Shopping

In New York City we’re still enveloped in down feather and wool, and doing everything we can to avoid the fate of turning into an icicle when outside. But if the bundling up isn’t enough, try a psychological remedy: imagine sunshine, picture a cloudless, blue sky, and start drawing up your summer shopping list. We recently attended a press preview on the newest offerings heading to stores in the coming months for spring/summer, and can’t wait to sport sleeveless shirts and peep-toe shoes again!

To begin, let’s forget about your Uggs, over-the-knee boots and woolly socks and talk about…sandals. 80%20, a footwear brand designed by Ce Ce Chin, offers a collection that’s chic with leather trim, buckles and shoelaces at the back, and also breezy with holes and exposed toes.

80%20’s sandals are fit for afternoon strolls along the sunny sidewalk, but you also need something for your candlelit dinners or late-night parties. Check out Ce Ce Chin‘s namesake collection. Inspired by vintage, the shoes for Spring 2010 and  are adorned with heels shaped like perfume bottles in materials that also mimics atomizers. With the lace and perfume bottles as heels, these classy, feminine shoes are bound to make pedestrians bow their heads in fascination.

To pair with your sophisticated Ce Ce Chin heels, wear a seatbelt. By that, we mean Harveys‘ original seatbelt bags. Seen from afar, the ruffled totes are chic, luxurious and durable – in short, nothing reminiscent of those uncomfortable, nylon, black things that protect your life in case of a car crash. Upon closer examination, you’ll marvel at the ingenious,  yet undoubtedly fashionable innovation of the designers when you realize from the familiar stripes that indeed, these are seatbelt bags.

ShopTheLook.net also has some accessories ideas for the season ahead. In time for the springtime release of Disney’s new Alice in Wonderland movie, the website’s collaborative Disney collection has some new trinkets to remind you of the Red Queen and the teacups. Affordable (<$30) and eclectic in style, ShopTheLook.net is your wonderland for accessories to spice up your summer outfits.

Moving on to the beauty department, our minds are already wandering to beaches with aisles of coconut trees. Blame Desert Essence, which is introducing the new Coconut Shampoo & Conditioner. Infused with organic coconut oil, the line is especially fit for ethnic hair, or anyone whose hair is over-processed, damaged or just in need of moisture.

Summer sunshine is also the cue for everyone to set aside their subtleties and step into the limelight. Step 1: “Shakeup your makeup”, as POP Beauty‘s tagline says. Always fun-loving and fearless, POP Beauty released a line of neon-colored nail polish for those prepared to turn heads with the flick of a finger. Their  false lashes are also not for the low-profile: the Icon line has lashes inspired by Twiggy while the Fantasy line even has Queen of Hearts-inspired lashes with fancy ends. Last,  new dual bronzer and highlighter is perfect for a summer-ready tanned glow, and also conveniently waterproof, making it a perfect fit for the beach.

– Justina Lee

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