Dare to Bare {Shoulders}

25 May

It is generally thought that the “sexy” part of a woman is either her legs or chest, and they are the parts most often highlighted in fashion. Little do most realize, but there is actually another part of a woman that is highly regarded as “erotic.” It’s the shoulder, and history proves that it is a woman’s shoulder and collarbone that have lasting sensual power. So ditch the short hemlines this summer ladies, and opt for a more understated play on sexy!  Show off your skin with bare shoulders instead.

I agree a great pair of legs is sexy.  They have been glorified for years in art and fashion and made iconic in movies like the famous “leg lamp” prop that was used in A Christmas Story.

Side Note: Love this movie! It is a “glorious” leg but unfortunately not every female thinks that she has a fab set of legs. I’ll admit that I do not consider myself to have a great pair of limbs.

This summer will be different. The runways have seen many one-shoulder, off the shoulder and strapless garments this season, and I believe it is safe to say that ALL women have a fabulous set of shoulders to show off!

My “bare” shoulder celeb inspiration, Marilyn Monroe via.

Still feel that you have less than perfect arms? That’s okay. Let just your shoulders play peek-a-boo in a top or dress that features a cold shoulder design. They make the entire outfit look relaxed while still exuding a seductive mystique.

Lucy Love Quinn Zebra Dress

Lush Cold Shoulder Neon Tunic

A boat neckline may not show your cleavage to its best advantage, but that’s okay. It does demonstrate the beauty of your shoulders. Loose and flowy tops with off the shoulder necklines are another perfect way to let one or both of your shoulders “peek” out while still keeping your arms concealed.

Fox Checkers Knotted Tee

Element Monaco Pullover

The one shoulder look continues to be a big trend for Spring-Summer 2012. If you haven’t picked up on the asymmetrical look yet, now is the perfect time to embrace this trend.

Jack by BB Dakota Koko Asymmetrical Dress

With summer comes warm weather, and if you’re comfortable with your arms or it’s just too hot to cover them, then be bold with a strapless dress or top!

Lucy Love Jerry Hall Dress

Fox Escalate Tube Top

I believe that bare shoulders are considered universally flattering because it allows any woman to show a little skin without being too revealing. What do you think?  Be sure to look for any of these fab items online at gliks.com or visit a Glik’s store location nearest to you!

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An Evening of Fashion and Fanfare hosted by Lift for Life Academy

22 May

On Saturday, May 12th we joined Lift for Life Academy, a St. Louis based charter school, for their fundraising event An Evening of Fashion & Fanfare, which was held to benefit the amazing students of this great school.

The theme of this event, Fashion & Fanfare, showcased handcrafted fashions made by some of the very talented girls of Lift for Life Academy. They partnered with Laura Kathleen Planck & Michael Drummond of Lifetime Television’s Project Runway to host the affair. Glik’s was fortunate enough to receive the opportunity to become involved in this event by donating the shoes that were handpicked and worn by the fashionistas themselves to ensure that each outfit had a “complete” look.

The lucky fashionistas of Lift For Life Academy received the amazing opportunity to refine their design skills and learn from the wonderful and talented, Laura Kathleen Planck. You may recognize her from season 9 of Project Runway (she finished in the top 5). Planck teaches the fashion design course for this wonderful charter school.

These LUCKY girls worked hard on their fashion lines for the event. Each designer’s artful eye for chic fashion and following current trends, combined with their hard work took center stage May 12th and finished to a standing ovation from the attendees of the event!

Everyone was amazed by all the brilliantly talented fashionistas of Lift for Life Academy and cannot wait to see their future designs. Glik’s was a proud supporter of An Evening of Fashion & Fanfare.  Photos from the event can be seen online at Glik’s Facebook page or from Alive magazine’s coverage at alivemag.com.

-Great Work Girls!!

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Man Must-Have {Hybrid Shorts}

18 May

Okay guys, it’s safe to say that summer is finally here and every man is in need of a quality pair of boardshorts, NOT a pair of cutoffs made from jeans that won’t survive another winter. Besides, “jorts” (jean shorts) on men are a HUGE fashion DON’T rule that continues to be broken by males everywhere. Whether you’re at the pool, at the lake, in a boat on the river, or you’re blessed to be beachside, boardshorts are a must-have for men!

