How to wear Safari without going Zookeeper

On the runways at the fashion shows in Paris, New York and Toronto, the safari trend made a strong comeback this year. Have you been scared to try this trend? Worried about looking like a zookeeper or actual safari guide? No more, because here’s Senzu’s easy how-to for this awesome trend!

Senzu’s Top 10 Tips on looking Safari Inspired:

10. Wear the trend, don’t let it wear you. As with many trends, the key to getting it right is not to overdo it. Cargo capris in safari green are fine, but then don’t add more pockets on the top too.

9. Keep the silhouette clean. Use the ever-present contrasting shapes rule: if you’re going flared or wide on your lower half (think wide pants, maxi skirt or dress), then make sure your upper half is more fitted. And vice versa. You don’t want to get lost in your outfit. 

8. Go green! This is the perfect trend to go with earth-friendly fabrics. Organic cottons, the new (soft) hemp, linens and soft eco-cotton knits usually come in great designs that work the safari look fabulously.

7. Go green, again! Really! Khaki, kiwi, moss, wheatgrass, army green, beige, brown, emerald, taupe and grays are all great color options within this trend. 

6. Monotone is exciting! The safari look is one look that works really well from head to toe in one color, or one colour range. It will pull your look together.

5. Off-set your safari. Using khaki and army green for your main item and then offsetting it with a contrasting colour such as canary yellow, bright white or black will give your safari look a modern twist. This works especially well at the office!

4. Belts to Boot! Strappy sandals and wedges work extremely well with this trend. 

3. Safari looks best during the day, as it is usually a more casual look. To bring safari out at night, keep your silhouette very clean and minimalist, and accessorize!

2. Bring out the Animal in you! Yes, you can add animal print! Your most elegant option is to use it in accessories such as shoes and purse. For the daring ladies out there, try a animal print shirt, dress or skirt. It’s best to only use animal print in your outfit once, or it will look ‘tried too hard’.  

1. Go bold on accessories! Think big leather purses; wide naturally toned belts that flatter your figure, and go for statement necklaces, hoop earrings, bracelets and African-inspired pieces. Senzu has lots of hoop earrings that were just added to their Elements Collection, and also check out the fabulous natural necklaces and woven leather bracelets in the Senzu Naturals Collection.

We’ve included a great Safari lookbook here to inspire you to try this summery trend. what do you think, are you game to try the Safari trend this year? 

Your Senzu Style Insider,

Cristel


Accessories featured in this blog: Senzu Jewelry. Fashion and cosmetics by Elie Tahari, Ralph Lauren, Erin Fetherson, Revlon, Afterglow, Tod's and more.  

How To Work this Summer's all-white Trend!

This spring and summer a lot of awesome trends are hot (hopefully the weather will follow!). Today we’ll focus how to make the white-on-white trend work for you. It is easy to look fabulous in white! Here’s our Top 10 Tips on how to rock the white fashion trend this summer:


10. White is not boring! White looks great on all skin tones, and any outfit that’s all one colour will make you look leaner. 
9. Silhouettes on the shade. The white trend follows this year’s silhouette guidelines; soft fabrics, feminine shapes and flowing lines. A-line skirts, maxi dresses, flare pants, peasant shirts, linens and ultra-soft cottons are all joining the party. Layering is done without adding bulk; if you go wide on the bottom, then keep the top more fitted, and vice versa.

8. It’s not all white! Whites and soft creams or off-whites can go together. Just try to keep it to one or two tones max, or it will look mismatched. 
7. Casual of Dressy? Either one goes; a white Jackie-O style sundress with white scarf or jacket, white pantsuit, white cargo capris with a white peasant shirt or t-shirt, the trend works both for the office and weekend relaxed. 
6. Nights in white satin? The white trend will carry you from daytime into the evening hours seamlessly. To dress white up more in the evenings, minimalistic lines work well at night and try wearing it with more jewelry or sparkling accessories, or change up footwear from ballerinas to wedges.  
5. White hair? The white fashion trend looks awesome with any hair color, just as it goes nicely with any skin color. Wear hair up or down, short of long, up to you. A small hair accessory like a hair slide or clip always dresses up any outfit. 
4. Keep an eye out! You don’t want to create too much of a contrast by distracting from with your all-white outfit with heavily made up eyes. The trend emphasizes natural colors and tones, so soft pinks, beiges and complimenting tones will make you look radiant in white. Soft tones in lipstick or a glossy lip balm are both great options for lips.
3. Show your heels. This summer the trend is heavy on ballarinas, strappy sandals, wedges and natural leather tones. To lengthen your silhouette, go with matching colours (whites) or skin tone neutrals on your tootsies. If your shoes are open, consider a French Pedicure for pretty, match-the-trend nails. 
2. Belt it out! For a more dressy look, go with a thinner fitted belt that either blends with your all-white  outfit or for a bolder look, pick a very bright orange, pink, green or navy colour. The casual, all-white look is best done with a loosely worn, wider, natural toned belt that is slung low on the hips. Great with cargo pants and a peasant shirt or longer t-shirt. 
1. Accessorize white on white too! Senzu has a great range of natural jewelry, necklaces with white pendants, pearls, white Swarovski crystals, silver jewelry that will compliment your all-white outfit. 


