OMG. Nails. The nail art trend has captivated us since its humble beginnings as just a few simple polkadots adorning ring finger enamel and has since catapulted to extreme proportions while simultaneously holding the number one spot as the most ridiculous use of time since the bedazzler. But hey, what can we say? We’re obsessed. We also love anything ombre (i.e: dip-dyed sweaters, jeans and supermodel hair), so when Free People’s blog, BLDG 25 posted this easy way to ombre your own nails, we couldn’t help but share. Just round up your two favorite shades, a sponge and a toothpick, follow the instructions on the website and you are on your way to having the most stylish nails in the office. People will be blue-faded-into-green with envy.

image via BLDG 25

Picture yourself walking through a pair of swinging saloon doors in a sepia toned world filled with cowboys, sporting women and boots with the spurs. While the look of the Old West has never really faded out of fashion – a fact that remains particularly true here in Arizona – this season’s looks from the South West are updated and fashion forward. Some of our favorite designers such as Isabel Marant and Hermès have taken the trend to the runway and our favorite, affordable lines like Free People, Levis and Dolce Vita have taken it to streets for all to enjoy. Check out the looks we wrangled up after the jump.  »READ MORE

Ah denim, the fabric of our lives. Oh, that’s not how the saying goes? Well, someone should tell that to the seemingly infinite denim manufacturers around the world and the endless styles they have been pumping out the past hundred or so years. From the classic boot cut to the ever-popular colored and printed styles of today, we live our lives in jeans and have an insatiable appetite for what’s to come in the way of the world’s most popular casual textile. This is why the latest trends have us all excited and already on the hunt for next season’s big denim buys. Keep your eyes peeled for the perfect coated, embroidered and zippered styles to instantly update your wardrobe. Check out some of our favorite jeans from each trend after the jump and happy shopping.  »READ MORE

I’ll tell you what we want (what we really, really want) is to be able to walk out public dressed in the season’s “athletic” trend and not look like we just came from the gym. It’s cool that you workout, or whatever, but a post-sweat session shower is 100% necessary and that means so is changing your clothes. So how does one incorporate the sporty style into her wardrobe without looking like she could strike a downward dog pose at any moment? Allow us to help you out with that. Stick with one or two pieces from the trend like a great sneaker wedge or athletic-inspired tank top (Stella McCartney for Adidas, anyone?) in a single outfit. You can even take on the look by exchanging your regular tote for a super-cool convertible backpack. Check out some items we’d sprint a mile to have in our wardrobes after the jump.

image via elle.com from Alexander Wang Spring 2012

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Oh, hello triple digit temperatures. While we haven’t missed you in the slightest, we do realize you are as inevitable as death and taxes in the desert and have come to accept it (with the help various coping methods and modern technology). One of these methods involves staying cool while still looking hot. Shades of mint have been prominent this season and for good reason. The color is flattering on most anyone, it looks good with everything and it’s easy to accessorize with chunky mixed metals or bright neon pops. Check out our favorite “minty fresh” looks after the jump.  »READ MORE

It’s hot. Already. The sweaty weather has arrived and it’s not even May. This is either a cruel joke played at the hands of our favorite frenemy, Mother Nature, or a climate controlled conspiracy that has us shopping for summer clothing for the benefit of both the fashion industry and every boy who doesn’t also like boys. Guess we’ll have to suck it up and shop for everyone’s favorite onesie: the perfect summer dress. We’re loving the look of above-the-knee silhouettes in bold prints this season, but the maxi still has a special place in our fashion-obsessed hearts.  »READ MORE

Sure, they’re no Beats by Dre, but we say personalizing your own earbuds by following these steps on BLDG 25 will give you the swagger you need while listening to all your favorite tunes. Easy as making a friendship bracelet and  about as time consuming, all this DIY project requires is a pair of simple headphones (which you can find at Target for around 10 bucks if you want to experiment), your favorite colors of embroidery thread and some scissors. Follow the steps on the website, or create your own pattern and rack up even more street cred. It’s like music to your eyes.

