Print Media Still Has A Pulse: September Issues On Newsstands

Photo credit: nikkistyle.net

September's Trending! The other day me and probably 99.9 percent of the fashion industry scurried to pick-up every September issue pertaining to style and beauty. We've been also "liking" photo-after-photo on Instagram of fashion enthusiasts proudly showing off their stacks. September issues are generally finger-licking thick, and consists of overwhelming amounts of ads and free sample perfume scents. Speaking of size, Self is the thinnest magazine in my pile. (Ha!) Pun intended, or nah?  

Photo Credit: Google

I spend a lot of time studying and analyzing content and creative direction. Like reading, it's my way to escape into the creative minds of brilliant individuals in the world. Sometimes I'm so wow'ed by an ad -- that I fixate on it and often wonder what the brainstorming session(s) was like -- to produce such a magnificent concept. I'm a geek like that! Also, I have a keen eye for good journalism and do read selected stories (what's left of them), as well as stay on top of emerging runway and pop culture fashion trends.

Print's Alive. Come. On. I know I'm not the only one that enjoys the hands-on experience of touching and reading a magazine while sipping a latte...and clipping outfits to post on (mood) bulletin boards...and bookmarking articles using colorful post-it sticky notes. Right? Well. Let us be sure to bask in these moment, because the conversation about whether or not print media is dying a slow death is still up for debate.

"Print vs. Digital" talks are interesting as it relates to evolution, for sure. However, we must consider the consumer in efforts to keep a thoughtful, sustainable balance: Not every reader has the means to purchase, nor has access to, technology. And (holy catastrophe) what if the world goes dark for weeks with no electricity and mobile data - then what?

Dear Publishing Industry: We can't go full-blown digital yet; we're not ready on so many levels. Disclaimer: I'm not bias and this is not an attempt to save print. Okay, yeah it is.

PRINT VERSUS DIGITAL: 

COMPARING THE 2 TYPES OF MARKETING (INFOGRAPHIC)

Photo Credit: Root Studio (Print vs. Digital), Mind Your Black Business (Infographic)

Color Of The Moment: Emerald Green

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Color Crushin' It dawned on me that I am totally crushing on a color that I would wear year-round not just seasonal, or because it is on-trend. The color  that I'm stalking is emerald green; it's such a powerful shade -- compliments my skin tone quite well and really brightens up my overall appearance. Aside from yellow, emerald green is my happy color. Do You Have a Go-To Color? Tell me on Twitter.

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Below is a tunic via ModCloth similar to the one I am wearing above, except my blouse is 100% sheer w/green buttons. 

Photo Credit: ModCloth

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovers! Trendspotting: RUNWAY REDS

Fashion is RED, Fashion is YOU below is some style inspiration that will WOW your boo! The FW/14 fashion runways are heating up with plenty sweetheart reds — and you've got options — whether you're looking for something sexy, sophisticated, or sweet. Good luck in choosing the perfect V-Day outfit tonight! ;) XoXo 

Helmut Lang

Marissa Webb

Prabal Gurung

Ralph Rucci

Tadashi Shoji

Vivienne Tam

Trendwatching: CLASSIC BLACK

A) Casual 

B) Tailored

C) Edgy

B old
L uxurious 
A mbitious 
C hic
K iller Kolor

Black Is Beautiful! Today I'm simply paying homage to the color black -- the color that's always an option. And more importantly, black is undeniably slimming, ladies, and one of those day-to-evening transitional colors. But that's not it. You can also mix and match a variety of black shades, fabrics and textures, and 'pair up' with other cool colors. Seriously, black will forever be classic. I happily own many black pieces (like, more than enough), that are either tailored for work, edgy for evenings/weekends, or somewhere casually in between. Are you loving the forever trendy B L A C K just as much as I? Tell me how you rock YOUR black, write to me: nikki@nikkistyle.net xx :) -ns | Follow me on Twitter

Photo Credit: WWD

My Hobby: Magazine Clipping
Janet Jackson, Black on Black

You Can Wear Animal Print To Work, And I've Got The 'How-To' Formula!

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Style Notes! I work in a business casual environment -- and am always looking for ways to incorporate my favorite weekend pieces into my work wardrobe. (If you're a reader of my blog...then you know I love transitional pieces!) For example, animal print clothing and accessories can be loud and a bit obnoxious, especially in the workplace. Here's a noteworthy tip: tone-it-down. Last week, I wore a strapless knee-length animal print dress coupled with a yellow cardigan, and went to work feeling stylishly appropriate.

Photo Credit: iamnotasupermodel.com

I've said time and time again...animal print can be all types of tacky if not styled correctly. If you want to  wear animal print anything to work, tone down other elements (nails, hair, shoes); have them appear soft—in color and texture—in efforts to obtain the right balance. Otherwise, you'll look a bit hooch...and that's not preferable, I'm sure. Now don't get me wrong, some co-workers might give you props for your dare devil style, but I guarantee you that most will not be calling you a "professional colleague" anytime soon. So, just remember one thing: think balance when wearing animal print to work. In other words, offset the vulgarity (animal print) by mixing with simple, solid yet feminine colors.

