Congratulations to this week's winner, Inna Rybalko

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Inna Rybalko ! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

Google Glass and Matrix = Virtual Hair Tutorials

(photo: Google Glass / Matrix)

Are you guys ready for this?  Like, seriously.... are we ready for this?!?  The future isn't the future anymore, it is now, er... the NOW!

Thanks to the fine techy folks at Google Glass, who just teamed up with Matrix (no, not Keanu Reeves) you will now be able to watch full length hair tutorials that are filmed from the direct perspective of the stylist.  Not some camera guy leaning over their shoulder, but the exact line of view from the stylist.

That means you will see everything exactly as the stylist see!

This is pretty intense if you ask me, but is only a sign of the vastly technological and fancy schmancy ways we have of discovering fashion.  Pretty exciting!

Posted by:  Spankie
Instagram @SpankieValentine
Twitter @SpankieV

You Can Do: Black and White

(photo: chictopia user - JOUJOUVILLEROY) 

You can do it!  Have no fear!  This spring, there's a repeating trend in the air that we're excited to see make a return, and it's black and white!  Whether its worn in stripes, dots, solids, or a mesh of everything in between, the black and white trend is looking to make yet another bold statement in the coming season.

Want some inspiration on how to wear it?  If you're feeling really bold, look for patterned separates, like the ginormous striped bell pants above.  Or try a smaller, more concentric pattern like sparse polka dots in a sweater.  

(photo: chictopia user - JAZZPAD)

When pairing black and white separates, there are a few details to consider when planning the mood you're wanting to convey.  Matching with neutrals like grays, navy, or black and white solids will create the most monochromatic, uniform look.  It will also draw the most attention to the black and white patterns if at play.

(photo: chictopia user - MODOWYMANIAK)

If you want to add a playful pop of color to your black and white ensemble, focus on solid color pieces, usually in a bright color palate.  Just remember, with a black and white base, most of the attention will go the the piece with the color.  Try accents like a solid color handbag, hat, or tights.

(photo: chictopia user - SWINGTHEDAYAWAY)

And lastly, if you're just getting into this trend, or aren't feeling the boldness of a pattern, start off with black and white separates that are solid colors.  This creates a color blocking style that is universally flattering to pretty much anyone on the planet.

So what do you think?  Ready for this spring trend?

Posted by:  Spankie

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

(photo: chictopia user - LONDONTALLGIRL)

Look Like a Victoria's Secret Model While You Workout?

"Feeling comfortable and feeling sexy in the gym, it's very important."  That's the sentiment described by Victoria's Secret Angel Doutzen Kroes in this behind the scenes video of her photoshoot for the new line of Spring Sport 2014 collection.

Which brings up a good point.  I know working out can be tough, especially if you're just getting started and need a way to build up some enthusiasm.  There are even those days where, once you've developed a solid routine, it's still hard to get to the gym, or start a workout at home.  So does dressing a little sexier help the motivation?

It does for me.  Even if the focus isn't on dressing in sexy sport bras and tight pants, dressing in something fitted and super sporty just seems to put me more in the workout mood.  And hey, I'm a firm believer in dressing daily the way you ultimately want to look... and most of us want to be our own definition of beautiful, so why not dress that way in the gym too?

Every little bit helps, both physical and psychological, to boost enthusiasm to be healthy.  So next time you're staring at those beat up running shoes, and the energy just seems to faint to muster, try throwing on something sporty or sexy and see what that does for your mood!

Posted by:  Spankie

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

Congratulations to this week's winner, Katherine Anne Reyes!

Thank you to all who entered our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway. Congratulations to this week's winner, Katherine Anne Reyes! To enter our weekly Free Shoes Giveaway, visit our Facebook and follow the instructions. Link does not work on mobile devices. Good luck!

The Jumpsuit

(photo: chictopia MORNINGTHRIFT)

Ahhhhhh the jumpsuit!  One of the most versatile, season transcending, easy to throw-on pieces in our closet.... yet also one of the more elusive.  How many of you guys have a jumpsuit in your closet?  Whether a full length one with pants or a short suit.... and how often do you wear it?

If you haven't yet discovered the bliss and wonderment of the jumpsuit, I dare you to reconsider.

Effortless, chic, sporty, girly, professional.... these are just some of the moods you can convey with literally one piece of clothing.  The thing I love about a jumpsuit, is you instantly have your top and bottom of your outfit all wrapped up into one, and all you need to do is accessorize.

(photo: chictopia BREAKFASTPIXIE)

And that's where the fun comes in!  Your personality can really shine with these pieces.  You can either grab a multi color print jumpsuit, and let it do the talking on its own, or add layers of necklaces, bold color blocking, a fun blazer, heels, wedges, flats... you name it.

So take a look at some jumpsuit inspiration and see if it gets your fashion wheels turning!  Which look is your favorite?

Posted by:  Spankie

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

(photo: chictopia JOANNECHRISTINA)

(photo: chictopia YUZIKATRINA)

(photo: chictopia MYBLONDEGAL)

(photo: chictopia MELIMODA)

(photo: chictopia STYLEDSNAPSHOTS)

Golden Globes 2014 Red Carpet Recap

Oh Golden Globes!  How we love thee... especially the fashion!  

Did you watch the 2014 Golden Globes last night?  If you missed the show (and thus missed some big winner moments like Jennifer Lawrence, Bryan Cranston, and Breaking Bad) then what about what's most dear to our hearts... the red carpet fashion?!

Stars hit at both ends of the fashion spectrum this year, with nominee Lupita Nyong'o setting the carpet ablaze in a vibrant blood orange, caped gown, all the way to Anna Gunn's svelte new figure in a body hugging creamy champagne hued Dona Karan Atelier gown.  Both looked radiant by the way.

Not to mention other fashion darlings like Zooey Deschanel in a sparkly Oscar de la Renta, Sara Paulson's stunning silver Marchesa gown, Helen Mirren's always rocking body in a seafom wrap, and of course, Kate Blanchett's gorgeous lacy Armani Prive.

I've picked out my favorite looks from the dazzling night.  Who are yours?  Enjoy!

Posted by:  Spankie

Twitter @SpankieV

Instagram @SpankieValentine