With week one down and another fashion-packed three day extravaganza ahead, it’s only right that we highlight our favorite looks from the first round of desert’s most famous music festival. Lots of trends could be seen on the style-conscious crowd and the somewhat unpredictable weather made for a much more interesting mix. While we know Tupac’s hologram was obviously the hottest thing going, you can check out who we declared “fest dressed” in our gallery after the jump after scouring the blogs and fashion sites like Refinery 29, Fashion Toast, Song of Style, Pinterest and BLDG 25.  »READ MORE

Perhaps it’s all this festival chatter, but the funky patterned carryalls we keep spotting in stores and slung over the shoulders of those effortlessly stylish “It” girls are really getting to us. A splash of color and a spattering of Southwestern influence is just what your wardrobe needs heading into the warmer months, not to mention it’s the perfect, worry-free accessory for wherever your travels may take you. A bevy of bags await your after the jump in all shapes, sizes and prices.  »READ MORE

Oops, they did it again. By “they” we are referring to those crazed fashion designers and buyers who rule our lives whether we like it or not, and by “it” we are referencing all those cropped t-shirts, tanks and bra tops that keep popping up like a bad dream. Thank goodness this go-around is a little different than the 90s version we all regret. Rather than pairing your pint-sized shirt with a pair of low-rise jeans or a mini skirt (gag), this trend looks best with a higher rise bottom. You can pair yours with a high-rise skinny, a pair of oh-so-forgiving high-waisted shorts or a pleated maxi that sits right at the waist to ensure the little skin showing is more Kelly Kapowski than B. Spears because, admit it, don’t we all secretly want to be Kelly?

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If you are lucky enough to be heading out to one of the two festival weekends this year, then we are overcome with jealousy. Over the years, Coachella has evolved to become much more than just a music festival, but rather a destination for lovers of fashion, art and the counter-culture of youth that just wants to scream “Damn the Man, Save the Empire!” while going to see their favorite indie-label bands. Enough sentiment, back to the fashion. It’s hot, it’s sweaty and it’s the perfect excuse to dress like that crazed, 21st century hippie you secretly harbor inside. Don’t be shy. We have a few great options and lots of inspiration from past festivals in our gallery after the jump.  »READ MORE

Hey, if you got gams, flaunt ‘em. If you don’t, fake it ’til you make it with a flattering cut, a pair of good shoes and a tan. We live in a land where the less clothing you wear, the less likely you are to run someone off the road in a blinding heat-induced rage, so why not look cute with what little we have to work with? Now, we are not suggesting (by any means) that cheeks be exposed in the process….although this is a “thing” with the younger set. No, we’re simply talking a flattering pair of shorts that weren’t made by Levi Strauss in the 9os.  This short of this season comes in airy fabrics and bold patterns and colors so it is easy to wear these with simple accessories and a neutral top for a Spring perfect ensemble. Check out the short and the shorter of it after the jump.

image via Aimee Song of Song of Style  »READ MORE

Going somewhere? While travel is exciting and full of promise, nothing can suck the romance out of it then staring at the endless line of black luggage on a conveyor belt. Shake up your suitcase with your very own luggage tag, made by you and totally original courtesy of BLDG 25. You can use scraps of leftover fabric or leather to create your unique tag and adorn it with whatever you choose. We love the idea of a sturdy leather tag with hand painted adornments like the one on the blog, but along with the step-by-step instructions, you can also find inspiration on how to go your own way with this.

While pretty pastels and floral patterns are still huge this spring (literally, have you seen the size of the flowers in DVF’s Spring Collection?), we have been seeing neon popping up everywhere and couldn’t be more thrilled about the reintroduction of these traffic stopping shades. Whether it’s psychedelic yellow trim lining your hot spring shoes, a fluorescent clutch firmly by your side or a not-so-subtle pink necklace making a statement next to your neutrals, neon is one thing to invest in this season. Start small, just one great accessory is enough to take a fashion stand. It will help make your classics a little more current and it will keep you away from a dreadful 80s flashback. Our favorite day-glow picks await you after the jump.  »READ MORE

Doesn’t it just kill you when trends come back? Pieces you gave away years ago all of the sudden pop up on all of your favorite bloggers, much to your surprise and anger, and all you can do is just take a deep breath and realize that you shouldn’t succumb to the heartless, unpredictable and unforgiving world of trends. You should trust your fashion gut and keep items like that perfect denim jacket you scored circa 2001 even when those silly magazine put them in the “out”  column. You have our permission to give the fashion industry the proverbial middle finger on this one. The good news? This is an excuse to go out and shop and trust us, the top half of the Canadian tuxedo is good this season. Perfect for chilly spring days thrown over your favorite dress and practically made for the colored skinny jeans we’re seeing in every store window, the denim jacket is a season must. See options and outfit inspiration after the jump.  »READ MORE

Yes, you get it. It’s Valentine’s Day. A day for lovers. A day for chocolate. A day for fat babies flying around shooting arrows at people in a slightly violent, yet touching, attempt to unite singles in this crazy little thing called love. If you don’t care and want to vomit at the thought, then please feel free to ignore this adorable DIY video nail tutorial from BLDG 25. Glam out those nails like those funky folks at Free People. At least your hands will get some action today.

video from BLDG 25 and you can see more great ideas like this by visiting this awesome blog!

