Helen's Life & Style

Graduation Gift Ideas For Every Budget

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 5, 2013

Graduation is such a big joyful moment! To celebrate it and be better prepared for the new life chapter, I handpicked nine affordable gifts that are equal parts practical and fashionable: from must-have travel essentials to chic high-tech accessories, from timeless fashion staples to can’t-live-without beauty tools. Hope they can infuse more excitement to the big moment!

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-graduation gift ideas for every budget-Stud Earrings-iPhone Case-Packing Cubes-stylish backpack and more

1. Beltempo digital speaker
2. Frends ‘Layla’ headphones
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs iPhone case ($15! neon yellow here)
4. Ebags packing cubes
5. Tory Burch backpack (similar $25 here)
6. Hunter bubble umbrella (adore this one too, so cute!)
7. Michael Kors sport watch
8. Sephora brush set
9. Nadri stud earrings (great for any occasion!)

Tags graduation gift ideas, tech accessories, travel essentials

CLOTHING

Modern Maxi: Simple Palette & High Impact

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 5, 2013

how to wear maxi dresses; black and white trend; monochrome look; On Jessica Alba:Sam & Lavi plaid maxi dress, Simone Camille bag, Jennifer Meyer Personalized Nameplate gold necklace, black fedora, black sandal. On street style:halter neck dress, white sandal, black clutch Photos: Jessica Alba & street style; Courtesy of instyle.co.uk.

As a perennial piece, maxi dress is definitely a trusty staple that we can count on for many occasions: from formal events to summer soirees to afternoon strolls. To make it feel more current and new, instead of thinking bohemian and romantic outfits, go with a modern, Gothic vibe:

Right-on-trend high contrast black and white can give any romantic print a contemporary twist, like this understated one with Art Nouveau blossoms. Classic stripes and tie dye effect print are also great options.

Also, pay attention to details: Halter neckline can perfectly highlight your collarbone and shoulders, adding just right amount of sexy allure; Shell and anchor motifs add whimsical touch and juxtaposition to classic nautical stripes; A centered knot can create rippling texture to a wild, tie dye print.

Lastly, use accessories to enhance the modern vibe: on-trend white add-ons with gold embellishment, chic fedora, oversized sunglasses, from sidewalk and boardwalk satchel, or simple, dainty and personal jewelries.

These two looks are great for women of any age, and are super easy to transform for many coming summer activities. Also, the classic and versatile color palette on these featured dresses can take you into fall/winter stylishly.

Dress: Emma Cook (great style here; on Jessica Alba on sale here)
Bag: Tory Burch (on Jessica Alba here)
Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Hat: Forever 21
Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner heart necklace; Jennifer Meyer personalized nameplate (great alternative here!)

Other great options for you to recreate Jessica Alba’s effortless chic look:

how to wear maxi dresses; black and white trend; monochrome look; Featured: Young Fabulous & Broke Aphrodite Rio Wash Maxi Dress, bebe - Tie Front Stripe Maxi Dress - Black/White, Necessary Clothing In Line Maxi - Black/White,

From left:
Young Fabulous & Broke (or this version)
Bebe (the mix of stripes is so flattering!)
Necessary Clothing

how to wear maxi dresses; black and white trend; monochrome look; On street style:halter neck dress, white sandal, black clutch Alternatives: Wallis Black And White Stripe Maxi Dress, DV by Dolce Vita white strap sandals, Tory Burch Reva Oversized black Clutch , Marc by Marc Jacobs Polarized Oversized Sunglasses,

Dress: Wallis
Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita ($47!)
Bag: Tory Burch (also here)
Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Other great options for you to recreate her laid-back sophisticated look:

From left:
Jessica Simpson (adore the neckline; check out the cut-out back!)
Reiss
Piamita (60% off now!)

Tags black and white, black clutch, fedora hat, Jessica Alba, Maxi Dress, printed bag, printed dress, spring/summer, strappy sandal, street style, stripes

CLOTHING

Color Dare: Bright From Head to Toe

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 4, 2013

Photos: Olivia Palermo & Candice Lake; Courtesy of gettyimages.com, glamazonsblog.com.

If you want to make a statement, go with saturated colors no matter the trend. Luckily, they are right on trend this season! Don’t be scared of the hues, all you need is some tips and the confidence to wear them. Once you start, you will be surprised how fun and easy they are to play with!

A bright-colored suit is a great start to experiment with this head-to-toe color trend. The classic and modern silhouette of the suit balance the loudness of its color, besides you can mix and match each separate with all the neutrals in your wardrobe.

After you picked the suit, choose pieces that are either neutral or in the same color family to complete the look, like the jacket on Olivia Palermo (60% off now!) and the blue cutout bustier on Candice Lake above.

For accessories, you can either choose neutral ones but with interesting details, like this gorgeous white cut-out sandals; or play colorblocking by teaming cobalt blue heels with a coral suit; or mix textures and prints by pairing a leopard belt with a jacquard top as Olivia Palermo did.

Last but not least, fabric is the key when wearing bright pieces. Since colored pieces naturally draws attention, you don’t want them to stick to your body, with that said, select fabrics that drape instead of cling, like breezy silk, lightweight wool, high-density cotton or structured jacquard.