Perfect Spring Break Hat to Pack

For those of you young fashionistas planning and packing for spring break trips, you will need to have everything that's needed to lay on the beach and do some exploring. Although you may be excited to get rid of your pale winter skin, you’ll need to look extra trendy when it’s time to protect it. Bloomingdale's has a wide array of hats to keep your face safe from the sun, for when you think you may have gotten too much. Some of you may be into big, floppy hats, but we recommend a simple and chic fedora. 

August Accessories has created the perfect paper fedora with a black bow. You can wear this fedora on the beach when the sun is starting to get in your way, or in a city while you are taking a nice shopping trip. The fedora is only $48, and it will be a great purchase before your spring break trip! You can head to Bloomingdale’s official website, or drive to the nearest store nearest to find the one that fits you best. 

Text Sydney Ruby 

Image Bloomingdale's

The Flat Out Truth

It’s no doubt that heels are the most chic, feminine shoes to wear. But the truth is, they aren’t always comfortable, or worse, good for your feet. That’s why flats get runner up when it comes to best shoes.  A fun pair of shiny flats can make a girl as happy as a pair of new heels, and flats are so much more comfortable. So treat your feet to a day off with a fabulous pair of shoes.

Here are some of our favorite picks:

Tory Burch – classic and cute

Coach – polished and sophisticated

Kate Spade – fun and colorful

There are so many fun styles, it’s hard to pick which ones to wear. That’s why these shoes are perfect for day or night. You can look chic and stay comfortable at work or play. Plus, the winter months are the best time of year for this look. 

Heels are always a necessity, but it’s good to give your feet a rest every once in awhile, so do it in style with a cute pair of flats. Flats are a great way to switch it up and have fun with color, sparkle, and pattern. 

Text Sera Michael

Source Tory Burch

NYFW Kick-Off Highlights

Fall 2012 looks kicked off yesterday with the fabulous BCBG Max Azria collection. The good news is that the color blocking trend we loved so much this year isn’t going anywhere, because yesterday’s runway looks proved that this trend is here to stay throughout the fall. In addition to the bright blocks we’ve been incorporating into our wardrobes this season, BCBG shows off a new way to color block: By replacing bright tones for more neutral, softer colors.

Wispy skirts and structured leather pieces made an appearance, in addition to fuzzy fur accents.

Friday fashion fun fact: For the best coverage during Fashion Week, follow your favorite designers, bloggers, and magazines on Instagram for up-to-the-minute looks and behind-the-scenes coverage. For those of us not able to attend this spectacular week in NYC, it’s the perfect substitute. It really makes you feel like you have a front row seat, and you get to see the looks just seconds off the runway!

Have a stylish weekend.  

Text Sera Michael

Source Associated Press 

'Tis the Season to Wear White

White shoes in the winter? Of course! When people think of "winter white," they often think of white clothes, but not necessarily white accessories. White has been added to the color palette for winter garments in the past few years, and now that tons of people have accepted this trend, whatever apprehension you've had about it can be eliminated.

"No white after Labor Day" has become a statement of the past, so if you haven't thought of adding white to your wardrobe, feel free to start and wear it with pride. These 5-inch white leather heels by TopShop are a perfect example of why you should wear winter white. They're classy and sexy, plus they're only $124, so buy a pair for each of your trendy friends this holiday. After all, 'tis the season to wear white — winter white, that is.

Text Kia Chenelle and Christy Greene
Image and Source TopShop

It's Only a Matter of Time

Watches are mechanical devices that are timeless staples (pun intended) in the world of fashion accessories. Watch bearers reap multiple benefits, as these wraparound gadgets not only tell time, but are also sure-fire tools to instantly accessorize an outfit. Over the years, watches have transformed from being strictly functional to becoming both functional and fashionable. Wearing an oversized men's watch was a booming trend, especially this past summer. From lustrous gold watches that sustain a refined aesthetic to colorful rubber watches that provide funk, all types of watches offer two things that make these timepieces worth your penny – quality workmanship and style. 

Check out some of our watch picks below the jump…

Label Watch: Shakuhachi Hits All The Spots

The talent behind Shakuhachi is self-taught designer Jessie White. The label from down under was founded over a decade ago with three handmade printed neon t-shirts White presented to an Australian boutique, all of which were bought on the spot. Slowly but surely, Shakuhachi is making its name in the international front with Urban Outfitters featuring some of its pieces in a high-end capsule shop late last year in NYC.

