Bohemian MAXI Chiffon Skirts Obsession


Bohemian maxi chiffon skirts are absolutely, positively, the fashion items that must be slightly folded in your dresser drawers for the summertime, simply because they redefine the idea of feeling fabulous in the scorching heat. Imagine bubble gum pink toe nail polish, and a stunning Tiffany blue boho maxi chiffon skirt! These pieces were created in every color of the rainbow, highlighter pack, paint pallet, Crayola box...Oh you get the idea. Love the pleats in the skirts. Favorite summer pick!

Bohemian Long Chiffon Skirt sold by dealatpop1bay, ebay.com, $29.99
Bohemian Long Chiffon Skirt sold by dealatpop1bay, ebay.com, $29.99

Bohemian Long Chiffon Skirt sold by dealatpop1bay, ebay.com, $29.99
Bohemian Long Chiffon Skirt sold by dealatpop1bay, ebay.com, $29.99

Smashion Spotlight: Tori Gutierrez


Everyone say hello to Smashion Spotlight’s Tori Gutierrez! She is an Economics major, and Sociology minor at the University of California, Davis. When Tori is not getting’ her workout on, you can find her going through the racks at TJMaxx, H&M, or Forever 21. She is all about finding great quality pieces for decent prices, to add to her girly, flirty, and classic style! She loves Whitney Port’s style and clothing line, and adores Kourtney Kardashian’s style, because she makes her outfits look effortless, while embracing her shape, and finishing off her looks with classic makeup and hairstyles. The accessories Tori cannot live without are her satchel (Indiana Jones wears one), and her Michael Kors watch, which makes every outfit look refined! Her style tip for Smashionistas is to “wear anything that makes you feel like a rock star! Spring is here, the sun is shining… WERK!”

Smashion Spotlight

Honestly, Tori's outfit is probably my go-to outfit of 2012.  No joke, Ronnie.  I love her outfit from head to toe, because it stands out, it's playful, girly, and so fetch (yes, i said it).  The denim jacket (or long sleeve, like shown above) is one of this Spring and Summer's biggest trends.  So, if you have one buried in your closet from the 90's, bring it back out, or if you don't, go buy one!  When you put it on, nostalgia hits... cue Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, N'Sync, LFO, BBMak, Britney Spears, Hanson...I can keep going... no really, tho!  Anyways, what I love most about the denim jacket is that you can pair it up with an array of pieces.  You can mix and match it with a sundress, skirt, shorts, maxi skirt/dress, or even colored jeans.  I love how Tori also rolls the sleeves up on her denim top, to give it a more casual and cool feel.

Now, onto maxi dresses!  They have been my all-time go-to piece for Spring.  The fact that she is wearing a maxi is one thing, but the other fact that it is floral, completely makes me smile.  People, if there is one thing you need to know about me, it is that I am obsessed with florals, well that, and Cory Monteith... but that is beside the point (yes, I despise Lea Michele).  Whether pastel or bright and bold, florals make an outfit more girly, fun, happy, and have sunshine, spring, and summertime written all over it (look closely).  I must give credit to Tori, for really working that floral maxi.  I say that, because some girls completely runaway from one glance at a maxi dress (like how I used to runaway from boys with cooties in first grade), due to the fact they think they are too short.  Despite height, Tori displays a great way to be able to rock a maxi, without dragging it on the floor.  This brings my attention to wedges!

I have mentioned my adoration for wedges before in a prior "Smashion Spotlight" (with London Glendenning), but to recap: wedges are not only perfect for spring, but summer as well.  You can dress them up or down, and like heels, they have similar advantages, but seem to be more comfortable and stable.  Tori's tan wedges are a perfect fit with the bold and bright floral dress, and denim jacket.  I must also add comments about her belt.  Belts can be fun and very useful accessories, which can add a whole new dimension to your wardrobe.  They can add an extra refined look, define the waistline, or provide a bit of an edge.  Tori does a great job of showing off her tiny waistline, as well as giving the outfit a finished flair.  Overall, it looks like Tori is up to date with her Spring and Summer trends, and is most definitely "WERRKIN" it!

Dance in the Rain


Today, as I slipped out of bed and padded over to the window to check on the weather forecast, angry grey clouds and an abundance of rain greeted me. Luckily, I happen to be in love with the rain, or more specifically, I am hopelessly in love with my rain boots. Living on a college campus and having the need to walk to class everyday regardless of the dreary weather, has made me truly appreciate the versatility and overall function of rain boots. Plus, who doesn’t love jumping in puddles on your way to class?

With spring in full swing, it’s about time to invest in a practical, yet fashionable, accessory!

