Want to update your hair do? Try out one of these Hair Tutorials!

With Spring in full swing and Memorial Day weekend around the corner, this is the perfect time to give yourself a really quick & easy instant makeover.  I've picked out my top 4 video hair tutorials that cover everything from a beachy wave, braids and even the current trend fav-the sock bun.

 The 5-Strand Braid has my name written all over it, which one has you anxious to give your hair a new change?

5-Strand Braid:

Beachy Waves:

Casual Sock Bun:

Cute Milkmaid Braids:

*Videos: Fashionista.com

Current Shoe Obsession: Alaia Color Blocked Studded Sandals!

*Photo Credit: Net-a-porter

Alaia nailed the epitome of perfection with these color blocked studded sandals.  I've recently become obsessed with these sandals that I've literally ogled these on a number of different occassions day dreaming of every single outfit that they would pair perfectly with and yes you guessed right, everything in my closet would l   These beauties are crafted of the finest materials and made with fashion love by hand-if you snickered at the thought of fashion love, well then you've never tried on a pair of custom made footwear that feel as if they have been moulded to fit your feet perfectly.

What are your thoughts? Do these fit the bill of 'drool worthy'?

The Leather Jacket: Rev up with Rebel Cool!

What's the one article of clothing that can take any ensemble from safe to edgy or from blah to instantly on trend in seconds? Answer: The Leather Jacket.

The leather jacket instantly ups the ante when paired with a frilly and flirty cocktail dress or when worn simply with a pair of boyfriend jeans and a basic crew t-shirt top.

Check out my top picks below and let out your inner 'Rebel Cool'!

The Leather Jacket: Rev up with Rebel Cool! by afonua featuring genuine leather jackets

[Chicago Fashion Event] "A Day For Her" Event on Saturday, May 12th

This Saturday, May 12th from 10am to 6:30pm 900 North Michigan Shops and Friends of Prentice present "A Day For Her".  An all-day shopping event featuring exclusive offers. You can purchase a special ticket price of $20 in advance or $30 at the door (purchase ticket here).  This ticket gives you fabulous discounts, activities, treats and raffle prizes.  All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to benefit Friends of Prentice, the fundraising board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Prentice Women's Hospital.

Kick-off this Mother's Day weekend by shopping for your mom while at the same time helping a cause to benefit future mothers-to-be!

2012 Met Gala Red Carpet!

The Costume Institute Gala (or Costume Institute Ball), known as the Met Gala and nicknamed the "Oscars of the East Coast", is an annual ball that celebrates the annual opening of the Metropolitan Museum's (The Met) fashion exhibit at the Costume Institute.  This year's exhibit, "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversions"-an exploration into the the striking affinities between these two Italian designers from different eras.

Because this is a party to celebrate fashion in it's truest art form, celebrities show up to impress.  This is truly the only red carpet that you don't hold back-the more avant garde and eccentric the better.  What made this year even more of a delectable feast for the eyes was our ability to watch the red carpet being aired via livestream by Vogue, the host of the event.  Bravo to Vogue for making fashion more accessible (somewhat anyways).

Now on to beautiful fashions of the night.  There were definite "hits" and "misses" on the red carpet, but what I was ecstatic and thrilled about was that the attendees did not hold back and definitely let their inner fashion risk-taker out for the night.


Check out who made my 'Top 10 Best Dressed' and which celebrity was the natural 'Best Dressed' of the night:
*Photo Credit: Styleite

Solange Knowles in Rachel Roy

Rooney Mara in Givenchy

Camilla Bell in Calvin Klein

Christina Ricci in Thakoon

Lilly Collins in Valentino

Mia Wasikowska in Prada

Diane Kruger in Prada

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

Elizabeth Banks in Mary Katrantzou

My 'Best Dressed' of the night goes to Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe!

Karolina was a certified knock-out! The supermodel attended the event with designer/stylist, Rachel Zoe-who also happened to design the breathtaking creation.  Her custom long sleeve rose gold sequinned gown with open back and train has me quoting Rachel's famous catch phrase, "I DIE" because literally I just did.

Karolina accessorized her spectacular gown with a matching turban and gold clutch.  I honestly was dead set that Elizabeth Banks was going to be my top choice and then in sashayed Karolina.  I'm still speechless over this stunning ensemble. Well done Rachel Zoe, well done.
*Some text taken from Red Carpet Fashion Awards.

Printed Pants: Which print gets your vote?

Printed pants are one of the biggest trends this Spring and will definitely crossover into Summer.  With warmer weather comes bright, bold and vibrant colors.  While many opt for more of a statement making pair, I personally believe more can be said in the details.  Because the main focus is the all-over print, I prefer a pair with a monochrome color palette to highlight and draw more focus on the print.

I found two great print satin-silk pants and want you to chime with your opinion of which pair is more printastic!

Thomas Wylde vs. Helene Berman

Printed Pants! by afonua featuring cropped pants

Anna Dello Russo for H&M!

Anna Dello Russo for H&M Fashion Accessories pictured above

H&M has hit a home-run in partnering with Vogue Japan's Fashion Director Anna Dello Russo to collaborate on an over-the-top fashion accessories collection.  Miss Dello Russo is the definition of unique, jaw-dropping, luxe fashion accessories.  Of all of the unique and celebrated fashion tastemakes that are staples during the fashion week shows, she is the one I make an effort to search for.  Why? Because this she embodies my style mantra: Killer Accessories.  The avant garde over-the-top accessories she showcases during fashion week are immediately the next big thing (I mean seriously, who would have thought that the Jil Sander Veiled Knit Hat is more chic than bridal).

I definitely will be rushing out to H&M to snag a few AdR pieces.  The official launch will be occuring on October 4th, 2012 and to only 140 select store worldwide-fingers crossed that one of the Chicago stores will be in that count. 

If you are still on the fence, check out this video below to learn more about Anna Dello Russo and why H&M decided to choose her for this special collaboration: