Versace turning kinesio tape into high fashion?

During Milan Men's Fashion week for the S/S 2014 collection, Versace had an unexpected twist to their collection. Along with the clothes, they included sports tape with the collection. Mind you, this is a high fashion collection, not the Olympics or some sporting event. Not only was the kinesio tape peeking out from under rolled up blazers, it was featured on button ups & sweatshirts along with bare legs. This collection came as sort of a shocking new trend to the fashion world. 

Kinesio tape came into the limelight around the 2008 Olympics when Kerry Walsh, a volleyball player, wore it during a match. This became one of the most Googled topics during the Olympics & everyone wanted to know what this oddly shaped/ colored thing was. Being an injured athlete (figure skater to be precise), I have been using Spidertech, a form of this kinesiology tape, for over a year and a half now. Whether it actually works or is just a mental thing, I shall never know. However, it does help alleviate some of my back pain & makes for a great conversation piece. I have used the upper back, shoulder, lower back, and groin all on my back to help with my injuries. My doctor laughs at my antics because I will protest against using the non-colored strips. My view is if I am going to wear it, then I may as well make a statement. Whenever I wear it people always stare and ask questions about my tan lines or this thing on my back. You would think I had some contagious disease & not a sports injury...

Finally, Versace has made kinesio tape come back into the limelight. For this injured girl, I couldn't be happier that a high fashion brand has made kinesio tape seem 'cool'. As I have learned, the normal people of the world like to copy the world of high fashion. Granted, I don't think that kinesio tape will be a trend next season but I do believe it can happen. I think the fashion world is slowly gearing up for it. They have started by using it in the mens collections to see the reaction of the world. If it ends up on the womens runway, I think it will catch on. People are still scared to show off injuries but we can make it fashionable by turning it into an accessory.

The trend of showing off your bra through a burnout  t-shirt can be modified with kinesio tape or turn it into a pop of color accessory as a bold statement piece.

My question is: Do you think I can turn this runway trend into an every day look? 

*Pictured: Cotton t-shirt with the open back and Spidertech tape as my accessory.*

Lexi Like's: 2013 Swimsuit edition

Hello to all my fashionista's!
I literally cannot fathom how June is already over and the summer is already a 1/3 of the way over. I hope everyone has started to work on their tan lines and has had time to hit the beach at least once! With summer officially started, every girl needs an awesome bathing suit to show off in! The three major types of bathing suites are the bikini, one-piece, and cutout. My favorite styles include the sporty (giving athleticism a feminine twist), retro (high waisted w/ prints), black/ white (a classic), pop of color (bright, fun colors), and boho (easy and carefree).

Bikini:
Sporty: This is a limited edition swimsuit. The bottoms look like boy shorts & the top looks like a sports bra. Even though the shapes are more boyish, the texture looks like leather which is totally sexy! $162 for the set.

Marc Jacobs Sporty Bikini

Retro: This bathing suit comes in blue as well as maroon. High waisted bottoms are the hottest bathing suit trend. I love this because my washboard abs sometimes have a bit of fat over them & I need a way to hide it! The bows on the top and bottoms as well as the rushing on the bottoms are fun accents. The polka dots make this so retro-cuteness! $44 for top and bottom, each sold separately.
Urban Outfitters Retro Bikini

Black/ White: I have this bikini and I am obsessed! I love the trend of the bandeau top for bikinis. Also, it hides that unsightly under-boob bugle. Top is on sale for $23.76 & bottoms are on sale for $14.25.
Asos Black/ White Bikini

POP: Mint is thee color of summer and gold is my favorite accent color. The crystals also give this a lux feel. An easy suit to mix & match other pieces with. Top is on sale for $46.50 & bottoms are on sale for $25.50
Victoria Secret Bikini

Boho: This suit comes in watermelon, black, creme, citrus, & paprika. Fringe is very boho and gives it that 'I don't care vibe even though half my clothing is shredded". My favorite color is the paprika. Add different bottoms in a solid or add a texture bottom for variety. Top is $73 & bottoms are $68.