The ultimate splurge when it comes to rain boots is none other than a good pair of Hunters. These classic boots come in a variety of colors and styles, including a “fashion rubber” collection which sports heeled and wedged rain boots!

Hunter Original Tall Women, hunter-boot.com, $125
Hunter Original Tall Women, hunter-boot.com, $125

Hunter Arnie, hunter-boot.com, $165
Hunter Arnie, hunter-boot.com, $165

I know we all wish we could live as "lavishly" as those who slosh around in Hunters when it rains, but unfortunately that isn’t always the case. Lucky for us, Target has an amazingly affordable selection of rain boots in an array of colors and styles.

L to R: McGibbon Floral Rain Boots, target.com, $29.95; Fleur-De-Lis Rain Boots, target.com, $29.99; Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots, zappos.com, $70
L to R: McGibbon Floral Rain Boots, target.com, $29.95; Fleur-De-Lis Rain Boots, target.com, $29.99; Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Tall Rain Boots, zappos.com, $70

Women's Merona Zaney Polka Dot Rain Boots in Pink, target.com, $20.98 (sale)
Women's Merona Zaney Polka Dot Rain Boots in Pink, target.com, $20.98 (sale)

When shopping for your perfect boot, remember to try it on in the store before you buy! There have been far too many times when I’ve slipped my feet into a pair of wellies to find that they rub me in all the wrong places. Now, go out, embrace the downpours! You no longer have an excuse to not dance in the rain in a beautiful pair of shoes.

DIY: Haircut Edition


I remember the very first time I cut my own hair. I was in kindergarten and while my class and I were busy making crafts, I took the scissors I was using and cut a little chunk from one side of my hair. I was pretty impressed with myself; up until that point I had only cut my Barbie doll's hair, but this was a new level for me! However, my mom wasn't as impressed with my skills (she didn't like my cutting my Barbie's hair either, I was always constantly being reminded that "it doesn't grow back!") and she told me not to cut my own hair again.

Needless to say, I didn't listen. I've cut my own hair numerous times since that first time in kindergarten and my mom is now confident in my abilities. That doesn't mean it's come out perfectly every time. In fact, I've had my share of horrible attempts where I cut uneven layers, cut my bangs from a weird angle, or cut more off than I anticipated and needed to get it professionally done to make it look better. But I've also had my hair come out just fine and have received compliments on it after I've cut it myself. So for those of you who have been interested in trying to cut your own hair but haven't been quite sure how to start, here are some tips to help you avoid making the same mistakes I did.

Scissors

1. Ask yourself if you really want to cut your hair. Most of the time I cut my hair was when I was frustrated with it and didn't plan it all out and it ended up being very spur of the moment. This would sometimes leaving me regretting the haircut. So be sure that you will be happy with the cut tomorrow and this is something you want to do.

2. Next time you get your hair done, watch what your stylist does carefully. Pay attention to how they use the scissors to give different textures in your hair, how they cut your bangs, how they create layers, and how they make sure to keep it all even. You'll need to be a spectator a few times before you go and cut your hair yourself.

3. Start very small. Give yourself a little trim and make sure it's even, especially if this is your first time. While it might be tempting to cut more, the less you cut the easier it will be to fix if you mess up.

4. Practice makes perfect! Don't get discouraged if it doesn't come out the way you planned and don't be afraid to go to your stylist if you mess up on accident. The more you cut your own hair, the more confident you'll be and the better you'll get at it. Then soon enough, you'll be able to give yourself a haircut for free!

Good luck if you decide to try it for the first time! For those of you who cut your own hair, how did it go the first time you attempted it?

Minty Freshness


The color of the season is definitely mint green. Pastels are always a spring favorite, but the mint color definitely brings a trendy new look because of its subtlety and ability to diversify outfits! It lightens up a plain white tee, while brightening dark or neutral articles of clothing. Wearing light colors with mint green makes a perfect outfit for any day time outings with the girls, outdoor shopping or a picnic at the park. Mint skinnies with a dark or bold colored sleeve-less blouse can make a flirty outfit for date nights or evening parties. Mint pencil skirts can liven up business attire if worn with an off-white satin button up shirt and a beige blazer. Top off the flawless outfit with nude pumps and you’re ready for spring! Plus the pastel colors of spring gives skin tones a tanner look so you look like you’re ready for summer. Get in on this springtime trend by illuminating your attire with this refreshing mint color by shopping at any woman apparel retail stores. So far I’ve seen Zara, H&M and Kaitlyn sell mint colored shorts, skirts, backless blouses, mini cocktail dresses and cropped pants. Spending money on at least one mint colored clothing item will (guaranteed) be the greatest investment for your wardrobe.