A POP of Color

Here are a few shots from a photoshoot I did on a cruise ship docked in Maui, Hawaii. I loved how the decks of the ship offered perfect natural lighting to showcase the outfit I was wearing to go see a Polynesian luau. There will certainly be more photos to come, but this is just a sneak peak into this special vacation! 

Dress- Urban Outfitters Bag- American Eagle Sunglasses- BP. Nordstrom Rings- Etsy Monogram Necklace- Etsy Shoes- Windsor

Photographs by Megan

Last year I shared with you all some images from last years Project Pine Ridge Fashion Show, and once again I have some pictures to share from this special night! Like last year, the proceeds raised by the fashion show and sale all go towards Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, which is one of the poorest reservations in the country. I was able to be a designer, editor, and emcee for this year’s show based around the theme Hope. It is amazing how my incredible friends Hannah and Shay (the founders of Project Pine Ridge) were able to help me turn my talents for fashion into something that gives back to a community in need. Over $7,000 was raised to support Pine Ridge which is staggering, and I can’t believe that we were able to pull off such a fabulous and fashion-packed event. It was truly an unforgettable experience and I hope you guys see though these pictures the mixing of fashion and community service in a way that is inspiring and motivating. 

Dolce Gabbana has done it again and worked his fashion magic, styling his recent summer collection using printed silk head scarves. Not only is this look majorly chic, but it’s also super easy to recreate using any up-do. All you need is a silk scarf that is folded into a rectangle, and then you just tie it at the back of your neck so that it sits nicely near the crown of your head. I’d secure mine with a few bobby pins so that it does not slide off.

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TIP: Places like Vera Bradley and many vintage/thrift/antique shops carry silk scarves for reasonable prices! 

***Just a note, I am officially back from my vacation, and I will be posting Hawaii pictures this coming up week, so make sure you tune in to see those! 

I have recently received the opportunity to visit my family in Maui for ten days and I couldn’t be more excited to kick off my summer in a such a special place! Because I want to take this vacation as an opportunity to relax and disconnect, I am taking a week long break from this blog. I promise I will be back with some great new photoshoots, inspiration, and trends that I have brought back with me. My blogging will continue on June 14th, so make sure your check back to see what A POP of Color has in store next! ALOHA, Emma 

Anonymous asked you:

Hey Emma! So I was wondering if you could do a tutorial or a step by step to show a variety of ways to cut or reshape an old tee for a stylish look? Thanks!

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It is ironic, because I tested out this DIY before this question was even asked, and now I have the perfect opportunity to blog about t-shirt restyling! Today I am only going to share one way to restyle an old shirt, but throughout the summer I plan on doing many more tutorials and how-to’s. This one is a tutorial on how to turn an extra large t-shirt into a ruffled strapless top. I adapted the DIY from this tutorial: http://www.trinketsinbloom.com/wearable-diy/ruffled-tube-top-diy/

The only difference I made was that I used thicker elastic, so I had to make my casing bigger than what this tutorial called for and my shirt had words on it, but It made no difference in the final product. NOTE: Make sure you use an XL tee-shirt and nothing too much smaller, because the end result turns out much tighter and smaller than you would expect, so in order to maintain a cute ruffle use a big shirt. 

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Anonymous asked you:

HEY what are your summer must haves???

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This is seriously a hard question, because I have so many summer essentials that I feel like I cannot go without. But, in order to not overwhelm you with my summer clothes craziness, I have narrowed it down to my very favorite must haves, that I consistently have in my closet each summer. This is not an exhaustive list, but it really does cover the core pieces that I can build off of throughout the season.  

Starting at the top row left to right…

1. A striped top: You probably here this one all the time, because stripes truly are such a classic print. I love striped shirts, because they can be so easily dressed up or down and are great for mixing with other prints such as florals. 
2. A lace skirt: It can be any color, any style that personally suits you, but a lace skirt is the epitome of a summer skirt. It’s light, feminine, and figure-flattering. 
3. An Open-weave Sweater: Perfect for throwing on at the beach when it gets chilly as a cover-up or for those cozy summer nights when you need a light sweater. (I would opt for a neutral one) 
4. Denim Cut-offs: These are definitely a no-brainer! I live in denim shorts in the summer, because of their versatility and classic all-american feel. 
5. A Light Sundress: Each summer I invest in at least one new sundress that can be accessorized in a variety of ways and has a flowty, warm-weather quality to it like chiffon fabric or an open-back cut-out. 
6. Aviators: Or any pair of sunglasses that best flatters your face! You should have at least one style of sunglasses that you just know will work on your face shape. 
7. A statement necklace: I feel like a broken record talking about statement necklaces so much, but they truly can transform an outfit!
8. T-strap Sandals: You can’t go through summer without a quality pair of sandals! They are more sophisticated than flipflops and a neutral pair can be worn with anything.
9. A Graphic Tank Top: For those more casual, laid-back summer days I usually throw on a cool printed tank with denim cut-offs that never fails as a casual summer uniform.  

