Hot New Trend:Crackle/Shatter Nail Polish

Hipsters, I know you're all scouting for the latest trends before they become too mainstream. Here's one you won't want to miss out on:crackle nail polish. It's a simple nail polish you put over your painted nails that gives it an effect wear it looks like it's been crackled or shattered. It dries fast and is very easy to do on yourself. Learn about this trend by checking out this video!

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The Hipsters of All Hipsters

The term “hipster” can be somewhat vague. It's a new counterculture that is gaining popularity. To better understand the concept, I approached three people who know a great deal about being hipster.

The Experts
I spoke to hipster “experts” about this evolving fad. These experts included Cynthia an employee at an uber-hipster clothing store, All Saints Co., Maddie Mitchell a free-spirited fashionista with an immense love for indie rock music, and Christopher Talley, lead singer with a great sense of fashion from the emo-pop band, The Bigger Lights

Experts' Definitions
Maddie says, “[A hipster]...is someone who’s comfortable in their own 

Christopher Talley

skin. They want to stand out. You can be a hipster whether you make tons of cash in movies or if nobody knows who you are,” She goes onto say that hipsters’ inspiration for their style is linked to their love of discovering new trends that they can call their own.

Maddie Mitchell

Although Christopher Talley felt that he couldn’t pin point specific people who best represented hipsters, he did feel that it is possible to be both hipster and famous. He says, “It [being both hipster and famous] goes against it...but there will always be those people that go against the trend and then that becomes the trend. It kind of teeter toters.” 


To further define hipster, the experts shared who they thought were top hipsters.Through this list, you can better understand what this new style is  about. 

The Top 5 Hipsters

Kate Moss

1. Kate Moss
She's a British supermodel who's known for making “heroin-chic” popular. She’s been a major fashion icon for decades now. Although she’s seemingly mainstream, throughout her career she’s kept this don’t care attitude that is definitely reflected in her style.  Cynthia says, “She [Kate Moss] mixed up a lot of tomboy made it femme.” That carefree attitude she gives off is what lands on her the list for being a true hipster.

Jenny Lewis

2. Jenny Lewis 
Jenny is mostly known as the lead singer of Rilo Kiley. In addition to Rilo Kiley, Jenny has also been involved in many musical projects such as Jenny and Johnny and The Postal Service. Her style is just as unconventional as her music. In addition to having a unique sense of style, hipsters like her tend to constantly evolve through their art. Maddie Mitchell says, “She’s changing the indie rock world by being that unstoppable female,” She goes onto mention how Jenny is always changing up her name and look. “People have to keep following her around.”

Alexa Chung

3.Alexa Chung
She's a British television host and model, is known for being very stylish and witty. She's worshipped in the fashion world, yet she's still incredibly understated. Maddie exclaims,“She’s totally up there[top list of hipsters]!”  Cynthia agrees that Alexa Chung definitely   gives off a hipster vibe with her sass and individuality.

 

Zooey Deschanel

4. Zooey Deschanel
She's an actress and lead vocalist from indie rock group She&Him. She's considered a hipster for her confidence and individuality. Maddie describes Zooey's attitude,“I’m[Zooey Deschanel] gonna be my own person. I will wear my baby doll dresses even if it’s not cool to wear to the Grammy’s!'”

5.Farmer Dave Scher
He's best known for--exactly. Hipster expert, Maddie Mitchell explains,"He[Farmer Dave Scher] is a part of Jenny Lewis’s crew...I’ve seen him on tour with her. He’s also a singer too. He’s like the heart and soul of all her songs. He kept to himself, but he still made major statements.” He has this different yet interesting feel about him that is seen in his wardrobe and music. Farmer Dave Scher is seen as a hipster, for he's incredibly understated. 

After examining the look at 5 people who do hipster best, you probably have a good idea what a hipster is and how to pursue that kind of style.


Image Credits: AP Images, Creative Commons, Maddie Mitchell, and myself. 

"Homeless Chic"?

The fashion world is always filled with crazy surprises. Well, as long as Lady Gaga and her Haus of Gaga are still around. All jokes aside, we all can agree that we never really know what's next in the fashion industry. What makes the industry so wonderful, is that we have the choice whether or not we follow the latest trend. We can follow trends or we can make them our own or we can completely ignore them and go entirely against them. I think that's wonderful, I really do. I don't like the idea of everyone looking a certain way or feeling the need to look a certain way, but enough about people expressing their individual styles because what I am about to talk about has nothing to do with individuality(That's another blogpost within itself).

When I first heard the term "homeless chic", I jokingly thought to myself, it's actually called derelicte duh!(that was a reference to the movie Zoolander if you haven't seen it, you're missing out). I didn't actually think that this would become a trend, but unfortunately it has. My question is, how many people actually follow this "homeless chic"-ness?

