do the same ;) However, along with the Summer weather come high humidity levels, frequent sun exposure and outdoor activities that increase our risks of skin cancer and other common conditions such as acne, dry skin and sunburn. The latter can be easily prevented with a bit of extra time and effort during our normal skin care routine.

Here are some easy steps you can follow on a daily basis:

Step 1

Wash your skin twice daily (more often if you become sweaty) with a mild soap and warm water to remove perspiration and prevent body odour and acne breakouts. Avoid bathing in very hot water, as this will increase dryness and skin irritation.

Step 2

Exfoliate with a fine-grained exfoliant or sponge two to three times each week to remove dead skin cells, prevent clogged pores and reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs caused by frequent Summer shaving.

Step 3

Use a good cleanser to prevent clogged pores and acne, a problem that is more common during the summer due to increased oil production by the skin. Removing make-up and use skin care products before going to bed.

Step 4

Wear sunscreen SPF 30+ anytime you step outside, to prevent sunburn and reduce your risk of premature ageing, pigmentation and skin cancer. 

Step 5

Prevent peeling from sunburn by taking a cool shower as soon as you come indoors and then applying aloe vera or a moisturising lotion to burned skin.

Step 6

Keep your skin moist by rinsing chlorine and saltwater off your skin after swimming, using a daily moisturising ointment and wearing natural fabrics to encourage air circulation against your skin.

Step 7

Change wet clothes promptly and wear antiperspirant to prevent skin irritation and control sweating during hot summer months. 

Love Aly xx

Boho style: head scarves

Dear Readers, 

I am currently obsessed with boho style aka bohemian (In modern usage bohemian is usually applied to people who lead artistic lives), sort of hippie-chics. It reflects a certain kind of lifestyle...romantic and free-spirited. 

Boho's most popular accessorize are the head scarves which are so in fashion and way too cool! Scarves vary from colourful prints, floral, polka dots & many more!

Here is a head-scarf tutorial ! Go ahead & try it out :)

Click here for simple 'how to do' steps Turban Tutorial

Make sure to try out this boho look this Spring! :)

Love Aly xx

It's bikini season!

Dear Readers,

Cold days are over and it's bikini season! :) I tend to buy new styles every Summer (even though last Summer's bikinis are practically brand new!) So take it that I'll soon be going around to shop for a new swimsuit it's good to know the top trends for this coming hot hot season :)

Trend #1: Prints

All kinds of prints will look amazing on swimsuits. But florals, wild and tribal prints as well as geometrical ones will be hotter than ever. 

Trend #2: One-shoulder

Just like dresses, swimsuits in the same style will keep appearing in both exclusive designer collections and ranges of more affordable brands.

Trend #3: Cut out

Cut out bathing suits are very sexy which makes them incredibly popular with girls seeking attention or those who have perfect bodies and are not afraid to demonstrate them.

Trend #4: Sequins

If you love sparkling clothes you might as much get attracted to shining swimwear pieces which will be a hit on the beach this season. Sequins will be everywhere, in all colors, complemented with beading, crystals and embroidery.

Trend #5: Monotone

Monotone bikinis will always be among favorites with women. During Spring/ Summer 2012 season pastel tones, orange and white hues will dominate. Look for pieces with interesting details to avoid looking boring on the beach.

Trend #6: Retro

Retro is again in fashion. You can wear a retro-inspired bikini or a one-piece suit.

Trend #7: Ruffles

Ruffles have been everywhere on the runway which explains why there are so many of them in swimsuit fashion. They look sweet. But stay away if you want to look slimmer, especially in the hip area.

Trend #8: Bandeau

Bandeau bikinis look amazing on women with small breast. To someone with a fuller bust: avoid! Support is not what bandeau top can promise you. This is a hot trend but be wise and think twice before you decide to wear it.

You can view more swimwear here:

http://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear
http://www.jolidonfashion.com/
http://www.intimatemalta.com

Love Aly xx

MFW ticket give-aways!

Attention Girls!!

I am giving away FREE TICKETS to the Trussardi Jeans Malta Fashion Awards happening next Saturday 12th of May at the MFCC to some lucky girls!!!! :) 

All you have to do is leave your e-mail address in the comment box below and I will contact you for details shortly...and send the ticket to you by post! 

So hurry up! Definitely not to be missed!! :)

Love Aly xx

Malta Fashion Week 2012

Dear Readers,

It's been quite a while since I wrote a post, I've been super super busy but today I am delivering some good news to you! :) MALTA FASHION WEEK is approaching, a week that all fashionistas and the people involved in this industry will be looking forward to from year to year. A fulfilled week starting on the 3rd of May which will come to an end on Saturday 12th May with the The Trussardi Jeans Malta Fashion Awards, the highlight of it all! On this day prestigious awards will be given to dedicated people in this industry from models and designers to hair-stylists, photographers etc... to show appreciation towards their hard work done throughout the year.

Make sure to check out MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK MALTA 2012 EVENT PROGRAMME here: http://fashionweek.com.mt/events-calendar/  - Book your shows now!! All shows during the MB Fashion WEEK MALTA are free! (except the Fashion Awards )

I will be updating you constantly with the events happening and posting photos too! So keep following!! :)

Love Aly xx

10 SECRETS of an ideal wardrobe

1. The higher the heels the better! (heels give you diversity - high heels can suit anything from formal suit to casual denim outfit)

2. Size and fit are important (pay attention to the balance of your figure & proportions)

3. Classic rocks! (Trench coat - Leather jacket - Little black dress- Neutral colored shirts and t-shirts: It’s always good to have them!)

4. Play with colour! (DON’T fill up your closet with pieces of total black color! Be Vibrant!)

5. Invest into basic things first. (Brooch, scarf…accessories!) 

6. Find a perfect-fitting pair of jeans (focus on a good pair!)

7. Be careful with vintage clothes  (the older the piece the more different the size measurement & proportions are. So, you need to try everything)

8. Make your imagination fly. (Experiment with belts because they can change the silhouette. Don’t forget about brooches, scarves, kerchiefs and other stuff)

9. Don’t make fuss. (Usually we decide on buying a piece within 3 first seconds from the moment we see it. It’s too little. Take your time!)

10. Break rules! (Make an accent on something that will show your inventiveness!)

Love Aly xx