Free People Boho Bikini

One Piece:
Sporty: Marc Jacobs is nailing this sporty look! The navy and aqua color look amazing in this use of colorblocking.  The peplum gives this sporty silhouette a girly feel. Suit sells for $177.

Marc Jacobs Sporty One Piece

Retro: Stripes are the epidemy of 60's and retro! Peplums have been huge for the past two seasons & they are still prevailing as seen here. Peplums can be very flattering on all figures. Also, the way they place the stripes brings your the eye in which will make your waist smaller. This one-piece goes for $149.99.
ModCloth One Piece

Black/ White: Black is always a classic and this is your LBB (little black bathing-suit). The deep v-neck and the completely open back are gorgeous. I like the flared skirt/ bottom as it will hide a larger bottom. Plus, the belt is detachable and it is easy to pair with a pair of jeans after a dip in the pool. This piece is a splurge for $384.

Michael Kors Black One Piece

POP: This swimsuit comes in mint, coral, and black. The rushing on the top along with the ruffles show off your bust. The back has the tie clasp and rushing on the butt. If your stomach is a problem area, this is perfect to draw attention away. This swimsuit is on clearance for $26.99, sweet deal!

Victoria Secret POP One Piece

Boho: Crochet is very boho fresh. This swimsuit is amazing but very revealing! For a one-piece almost everything is out, or just slightly hidden. This bathing suit hopefully comes with confidence to show off that much skin! This suit sells for $168.

Lisa Maree Boho One Piece

Cutout:
Sporty: Another way to work a cutout; use mesh instead of skin! The halter neck makes this feel sporty but with the open back and deep v-neck it gives it this sexy feel. You can purchase this for $50.91.
Asos Sporty Cutout

Retro: One may not think of Free People as 'retro' but this swimsuit reminds me of an 80's leo! The super highwaisted bottoms hide the tummy but the cutout in the middle draws the attention a bit higher up. The cutout followed by the rushing draws the eyes up to your bust, always a plus! This cutout is sold for $246.

Free People Cutout

Black/ White: This swimsuit has the cutout in the front as well as the back. What I love more then the high waisted bottom, the zig zag cutout! I have never seen a swimsuit that uses such an avant-garde shape. Definitely makes a statement! This unique design sells for $313.

Marysia Black Cutout

POP: This swimsuit comes in yellow and black with a mint bow at the hip. I am obsessed with cutouts and the deep v-neck, open back, and side cutout is perfect. This lets you be covered up but it shows skin in areas where a girl won't mind showing off. This cutout one piece is sold for $120.
Urban Outfitters Cutout

Boho: This is a simpler take on the boho trend. The fringe on the v-neckline gives it that boho feel but the black makes it much sleeker. The band around the waist that leads to the double band in the back is an unexpected twist. Asos sells this swimsuit for $54.30.

Asos Fringe One Piece

Lexi Likes: Fashion for June

Hello Fashionista's!

I'm sorry my fashion updates have been lacking. Between work, coaching, & school, I have not had much time. However, my first semester is finally over and I did extremely well *yay*. Now that school is over, I want to focus some of my creative energy back into writing. I came up with a new concept to do a fashion board of what I am loving for each month. This inspiration actually came from a school project where we had to create a new magazine concept. My lips are sealed on what I designed ;). Who knows, maybe my plan can actually become a reality.

CHIC-
1) One can NEVER go wrong with a blazer! I think everyone should own multiple blazers. With the summer months creeping up, I like to add a pop of color to my blazer to keep it festive. Black can be boring & a color mixes it up.
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-nam-S2013/358002/1246509/SINGLE+BUTTON+BLAZER
2) Peplum tops have to be one of my favorite trends. They hide my 'pooch' (or extra stomach) & give any body a nice shape. The leather w/ the knit sides will slim you down as well.

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2047932177&VariantID=

3) I have always noticed that whenever I wear red, guys eyes start to wander! Add the cutouts in the front & back, you'll have the boys drooling. This dress features the lazer etching which has been huge this season as well.

