Hot Taupic: Lobs

What do you get when you give a "Bob" hairstyle a little more length than it's used to? A Lob (long Bob hairstyle)! This hairstyle has taken over the spring season and is said to continue its fame throughout the summer season as well. I personally love this style since I've always seen "Bobs" as being a little too short for comfort. Its the perfect cut that allows you to still curl your hair without turning into Shirley Temple. It also gives you the option of going long and sleek if you straighten it. In my book it's a win-win! Several celebrities have taken on the trend and added a unique personal touch to make it their own. I've put together a couple of photos to give you ladies a little Lob inspiration since their are so many different approaches to it!

#1: Straight Lob

#2: Wavy Lob

#3: Lob with Choppy Front Bangs

#4: Partially slicked back Lob

#5: Tousled, Voluminous Lob

These are just a few examples of how celebrities took the Lob trend and made it into their own fashion statement. A key point to keep in mind when selecting which one is best for you is the shape of you face. Also it's crucial to consider the type of hair you have before cutting it too short. If you have naturally straighter hair then feel free to chop, chop, chop. However if you have naturally curly/frizzy/course hair, cutting it too short could add some serious volume. Once you've found a style you like, consult with your hairdresser as she'll know more on what's best in the long run for you!

Taupe Trend Alert: Culottes!

I know what you’re thinking…Culottes?! I too was skeptical of the trend until I saw one of my celebrity fashion icons Kelly Ripa sporting them on LIVE with Kelly and Michael. Culottes are known for originally being worn by men of the European upper-classes beginning in the Renaissance Era and by women beginning in the Victorian Era. To the eye they look like a combination of capri pants and gauchos. Who knew they’d be making a comeback in 2015?!

*DISCLAIMER: I do not think this cut of pant is for everyone nor do I believe that it will be accepted by all. I do however believe that it can definitely be pulled off with the right pairing techniques and the perfect amount of confidence!*

For those of you who love staying on taupe of a new trend I've compiled quite a few examples of how to rock culottes to help you get started:

1. Office Culottes

Of course I had to start with a picture of where I saw the trend first. It was probably best it was one of my fashion icons wearing them because I'm not sure how accepting of the trend I would have been if I had seen them done incorrectly at first. Anyways, Kelly Ripa makes these pants look like they were made for her! They're appropriate for the office and can be paired with pumps for a date after work!

2. Weekend Culottes

This look worn found on Karla's Closet blog, is a  much more casual and fun take on culottes. It's perfect for any weekend endeavors you may have. To transform this look to a night time knockout, add some standout accessories and killer pumps! This look can also be made work appropriate by swapping the crop top for a white button down blouse and some nude closed toe heels.

3. The Perfect In Between Culottes

Not headed to work or to a girls night out but still want to sport a pair of culottes? No problem! Here's a picture of the gorgeous Gigi Hadid's take on fun yet still conservative culottes. Her choice of short sleeves and royal blue pair together perfectly to create an effortlessly chic ensemble. 

Again, I know these aren't for everyone but I encourage everyone to at least give them a shot because if you never try them on you'll never know how they look. Happy Shopping!

Graduating at the taupe of your class!

As my graduation day comes dauntingly closer and closer (and for some reason my school has added a countdown feature to their Instagram page that I do not appreciate in the least bit), I have been struggling to find the perfect dress to celebrate the completion of my college education. I know that I can't be the only one and therefore am dedicating this blog to all of you ladies who are also going through this process.

Luckily, I am an avid online shopper and therefore knew plenty of the places to search for a dress. For those of you who aren't sure where to shop, here's a brief list of some of my favorites (it's hard not to find a minimum of 5 dresses on each site, so brace yourselves):

1. RevolveClothing.com

2. ShopBop.com

3. Asos.com

4. Bcbg.com

5. NastyGal.com

6. Lulus.com

7. Bloomingdales.com (the equivalent of hitting the jackpot)

8. FreePeople.com

9. Tobi.com (a little less promising than the others for the occasion, but still has options)

10. SaksFifthAvenue.com (this one can be overwhelming if you're not a fan of shopping, but if you are, you've basically hit Mecca)

On any of these online portals, you can access hundreds of dresses through the click of a button. Pertaining to the fit of the dress, I suggest you stick to a cut that you know flatters your shape. Your graduation day is not the day to try a wildcard. Instead you should be comfortable, radiant, and most importantly feel your absolute best. If you are wanting to spice things up a little bit, I suggests you do so with the color of you dress. It's much easier to pull off a color than it is to pull of an unflattering shape.

Next step to your graduation look is shoes! Once again ladies this is no time for a wildcard since you'll most likely be on your feet all day. Therefore pick a comfortable heel height (wedge is best since there's about a 99.9% chance that at some point in the day you'll be on grass) that is also appropriate for the length of your dress.