There is only one downside to the boardshort, and that is eventually you have to go from waterside to the streets or out to eat, etc. This meant that you will have to pack a change of bottoms. Granted, some guys can pull of the boardshorts on the street “look,” but there are still a majority of men who can’t. This is where the hybrid short comes in. Thanks to this ah-mazing new concept, men all-over do not have to change from bathing suit to street wear anymore.

Hybrid shorts are exactly what their name claims: a short that can be worn both in and out of the water. They are made of fast drying material and feature pockets that are secure in the water, yet look normal out of the water. When I first saw the Hybrid Freak from O’Neill, at first glance I would have not categorized them as a boardshort.

Some look exactly like a normal pair of shorts sporting an outward button fly with interior draw cord, hand side pockets, and back flap stow pockets.

Hybrid Freak Back Flap Stow Pockets

Hybrid Freak Side Hand Pockets

Cool Feature: the side hand pockets can be zipped up while you’re in the water and zipped open once you’re ready to hit the town.

Wall Street Front Tie Closure

The Wall Street Hybrid short from O’Neill is similar to that of a normal boardshort “look” featuring a tie closure, side Velcro cargo pocket, and no back pockets.

Wall Street Backside

Wall Street Side Hand Pockets

Another perk of the hybrid shorts is that they are available in patterns and colors that are tyoically reserved for casual shorts verses the loud colors and graphics normally seen in boardshorts. Hybrid shorts are usually available in conservative patterns such as plaids, stripes and all-over solid colors.

Fox Hydroblast Hybrid Walk Short

Overall, I feel that the hybrid boardshort is a summer essential for any guy and a must-have for this 2012 summer season. What’s your opinion on hybrid shorts? Would you wear them? You can visit us online at gliks.com to see these and other available hybrid boardshorts styles.

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Weekends Out

17 May

Honestly, this past weekend was the first weekend in a long time that I have felt okay with leaving my jacket hung up in my closet at home. To say the least, I literally skipped down my stairs and into the street like a kid. Childish, I know.

I am completely okay with admitting my excitement over summer, sun, swimming, my developing tan, being outside, and most importantly, weekend road trips!  We’re just two weeks shy of Memorial Day weekend people! This holiday is where families and groups of friends travel to beaches, lake houses and campgrounds for barbecues, boating, daylong golf outings, and fairs.

So with the return of the sun, its warmth and the much-welcomed showing of skin, it’s time to give your wardrobes an upgrade!

Beach Action.

The first thing I think of when it comes to Memorial Day weekend is swimming. So no matter where you go, be sure to have your cutest bikini packed with a few necessities. I’ve chosen this super cute crochet fringe flyaway sweater from Oracle Fox for Billabong, the Trinity destructed cutoff shorts from Silver Jeans Co, and partnered them with a chic fedora, some braided jute sandals, and finished the look with a colorful tribal print beach bag to store your beach essentials.

Afternoon Out.

Being that I am a HUGE fan of all things fringe right now AND colored denim, I thought it would be cute to partner this boho chic Belize fringe top from Jack by BB Dakota with a bright pair of orange Flying Monkey jeggings. If you’re out on an afternoon shopping spree with the girls or a grill out with the fam, an easy way to accessorize is with a pair of retro wayfarer sunglasses, some Pura Vida bracelets. To add some sass try tying up your hair with a cute printed scarf.

Down on the Boardwalk.

So you may have had a long day out in the sun and a shower is out of the question until your new tan has had a chance to set in for a few more hours. That’s okay. Take it from the beach to the street just by slipping into the BB Dakota Dora dress and let its soft striped jersey knit set your sun exposed skin free. Keep it stylishly simple with a pair of platform wedges and sunglasses, and set your style savvy apart with a neon crossbody bag.

 

Remember that it’s the weekend and bringing your WHOLE wardrobe isn’t necessary. Resort town = SHOPPING heaven, and you need room in your suitcase for all of your new fashion finds. Look for any of these fab items online at gliks.com or visit a Glik’s store location nearest to you!