Anonymous asked you:

Could you do a post on your favorite makeup brands/products? Thanks! love the blog:)

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First of all, thank you! Make-up is a super personal category, because what might look good on one girl can look completely different on someone else. That being said though, I have some make-up products that have exceeded my expectations and have lived up to what they claim to do. I never limit myself to just these products, because I love to experiment, but these nine essentials are my go-to whenever I want a no-fail look. 

(From top to bottom, left to right)

1. Maybelline Dream Cream 8-in-1 BB Cream in Light-Medium: I hate wearing foundation, so this is the perfect substitute for masking flaws and giving me a subtle hint of color. 
2. Clinique All About Eyes Concealer in 04 Medium Petal: If you have dark circles or just feel like your eyes need a lift after a late night, this product does the trick and blends really easily. 
3. Maybelline The Rocket Volum’Express mascara in Very Black waterproof: I am a strong believer that waterproof mascaras provide much better volume and intensity, and this mascara adds the perfect amount of curl to your lashes! 
4. Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25: If I am in a rush and my face needs some color, I smooth some of this on my cheeks for a pretty shimmer and great coverage with SPF. 
5. ELF Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Black: The best drugstore liquid eyeliner I have found! It’s precision brush makes it easy to draw a straight line and it is long-lasting. 
6. Wet n’ Wild Eyeshadow Palette in 738 Comfort Zone: You would be surprised that Wet n’ Wild actually makes long-lasting quality eyeshadow, and I absolutely adore the bronze color that comes with this palette. 
7. Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in 025 Sweetheart: Rarely do I wear lip color, but when I do, this lip crayon provides vibrant color that doesn’t bleed and is easy to apply to your lips. 
8. Revlon Eyelash Curler: A classic staple that provides the perfect length and curl for your eyelashes for an affordable price. Plus, it’s very well-made, mine has lasted for a long time without breaking. 
9. Ralph Lauren Big Pony 1 Perfume: My signature scent! I love the notes of grapefruit and florals. 

Anonymous asked you:

Could you give some advice on what to wear to graduation parties? It’s that time of year again and it’s hard to find something that you can dance in, stay cool in, all while looking good. 

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As graduation parties are in full swing, it’s important to keep outfits in mind that are going to be comfortable and cute. The key is choosing something simple like a sundress that is sleeveless (but not strapless so that you can still move around) and then accessorize with flats and a necklace or cuff. It should make an impact with either color or pattern, while stile remaining fairly simple so that you do not have to worry about adjusting your outfit every five minutes. I’m a huge fan of skirts and dresses for parties, because you just can’t go wrong, but make sure you wear spandex underneath, so that you don’t feel uncomfortable dancing! Here are two outfits I have put together: 

Last summer I did multiple posts on my current and evolving bracelet stack throughout the season, because layering bracelets was so popular. Well, this summer is no different, stacking bracelets is just as on-trend for 2013, but this time people are taking a much more sophisticated approach. Instead of piling on the friendship bracelets, people are dispersing them with classy pieces like a chunky gold watch or leather wrap bracelet. This way it breaks up some of the crazy color/pattern and keeps things streamlined. Here are this summers key stacking pieces: 

Lately I have been on the lookout for the perfect open-toe wedge for summer. I knew I wanted it to be casual enough to wear with sundresses, as well as versatile, so I have been mostly looking for neutral pairs with a summery cork or rope wedge. Yet, this summer, bold wedges in a rainbow of colors has been a huge trend that I think adds a great flair to a summer ensemble. Although I am still searching, I thought I would provide a little wedge inspiration, plus contrast between the equally chic neutral wedge and a bold one for all of you! 

**Check out brands like Steve Madden and TopShop for wedges

As many of you already know, lace shorts are a huge trend for this coming up summer. They are being sold almost everywhere now and come in many different styles to flatter all body types. I know a lot of you struggle with how to style this trendier piece. Well, here is one way of styling that I have put together for you. I love how the classic stripes play well with the intricate lace, and we get a nice splash of color with a red bubble necklace. Very sophisticated, and very easy to throw on for wherever you are headed!

Anonymous asked you:

Thank you for doing your blog! Im obsessed, you are chic and quite the trend setter….What inspires you?