In addition to yellow, I soOo like to pair animal print with basic and neutral colors, such a dark green, warm brown, nude, deep purple; and classic black and royal blue, too! Share your tips for wearing animal print to work, either below in the comment section, or on Twitter!

Color Chart - Mix 'n Blend

2013 Golden Globes Fashion: nikkistyle's Best-Dressed List

L) Kerry Washington in Miu Miu 

R) Megan Fox in Dolce & Gabbana

L) Zooey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta 

R) Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture

L) Katherine McPhee in Theyskens' Theory 

R) Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

...there you have it, my 'Best-Dressed' list from last night's Golden Globe Awards (Red Carpet)! 

[click to enlarge]

Unlike last year, there were literally several gorgeous gowns on The Carpet [this year].

Color Trends consisted of elegant nudes, eye-popping reds/coral, and figure-flattering basic blacks. However, I did secretly admire one gown that was ... let's say "different" from the bunch. (Drum Roll, Please?) I actually liked Lucy Liu in Carolina Herrera. You read right. I liked Lucy's gown. The Elementary actress wore them florals like it was nobody's business, and I think she'd kick your ass if you gave her any lip about it. 

Anyways, the statement prints coupled with Lucy's confidence really won me over. Honestly, I not only appreciate-but prefer unconventional.

Photo Credit: HuffPost Style

Au revoir, Summer Colors

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Photo Credit: nikkistyle.net

Style Notes | Like most nail polish fanatics, I am flipping through fashion glossies (i.e. September issues) trying to decide on this fall's signature colors. I mainly rocked pink, green, and blue shades over the summer. However, as the season changes, I am making a few adjustments of my own, as I hunt for a color or two that's new, fresh, and completely different from what I'm used to wearing.

Color Trends, Fall 2012 A variety of nail colors are trending this fall, such as dark shades, navy blue, teal, purple, cocoa hues, metallics, gray, burnish and "blood" reds, classic nude, and the list goes on, and on. And with a gazillion colors to choose from -- I'll just try colors I like.

Nail colors that compliment my caramel skin tone (as well as my outfits of choice!) will be my priority -- even if the decided upon signature colors are not on-trend. Still, I do glimpse the trend reports for cool ideas: The Ultimate Fall 2012 Nail Polish Guide. 

Re-capping: My 2012 Summer Colors

• Sally Hansen's Back to the Fuchsia #530
• Sally Hansen's Blue It #250
• Sally Hansen's Rapid Red #09
• OPI's Go on Green

Be the first to know what nail colors I'm flaunting this fall, and subscribe to this site, or you may friend me on Twitter.

Colored-Denim OVERLOAD

MET in Jeans

BALMAIN

Balenciaga

Madison Martin Margiela

Balenciaga

Style Notes | I rarely wear bright-colored denim, as I usually wear different shades of blue—and black every now and then. But this season colored denim jeans are dominating the clothing racks at stores ... whispering my name and saying "buy me..."

So, why not give the trend-a-try? I'll start with a green pair, and work my way to yellow!

What's your favorite color denim? Tell me on Twitter.

Photo Credit: All Photos yoox.com 

The Pleated Leather Wrap Skirt

Style Notes | I love the on-trend pleats, as well as the tang-y color. But there's only one problem (besides the $3,590-dollar price tag!)—the skirt looks a bit heavy duty, especially for 80/90-degree Summer temps. No?

I don't know about y'all ... I'd break-a-sweat.

Photo Credit: net-a-porter.com

Mid-Week Obsession!Bright Peep-Toe Pumps

Style Notes | Fashion Beauties! It's all about bright fun colors this spring! Yep. Tangy colors are the new black. The featured citrus (almost mustard) colored peep-toe pump is delicious—and the stylish silhouette is, indeed, a knock-out. 

Currently imagining: wearing these shoes with skinny denim jeans and a sleek blazer. 

Shop the look: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI ($795.00)

Photo Credit: giuseppezanottidesign.com 

ELLE MAGAZINE'S Kyle Anderson Talks Spring 2011 Trends For nikkistyle.net

As promised, here's Part II of my interview with Elle magazine's Senior Accessories Editor, Kyle Anderson!

Nikki: I read that you loved the Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror High Heel sandals last spring (2010). In regards to footwear, what do you love this spring?

Kyle: I tend to love things that are sexy, sparkly, very high heels and a bit crazy. I love Rock n’ Roll—and I always love leopard for shoes. For spring we are seeing a lot of bright colors, natural materials, and very high heels and wedges. One of my favorite shoes this season is the men-inspired Oxford Lace-Up Platform wedges from Prada in black; and I love the sexy strappy Python Knee-High sandal boots from Pucci.

Nikki: In terms of accessories (handbags, jewelry, shoes, etc.), what are the hottest color trends this season? Are you feeling bright neon colors?

Kyle: Not so much neon. But yes, a lot of bright colors and python. For bags and shoes, I think color and python are great. If you aren't into bright-colored accessories go for something python (in a classic shape, and in a natural python color like tan or brown). For jewelry, our stylists go for statement pieces instead of personal little things. I’d say this season is more about gold; we always love the jewelry at Lanvin.