An instant pick-me-up for any outfit, infinity scarves are a safe way to add color, texture and patterns into your mostly neutral wardrobe. The best part, they are relatively inexpensive (depending on the brand you choose), so you can stock up and make it part of your signature style. The even better than the best part is that it really doesn’t matter the weather, different weights make it an every season (even when it’s unseasonably warm in January) staple. You can even tie a regular scarf to look like an infinity scarf making the possibilities truly mind-boggling.Check out more styles like the Donni Charm ones pictured in our gallery after the jump.

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Now, we know what you’re thinking and yes, wide leg jeans have been trending circa spring 2010 and slowly, but surely, made their way into the wardrobes of fashion mavens the world over, but we aren’t talking about wide leg jeans here. No, we are talking full on flowy, patterned, Hello 1969 called and they want their pants back kind of pants. They are out a little out there, some even may say zany, but they are fantastic and comfy to boot. Want to see just what we’re talking about? Read more to see the wide leg pant mecca after the jump.

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It’s time to shake up your traditional winter look by incorporating one of the most luxurious and rich-looking fabrics into your wardrobe. Velvet may have gotten a tacky rap back in the 90s after it took over everything from shoes to overalls, but it’s back in the classiest of ways. Blazers, pants, dresses and skirts, this is one holiday look to keep in mind. Check out our favorite velvet items to wear now after the jump.  »READ MORE

We can’t condone all of the early holiday decorations littering local shopping malls and it is way too soon for Christmas tunes (cough, cough Starbucks), but it is never too early to start looking for the perfect holiday dress. Parties, family gatherings and New Years Eve are just a few reasons to check out what’s out there now so you aren’t scrambling later. Whether you are one for lots of sparkle or just little, pops of color or the traditional LBD, we have some great looks to keep you looking your best come party season. Strappy heels, sheer tights and the perfect clutch is all you need for simple holiday elegance.  Just consider it an early present… for yourself. »READ MORE

With cheap yet luxe looking faux fur everywhere these days, channeling your inner Rachel Zoe has never been easier. By throwing on these animal friendly fashion statements, you can take your outfit from street to chic. Take on a small, subtle scarf or trimmed jacket or go bold with a full on winter coat. Take a look at what we’re looking at after the jump.

Image Via Natalie Off Duty  »READ MORE

We heard on the news there is a “cold front” heading through our fine state. What we really heard during that news clip? “Blah, blah blah fall jacket.” Since the chill in the air doesn’t merit a full on parka, we suggest one of the season’s hottest embellished jackets to pair with a scarf, jeans and boots to keep stylish and warm well into the evening. Leather and sequins and beads! Oh my! Check out our many picks after the jump. Image via Where Did U Get That  »READ MORE

Feeling hot, hot, hot? That’s because no one sent the season change memo to the bureau of Mother Nature that controls this particular desert. Might as well look as hot as you feel in this seasons red hot trend, bright red bottoms. Pants, shorts, jeans, skirts….we don’t care, as long as you’ve got something covering your underwear in this super trendy shade. The best part? This applies to both men and women (well, maybe not the skirts) and we’ve got options galore after the jump.  »READ MORE

With cooler temperatures finally creeping in, there is plenty of opportunity to wear the airy, feminine blouses of fall out and about. While the neo-grunge look will always have a place in the hearts of fashionistas and designers alike, it’s nice to feel feminine every once and awhile with silky sheer fabrics adorned with bows and patterned with polka dots. We’ve got our favorite picks after the jump in a gallery fit for a pretty, pretty princess.  »READ MORE

If you’re ready to take a match to your summer wardrobe, rest assured you are not alone. When fall’s finest hits shelves, it’s hard not to drool over the thought of layering without literally overheating on the walk from the grocery store to the parking lot, but we have a temporary solution. Who says you can’t adjust your wardrobe to the season even when the weather does not permit? Get into the spirit with 2011 fall color spectrum by getting your hands on lightweight pieces to wear now and layer later. Trust us, it will really get you in the autumn zone before the first leaf finally falls….in December. Check our our ready-to-wear right now picks after the jump.  »READ MORE