Lastly, it's time to accessorize! Now here is where you don't want to overdo it. You should be the center of attention on this day and pictures should reflect it too. Therefore you can't go wrong with a classic pair of studs (diamonds or pearls are always a win), a simple yet elegant necklace, and a couple of dainty rings. This is also a great time to wear jewelry that has been passed down in your family since the majority of them will be there and will be expecting to see you wearing them.

I hope this blog makes the process a little easier and that each of you find the perfect dress that makes you feel beautiful inside and out on your special day. Also don't forget that the day is a celebration about your achievement so don't stress too much over the little things!

Taupe Notch Gals: My Favorite Fashion Bloggers!

Creating Taupe Shop was not as easy as I thought it would be, but having other fashion bloggers to pull inspiration from certainly helped! Whenever you are starting a new endeavor I highly advise you look at those who are not only already doing it, but are also excelling tremendously at it. Therefore I've complied a list of 5 gals who kill the blogging game, work their butts off and look fierce while doing so. Even if you're not into blogging and are just looking for outfit ideas, hidden restaurants, or travel destinations I recommend you check out these accounts! (These are in no particular order as they're all equally amazing in my mind)

#1: Julia Engel- Gal Meets Glam

This gorgeous blogger covers it all: style, travel, beauty, and lifestyle! Her style is fun, flirty, and never disappointing. My favorite thing about her is that she finds the tastiest healthy meals, but can indulge in a coconut ice cream cookie sandwich while relaxing on vacation. 

#2: Jessica Stein- Tuula Vintage

Travel and style are this gals forte! Originally from Sydney, Australia, she brings an international perspective to the table. She travels the world constantly and never forgets to show her followers where her adventure took her that day (often it takes her to delicious eateries that make your mouth water through the screen). 

#3: Mary Seng- Happily Grey

This Nashville style blogger brings a minimalist look along with her everywhere she goes. She'll have you asking yourself why you didn't put that outfit together weeks ago. Not to mention she has a darling Great Dane that will brighten your day every time she makes an appearance. 

#4: Natasha Oakley- Tashoakley

Another Australian blogger with an amazing sense of style. Natasha is the co-creator of A Bikini A Day and the designer of Monday Swimwear, so you know she's got the best swimsuits around (and arguably the best bod around too)! She also seems to live at the beach, so her pictures are breath taking and make you wish you were there with her. 

#5: Kat Tanita: With Love From Kat

This New York City based blogger covers fashion, beauty and travel all while maintaining an impeccable style. She'll keep you updated on the best books to read, shoes to buy, restaurants to go to, and places to see!

Keeping you on taupe of things: It's officially Spring!

In case you haven't heard, the Spring season has officially arrived. That means it's time to bring out the pastels from the back of your closet and pull out those open-toe shoes that have been mocking you all winter long. You may be asking what colors are said to be a hit this Spring, but no worries I've done all of the research for you! Pantone recently released their annual color prediction for all of the 2015 seasons, and contrary to last spring's neons, this spring features more muted colors (hello beautiful neutrals). So, without further adieu, I give you this Spring's hottest colors:

1. Aquamarine

This color is a calm, dreamy blue that is said to be soothing. It's color roots stem back to the ocean, making it the perfect color to pack for a vacation(or to wear any day as a relaxing reminder of the beach and sunny days).

2. Scuba Blue

This color has much more vibrant and vivacious notes. It can be worn as the as the perfect pick me up as it's color contains a contagious energy.

3. Lucite Green

This color is comparable to aquamarine as it too is very soothing in nature. It's hues are refreshing, gentle, and airy making it the perfect color for a breezy day.

4. Classic Blue

This color, like it's name, is classic and confident. It's one of the more bold colors Pantone listed for the season making it perfect for a work presentation or a formal evening out to send your confidence soaring. 

5. Toasted Almond 

(I'd like one of everything in this color, please!)

Like I said, hello beautiful neutral! This color has a very warm, organic hue that embodies the summer season just around the corner. 

6. Strawberry Ice

This color is very refreshing and sweet, much like the name suggests. It has a glowing hue and tempting charm that makes it a hard color choice to refuse. 

7. Tangerine

This color is bold without being overly in your face. It's hue is juicy and irresistible

making it a must have color if you're looking to spice things up this Spring.

8. Custard

This color makes you want to floor it to your closest ice cream parlor. It's hue is fun, sunny, and lighthearted. So if you're a "wherever the wind takes me" kind of gal, this is the perfect color for you!

9. Marsala

This color is as yummy as it sounds. It's one of Pantone's more daring choices, and I'm all about it. It's hue is sensual, warm and sophisticated.

10. Glacier Gray (A Taupe Shop favorite!)

This timeless color is one to always have in your closet. It can easily be transitioned from fall to winter, winter to spring, spring to summer, and summer to fall. It has a relaxing and peaceful hue that is perfect for starting your day off on a positive note!

So now that you have all of the color info you'll need to look your best this Spring, go out and have some fun with it! Even if you're wearing a color not on the list, remember that it's your confidence that ultimately makes an outfit work.