The line's Cruise 2010-11 collection, titled Love Etc., will give the trendy fashionista everything that she could ever ask for: cut-outs, mesh, lace, denim on denim, leather, asymmetrical hemlines, and you guessed it, maxi skirts and dresses. The supplementary shoe collection features lace-ups, platforms, mules and fringes, which are all very Alexander Wang-esque. Thinking that all of these will just make you look like another fashion victim? For this collection, White indeed uses very on-trend elements, but utilizes them quite smartly and seamlessly; never a tad too much. Range and contrast were the main themes, which were all somehow brought together in a unified collection. The girl that Shakuhachi designed for this season is unmistakably the epitome of her time, a very refreshing take on the current state of fashion. Check out the whole collection here!

Text Kristina Bravo
Images: Shakuhachi.net

A-Z

Forget British Vogue, Elle and Tatler, the London A-Z is truly the only style Bible that Londoner and their trendy visitors literally cannot live without. It comes in big, small and teeny and it's cover is graphic typography at its best, being recognizable, cherished and a sort of super model among type faces if you like. Its little wonder in this case that the story behind the A - Z is as sensational as the book itself. In 1936 a women called Phyllis Pearsall walked every street in London to complete it. And why? She was frustrated getting lost on her way to parties. As simple but essential as that. So it therefore is fitting and timely that with the little book of streets playing still such a significant role in the location of parties (amongst other things). That bookbinder Rachel Hazell would celebrate Pearsall as part of the London Design Festival. Hazell swamped under grids , maps and place names making badges, letters and old maps. A-Z Heaven.

By Katriona Flynn

Bondage Leggings

Yup, that's right bondage leggings. Honestly, I am not sure if that is what they are really calling them but it works for me. Clearly the boring black legging just isn't doing it anymore so we've starting ripping them (which I love) cutting them (also love) and um now bonding them? I'm not sure if I love this yet, time will tell. Though I think they're pretty interesting, might try em out. I do like the ones in the photo, they look pretty rad.

What do you guys think? Are we going too crazy with the legging craze?

Let all the strings hang down.

Seventy years and once again fashion proved the age old saying that history always repeats itself. 1929 has left its mark on the summer of 2009 with its flapper inspired fringe trend. If there is one thing every girl should be partying in this summer, it's the perfect fringe piece.

I personally think the fringe trend is fabulous. It reminds of me of when I was younger and running around in my dance costumes. It reminds of me of time when I was in the spotlight and all eyes were on me and the fringe dancing around me as I moved. Wearing it now allows to me to remember what it felt like to be in the spotlight. Maybe I'm a little bias but I am totally for the fringe outbreak.

So how does one wear fringe? Fringe can be worn in many different styles. It works with anything from scarves to dresses to shoes to shirts. It is also making a lasting impression on jewelry.

When shopping for an excellent fringe piece the best advice I can give you is to seek after a fringe in a bright colour. I'm loving blue and orange for the summer.

Fringe is a piece of history that should stuck around for awhile. It's sleek, sexy and feminine. The modern day fringe is a little more sophisticated than the 1929 version. This makes it easy to wear now.

If there is one staple item in your wardrobe this summer it should definitely be something with fringe! Let your strings hang down this summer!

- Erin Jones

Move Over H&M, Topshop takes NYC

While I am always one for affordable fashion, sometimes you get what your pay for (if you've ever bought at $4 shirt from Forever21, you know what I mean). But this week, British fashion chain Topshop opened its doors on this side of the pond, and the response couldn't have been more welcome. Famous for their trendy and higher quality designs, Topshop offers lines from high-end designers at low-budget prices.

Of course, you probably heard of the famed fashion outlet and if you live outside of New York, the news may seem irrelevant to your shopping agenda. But, for a limited time only, you can actually purchase clothing from the store's website and get free shipping (yes, free, no minimum purchase required).

So, unless you're on your way to Barney's now, this is good news. When else could you purchase a Preen studded skirt or a Jonathan Saunders one shoulder dress? Even if you can't get to Broadway and Broome, then definitely check out them out online. While some store openings are all hype, this is actually hype you can believe in.