I thought the concept was dumb from the get go. I thought that fashionistas actually buying into this tacky trend(yes, a trend can be tacky) were being ripped off. I thought that the designers were being lazy. Aside from that, I didn't really care because I knew that there were people who felt the same way. 

Until, I noticed people associated "homeless chic" with hipsters. Seriously? Sure, we're trendsetters and our style is unconventional, but since when has nonconformity been synonymous with looking like a hobo. The truth is, I can't help but find the whole look somewhat offensive. It's like you want to look like someone who looks the way do because they cant afford to look any different. Does that make sense? The sad part is that everyone is getting ripped off. The homeless chic-ers are trying to look like a poor person with expensive poor-quality clothes. There's just something not right with that. 

Ombre--Hottest New Hair Style

Hipster style is often referred to as effortless and understated. We all want it to seem like our appearance is incredibly different, yet not difficult to achieve. However, as women we all know that looking both good and natural is far from easy. The idea is you want it to seem easy.

Let's say you're a natural dark brunette and you'd like blonde. That's fairly reasonable right? Being a typical color-treated girl, you would dye(punny) if your roots started to come in. That's where being a hipster allows you to bend the rules a tad. Create the appearance of roots coming in. That faux roots-coming-in look is known as ombre.

It's where from the tips of your hair to your chin is a lighter color than from your chin to your roots. Get it? I know, I know it sounds somewhat tacky. When I first heard of it, I thought it was yet another moment in fashion history when hipsters take the idea of "homeless chic" way to far. The "homeless chic" trend---it's too tacky to be even considered a trend---really grinds my gears. I tend to refer to it as " the Ashley look" because people like Ashley Olson and Ashlee Simpson tend to sport it often. So believe me I would never blog about it if it was even remotely--um what's an adjective describing homeless fashion being cute? Oh right, there isn't one. Ombre is actually the complete opposite of what I initially thought. It's quite classy.

"Homeless Chic"

To better understand the ombre do, check out this video below that breaks it down.



Photo from YouTube

Still don't get this whole "homeless chic" thing? Check out my next blog post ;]

Music Festival Fashion

Clearly, hipsters are driven by music. If you wondering where to find hipsters this summer, check out

this summer's hottest music festivals. From Lollapalooza to Bonnaroo to even the seemingly mainstream

Dave Matthews' Caravan---hipsters are all over music festivals. The concerts are simple and unforgettable, on the other hand, deciding what to wear to these shows is far from easy. You want 

something comfortable, cute, unconventional, and something you wouldn't mind if you got grass stains, 

dirt, or beer all over it. It's sounds like a tall order, but I'm sure all of you have something in your closet 

suitable for your next festival.  

Don't believe me? Check out these simple essentials for what to wear to your next festival!

Bandeau from Victoria's Secret's  Pink $20

Loose Earth Tone Top from Anthropologie $39

Metallic Sperry's Top Siders $70

Striped Loose Poncho Top from Anthropologie $39

Various Bracelets 

Hippie Headband from Anthropologie $29

Cockpit Aviator Ray-Bans $198

Soft Pink Dress from Zara $45

Striped Loose Crop Top from Zara for $15

Pins & Needles Orange Romper from Urban Outfitters for $30

Photos are all by me. 

Slideshow: How to Create The Cat Eye

There are always those timeless trends. From hand bags to nail polish, there will always be one look that will forever be "in style". The cat eye look is no different.

Sure, it isn't hipster trend, but it's a look adapted by various women both hipsters and mainstreamers. For instance, this winged liner look is sported by hipsters like Alexa Chung, Lauren Conrad, and Emily Haines and mainstreamers like Angelina Jolie and Leighton Meester.

Okay so if all these women can do it so can you right? Of course you can. Although the end result
is very intense, it certainly isn't difficult to achieve a cat eye. With practice, you'll realize that it's so simple.

At that point, it can even become apart of your daily makeup routine.

Check out this Photo Slideshow and learn more! Who needs the eye of the tiger, when you can have the cat eye?

Photos all by me

Reality TV Leads To Fashion Royalty

"The Hills" darling was initially thrusted into the limelight when MTV gave her two reality shows. However, now we can't get enough of her because her style. The reality star has made a name for herself in the fashion industry. Her looks are always very stylish and effortless. Now just because our beloved Laguna gal, LC, has become icon does not mean she's given into the mainstream ways. Her style has always been so classic, edgy, and modern. This is a girl who's truly famous for her style.

Want to get more of Lauren Conrad's looks? Check out her new style book.

Photo by AP Images

Online Shopping?! AHHH!

Let's face it everything is basically on the wonderful, world wide web.(That was not sarcastic I really do think it's quite wonderful). So why not start shopping? As hipsters, we're constantly hunting for ways to do simple tasks in a different, effortless way. (No, I didn't just contradict myself. Think about it). We always what the nonconformist, eccentric thing--especially when it comes to our wardrobe. Our style essentially derived from the Internet. It would only make sense that we online shop. After all, if you're like me, you can't just get the clothes your looking for at the mall. 