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=95140&vid=1&pid=746183002
4) For those of us that want to look professional or keep our legs covered, the ankle cut trouser is perfect. I like them best in prints & it is the perfect way to highlight your shoes!
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-PETITE-Exclusive-Mono-Pants-In-Geo-Print/zv81g/?iid=2735896&cid=12911&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Black/white&mporgp=L0FTT1MtUGV0aXRlL0FTT1MtUEVUSVRFLUV4Y2x1c2l2ZS1Nb25vLVRyb3VzZXJzLUluLUdlby1QcmludC9Qcm9kLw..

EDGY-
5) I love my motorcycle jackets & can literally pair it with anything. In the summer, black jackets can seem to heavy & the white gives it a fresher feel. Plus, winter whites are a huge trend to transform this jacket from summer to winter.
6) Showing off your toned stomach is the must have for summer 2013 & the crop top is back! I mean if you have a six pack then sure, go show off to everyone. If you are a normal human being (like myself), wearing a high waisted shorts/ skirt makes this trend actually doable.
http://www.nastygal.com/clothes%5Ftops%5Fbustiers%2Dbodysuits/under%2Dwraps%2Dbustier%2Dblack
http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/us/en/zara-nam-S2013/358002/1110526/BIKER+JACKET+WITH+BUCKLES
7) This looks like a plain maxi but turn around and bam, *red carpet moment, bum to the photogs, look at this dress* moment. Open backs are the epidemy of sexiness & this even has a bit of side boob going on. Wear it as a beach coverup or a statement necklace for a night out.
http://www.tobi.com/product/50723-tobi-all-twisted-maxi-dress?color_id=68085
8) I have almost the exact same skirt from Asos & I constantly wear mine. We transferred from the leather looks of winter to the wet leather for the warmer months. This is the trend piece. Pair with a jean shirt or a white t-shirt for a killer outfit.

http://us.asos.com/ASOS-Skater-Skirt-in-Leather-Look/yo9xs/?iid=2419039&SearchQuery=leather%20skirt&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=-1&sort=-1&clr=Black&mporgp=L0FTT1MvQVNPUy1Ta2F0ZXItU2tpcnQtaW4tTGVhdGhlci1Mb29rL1Byb2Qv

BOHO-

9) Jean jackets have made a comeback over the last few months. I love this Topshop acid wash jean jacket as it reminds me of the 90's. Pair it with a dress or wear it as outerwear. Either way, you'll get your moneys worth with this piece.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/topshop-moto-sylvie-acid-wash-denim-jacket/3525246?origin=keywordsearch
10) Chambray shirts made a huge statement this winter underneath a sweater. However, I still want to keep rocking mine!! Pair it with colored shorts or a leather skirt for an awesome outfit.
http://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/CHAMBRAY/PRDOVR~39261/39261.jsp
11) To say that I am obsessed with maxi's for the summer is an understatement. I am not usually a fan of prints but these multicolor remind me of watercolors & art. This dress is super cool & can be accessorized in so many ways.

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=662479002
12) Recently, I tried on a pair of my brothers distressed jeans & wanted to A) cry with joy that they fit (he's a twig) & B) they looked fab! Guys wear jeans in the right way & they are always perfectly distressed. Now, if only they sold boyfriends with these jeans!

• http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=8798&vid=1&pid=451707002

25 Days of Fashion: December 2

Welcome to 25 Days of Fashion, December 2nd edition.
One of my obsessions is my leather skirt. Confession, when I first saw it I thought it was cheap and slutty. However, I tried it on and fell in LOVE. Leather makes you feel like a total badass but you can play with it to have a total different feel. I can wear mine with tights and a cute top or pair it with a comfy sweater. You can purchase one for yourself at Asos leather skirt for $43.98. What is amazing about this is the detailing on the side which will actually slim you down!