Check out these all-white lookbooks we’ve put together to give you inspiration. The angelic models and all-white fashion courtesy of Victoria’s Secret (all rights reserved), all jewelry by Senzu. 


Let us know what you think of this trend? 
Your Senzu Style Insider,


Cristel

Senzu’s Top 10 tips for a fabulous Wedding Day.

With the Royal wedding bells still ringing in our ears, the 2011 wedding season is off to a great start. Sitting at Bronte’s Compass Restaurant recently, we witnessed at least 3 wedding parties taking pictures! Are you getting married this year or will you be attending a wedding? These tips will help you look fabulous and relaxed on the Big Day, whether you’re the bride or not!

Senzu’s Wedding Day Top 10 Tips:

10. Be a Girl Scout! Last thing you want to do is be stressed out on what’s supposed to be your special day. So plan ahead and be prepared. Keep a journal or to-do list to keep track of things to organise, and start on it early. 

9. Call in the troops! Whether you are planning a big event or a small gathering, with or without bridesmaids, don’t try to do everything by yourself. Involve your friends, sisters or husband-to-be. They’ll feel honored to be part of the big day and proud to have helped make it a success. 

8. Be Budget Savvy! Determine what you can afford to spend on your wedding and stay within it. Make a list of all the expenses related to the big day (dress, minister, flowers, tux rentals, thank-you gifts, marriage license, limo rental, entertainment, food, hall rental, etc., etc.) and figure out where to save and where you can afford to splurge. You don’t want to start your married life with a debt from your wedding day expenses. If you're in the Toronto area, this Senzu Style Insider recommends Bizou Catering for fabulous food and service at affordable prices. 

7. It’s your party, do what you want to! Personalize your big day by making it unique to you. Get married on a boat; in your back yard; in your bare feet; in a purple dress; by your uncle the priest; wearing your mom’s wedding dress from the 70s; eloping to Alaska; or whatever! Make it your unique wedding event, and you and everyone will remember it forever!

6. Take it Easy! Make sure you get enough sleep in the few days before your wedding day. Nobody’s expected to sleep well the night before (jitters!), so get enough rest leading up to the big day; you’ll feel less stressed and look better too! 

5. Smile! You’re getting married! The wedding day is just the beginning of the journey. Even if something does not go exactly to plan, take a breath and enjoy the rest of the day.

4. Dress Rehearsal. Lay out your entire wedding day outfit(s) the day before. Having everything ready for you when you get up on the day itself, including your make-up and hair accessories (if you’re doing your hair yourself), will allow you a few extra minutes to enjoy the calm before the storm, and you won’t be able to forget anything! 

3. Eat that! Make sure to have something to eat for breakfast. Preferably something low-fat (non-bloating), with slow-releasing carbohydrates, such as oatmeal with blueberries, a nice bowl of granola with nuts and yoghurt or brown toast with a bit of fruit. You’ll need your energy for this busy day, and a solid breakfast will keep you on your feet, feeling better longer. 

2. Emergency Kit: Check! It’s a good idea to put together a small kit with items that may come in handy in a pinch. Put items such as a travel-sized sewing kit (including a couple safety pins!), clear nail polish (for panty hose/stocking runs), an extra set of panty hose or stockings, aspirin in a small bag. Other handy items would be tissues, mints, tampons, hand cream, and band-aids. Have your bridesmaid, a family member or a friend hang on to it for you on the big day. 

1. Wear jewelry that you’ll use again! Senzu has a gorgeous range of pearl, crystal and natural jewelry that will allow you to express your happiness and compliment your gown and overall look completely, without breaking the bank. And you’ll be able to wear it again and again, with jeans, cocktail dress or to the office. 

Browse our extensive, 200+ jewels for the entire wedding party (they make great bridesmaids’ gifts too!), including mom and the groom!

Finally, there's The Ultimate Women's Show coming up this weekend in Hamilton. It's a great opportunity to get your girlfriends together and get some wedding shopping done, as there will be over 150 different booths with event organizers, fashion designers, wedding companies, venues, jewelry and much more. Senzu will be there also, please come see us at booth 236! For more info, check our Facebook Event Page. 

Have a great Wedding Day! 

Your Senzu Style Insider,

Cristel