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Season of the Headband

12 May

It was Blair from Gossip Girl who brought the headband back into the spotlight and now we are seeing everyone from celebs to teenage girls wearing them in new, innovative and enticing ways!

VIA

I have hunted down some of the most stylish and unique ways for wearing headbands this summer season!

Dress up a Pixie cut!

If you have short hair then a perfect way to give it an instant glam look is to add a headband. Be sure to choose one that is relatively skinny and lays flat to your head so as to not overwhelm or distract from your cute short cut. Not many girls can rock a pixie cut, but for those who can, I’m jealous. The right Pixie cut can look so darn chic!

Ginnifer Goodwin
Courtesy: Stylebistro.com

 

Do It Yourself!

I am a HUGE fan of DIY crafts, and I have tons of ribbons and scraps of fabric hanging around my house. If you do too, put them to good use and create your very own simple DIY headband. Floppy bow headbands are easy to create. Here is what you can do: find any ribbon or thin strip of fabric that is lying around your house that’s long enough to wrap around your head twice. Begin by positioning the material at the base of your head, pull the sides of the material up behind your ears and tie it into a cute floppy bow. Be sure to twist it to your desired angle and adjust to any position that you desire.

Rihanna

Courtesy: Headbands.net

Dress up and updo!

Low  chignons and  French twists can get boring—adding a headband is a simple way to spice up an updo by adding a bit of fun to a style that is classic, yet can sometimes be overdone. I would choose an embellished headband that will glam up whatever outfit you are wearing.

Lauren Conrad

Courtesy: Sheknows.com

Make a Statement!

I feel that the same rule that goes with statement jewelry should be applied to wearing a statement headband. Keep it simple! If you’re wearing a statement headband then opt for a cleaner look. Take a minimalist’s approach to your jewelry, if you even need to wear jewelry at all. I normally don’t, but on occasion I will add simple stud earrings, and that’s all.

Jamie King

Courtesy: Stylebistro.com

Adventures in Fashion!

If you’re the type of fashionista who likes to color-coordinate your legwear, outfit and accessories, please be sure to take a risk and add a little twist by mixing it up with different patterns and textures. Matchy-Matchy outfits can be bah-oring, so spice it up with a unique headband!

Taylor Swift

Courtesy: Teenstarworld.com

Use a Scarf!

We all have them floating around our rooms, closets and cars. Scarves are easy add-on accessories; they can dress up a plain tee and act as a mock necklace. Summer scarves are usually made of chiffon, so they’re light and breezy. If it is too hot to wear a fashion scarf around your neck, then tie it into your hair as a turban or knotted head wrap.

Courtesy:Keikolynn.com

Headbands are all the rage this season! They make great statement pieces, add-ons and there are so many ways you can style them! I personally love headbands and am excited to see this trend carry through this spring/summer season. If you’re looking for the right headband, then head to gliks.com or visit a Glik’s store location nearest to you!

Warning: This headband trend is intended for female fashionistas ONLY.

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Sheer Beauty {Chiffon}

10 May

It’s the trend that has dared to bare and has won! One of this season’s hottest trends is chiffon, and this sheer fashion remains to be a statement that will carry through this spring/summer 2012 season.

So, why is chiffon at the top of everyone’s trends list? .  We first started seeing it on runways playing peek-a-boo from outfits. Fast-forward a few seasons later and now backs are bared, shoulders are highlighted and legs long discreetly longer. This light -weight, sheer woven fabric adds a subtle hint of sexuality to any outfit and can be found highlighting and accentuating the most desirable parts of any woman’s body.

Sheer Beauty

One of my favorite brands for summer is Lucy Love.  This mother/daughter west coast brand mixes the perfect combination of feminine flirty and beach chic to produce a line of clothing made by girls for girls. I absolutely adore the loose, flowy, bohemian vibe that the Gabriel dress has.  Belt this chiffon tunic or leave it free. Match it with your most fashionable wedges and long jewelry for a night out with your girlfriends. The Gabriel dress can double as the perfect beach cover up letting your bikini peek through its sheer layers. Pair it with your favorite retro sunglasses, floppy hat and sandals for a chic day look.

