So I was hanging out with Tim Gunn the other night…yes, that Tim Gunn, and yes, I was really hanging out with him!  Tim Gunn was in Cincinnati to kick off the SmartTalk Connected Conversation Series at the Aronoff.  Tim packed the house with the VIP reception party prior to the event.  Gracious as ever, he really took the time to meet people, ask them questions, sign portfolios, and even encourage some design students that were hanging on his every word (understandably).  I envision those young fashion design students to be dedicating their early influencers to Mr. Gunn.  Tim was everything a star should be…kind, gracious to his fans, and engaging.

Tim’s speech was equally engaging, as he shared his experiences at Parsons, Fashion Runway, Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style, and Hollywood.  Tim’s style is to “make it work” for your particular body style.  He isn’t trying to push a near-skeletal frame to women, insisting that it’s the only way fashion will work on a woman’s body.  Instead, he personalizes style more to the individual.  And he delivers it all with his unmistakable “Tim Gunn” charm.   He has a confidence that just oozes from him.  Classy, yet not stuffy.  Kind to the core.  Kudos to SmartTalk on thinking out of the box with January’s speaker (first male celebrity ever!)  Join us in February as SmartTalk welcomes Arianna Huffington to the Aronoff in Cincinnati.  Click here for tickets and information.

Looking for the perfect gift for the fashionista in your life?  SmartTalk will bring the sensational Tim Gunn to Cincinnati on January 14th, and there’s no time like the present to get tickets…and save.  Shop SmartTalk’s Holiday sale for 20% off tickets – starting Tuesday November 18^th.    Simply use “SANTA” to get the discount.  Shop now and save big!

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are the epitome of hippie-chic, and are known as the modern day pioneers of the throw-back style.  Long beachy hair, flowy tops, lots of bracelets, and cut off short-shorts are the makings of hippie-chic style.  It’s one of my favorite looks!  Here’s how to achieve it:

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To achieve beachy hair, wash, then only partially dry your hair with a high watt blow dryer.   Spray your hair with a texturizer (try Beach by Supernatural Botanicals), and scrunch with hands, then air dry.  It creates long, loose waves.  A center part (if you can do it) is ultra-hippie style.

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Loose fitting and flowy tops create an earthy, cool style.  Try Forever21.

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Everyone has tons of jeans.  Turn some of them into jean shorts.  While cutting them, cut longer than you think you need at first.  You can keep cutting them off until you acquire the right cut on you.  After cutting, pull the strings and fray them out a bit.  After several washes, they’ll be perfect.

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Accessories…and lots of them!  Wear lots and lots of bracelets.  Mix colors and textures together.  Scarves are a hippie staple as well.

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In a sentence….This Voda Swim bikini is the most amazing bikini I’ve ever had!  Not only is it the best fitting bikini, but it’s also the most stylish bikini.  The gorgeous bikini to the left, the Midnight Envy, is the one I have, and I rank it five stars across the board.

Voda’s ingenious Envy Push Up technology bikini tops gives instant lift and serious cleavage.  It can also make you look 1-2 cup sizes bigger as well.  You feel the difference immediately.  Gone are the days of two triangle pieces of fabric with stings attached.  This is serious technology right in your bikini top.  It’s detailed with beautiful Turquoise stones in both the top and bottoms, which gives it a rich, high-end look.

The bikini bottoms are made to fit, as if tailored for your body.  They adhere to your body like a glove.  The beautiful detailing makes it perfect to go from the pool, straight out to lunch with a cute wrap or cover up.

There’s no doubt, you’ll have the hottest bikini at the beach this summer with your Voda Swim bikini.  Check out their entire line here. I already have my eye on my next bikini, the Coral Envy Push Up Hoop Halter and Scoop. Ridiculously sexy!

The dreaded bridesmaid’s dress doesn’t have to be the dreaded bridesmaid dress anymore.  Brides are taking more chances now, doing what works for them and their likes, and moreover, their budgets.  If you are a good girlfriend to your friends, chances are, you have a closet full of disgarded southern belle dresses from their weddings.  But now that brides are adding their own unique twist, and realizing that no one likes the southern bell dress, and not even your BFF really wants to wear it. 

If you are getting married, you are strongly encouraged to (A) Be unique!  (B) Give your wedding your own personal flare of bling.  Let your freak flag fly, sister.  and (C)  Avoid the dreaded traditional bridesmaid dress at all cost. 

This is how a few beautiful brides injected a flare of their own personalities at their weddings. 

Have you developed your signature style?  Developing one’s signature style entails far more than being a slave to the latest skinny leg trend.  To develop your signature style, you need to find what works for your body.  Forcing yourself to wear skinny leg jeans or high-waisted, just because they are in style, does not align with a signature style.  Pick pieces that you know look great on you…then stick with it and develop your wardrobe around those pieces.  Accentuate the good, get rid of the bad.  Choose wisely when you shop.  Signature style is really that easy.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCVEvCiVigU

What’s new with jeans this year?  Lycra!  Jeggings are currently taking over the denim section in department stores.  Jeggings are leggings which are styled to look like super-tight, skinny leg denim jeans.  Considered the comfy approach to the 80′s look skinny leg that has taken root again with masses.  Love it or hate it?