25 Days of Fashion: December 1

Hello!
I cannot believe it is already December and almost the holidays!! I love the holiday time and not just because I get to dress up. Every year, ABC has their 25 days of Christmas. I have decided to do my 25 days of Christmas, fashion style. I will give you twenty-five pieces that you have to own in your closet.
December 1:
These Mia flats go for $59 at Piperlime. I actually bought these for myself on black Friday and paid a lot less. Being in the city, I have to walk everywhere. There is no way I can walk all over in heels so I always have a pair of flats in my bag. What I love about these is the silver toe and the ankle strap. They turn a boring shoe into a fierce flat. With these, I won't have to change into my heels! Piperlime, Mia Flats

Piperlime in SoHo

Jewelry Section

While most companies are moving online, Piperlime has been there and done that. The company was launched in October 2006 as a way for Gap to incorporate a shoe collection online. On September 6, 2012, Piperlime opened their first NY retail location in SoHo (121 Wooster Street). In the same neighborhood, there are companies such as Tiffany and the highest grossing Chanel in all of the USA. The surrounding stores have even given Piperlime gifts as a way to say thank you for giving them more business by attracting customers to the area.             
            Piperlime is able to create a variety of business with their range of prices and styles. On the same token, these luxury companies offer Piperlime their high-end clients as well. A genius strategy was a grand debut right before the major fashion events in the city, including Fashion Night Out and NY Fashion Week. Their first opening at Fashion Night Out was co-hosted by Guest Editors Rachel Zoe and Olivia Palermo. (More about these ladies later!!)

          

      *Shoe Palace*
  Even though they have had huge success as an internet based company, they realized how their online-only status was hindering their business. "I think [the customer] wants to be able to come in and get a sense of the environment, since really, being in a store allows you to do things. You're able to give people an experience across multiple senses. It's like the difference between having a relationship over email and once in person. It really allows the brand to come to life in a much more tangible way,” as per Jennifer Gosselin,
the SVP and General Manager of Piperlime.

Rachel and Olivia's Picks

As you walk up the cobblestone street, you are greeted by this vibrant window display. The mannequins are perfectly style and are standing on the signature lime green colored flooring. In one display, there is a green staircase that has a mannequin descending down it. As you walk into the store, the entire vibe of the store is very modern and fresh. They had a section of jewelry that was arranged in a very precise way that made it easy to see each piece. The standout piece of the store was the shoerack, or a shoe palace. The curved shoe rack snakes around the store with seating surrounded it, making for easy trying-on pleasure. The rack is almost like a bookshelf with various shelves for shoes and bags. This makes for easy viewing of all the styles of boots, flats, heels, and sandals.
The great thing about this store is that it has something for EVERYONE! The styles range from leather dresses to colored blazers. Also, their price range suits everyones needs. A shopper can spend $15 on a piece of jewelry or $700 on a bag. My personal favorite aspects of the store included the section for the “Girl on a Budget... Psst Everything is Under $100”. Another great section was the “Color Clashing”. They had all types of pieces from blazers, blouses, shirts, and knits in a range of color from reds, navy, burnt yellow, and burgundy. Another fav, the sections of “Olivia Palermo Pick’s” and “Rachel Zoe’s Picks”. Each of these fashionista’s sections were very true to their own personal style. As a personal fan of Rachel Zoe, I could see nearly every piece from that section being worn on the designer/ stylist herself. Also, a unique twist was a board called, “Meet your new best friends”. It has various pieces of clothing and shows you how to mix and match each piece. This is a great way to get inspiration for your look or to help style the look.

"Girls on a Budget"

             A cool feature to the store is that the have computers that directly link you to the Piperlime website. This enables the customer to purchase products online and have them shipped overnight to the store for free. For anyone looking for a place to go shopping or a fashionista looking for a new place to shop, this is a MUST. On the weekends, this store is “wiped out” as people are going around the store trying to recreate the perfect look. This is an up-and-coming hot spot and is going to be a major shopping destination. Be sure to check it out!
This is on my “Lexa Likes” list!!