"I think in fashion there are no rules anymore..."

-Kyle Anderson

Photo Credit: closetconfections

Nikki: “Mixing Metals”—do or don’t?

Kyle: I think in fashion there are no rules anymore. Yes you can mix metals—you can do whatever you want. I personally don’t mix. But last year we saw a really big trend in mixed metal pieces and that really kind of made me think differently: So many designers (especially Balenciaga) had jewelry collections with gold and silver mixed colors. Now I’m open to it ... maybe for styling, but not for me personally. I wear silver colors. And I don’t wear jewelry except maybe my Rolex or something from Chrome Hearts.

Nikki: What are some timeless accessory pieces that should remain in a woman's and man’s wardrobe, regardless of the current trends?

Kyle: I can probably talk more about women’s accessories than men’s. But if you want to spend some money and invest in something that you can wear for the rest of your life, you will not waste your money buying a black Kelly or Birkin bag. You can wear [it] every day for the rest of your life! Or the classic Chanel quilted bag in black ... you will wear it literally thousands of times—everyone loves them. I always tell people if you look at the pictures of “It girls” from the 50s, 60s, 70s, they wear the same bags as the “It girls” do today. So buy those bags and wear them to death! You will love them.

kyle on shoes - Buy a few classics like a pointy toe Manolo pump in black, tan and/or nude, or a Louboutin pump in the same colors.

kyle on watches - Invest in a beautiful watch like a gold Rolex or Cartier and just wear it every day. You don’t need tons of shoes, watches and bags ... just get the right ones and wear them often. I’d rather invest in a bag or a watch and wear cheaper clothes (in basics) from Zara or something—and enjoy my accessories and let them speak for my style instead of the clothes. I like basic clothes ... and love fab accessories!

Click here to read part one of my interview with Kyle Anderson.

YELLOW Is My New Happy Color!

bluefly.com, $19.99

Style Notes! This may sound a bit cheesy, but the other day I wore a basic yellow V Neck T Shirt {similar to the one on the right} and realized how much I love the color yellow and how happy I felt wearing it!

Yellow had always been one of those intimidating colors that I often shied away from. I feared that the color would draw awkward attention my way, or simply too much attention.

I was dead wrong about the awkward attention, because wearing [that yellow tee] underneath my black blazer the other day electrified my overall look. And my colleagues loved it; they said that yellow compliments my complexion! Aw sweet, right? Honestly, I felt cheerful wearing my new favorite color for spring. I had to remind myself that trying something new is a definite MUST.

simple style - fun and fashionable yellow tops...that's affordable!  

forever21.com, $10.80

urbanoutfitters.com, $39.00

yoox.com, $45.00

roxy.com, $26.50

outnet.com, $51.25

madisonlosangeles.com, $115.00

Sunkist Shades - HANDBAGS UNDER $100!

Style Notes | Don't be afraid to amplify your look with a strong statement color, such as orange. This color screams personality! Too bold of a color to wear? No problem. Try something simple—like a glam handbag! 

Orange Is ... a must-have color this fall! So definitely incorporate a few citric-y Sunkist shades into your wardrobe this season! The tangy color has thee pop factor ... and will surely bring-to-life a simple neutral-colored outfit. 

Featured Looks:

• SR SQUARED by Sondra Roberts Trapunto Circle Tote, $75
• Melie Bianco W9, $98
• Mar y Sol 'Guadalupe' Straw Shopper, $58
• Red By Marc Ecko Aphrodite Rounded Shoulder Bag, $50
• Genuine Leather Shoulder Bag, $52
• JIVE, 50 GBP
• Magid Straw Shopper, $52

Nail Color of the Month: Lively Lilac

Beauty Notes! Despite today's rainy forecast, Lively Lilac is the perfect nail color for spring. Normally I would apply two coats of polish, but this particular color looked great with just one...topped with a coat of clear of course. A break from my signature dark polishes was needed. I feel renewed! 

Anyways, pastels must be a hot color trend this spring, because when I went for my morning cup of caffeine today, there were two other ladies polished with lilac-y (nail) colors. And as complete strangers to one another, we bonded over a special moment of show-and-tell; pastel nails was the theme. Very cool ;)

Tip: Try wearing a darker shade of purple with your Lively Lilac-colored nails, such as a violet cardigan. Lilac + Violet go well together. I'm actually wearing the color combo now. 

Shop Lively Lilac.

Photo Credit: ELLE UK

McQueen Lives On

Style Find! New arrival at Feathers: python skin leather clutch bag with a four-finger knuckle ring as the handle. Love it. The Python Clutch Bag is not only rocker chic, but is available in one of spring’s hottest colors — blue. 

Photo Credit:  Feathers

New Arrival: GENAROSE

Photo Credit: Nine West

Style Find! Neutral colors are so in for spring! And my dark brown eyes are fixated on this sexy Taupe Suede strapp-y heel from Nine West. The shoe is completely transitional - taking her from day to evening with total ease.