We're All Supposed to Be Wearing Kimonos

Or, at least, that's what it seems like this year, right? Not that I have a problem with it. As a proponent of the maxi dress (looks fancy, feels like you're wearing a blanket in public), obviously I can get behind the idea of the kimono. Loose fitting summer wear with cool patterns that are secretly just glorified bathrobes? Yes, please.

Now, what is generally being referred to as a "kimono" in the fashion world is not, in the strictest sense (or any sense, really), a kimono. That moniker belongs to a specific garment originating from Japan. That's all I'm going to say about that, because this is not a history blog. (This is a history blog.)

At any rate, I've been perusing the internetz, and I found some of these trendy garments that would make an interesting addition to a late summer outfit. I say go full-on print crazy! Go big or go home, amiright? What thinks you?

Summer Kimonos by strandedinchi

Trend Alert: Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera

Guys, you're right, I totally gave in.

In my travels this week, I stumbled upon a store that still had Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera in stock.  This shade in particular seems to be a bit of an obsession in the beauty world at the moment, and I seized the opportunity to give it a try.  On me, the color is a bit too chalky to work as lipwear, but it is the perfect blush shade, giving my face a nice, healthy glow.  The texture is slightly heavier than you would normally get out of a cream blush, but that's because of it's dual nature.  It blends exceptionally well, and it comes in a cute compact that pretty accurately reflects the color inside.

All in all, I see this being a summertime staple, as it adds a nice freshness to any look and it's easy to apply.  Bonus: the mirror inside doesn't suck!  That's a win for everyone.

Are you switching to cream blushes for the summer?

Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera ($25) available online at sephora.com, stilacosmetics.com, and ulta.com and available in store at Sephora and Ulta.

Here's a Trend I Want to Go Away!

Wedge.  Sneakers.

Now, when my sister told me a few months ago that she wanted a pair of these monstrosities, I was stunned that such a thing was being produced.  Little did I know that, located in New York, she was privy to the beginnings of what is apparently now a nationwide trend.  Or so People Magazine Style Watch would have me believe.

Ladies, do you not understand that you are one front platform away from wearing a Spice Girls-era sneaker (or trainer, as I'm sure they would call them)?  And that the very concept of a wedge sneaker is contradictory?

Q: What do wedges do?
A: Dress up your outfit a bit, at the cost of comfort.

Q: What do sneakers do?
A: Make your feet comfortable and occasionally look super fly and casual.

Q: What do wedge sneakers do?
A: NOTHING GOOD FOR YOUR STANDING, EITHER PHYSICALLY OR SOCIALLY.

In sum, please do not wear these.  Discourage this trend.  The only people who can get away with this are J. Lo and Rihanna because, let's face it, everyone is looking at their asses anyway (I am not going to get into the objectification of women in this society, it is beyond the purview of this post and, I hope, its readership.  This post is about shoes.).