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Well first of all, thank you for making my day! Seriously  lately I have gotten the sweetest messages from readers and I want to thank each and every one of you, because your support and comments mean the world! So, keep the questions and comments coming, I love hearing all of your input. 

This new wave of enthusiasm for A POP of Color has really gotten me inspired lately. I’ve been sketching, brainstorming, and planning up a storm, and I couldn’t be happier with how much has been going on with the blog lately (including a much needed update to the About Emma page!). Anyways, when it comes to what personally inspires me, I can’t pinpoint just one thing. It can be a runway show, a new season, an exotic vacation, or simply an outfit I see someone wearing during school. My most inspirational outlet has got to be vintage black and white photographs from designer archives and Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn. My inspiration is forever evolving and that is why A POP of Color evolves as well! 

It has been awhile sine my last fashion show review, so today I decided to resurrect it starting with this review on the Tori Burch Spring 2013 collection!  When I first saw this collection I was immediately in love, because it symbolizes my type of style completely! It is a little bohemian, a little bit girly, and very trendy, which I absolutely adore. This collection was bursting with color, texture,and proportion, from the raffia statement necklaces, to the heavily embellished shoes, no detail was overlooked. It has a total summer vibe to it, with the perfect spring color palette thrown in with lots of yellow and coral. Tori aced this warm-weather collection! 

After posting my New Way to Travel post, I got quite a few requests on where to get a striped dress. Since they are a classic, I say go for quality when it comes to a good striped dress, because you can wear it with so much and it’s so simple. I rounded up a couple choices that hit below the $50 price point: 

1. ASOS
2. Forever 21
3. Express
4. Love Culture
5. JC Penney

When you think of a travel outfit for a plane or car ride most of you choose sweats/athletic-like ensembles to achieve maximal comfort while traveling. Yet, I am proposing to you a classier way to travel. You do not have to sacrifice one bit of comfort, yet you still achieve that model off-duty jet setting style that celebrities have mastered. All you need is a cotton geometric printed dress that is a casual and comfortable shape that allows you to easily move around. Top off with some shades and a preppy tote and you are ready to conquer traveling to your destination in sophistication. Keep these things in mind though:

1. Choose a dress whose fabric is soft, and not completely form fitting so you have the ability to be comfortable moving around
2. Make sure the dress is not too short, because it would get annoying to keep pulling down 
3. When choosing a bag (I love the ones by Longchamp!) choose something that isn’t huge, but big enough to encase your laptop or magazines 

Make a big statement with a simple piece of jewelry such as a silver statement ring! Wear one for minimal, but impactful elegance or be brave and pile on 2 or 3. I love the aztec vibe they set off and they are versatile, because silver goes well with many color combos. It is such an unexpected, but fun way to add interest to an outfit and prices range anywhere fro $2-$100 depending on how dedicated you are to sporting your ring! My favorites can be found at Pacsun & BaubleBar 

There is nothing better than the perfect spring dress. I can never resist the combination of eyelet and lace,so when I saw this dress at one of my Fashion Board meetings, I just knew I had to have it. Especially with the unexpected v-neck back which made it totally unique! I loved wearing it with ankle boots for the chillier spring days, but it will be perfect pairing with sandals this upcoming summer. 

Dress- BP. Nordstrom Necklace- Etsy Boots- Target Earrings- Forever 21 Purse- American Eagle

Photographs by Grace

Happy Mother’s Day from A POP of Color! On a personal note, my mom has always been a huge source of inspiration when it comes to fashion. She has taught me everything I know about style and looking classy and I honestly don’t know if A POP of Color would be how it is if it was not for her! So, although Mother’s Day is about appreciating moms, it is also about seeing how much they influence the life you live today. XOXO, Emma

Every summer has a new style of sunglasses that is trending throughout the entire season. They can be anything from quirky to classic, and this summer, heart shaped sunnies can be spotted all over. From red-carpet to streetstyle, these sweet glasses can be universally worn as the weather gets warmer. Just make sure you don’t invest too much in these, considering they are more trendy than classic! (You can find them at places like Nordstrom & Urban Outfitters!)

I love how 2013’s color of the year emerald plays so well with the classic black and white color combination. Graphic polka-dots or stripes just look so chic mixed with the rich jewel-toned kelly green. It definitely is a fresh color scheme for spring and is a great twist on two classic hues. Take kelly green and black/white from the halls of your house or room to your wardrobe with colored denim and a polka-dotted top. Tres belle! 

***note the whimsical polka-dotted wallpaper; a preppy take on home decorating!