Top: Lucy Love Swoon Top

Bottom: Flying Monkey White Denim Jegging

Breathable Bliss

I’m a big fan of wearing bandeaus under chiffon tops as well. It’s great, especially in the summer when the days are hot. If you were to actually put a piece of chiffon under a magnifying glass you would see that it’s woven fibers resemble a fine net or mesh which gives it that sheer, see-through property. This is great for in the summer when a breeze is most welcome. I love the nautical look of this Swoon Top from Lucy Love when it is paired with white jeggings, platform wedges and minimal accessories so that the pattern of this chiffon tie-waist top can steal the style show.

Top: Chiffon Multicolor Tank

Bottom: Flying Monkey Canary Yellow Jegging

Shoes: Very Volatile Karma Wedge in Natural

Seeing the Bright

The bright side of this summer is the vivid color trends, bold tropical hues that remind us of all things summer, yellows as bright as the sun’s rays, oranges that look just as citrusy as the fruit for which they was named from, mints that look like the leaves of the spice in your mojitos, lemonades, or teas and blues that look like the color was taken from the most exotic of ocean bays.

Sorry, I’m imagining vacation right now. Sigh!

Top: Aztec Print Tank

Playful in Print

Chiffon cans be made from cotton, silk or synthetic fibers and can be relatively easy to dye. This season we are seeing tons of patterns like horizontal & chevron stripes, ditsy floral prints, tribal and animal prints. A bright cami, bandeau or bikini worn under sheer tops, dresses and even fashion scarves adds an extra pop of color to any outfit.

Top: Lucy Love Swoon Top

Jack by BB Dakota Jax Souk Printed Maxi Dress

So, see the sheer beauty of chiffons this summer and try working a few pieces into your wardrobe. I promise, you will not regret showing some skin! You can find any of these fashions online at gliks.com  or visit anyone of the Glik’s store locations nearest to you!

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Go Sleeveless {Tank Tops}

5 May

I have always wondered whether men can get away with wearing tank tops? Once upon a time, this invoked thoughts of men with big bellies wearing thin white ribbed “wife-beaters” soiled with dirt, grease stains and smeared with food smudges where hands have been wiped. These images would come to mind and I would get this unsettling feeling of disgust. Nice visual, right?

Good news. They aren’t just considered underwear anymore. Men’s tank tops have come a long way since the “wife-beater” days. I was never a fan of that name anyway. Now men’s tanks come in all kinds of fabrics, colors and styles and they have become an essential in men’s basic summer fashion.

A men’s tank can be worn in the summer with a pair of shorts, boardshorts, twill pant or jeans. As far as footwear goes, tanks can work well with flip flops, boat shoes and sneakers.

Tank tops made from cotton or cotton blends are preferred most over other types but do not count jersey out. This is most likely due to the feel of the material. Nothing is better than a super soft, casual tank that feels barely there.

Retro Striped Tank

Hurley Mooney Pocket Tank

As far as construction is concerned, tank tops are designed either like a common sleeveless shirt, where the armhole is more “fitted”, or can be styled having a low and open hole where the armpit and parts of the torso can be seen.  I am seeing more of a square, straight cut fit trending as well.  This means that men’s tanks are not going to be as fitted versus an athletic tank, which is ment for working out.

Fox Enterprize Jersey Tank

Hurley Rigged Tank

Key styles that are trending this summer are horizontal, tonal, and wide stripes .You will also see allot of Aztec prints, bright colors, graphic logos and retro designs.

NEFF Ripper Tank

White Stripe Retro Tank

Make no mistake about it.  Men’s tank tops are basic versatile essentials. Plus, wearing them is an amazing way of cooling down from summer’s heat when you’re out enjoying the weather.

Guys, you can be stylish this Cinco de Mayo weekend by pairing a tank with a pair of shorts, flip flops, your favorite pair of sunglasses and add a little extra “Joe Cool” to your look with a hat.

You’ve worn them under your wovens and tees for so long, now just wear them on their own! With brands like Hurley, Billabong, Fox and Neff coming out with some rad tank styles this summer, I can promise that you can’t go wrong! Go ahead and stop by any of your local Glik’s store locations or check us out online at gliks.com for any of your summer essentials.

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