Konnichiwa!

I'm not trying to get you all jealous, but I'll be heading to Japan in 2 weeks! My husband and I postponed our honeymoon for a year and figured we'd go all out, since we both LOVE Japanese culture and fashion.

And fashion indeed! Just like in the big American cities like New York, with their Uptown and Downtown fashion, Tokyo has different fashion scenes as well. Perhaps the most "popular" (more like eclectic or crazy) style is from the Harajuku area of Tokyo. Harajuku is made up of many different aspects; there isn't one thing that can be considered as Harajuku. The style involves layering, colors, accessories - anything and everything that makes you stand out and be an individual. Mixing and matching (and mismatching) patterns and fashions, gothic, punk, cosplay (dressing up like your favorite anime character), wearing cutsy pieces, teddy bears, cartoon characters, and the beloved, Hello Kitty. Anything that is unique or original, hand-made, did-it-yourself, 'Bedazzled' - slap it on and walk the Jingu Bridge in Tokyo, and you'll fit right in.

I think I might just stroll across the bridge with my camera, in my normal jeans and t-shirts, I'm just not Harajuku material ;) I'll be sure to share pictures with you all! Sayonara!

It's the Year of the Tiger!

Beginning February 14 is the year of the Tiger!

The tiger is a strong sign, characterized by bravery, competitiveness and a fierce nature. We are expecting our second child this June and reading about her Chinese zodiac sign makes me wonder who she will grow up to be...

Tiger
Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog.

Highly seductive...oh no! Looks like we will have our hands full when she is a teenager!

So what is your sign?

by Suzy

My Review of the Boyfriend Blazer

Originally submitted at Metrostyle

5out of 5

Pros: Stylish, Nice fabric, Attractive Design, Versatile

Best Uses: Office, Going Out, Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Trendy, High-end shopper, Practical

I'm wearing this blazer today with a designer tee and jeans, but all people can talk about is how amazing my bf blazer is!
Bought the grey color cuz I thought it would be a good transitional color from winter to spring. The fabric is much richer than I thought - it's actually a satin fabric (but not shiny). The fit on the body is pretty good, and I LOVE the print lining when you roll up the sleeves. It's a tad tight in the bust area, so if you are a D or above and want to wear it closed, you may want to go up a size.

Overall - I'd grade this blazer an A- for fit, A for style and A++ for the price.

(legalese)

Makeup for the Over 30 Girl

This past weekend, my sisters and I decided to meet up for a fun day of shopping and sister-bonding. The main event of our “sister day” was getting makeovers at MAC.

I’ll admit that the older I get, the more I find myself going back to my “old faithful” shades...especially for eye makeup. So, I was excited to see what fun new trends the MAC consultant would recommend.

Of course, when the consultant came out with a palette of creams and reds…I was shocked! I told him that I normally wear a dark plum on my eyes, or sometimes a rich dark brown…I didn’t think the brick red he was holding was going to work AT ALL.

“When you’re a girl over 30, the darker colors fall into the creases around the eye,” he explained (God love him for not calling them wrinkles). “And that can make your eyes look sunken in. Brighter shades reflect more light and make you look just a little bit more…refreshed.”

I was pretty skeptical, but I let him try his “lighter, brighter shades” on me. And as much as I hate to admit it, he was right. My “creases” were much less noticeable, and it did make my blue eyes look brighter.

So there you go girls…if you’re over 30 and looking for a change, try a brighter eye shadow. You may just be surprised at how “refreshed” you look and feel.

DO MY SHOULDERS MAKE ME LOOK FAT?

So, they are back...

Big shoulders from the 80's!

You know, the linebacker shoulders on a woman's body.

I don't know about you but this is not flattering!!

Why does any woman of a legal age want her clothes to make look bigger?

So I ask, strong shoulders hot or not?

Magic Shoes

Have you guys heard of the new Reebok Easy Tone Sneakers? I just bought a pair yesterday and can’t wait to see if they really do what they claim. They claim to increase muscle activation in your calves and glutes when you walk. I am hoping that they work as they claim! I’m not big on exercising so any increase in the effects of any activity I am doing is appreciated. Now I know their not magic shoes and won’t magically make my legs and glutes look good. I know that when I’m sitting at my desk they are not working. But I am hoping that trips to the bathroom and cafeteria will be more productive. I am also going to start walking more to maximize the benefits of my new shoes. I can’t wait to see the results! The perfect pants to emphasize my new physique- Skinny Jeans!


by Sara

Pantone Color Report for Spring 2010

Not too long ago Pantone released their Fashion Color Report for Spring 2010, choosing Turquoise, Tomato Purée and Violet (among many others) as the top hues women will be wearing as the weather warms up. Take a look at the full list of colors here and let us know if you agree (or disagree) with their choices in the comment section of this post.

pick your fav

It's one of the most exciting times of the year for us - our first book of the new year will be arriving in homes next week. we can't wait to see what all of our customers think of the new season's looks. we're already designing the catalogs for the rest of spring, and we have some discrepancies on what the best covers will be. so i'd like to ask for your thoughts again - seems like it's becoming a bit of a tradition for me - it's just helpful (and fun) to get your opinions early on. it's a sneak preview for our web metro-insiders only... which one do you like best (and why)? let us know in the comments please.

Holiday Contest Winner!

The "Dress your pets for the Holidays"contest winner is Buddy!

It was difficult for the team to choose the winner! We had so many cute applicants! The winner's mom will receive a $25 e-gift certificate to metrostyle.com. Thank you to all who participated! We did want to highlight some of our runner up contestants. Since we received so many cute pictures, we will be sure to run another contest soon!

Poll: What looks best under a suit?

A.) Camisole
B.) Knit top
C.) Blouse/shirt
D.) Other

Click "comment" below to tell us which style of top you prefer!