Where to Click Away Your Money

Online shopping is never as rewarding or fun as going to a store and outright buying the item yourself. But on Etsy.com, you actually get that satisfaction because you're buying such amazing, creative merchandise made by individual sellers. And, even better, the site is set up to match you to your color preference, or by the fashion of other people's style you admire, or even by the birthdays of the site's members.

Giving designers exposure is something that we here at CHAOS always support. And with items like flapper headbands and hand embroidered coin purses, you really can stock up on one-of-a kind accessories and clothes without breaking the bank.

Personally, I am a huge fan of the roadkill scarf. That's definitely something you are not going to find at Intermix.

Spring, Bleached & Trashed? Yup!

I'm thinking My So-Called Life, just a little bit here, no? I think Jared Leto would agree! Heh. Well, whatever I'm down. These are hot! Mid slouch jean, ripped, torn and tattered then bleached white! Straight leg and zip fly with button closure. Made in American by Oak. Make sure to go up and size or two to get the look, you don't want these tight. Or, if you're looking for something a bit more original these babies are self made, anyone can edit their jeans to look like this, EASY! You just need scissors, sandpaper, bleach and a creative mind, go wild! It can be done to any beat-up jean you might own. Just please, make sure not to use your skinny's. This style does not look good  skin tight and with flesh popping out. Lets keep it classic, shall we? ;)

Mad For Plaid

There's a reason plaid rhymes with rad. Every designer seems to have gone mad for plaid this season. Why? Well, I'm not sure but, isn't it always a little sexy to see a guy chopping wood in a flannel jacket? Whoa, okay, seriously, no pun intended. Bottom line, plaid is rad! I guess you never thought the whole lumber jack style would ever be "of fashion" but hey, times are changing. The Paul Bunion look is definitely in, I've seen the boys sporting the plaid shirt look, and I'm not going to lie, I like it. Keep rocking it boys, even go a little crazy and get some plaid pants, just don't lose your mind and wear them with the plaid flannel. A little plaid goes a long way, choose your pieces wisely.

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

Image: Marcio Madeira

Designer: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Boys & Girls and Girls & Boys- Crossing the Gender Line

So we've already stolen our "boyfriends jeans" and rightfully so, they steal ours! We are a culture where cross-dressing is accepted pretty much across the board. I mean, we have basically blurred the gender lines all to hell. Why not steal our mans dress shirts. I love a nice plaid mens shirt with leggings and boots. Or better yet, your boyfriend's over-sized blazer. After all I'm sure he won't be wearing it much anymore for that finance job. Oops, he lost it in the economic meltdown, I do apologize.

Maybe you're wondering when it become cool to steal your boyfriends clothes? I am pretty sure it was well before this time, but I do remember vividly Balenciaga taking us there in his Fall 2007 Collection with shrunken schoolboy blazer. Now, switching it up a bit we have gone to the over-sized blazer. Moving from your little brothers prep school uniform to your boyfriends work wardrobe. Even down to the oxford shoes, sadly... that's going to be a tough one to steal from the boyfriend. Hmm do those black and whites come in my size?

Image: Marcio Maderia

Designer: Rag & Bone

Chris Mendoza Paints on Ray Bans!

Maybe you have grown sick of everyone and their mom sporting those good old Ray Bans that your grandpa/dad was rockin' in the 1950's and then again in the early 80's. I mean shit, we can get them in basically every color under the sun. Could someone come up with something new? Well, maybe not a new rad style but, someone did come up with a way to take the Ray Bans to the next level. Not possible? Possible. Sunglass Hut/Ray Bans have teamed up and started an artist series, and New York City based painter Chris Mendoza is creating some buzz. Mendoza is doing what some would say hip-hop meets subway graffiti throw in a little South American flava and you've got a pretty dope update on the played out Ray Bans.

If you're still not rushing out the door to buy your newly updated Ray Bans, know that this is a gift to yourself that is also giving back. 25% of the proceeds go to the 'Give The Gift Of Sight' charity that gives glasses to those who are in need. This should give you a little piece of mind when you drop $250 on these bad boys. Don't miss out! These are sure to go fast, get them before the Olsen Twins do!

Available tomorrow, December 3 online @ www.sunglasshut.com

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

source: www.style.com