STYLE INSPIRATION; Isabel Lucas.

When I was about fourteen, I went through a phase of absolutely loving Home and Away. As with many of you perhaps, this is where I first came across Isabel Lucas, as she played the role of Tasha Andrews in the Australian soap.

I have to admit, I would never have picked Lucas out as being a style icon. Sure she was pretty, tanned and skinny, but fashionable? Not particularly. However, recently I saw some photos of her in Grazia attending Coachella with boyfriend Angus Stone, and I was pleasantly surprised by her seemingly new-found fashion forwardness.

Looking chic even in a pair of denim shorts and a sweater.

I'm loving this nude maxi dress paired with a cropped lace top.

Lucas channelling her inner hippie with this dip-dyed maxi skirt.

THIS IS A LOOK WHICH IS EASILY EMULATED;

MinkPink 'Trim&Terrific' maxi dress; £80, ASOS.

Renewal Turn-Up Denim Shorts; €40, Urban Outfitters

Orchid Lace Tee; $48, Nasty Gal.

Rose Headband; £8.50, Miss Selfridge

(Basically, just think floaty, airy maxi skirts and crochet; you could really see the impact of the returning 70's and hippie trends at Coachella this year)

Isabel also has ombre hair to die for;

Neon Nails

It's finally Summer! And so you can all brighten up your world with the latest trend; neon nail polishes. Many celebrities aren't afraid to show off the bold nail polish trend and you shouldn't be afraid either! You can try on every color you can imagine; yellow, orange, pink, green, blue, etc.

China Glaze neon collection

Essie's collection

AnnaLynne McCord is a huge fan of neon nail polishes

Lindsay Lohan with hot pink and orange nails

Rihanna

Nicky Hilton, Miley Cyrus

Beyonce, Katy Perry

Stephanie Pratt, Fergie

Mary Kate Olsen, Ciara

Me with various neon nail polishes

My Neon Collection (of China Glaze, Seventeen and Maybelline nail polishes)

xoxo Elina

Spring Trends

Hi everyone! I am glad to announce another guest post by Blake. :)

Red Hair!!

The hippie girl that I am is very sad to see these twobeauties discard their famous Ombre look for a new, slightly more excitingcolor. Blake Lively and Drew Barrymore are a couple of celebs that helped makethe care free ‘California surfer girl’ hair so popular. Though, I have to admit that both of thesereds look fabulous (and I’m so glad they did their brows too!). Drew’s color ismore of a red brown, complementing her gorgeous eyes and is keeping in theslightly undone look that looks so great on her. Blake’s coppery tone looksamazing with her bronzed skin and aqua dress. And, of course, make sure you consult with a professional before you trythis look, as reds can be very tricky, in many ways ;)

Floral Bags

Keeping with the idea of creating your own summer aura,carrying a floral print bag will enhance your glow and keep you smiling. Thesetypes of bags are particularly great because they have a summer quality aboutthem, while remaining professional and cute. I absolutely adore the Marc byMarc Jacobs line, and the classiness of this bag, but there are so many styles,colors and looks to choose from. Not only are floral prints in, but brightyellows, blues and pinks, which I’m all for!

Chunky Heels

As I’m sure you’ve been seeing around town, chunky heels areback in! Though the stiletto is still a classic choice, wedges, clogs andsculpted heels are huge this spring. Many of them are being made with a multitudeof colors and shapes to add some life to those little feet that have beenhidden all winter. I absolutely adore these designs and only wish I had thecourage (and balance) to wear six inch platform wedges.

Have a wonderful,hopefully sun filled weekend!

Ciao,

Blake

A Royal Affair

The stunning Kate Middleton married Prince William yesterday in what was undoubtedly the wedding of the century.

After months of speculation as to who would design Kate's dress for the royal affair at Westminster Abbey, the end result was well worth the wait. Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Kate's lacy white gown with a low neckline and medium length train was incredibly beautiful.

On creating the dress, Sarah Burton has said "it was such an incredible honour to be asked, and I am so proud of what we and the Alexander McQueen team have created."

The simple yet beautiful gown worn by Kate's sister and maid of honour Pippa was also a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation.

After the ceremony Kate went on to change into another stunning Sarah Burton dress for the private reception hosted by Prince Charles, pictured below.

As I watched the wedding late last night NZ time I was captured by just how much of a fairy-tale it really was, from William's prince charming-eque attire to the horse-drawn carriage the couple left in. I wish them a very happy ever after!

Spring/Summer 2011 Nail Trends

These are the main trends for the season by the main and most important nail polish brands: Chanel, NARS, OPI, Essie, China Glaze, Orly. All the other brands follow as always the trends. To sum up, if you want to steal the spotlight this season with your mani/pedis go for yellow, orange, hot pink, lilac, mint green or bright blue. You can always play it safe with pearl, white, pale pink or red nails, but what's the point? Summer screams for color!

Take a look at how my favorite celebrities have worn them already. Enjoy and try them on yourself!

Yellow