The thing is that I find comfort going into a store. There's something that brings pure joy to my face as I step into the house with several shopping bags filled with crisp new garments. But when it comes to online shopping, I can't help but freak out. That's basically the first of many worried faces I end up making.

There's just soooo much to look at on the Internet, and with online shopping I start to want everything! To further increase my anxiety---being the multi-tasker that I am---I have at least two different stores open on my page. 

For instance, earlier today this was my screen. I'm eyeing the Motel Lesley dress at Urban Outfitters. Debating whether or not it'd be flattering on me. I know that this piece in particular is "online only", so if I want it I have to get it the "scary" way. I realize that I'm about totally panic, so I open ModCloth in hopes of calming myself down and start checking out their über-cute high-waisted shorts. Clearly, I'm not thinking straight because ModCloth ONLY SELLS CLOTHES ONLINE! 

This dilemma basically happens to me every time I attempt to online shop aka all the time. I guess I just don't know how to online shop. If you have any tips, leave them in the comments! ;] 

Alexa Chung & Alex Turner--the Hipster 'It Couple'

Alexa Chung--TV presenter / Model

Alex Turner--Vocalist/Guitarist of  Arctic Monkeys

Why their style is hipster?

• Both involved in the Arts--he's a rockstar and she's a model. 
• They're hip without being tacky.
• Have an interest in literary fiction. 
• Turner kept his band's authenticity aka they're not sell-outs. 
• They both have this down-to-earth, effortless look, yet they're still very stylish.
• They have spunk, sass, and wit. 
• Turner's lyrics and Chung's interviewing style.
• They're understated.

Alexa describes her look as, "quite preppy school girl meets grandma and skanky older brother"

Alex's style is simple, stylish, slightly edgy. He's often seen in blazers, leather jackets, and skinny-pant corduroys. 

Photos are all from AP images except the one at the very bottom is from YouTube 

Quick Tips: Summer Glow

Being from Chicago, the last two months---as far as weather is concerned-- have been a luxury. To say it's "windy city" is an understatement. Our winter's are brutal. When summer rolls around though, it's time to blow our winter ways away. With that being said, our beauty routines need to be tweaked.

#1 Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer 

#1 There's a reason why I put this first. It's a simple self tanner  that works if you're as pasty as I am or if you just want to get a little bit darker. I of course have to use the fair shade However, there are medium and dark shades as well.  I recommend using this only on your arms and legs. Anywhere else will leave you looking splotchy or just plain dirty. (Believe i've been there it ain't pretty) It results in a healthy, gorgeous glow. You can purchase Jergens Natural Glow at any drug store. They come in various sizes starting at just $8.99! 

#2 Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer

#2 Getting tan is basically my quest every summer. Although my style icons such as Florence Welch and Zooey Deschanel tend to have more of a fair beauty, I still always long to be tan.(Think Lauren Conrad tan) In order to accomplish this task(the healthy way of course), I use Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer. It gives me a sunkissed look. It's not too far from my natural shade but dark enough to make a difference. You can get it at any Sephora for $28 



Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek



#3 Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint Blush is one of the newest, trendiest Urban Decay products. I absolutely love it! I never was one for blush or foundation because I felt like it always made my face feel cakey and it just took too long to put on. So, I used to just use  concealer and bronzer for my face that is until I found this. It can be applied with foundation or just on bare skin. It gives you a healthy, effortless look. You can find it at Sephora for $24 in various shades. I personally love the shade "Score".



Jac Vanek---Scene Girl Turned to Designer

A business is born.

It started with one simple bracelet

"RUTHLESS" that unexpectedly took the LA music scene by storm. Jac Vanek made this one bracelet that was inspired by her favorite band Something Corporate. Eventually, the demand for this braceletgrew and similar bracelets followed. She had started a small business already.



Jac Vanek's style can be described as quirky, low maintence, and creative

Getting Start
 At just 15 years old she started

dabbling with work in the music scene and kept it up. From photographing concerts to writing for AbsolutePunk.Net ---Jac did
whatever to be apart of the music
scene. She even went on to study
Design / Media Arts at UCLA.

She may have started small, but the young designer is making a name for herself beyond the indie/punk scene. She's been designing

necklaces, clothing, and she's done various designs for non-profit

organizations in addition to her trendy wristbands. In this last year

Bloomingdale's picked up her designs. Currently, Jac is vendor at this summer's Vans Warped tour. Jac's passions and style are what make her serve as almost a poster child for us hipsters

Get to know even more about Jac Vanek by watching this video or checking out her site where she blogs frequently.

Photos on the left and bottom by Jac Vanek

Photo on the right from AP Images